Adam also made the best snow angel in the history of the world. He jumped from the deck to keep from defiling the snow around the angel. 
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Playing in the Snow
Before the plow came so that we could leave for Augusta, we spent a bit of time outside enjoying the snow. Adam built the best snowman in the history of mankind. We used rocks for his eyes and crayons for his nose and mouth. He was too cute. My pictures are in the wrong order, and I'm too tired to fix them, but you can get the idea of how he was constructed. Doesn't he just make you smile? Every time Kenly saw him she would point and say, "Noman."
Adam also made the best snow angel in the history of the world. He jumped from the deck to keep from defiling the snow around the angel.
Adam also made the best snow angel in the history of the world. He jumped from the deck to keep from defiling the snow around the angel.
Naughty List?
Does pitching a dying duck fit while sitting on Santa's lap get you on the naughty list?
Apparently not because Kenly racked up this Christmas. We waited in line for 2.5 hours at the Augusta Mall to see Santa. We were next in line when Santa decided he needed a break. Kenly was ready to sit on his lap. She tried to get in the picture of the little boy and girl in front of us. She was sitting on go. He was gone for 20+ minutes. We played hide-and-seek on the stage. We sat in Santa's chair. We waved at people on the escalator. When Santa came back, I tried to get Kenly to sit in his lap. She hesitated and then let out a wail that attracted all sorts of attention. I tried to sit in Santa's lap with her. He reeked of cigarette smoke. Last year she played with his beard. He sang her a sweet song. This year he had to restrain her hands and grip her like a vice so that we could capture this holiday memory. Even after the trauma, she would say "claus claus" when she saw his picture, but she wasn't a fan of Papa wearing a Santa hat to Lights of the South. For days Adam and I would quote Elf. You're not Santa you smell like Old Spice and beef jerky.
Apparently not because Kenly racked up this Christmas. We waited in line for 2.5 hours at the Augusta Mall to see Santa. We were next in line when Santa decided he needed a break. Kenly was ready to sit on his lap. She tried to get in the picture of the little boy and girl in front of us. She was sitting on go. He was gone for 20+ minutes. We played hide-and-seek on the stage. We sat in Santa's chair. We waved at people on the escalator. When Santa came back, I tried to get Kenly to sit in his lap. She hesitated and then let out a wail that attracted all sorts of attention. I tried to sit in Santa's lap with her. He reeked of cigarette smoke. Last year she played with his beard. He sang her a sweet song. This year he had to restrain her hands and grip her like a vice so that we could capture this holiday memory. Even after the trauma, she would say "claus claus" when she saw his picture, but she wasn't a fan of Papa wearing a Santa hat to Lights of the South. For days Adam and I would quote Elf. You're not Santa you smell like Old Spice and beef jerky.
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Passing the Time
Kenly got to open her presents from Adam and me on Friday afternoon. Santa is coming on Christmas morning, and we were trying to limit the number of packages we'd have to take to Augusta. I bought her these butterfly wings after Halloween. She wasn't big on wearing them, but she loved to hold them and make them "fly" through the air while I sang the "Fly like a Butterfly" song. Glitter got every where. I'd stop singing and she'd say, "More. Flyfly."
I think she's got the hang of opening presents now. She keeps asking to open presents that don't even belong to her. "Oen. Peeze," she says.
She got a baby doll and is already teaching her "daughter" bad habits like refusing to wear a hat. She's identifying the baby's nose in this picture. You can tell because of the crinkled lips.
I think the bus was the biggest hit with Kenly and with Adam. They've been playing with it almost nonstop.
I think she's got the hang of opening presents now. She keeps asking to open presents that don't even belong to her. "Oen. Peeze," she says.
She got a baby doll and is already teaching her "daughter" bad habits like refusing to wear a hat. She's identifying the baby's nose in this picture. You can tell because of the crinkled lips.
I think the bus was the biggest hit with Kenly and with Adam. They've been playing with it almost nonstop.
Why We're Stuck...
Here is the killer S-curve on the way up to our house. At one point, there were THREE four-wheel drive trucks in the ditch. Most of the tracks in the snow were made my ATVs.
Adam have been a shoveling machine. So far he's cleared the back porch, the front steps, and a good bit of our gravel driveway. He's awesome.
I love this picture. So pretty, so hard to walk in, and well...
Car eating snow.
A look up the street from our driveway.
