Smiley Baby

Today, as I was snapping photos of Gretchen, I discovered that I actually captured her smiling. She has the greatest smile! She smiles with her whole face. Her smile, like her big sister's, makes her even more beautiful -- if that is possible!

I Am Not A Boy!

It never ceases to amaze me -- when I take Gretchen out in public someone always askes me "how old is your little boy?" My little boy?! SHE'S A GIRL! Nine times out of ten she is dressed head to toe in pink. She has pink blankets, pink burp cloths, pink everything. Recently, I have started putting hair bows on her head to try to make her look more like a girl. I thought I had that covered with all of the pink, but, oh well!

Easy Bake Cake

Kaelyn recieved an Easy Bake Oven for her birthday. Tonight, she baked her very first Easy Bake Cake. She did a great job, and the cake was actually pretty tasty. Easy Bake has come along way from when I was a child!

Way to go, Kaelyn! I can't wait to taste your next Easy Bake creation!

When Life Hands You Rotting Bananas, Make Banana Bread

So, we had some rotting bananas hanging out at our house, so Kaelyn and I decided to make banana bread. Kaelyn basically makes the bread by herself. All I do is pour the batter in the pan and bake it. It turned out great!

Kaelyn, as always, you did a fantastic job! Your banana bread is awesome!

The Next Ringo Starr

Kaelyn loves music and loves to play instruments. Her friends have a stage complete with keyboard, drum set, and microphone set up in their garage. She loves to go over and play "rock star" with the kids. When we were there for Fourth of July, I snapped some photos of Kaelyn making her rock-n-roll debut. Enjoy!

Fireworks!

This year, like every year, we celebrated America's Independence with friends. July 4 also happens to be Mikey's birthday (Gretchen's boyfriend). So, we celebrate double! We had a great time eating, swimming, playing games, and watching fireworks.

The founding members of Pyromaniacs Anonymous, Brian North and Mike Maddy, put on a great fireworks display! They shot off fireworks for over 40 minutes! Gretchen did not get to watch the fireworks this year because we were worried that the noise would damage her hearing, but Kaelyn loved them! Although, at one point, she decided that they were too noisy and had to wear earmuffs to block out the noise. What a character!

Overall, we had a great day! We can't wait for next year!

I Love It When You Smile

It isn't very often that I get a picture of Kaelyn where she is smiling her best happy smile. When I do, I feel the need to share it. Kaelyn has the best smile! She smiles with her whole face. She is even more beautiful when she is smiling -- if that's even possible!

Water Bug

Kaelyn has always liked to swim. When she was younger, she would jump in the pool whether or not there was someone there to catch her. However, this summer, she has really been afraid of the water and needs someone to hold on to while in the pool. With two kids now, it is not always possible for me to hold her in the pool. This is why I let go of her while we were swimming the other day. She was screaming that she would sink if I let go, but I explained to her that, with her floaties, she would definitely not sink. After a few seconds of panic, she began swimming all around the pool. Now we just have to figure a way to get her out of the water!

Eyes Open at the Zoo

While we have been to the zoo several times since Gretchen came home, she never has her eyes open. She always sleeps through the entire zoo trip. I think the movement of the stroller keeps her sleepy. However, on Friday, I happened to look in the stroller and I saw two big blue eyes looking up at me. Kaelyn was very excited! She began "showing" everything around us to Gretchen. When she is older, I am sure that Gretchen will be as enthralled with the zoo as her big sister. For now, we will just be happy that her eyes were open for a few minutes.

Pretty Girl in a Yellow Dress

Aunt Lisa, Uncle John, and her cousins got Kaelyn a beautiful yellow dress for her birthday. She wore it to the zoo on Friday and looked absolutely gorgeous in it. I could tell that she felt pretty when wearing the dress. Later in the afternoon, we bought some pretty yellow flip flops to go with the dress. Now her ensemble is complete!

Kaelyn Has an Elephant on Her Head!

Apparently, last week was the week for elephants on heads at our house. Kaelyn got the Horton Hears A Who game that requires players to wear an elephant face hat when playing, and when I peaked in on her before going to bed one night, I noticed that Mr. Winks was resting on top of Kaelyn's head. What a weird coincidence!

Kate

Isn't Kate beautiful? I never do this, but, will you please pray for Kate? Pray hard and pray often!

Kate is five years old and lives in Phoenix, Arizona. I don't know Kate or any member of her family, but I saw her story on another blog that I read faithfully and it really touched my heart. I don't know if it is because she reminds me of Kaelyn, or if it really drives home the fact that life is not fair, but I cannot get her out of my mind or my heart. Here is Kate's story . . .

Kate's parents noticed that she was having hand tremors. So, on June 29, Kate's parents took her to the doctor where they were told that she has a very aggressive, malignant brain tumor. The brain tumor is very vascular in nature, which means that the tumor is entwined with the blood vessels in the brain.

