John, Leslie & Kelsey Robus

Time to update

2012-01-19T11:55:00.002-06:00

Apparently having a kiddo impacts the amount of time there is to update the blog. Especially now that she wants to play with mommy and daddy. :) and we are taking full advantage of playing all the time b/c I know the day will come where playing and hanging out with her parents will no longer be cool.

Anyway, our lives are busy and the end of 2011 was a hard one. My paternal grandfather had a cancer scare. He had colon cancer and had surgery to remove it. Praise the Lord the doc was able to get it all and there was no further treatment needed. He will have to have regular check ups and he is still working on getting back to his original strength but over all I think he is doing pretty well.

The beginning of December my cousin's husband of only 6 weeks passed away in a car accident in Hendersonville. I can't even begin to explain the hurt and sadness still in my family.

The same day John's grandmother fell and broke her wrist and elbow. She had to have surgery and pins put it. She had been in a rehabilitation nursing home-like facility since. She did get some good news from the doc this week in she will be getting a lighter cast that is removable.

All of that to say that lately I have been learning a lot about relying on God and trusting that he is with me EVERY step of the way. He goes before me and prepares my path. He know exactly what I am going to face and promises to face it with me. It is SO hard to remember that sometimes in the midst of heartache, hurt and stress. Even so, there is always something there to remind me. Yesterday this was one of those things that He gave me as a reminder. Listen to this song and be reminded that God is with you in every moment!

4th of July

2011-07-18T21:14:00.000-05:00

We were in Little Rock for the day...there was some shopping, homemade ice cream and lots of playing with Kelsey.

Grandma Laney had found this toddler stampers for her to play with. It didn't take her long to figure them out and love them.

Riding on her toy

Photo shoot outside

She doesn't like to look at the camera anymore

As good as it got for the family pic

She looks WAY too big here!!!

Trip to Arkansas

2011-07-18T21:10:00.000-05:00

We took the long weekend over the 4th and flew to Arkansas to spend some time with John's family. It was busy, but a great trip. We were able to see ALOT of friends in family while in V@n Buren to see John's grandmother.

Waiting in the airport for the plane.

Playing in PMom's yard (believe me in only lasted a few minutes b/c it was way too hot)

She was playing with Gramps. He would take a pillow from her and she though it was so funny.

She loved this shape shorter while we were there. She would try to put the shape in a hole and all of us would say yes or no. She would get excited when she would get it right.

This was the first time we had been back to V@n Buren since John's grandfather passed away right after Kelsey was born. We were able to go see his headstone and the cemetery and Kelsey helped John put a flag there for the 4th.

We tried to have a little photo session with the family, but as you can see K didn't want to.

unless she was in my lap.

We love the water!

2011-07-18T20:57:00.000-05:00

I have mentioned before Kelsey's love for water....well here is some proof. We took her to the pool one Saturday morning, before many other people were there and just let her go. She would run in, go under one of the water spouts, run out screaming to me and then do it all over again. This was also the first (and only) day that we have attempted the ponytail. I knew that her hair wasn't long enough, but we tried anyway.

Testing the water out

Running to tell me that she went under the water

Laughing b/c she did it again

Just went under the fountain

Father's Day

2011-07-18T20:51:00.000-05:00

Yes, a little past due!

Kelsey was sick the entire week before Father's Day, so we took the opportunity to get out of the house. She still wasn't 100%, but we were all a little stir crazy at this point.

We went to a sub shop and got sandwiches and took them to a local park. After lunch we let K play for a little while. She had a blast. She was so happy to be outside and to get to play after being inside for a week.

Swinging is lots of fun!

Miss Priss

This is the best picture we got for Father's Day. She wasn't having it.

Happy Bday Graham

2011-07-18T20:48:00.000-05:00

This post is from June, but I am trying to catch up.

Our really good friends, Chad and Julie, had their son's first bday at the park. We were so excited to be able to celebrate with them! Graham is such a good little boy and we love him very much. The party was Mickey Mouse themed and so cute! Kelsey enjoyed it and it was fun to see her around some other kiddos. She acts like a big kid when around them.

Graham didn't know what to think about the cake, but I love this pic of his lip!

There was a little water park/feature at the park. Kelsey, of course, LOVED it. This child would play in water ALL DAY LONG if she could. The pool has become a must on the weekends this summer!

The fountains would come and go. This one was off and K was confused. Right about that time it came back on and she got it. She just laughed and kept running around.

Random Happenings...

2011-07-18T20:42:00.000-05:00

Kelsey's favorite things lately....

Mommy's high heels...really any shoes, but this one is the cutest!

Mommy's bracelets. This is almost an every morning thing now.

Popsicles! This was when she was very sick. This was the ONLY thing to make her smile.

Coloring...she loves it. I just got her a magnad**dle at a consignment sale that is a huge hit!

We love the park!

2011-06-16T15:42:00.000-05:00

Kelsey would just play and run all day if we let her. But there does come a time where we have to go home.

Playing peek-a-boo

She looks so big!

Playing at the Park

2011-05-22T20:20:00.000-05:00

John's parents came a couple of weeks ago after they had a trip to Iowa. We were happy to have them here and took advantage of the great weather that weekend. We went to the park on Saturday afternoon for a picnic and some play time. Kelsey even learned how to smell the flowers while we were there.

Just b/c I like the picture

This girl loves to slide and has NO fear!

Lately

2011-05-22T20:09:00.000-05:00

Kelsey continues to learn SO much....there are lots of new words and she is putting lots of things together now. It amazes me how she learns so much! Here some pic of new activities.

Talking on the phone. She loves it!

Using her vacuum like Mommy

WE LOVE STICKERS!!

Mother's Day

2011-05-19T20:41:00.000-05:00

I know that I am a little behind in posting these...but they are too good not to share.

These were before church on Mother's Day.

John, his mom (Grandma Laney) & K

Gma Laney and Gramps

Gma Laney, me and K Pie

Easter 2011

2011-04-26T19:44:00.000-05:00

Not only was this weekend Easter and my parents were up here to spend it with us, but I feel like Kelsey grew by 2 years!! She learned so much over the past few days. Her vocabulary is booming (mine, bite, hop, done, oh no, sshh, choo choo, up(ie)). She is climbing on everything! She is also starting to put stuff together. A good friend of mine watched her on Monday and brought her 4 month old. Kelsey would say Sshh and baby when the baby was asleep. She also now knows one of her night time books and says night night as we turn the pages. WOW! She is getting so smart.

So my parents were her for the weekend. They got her just in time for the storms/tornado on Friday night. Luckily the tornado was north of us and we didn't get any damage, but lots of people did including the airport. Craziness! I am fine with storms but throw the word tornado in there and I am not so ok anymore. I guess it is those 4 years living in Jackson, TN during college and experiencing all the tornadoes that we did that is to blame for that one.

Friday night John and I went to our Good Friday service at church while Mom and Dad watched Kelsey. She was excited to see them and of course they were her as well. We came home and just hung out with my parents for a little bit.

