Happy Saturday!

LOVE. HER. SMILE!!

Toys, toys and more toys

It’s official! I am working four days a week instead of five.  I still will be full time but now I have a full day, during the week, to spend with our baby girl.  I couldn’t be more excited!  After breakfast, it was time to play.  Kendall has figured out how to pull each and every toy from her basket and I think it is the cutest thing.  Each toy gets a turn and then it’s on to the next one.I tried all my funny noises, holding one of her toys and snapping my fingers but I could not get Kendall to look at the camera.  I had to pretend cough in order for her to look at me and this is the look I got.  Kinda like, “why are you bothering me mom? I’m busy with my toys!” Too cute! I couldn’t hold her interest too long, so back to the toys she went.  I sat back as she played and just smiled.  It makes me so happy knowing I will be able to spend a whole day with her during the work week.  I can’t wait for what is in store for our Thursdays, just me and my girl!

Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry

We headed downtown to celebrate Miss Addison Grace’s 2nd birthday.  It was our first trip to the museum and definitely not our last.  Addison loves the Disney characters so that was the theme of her party.  The cake and decorations did not disappoint.There was so much to see and do, I could hardly catch a party guest holding still long enough to take a picture.  The museum is divided into several different rooms full of adventure and the water room seemed to be the favorite.  As you can see, the water and toys were more interesting then my camera.Allie and Stryker left the water room to find a fun bird and a slide to play on.  Oh, so happy! There was a room especially for toddlers so we made our way there so Kendall could join in the fun!Kendall had a blast playing with the toys and books.  We look forward to taking her back one day so she can run from room to room like the big kids did.  On a side note, Daddy said we could build a bar in our house with a mirror.  Highly unlikely but maybe one day she’ll be in ballet classes. Our baby girl was less than impressed with her Minnie ears, although she did keep them on for quite a while.  She was more intrigued with the Minnie mylar balloon Addison had. I couldn’t resist taking a picture of the artwork below.  It is a Willow Oak tree designed and made completely of rolled paper of all colors.  It took 45 total hours to make. Very unique! Happy birthday Addison! Thank you for letting us come celebrate your special day with you!

Happy birthday Uncle Mark

We hope you have a great time in Asheville celebrating your special day!  Be safe!Love,

Lindsey, Ryan and Kendall

Happy 60th Anniversary!

Today, my grandparents have been married 60 years! What a blessing!  Thank you both for being such great role models for our family.  You have shown us all what a marriage is about and how to make it last forever.  The love between the two of you continues to shine through your smiles and actions toward  each other every day.  I wish we could be there to celebrate with you and give you both a big hug and kiss! Thank you for raising such good kids who have raised kids who have raised kids.  It all started with the two of you! Congratulations on 60 years! I am proud to be a part of them! We love you!!Love,

Lindsey, Ryan and Kendall

Happy birthday Daddy

You deserve a day that is extra special just like you! Thank you for all you do! We love you so much!                                                                                          (We need some updated pictures of you, daddy!)

She’s crawling!

Kendall has put two and two together and has figured out the concept of crawling.  She has been rocking and scooting for a few weeks but now she knows how to get from point A to point B without our help.  Sometimes she still has a few unsteady movements and gets tripped up but nothing that holds her back.  She is officially on the move and enjoying every bit of her new skill.  Good job baby girl! We are so proud of you!

                                                                          

                                                                          30 weeks 5 days

 

SC Aquarium

Today, we took Kendall for her first trip to the aquarium.  She loved it!  Ryan and I were married at the aquarium and haven’t been back since then, almost 2 years ago.  It was special to now being going back with our daughter and experience everything as a family. When the fish swam passed her view, she tapped on the tanks each time as if to say, “look at me over here!” She was in complete awe.  I think we might have a pet fish one day.  There were SO many fish to see and one of them was a huge blue catfish (below, far right).We were able to see two bird exhibits and Kendall was much more entertained by the penguins then the eagle.  The bald eagle didn’t do much but stare at everyone.  We were able to see a penguin out of the tank while the aquarium staff took it on a ride through the main walk through.One of the most recently added attractions at the aquarium is the albino alligator.  This was the best picture I could get because there were ropes preventing people from getting too close to the tank.  He was just hanging out, not moving one bit. The jellyfish were neat to watch.  Ryan’s iPhone captured the first two pictures.  Such pretty colors!We were able to stop an aquarium staff member to take a family photo by the main tank and this is the best we got.  Sadly, it’s somewhat blurry and little miss saw something better to look at. After we were done checking out the exhibits inside, we headed outside to snap a few more pictures known to the aquarium.  Kendall was less than impressed with Mr. Frog! Always have to have a picture of the bridge! What a sight to see. We had such a fun time today and we look forward to bringing Kendall back soon and to one day hear her little voice say, “Mommy, Daddy, come look at the sea turtle!”  She is going to love everything the aquarium has to offer.  I know Ryan and I did.  This visit to the aquarium was one to remember, always!

Seven months old

This month has been full of fun for our little one.  She has started to pull up on anything that will support her weight although she still needs a little help with balance.  She has also crawled a few times and would rather be on the floor playing then being held anymore.  This makes me sad knowing this is one of the first stages that means our baby is growing up.  I have promised myself now that she is more active, I will be sure to keep the camera close by.  We play outside in the grass sometimes after dinner and she doesn’t seem to mind the grass tickling her toes.  She continues to love being outside and looking around to see what the world has to offer.  Each morning, before we leave the house for work and daycare, we stand near the front door and say hello to the birds, sun, sky, trees and grass.  She just smiles and looks around to try and find the birds that are chirping.  I love the look of curiosity in her eyes.She has learned to use her legs to her fullest capacity.  Bouncing up and down has become a favorite of hers and if you turn on the Mickey Mouse hot dog song, she will bounce in sync.  She has learned to get herself from a lying to a sitting position and does so very frequently.  Soon she’ll be all over the place.  I hope to get some better, more interactive pictures of her for the next posts.  I know I didn’t keep up too well, (on camera), during the sixth month, with all of the new things she started doing.  I will try to be better at updating!Playing with toys does interest her, however, she has grown fond of a Ritz cracker box, her toy basket and a lid to a child’s cup from Moe’s.  She has also played with a paper towel roll and a plastic container with almonds inside.  Who knew we wouldn’t need real toys?  She is definitely easily entertained.  I love to sit and watch her play alone with her toys.  It is important to me that she recognizes ‘independent play.’  She doesn’t get too bored anymore and she is always busy with something, whether it be a toy or climbing all over mommy and daddy.  We will gladly be your jungle gym, baby girl!

We have added more new food items to her list, as she is eating three meals a day now.  She likes butternut squash (which I forgot to add with last months list), zucchini, potato, strawberries, blueberries, oatmeal, broccoli, carrot, cauliflower and chicken as well as a variety of flavors of yogurt.  I hope that she will continue to be a good eater and not too picky.  So far, so good!  She remains on the same nap schedule and feeding schedule.  It is still a must that she receive 18 – 20 ounces of milk a day so she gets breast milk in the morning and night and an eight ounce bottle twice a day in between.  I’m so excited for what’s to come but I don’t want it to happen too fast.

 

Kendall-

You are such a joy in our lives! We can’t help but kiss you and hug you and love you more and more every day.  You make us smile every day and light up our hearts with love!  God has truly blessed us with a perfect gift and you deserve only the best.  You have developed into a very content, easy going baby girl and we have enjoyed every minute of you!  Thank you for making  mommy and daddy the luckiest parents in the world!

We love you!

Mommy and Daddy