Pneumonia - Prayers Needed

Thursday evening, MawMaw was having trouble breathing and not feeling good. Kaitlynn and I took her to the ER. They ordered a chest x-ray and blood work. The chest x-ray showed pneumonia on both of her lungs. She was admitted to the hospital because her oxygen levels were low.
Kaitlynn informed us that she is going to be a doctor and kept asking me what the nurses were doing. Everything they did, I had to explain (what and why). She is very protective of her MawMaw.
She was in love with all the attention she received from the male and female nurses. They kept talking about how cute she was, about her rain boots and her rain jacket. They brought her juice and animal crackers. She loved it! Well, as much as anyone can love being in the ER. Uncle Jeff and daddy met us up there.
Please keep my mom in your prayers / thoughts.

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!

Happy St. Patrick's Day

When I first asked Kaitlynn to say "Happy St. Patrick's Day" she kept saying "Happy mommy's day" and then would start singing "Happy birthday".

In the car on the way to meet MawMaw, MawMaw Tommie, Great Grandma, Uncle Dale and Aunt Sue for dinner, she said "Happy Patrick's Day! Happy birthday to Patrick's day." Everyone had a nice corned beef and cabbage dinner, except Kaitlynn and me. I had a taco salad and Kaitlynn had chicken. Very yummy dinner!

Dave and I went out for a drink at a local pub. Then followed up with some Bailey's on ice before bed!

Cousins and Best Friends

Kaitlynn and I met Cynthia, Annabelle and Alayna last week. Kaitlynn and Annabelle get along so well. They never fight or argue. We never have to intervene to make them share or anything like that. Actually, we do have to make sure they are including others sometimes (if they are playing with something that other kids want to play with). It is so awesome when they play together; Cynthia and I actually get to talk to each other and finish conversations! Since Alayna is so little (she is not even 3 month old), she is either being nursed or held and seems pretty content with that. Annabelle and Kaitlynn love to pretend play. It's just awesome! Kaitlynn says Annabelle is her best friend. They both adore each other and love spending time with each other. I am so glad she is so close to her cousin and that she has a cousin so close in age to play with.

Cynthia said something interesting as we were leaving. She asked if 15 years ago when she was cutting my hair, if I ever thought that our little girls would be playing together and be such good friends. I told her no and that it was a surprise when we found out she was dating my cousin. It's just a small world! I think it is very cool how our lives have intertwined over the years. Now, to have our little girls playing together and being the best of friends is pretty awesome.

I know that Kaitlynn is only 3, but I am so glad that she has already found such a good friend, someone that she considers her best friend. I hope she always has at least one best friend and always finds herself surrounded by friends and people that love and support her.

*I need to take pictures of the girls when they are together. They are so cute! Other people even comment on how cute they are together.

Playdate and Birthday Party

Friday, we attended a playdate at Eileen, Gabe and Merci's house. Emily, Ella and Beatrice were also there. It's always interesting getting the kids together because you never know how they are going to interact with one another. Gabe and Merci gave Kaitlynn her birthday gift, since they were unable to attend her birthday party. The kids wanted to open it up and play with it, but since the playset had small pieces, I decided it would be best to wait until we got home to get all the pieces out.

Saturday morning we attended Kylie's 3rd birthday party at Chuck E. Cheese (and got to meet her new baby sister, Ava). After all the kids arrived, Trisha gave the kids their tokens to play games. Kaitlynn had so much fun playing the games and riding a few rides.
Pictures of Kaitlynn from the games / rides.

The kids were called back to the table to eat lunch, Chuck E. Cheese came out and we sang "Happy Birthday" to the birthday girl. Kylie opened her gifts and the kids went back to playing games. Kaitlynn had a good time at the party.

Kaitlynn made this bracelet for Kylie. She likes making bracelets for her friends.

