New Backpack

Kallie has been talking about getting a backpack for a few weeks now. I have no idea where she learned about them but of course I had to get her one. I was envisioning a small lady bug or princess backpack. Not the case, Kallie picked out a HUGE stuffed Hello Kitty backpack. Of course I tried to persuade her to choose something else but as you can see she clearly won that battle (you can’t win them all)!

Mommy Daughter Day

I decided to take the day off on Friday to spend the day with Kallie. As a full-time working mom the only time I stay home during the week with her is when she is sick and I definitely don’t consider that bonding. Sadly when she woke up on Friday she had a running nose and a cough. I decided we should still go to the zoo to perk her up and enjoy the sunny weather. All and all the zoo was a bit overwhelming for my girl. For some reason she was afraid of all the animals and just wanted to be held or sit in her stroller (that is how I knew she was really not feeling well). She did however love riding carousal and jumping on the rocks with the other kiddos

Luckily Grammy was with us and was able to cheer her up with a picnic lunch in their backyard. Kallie was so excited to sit on a blanket and eat her lunch. In fact, the moment she woke up from her nap she wanted to have a picnic snack. Although our mommy/daughter day did not turn out as expected with Kallie not feeling well it was nice to spend the day with my baby girl. I got extra snuggles and kisses that night which made it worth every second!

I have made it my goal to slow down and enjoy the time I spend with Kallie. Every day seems to be a bit chaotic after a long day at work and daycare but there is nothing better than sitting down, setting my phone down, turning off the TV and just living in that moment!

AND DONE!

Family Time

As summer comes to an end, we are doing our best to spend quality family time together and enjoy the last of the sunny weather. We spent Labor Day weekend on Vashon enjoying the beach, boat rides, crabbing, playing with cousins and drinking wine on our new deck (adults only of course).

This weekend we took a trip to Remlinger Farms in Carnation. I was skeptical because Kallie can get overwhelmed when there are lots of people but my fears were put to rest the moment we walked in. She loved looking at the animals (lamas, sheep, emus and turkeys) and as usual she was all talk about the ponies but she made it very clear she was NOT going to sit on a pony (maybe next year – HA). To my surprise her favorite part of the farm was riding all of the rides. She kept saying “one more time mommy” every time the ride would stop and was not happy that we had to wait in line to go again. Lucky for us the lines were really short because Kallie is not a fan of waiting (yelling Kallie's turn), just like her daddy.

Since both Eric and I work full time being able to spend quality family time on the weekends is our priority. It is amazing to see how family time can make any day a better day, I truly feel blessed to have such a wonderful family.

Potty Time

Earlier this summer I bought Kallie her very own potty. When I first brought it home and put it in her bathroom she was not sure what to think. Over the last month or so she has become quite curious and loves to tell us when she she had gone potty and of course poop too!

Recently, I bought a book about a girl named Hannah who learns to go potty on the big girl potty. Kallie loves it, in fact she refuses to go to bed until we read the "potty book" once if not twice.

Although we have not started officially potty training watching her sit on the potty and try to figure it all out is definitely a start!

Breaking News: Kallie went potty on her big girl potty for the first time last night (8/28/12). We jumped and did the potty dance. She even went on the big girl potty this morning! WOOHOO

First Haircut

On Sunday we decided it was finally time to get Kallie's haircut for the very first time. We have been hesitant because we were afraid or better yet fearful that Kallie would scream and we would end up leaving with only half of her hair cut! We were also worried they would cut off her curls which we love.

I am happy to report that we were wrong! Kallie loved getting her hair cut. She was all smiles from the moment we walked in until the moment we left the kids salon. She was a bit iffy about the wash and hairdryer but curiosity kept her smiling from ear to ear. We were so proud of our big girl!

Family fun in Sunriver

We just got back from a fun family vacation in Sunriver. We used to go to Sunriver every year when I was little so I was definitely excited to go with my family now. Although the drive felt like forever (7 hours) it was well worth the trip.

We had a great house right next to the village which was really convenient with the kiddos who had to nap. We spent most of our mornings riding bikes (Kallie loved the bike trailer), exploring parks, going to the river and of course daddy had to show us all of the fish the fish hatchery! Most afternoons we enjoyed the sunshine at the pool. Kallie loved swimming and splashing yelling "look mama, watch mama, watch daddy . . . she wanted anyone and everyone to watch her.

In the early evening the kids loved riding bikes in the driveway. Kallie is the youngest but determined to try and keep up. She scooted as fast as she could on her blue bike with her helmet on just like the big kids. It was so fun to watch all of our kids having so much fun together.

Sunriver was a the perfect spot to enjoy the sunshine and spend time with family. Eric and I did get away to go river rafting and of course Eric was able to squeeze in a few days of fishing. All and all it was a great trip and I look forward to our next family vacation.

Happy 2nd Birthday!

Happy 2nd Birthday to my baby girl. That last two years have been been an amazing journey.

Kallie

Where do I begin . . . I am still in shock that you turned two. You went from a tiny 5lb 8oz baby girl to a 26lb healthy toddler right before my eyes.

We have been talking about your birthday all week! When you woke up you immediately smiled and said "Kallie's birthday - Happy Birthday!". I was so excited to show you the new kitchen we bought you (it took daddy 3 hours and 2 beers to put together). You loved it for about 3 minutes and then wanted to watch ELMO :)

We had family and friends over to help you celebrate your big day. Since Sesame Street is your favorite and only show you watch I made sure to treat you to an Elmo themed party - Elmo plates, napkins and cup cakes which you loved. The best treat of all was that Mimi was in town to help us celebrate! I am pretty sure you had a good time since you slept for 3 hours after!

You continue to amaze me ever day. Over the last few months you have become quite the talker and little parrot. You are also becoming quite independent saying "Kallie do it" when I try to help.

I am not sure how to express my love for you other than by saying "I love you THIS" much!!! I feel so thankful that god blessed me with such an amaizng gift, YOU!

Happy Birthday baby girl!

I LOVE YOU

Mommy