Kennedy-isms

Kennedy is quite the talker.  Every day she surprises me with words she has learned (unfortunately a few I wish she would un-learn) and her ability to use them in context.  Just like any kid, she has adopted her own unique way of saying certain things and, before she learns the proper way to pronounce them, I want to make a note of all of the adorable things she says that make me smile.

• Beefurfly (butterfly)
• Farkle (sparkle)
• Freshel (special)
• Elfafent (elephant)
• Popsasicle (popsicle)
• Me turn (my turn)
• "Do you wanna build a Noman?"
• Buppy buppies (Bubble Guppies)
• Oopsie doopsie (Oopsie daisy)
• 'Punzel (Rapunzel)
• Eeenicorn (Unicorn)
• Punce upon a time (Once upon a time)
• Fuz (Because)
• Kevin will ask "What will you always be?" and Kennedy responds "Little Daddy's Girl".  Melt.

My baby girl, you will always be...

Lately I've been reflecting a lot on how I felt before Kennedy was born (which truthfully, I can hardly remember what life was like before her)... and thinking a lot about how much our lives will be changing when this baby arrives.  And I feel... torn.

I actually had a meltdown (complete with ugly cry) the other day and thought for a fleeting moment "I don't want to have another baby".  Of course, this is completely untrue.  Of course we are over the moon to bring another baby into this world and we are so excited to watch Kennedy become a big sister.  But I would be lying if I said a small part of me wasn't sad at the thought of changing the relationship I have with my one and only baby girl.

Kennedy seems happy about the baby.  She often rests her head on my belly or pats my bump and says "hi baby".  She takes out my doppler and wants to "listen to baby" or points to herself and says "big sisser".  She seems torn 50/50 on whether or not the "belly baby" is "baby brodder" or "baby sisser" but either way she seems genuinely interested and excited.  But I know in just a few short weeks, her world is going to be turned upside down.

Right now, I am all hers and she is the center of everyone's attention, especially mine.
What is it going to be like to share my heart, my attention, my time?  Will I be able to give the new baby all of the love and attention he or she needs while still giving all of the love and attention to Kennedy that she is accustomed to?  Will she hate me forever for removing her from her only child throne?
Before her time as my only child expires, I wanted to jot down some feelings in a letter.  I know she does not completely understand all of the changes that are happening right now, but maybe some day she will read, maybe some day she will understand.


Dear Kennedy, my baby girl,


I remember just before you were born looking at my loving husband- your daddy- and wondering how I could ever possibly love someone as much as I love him.  I wondered who you were and what our life would be like once you joined us.  I was excited, nervous, confused, scared and ecstatic all at the same time.  I wondered what it would feel like to be a mother, and worried if I would be any good at it.  I was scared that I wouldn't be able to give you all of the love you deserved. 
Then you arrived.
Eight pounds, ten ounces.  Twenty-one inches.  Head full of dark brown hair and the most amazing blue eyes.  You had the sweetest little cry and the most amazing new baby smell.
My heart immediately grew and despite all of my fears and worries about what life would be like with you, I could no longer remember my life without you.
I held you close and promised to give you all of my love for all of your life, not even fully understanding what that meant and yet somehow knowing I meant every word. 
I remember spending hours every night holding you, nursing you, staring at you.  I cried constantly.  Happy tears because my heart had never been so overwhelmed with joy and scared tears because I was terrified of all of the ways that I could possibly mess up this whole mom job.  I cried when you cried because it hurt my heart to see you sad.  I cried when you smiled because I felt like my heart would burst with happiness.
You were my whole world.  You are my whole world.
Today you are my one and only.  Soon, though, things will change.  Change is good, but sometimes change is hard.  Before things change, I wanted to take some time to tell you just how much you mean to me.  In the days to come, you might feel sad and confused.  I promise that bringing a new baby into our world does not mean I will love you any less, but rather that my heart will grow yet again and I will love even more.  And I promise your heart will grow too, just like mine did when I first laid eyes on you.  You will make a new friend that will be yours for a lifetime.  Your new little brother or sister will be so lucky because they have such an amazing, kind, loving big sister to look up to.
No matter how many other little brothers or sisters join our family, you are and always will be the little girl who made me a mother.  You will always be the first one I held in my arms and snuggled to sleep.  You will always be the first one to call me "mama" and the first one to enjoy all of the "firsts".  You are and always will be my sweet baby girl.