Dave and I still needed to eat lunch, so we went to McDonald's. Kaitlynn played in the playland while we ate lunch. It was perfect. She had a great time playing with the other kids. There were A LOT of kids there, too.

We went home and got cleaned up and attended church service. Kaitlynn went to her class and learned about being kind.

3 Year Check Up

Thursday, I attended my Women's Group / Bible Study then Kaitlynn had a 3 year check up at the pediatrician's office. She proudly got on the scale and couldn't wait to get her height measured. They checked her temperature and then we went to a small room where they checked her blood pressure and hearing. Kaitlynn asked the nurse if she could use the kitty cat blood pressure cup. She did great getting her blood pressure taken. I thought it would freak her out when it tightened up, but it didn't. She did great with the hearing test and didn't mind the nurse putting the ear buds into her ears. She sat listening intently. I was so proud of her at being such a big girl. Her weight and height are in the 75th percentile. Her blood pressure was great as well as her hearing. The pediatrician talked to Kaitlynn about nutrition and her jobs around the house. Kaitlynn gladly answered her questions and told her about her birthday party. Kaitlynn's medical forms for preschool were filled out. When it was time to check out, Kaitlynn (as usual) had no problems asking for her cookie and sticker. She was not going to let them forget to give them to her! After the appointment we went over to Bread Co and treated ourselves to a special drink. Kaitlynn and MawMaw had a strawberry smoothie and I had an Iced Caramel. Yum!

Disney On Ice: Let's Celebrate

Wednesday, Dave, Kaitlynn, MawMaw and I ate dinner at T.G.I. Friday's then went to Disney on Ice: Let's Celebrate at the Scottrade Center. We had awesome tickets and really enjoyed the show. The show started out with the candlestick from Beauty and the Beast and the song "Be Our Guest". Belle and the Prince, characters from Alice in Wonderland, Snow White, Cinderella, Donald Duck, Daisy Duck, Goofy, Minnie Mouse, Peter Pan, other princesses and characters from other Disney shows took the ice. Of course Mickey Mouse had a special first appearance! The first celebration was a birthday or should I say Un-birthday! Then we celebrated Halloween with the characters from Nightmare Before Christmas, Cruella from 101 Dalmatians, Captain Hook from Peter Pan, and many others. The last celebration to end the first part of the show was finding true love. Of course, all of the princesses and princes showed off their skills on the ice! After intermission, we took trips to many different lands to watch their celebrations. The last holiday celebrated was Christmas. What a magical time with snow falling and the characters from Toy Story and Tinker Bell also came to the ice. It was such an awesome celebration! I loved watching Kaitlynn's excitement throughout the show. Some parts she was mesmerized and didn't move an inch. Other parts she was up dancing and moving away. It was such an amazing event!


Information about the show: It's one colossal party on ice, with all your favorite Disney friends ! Enjoy a winter wonderland with Mickey and Minnie Mouse, a halloween haunt with the Disney Villains, a very merry unbirthday party, a royal ball with the Disney Princesses and more in a magical medley of holidays, celebrations and festivals from around the globe. Come join the party when this spectacular ice show visits your hometown !
This show is coming to St. Louis, Missouri on Mar 10 2010 - Mar 14 2010. It is playing at Scottrade Center.

The coupon code is MOM. With this code you can purchase four tickets for $44 for any performance!
The tickets can be purchased here and by entering the MOM code in the “MC promotion” box when purchasing tickets.
Minimum purchase of 4 tickets required; additional tickets above 4 can be purchased at $11 each.
Offer not valid on Rinkside or VIP seating.
Cannot be combined with other offers. Service Charges, facility & handling fees will apply.


In exchange for my review, I received complimentary tickets and a program for this show.

Cat in the Hat, Clifford and Mother Goose

Tuesday Tara, Bailey and the new baby came over for a playdate. Kaitlynn and Bailey cracked us up at the end of the playdate. They were telling each other "thank you for sharing", "I love you" and other nice things like that. What made it funny was that during the playdate they were not so nice and didn't share so well, but at the end they sure seemed to think they did!

