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.

End of January Updates

Sunday the 24th, we attended church. Kaitlynn went to her class. She ran right in and stayed the entire time. Later when I asked her about class and what her friends' names were. She excitedly told me about the boys! Uh-oh, are we in trouble? Boy crazy already!
Their lesson was "Jesus stopped the storm. Great is our Lord and mighty in power. Psalm 147:5 I can ask Jesus for help because of his great power."

Kaitlynn loves painting her own nails!

MawMaw and I took Kaitlynn to see her first movie. We saw Alvin and the Chipmunks 2: The Squeakquel. It was adorable and Kaitlynn loved it. By the end of the movie, she was dancing in the aisle. It was great! Of course, MawMaw treated Kaitlynn to a new purse and a pair of lady bug clip-on earrings. We had a great time. Kaitlynn was wore out and fell asleep after the movie. It was a total Girls Day Out!

Kaitlynn and I attended Motor Masters class. The theme for class was The Circus. For the gross & sensory motor stations, they rode an elephant, walked the balance beam, jumped on the trampoline, hit a ball that was above their head while standing on an elevated surface, had to figure out how to get through a set of hula hoops and swung from a bar. For the fine & sensory motor stations, they played wack a mole, a couple duck games, cut straight lines, used tongs to put popcorn in popcorn containers, played with play-doh and played at the water table.

Kaitlynn attended preschool with MawMaw. She had a great time with the other kids.

Kaitlynn attended a playdate with friends at Kangaroo Kids.

We met some of my old high school friends for lunch. It was great getting together and sharing where our lives are now and fun to meet the spouses and kids.

Kaitlynn and I were driving to MawMaw's, Kaitlynn said "I love you mommy." I told her I loved her too. She said "no you don't." I told her "Oh, yes I do." She said "more than cheese burger and fries." I reassured her that I love her "more than cheese burger and fries." Not sure why she said this. Especially since I am a vegetarian - I don't eat cheese burgers!

Kaitlynn, MawMaw and I went to the mall and to Claire's to look for a new pair of clip-on earrings for Kaitlynn. She watched a 6 year old get her ears pierced and decided she wanted to get her ears pierced. After talking with daddy, we decided she needed to wait. We still think she is a bit too young for that. It's a big responsibility and we want her to be able to take care of them.

Sunday the 31st, we went to church. Kaitlynn ran right into her class. They learned about Jesus' love for them. The Bible Truth for the week was: Jesus loves me. The Bible story told about parents bringing their children to Jesus.

After church, we picked up MawMaw and went to the Zoo. It was cold, but sunny out. The Zoo was having a Delta Dental Winter 2010 event. We missed the Delta Dental show, "Land of Smiles", but did get to watch the Penguin's March. We ate lunch, then Kaitlynn got her face painted. We went to the Bird House and to see the big cats.

To see videos and more photos, check out my other blog. Don't have the link, email me at everydaymamadrama@yahoo.com.

Great End to October

Sunday, October 25th we went to Stuckmeyer's with MawMaw. Hanna, Adam and Brandon met us there. Kaitlynn couldn't wait for them to get there.
Kaitlynn played in the sandbox, rode a pony, played at Fort Spooky, and ran around.

Tuesday, October 27th we attended a MomsLikeMe playdate costume party at the Zoo with MawMaw. Kay Quinn read a Halloween story to the kids and then we all went into Zoomagination Station. Kaitlynn had a good time, but was disappointed that she didn't get to see any animals due to the rain.

Wednesday, October 28th Kaitlynn attended her Kids in the Kitchen class. The theme was Halloween Treats. They made mummies in a blanket, magic wands, witches hats, moonlight milkshake, monster mash and shaky pudding. She also made a cute pumpkin picture, in which she cut the eyebrows out all by herself.

Kaitlynn and I went to MawMaw's and baked a cake, cupcakes and an apple pie. MawMaw made Kaitlynn a special hot chocolate that she really enjoyed.

Thursday, October 29th we went to our playgroup's Costume Party at Kangaroo Kids. Emily and Ella met us there. We brought Halloween cupcakes and Emily brought goodies bags.

