Nicknames

One morning last week, Kaitlynn wanted Cheerios for breakfast and was calling them Tummy Yummies all morning. Then she found a bag of candy (in my bedroom) and was walking around with it saying "Trick or treat?" She talks about Halloween frequently and talks about having "MawMaw, Neece and Brandon over. And Hanna and Adam." She also talks about Christmas and says she wants the Christmas tree up and reminds me that Santa brings her presents. Instead of Christmas, she says "Chrisum" or something similar to that. It's cute!

Later, she decided it was a good idea to get on my shoulders (while I was sitting down) and say, "Giddy up horsey!" She thought that was great.

We ended up going outside. It was so disgustingly hot out there. It was so hard getting her to come back inside. I finally convinced her to come in for lunch. Right after lunch, she was ready to head back outside with the dogs. Dave came home and started mowing the lawn. Kaitlynn stayed outside with him. She came back in sweaty and with red cheeks and said, "It's hot, hot, hot out there!" She was darn right! It was hot, hot, hot out there! Blazing hot!

Before bed, Kaitlynn asked if I would read her a book. I told her yes and then she started calling me "pal." She likes coming up with nicknames for people. She calls Dave "Big Guy" which I think she got from Clifford (also where she got Tummy Yummies from). It is so darn cute to hear her call him that. He has in turn started calling her "Special K" when she calls him "Big Guy." She calls Uncle Jeff "Monkey." I'm not sure why except that he plays ball and runs around with her. She calls Adam her boyfriend. OK, so maybe that's not exactly a nickname.

Catching Lightning Bugs

One night before bed, Dave called Kaitlynn a lady. She said, "I'm not a lady. I'm jingle bells. I'm not jingle bells, I'm a princess!" We busted up laughing. We think she meant Tinker Bell, instead of jingle bells.
Today we had a lazy day. We went out to dinner and to Target with MawMaw. Then we went back to MawMaw's house. Kaitlynn had fun catching lightning bugs with Uncle Jeff. While they were running around, she fell and said one of the bugs tripped her! Girl is silly!
Hanna and Adam delivered Kaitlynn's climbing cube to our house. Kaitlynn had fun playing in it for a few minutes before bed.

In Hospital

Monday, March 29th I ran some errands for MawMaw. She had the scope procedure done and called soon after to say she was doing well. When I saw the phone number from the hospital appear on my cell about an hour after the procedure started, I got very nervous. It was MawMaw saying that she was out of the procedure, awake and feeling fine! They also checked her heart again and said her heart was still doing great. The chest x-ray was better, too.
Kaitlynn played outside with a friend, but then had to come in to take a nap (since she was having a major meltdown). Later, Kaitlynn and Aidan played outside with friends.

Tuesday, Kaitlynn and I visited MawMaw at the hospital, then came home to babysit. We ran some errands and I went back up to the hospital that evening. They started PT on MawMaw to get her up walking around.

Wednesday, we ran some errands. We purchased MawMaw a new pair of pajamas to wear while in the hospital.

Chipmunks - Early Easter Gift

Friday, March 26th, Kaitlynn played outside with Turtle. We also visited MawMaw in the hospital. They did a CT scan and more blood tests. The doctors said her lungs were very inflamed, especially her right lung and that they were bringing in a lung specialist.

Dave, Kaitlynn and I went to Build-A-Bear, so Kaitlynn could get Brittany and Alvin. This was an early Easter gift. She had a lot of fun stuffing and bathing them!
We went back up to the hospital to show MawMaw her chipmunks.

Outside - Riding and Climbing

Last Monday, Kaitlynn and Aidan played outside. Kaitlynn rode Aidan around on her jeep.

Kaitlynn and I went to MawMaw's and she treated us to dinner at Applebee's. We went to the mall, where Kaitlynn played at the play area and we checked out a few stores (Gymboree and Children's Place).

On Tuesday, Kaitlynn and I went to MawMaw's. Kaitlynn enjoyed the beautiful day outside with Sassy. She didn't play much with Sassy, she was too busy climbing the peach tree. She loves climbing trees. We can't keep her out of them. Later we ran some errands and then went to dinner.

Wednesday, Kaitlynn went to MawMaw's preschool. She had fun playing with Tyler outside. MawMaw, Kaitlynn and I visited Great Grandma, Aunt Sue and Uncle Dale.

Thursday, Kaitlynn went to Neese's to see Hanna's new dog, Dolly Mae and to wish Adam a Happy Birthday.

She made Adam a birthday picture in the car.
Dolly is so cute. She is a 2lb Yorkie.
We also got to see their chicks.

