Before Thanksgiving

Dear Kate,
Well, this is more of a catch up/try to remember post than anything.  Things got super crazy this past week and then the next thing I know, we've had Thanksgiving! Thankfully I took a few pictures with my phone to have a little to say about the week before...
You haven't stopped climbing, that's for sure.  This is you knocking over Abigail's hot chocolate and getting it EVERYWHERE.  I stepped away for seconds and you proceeded to push the chair right up to the counter and climb on up.  Thankfully your sister likes her hot chocolate with a couple of ice cubes :)

 And you continued to get yourself stuck multiple times in the walker...

And you and Sister loved on Kitty...

But the highlight, or well, the lowlight of the week was Thursday night. Mommy was SUPER excited about that night because the last of the 5 Twilight movies was showing the world premiere AND usually it's at midnight but this time it was at 10:00, so I was super stoked because I would totally still get plenty of sleep.  HA!  That day wasn't the best with you, as you had been super whiny from about 4:30ish.  You fell of the chair (climbing) but onto carpet but for some reason that set you off.  I could not get you to stop crying/whining/needing me to hold you.  Daddy got home and sooner than later you were off to bed.  I left for the movies a bit later and before the movie even started Daddy sent a text saying he had already been up to your room 3 times, which NEVER happens.  I got scared right then and there, but continued to enjoy the awesome movie.  When I got out, I checked my phone and Daddy just went back up there and had to rock you for a bit.  Well, I got home and I wasn't in the bed 2 minutes and I heard you crying.  I went upstairs, never to return.  You were so sad and would only lay on my shoulder.  If I even tempted to put you in the bed you would scream, scream, scream.  It's around 1:30 at this point, so I decided to just lay in Mimi's bed with you.  Well, even then you didn't want to lay and preferred me to sit up with you on my shoulder.  So, there we lay (or sat up) until morning, which was an early 6:00 am.  Ugh, it was tough.  I'm pretty sure I didn't sleep at all because at one point you weren't sleeping but just laying there on my shoulder.  I woke up determined that something was wrong with you, beyond teething.  And, so, after dropping off your sister at school, we headed straight to the doc.  Within minutes, Dr. Lee told us you had croop (I have NO clue how to spell it and I always want to say "The Croop" but I'm not sure if that's correct - it sounds like a mid-evil disease...) So, meds were served, and home we went.  Of course, part of "The Croop" is that you don't want to lay down, so back on Mommy's shoulder you slept...

Mommy was pretty exhausted (as you can see I didn't even want to put my contacts in and that NEVER happens!) and thankfully Daddy came home fairly early that day and let Mommy sleep a little.  I'm not sure I did, but that's okay because Mimi came that evening.  You were still not feeling well, so we declined Mexican and just ordered pizza.  Thankfully the medicine kicked in and you got a peaceful nights sleep.  Saturday you woke up much happier, as did Mommy!  Mimi helped decorate our house with Christmas decor and you caught up on your sleep most of the weekend.  I don't like it when you are sick Sweet Kate, although I do love the little snuggle bug you become, but nah, I won't take that if it means you are sick :)
Love you and glad you got all better for a great Thanksgiving week!!!

This Blog Is Going Private

Dear Kate,

Mommy recently had a wakeup call.  I received a nasty comment on one of your blog posts.  Not only was it uncalled for, seeing as this is a blog about the days in the life of a sweet innocent girl and not a political forum, but I have NO clue who this guy is.  So, I have decided to make your blog private. I hate to do it because Mommy loves sharing your stories with friends and even friends of friends and even Mimi’s friends, but it was just way too scary when I realized some random, creepy guy was scoping you out.  With that said, I welcome anyone (well, almost anyone) to continue reading the blog, I just will have to “invite” them.  Hopefully those who want to keep reading will shoot me an email letting me know they’d like to keep reading.  If they don’t have your mommy’s email address, then leaving a comment about who they are and the applicable email address would be fine, as long as you leave out any comments regarding the end of the world due to the current president, or your momma being a fool, or similar J. 