Saturday we went to ToysRu$ to get Kelsey's Easter present from my parents (Mimi & Grandaddy). You will see photos below. OH!!! That was only after the laundry fiasco!!! I will have to save that one for another post. So after the toy store, the guys came home and mom and I went a couple more places to shop. Mom bought me a bathing suit for our beach trip in a few weeks!!! That evening we went to dinner here in Kirkwood. We tried a new place and it was yummy! Then Karl & Kat came over. There were here to visit Kat's family. It was good to catch up with the for a little bit (and without the kiddos - K was already in bed and Nate stayed at Kat's parents).

Sunday we got up and K got her Easter basket (pics below). We all got ready and headed to church a little early for a pancake breakfast. The breakfast was to help raise money for a mission trip to Kenya that some of our church family is going on. After church Mom and Dad headed back to TN so that Dad could make the Predator$ game that evening.

We had a great weekend and were very blessed to be able to spend the weekend celebrating with family. Easter is always such a special time b/c of the reminder of the sacrifice that Jesus made for us in dying on the cross. BUT the best part is that is did not JUST DIE, BUT ROSE AGAIN!! He is alive and lives with us today. Praise God for the promise of Christ and one day living with him in Heaven.

Here are some photos...

Kelsey diving into her Easter basket

In her wagon from Mimi & Grandaddy

Photo Shoot #1278

2011-04-17T21:38:00.000-05:00

If you know me at all you know that I love to take photos. Now that we have a kiddo, I like to take them even more b/c she is so dang cute and deserves to be photographed all the time. So....one day after church we took K outside for some photo time. Her dress was too cute not too. Why Mom?

I enjoy my thumb

Look at this!

Say cheese!

Sharing some photos

2011-04-17T21:31:00.000-05:00

First, Kelsey is a TORNADO! She is able to make this mess in less than 30 seconds. I suppose that it could partially be blamed on us as well since we allow her to have this much stuff. Note: this is only 1/4 of our living room. The rest was just as messy.

This was few weeks ago. We had gone to Chick-fil-@ for dinner. John was going to be watching basketball that night. So, I dropped him and K at the house and went to the RedB*x at the W@llgreens to get a movie. I was home in less than 5 min and Kelsey had fallen asleep in John's lap. SHE NEVER DOES THIS!!! So he took advantage of it and held her for a while and then passed her to me. We both LOVED it. :-)

More time at the Park

2011-03-24T19:51:00.000-05:00

So the weather was awesome again this past weekend. We spent the majority of the weekend with some friends from college and their 3 kiddos. They came to St. Louis for a long weekend for their spring break trip. It was great to see them, more on that later.

Anyway...we went to the park. K loves being outside and I know that as the weather continues to get better we will be out a lot more. As I am typing this it is in the high 30s though. I am ready for the Spring to STAY!!

Playing outside

2011-03-16T19:50:00.000-05:00

The weather this past Saturday was great. So, Kelsey and I decided to play in the front yard for a little while we were waiting on John to get home. It was great. We sat out there and ate a snack, played with the soccer ball, caught some rays and of course I took some photos. After this we went to the park with Daddy, so he got some play time too.

It is hard to believe that Monday we had FOUR inches of snow!!!

SUYL - Birthday Parties - Minnie & Cupcakes

2011-03-12T19:17:00.004-06:00

The "Show Us Your Life" topic for this week is Birthday Parties. Kelsey may have only had 1 birhtday, but she had 2 parties. This little girl is blessed! We had one in St. Louis where we live and the another in Tennessee where I am from.

The first was Minnie Mouse themed. I made alot of the decorations and my mom made the cake. We had such a wonderful time.

The second was just cupcakes and bright colors. I was able to use some of the decorations that I had made for the other and change the a little.

Not much going on...

2011-03-12T19:16:00.000-06:00

I was trying to post this a few days ago and tried 3 times, the finally gave up. Our interwebs was not working.

So now you get a shortened version.

Not too much has been going on around our house, which has been nice. We have had the past couple of weekends to ourselves. So we have done some errands, gone to church, played with K-Pie of course and little bit of this and that. K had a fever one day earlier this week, so we had to take her to the doctor, but it ended up being nothing.

With that being said...here are some pics of her from over the past few weeks.

We painted a picture for Daddy's birthday so that he could take it to his office to hang.

Grandaddy somehow got the smart idea to give Kelsey smarties...and yes she loves them.

This is her new trick (or one of them anyway). She climbs in her storage things from her self and then rocks. I don't understand where the rocking comes from, but she things it is fun.

Home-made lasagna turned into a mess, but she LOVED it!!!

SUYL - Your family

2011-03-05T14:36:00.000-06:00

This week over on Kelly's Korner the Show Us Your Life is all about family. Of course you all hear enough about John, Kelsey and I, but this time it is about those you grew up in the same house with. So....

There is my Daddy, Kelly. It is my Daddy and always will be. The more that I grow up the more I realize how wonderful my dad is. One of the best memories with my dad is on my wedding day. I remember the moments just before walking down the aisle, giving my dad a kiss and telling him that I love him. And dancing with him at the reception...Dad doesn't dance too much, so to me it was a big deal. He even picked out the song for us to dance to. :-) Dad and I share our impatience and stubbornness. I love him so much and will truly always be his little girl.

Then, my mom and my best friend. There is so much that I wouldn't be able to do without her. She is one of the nicest, most caring and loving people you will ever meet. She would do anything for anyone and always be happy about it. Her love for her friend and family is always apparent. I love that we both call each other when we need someone to talk to. I also love that I got my "craftiness" from her. I just wish I had more time to do it. Mom, you will always mean so much to me!

Last, my brother, Matthew (or Matt or PeeWee). That is right...when he was a freshman in high school I was a senior and he played varsity baseball. One of his first at bats I yelled "Let's Go PeeWee" and it stuck. He was a little guy compared to those upper-classmen. Not the case so much anymore! Anyway, Matthew is an athlete that is for sure...baseball (his first love), golf and hockey. He also shared Dad and my impatience, but even more so! He just got married this past year to Jenn, a wonderful sis-in-law. Matthew and I have always been pretty close and continue to be. I wouldn't trade sharing our 1 year in high school together for anything. It was great to have him around with my friends and spend time with him. Love you Bubba!

So that is them, and they are the best family a girl could ask for. They mean the world to me. I wish that we could be together more (they are all in the Nashville area), but we still manage to see each other often.

Happy 30th Birthday John!

2011-03-02T20:02:00.000-06:00

I am a horrible wife for posting this little fact a week late! John celebrated his 30th birthday last Thursday, but our family was attacked with a stomach bug. Well John and I were anyway. We are very glad that Kelsey didn't get it too. Anyway, John is no longer in his 20s and seems as though it didn't phase him. I don't know how I will feel in a year and half when I am in the same boat.

We did manage to have Chick-fil-a on his actual bday and I bought some mini-cupcakes too. This weekend we had a party...not much, but just something to celebrate. Both of our parents came up and our closest friends came too. We had a great time and were able to catch up with some friends we haven't seen in a while.

Happy Birthday John! I love you and can't thank you enough for all that you do!