Spring Is Here

Thursday our playgroup met at the park. It was a fun day. Kaitlynn and Kylie had a good time chasing each other. Ella had fun going down the huge slide. Beatrice, Ava and Aidan were content just watching all the kids running around and playing. It was such a beautiful day!
Friday, Kaitlynn and I played outside in the backyard. She rode her jeep, we played "soccer", she played in her castle, played in her house, played in her barn / farm (as she calls it), climbed on her slides and climbing cube, chased Bailey, helped daddy rake the garden and played with Turtle. It was so nice to see the neighbors again since the weather is getting nicer. The winter seems to make everyone almost hibernate.
We had Hanna and Adam over for dinner. We made spinach, chicken and cheese quesadillas (of course mine were just spinach and cheese), rice and refried black beans. It was so yummy!
Saturday we went to the mall for the Handy Manny Event. After "checking in" and choosing between a book or an Easter bucket (she chose the bucket), Kaitlynn got to spin the wheel and won a lollipop. She received a license plate and Handy Manny tool box to decorate. She didn't decorate them there because the tables were too crowded. She played in the play area, rode the train twice, played on the rides and the carousel once. We ate lunch and then went to get her birthday gift for being a Kidgits member. She got a coloring book, crayons, puzzle, jump rope, bubbles, a couple toys, coupons, free mylar balloon from Create A Party, and a green Kidgits tote bag. We went to Children's Place to purchase the flip flops that Kaitlynn lives in from Spring to early Fall. Kaitlynn had to wear a pair of her new flip flops as soon as we left the store. We went to Cabela's to look at the different displays. We went to Justice and bought another Zhu Zhu pet (hamster) and then to Gymboree. Every time we go into Gymboree, Kaitlynn always asks to go watch the TV. She, most of the time, just sits and watches or dances / plays around that area while I shop. She got the cutest swim suit. I can't wait for her to wear it. She loves it too. She had a choice between 3 and picked this one. Then she took it out of the bag and carried it to the car. She fell asleep with it in her hands / lap on the car ride home!

Pretty Eyes

Yesterday morning / early afternoon while Kaitlynn and I were getting dressed, we were in the bathroom and Kaitlynn said "Mommy your eyes are pretty." I said "My eyes are pretty? Thank you." She said "Your eyes are pretty with that shirt." Then she asked if they match. I said, "Well, Kaitlynn my shirt is red and my eyes are blue." She is such a sweet and funny girl.

She went to preschool to see her friends Tyler and Jordan. They played outside for a bit since it was so nice. She loves to boss Tyler around and Jordan loves to boss her and Tyler around. I should say try to boss her around. She really doesn't let him boss her around and Tyler doesn't let him boss Kaitlynn around, either. It's funny seeing them interact with each other. She was so cute running around with her St. Patrick's necklace and bracelet and a crown. The boys are totally fine with her being a princess. In fact, Jordan told her she looked like one!

She had a lot of fun playing with Sassy and running around with daddy in MawMaw's yard. She hit her nose and forehead on the picnic table and was still concerned about being able to play outside. She didn't even want to come in to eat dinner. She loves being outside. I can't wait for spring (and neither can she)!

We had to return a couple of recent birthday gifts that she received and she convinced us that with her gift cards, she should get a water table. The only problem: she thinks she can use it in the house. No way! It is going outside.

March Begins

One day this week, while out to dinner, Kaitlynn made bracelets for Hanna and Adam.
I attended Bible Study this week and that continues to be a good time for fellowship and networking. Kaitlynn visited with MawMaw Tommie and Linda. MawMaw Tommie gave Kaitlynn her birthday gift.
I love these Mary Jane Crocs that I just bought for Kaitlynn (and she does too)!
Kaitlynn, Aidan and Sassy enjoyed playing outside for about an hour the other day. Thankfully the weather was nice enough. We can't wait for warmer weather.
Kaitlynn, Aidan and I picked up Hanna so that Hanna could babysit Kaitlynn while I went to a SAHM&D Networking Session at the ECC. I was so glad I went. There were 6 other moms there and they all seemed really cool. We are supposed to get together soon. 2 live really close by, which is always exciting. Kaitlynn and Hanna had a good time together, too.

Fall Day

Babysitting and Water Play

Wednesday I babysat Olivia. That evening, Kaitlynn and I went to MawMaw's to run some errands.

Thursday I babysat Olivia.

Kaitlynn showed Turtle her room.

Kaitlynn played peek-a-boo with Olivia. Olivia gave Kaitlynn the biggest smiles while playing.

Friday after Olivia left, Kaitlynn, Dave and I went outside. We watered the tomato plants and Kaitlynn played with the hose.

Afterward, we ate dinner and did some yard work in the front. Kaitlynn was so happy to be outside.