I love you Sweet Kate, but private we must go!  Or, well, in a couple days,  so all our friends and friends of friends and Mimi’s friends can get a chance to join the secret club!  xxxooo

Ryan's Birthday Party

Dear Kate,

This week was fairly low key, I mean, other than electing a President and all.  For the record, I was rooting for Gary Johnson, but was satisfied that Obama was reelected.  I don't get too worked up with politics, mainly because I cannot ever find anyone that completes my qualifications for a vote and I have a hard time truly believing my vote matters in the state of Tennessee, but I am getting better.  Maybe by the time you read this I'll be one of those blasting my opinion on Facebook and coaching others to the voting polls.  And maybe the whole voting system will be changed.  Maybe...  So that was Tuesday, because it always falls on a Tuesday because of the farmers from 100 plus years ago.  A little fact for you I learned through this election.  SO, other than the election, we had our typical week - trips to Costco, gymnastics class, lots of playing outside because it's been so nice.  Friday we went to Mexican and I must say, it was AWFUL.  It's night like that, that make Mommy never want to go out in public again.  I don't even have a specific example.  You just wanted to be held the entire time by me, and it all broke down when I took your sister to the potty.  You lost it and never got it back.  Poor thing.  Maybe you are teething???? :)  Anyway, we wrapped that dinner up quickly and got you and your 'teeth' in bed ASAP.  Saturday morning was fantastic.  What we've been needing.  We cleaned out the garage!  Now, don't get me wrong, I don't prefer cleaning the garage out, but I do prefer just us (me, you, Daddy and Sis) throwing on old clothes and just hanging out together in the beautiful weather.  Daddy (and a little bit of Mommy) got a lot done and by 11 you were back in bed taking your nap.  Sis and I headed to lunch with Lynnie and family (who were in town shopping) and by the time we got home it was time to get ready for Ryan's birthday party! Mommy was super proud of these outfits I made, so I made you both do a little posing!

 

 You were all smiles!  And it continued at the party.  Ryan had his big 4th bday at Pump It Up, which you had never been to and Abs hadn't been to in a long time, but man alive you guys love that place!

 

This was the best picture I could get of the birthday boy.  I'm pretty sure he was having a blast!!

+

After playing for what seemed like 10 hours, we headed into the room to get cupcakes and sing Happy Birthday.  You, being ever so climby, pulled up right next to the big kids and were excited as ever to be sitting here...

What's ironic about this picture is, oh, maybe 2 seconds after it was taken, you fell right off and banged your head pretty bad on the bench.  In front of everyone.  And cried.  Loud.  I'm sure I will be getting calls from CPS for letting you sit up there but if they only knew all the other places you climb... Shhhh. I won't tell if you won't tell.
After leaving the room (and missing the birthday song) I decided it was time for us to leave.  We let your sister stay with Aunt Steph and the three of us (me, you & Daddy) headed to Cookeville to a lovely dinner awaiting us.  Well, your dinner was served to you in the car and a lovely bed was waiting on you, but nonetheless, to Cookeville we went!  You did fantastic and went straight to sleep and slept all night long, so Mommy got to enjoy her adult evening.  Sunday, we got up fairly early (i.e. YOU got up fairly early) so we were back in town by 11.  Never fear though, we did not head home.  We headed to Uncle Jaybee's to watch the Titans game and eat some yummy hamburgers.  Daddy was in charge of keeping you awake on the drive home (so you'd sleep during the ballgame) but within, oh, I don't know, 4 minutes he announced there was no hope - you were falling asleep no matter what.  So, you slept the whole way home and were awake the entire afternoon.  Hooray.  Have I mentioned you are in this major "I want Mommy and only Mommy" phase????  I mean, I'm honored, but seriously, every day, all day???  Cherish the time, cherish the time, cherish the time.  That's what Mommy keeps saying every time I try to go the bathroom and you are screaming right behind me.  You love you some Mommy, and, as much as I complain, I love that you love me so much!
After the game we headed home and enjoyed a nice dinner outside by the fire, which was perfect timing because it got COLD overnight and we will NOT be eating outside anytime soon!
A great weekend Sweet Kate!

Get Down!!!

Dear Kate,
You are wearing me out.  I CANNOT take my eyes off you.  Why you ask?  Why??? Here's why...

Yep, you climb up on the barstools.  Then guess what you do...

Yep, climb on the counter.  And don't think this is just a one time thing.  I catch you all the time climbing up on these chairs.  The other morning, while fixing breakfast for you, I looked over and you didn't need any, you were sharing with Sister...

And last night while getting dinner ready/picking things up/taking my eye off you for one second, what do I walk in to see???

 And so I thought, let's just see what she does.  What did she do?  Climbed up on the counter and tried to stand up...

 And hiding the chairs under the counter didn't seem to work either...