Forever and always,
Mama

Kennedy's 22 Month Check In

Another month has flown by and (surprise surprise) I am late to update.  I just don't know where the time is going.  Baby girl is really turning into a little person.  I mean... I *know* she has always been a litlte person, but she acts more grown up every day.  Her language is exploding, her facial expressions and gestures are so animated and her personality is really truly her own.  I am not sure whether I should laugh or cry at the thought of her growing so fast, but one thing I know for sure is that I am truly blessed to witness it.

How Big Is Baby?

• Kennedy is about 24-25 pounds
• Since she wears mostly Pull Ups during the day, her 2T pants are still way too big. She wears 18 month pants and even some 12T shorts. Tops-wise, she is in 18 month and 2T... no change here
• Size 5 shoes still
• She wears Pull Ups during the day with very few accidents. At night, we still use cloth diapers and she still fits in her one sizes perfectly

Development & Milestones

• In addition to her ever-expanding vocaublry, her comprehension is improving.  She now speaks in complete or near-complete sentances.  She asks and answers questions appropriately.  It is so fun to be able to communicate with her.
• Tooth count... I'm 99% sure we have a full set

Diet/Nursing

• In addition to her love of fresh fruit and veggies, Kennedy still loves to nurse, especially at nap time and bed time.  You know... it's funny (and I will probably do a separate post about this in the near future...) motherhood is such a humbling experience.  I always knew I wanted to breastfeed (mostly for the nutritional benefits) but never in a million years did I expect to be nursing an almost 2 year old, with no end in sight.  The special bond we share and the overwhelming feeling of love and closeness is indescribable.  I am so grateful that we are able to continue to nurse!

Sleep

• Sleep has been pretty good.  I am still working overnights, but on daddy nights, K does a great job falling asleep and sleeping through the night with Kevin.  On mommy nights, we nurse to sleep and she usually wakes once a night for a little more milk.  I wouldn't trade it for the world.

Mommy & Daddy Check In

• Another fun month for us!  Kevin and I celebrated our 3rd (Wow!) anniversary yesterday and the whole family (Miles and Lucy included) enjoyed a trip to Pittsburgh for Memorial Day.
• We are both still rocking T25 and enjoying our new, clean diet.
• Otherwise... same old!

Any appointments, visitors or outings? Anything else new?

• Pittsburgh trip for Memorial Day with a trip to the Pittsburgh Zoo which Kennedy LOVED!
• We are working on a playground in our backyard.  Pictures to come... but it is going to be awesome!

Any upcoming developments, milestones? What's next?

• Next appointment will be 2 year well check in July.

Kennedy's 21 Month Check In

It's hard to believe we are really closing in on Kennedy's second birthday.  This month was pretty dismal, but the weather is sloooooowly improving and I finally see some sunny days and play time outside in the near future.

How Big Is Baby?

• Kennedy is about 24-25 pounds
• Since she wears mostly Pull Ups during the day, her 2T pants are still way too big.  She wears 18 month pants and even some 12T shorts.  Tops-wise, she is in 18 month and 2T
• Size 5 shoes still
• She is wearing Pull Ups mostly during the day (and doing an AWESOME job with potty training). At night, we still use cloth diapers and she still fits in her one sizes perfectly

Development & Milestones

• I feel like I say this every month, but her language development is really amazing.  She has started to put 3 word sentances together.
• My favorite thing?  "Yes, please!"  She is just so polite and it is the cutest thing.  She says "Yes, please" and "Thank you buddy" all the time.  ::gushing proud mama here::
• Still no fear of strangers and still loves to wave and say "Hi" or "Hi buddy" to everyone
• No new progress with potty training.  K pees on the potty about 75% of the time, but still doesn't let us know when she needs to (or already has!?  ugh) to poop
• Tooth count... I'm just going to guess full set. I can't tell if she has cut any new ones or not, lol!

Diet/Nursing

• Still nursing away! Mostly just nap time and bed time now, but 21 months and still going strong!  It's funny because I really never pictured myself as someone who would nurse for an extended period, but here we are... and I wouldn't have it any other way.
• Her appetite comes and goes, but she definitely has a preference for fresh fruit.  Luckily, so do I, so we are a match made in heaven.

Sleep

• Sleep was great this month.  I have been encouraging Kevin to put her to bed a little earlier, especially on nights that I am at work and this seems to be working well.
• Naps were so-so.  It must be so tough for her to flip flop back and forth between my work and day off schedule... but she does her best and we make it work. 

Mommy & Daddy Check In

• This month has been really great!  Kevin and I have both been keeping up with Insanity and have really made an effort to eat cleaner and healthier than we already do.  Kevin has lost several inches and his changing shape is becoming more obvious!  I am so proud of how hard he is working!
• Otherwise... work is work and school is school and life is crazy, but beautiful.