Kelsey help him blow out his candles

Our family :-)

Daddy/Daughter Day

2011-02-28T19:52:00.001-06:00

Last weekend we had an extra day off (thanks President's Day!). Anyway, John took Kelsey to the Magic House so that I could do some house cleaning. Believe me it was much needed. He also took her to McDonald's for lunch. Needless to say, when they came home they were both so giddy. Kelsey was running around laughing and playing and John couldn't stop smiling and telling me all kinds of stories about there few hour adventure. This may just have to be a recurrence.

The Zoo

2011-02-24T20:54:00.000-06:00

This past weekend the weather was somewhat nice so we decided (along with the rest of St. Louis) to venture to the zoo. It was overcast and a little breezy, but still nice to be outside. Laura, her husband, Phil and there little guy Henry met us there. I work with Laura at Scottr@de and we have become pretty close. She actually was the temp that filled in for me while I was on maternity leave. No she on is leave after having her little boy.

Anyway...here are some photos...

The ladies

Kelsey enjoyed looking at all the animals

Henry...during the 5 min he was awake

This is how Kelsey rolls...I promise she had shoes, but she would NOT keep them on.

Spring Fever

2011-02-21T20:36:00.000-06:00

I know that everyone is ready for the Spring Temps to be here for good, but I have an even better excuse to want them to stick around...

Thursday, I had to take the day off work b/c our sitter had an appointment to get her taxes done. Man did we luck out b/c the weather was FABulous!!! It was sunny and in the 60s. Kelsey and I met a good friend, Laura and her baby boy, Henry for lunch at Chick-fil-a and then we were off to the part. Henry is only 2 months old so he just slept through our park playing, but man Kelsey was LOVIN' it! It was so much fun to see her just run around and explore. She had a blast! So you see, I am ready to be able to take her to the park more just to see her so happy.

She loved the tunnel

Didn't quite know what to do with this, but she made it up as she went.

I love this picture.
She is peeking through the hole in the tunnel.

Valentine's Day

2011-02-19T21:16:00.000-06:00

Well we hope that everyone had a very Happy Valentine's Day. We, well, not so much. Luckily John and I celebrated while we were in Hendersonville the couple of days before b/c Kelsey ended up with a double ear infection.

She was not herself when she woke up in the morning, but I took her to the sitters anyway. She was just acting really tired and didn't want to wake up. Well the sitter called around 1:30 and said that I needed to come get her b/c something was wrong. After I picked her up she was acting horrible, like a completely different child. I took her to the doc and the out come was a double ear infection. We went home and she took a loooong nap got up for 45 min. and then went back down for the night. Tuesday she was so much better and close to normal. I felt so bad for her, b/c she was in so much pain on Monday. It is hard when the can't communicate. My prayer is that we both find penitence with it other during this time of no words (though she is learning more and more everyday).

Here we are with our roses that Daddy brought home for us.
We are so lucky to have him in our lives.

Trip to Hendersonville

2011-02-19T21:01:00.000-06:00

We went to Hendersonville to see my family last weekend. We had a busy time, but were able to see almost all of the family. John and I took Friday off so that we would have an extra day there.

Friday we shopped around town and then my parents watched Kelsey while we went to dinner with my brother and sis-in-law for an early Valentine's Day celebration.

Saturday we did some more shopping and then went to my aunt and uncle's house for a February birthday celebration. Well really...everyone just wanted to see Kelsey, but cake and ice cream are always welcome.

We really did celebrate bdays...John will be 30, Megan will be 21, Sydney is 7 and Chad (who couldn't be there) will be 20 (I think).

Kelsey even got her own ice cream. She ate a whole cup of it.

Here she is in her Valentine's outfit that my parents (Mimi & Grandaddy) gave her

Sunday my brother, Matthew and sister-in-law, Jennifer came to Mom and Dad's for breakfast.

Kelsey loved it when Matt put her on his shoulders. She would hit him on the head and laugh. The things that amuse a child. :-)
After that we went to Granny & Papa's for lunch and then headed home.

It was a great weekend!

Show Us Your Life...Alma Mater

2011-02-18T19:57:00.005-06:00

Lately I have been following a new blog, Kelly's Korner . She does a "Show Us Your Life" segment every Friday. I thought that I would start participating and hopefully this will help me to blog a little bit more too. :-)

So this week it is about your Alma Mater. Mine is Union University in Jackson, TN. It is a small baptist college and I loved that I went there. I graduated with at BSBA in 2004. I met my husband there and so many wonderful friends that I still talk to often. I was a member of Zeta Tau Alpha too.

Snow

2011-02-14T19:09:00.000-06:00

We have had more than our fair share of snow this year (as has the majority of the country). We are all ready for spring!

We took Kelsey out (very quickly) on evening after work just to see what she would do. Well...she didn't know what to think. It was pretty funny to just watch her sit there and look back and forth like what is this stuff. HA!

This is the best pic!

Not happy that we are making her walk.

Little Rock in January

2011-02-14T19:04:00.000-06:00

We went to Little Rock in January to celebrate Christmas. We were able to open our gifts, see some friends, and visit with lots of family.

Kelsey opening gifts.

Some of the Robus clan - most of these had never met Kelsey.

She is lovin' some Elmo lately.

More of the Robus' came later. I just love this picture of K and her great-Grandma Robus.

Christmas Eve

2011-01-30T20:03:00.001-06:00

We spent Christmas Eve with the McDaniel side of my family. We went to church and then over to my aunt and uncles house for dinner and presents. It was great to have everyone together. Kelsey was so much fun!

Our cute little girl

Getting into everyone's gifts

Playing with her new vacuum

4 generations! Too bad K isn't paying any attention.

2011-01-30T20:00:00.000-06:00

The whole McDaniel clan

the first Christmas with Jennifer....can't believe that there are 7 of us in the pic now.
I love them all!

Just the 3 of us

Kelsey in her Christmas PJs. Mom said that I had a pair just like them when I was about her age!

Christmas Morning

2011-01-30T19:57:00.000-06:00

Santa found Kelsey while in Tennessee! This girl is spoiled rotten.

All the loot from Santa

Walking down the hall to see what Santa brought

Mimi and Grandaddy got her this chair. It is Minnie Mouse. HOW CUTE!!

Opening presents from Mimi and Grandaddy

Christmas with the Reynolds 2011

2011-01-30T19:54:00.000-06:00

We all headed to Granny's after Kelsey finished with all of her presents at my parents house. We were there all day as that is how it usually goes. Breakfast and lunch and then snaking and then leftover lunch for dinner (that is if you even want dinner after all the other yummy food).

Christmas at Granny and Papa's

Kelsey opening her gifts

Granny and Papa got her a car! SHE LOVED IT!!

Happy girl!

14 Months

2011-01-25T20:31:00.007-06:00

Things you are doing now:

1. You are still a great sleeper. During the week I have to wake you up at 6:30 to get ready and you take two naps while at Miss Claudia's. On the weekend you are smart and sleep in for Momma and Daddy! Usually until 8 or 8:30! Then you will only take one nap. We lay you in your crib and tuck you in and then don't hear another peep from you. We are still amazed that you are that easy to put to bed. BUT VERY GREATFUL!

2. You are wearing a size 3 diaper and mostly still in 6-9 month clothes. However those pants are getting to short and I have started putting you in more 12 mo.