In conclusion, "GET DOWN KATE!!!" has become the phrase of the week.  Let's not make it the monthly phrase please sweet darling beautiful Kate.  Love you no matter what, but I'd be happier if you wouldn't climb.  K.  xxxooo

Happy Halloween! (2012 edition)

Dear Kate, 

Happy Halloween!!!  Hooray, the big day finally arrived a were you ever so excited!  Okay, well, based on this picture, I'd say no...

But you sure look cute as a ghost!!  And within seconds you were even cuter with this grin on your face! 

 And then your sister got a little sassy, but that's what witches do, you know...

You should not be surprised to hear our Halloween was jammed pack with fun activities.  We started the morning off with your sister's ballet class where she got to wear her costume.  You didn't seem too interested in watching her, so I put you in the nursery and you enjoyed your friends (and toys) in there!

Right after ballet, we jumped in the car and headed over to Anna's 2nd birthday party!  You were supposed to go down for a nap a little bit after we arrived, but instead took a nap in the car over there.  I still tried once we got there, but I'm not convinced you actually went to sleep because within 45 minutes you were crying.  Oh well, you wanted to enjoy the party anyway!  You LOVED showing off your climbing skills to everyone and proved that 13 months does not stop anyone from climbing on top of a table.  You also sat at a big girl table (no booster) all by yourself and ate lunch.  I was a little nervous at first but you did such a good job of sitting the whole time everyone was eating.  I mean, there was that time you threw your whole plate of food on the floor, but you DID stay in your seat!  And for that, you got a delicious cupcake!  You and your sister had a blast, and I think I know something you may be asking Santa Claus for...

 After Anna's party, we headed home where guess what, you AND your sister fell asleep in the car.  Fine by me!  Both of you needed it.  I let you both sleep in the car while I got things together for our next adventure of Halloween - Daddy's work!  That's right, we did our annual Trick or Treating at Daddy's work.  Everyone gets so excited to see you two and as expected, thought you were the cutest ghost they'd ever seen!!!

 Your sister did a great job going from office to office saying very politely "Trick or Treat" and "Thank you".  You, on the other hand, found a sucker to carry the whole time and didn't even worry about getting any candy for your bucket!  You looked so adorable waddling up and down Daddy's office building though! And you did one time find a piece and went and put it in some random girls bucket.  So sweet, you are!
After Daddy's work, we then headed home to get ready for the real trick or treating at our house!  Mommy was super excited because this was the first year we've gotten to do it in our neighborhood and everyone was coming to our house to help!  Well, everyone who's anyone that is :)  Ellie and Christopher and Jake and Ryan all came over!! Unfortunately, the picture taking/halloween/messed up nap schedule/hungry/etc all got to you and this is the best shot I could get of all 6 of you (if you can look past Daddy's legs!!)

You were much more interested in our neighbors dog!

 And Miss Lauren got to see how precious you were!!

 Before the G's got there (and before your meltdown), I was able to grab a few of you and your sis and Little Red Riding Hood (Ellie!) and the Big Bad Wolf (Kipper!)

 And two scary creatures!! Watch out for them!!!

 I mean seriously, does it get any cuter?!

 As mentioned, you were not exactly in tip top shape by the time we headed out to the houses, but a little wagon time seemed to cheer you up!

 You enjoyed Daddy pushing you around and eventually Mommy carried you a bit, but overall I think you enjoyed the neighborhood as much as Mommy did!
And what shall one eat after a cold night of trick or treating?! Why chili of course!!

 Everyone came in and enjoyed a nice, warm bowl of chili, and maybe a piece of candy or two :)
You had a blast all day in your costume and Mommy enjoyed every minute of it!  So happy we have such an awesome neighborhood and great friends to share it with!!  Love you so cute it's scary little ghost!!!

Halloween Birthdays, Hayrides, & Baby Showers

Dear Kate,

This past weekend, we headed to Munford for a fun-filled weekend!  Things started off with James Welton's Halloween Birthday party.  You got to get all dressed up in your halloween outfit and scare everyone, because you were a ghost, of course!!

Sister was a cute, I mean scary witch and Clara Lee was a funny clown and John Michael saved everyone with his batman costume!  Ash-ash and Uncle Jay dressed up as clowns, too, but instead of funny, I'm pretty sure Uncle Jay was scary to you...

I'll be honest, with those eyes, I'm scared, too!!  Don't worry, you found someone else to make you smile...