While at Kangaroo Kids, Kaitlynn started complaining about her vagina hurting (and she was telling everyone). We called her pediatrician and she was able to see her almost immediately. It was quite an experience getting Kaitlynn to pee in a cup, but she did it. I actually just told her that the doctor needed it so that she could figure out what was wrong. Once she knew that, she peed in the cup. The pediatrician said it's probably a bladder infection, but would send it to the lab.

That evening, we carved 2 of our 5 pumpkins and made caramel apples. Kaitlynn had fun putting sprinkles on her caramel apple. She was also a big help with scooping the "guts" out of the pumpkins.

Friday October 30th, we went to the ECC for a Halloween Fun Fair. Kaitlynn made a treat bag, trick or treated at different "houses", had a pony painted on her hand, listened to a Halloween story, ate dinner, played games, decorated a cookie (graham cracker), and had a great time.

On Halloween, we went to Michael's so Kaitlynn could make a craft with the kid's club. She made a super cute little spider. We headed home and got ready for our Halloween party. Dave and Kaitlynn made Halloween rice krispie treats, then Kaitlynn decorated her pumpkins. We went out trick or treating and had fun with our guests. Kaitlynn passed out and the adults continued to party until the wee hours of the morning. We had a fun Halloween!

What a great way to end October!

Again, you can see pictures from these events on my other blog. Email me at everydaymamadrama@yahoo.com if you need the link.

Playground Pizzazz and More

Monday the 21st Dave, Kaitlynn and I went to the ECC for the Playground Pizzazz. We ran into Tara and Bailey there. It was such a hot day. The girls were so sweaty. Kaitlynn did well with telling us when she needed to use the potty. We saw her P.A.T. Educator there and I talked with a lady I used to work with.

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Afterwards, we picked up MawMaw from work and went shopping. Kangaroo Kids was one of our stops. We also visited the new Walmart in our area. It is huge! I can't wait to go back. We ran into Tara, Jonathon and Bailey there. Kaitlynn and Bailey ran around the grocery isles for awhile.

End of July Photos

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Here are some pictures from the end of July. On July 27th, Kaitlynn and I met the Mommy and Toddler Playgroup at Suson Park. Later that evening we went to dinner with MawMaw. July 28th we met Eileen, Merci, Gabe, Emily and Ella at Kangaroo Kids then went to McDonald's for lunch. Wednesday the 29th, Kaitlynn, Dave, Olivia and I went to Grant's Farm. That evening Kaitlynn, MawMaw and I went to visit Great Grandma. Kaitlynn attended a dental visit on the 30th.

To view more photos or read more about what we've been up to, check out my other blog. Don't have the link, email me at everydaymamadrama@yahoo.com.

Drace Park and Kangaroo Kids

Monday the 20th, Kaitlynn and I met Katie and Luke at Drace Park. At first, Kaitlynn didn't have much to do with Luke. She wanted to push me on the swings. Then eventually she warmed up to playing with him.
We went to the Early Childhood Center and registered for a fall class. Kaitlynn was upset that she wasn't able to stay. She started walking back to the room her classes are usually in and kept saying "class."
We went to MawMaw's so she could watch Kaitlynn for a few hours. Later Kaitlynn and I took MawMaw to a doctor's appointment. We had dinner at El Nopal.
Tuesday Kaitlynn, Olivia, and I went to Kangaroo Kids to meet Eileen, Gabe and Merci. Eileen called and said that they weren't going to be able to make it. I asked Kaitlynn if she wanted to go back home. She said no, that she wanted to play with Gabe. I had to explain to her a few times why she couldn't play with him before she stopped asking. Then she started asking about Ella.
We went home to eat lunch before the photographer from the Associated Press came over. Last week I did an interview with a lady for an article she was writing. She sent over a photographer. He photographed Kaitlynn helping with the dishes, feeding Bailey, bagging up the trash and doing artwork.
After he left, Kaitlynn started crying. She told me the photographer reminded her of PawPaw Dado. Poor baby! He did kind of resemble my dad. I just can't believe that she remembers him so well. I am so happy that she does.
After Olivia left on Wednesday, we went to MawMaw's. MawMaw went with Kaitlynn and me to the Star Studded Concert at Kangaroo Kids. Kaitlynn dressed in her "ballerina" outfit.
She walked the red carpet. The kids played, ate snacks (granola bars, fruit snacks, ring pops) and drank juice. Kindermusik was there to do a session. It took Kaitlynn a few minutes to get comfortable, but then she really got into it and enjoyed it. She loves music. They played with sticks, bells and scarves.
She had a good time. Kangaroo Kids gave all the attendees a special discount off their entire purchase. MawMaw and I found some super cute things for Kaitlynn!