3. You probably weigh just over 18 pounds, but we aren't positive.

4. You say bye bye before even being prompted to now. Other words you know are, baby and finally you are using Mama and Dada more. In fact, today you came home with Mom and were looking around saying Dada and trying to find him. He wasn't home yet though.

5. You can recognize many phrases and words. We ask if you want some thing to eat and you point to the kitchen and head for your highchair. We say night night and you walk towards your room. We can ask you to bring us baby, Elmo or a book and you do. It is so much fun seeing you learn and realize new things every day.

6. You play peek-a-boo, give high fives and give kisses when asked now. Kisses are our favorite!!

7. You are still a fan of bath time and have began to get brave. You will lay down on your stomach and try to stand up (you get in trouble for that one though).

8. You are getting better about trying new foods and this makes mommy happy. We recently discovered your love for bananas (even though with you that could change tomorrow). Some of your favs are pasta and cheese quesadilla.

9. You are running around the house now and love books!! You almost always have a book with you.

Little Rock Trip

2011-01-25T20:31:00.000-06:00

Yes this trip was in November, but I still wanted to show some photos on here.

We were there for Thanksgiving and were able to see lots of the Robus family. Both John's grandmothers were there for Thanksgiving and the Uncle Greg and Aunt Debbie came to visit too.

Kelsey had fun playing with both Aunt Debbie and Uncle Greg

Grandma Robus

Laughing with PapaMommy

Daddy's Little Razorback

more from Little Rock

2011-01-25T20:23:00.004-06:00

John's highchair from when he was a baby. His parents re-finished it so that Kelsey could use it while we were there.

With PapaMommy - Kelsey's great-grandmother

Gramps & Grandma Laney

Thanksgiving in Little Rock

2011-01-25T20:16:00.001-06:00

I am trying my best to get caught up here.

These are just a few photos from Thanksgiving Day in Little Rock. We are so very blessed to have such wonderful family and to be able to spend time with them. It was very sweet this year as Kelsey had just turned one.

Everyone is thankful for me

Gramps and Kelsey have their own game/trick.

So happy...she had just ate some pumpkin pie.

Mimi & Grandaddy's

2011-01-07T15:53:00.000-06:00

While we were in Hendersonville for Kelsey's bday party, we had to have a photos shoot before we left. Plus a pink Titans jersey...who wouldn't want to take pictures!!!

She is famous!

With Mimi & Grandaddy

Happy 1st Birthday #2

2011-01-07T15:51:00.000-06:00

We had a second birthday party for Kelsey in Tennessee. It was hard for all of my family to be able to come to St. Louis and my aunt and uncle offered their house for that party...so here we go! This was a little bit more crazy just because there were a lot more people there. However, it was wonderful to get to share the special occasion with every one and see family and friends. We are very blessed!

Here are the decoration that I did. I used the same ones for the Minnie party (just substituted Minnies for the cupcakes).

The year in photos (this was hard to pick which photos to use).

Tissue paper pompoms and more pics

Happy 1st Birthday Kelsey

Cake and cupcakes made by my mom!

2011-01-07T15:47:00.000-06:00

Getting ready for presents

St. Louis Cardinals bat from Mommy and Daddy

Singing Happy Birthday

2011-01-07T15:45:00.000-06:00

Such a happy girl!

eating the cake

she made a mess

Great friends the Hollies!

Kelsey's First 1st Birthday Party

2011-01-07T15:43:00.000-06:00

We had a party in St. Louis for Kelsey. It was Minnie Mouse as you can tell. It was great. We had our close friends and then our parents and my brother and sis-in-law. We all enjoyed the party and Kelsey did great. We got pizza and opened presents. She didn't really know what to thing. But when it came time for cake so got excited. You can see from the photos below she was not shy! See did have just a little bit of help from Uncle Matthew shoving it into her face.

Before the party began

My mom made the cake. Minnie was for Kelsey and all the ears were individual cakes for the guests. VERY CUTE!

Yummy cake!!!

After she was done with the cake.

13 Months

2011-01-02T21:37:00.000-06:00

Yes I know that I didn't do 11 or 12 months, but yet I am skipping right ahead to 13. Oh well....

The things she is learning to do, say and understand continue to amaze us daily. We couldn't imagine what our lives would be like with out Kelsey. She is so much fun and we love her so very much!

I tried to get the usual photos but she DID NOT want to cooperate. So this is what we have for 13 months....shows just how busy she is.

At 13 months you:
- have 8 teeth (6 on top and 2 on bottom).
-are learning to do everything that we do. You eat what we eat no matter when or what. You are still not very good at eating fruits and veggies though. We are working on that one.
- there is no more bottles for you...in fact that was probably a week or so before your 1st bday. You don't even get anything right before bed time. Both were easy transitions for you. Mommy and Daddy were very proud.
- You are walking like a champ and are starting to try and run. You began walking just a week or two before your birthday.
- are still a LITTLE girl. You are wearing size 3 diapers and still in 6-9 month clothes. I have put you in a few 12 month things but not many.
- continue to be a happy little girl and a great sleeper. You always know to sleep in on the weekends! Sometimes even until 9 a.m.!!!
- you love books. You usually carry one around with you actually.
- Bath time is still a favorite too. In fact you are starting to get brave and lay down on your tummy in the bath and kick.
- you can say dog, ball, bye bye and hi. You understand alot more like....book, night night, milk, cup, snack
- love to laugh!!! and we love making you laugh. I never knew that the laughter of your child could make you feel so wonderful. It is easiest on of my favorite sounds ever!
- I know that I am forgetting things, but it is getting hard to keep up with them all now. You are growing too quickly, and your Daddy and I are trying to just take it all in as we can. We love you very much!!

Kelsey & Santa 2010

2010-12-21T07:05:00.003-06:00

Um....I don't think it went great, but we still managed to get a photo. Just Mommy had to be in it too. Everyone keeps saying they don't blame her b/c this Santa looks strange. Either way he was pretty nice when K decided to cry. :-) Oh well....every family has one of these...

One year ago.....

2010-11-17T21:49:00.001-06:00

Kelsey is officially 1!!! Well she will be in just an hour anyway.

Neither John nor I can believe that a year has gone by. What would we have done for the last 365 days without this little girl? She has been such a blessing to our lives and we wouldn't trade one second for ANYTHING!!!

So....here are some photos from the day Kelsey entered our life! WOW!

Our first family photo!

John's first diaper! HEHE

She has changed so much and is already such a beautiful little girl.

We can't wait to see what God has planned for her future!

So precious!

Not 1 BUT 3

2010-11-03T20:58:00.000-05:00

That is right we managed to make it to THREE pumpkin patches this year (well two, but one twice). Once was with family that was visiting, one was with some friends while the kiddos were dressed up and the last was a customer appreciation even through my office. Anyway...made for lots of good pictures!

At Eckert's

Dressed up for Halloween

Just for fun

Happy Halloween

2010-10-31T08:57:00.001-05:00

from our little ladybug!

Kelsey's First Parade

2010-10-24T20:48:00.000-05:00

Every year there is a festival in Kirkwood (the Greentree Festival). They always have a parade that goes right by our house. John's parents were here and we decided to take K out to see it all.

Waiting for the parade to start.
Note: She is in a Razorback shirt here.