We at yummy pizza and you may have gotten a bite or two of cake and ice cream!  Everyone had a blast at the birthday party.  And then this is where the fun begins... So, we got home around 8ish/8:30 and Mimi had to run John Michael home.  Daddy and Pic-pic were up at Mr. Michael's house hanging out so Mommy had to put you and your sister to bed by herself.  You weren't a problem (hooray!) and went right to bed, but your sister would not go to bed.  She was wired.  So, long story short, (or at least this part of the story), I laid with your sister for probably 45 minutes, then Mimi came home, so we switched, and that wasn't working after 30 minutes, so we switched again and finally around 10 your sister fell asleep.  SO, by the time I got her asleep, Mimi was already in bed asleep and the Daddys were still out.  I had noticed earlier in the middle of putting everyone down that it was mighty chilly downstairs and SUPER hot upstairs, so I turned up the down and down the up.  Well, it was still cold downstairs (where you were sleeping - sister was upstairs), but I didn't think much of it and just got a blanket and started watching tv.  Well, Daddy comes home and says it's cold.  If Daddy says it's cold, it's cold.  So he fiddles with the thermostat for a bit and then says he can't get the heat to come on at all. He fiddles more and says there is no heat downstairs and to go wake Mom and/or Pic-pic up to figure out what to do.  I go upstairs to wake them up and all I say is "We can't get the heat to come on" and Mimi gasps and remembers "It's not hooked up because we got a new unit a couple weeks ago"!!!!  Yep, so no heat downstairs, at all.  Mimi freaks, of course, but I try to strategize the situation.  Abby was fine in her bed, a twin bed upstairs.  Mommy and Daddy would be fine in the bed with an extra blanket (or two) downstairs but you were in the crib with just a sleep sak on and I went to feel your hands and they were FREEZING!!!  So, I thought I would sleep in the bed WITH you, if you woke up because it was cold.  We also found a portable heater thing, but it made an awful noise and, well, made me nervous the house was going to burn down.  By the time I got to bed, it was after midnight and by 1:00 you were awake screaming.  So I put you in bed with me and proceeded to wake up every hour concerned I was on top of you.  Good times.  What's even better is at 4:30, your sister came down the stairs crying for me, wanting me to sleep with her, and so Daddy and I switched spots, but you decided you were awake for the morning.  Yep, so Dad got up with you at 4:30 a.m.  It was awesome.  Did I mention I had to get up early that morning to head to the Race for the Cure?????? No, well, yes, I did.  SO, by 6 a.m., I was out the door standing in the cold air, waiting to win, I mean run a race! 

Well worth it though when you get to write names like "Nona" down!

To say the least, you (and Daddy, and Mommy!) were exhausted by noon.  You took a decent nap and Mommy and Daddy went to Sarah's house to watch the football game, while Mimi gave you beefaroni!! (and a bath!!).  And since Mimi's cold downstairs wasn't enough, we decided to take a hayride!!  I TRIED to get you to keep your hat on, but there was no use because you'd pull it off within seconds...

So I just wrapped you up like a burrito in a blanket!!

The cold didn't seem to bother you though, or maybe you were too cold to express any emotions, nonetheless, I think you had fun!!!

The wind did kick in to high gear a few times, but you stuck it out like a champ!

And you sister made sure to keep you nice and warm...

After the hayride, you and Uncle Bubba decided to climb a few trees...

And play in the leaves!

But remember that night that you had the night before, well, it was catching up with you, so Mimi got you dinner (and man alive did you eat everything! Ash-ash had to pull out mashed potatoes and mac and cheese and everything!) and then got you ready for bed at Ash-ash's house...

And you went to sleep while the rest of us roasted hot dogs and marshmallows!  Next year you can stay up later if you promise never to get up at 4:30 again, like as in ever.  Thanks in advance for that.

And for the record, we found another heater to put in our room that wasn't scary or made a weird noise, so we were warm that night, and you slept like a champ!  

The next morning we had to get all spruced up for a family baby shower at the McCormicks and man alive, do you two not look just as precious as ever on Mimi's fall decor?!  

You enjoyed yourself at the shower and enjoyed Bebe's company, too!  She, as always, was ever so helpful.  It was good seeing everyone and I think everyone enjoyed your cuteness!  

After the shower, we loaded the car, said our goodbyes to Mimi, and off we went, back to home!  A fun fun fun weekend sweet Kate!!!