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!

Nostalgia, Peace and Quiet

Today we met Tara and Bailey at Kangaroo Kids. Tara and Bailey hadn't been to the new location yet. We shopped while the girls played in the play area. They offered free coffee! Soon after we got there, Rebecca and Ella Kate stopped in. Kaitlynn played with Ella Kate. She tested out a new stroller with her. Rebecca strolled them around the store. She had a hard time getting them to get out of the stroller, too.

Before the Nursing Moms group started we ran into Whitney and Ellie. I hadn't seen them since last year. Probably sometime in April at the Nursing Moms Group. Ellie has gotten so big and looks so different, so grown up. It brought back memories being there right before the group started and seeing the people we were in the group with. It made me sad that that part of our lives are over with. It made me thankful that I had a place to go for a year of our lives that meant so much to me. I made some really good friends there and I hope Kaitlynn has too.

Kaitlynn fell asleep in the car on the way home from dropping the research products off. We did that after we left Kangaroo Kids. She napped for almost 2 hours.

Genny dropped Whitney off and we went to my mom's. My mom watched Whitney and Kaitlynn while Dave and I attended a meeting. Thankfully the girls were good for my mom. Whitney was asleep when I picked them up from my mom's. Kaitlynn fell asleep in the car. When I got home, Dave brought Kaitlynn in and put her to bed. Whitney slept until Genny came to pick her up. It's been a nice quiet evening!

No More Green Popcorn

I was so tired Thursday. Thankfully Kaitlynn slept until 9AM and then let me relax until we had to get ready for Hasnain to come over. Hasnain is going through separation anxiety. I think this is probably what's been going on with him the last few times he was over. Hasnain didn't want Maryam to leave today and he just cried. I got my sling from Kangaroo Kids out and carried him in it. He was ready for a nap when Maryam brought him and I needed to fix Kaitlynn's lunch. The sling worked out perfectly. Soon after I put him in it, he was asleep. After I fixed lunch, I laid him down and he slept for an hour or so. Kaitlynn didn't want to take a nap again today. She was having a lot of stomach trouble. I think it's from the green popcorn. She has been eating a lot of it and I think it is causing some issues. My poor baby was in such pain this afternoon. I just felt terrible. I gave her some medicine, but it just didn't seem to be helping her. Hasnain got upset because Kaitlynn was crying. I put him back in the sling so that I could hold him and Kaitlynn. They both fell asleep until Maryam came. After Maryam and Hasnain left, Kaitlynn went back to sleep. She woke up and ate dinner and then went back to bed.

Dr. Seuss and Kangaroo Kids

This morning Kaitlynn and I went to Seuss on the Loose at Grand Glaize Library. There were a lot of kids there - babies, toddlers and bigger kids. The librarian started with an elephant song (from a CD) that they sang along to and danced to. Then she read " Green Eggs and Ham". After the story they sang and hopped to another song (from a CD). She read "One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish". During this book, Kaitlynn was eating snacks and playing with a little girl. After that book, they sang, danced, jumped around to another song (from a CD). Then they made a tree from pipe cleaners. Kaitlynn danced with the librarian before we left story time.

After story time, we looked at books, CDs and DVDs. Kaitlynn found a book that she really liked. She went over and reclined on one of the bean bag chairs in the children's area and read "Eco babies wear green." She wouldn't put this board book down. We got a few other board books: "Awake to nap", "When I'm big" and "Manners are important." We also checked out some Easter books: "Easter bunny's on his way" and "Queen of Easter." We checked out a DVD called "Is your mama a llama?" and a few CDs ("Alphabet Songs", "Go baby go" and "A to Z: the animals and me". I checked out "The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2" for myself. Kaitlynn really likes the library, but thinks she is supposed to get on the computers every time we go.