After lunch, Kaitlynn and I went to MawMaw's. We went shopping for all of Kaitlynn's friend's birthday presents (or at least most of them). Shopping early - no procrastination here (for once)!
We went to Great Grandma's to visit with Great Aunt Sue and Great Uncle Dale. I also had to deliver Sue's Avon.

We attended Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss at the ECC. The Cat in the Hat, Clifford and Mother Goose were there, too. Kaitlynn made a Cat in the Hat hat, several books, a bookmark and won a paper back book (from a name drawing). We participated in Songs, Stories and Sillies.

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.

Sharing, PW and Beauty

Sunday we attended church. Kaitlynn attended her class. This week's lesson continued to be about sharing. After church, we went home to eat lunch and then went to pick up Kaitlynn's birthday gift - a Power Wheels Jeep. She had so much fun driving it.

That evening, Kaitlynn and I were in the bathroom. She was looking at herself in the mirror (a small freestanding one) and I was telling her how beautiful she was. She moved it towards me and said "how do you look?" I said "what do you think?" She said "you look beautiful mommy." Then later while I was downloading the pictures from the day, she said "I'm going to take a picture of you because you're so pretty." Isn't she sweet?

Favorite Player

The other day Kaitlynn had her Cardinals / Pujols shirt on. She was jumping on the bed saying "see my birds". I told her they were cardinals. She started jumping up and down saying "cardinals" over and over. Dave asked her who her favorite player was and she said "Mickey Mouse" without skipping a beat. We busted up laughing! Who knew Mickey Mouse played baseball and played for the Cardinals!

*This picture was taken in Fall of 2009.

Does This Look Silly?

This is what Kaitlynn asked me as she came into the room with my bra on.
Then she asked daddy the same question and proceeded to twirl around with my bra.
Lovely!

Preschool Field Trip

Kaitlynn and I were invited to go with MawMaw and her preschool to a field trip to tour the Mehlville Fire Department and the kitchen at Fortel's Pizza Den. Touring the Fire Department was really neat. The kids got to see their living quarters, the fire trucks, check out their uniforms and the device they use to find people when they are trapped in a burning building. The kids all got to sit in a fire truck and have their picture taken. They all received fire hats, pencils and a magnet, too. It was really bittersweet and reinforces how important my brother is and what a hero he is everyday for putting his life on the line to save other people's lives. How cool it is to be able to know a hero personally! It also made me realize that I don't pray nearly enough for his continued safety. After the fire department tour, we went to Fortel's Pizza Den. I missed the tour, but apparently the kids got to touch the pizza dough, but not much else due to health regulations. We had some delicious pizza and the kids played in the game room. Kaitlynn passed out on the way home, which was really nice since she has been giving up naps lately.

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.

Friday Night Live

Friday night I attended a Women's Friday Night Live at my friend Casey's church. Casey, Mary and I met for dinner and then went to the event. We had such a good time! Beforehand, we picked out 3 classes / sessions that we wanted to attended. My first session was different from Casey and Mary's. I attended Nutrition and Health. They attended Salad and Dessert Creations. I really liked the Nutrition and Health session, as it was very thought-provoking. It really gave some good insight and information on some things that I would like to change with my family's diet and eating habits. The second session we all attended was Devotions for Kids. This was an amazing class that really gave some great resources in starting this very important time at home. Our third session was Who Are You? (How God Defines Us). This was such a powerful session to end with. I was so happy to have a girls night out and I couldn't think of 2 better women to attend this with. I can't wait for more events like this and / or more time with these 2 awesome women.
Kaitlynn and Dave had a night at home. Aren't these pictures adorable?

Preschool News

Last week, I met with a preschool director and signed Kaitlynn up for preschool in the fall. We looked into several different preschools, but were most comfortable with the one we signed her up with. One of her friends will also be attending that preschool and going the same days. Kaitlynn will be going 3 days per week. I know she will have so much fun!

