Things I've Learned....

After closely examining these photos, I have had some ah ha moments.


First, Kinsley's grandparents are madly in love with her---they will be out in 6 WEEKS for the baby's birth but had to dote on Kinsley one more time before she has competiton. Also, NEVER ask Kinsley to smile, for this awkward, slanted look of confusion is sure to follow.

First, Ben is a true servant for willingly toting the diaper bag. Second, he looks kinda silly and I will now bear the weight of the bag. Also, Kinsley doesn't like to be picked up for pictures.

My little baby looks huge! Is she really too big to carry in a baby bijorn?

Progressing Appropriately in Fine Motor Skills

We have enrolled Kinsley in an art class where she will be creating a masterpiece each week. This was from her first class on Monday...the theme was Chinese New Year and, as you can plainly see, this is a cherry blossom tree she made by blowing in a straw and using cotton balls.

As I was packing up some things as we were heading out of the house, Kinsley noticed a capri sun in the fridge that was leftover from a visit with her cousins. I didn't mind her grabbing it, thinking she can mess with it while I finished up. About a minute later, I hear "Ummmmm, juice mommy". Not only did she figure out the plastic covering on the straw but had perfectly placed it in the foil circle. She is a lover of juice, but usually watered down in a sippy cup---where she learned to place the straw is beyond me.

I had my own triumph with art this week after completing my first sewing project. Please do not click on the pic to blow it up, as you will likely see loose threads and angled lines.

But can you spell Nordstrom?

Today Kins and I were out and about running errands. While we were pulling away from Kohls, I heard her in the back yelling the letters, K……O……H…….L. After a second of marveling at her giftedness at being able to correctly spell the name of the last store we visited, I realized there are 5 letters in the alphabet she knows by sight (thank you ben for making bathtime educational) and Kohls happens to have 4 of those letters which she saw in giant font over the entrance.

Dear Kinsley,

By now you are probably wondering why we have not left the house in over 2 days. Let me explain. Our car has decided that it no longer wants to be part of our family. Basically, daddy and I have decided to refuse to pay the obscene bill the mechanic claims it will take for it to be drivable and safe. Thus, here we are, stuck at home without a car.

We are both a bit stir-crazy at this point but have managed to make the most of being stranded. Lots of playdough, painting, bubble baths, and popcorn while watching your favorite show, Diego, have helped but we still need some fresh air. Also, we encountered a new first this afternoon when you refused to get out of your crib after your nap. This has never happened but you are now going on about 25 minutes of play time in there denying any offer I give to lift you out. I have given you a couple extra books and I now hear you have turned on the ABC radio I handed you in my attempt to make your crib experience more enlightening. It’s kinda sad you would rather be in your crib prison than explore this house any more.

On the bright side, I did get to hear you count to 10 for the first time today—totally on your own and unprompted (minus the number 2 and not perfectly consecutive) but I am still so proud and smile at remembering that moment!

Ideally, we will go to a dealership tonight in hopes of a new car that can give us the promise of freedom tomorrow. However, you and I will be following daddy in his car as he drives the jeep to its final resting place. In the mechanics words, it could completely break down in 2 or 200 miles….but it WILL happen. We will pray hard as we follow in a safe 1 mile distance behind that the jeep can hold on until we reach Denver. Hopefully, Mr. Car Dealer won’t notice the desperation in our eyes and still give us a considerable cut on the ticket price.

Hang in there, pumpkin,
Mommy

Precious Moments

The past week I have been acutely aware of how much Kinsley is growing up. She is now this amazing person complete with a blossoming personality whom I adore spending my days. Ben and I are constantly laughing at her antics and shaking our heads in wonderment at all the things she says and does. After coming home from work tonight, and noticing Kinsley in her apron, hair bow, and newly painted nails, he accused me of turning her into a little girl. This is coming from the guy who, in all seriousness, wanted to freeze time when she was 5 months old because she was “just so perfect” and he didn’t want her to change.
While Ben has been more emotional about her growth, I have been excited about all the changes. Maybe since we are about to start the baby phase again in 3 months I am able to see each milestone as a blessing. I am thankful for each attempt at the ABC’s, the intense determination she uses to hop across the room, and each “conversation” she has with her cousins on her pretend phone.

THEN

NOW

Christmas 2007

This was an especially anticipated Christmas since my sisters and I would all be together!  Granted, Kinsley had a runny nose and my sisters and I often regressed into birth order roles but it was still such a great time. After a great week of family time, eating, and shopping we then headed to the mountains for more family, eating and shopping.

Pop Quiz!

Why is this girl soooo sad??



A. I denied her a lollipop
B. After giving her a solid 10 minutes of letting her put her shoes on independently, I insisted on helping
C. I tried to explain that she cannot go to the store naked and then I dressed her
D. She just found out that she will have a baby sister in April

Although each of these instances usually lead to an outburst of sadness, in this moment the answer is C. The child LOVES to be naked and swells with pride when the clothes come off.....getting them back on has become a daily challenge.