Any appointments, visitors or outings? Anything else new?

• Not much this month again.  A few trips to the park, a 6 legged 5K (which was WAY fun!), a trip to the zoo and an outing to check out Billy Beez... hopefully some sunshine and play time in the neatr future.

Any upcoming developments, milestones? What's next?

• Next appointment will be 2 year well check in July.

Kennedy's 20 Month Check In

Another month has flown by and we are (FINALLY) approaching spring here in Syracuse.  Kennedy continues to grow and learn while mommy and daddy continue to wish time would just.slow.down.
 
How Big Is Baby?

• Kennedy is about 24-25 pounds
• We are finally moving into some lighter clothes (although still long pants and long sleeve shirts) and K is fitting into 18 month pants with 2T tops.  Since she wears mostly Pull Ups during the day, the pants are a little saggy, but length-wise they work.
• Size 5 shoes still
• She is wearing Pull Ups mostly during the day (and doing an AWESOME job with potty training).  At night, we still use cloth diapers and she still fits in her one sizes perfectly

Development & Milestones

• She has learned quite a bit this month... coutning 1 to 10, colors and shapes.  She loves to point to things when we are out and tell me what shape or color they are.  She also loves to count... everything.  I am so proud of her!
• She is still very outgoing and loves to wave or say "Hi" to everyone.  She is also really enjoying her time at the sitter, especially when there are other kids for her to play with.
• She continues to do well with potty training.  We are still not 100% yet, but I am in no rush.  I am just following her lead and encouraging her when she tells me she needs to go, then goes.  She is definitely doing this her own way in her own time and I am totally supportive of that.
• Tooth count... I'm just going to guess full set.  I can't tell if she has cut any new ones or not, lol!

Diet/Nursing

• Still nursing away!  Mostly just nap time and bed time now, but 20 months and still going strong!
• Food-wise, she has been a bottomless pit this month.  She eats anything and everythign in sight... and then asks for strawberries.  She is *obsessed* with strawberries... but hey, it could be worse... she could be obsessed with coffee like her mama.  Ha!

Sleep

• Sleep was pretty good this month.  I think she is back in the swing of things now that we are back into our normal (abnormal) routines).  She goes down fairly easily at night (for the most part, depending on how late she naps) and wakes once for water or a quick nursing session.
• Naps continue to be awful this month.  She continues to push her naps back to sometimes 3 or 4 or even 5 (gulp) in the afternoon.  This makes for a late bedtime or- if I have to wake her up for you know... dinner... a super cranky toddler.  I realize that I am a big part of the problem and that I have created a nap-time monster, but I am unsure of exactly how I can fix this.  My crazy work/sleep schedule means that I only get a few short hours with her in the afternoon and she loves to snuggle, nurse and nap with me.  It's kind of our thing.  I'm not really sure how I can fix her crazy nap schedule without sacrificing our snuggle time or losing out of my sleep time earlier in the day. 

Mommy & Daddy Check In

• This month has been back to normal... in some ways good, and in some ways not so good.  It's nice to get back back into our routine (I type this with a chuckle, since our "routine" is typically complete chaos)... but on the other hand I feel like time just flies when we go about our hectic lives, just trying to make it through each day.
• Kevin and I have decided to start Insanity together on Monday.  I'm pretty pysched about this.  Kevin... not so much.  I have the DVDs ready and waiting (I've already checked out a few of them) and a box of Shakeology to sample.  I am thrilled to have my butt kicked with some good hard workouts and even more excited to have Kevin (and my awesome coach friends) to help keep me motivated.

Any appointments, visitors or outings? Anything else new?

• Not much this month, but now that the weather is warming up, there should be lots of fun outings in our future.

Any upcoming developments, milestones? What's next?

• Next appointment will be 2 year well check in July.

Kennedy's 19 Month Check In

The past week has just been an awesome end to a super fun month!  We drove to Pittsburgh to visit with Kevin's family for a few days then flew down to Orlando to visit with my family.  Monday we took Kennedy to the Magic Kingdom where she met Mickey, Minnie and some other friends.  Her face was absolutely priceless... totally awestruck.  Then we spent the night at the Polynesian (my favorite) and went to Chef Mickey's character breakfast Tuesday morning.  It was such a great experience!

Needless to say, Kennedy has had an exciting month!

How Big Is Baby?