We left the library and went to Kangaroo Kids. On Tuesdays, they now have a Pop-in Toddler Playgroup. I met Bhu and Sarina there from the Mommy and Toddler playgroup. Kathy and John Paul were also there. Kangaroo Kids just moved to a different building right down the street from where they used to be located. It is much cleaner and I like the new store. It's just going to take some getting used to. Kaitlynn and Sarina played for a while then we went through the Taco Bell drive thru and picked up lunch. We went over to Bhu and Sarina's to eat lunch and let the girls play for a bit. Kaitlynn and I weren't able to stay long because of Hasnain coming over.

Maryam and I pulled up at the same time. Hasnain cried for 45 minutes after Maryam left. She said he already had a nap, but he was still tired, so I finally got him to go to sleep. Kaitlynn and him napped together. They slept for 2 hours!

While they napped, I had some much needed me time - computer time. Also talked to my friend Jill. She called to see if I could watch her little guy next week. Her babysitter needs a few days off for personal reasons, so I told her I could do it.

Hasnain was still kind of fussy after his nap, but eventually calmed down. When Maryam came to pick him up, we talked for awhile. She told me that her MIL, mom and brother were going to be coming in town and staying with them for awhile (at different times). She had also told me that she wouldn't be returning to school next semester. I asked her when I would stop watching Hasnain. She told me March 19th. So now I am going to need to find another child to watch. Hopefully I can find a toddler for the same days and times, but I'll work with what I can find.

Kaitlynn and I went to my mom's. We visited awhile before I had to leave to meet Dave for an appointment. Kaitlynn stayed with my mom.

Kaitlynn's Friends

On Tuesday we went to the Older Babies Playgroup. Kaitlynn was so excited to see her friend Ella (who was sleeping in her car seat) that she kept trying to wake her up. When Ella finally woke up, Kaitlynn was so excited. The excitement didn't last too long though, because then she took off to play with her friend Gabe shortly after Ella woke up. Gabe and Kaitlynn were playing in the clothes racks. It looked like they were going under the rack to hide or kiss (Eileen and I weren't sure which)! Then Gabe hugged Kaitlynn - so adorable! He is such a sweetie, just like Kaitlynn. They played peek-a-boo and ran around the store for awhile together.

Playing Dress-Up?

Kaitlynn found one of my nursing bras last night and decided to show it to her visitors. Thankfully it was just my parents. She was walking around the house with one of the straps in her mouth.

Then we thought it would be funny to put it on her. She thought it was so cool that I was taking pictures of her with it on.

Meaningful Group

Today Kaitlynn and I attended the Nursing Moms Group. We haven't been to the Thursday group in about 3 weeks. It has definitely changed. There were only about 5 other moms that I have seen before (2 of them were regulars), the rest were new moms with brand new babies (most were under 3 months old). It was pretty crowded. The most crowded I have seen it in awhile. This was the first time I felt a little uncomfortable being there since the first time Kaitlynn and I attended back in May of 2007. I actually didn't feel uncomfortable the first time we attended, I was just nervous and didn't know what to expect. It is so hard for me to think of not going to the group on Thursdays anymore. It has been part of mine and Kaitlynn's lives for about 9 months now. Kaitlynn and I have attended almost every Thursday. Sometimes that was our only outing for the week. It was a place for me to go and know that I could continue and be OK until next Thursday. It was a place to meet and connect with other moms. It was a place to get support and understanding. A place to go where people believe in the type of parenting I believe in. A place where you were seldom judged. A place to meet friends for myself and for Kaitlynn. A place for Kaitlynn and I to socialize. A place to just go. A place to know you were welcomed. A place to shop. A place to eat. A place to just be. A place to practice nursing in public. This group has meant so much to me. I have met some really good friends there - Tara, Emily, and Eileen. They are people that I hope I never loose contact with. I hope Kaitlynn remains friends with their babies (Bailey, Ella, and Gabe) forever. There are other moms that I would also like to stay in contact with as well, but I feel I have a true friendship with Tara, Emily, and Eileen. I think I am afraid to stop attending this group because I am afraid I will loose their friendships. I also love being around the new babies. I like talking to other moms. How do you leave something that has been so special and meant so much? Hopefully when I am able to let go of attending the group, these friendships will continue on.