Kate underwent brain surgery on July 2. Surgeons were only able to remove half of the tumor due to the involvement of the tumor with the blood vessels. Following the surgery, Kate is not able to move her right side. She has not spoken since before the surgery.

Kate has a long recovery ahead of her. She will have to undergo chemotherapy and, probably, future brain surgeries. Please pray that she will fully recover and will be able to live a normal, happy, long life. Also, please pray for her family. Her parents have been living at the hospital with her. They have two other children in addition to Kate and they need support now, as well.

Thank you for your prayers. I am sure that Kate and her family appreciate it!

Buddies

Our Lexington family was here this week for a visit. We love when they visit and always have fun when they are here. Kaelyn especially loves when they visit. She loves playing with her cousins, especially Mary. Kaelyn and Mary are four months apart in age. They play so nice together. When they are together, we don't see or hear from Kaelyn until it is time to go home. How great is it to have a best buddy that is part of your family? According to Kaelyn, "pretty great!"

Snow Angels? No, Sand Angels!

While we were at Fox Island for Kaelyn's birthday, she made sand angels on the beach. When I asked her what made her think to make sand angels, she said very matter-of-factly, "well, you can make snow angels in the snow, so why not sand angels in the sand." Why not, indeed!

Happy Birthday, Kaelyn!

Happy Fifth Birthday

Kaelyn Marjorie!

June 30 was Kaelyn's fifth birthday. Brian and I cannot believe that it has been five years since we welcomed her into the world. It seems like just yesterday she was as tiny as Gretchen!

We had her Luau Party on Sunday complete with family, friends, cake, and ice cream. Then, for her birthday, we went to Fox Island. Kaelyn had a great time playing on the beach, swimming in the lake, fishing with Grandpa, and eating hot dogs and strawberries (her two very favorite foods).

Kaelyn, Daddy and I love you very much! You are an amazing girl and you constantly surprise and astound us with your abundant energy and thirst for knowledge. We love watching you grow and change and hope you will always know just how much we love you. Happy, happy birthday!

Future Buddies

This is our youngest niece, Carly. Isn't she adorable? At Kaelyn's birthday party, she wanted to hold Gretchen. So, with some help from her Mom, she did just that. She even gave her a kiss on the forehead. So sweet! Future best buddies, for sure!

The World's Newest Gamer

Last year for Kaelyn's birthday, Brian and I bought her a V-Tech V-Smile video game system. This system is specifically designed for young children and the games teach necessary life and educational skills. Kaelyn showed interest in her video games for a couple of days, but then forgot about them . . . until recently. She rediscovered her video games a few weeks ago and Brian hooked them up to the television in her bedroom. Since that time, Kaelyn has spent some time every day playing video games in her room. She really seems to enjoy playing her games and, I think, she enjoys some quiet alone time, as well.

When I see her playing her games, she looks like such a big girl. Judge for yourself . . .

Early Birthday Present

A birthday present was purchased for Kaelyn that couldn't wait until her birthday . . . a brand new bike! Not just any bike, mind you, a princess, two-wheeled bike complete with opaque streamers on the handlebars, training wheels, a water bottle, and a pouch for carrying important necessities. Kaelyn was thrilled! She spent most of her day riding her new bike on the basketball court at Nana and Grandpa's. For her first time on a big girl bike, she did exceptionally well. Now there is no stopping her!

Planting Flowers with Nana

Last week, Kaelyn and Nana went out and bought flowers to fill the planters in front of Nana and Grandpa's house. When they got home, Kaelyn insisted that they plant the flowers immediately. So, on a very hot day, Kaelyn and Nana spent quite a bit of time planting Impatiens in the planters. I'd say that they did a fantastic job! Well done!

Very Happy Girl

Last week, Kaelyn was playing in her wading pool when she grabbed her blue tube and said "Mom, look! I am super happy!" When I looked at her, this is what I saw . . .

Gretchen's Boyfriends

That's right . . . Gretchen is only six weeks old, and already she has two boyfriends, Will and Mikey. They are both adorable, so whoever she chooses is considered a catch. However, she may have to battle big sister for the rights to Will! Kaelyn thinks he is pretty special. The battle over boyfriends has started already . . . what will life be like for us when both girls are teenagers?!

Gretchen and Will

Gretchen and Will

Gretchen and Mikey

Gretchen and Mikey
(he loves her "little feet")

Alien Baby

Doesn't Gretchen look crazy? These are pictures of her all hooked up for an EKG prior to her visit with her cardiologist. As usual, she took this in stride and did not make a peep during the test, examination, and subsequent heart/lung ultrasound. Her cardiologist is fantastic! He said that she has a couple of non-life-threatening issues, and, as a result, he would like her to remain on her heart monitor for another six months. We see him again in December, and, hopefully, the heart monitor will be discontinued at that time.

In the meantime, enjoy these pictures of our alien baby!