She was very into the whole thing

After the parade we went to the festival. K was in a cutest baby contest so we had to stop by the booth to vote. :-)
Note: Now she is in a TN shirt. Arkansas played in the morning and the TN in the afternoon....so we changed her clothes to go with the games. Poor girl!

Balloon Glow

2010-10-24T20:43:00.000-05:00

John's parents come up for a weekend a while back. It just happened to be the weekend of the hot air balloon race here. The night before the race they have a balloon glow at night. I is pretty neat. We had never been. So, we took the chance to go with his parents. Here are some of the photos (there were tons of balloons and people!!).

Kelsey wanted to turn around and see the balloons. She loved all the colors!

K w/ Gramps and Grandma Laney

They would blow a horn and then they would all "glow" at once.

Granny's

2010-10-19T20:17:00.000-05:00

These are some more pics from my last trip to TN with Kelsey. Though it was several weeks ago...there are some good pictures that I had to share.

Eli was making Kelsey laugh. She loves him!

Crawling to see Eli!

The FOUR great-grandbabies on my Dad's side.
I can't wait until Christmas we all of them will be together.

Uncle Matt and Aunt Jenn and K in Uncle Matt's hat. :-)

Slumber Party!!!

2010-10-19T20:13:00.000-05:00

You read that right! We had a slumber party. These ladies are some of the most amazing and wonderful women I have ever known. We all went to high school together and are still great friends. We are always able to pick up right where we left off. Though 5 of the 6 are married and 3 of those are now mommies, we are all in different places in our lives. Despite those different places, God always has something to teach us when we are together! What a blessing it is to have these ladies in my life. I can't wait until the next slumber party!!

Momma's UT Cheerleader!

2010-10-19T20:07:00.000-05:00

John is going to kill me for posting these, but that is what happens since I am the blogger! Hehe!

My mom found this outfit at a consignment sale not long ago. It is adorable and one of K's favorites (just b/c I said so). Anyway, we had a mini-photo shoot while I was in TN (without John). I couldn't decide on just one to post so there are a few.

10 months

2010-10-07T20:54:00.000-05:00

That is right...Kelsey is now in the double digits. :) I know I say this every month, but I can't believe it. Preparations for her 1st birthday parties (yes I said partieS) are well under way. How blessed we are to have her in our lives!!!

This was as good as it got this day (she had been sick)

Mad b/c I took the paper away.

Now she is mad b/c she was done with photo taking.

What you are doing now:
1. You are eating solids more and more every day. So far you have had strawberries, bananas, blue berries, potatoes, carrots and I am sure there are others.
2. You are still wearing 6-9 month clothes, but I am sure I will start to put some 12 mo. on you soon.
3. You are very good at walking around the coffee table and pulling up. You even use Momma's pants to pull up now. :-)
4. You LOVE your books (which makes Mommy happy). You especially like the touch and feel ones.
5. You are still a great eater and sleeper, love bath time and watching cartoons on tv (Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and Handy Manny are the current favorites).
6. You have 4 teeth and got them pretty quickly after your 9 month bday.
7. You are just now beginning to wear size 3 diapers.
8. You weigh just over 17.5 lbs. (Still our petite little girl...thought we don't know where you got it from).
9. You want to walk and are getting braver every day with standing up and letting go.
10. You can say 'HI'. I guess we should consider that your first word b/c you say it whenever we are on the phone or the phone rings. No Momma or Dada but HI. Really?? I guess you are too advance for the simple ones.
11. You have spent your first night away from both Mommy and Daddy, attended your first Cardinals (or MLB) ballgame, and saw your first parade (which you loved)!!
12. You make Mommy and Daddy more proud of you every day. You are growing and learning new things every day. We wouldn't trade one second with you for anything!

Swimming

2010-09-29T15:15:00.000-05:00

Swimming at Kelly and Beth's.
My aunt and uncle got a pool over the summer. So, while we were home this last time, we took the opportunity to go swimming. Just about all of the family was able to join us to. We had a blast and Kelsey loved it of course.

Playing in her float with Grandaddy

Sydney

Playing with Lily...this made us decide that we much have these blower things at K's 1st bday!

Hanging out with Mandy

Madi's 1st Bday

2010-09-29T15:00:00.000-05:00

Kelsey and I took our first plane ride without Daddy a few weeks ago. We went to Nashville to celebrate Madi's first birthday! I can't believe it!! (Next is Kelsey and I don't know how I feel about that one just yet).

With the Birthday Girl

Trying to take some pictures for her momma, but she did not want to sit still.

Kelsey just chilled with Granny most of the evening....she was a sleepy little girl.

Taylor (my cousin), Madison and Chris

A day at the park

2010-09-29T14:52:00.000-05:00

Well it was really just about an hour in the morning...but you know. Kelsey loves being outside and loves to swing (as is shown in the pictures below). We took advantage of a nice morning with not much else to do (basically we wanted to pass some time as we waited for college football to come on). Here we are at the park right near our house.

Taking a picture with Daddy before sliding down.

Mommy and me in our UT orange. :-)

This face makes me smile!

So happy to be in the swing!

K's 1st Cardinals Game...

2010-09-22T20:54:00.000-05:00

....and believe it or not it was a winner!! Seems like they aren't doing so well lately. In fact John and I gave up on them long before this game. Oh well...there is always next year. Plus it is time for FOOTBALL!!

Getting ready for the game and wearing Daddy's hat!

In our seats waiting for the 1st pitch.

I can't believe how well she did at the game. I was prepared for her to be really fidgety and want to get down and crawl around, but she really didn't. She sat/stood on my lap and just watched everyone around. There was a man sitting behind us with no teeth that she found pretty amusing. He would smile and she would just laugh at him. He thought she was so cute so I guess it was ok. We had a great time and will be taking her to more games next season!

Grant's Farm w/ Mimi & Grandaddy

2010-09-22T20:50:00.000-05:00

It is hard to believe that this was almost a month ago, but hey you should be glad that you are getting something more than Kelsey's monthly growth post. :)

My parents came to visit the end of August. We were so happy to have them here for a couple of days. We did not waste anytime and got to do quite a bit. On Sunday while they were here we decided to take Kelsey to Grant's Farm for the first time. I think we all enjoyed being outside and seeing all the animals. She also had her first carousel ride (picture below).

Thanks Mimi and Grandaddy for coming to see us. We love you guys!!

Her 1st ride

Watching the animal show

4 Teeth!!!

2010-09-06T21:47:00.000-05:00

It is a lot harder to get pictures of new teeth than one would think. We see them all the time when she smiles, but she doesn't want to smile for the camera anymore. So finally we go some shots. Kelsey now has FOUR teeth and has continued to be a great baby while teething.

There are now two on the bottom.

9 months

2010-09-02T20:42:00.001-05:00

I feel like Kelsey's monthly posts are just about the only ones I do now (wait they are!). She is growing so fast (well age wise anyway...she is still our petite little girl). You are doing something new every day baby girl. Mommy and Daddy are already so very proud of you and everyday just makes us more excited to see what you are going to accomplish in your life. God has great plans for you!!

So excited b/c you got the paper! I love your expressions!!

Standing in your crib...you don't like to sit still anymore. :-)

I told you I was going to get it, Mom.