More About Tuesday

Yesterday I didn't write much about Kaitlynn's playgroup on Tuesday. She typically has a good time on Tuesdays because the babies that attend are at least 6 months old. Last week there was 1 baby that was about 2 months old (Drew). This week Drew was there again as well as Mary Ryan who is also about 2 months. I don't mind the little babies coming (not that it's my place to say if I did). Kaitlynn likes the little babies, but I am afraid she is going to accidentally hurt one of them. This is one of the reasons I think we might have to stop going on Thursdays to the Nursing Moms Group. Yes, we are still nursing, but the group mainly consists of little babies. Thursdays are typically more crowded than Tuesdays also, so there is less room for the older babies to crawl or walk around and play. Tuesday was nice because Kaitlynn and I got to see Emily and Ella. We haven't seen them since before we left for Florida. Ella is getting so tall. There was a new little girl (about 9 months old) named London at the group. Kaitlynn kept wanting to eat her snacks. I don't understand it, even if I bring the same snacks as the other babies, Kaitlynn still wants the other babies' snacks. Oh well, that's kids for ya! Kaitlynn kept trying to run instead of walk but kept falling. When she is trying to get somewhere fast, she will crawl. So when I would see her crawling, I would pick her up and stand her on her feet. She would take off, but then fall to the ground. She is a really fast crawler. She is really getting good at walking, too. Some days she walks better than others - her balance is better. Then other days, her balance is completely off.

Fun at McDonald's

On Thursday, March 27th, Kaitlynn and I didn't go to the Nursing Moms Group because she didn't wake up from her nap until 12:30. We met my parents and the 2 boys (Auggie and Elliott) they watch at McDonald's. We ate lunch and played in the playland. Kaitlynn had a good time with her "boyfriends".

Happy to See her Friends

Tuesday, March 25th, Kaitlynn and I went to the Older Babies Playgroup. Kaitlynn seemed excited to see her friend Gabe. She gave him his birthday present because we were unable to attend his 1st birthday party. They shared snacks with each other and explored the play area together. They even shared drinks!! Kaitlynn had fun playing with her friend Ella Kate and Dorian, too. She also met a new friend named Drew.

It Happened

Last Thursday Kaitlynn and I went to the Nursing Moms Group and found out that Eileen (Gabe's mommy) is pregnant. Every Thursday for the last month I have been saying that someone is going to get pregnant from the group. I have been expecting to hear somone announce their pregnancy. Well, it finally happened! I couldn't believe it. So Eileen blames me for getting pregnant! Gabe will be a year old on March 14th. I am so excited for Eileen!

Big Girl Car Seat

Dave installed Kaitlynn's big girl seat into the car this morning and then took it up to St. John's Mercy to have it checked to ensure it was in correctly. The car seat is an Evenflo Generations Booster seat. It can only face-forward which I was a little concerned about. The instructions and things I've read online say that once a child is a year old and 20lbs. they can be front-facing. The lady that checked the car seat at St. John's said that she recommends babies being rear-facing until they are 18 months old. She said it is important because babies have big heads and don't have good head control. Kaitlynn does not have a big head and has really good head control. She really likes being forward-facing. We went to our Nursing Moms Group today and she enjoyed riding facing forward. She just looked at her Easter books and played with her phone. Then on the way home from the group, she fell asleep. I am not sure if we should look into getting a different car seat or what. I really liked having her face forward, but it's not about my convenience, it's about her safety. She goes to the pediatrician tomorrow, so I will ask her opinion. If it is not safe for her to ride in this seat, they shouldn't be able to sell them. All baby stuff seems to be this way. It's so frustrating because I just want to do what is safest and best for her.

Tuesday Playgroup

Kaitlynn and I attended the Tuesday Older Babies Playgroup this week. There were just 3 moms and 3 babies that attended - Kaitlynn and I, Lisa and Brendan, and Whitney and Ellie. One of the moms that normally attends on Tuesday (Arkay) wasn't there because she fell down some steps and broke her tailbone. We talked about possibly doing a sign-up sheet to take Arkay and her family meals and a sign-up sheet for watching her younger girls. I can't image how difficult that would be to be laid up in bed for several weeks, especially having a baby to take care of.

Dress-Up Day

Last Thursday we didn't go to the Nursing Moms Group because of the weather. We played dress-up with Kaitlynn instead. We wanted to see which sweater looked better with her birthday dress.

We thought the pink sweater looked better.

Then we changed Kaitlynn into her pajamas before dinner and she continued to pose for the camera.