Gretchen is One Month Old!

Gretchen Margaret is one month old today! I cannot believe how fast the month has gone. Here's what Gretchen is up to these days:

• She eats every three hours like clockwork. She starts gearing up to eat about 45 minutes before the third hour. It is getting harder and harder to hold her off until the third hour.
• She is still sleeping between 21 and 22 hours a day. However, when she is awake, she is really alert and likes to look around.
• She loves to sleep on her tummy. In fact, she sleeps longer and better when she is placed on her tummy as compared to her back.
• She is a very smiley baby. She smiles all the time! She especially smiles when people talk to her.
  
• She loves when people talk to her, especially mommy and daddy. She locks eyes and really pays attention when we talk to her. Sometimes she acts like she has something to say and moves her mouth like she is really trying to talk.
• She loves when mommy sings to her. Her favorite songs are "Itsy Bitsy Spider" and "I'd Do Anything" from the musical, Oliver. She smiles whenever I sing to her -- even though my voice is really bad!
  
• She is still wearing newborn size diapers.
• She loves her bath. She really relaxes and enjoys getting clean. She is a girl after my own heart!
• She is still sleeping in the bassinet in mommy and daddy's room.
• She is still on the heart monitor. We go to the pediatric cardiologist on Monday. Hopefully, he will discontinue the monitor at that time.
• She is slowly getting use to her big sister. Kaelyn is constantly in her face, and Gretchen is slowly adapting to this.
• She does not like her car seat. She cries every time we put her in it. She only stops crying when the car starts moving.
• She is not a big fan of the stroller. She cries whenever it stops moving. So, whenever we are out, we have to make sure to keep the stroller moving or we will have one unhappy baby.
• She is very spoiled! She loves to be held and we love holding her. If I had it my way, I would hold her 24 hours a day, seven days a week!
• She loves to be swaddled, but when you swaddle her, she works her feet out of the bottom of the blanket. She loves to sleep with her feet uncovered.
• She is very sweet and very quiet. She really only makes any noise or cries when she is hungry.
  

That's what Gretchen is up to these days. Her days will only get more interesting and exciting from here on out! She has certainly been a sweet and fun addition to our family. We can't wait to see what she is up to next month!

This Hurts Me More Than It Hurts You

I always thought this statement was nothing but a big lie. Whenever my parents said this, I would think "yeah, right! How could this hurt you more than it hurts me?" However, now that I have to start getting tough with the punishments, I understand this statement and know that it is grounded in honesty.

Lately, Kaelyn has been screaming (almost all day), back-talking, and overall misbehaving. She will actually do something naughty just to do it -- just to see what will happen if she gets caught. So, Brian and I have had to step up and really follow through on the punishments. Time out has become a serious consequence as has spending some alone time in her room.

Today, we had planned on going to the zoo. However, Kaelyn was so out of control that I told her we would not be going because of her behavior. This really set her off and she started screaming at the top of her lungs. As a result, I sent her to her room. When she was allowed to come out, she was still upset and began screaming again. This time, she was asked to sit in time out. When she was finally done (time does not start until she is quiet and this often proves difficult for Kaelyn), she was great -- her attitude was much improved. However, after a few minutes, she returned to the screaming. At this point, I was at my limit so I sent her to her room. She spent almost an hour in her room, and when she was allowed out, her attitude was much improved.

Throughout all of the punishments, my heart just ached. I really did not want to punish her. I wanted her to realize that her behavior was unacceptable and correct it on her own. This is virtually impossible for any young child, especially one that is emotionally out of control. I really felt crummy when I was listening to her scream in her room, but I knew that her being punished was sending the right message. The message being: unacceptable behavior will not be tolerated, and those participating in unacceptable behavior will be punished.

I love Kaelyn with every fiber of my being, and punishing her really does hurt me more than it hurts her.

A Tale of Two Kikis

This week, Grandpa gave Gretchen her "Grandpa Blanket". He has bought a blanket for each grandchild. Seeing Gretchen's brand new blanket made me think back to the days when Kaelyn's blanket was brand new. After five years, Kaelyn's blanket (or Kiki -- pronounced key-key) has been loved and is now a shadow of its former self.

In light of this, I thought that I would take some photos and perform a Kiki comparison.

Kaelyn's Kiki. Note the lack of fringe on the ends and the diminishing fringe on the sides. If you could touch her blanket, you would notice that it has become very thin. This just proves that Kiki is one loved blanket!

Kaelyn's monogram. This is her favorite corner.
This is the corner that is by Kaelyn's face when she sleeps.
Note the wear spots under her name and above the "6".

Gretchen's Kiki. Note how pink it is.
Also note all of the fringe around the blanket.
This is what Kaelyn's blanket looked like when it was brand new.
The only exception being the color of the monogram.

Gretchen's monogram.
I wonder if this will be Gretchen's favorite corner, too?