• Kennedy is about 23 pounds
• We actually put her in some clothes from last summer for our trip.  Since she normally wears cloth diapers (which give her a big old fluffy butt), she looked so tiny in just a pull up and her old summer clothes fit perfectly!  I'm kind of wondering if the truck load of 2T summer clothes I snagged on clearance last fall will be too big.  Eh... just means more shopping!
• Size 5 shoes worked well for the trip although I could tell the sneakers were a little tight.  I'm hoping the size 6's I bought for this summer will fit.
• Still full time cloth diapering at home, but we went full time Pull Ups for the trip and she did AWESOME!  We did use regular disposable diapers for overnight, but otherwise she spent the last week in Pull Ups and had only a handful of accidents.  She even used the potty on the airplane (multiple times... I think she thought it was fun) and stayed dry on all 4 flights!  Not too bad.

Development & Milestones

• I wondered if she would recognize the Disney characters in person... I had no need to wonder... she knew every.single.one (from Mickey Mouse Clubhouse) by name and she even learned a few new friends' names too.  I was also curious whether she would be shy or afraid of the characters, but she warmed right up to them and even walk up to them and gave them all hugs.  I was surprised and so proud of her.  She sure loves her "MeeMee" (Minnie).
• She has really become very outgoing this month and loves to wave to everybody she sees.  She waves enthusiastically and says "hi!!!" all the time... in the grocery store, at Target or the mall, at Disney, at friends' houses or the sitter's house.  She is such a little social butterfly and seems to really enjoy making people smile.
• She did really well with the potty on our trip!  She had only a few accidents in her Pull Ups and otherwsie used the potty the whole time.
• She continues to amaze me with her speaking and signing.
• The tooth count is up to 14 or 16 now. It's hard to count, but she almost has a full set.

Diet/Nursing

• Still nursing away!  I am so happy to be able to enjoy an extended nursing relationship with Kennedy.
• Her appetite was pretty good this month.  Again waxed and waned a little depending on her mood and how the day was going, but overall she still eats very well.

Sleep

• Sleep was really great early in the month.  Having me back on day shift meant I was... HOME... every single night.  Which was awesome.  It was nice to be a regular part of bath time and bed time and I felt like we were just starting to fall into a really nice routine... then we went on vacation, ha!  Things were a little off the past week due to traveling and the excitement of being in a new place with new people.  And, unfortunately, they will be off a little more when I go back to nights next week.  But I have no doubt that Kevin will get her back into the swing of things easily.  He does a great job with the nightly duties when I have to work.
• Naps this month have been... well... pretty terrible.  Kennedy does not like to nap at the sitter's.  I suspect it's because she is afraid of missing out on any fun with the other kids.  On vacation, naps were sporadic and often took place in the Ergo or stroller while walking around.

Mommy & Daddy Check In

• This month has just been incredible!  Thanks to working the day shift, we have enjoyed so much more time (AWAKE!) as a family.  And this past week's vacation was just the icing on the cake.
• Tomorrow is back to the grind, but we can't stay on vacation forever... real life must go on.  This past week in Florida, however, has really solidified our plans to move back within the next few years.  Syracuse has been home for a while now, but Kevin and I have both agreed that we are ready for a change (ahem... especially a change in the weather) and more than anything, ready to be closer to family.  The road to Florida may not be easy, but we are certain that we will get there, hopefully sooner rather than later.  Stay tuned on that one...

Any appointments, visitors or outings? Anything else new?

• Have you heard enough about our awesome vacation yet?!?
 

Any upcoming developments, milestones? What's next?

• Next appointment will be 2 years in July.  What?!?

Kennedy's 18 Month Check In

Hi!  So wow!  I've been MIA for a while.  I'll be honest, this has been a pretty tough few months for me.  But back to Kennedy and more on my deal later.  ;)

Kennedy is growing and changing every day, it seems.  Her personality is really developing and she is growing up to be the sweetest, smartest little girl I know.  The past month has just been so much fun with her.  I think this age (18-?? months) might be my favorite so far.  She talks to me, sings to me and is super affectionate.  I am so blessed to be this little girl's mommy.

In other news, we have a sweet new addition to our little family.  Mr. Miles is a 5 month old Old English Bulldog and we are just smitten with him.  I will post a picture soon, but I can assure you... he is just as cute as Lucy is and I think Kennedy loves him just as much as we do.  By the end of his first day with us, she was hugging and kissing him and calling him by name.  We are thrilled that Lucy finally has a play mate.  Now to work on a play mate for Kennedy.  ;)

 

How Big Is Baby?