Birthday Cake

Wednesday the 24th, Kaitlynn and I attended Motor Masters class. The theme was bugs.
Later that evening after dinner, we finally cut the Ice Age 3 birthday cake, of course not before we sang "Happy Birthday" to Kaitlynn once again.

Happy 3rd Birthday!

Tuesday the 23rd was Kaitlynn's actual birthday. I can not believe my baby is 3! These 3 years have seemed to fly by. It doesn't seem possible for her to be 3, yet I can't really remember life without her. She has changed our life so much. She has taught us so much. She was the missing piece in our life. She has been the greatest joy and blessing God has given us.
Pictures from past birthdays:
This is a picture from the hospital when I was in labor (MawMaw and PawPaw Dado are also in this picture).
Picture from the hospital
Professional hospital picture
1st birthday cake
1st birthday party
1 year professional pictures
1.5 year professional pictures
2nd birthday party
2nd birthday cake
For Kaitlynn's 3rd birthday, she attended a Grandparent's Class at her school with MawMaw. They had fun singing songs and making crafts. They even sang "Happy Birthday" to Kaitlynn! We picked up lunch and went to Kangaroo Kids where Kaitlynn played with Annabelle. Later that evening, MawMaw took Kaitlynn to Applebee's for a birthday dinner.

Sleeping Beauty and Princess

Sunday the 21st after Kaitlynn's birthday party, MawMaw, Dave, Kaitlynn and I went out for dinner to extend celebrating Kaitlynn's birthday. Nothing fancy, just breakfast. Kaitlynn actually slept through most of dinner.
We are slowly changing Kaitlynn's nursery into a big girl room. She picked out the bedding and hopefully sometime soon we will work on changing the decorations.
I love this picture of our sleeping beauty!
Monday the 22nd, Kaitlynn wore a Princess crown and necklace. She attended preschool with MawMaw. She proceeded to tell the boys at preschool that she was a Princess and luckily they were OK with that!
Kaitlynn loves taking pictures in the car.

3rd Birthday Party

Sunday the 21st was Kaitlynn's 3rd birthday party. We had it at a local McDonald's. It was great having the party somewhere besides our house - so much less prep. The party wasn't as structured as it was supposed to be, but the kids all had fun. The hardest part for Kaitlynn was having to keep coming out of the play land to go into the party room for different things. She wanted to just stay in the play land and play with her friends and cousins - can you blame her? She wanted no part of the party room - eating lunch, playing games or blowing out the candles.

We had about 30-35 people attend the party. The kids played in the play land while waiting for lunch. We rounded the kids up and brought them to the party room to eat. Then the kids went back out to the play land. The kids were rounded up again and brought to the party room for games. The kids played Pin the Tale on the Donkey, then ran back out to the play land after finishing the game. We had to round the kids back up and bring them to the party room for cake. We sang "Happy Birthday" to Kaitlynn and she refused to blow out her candles (because she wanted to go back out to the play land) - so mommy blew out the candles. Of course all / most of the kids ran back to the play land. Kaitlynn did wait to eat some ice cream before going to the play land.

Her party would not have been a party without a crasher. Yes, there was a party crasher at a 3 year old's birthday! This little boy kept coming up to us and saying that his mommy said he could join the party. And well, we told him that this mommy said he couldn't!

We were at McDonald's for about 6 hours that day! Dave, Kaitlynn and I arrived about 45 minutes before the party so that Dave and I could eat lunch and see what the party room looked like (decorations, etc). The party was supposed to last 1 hour and 15 minutes, but the girl said we could have access to the party room for 3 hours (since there were no parties after us). And we used it! After most of the kids left, Kaitlynn opened gifts. Kaitlynn and her cousin Annabelle had so much fun playing in the play land until the adults couldn't take being at McDonald's for another second!