window shopping

The latest activity for Kate and Drake is to watch what is going on outside. It would be far more stimulating if we didn't live on a dead end, but I won't let them know what they are missing. After putting the Christmas tree away, I was ready to put the furniture back in front of the window, but after watching Kate and Drake fight for the space, I decided to give them both a late Christmas gift and didn't put the table between the chairs. Instant happiness for both.

not the intended purpose of the photos

Kate is sporting a new outfit from her aunts and uncles (Sara, Jeremy, Amy, and Craig). I thought "what a fun way to show them how cute Kate is in the outfit." Kate thought "how fun to see what happens when Mom is trying to take a picture and I flip my bowl." Notice the Cheerio suspended in mid-air. Also notice the chex mix on the couch.

So proud. So funny. So messy. I am going to continue to stick with dried goods in the bowls. I am not as stupid as I look!

Merry Christmas!

Kate's second Christmas was much better than her first in terms of being awake and actually playing with new toys. Most of the toys she chose to pose with are not new OR not hers (such as the video camera in picture one). Everything was fun though! In the first picture is a gift bag that doesn't seem to be too "Christmasy." That is because it is from Kate's birthday and Kate just carries it around like it is her purse. We take it most places we take toys. In the second picture, a dog sits on the table with "sing and dance" on the box. Yep, it is a dog that sinces Willie Nelson's "On the Road Again." Fun the first fifteen times he played it. Now I just hum it throughout the day. The others are just for fun. She also enjoyed an old spatula, new (hand-me-down) blocks from her cousin Jeb, and other toys from days of old. Her new toys? Those will be pulled out periodically and we will act like they just arrived. I can maybe keep up that gig for the year. Next year, I am sure Santa will visit. Merry Christmas to all!

winning hairstyle

Naptime is over. Guess how Kate slept?

Grace the hairdresser

Gracie, Melanie's daughter, came over after school last week. While here, she fixed Kate's hair for her. Knowing what a fan I am of bows, Deanna left them in for me to see when I got home from school. It was hard not to laugh when Kate greeted me. It is still hard not to laugh when I look at these pictures.

babysitter/photographer

Kate's sitter is awesome! She was getting Kate geared up for her "one-year" pictures by practicing poses with her. Deanna likes bows in Kate's hair, too. I can't believe it has been a year!

1st Birthday Party

Sometimes the sack is as much fun as the present inside. At least Kate held true to others her age on that one! The talking puppy was a hit and so was the new baby doll. For the adults? Red velvet cupcakes with cream cheese frosting. In three days, Kate will be one. I now believe everyone -- time does fly! Happy Birthday, sweet angel!

Ho! Ho! Ho!

A club sponsored Santa's visit at school yesterday afternoon. Actually, he is a retired teacher (who was MY teacher). We thought at attempt at a Santa visit might be better in this setting than the mall. Kate was not sure about it when sitting alone, but she warmed up to it when I sat down, too. A tad embarrassing when I think about sitting on his lap, but after telling him my Christmas wishes, I am wondering what will be left under the tree. After all, I HAVE been good this year!

that's my girl!

Turkey Day

Everything is more fun on Thanksgiving when we are staying at the Opryland Hotel. Already decorated for Christmas, it is as though Thanksgiving is an afterthought. It even made having the stomach virus in a hotel room more fun (if that is possible). Kate enjoyed every part of the trip and continually welcomed people on the elevator, on the paths, and in the mall by gleefully saying "hiiiiiiii." I think she has a southern drawl already! So much to be thankful for!

walk on

I have not posted lately becuase my computer would not read my camera. It was a pain, but for some reason, the problem resolved itself. So, tonight I am updating with many posts that show what Kate has been doing over the last couple of weeks. Here she is walking with the aid of her walk and ride toy. It was one of the first times that she wanted to use it the correct way and not as a wheelbarrow or to suck on the wheels. Progress is slow.