Kaitlynn had a tough week. She does not like when we are at home too much. She threw temper tantrum after temper tantrum. She missed her friends and going to our usual places (Grant's Farm, the Zoo, the park, etc).

New Addition

Dave and I got Kaitlynn a turtle. We weren't sure if she would really be interested in the turtle or not. We weren't sure if she would like it or be afraid of it. Well she absolutely loves it. She named the turtle Turtle.

Monday morning she couldn't wait to check on Turtle. She is not afraid to touch it or pick it up either.

I told Kaitlynn that we should take Turtle outside for a bit. She knelt down and asked Turtle if it wanted to go outside. She informed me that Turtle wanted to go. So we took Turtle outside to get some sun and "exercise". Kaitlynn loved it! When we came in she said "Oh, thank you momma!"

She also enjoyed watering the tomato plants. She is such a good helper.

She is really taking care of the turtle. For now we are keeping it in a box. She changes the box, gives Turtle fresh lettuce and carrots everyday and puts water in it's bowl. She is so responsible! I guess she is a typical first born.

Water Play

Thursday May 21st Kaitlynn and I went to my mom's. Kaitlynn cracked me up while I was getting ready. While I was putting on my make up, she said "Good job mommy". Then, I guess she got bored watching me or tired of waiting for me, so she went into her room and started trying on shoes and modeling them for me. She liked her sandals and rain boots the best.

Friday the 22nd, Kaitlynn and I played outside. I got the hose out to water the flowers and tomato plants. Then this happened -

Watering the flowers and plants

Playing in the Elmo sprinkler

Grant's Farm Trips

Monday May 11th, I watched Olivia. Dave was off of work, but had to study for one of his final exams. Kaitlynn, Olivia and I picked my mom up from work and took her to a doctor's appointment. Olivia's mom picked her up after the appointment. Mom, Kaitlynn and I ran some errands and had dinner.

Tuesday the 12th, I watched Olivia again. The Yahoo Mom's Group met at Grant's Farm. Dave, Kaitlynn and I went to Grant's Farm together. We met up with the Yahoo Group for a bit.

Kaitlynn fed a camel and a llama. She didn't really like feeding the camel. It freaked her out and she made Dave finish feeding it.

We went home, planted flowers and did some yard work.

Wednesday the 13th, Kaitlynn, Dave and I attended Motor Developers class. I was glad that Dave was able to attend a class with us. After class we worked on the backyard.

Dave found and captured a toad for Kaitlynn. She thought it was pretty cool! We let it free into our garden after spending some time with it.

Kaitlynn and I went to my mom's while Dave studied for final exams. Kaitlynn likes to "blow dry" her hair with MawMaw's hair dryer.

Thursday, Dave and Kaitlynn spent some time together while I went out. We went to my mom's. It was my parent's wedding anniversary. We brought my mom flowers from our yard. We didn't do anything too special - went grocery shopping and out to dinner.

Friday the 15th, Dave went back to work. Kaitlynn and I went to my mom's. We went to Grant's Farm with her and Elliott.

In the goat pen

Feeding the goats a bottle

We went on the carousel, which we all enjoyed. We tried to watch an Animal Encounter Show, but it was too long to keep Kaitlynn's interest. We ate lunch after seeing the rest of the animals.

Cinco de Mayo

Monday I watched Olivia. Kaitlynn, Olivia and I picked up my mom from work. After Megan picked up Olivia, we went to the mall. My mom bought Kaitlynn a couple pairs of flip flops. Kaitlynn told my mom she wanted fries and a shake for dinner, so we went to Applebee's.

Tuesday I watched Olivia. Kaitlynn's P.A.T. educator, Amy, came over for her last visit of the school year. Amy and Kaitlynn worked on puzzles. I was amazed at the puzzles Kaitlynn could put together. I mean, I know she is smart, but I didn't think 2 year olds could do puzzles that didn't have pictures under them and had interlocking pieces. I guess I better buy some different puzzles. The ones we have are not challenging for Kaitlynn at all. Kaitlynn, Olivia, and I met Emily and Ella at Kangaroo Kids. Kaitlynn and Ella played for an hour, although not really together. Emily and I got to catch up. I am so glad she is feeling better and is able to hang out now. It was her birthday and we were planning on having lunch at a Mexican restaurant (since it was Cinco de Mayo), but the girls were pretty wound up. We decided to just go back to our house. On the way, Ella fell asleep, so Emily decided to head home.

After lunch, Kaitlynn played outside. Then Kaitlynn and Olivia took naps.

A pair of Kaitlynn's new flip flops. She loves them.

The girls matched (again).

Dave brought home Bud Light Lime, margaritas and tortilla chips. We had a Mexican fiesta - sort of!