Adam have been a shoveling machine. So far he's cleared the back porch, the front steps, and a good bit of our gravel driveway. He's awesome.
I love this picture. So pretty, so hard to walk in, and well...
Car eating snow.
A look up the street from our driveway.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
One Little Monkey Full of Wonder
Kenly discovered this music box on Friday, and she's been a huge fan ever since. Today while we were coloring, I had to leave the lid open so she could watch it and listen to the music. She'd get mad and say, "Open. Peeze." And so, we'd listen to the magical music box once again, and again, and again. I see a battery change in the near future. I love how you can see her fighting not to touch the twirling figure skaters. The one finger touch has been challenged repeatedly with the music box.
Kenly has also taken to jumping on the bed. It appears that 8 Little Monkeys, a book about jumping on the bed, has taught Kenly very little. I love my little monkey. She makes the jungle fun.
Kenly has also taken to jumping on the bed. It appears that 8 Little Monkeys, a book about jumping on the bed, has taught Kenly very little. I love my little monkey. She makes the jungle fun.
Monday, December 14, 2009
Pride
Sometimes my heart almost bursts with pride. I took Kenly to a Christmas party on Sunday afternoon. While we were there, Kenly was at her finest. She showed off her vocabulary. She walked and ran. She twirled and kicked a ball. She was gentle with the other children. She didn't throw a tantrum. She looked adorable in her Christmas dress despite her lack of shoes. She saves her tantrums for home (most of the time), and we pick our battles around this house. Thank you very much.
While we were there, Kenly tossed around a few appropriately timed pleases and thank yous. My friends said she was so sweet. They said she was so pretty. They said she was so smart. But, the compliment that made my heart burst was when they said she was so polite.
Oh, please God, always help her to be polite.
While we were there, Kenly tossed around a few appropriately timed pleases and thank yous. My friends said she was so sweet. They said she was so pretty. They said she was so smart. But, the compliment that made my heart burst was when they said she was so polite.
Oh, please God, always help her to be polite.
Mistaken Identity
Today Kenly and I ran our last Christmas errand. I can't say I'm sad to have crossed everything off my list. Kenly has been a great shopping buddy. While we were out and about this morning, I went to the allergist office to get my weekly allergy injection. In the spirit of the season, they put up a beautiful Christmas tree with bright red glass ball and golden bead garland. You can imagine how fascinated Kenly was with this brilliant spectacle. At first she was concerned.
Kenly: (Looking for the firetruck she normally plays with) Truck?
Mama: The truck must have been put up to make room for the tree. Isn't it pretty?
Kenly: (with genuine concern) Truck?
Mama: It is not here sweetheart. Would you like to look at the pretty tree instead?
Kenly: (noticing the tree) Ooooohhh!
Mama: Remember. We use one finger. Be gentle.
Kenly: (touching a red ornament with attempted gentleness) Apple.
Mama: (laughing) No baby. Those are ornaments....glass balls.
Kenly: (with conviction) No. Apple.
Mama: Whatever you say.
Kenly: (Looking for the firetruck she normally plays with) Truck?
Mama: The truck must have been put up to make room for the tree. Isn't it pretty?
Kenly: (with genuine concern) Truck?
Mama: It is not here sweetheart. Would you like to look at the pretty tree instead?
Kenly: (noticing the tree) Ooooohhh!
Mama: Remember. We use one finger. Be gentle.
Kenly: (touching a red ornament with attempted gentleness) Apple.
Mama: (laughing) No baby. Those are ornaments....glass balls.
Kenly: (with conviction) No. Apple.
Mama: Whatever you say.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Smarty Pants
Kenly amazes me EVERY day. I can't believe how fast she is learning new words. Believe it or not, we got these flashcards out for the first time yesterday, and I promise I didn't quiz her all day yesterday. She knew about 12 of the 36 cards already. I was flabbergasted. If you want to know why she sounds like she's clearing her throat at one point, it is because I just showed her a pig card. She makes a pretty realistic pig noise when she gets it "just right."
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
16 Months
Today you turn 16 months old. My baby is now a full fledged toddler--walking, running, talking, exploring, and becoming more independent as the days go by. You're a little girl now, and I love watching you learn and grow.
At 16 months you....
...think Elmo is a rock star.
...you'd watch 16 hours of LaLa--Veggie Tales Silly Songs if we'd let you.
...you love stickers and coloring the coffee table more than your color book.