What you have been up to this month:
- You are still a very happy baby girl and are so good! We are very blessed.
- You are a great sleeper...even though sometimes (esp on the weekends) you don't like to take your morning nap. You like being in all the action with people are around.
- You are wearing size 2-3 diapers.
- You weigh 16lbs 15oz (16% - little girl) and are 27.5 inches (45%) long.
- You are eating all kinds of baby food and really like your puffs. We have given you a few table items, but not much yet.
- You have TWO teeth and just got those right before your 9 mo. bday.
- We have had your first trip to the ER. It was very scary for Mommy and Dada but we managed and you are doing great. You would never even know you were hurt if we didn't have to clean your burns.
- You can clap your hands all by your self (when we say yay! you clap) and know how to shake your booty (we say shake shake and you do it!). SO CUTE!!!
- You are a really good crawler and go all over the house. You notice new things everyday. You like to explore, but don't really get into too much that you shouldn't...just yet.
- You say mama and dada all the time, but you don't know what they really mean.
- You still LOVE bath time and the pool and being outside.
- Sometimes we think that you are having a conversation with yourself, toy or whatever you see. We are always commenting on how we wish we knew what you were saying/thinking.
- You can still wear some of your 3-6 month clothes but are mostly in 6-9 months. I can't believe that you are so little! :-)

HAPPY 9 MONTHS BABY GIRL!!
We love you VERY much!!

A look back...

2010-08-13T22:25:00.000-05:00

I was curious to see just how much she had changed from month to month. Well...here is the proof. I can't believe it! I really can't believe that she is already growing into such a beautiful, wonderful and great little girl.

8 months

2010-08-12T20:23:00.000-05:00

This update is over 2 weeks late! I don't even remember what happened before the 8 month mark and between then and now. Kelsey is changing daily and it is so much fun. She is into everything, but it is great being able to see her discover new things. We love her a little bit more every day. Now I just look at her and think about how much she has grown in just these 8 months!

This is as good as it gets now.

Better. I love her little smirk.

Our favorite girl!

One more

At 8 months you:
- are taking 2 naps...about 1 hour in the morning and 2 hours in the afternoon.
- are just as happy and laid back as you have always been.
- weigh probably right around 16 lbs.
- sleep around 11 hours at night....such a good sleeper.
- have begun to eat the level 2 foods and still like just about everything (but bananas)
- are so close to crawling (and actually did just a couple days after you turned 8 months). You get up on your knees and rock.
- get so excited when mommy comes to pick you up at daycare. It is one of my favorite things!
- are beginning to laugh at mommy some instead of just daddy.
- love bath time and the pool...and water in general.
- have started drinking out of your sippy cup. You still don't get it completely but you are able to get some juice/water.
- are eating some finger foods/snacks. You really like yogurt melts.
- hate having your face cleaned or nose wiped.
We love you so much little girl and are so excited to see what God has in store for your life!

Matthew & Jennifer's Rehearsal

2010-07-26T20:20:00.000-05:00

July 2nd was the "practice" for the wedding. We had such a fun time and it went pretty quickly. :-) There are tons of good photos from the night so I am going to share them all. Just kidding that would take a while. Here are several of the favorites though!

Beautiful Girls!

Matt & Jenn before we started

So happy!

With Lilly!

2010-07-26T20:17:00.000-05:00

Jenn's Dad walking her down the aisle

Groom's Grandparents

Flower girls

2010-07-26T20:16:00.000-05:00

Dinner time!

Waiting to get food

Kelsey loves her AUNT & Uncle

My dad (grandaddy) giving her tea.

2010-07-26T20:14:00.000-05:00

We had a little photo shoot (this is only a very small amount of the photos).

With my little brother

Megan, Kelsey & Molly

This girl is crazy but I love her!

Such a good picture

2010-07-26T20:13:00.000-05:00

I love this pic with Emma!!

Mandy

All the girls from the McDaniel side

Hailey, me & Allie

2010-07-26T20:11:00.000-05:00

Cousins from the Reynolds side - Matt, Chase & Dylan

Jennifer and Me
Soon to be Sister-in-laws

With Matt & Jenn

The Groom and Bride to be!!!

Bridal Luncheon

2010-07-21T20:39:00.000-05:00

Jennifer had her bridal luncheon at a little place called Serendipity. It was a cute tea room like place and we had a good time visiting before the wedding.

Jennifer & Kelsey

Everyone that was there.

All the bridesmaids w/ the bride!

Another Baby Shower...with a twist

2010-07-06T21:04:00.000-05:00

Some of our dear friends here in St. Louis shared with us that they were expecting shortly after Kelsey was born. You can imagine how very excited we were to both be having our first kiddos within a year of each other. Chad worked with John at his previous job and Julie and I became friends through the guys. Since we both are mommies now, we are even closer! :-)

Anyway, their little guy was born on June 7th (10 weeks early). Even though he came into the world sooner than expected, he is doing very well. Graham Edward has continued to gain weight and grow. In fact, I believe the nurses have been calling him the over-achiever.

So, I help Julie's family with a shower for her and Baby Graham a couple of weeks ago. We had a great time and Graham is set for when he is able to finally come home.

Keep the Hoffman's in your prayers as Julie has now returned to work and is anxiously awaiting the day she can take her little man home.

Pictures of Graham that were on the tables.

Julie and Kelsey.
John and I continue to talk about how blessed we are to have Julie and Chad as friends.
They love Kelsey so much and we can't wait to share the love with Graham.

Opening gifts. The preemie clothes are SO LITTLE!!

Us with Julie.

John's 1st Father's Day

2010-07-05T16:24:00.000-05:00

John didn't really want to do much, so we just hung out around the house and spent time as a family.
These are the only pics that I took and he didn't want me to do that. :-)

Opening Daddy's gift!

Reading the Card

We made a photo frame at Paint Me Pottery with Kelsey's hand and foot prints.

Shower for Baby Lucy

2010-07-05T16:15:00.000-05:00

A month ago now, we went to Memphis (well actually Olive Branch, MS). We went to catch up with friends from college and go to Baby Lucy's baby shower. Haylie was my college roommate and she is having their first little girl in July (anytime now!). We are so excited for them and I was happy to be able to share by going to her shower!

Girls from college!

Haylie getting some practice with Kelsey

Kelsey just hanging out....she was such a good girl all day!

We put her in one of Lucy's gifts...a bear suit for the winter!
Poor little girl.

7 Months Already

2010-06-29T22:07:00.001-05:00

I swear it was just last week I was posting on here about Kelsey being 6 months. Time is flying....and July will not be the time for slowing down! Lots will be going on...My brother is getting married, 4th of July, John's parents are coming to visit, our 6th anniversary, trip to TN for my roommates baby shower, trip to TN for my 10 year reunion.

Anyway...back to Kelsey being 7 months!! We love you, baby girl!!
Here are some pictures.

John wanted to do one with just the diaper on.
Yes I know that my daughter will kill me for this one day!

She loves paper and this is making it difficult to take the pic.

With the bear.

Pillow that Mimi made.
We need to lower the crib mattress one level before we find her standing in it one day.