• Kennedy is probably near 22 pounds.  *I'll have to go back and look up the stats from her appointment, but I know she didn't gain much weight.  She is still long and lean like a little bean
• Still in 18 month winter clothes. 
• Size 5 and 5/6 shoes and boots.
• Full time cloth diapering although we have played around with Pull Ups, which she seems to do really well in.

Development & Milestones

• Still running and climbing and bouncing around like a maniac.  She is full of energy and loves to play tag (well, her version) with the puppies.
• She has been using the potty pretty consistently this month and has even told me a few times on her own when she needs to go.  We are still a long way away from any formal or aggressive potty training, but I am happy to see that she is interested and making some progress on her own.
• Her language development is off the charts.  I can't even begin to count the number of words she signs and says now.  We are able to really... talk.  And it just melts my heart.  She tells me stories (although half of it is babble that I don't understand), but it is really fun to see her get so excited to talk to me.  She also loves to point at things (everything!) and tell me what it is, especially when we grocery shop together.  She knows almost all the fruits and vegetables.  I am one proud mommy!
• The tooth count is up to 14 or 16 now. It's hard to count, but she almost has a full set.

Diet/Nursing

• Nursing continues to go well. We cut out pumping completely, but still nurse on demand, which tends to be 3-4 times/day.
• K's appetite is healthy.  There are times she is picky and other times where she is a tiny human garbage disposal. 

Sleep

• Sleep has been steady.  She nurses to sleep and snuggles with me when I am home and she falls asleep with a sippy of water for Kevin.  My crazy random overnight work schedule doesn't seem to phase her much. 
• Naps have been good overall.  There are a few times where she has boycotted her nap (and subsequently turned into a holy terror later in the evening), but for the most part, she does well with them.

Mommy & Daddy Check In

• It has been an exhausting month.  I am happy to say that I am FINALLY now officially and Emergency Room Nurse.  I have been awaiting my transfer since Spetember and I started my new position this past Monday.  I am still in the honeymoon phase, I'm sure, but I feel better and happier already.  This just feels more... me.  I will be working day shift for a month or so to train, then after my vacation in February, I will likely go back to overnights, at least for a little while.  It's not easy, not fun and physically exhausting... but it works for us for now.  So... back to being a lady of the night I go, ha!
• School is going well and I am beginning a new class, which I hope won't be too brutal.
• Kevin is doing really well and happy to have me on the day shift, even if only for a month.
• Otherwise... work is work and school is school. We are both looking forward to planning a much-needed break in the spring.

Any appointments, visitors or outings? Anything else new?

• 18 month check up today!  Everything went really well and Dr. Rufa is really impressed with Kennedy's language development.  Woohoo!
 

Product Rave:

 

• TBD

Any upcoming developments, milestones? What's next?

• Counting down to our family vacation at the end of January... and our trip to Florida... and most of all, Kennedy's first trip to Disney!

Mom Review: Seneca Lake State Park and Sprayground

In a word, LOVE.

Seneca Lake is one of my favorite places to visit in New York although, admittedly, the visit usually involves a trip around the lake sampling lots (and lots and lots) of delicious wines from the wine trail.  Today, however, we stopped at the northern end of the lake just outside of Geneva, about a 45 minute drive from Syracuse.

Seneca Lake State Park is a really nice park with miles of walking/jogging trails and a beautiful view of Seneca Lake... and, of course, an awesome splash pad for the littles.  We thought $7 was a great deal and saw no sense in spending more to go to one of the bigger waterparks, since K is too little still to really enjoy it.  This was perfect for her.

The facts:

Price:  $7 for a car load

Hours: 8:30am-8pm during the summer

More Info:  Click here!

• The spray ground is nicely maintained and has water sprayers of various sizes and intensities.  Many of them were too big/strong for Kennedy, but there were a few that were more her speed and she loved them.  There were times where some of the bigger kids got a little too rowdy and we had to move her to a different area, but I'm sure that is the same with any playground.
• The nearby playground was just ok.  It has mulch for the ground cover and I am just not a big fan of the mulch.  There is also no shade over the playground.
• The beach was closed for swimming when we went, but it seemed like an average lake beach (hey, I'm a Florida kid... no New York beach will ever match up in my opinion)
• The park itself has several dozen picnic tables, grills and shaded areas to sit/play.  The grass was well kept and grills were functional.  There were also several pavillions available for rent for parties and such.
• There is a small concession stand near the splash pad.  They don't have a large selection, but they are fairly priced for snacks and drinks.  We just brought a cooler with snacks/drinks to enjoy.
• We went on a week day and the crowd wasn't too bad.  I would not go on a weekend... I'm sure it's a mad house.