...love trying out new words.
...love the color yellow. Most thing are "llellow."
...to play hide-and-seek with your Dada.
...love to go to the library and to read books. You've even started "reading" them all by yourself. I love to find you in your chair "reading" a book.
...love all things Christmas.
...try to repeat anything Daddy or I say.
...are full of love, life, and adventure.
...melt our hearts with kisses and hugs.
You hate....
...to have your hair dried after a bath.
...socks.
...to be told you can't do something.
...when saying "peeze"doesn't get you what you want.
At 16 months, you're still my dream come true. I love you!
Creeping Back In
I feel and old "friend" trying to creep back into my life. I can't say I'm happy to see him lurking in the shadows, but I'm better at recognizing signs of his unwelcome arrival. Yep, anxiety is back. Robbing me of some sleep and making me just a little uneasy. I've cut my antidepressant/anti-anxiety medication in half, and I've been doing great, but the past few month/weeks have sapped my energy and emotional reserves beyond compare. Just when I think I've got things under wraps and I'm on the upswing again, something little pulls the plug on my recovering tanks, and I watch as the strength I've fought so hard to build slowly circles the drain. Lets face it. Nothing I've faced this fall even compares with last fall, but the minor battles in life can just wear you down.
Kenly has had a stomach virus, three colds, and an ear infection since August.
Adam and I have both been sick at least 3 times.
We lost Aunt Nonie.
Adam didn't get National Boards, so the money we thought would make the month-to-month so much easier didn't come.
I took a trip to Augusta to hang out the Nana, Papa, and Grandma. And while the trip was wonderful fun, my heart hurt to watch my Grandma slowly fall apart. It kills me to watch Dad and Mom try to decide what to do to preserve her dignity/independence while getting her some much needed help.
We hosted Thanksgiving. I love putting on a feast, but the fact remains that a feast creates some fatigue/stress.
I found out Daddy's P.S.A levels are up again, and they're making him wait until January for a biopsy when time could really be of the essence.
We're gearing up for the holidays and travel. While I'm counting the days, the packing and preparation of spending time away from home can be overwhelming.
Kenly still is not sleeping through the night. In fact, she's been up for 2-3 hour stretches for the past two night with no real explanation.
The sleep deprivation makes even the smallest battle seem so much bigger. I know anxiety is back, but I'm determined to fight back. Life is full of too many beautiful moments to have anxiety ruin the party.
Kenly has had a stomach virus, three colds, and an ear infection since August.
Adam and I have both been sick at least 3 times.
We lost Aunt Nonie.
Adam didn't get National Boards, so the money we thought would make the month-to-month so much easier didn't come.
I took a trip to Augusta to hang out the Nana, Papa, and Grandma. And while the trip was wonderful fun, my heart hurt to watch my Grandma slowly fall apart. It kills me to watch Dad and Mom try to decide what to do to preserve her dignity/independence while getting her some much needed help.
We hosted Thanksgiving. I love putting on a feast, but the fact remains that a feast creates some fatigue/stress.
I found out Daddy's P.S.A levels are up again, and they're making him wait until January for a biopsy when time could really be of the essence.
We're gearing up for the holidays and travel. While I'm counting the days, the packing and preparation of spending time away from home can be overwhelming.
Kenly still is not sleeping through the night. In fact, she's been up for 2-3 hour stretches for the past two night with no real explanation.
The sleep deprivation makes even the smallest battle seem so much bigger. I know anxiety is back, but I'm determined to fight back. Life is full of too many beautiful moments to have anxiety ruin the party.
Mimic
We have a little pint-sized mimic on our hands. We are having to watch every word we say because Kenly tries to repeat everything now. Last night I was writing out a few Christmas cards while Adam and Kenly were playing with a shape sorter. Kenly was being stubborn while trying to master the purple cross.
Daddy: She won't let more than one shape stay in the box tonight. She insists I dump out the cross before she tries again.
Mama: Yeah, she's been a little A.D.D about the shapes today.
Kenly: (with pride in her voice) A. D. A.D.
Daddy & Mama: Rolling in laughter
Daddy: She won't let more than one shape stay in the box tonight. She insists I dump out the cross before she tries again.
Mama: Yeah, she's been a little A.D.D about the shapes today.
Kenly: (with pride in her voice) A. D. A.D.
Daddy & Mama: Rolling in laughter
The Magic Word
Kenly has learned the power of the magic word. She follows almost every request with a sweet-as-sugar "peeze."