Kelsey, at 7 moths you are:
- Sitting all by yourself. You started this right after you were 6 months.
- Eating 5 times a day. 6 0z bottle around 6:30 a.m., fruit and oatmeal @ 10:00 a.m., 8 oz bottle @ 2:00 p.m., veggie and cereal @ 6:00 p.m. and 6-7 oz bottle @ 7:30 p.m. (bedtime).
- You are sleeping from 7-7:30 p.m. until 6:30 a.m. when we usually have to wake you up to get ready to go for the morning.
- 2 naps - 8:30 - 10:00ish & 12:00 - 2:00
- You are still in your size 2 diapers
- You are still mostly wearing 3-6 month clothes, but there are a few 6-9 month things you are starting to get into.
-You have the smallest feet and are still wearing size 0 shoes.
- You are a very happy baby girl and rarely fuss
- You love to say dada, but still don't know what it really means. You said mama first, but now it is more dada.

- We have tried all your fruits now and are getting ready to go to the level II foods.

- We have began to try to give you a juice cup once or twice a day. You are catching on, but still not really sure about it.

- You have tried some baby snacks, but really just like playing with it more than anything.
- You love to play in your Baby Einstein Jumper. In fact, even when you aren't in it you are "jumping".
- You really like to be outside and love swimming (though we have only taken you a couple of times)
- I would guess you are 15 1/2 lbs, but I could be wrong...we need to weigh you.
- Playing with Mommy's earrings and necklaces is one of your favorite things.
- You continue to make Daddy and I smile, laugh, and love you more every day!!!
- You are a great traveler and seem to enjoy the car (good thing since both Gramps & Grandma and Mimi & Granddaddy are in different states).

Memorial Day Weekend

2010-06-10T20:53:00.000-05:00

We were able to stay in town for Memorial Day. It was nice to be home for a long weekend.
We spent alot of time outside b/c it was so nice! Here we are playing in the front of the condo.

She also started sitting up during the weekend. She can also say "mama" & "dada".

Playing with Daddy

She likes to be thrown in the air and laughs.

Pool Time

2010-06-10T20:49:00.000-05:00

We spent some time at the pool over Memorial Day weekend. Kelsey LOVES the water!!

She enjoyed the Lazy River. I put some water in the bottom of her float and she would get so excited and just splash everywhere.

Day 2 at the pool

In the water with Daddy

ghetto booty diaper (filled with water)

Swinging

2010-06-08T21:21:00.000-05:00

A couple of weekends ago (it seems like I am always saying that...I am not very good at blogging right after something happens), we decided to walk to dinner b/c it was nice out. We walked to downtown Kirkwood and ate at La Salsa outside. Then on the way home we stopped by a little park and let Kelsey swing. SHE LOVED IT. She would squeal and laugh when we would push her. She is getting to be so much fun and show her personality (I think her daddy may have a hard time since she is beginning to show signs of being just like mommy).

She is grabbing at EVERYTHING and even the camera.

Trip to Little Rock

2010-06-02T21:12:00.000-05:00

We flew to Little Rock a couple weeks ago. Kelsey did great on the flight both going and coming back. Going she wanted to move all around, but it was only 45 min and we managed. We were able to see some family and enjoyed our time there. Of course, as always, it went too fast.

Mommy & Kelsey

This is a little dark, but I love it. She was laughing at Daddy!

Wonder who is the center of attention here??

Our baby girl, playing with her new bunny.

2010-06-02T21:08:00.000-05:00

Having fun w/ Great Grandama Robus

Great Grandma

Great Aunt Debbie & Great Uncle Greg

2010-06-02T21:07:00.000-05:00

Gramps & Grandma Lanye

Our Family

Special Daddy and Gramps "talk"

Sunday Morning w/ Great Aunt Pat

2010-06-02T21:05:00.000-05:00

Great Grandma - PapaMommy

She loves our kisses.

Grandma Laney & Gramps

She ejoyed sitting on Daddy and somehow got her toes!

Kelsey is SIX months!!!

2010-05-31T20:28:00.001-05:00

When I look back over the last 6 months, I cannot believe how our lives have changed (for the better of course). Our little girl has already taught us so many things in her short life. We are blessed beyond what we deserve. I, nor John, can believe that 6 whole months have past. And in 6 more we will be hosting her first birthday!!!

It is getting harder to take the monthly pictures!

Beautiful baby girl

I think she know what to do for the camera now.

We love you, Kelsey Lynn!!

- 15 lbs 2 oz, 25.5 inches long

-You are still as happy as ever.
- You sleep like a champ (given those few nights you will wake up and just need a pat on the back to go back to sleep)
- You take 2 naps a day. An hour in the morning around 8:30 and then a couple of hours at noon. Every now and then you will take 30 min. or so around 4:30 p.m. You usually go down to sleep around 7:00 or 7:30 p.m.
- You eat a bottle at 6 oz 6:00 a.m. when you wake up, cereal and a 4 0z bottle at 10:00 a.m., 6-8 oz bottle at 2:00 p.m., veggies and cereal at 6:00 p.m. and a 6oz bottle at bed time.
- You are in size 2 diapers and still wear 3-6 mo. clothes.
- You smile at anyone that walks in the room.
- You ROLL AROUND LIKE CRAZY!!! You can go from one end of the room to the other very quick.
- You love your daddy!!! He makes you laugh all the time (mommy isn't so good at getting you to laugh).
- You love your toes!! You no long take a paci (and haven't for a couple of months), but you would think your big toe serves as one.
- You suck your thumb when you are tired and when you go to sleep.
- You are alot like mommy already...not only do you look like me, but Daddy says you are just like me. I don't know if that is good or bad for Daddy. He now had two stubborn girls to mess with. :-)
-

Meeting Baby Weston

2010-05-30T19:43:00.000-05:00

Before we left Hendersonville on our last visit, we HAD to meet baby Weston. He was almost 6 weeks and Kelsey was almost 6 months. It is amazing how different they our is such a small amount of time.

Weston is adorable of course and his momma (Andrea) is beautiful. It was great to see them!!!

Being a ham for the camera before we left for lunch.

this is the best we could do with the kids. Andrea and I have came along way since elementary school!!

I just liked this pic.

Getting ready to leave. They don't know it yet, but one day they will be married. :-)

Jennifer's Shower

2010-05-30T19:36:00.000-05:00

My baby brother is getting married and to a wonderful lady too! They were engaged back in December so now it is time for showers! My aunts and I gave Jenn a shower a few weeks ago. Here are the photos.

My cousin Emma.

Molly and Jenn

Gift time

More gifts

2010-05-30T19:33:00.000-05:00

Kelsey was a happy girl the whole time!!

The hostesses (minus Debbie)

The loot

Matt came at the end.

We are excited for you guys and can't wait for the wedding in July!!!

Molly's Graduation Party

2010-05-30T13:38:00.000-05:00

A few weeks ago we went to Hendersonville for several "events". One was Molly's (my cousin) graduation party. She just graduated from University of Tennessee with a degree in Business Management!! Go MO!! She also scored a great job that she is very excited about. We are very proud of her.

We all went swimming (well I didn't really b/c I left my suit in St. Louis). I did enough to make sure I was there for Kelsey's first swim. SHE LOVED IT!! She even would go under water and thought it was so fun!!