I'll set the scene. Kenly and I are coloring in her big Sesame Street coloring book. I love to color, so I'm busy coloring the most beautiful Big Bird the world has ever seen. Kenly, having not mastered the art of sharing, approaches me and tries to snatch the yellow crayon from my hand.
Mama: Kenly, Mama is using the yellow crayon right now. Can you use another color? Or wait your turn?
Kenly: (with a most angelic face and sweetly clasped hands) Peeze.
Mama: Just because you say please don't always mean you get what you want. Can you please share with me?
Kenly: (with utter frustration and raised voice) PEEZE!
Mama: Well, because you asked so nicely...
I'll set the scene. Kenly and I are coloring in her big Sesame Street coloring book. I love to color, so I'm busy coloring the most beautiful Big Bird the world has ever seen. Kenly, having not mastered the art of sharing, approaches me and tries to snatch the yellow crayon from my hand.
Mama: Kenly, Mama is using the yellow crayon right now. Can you use another color? Or wait your turn?
Kenly: (with a most angelic face and sweetly clasped hands) Peeze.
Mama: Just because you say please don't always mean you get what you want. Can you please share with me?
Kenly: (with utter frustration and raised voice) PEEZE!
Mama: Well, because you asked so nicely...
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
A Quick Jaunt to Augusta
Just before Thanksgiving, Kenly and I went to Nana and Papa's house for a quick visit. We stopped to pick up Grandma on the way, and we had a multi-generational visit. It was fast, but it was fun.
We watched a little Lala with Papa.
We snuggled with Grandma.
We took several trips to the mailbox.
We visited Aunt Linda and Uncle John's dogs.
We dressed up for really girly for church, but our tomboy side got us, and we had to stop and play with a truck.
We watched a little Lala with Papa.
We snuggled with Grandma.
We took several trips to the mailbox.
We visited Aunt Linda and Uncle John's dogs.
We dressed up for really girly for church, but our tomboy side got us, and we had to stop and play with a truck.
Thanksgiving
We had a great Thanksgiving with the Brands. Mops and Pops brought Kenly's Christmas present to her a little early. She loves Rocky. This is the Mac Daddy of Rocking Horses. His head and tail move. He makes really horse noises. He even makes a galloping noise. Thanks to Mops and Pops, Kenly can now make a very realistic horse noise.
We ate a ton of food. We still have some sweet potato casserole in the fridge.
Kenly and Jason danced until they could dance no more.
We went on a short hike and explored some art.
We took time to be thankful for the beauty all around us.
We ate a ton of food. We still have some sweet potato casserole in the fridge.
Kenly and Jason danced until they could dance no more.
We went on a short hike and explored some art.
We took time to be thankful for the beauty all around us.
New found love for the Princess Chariot
Back in the day, when Kenly was a mere babe, we took her on a hike using her "princess chariot." She pitched a fit, flung her binky in the dirt, and asked to go home. On attempt number two, we tried a different tactic since we're so brilliant and all. We took Kenly on a morning hike and let her walk at her leisure, stopping to pick up rocks, sticks, and leaves. She walked over bridges and up hills, and then she got tired. We put her in the chariot, and she squealed with glee. She LOVED it (and that might be the understatement of the year)! So, when we went on an afternoon hike to High Falls in Dupont State Forest, we tried the same tactic. This time she demanded to ride in her chariot. Forget walking on her own. A princess's shoe should not touch unclean ground.
Can you tell she's having a good time?
Hasn't stopped smiling yet...I think she's grinning because she already wants to break the rules and climb on the dangerous rocks at the top of the waterfall. Yikes.
Look Dada, there's a waterfall over there.
Ooooohhhh! It's so pretty.
Can you tell she's having a good time?
Hasn't stopped smiling yet...I think she's grinning because she already wants to break the rules and climb on the dangerous rocks at the top of the waterfall. Yikes.
Look Dada, there's a waterfall over there.
Ooooohhhh! It's so pretty.
Sniff Test
Adam and I were enjoying a dinner before I ran out to Bible study a few weeks ago. I was giving Adam the daily update so there would be no surprises or questions when I left. In the middle of all of this, Kenly started clamoring to get down from her high chair. She'd eaten well, so she got down to play. We continued our conversation.
Adam: Has she had her reflux medicine?