With Mommy before getting in.

Playing with Grandaddy (going under water)

Aunt Megan

Sydney..so pretty

2010-05-30T13:33:00.000-05:00

Posing with Monkey Boy

Congrats to Molly

You can see who what the center of this party

Love these girls!!

Mother's Day

2010-05-25T20:23:00.000-05:00

Was wonderful. We went to church...lunch at Chilis and chilled at home. We spent a little time outside in the afternoon since it was so nice. And of course I had to take some pictures.

I love this smile!!

with Mommy

Standing so good

She thought this was funny

MO Botanical Gardens

2010-05-25T20:20:00.000-05:00

Mother's Day weekend (yes a while back) I told John I wanted to do something as a family. My thoughts were either the Zoo or the Botanical Gardens. Well you see what we chose...

It was a chilly day, but the sun was shining and there was a lot in bloom. Kelsey was so good and enjoyed looking at the scenery.

John and K with the snap dragons.

Our Family

K Pie just chillin'

2010-05-25T20:17:00.000-05:00

Just some photos

2010-05-10T21:30:00.000-05:00

She LOVES her bath!! This is her trying to catch the water.
We can't wait to get her in a swimming pool. I think she will love it even more!!

She is getting so big (she is still small, but the legs are getting rounder).

Playing with Daddy on the couch. For some reason she belly laughs at him all the time .

Such a happy baby!!!

Veggies - Green Beans

2010-05-10T21:27:00.000-05:00

She has been eating veggies for a couple of weeks now (in fact we just tried squash for the first time last night). She likes them alot more than these photos show. So far I think sweet peas and squash are some favs.

5 Months

2010-05-01T20:16:00.002-05:00

That is right....our baby is now FIVE months old (well + a week now). I know that I say this every month but time is flying by. She is getting to be a lot of fun and get some "chunk" on her legs and in her cheeks. I love baby rolls!! She is still little for her age though. I don't know what percentile b/c we don't go back to the doc until 6 months.

Happy Baby Girl

Growing

LOVES her feet!!

- you still love to smile and laugh!!
- your feet are your favorite toy right now.
- you are eating green veggies and seem to really enjoy them
- still getting 4 bottles a day & cereal 2 twice
- 3-6 months clothing
- just now wearing size 2 diapers
- love going for walks outside and watching people
- still a good sleeper
- you get very excited when mommy comes to pick you up from daycare
- short nap in the morning (45 min) & 2 hour nap in afternoon
- your smile is the best thing that daddy and I have ever seen

Playtime outside

2010-05-01T20:04:00.001-05:00

One sunny day we decided to sit in the front yard for a few minutes. And of course came a mini-photo shoot with the great light outside!

Drool!

Gramps and Grandma Visit

2010-05-01T19:58:00.000-05:00

So...these are from a couple of weeks ago, but blogging just doesn't seem to happen too much anymore. :-)

John's parents came up to visit. We had a great weekend. We went to downtown St. Charles for the day Saturday. It was a great day and we got some great pictures!!

Kelsey trying to hold her bottle and she did for a few seconds.

Our little family

Gramps and Grandma

The Whaley's were in town for a wedding and came by the house for a quick visit too.
Kelsey was happy to see Uncle Mike and Aunt Rachel.

Addy is ONE!!!

2010-04-22T20:10:00.000-05:00

One of my good friends, Georgia, just celebrated her little girl's first birthday. Addy had a party and invited us to come. I took lots of pictures for Georgia so that she didn't have to worry about it.

Scott, Addy & Georgia - what a cute family!!

Rolling

2010-04-22T20:07:00.000-05:00

Kelsey has been rolling from her back to her tummy for a couple of weeks now. Every now and then she will roll from her tummy to her back...but she still hasn't got that one down. However going to her tummy seems to happen the second we lay her down. Now....crawling will be next! OH NO!! She can't wait a while for that one. please.

If you look close you can see that she is laughing at John here.

Step one - grab the feet

Step two - kick them out straight and turn

Step three - roll

Easter in TN

2010-04-10T22:06:00.000-05:00

We spent Easter with my family in Hedersonville. We got to see lots of family and friends. Here are the pics!

Our family on Kelsey's first Easter

Daffodils

Uncle Matthew

Guess the Easter Bunny went overboard. The grandparents chip in too.

2010-04-10T22:02:00.000-05:00

Bunny Ears from the Easter Bunny

With Cousin Emma

Yes...she had her name on her butt. :-)

Lilly and me!

2010-04-10T21:59:00.000-05:00

Great Uncle Mark

Aunt (Cousin) Molly

New Sunglasses

Aunt (Cousin) Megan

New Videos of Kelsey

2010-04-05T21:20:00.002-05:00

I have more pics too....but this is what has been going on the past several days. Our little girl is doing lots of new things.

Talkinghttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OnBlf6AEJ6Q&feature=player_embedded

Eating Cereal for the 1st Timehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cjUGdMtXZVs&feature=player_embedded

Rolling Overhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1mzDSs_Xpgc&feature=player_embedded

youtube is being crazy and not letting me embed the videos. so just click the links.

4 months

2010-03-28T21:24:00.000-05:00

People always told me that time flew by when you had kids and I thought how could that be. Well they were right. I can NOT believe that our baby girl is 4 months old (or was last week). She has been such a joy and we enjoy our lives with her.

It is VERY hard to get a picture without her hands in her mouth! :-)

this just made me laugh....i don't really know what to call it.

Kelsey at 4 months:
- You weigh almost 12 lbs (we will find out for sure at your doc appt this week).
- You are eating 4 bottles a day @ 8 oz each. Cereal may be in your near future.
- You continue to sleep through the night. Every now and then you will wake up and we will have to put you in your swing, but that only happens about once a week. You even "sleep in" on Saturday and Sunday for us. Such a smart little girl!!! :-)
- You are still wearing your 0-3 month clothes, but are beginning to get into some of the 3-6 month stuff....slowly.
- You LOVE your hands and always have them in your mouth. In fact you would rather have your fingers than your paci most times. You have also found your thumb, but it isn't something you do often yet.
- You are in size one diapers.
- You have a bald spot on the back of your head (that mommy hates), but it is from sleeping in your crib on your back. It is beginning to move around to the side of your head, b/c you like to sleep on one side of your head now too.
- You have gotten to an independent stage (already) and would rather us lay you in your crib to fall asleep than us rock you. This makes mommy and daddy sad as rocking you to sleep was one of their favorite things to do (we would even argue over who got to do it sometimes).
- You SMILE ALL THE TIME!!! You are still a very happy baby and love to smile and it is contagious!!
- You always want to be sitting up and looking around. It won't be long before you can do it yourself.
-You are getting really good at moving around when we lay you down. You will turn in a complete circle when you are laying on your back. And if one your tummy you can scoot just a little.
- You are really good at pulling your legs up under you when on your tummy. We can wait a little bit for you to crawl though. :-)
- You are SO CLOSE to turning over, but just can't seem to get your arm out of the way. When you are on your back you pull your legs up to your tummy and turn on your side....you are almost there!!
- You continue to bring so much happiness into our home and we love you so very much!!!