Me: Yes
Adam: Does she need Tylenol tonight before bed?
Me: No. I think she's feeling a bit better. Oh...be warned. She's eaten a ton, and she hasn't had a poop all day.
Adam: Great!
About this time, we hear a strained groan coming from the corner. Kenly is in cop-a-squat stance, gripping a chair for support. She is turning purple. Adam says, "I think it might be poop time."
She walks across the kitchen to the baker's rack, resumes the stance, and proceeded to turn beet red.
I say, "I think she's done Daddy, but you should check to see if she was successful before you walk across the house. She's fooled me a few time."
Adam picks her up, sniffs her hiney, and says, "All I smell is blueberry."
In the daily run down I forgot to mention that she had about 30 blueberries with lunch.
I peer in her diaper, and all I see is blue.
It was a two man job that required my assistance even though it was my night off. :)
Adam: Has she had her reflux medicine?
Me: Yes
Adam: Does she need Tylenol tonight before bed?
Me: No. I think she's feeling a bit better. Oh...be warned. She's eaten a ton, and she hasn't had a poop all day.
Adam: Great!
About this time, we hear a strained groan coming from the corner. Kenly is in cop-a-squat stance, gripping a chair for support. She is turning purple. Adam says, "I think it might be poop time."
She walks across the kitchen to the baker's rack, resumes the stance, and proceeded to turn beet red.
I say, "I think she's done Daddy, but you should check to see if she was successful before you walk across the house. She's fooled me a few time."
Adam picks her up, sniffs her hiney, and says, "All I smell is blueberry."
In the daily run down I forgot to mention that she had about 30 blueberries with lunch.
I peer in her diaper, and all I see is blue.
It was a two man job that required my assistance even though it was my night off. :)
1-2-3
Today I was on the toilet when Kenly decided to pay me a quick visit. She opened a bathroom drawer, which are off limits, and scooped out a bottle of eye drops. Since I was indisposed, I asked Kenly to return the eye drops immediately. Here's how the whole thing played out....
Mama: Kenly, put those eye drops back. They are not for you.
Kenly: (Giggling) Runs from the bathroom with the eye drops. Stands and looks at me from the full length hall mirror.
Mama: Kenly, you need to put on your listening ears and put the eye drops in the drawer and then shut the draw.
Kenly: (Giggling) Shaking her head no.
Mama: Don't make me come over there (said from the toilet). I will take them away. I'm going to count to three. One.
Kenly: (Smiling) Two
Mama & Kenly: Three
Mama: Hauls her lily-white behind off the toilet to get the eye drops all the while trying to keep a straight face instead of falling to the floor in peals of laughter.
...and she's not even 16 months old. Boy do I have my work cut out for me.
Mama: Kenly, put those eye drops back. They are not for you.
Kenly: (Giggling) Runs from the bathroom with the eye drops. Stands and looks at me from the full length hall mirror.
Mama: Kenly, you need to put on your listening ears and put the eye drops in the drawer and then shut the draw.
Kenly: (Giggling) Shaking her head no.
Mama: Don't make me come over there (said from the toilet). I will take them away. I'm going to count to three. One.
Kenly: (Smiling) Two
Mama & Kenly: Three
Mama: Hauls her lily-white behind off the toilet to get the eye drops all the while trying to keep a straight face instead of falling to the floor in peals of laughter.
...and she's not even 16 months old. Boy do I have my work cut out for me.
Colors--The Big Box
Kenly is learning her colors at an alarming rate. She's been identifying/saying "llellow" for a little over a month, but here recently, she's been naming colors at every turn. I'd like to film her and send a tape to Ellen. Maybe we could get on the show. She's not always accurate, but now she can identify green, blue, purple, and pink. The other day we were riding in the car and Kenly kept yelling "pikt" at the top of her lungs. I looked back in the mirror and said, "What are you trying to say?" She looked at me like I was "slow" and said, "Pikt" while holding up her pink pants. I nearly died laughing.
Today we had fun exploring a BIG BOX of colors, Kenly's code word from Crayons. She poured them all over the floor, put them back in the box, and even tried her hand at coloring with a little crayon.
Today we had fun exploring a BIG BOX of colors, Kenly's code word from Crayons. She poured them all over the floor, put them back in the box, and even tried her hand at coloring with a little crayon.
Wordless Wednesday--More Than She Can Chew
Forget tiny pieces of apple, I want to eat like a big girl.
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