Life with Kenzie

Death

2011-02-19T19:44:00.000-08:00

I know it's been awhile---and this is such a down subject, but...

Have you ever known a child that has passed? One of my students older sister passed today. It was sudden and unexpected. All day yesterday and today as I have prayed for this little girl and her family I have just been so sad. I cant even imagine something like this happening to me. I am so thankful that the Lord has protected everyone I have known and loved up until this point. So I sit and I ponder---as a parent, what do you say to your child when a friend has passed? I mean how do you explain to a second grader, or even the younger siblings that I know your sister was here yesterday, but she isn't here any longer. And how does one keep the faith when something so tragic happens?

So here I sit. Praying for the family. Praying for the young kids that were friends with her. That there would be comfort and understanding. That no one would lose faith in our loving Father.

It's all in the way you look at it

2010-06-24T04:15:00.000-07:00

(So I have decided that I can't to short posts, yes, I am a bit wordy, but I think this one is worth spending the time to read).

After having such an eventful month I have learned that attitude can be good or bad with everything we have done--it's just all in the attitude you have while doing it. They days I was ANNOYED beyond belief at being in the car for yet ANOTHER day---and tired of hearing Kenzie cry and scream the ENTIRE trip it was not a good day. On the days where we just sat back, enjoyed the drive, and looked for it to be an "adventure" were much nicer days! So let me tell you of my last "adventure" (Sorry if I overuse this word---it seems to be the theme for the last few days).
As I mentioned in my previous post we decided on Tuesday that we could probably qualify to buy a house and the payments would be the same as renting (or cheaper) and we would be owning a house and it would be more what we want for a home (our only rental choices was a 4/2 trailer or a 2/1 house---and the trailer scared us and the house was too small for us). We decided about 1pm to see if we qualified for a loan. We were qualified by 2 on the road by 3. Well---tried to be on the road by 3. We got everything loaded (Kenzie included)---and we were so excited for this excitement for the day (mom and Jeffrey had both said they were BORED that day). Well the car doesn't start. Lucky for us (unlucky for him) Tyler had just got home from work. He drove his truck over to give us a jump. It took probably a good 30 min for us to figure out how to connect it just right. We drive straight to Big Spring to buy a battery. Well my mom buys one and practically BEGS the salesperson to switch out her batteries for her. Hesitantly he attempts to no avail. So we have him give us a jump and we vow not to turn off the car until we arrive at Clay's parents. Wed morning we go to Junction to look at the possible houses---but with moms car not starting we decided to take Jim and Betty Sue's car---Betty Sue's new car and the van that has been randomly breaking down (because we don't all fit in one car!). As I'm typing this I realize how thankful we all should be that we didnt have an "adventure" with the van. We made it back to Wall just in time to pack up moms car, get a jump and get on the road. I was planning to get my hair done that night but we were having to rush to make it in time. We left wall at 345. We arrived at my moms at 9.

Did I mention it should be a 3 1/2 hr drive??? Here's where the last "adventure" I have experienced began. So were headed from Wall on the backroads that Betty Sue drew for us. I had riden this way many of times, but it has been YEARS since I have actually driven it. Clay usually does the driving and I do the riding (aka---sleeping). So were headed through Veribest, Lowake, Ballinger, Coleman, "Cross Plains" (we later came to find out---was not Cross Plains), to Abilene. Abilene?!?! Yes, Abilene. For those of you that don't know, we should have NEVER hit Abilene. I am still stumped as to how exactley we ended up there. We should have hit I20 about 10-20 miles east of Abilene. By this time I realize I am not going to make my hair appt---good thing its a friend doing it for me! Kenzie has been crying by this point for about an hour---the sun was shining directly on her so we decided to pull over to put a pillow in the window to block out the sun. Well, what is the first thing you do when you pull into a rest stop to take a break? Turn off the car of course! Yes, as soon as the car was turned off Mom realized OH NO!!! PLEASE LORD START BACK UP!!! PLEASE!!!! No luck. So here we are, at a rest stop on I20 just outside of Abilene. We tie Dalton up to a pole, get Kenzie out and let her run around in the grass, mom and Jeffrey are freaking out about how we are going to get a jump start. Mom finally asks a man walking past, he so kindly "gives us a jump" so we thought man, this is not so bad---well his car wasn't powerful enough to start her car. Yes, so we are still stranded. Mom finds out she can call roadside assistance to get help. She is on hold for 30 min waiting for a dispatcher and then the poor girl on the phone had NO idea where we were calling from (heck---other than rest stop on I20 just outside Abilene was all we knew!). Meanwhile this trucker walks past to head towards the bathroom. I look at him and think---he looks a little rough he may not be the right person to ask for help---but then I noticed a cross necklace as he walked past. I began wondering if that was a fashion decision or if it was a lifestyle. Well I wasn't wondering for long. As he walked back to his truck after visiting the rest room he stopped and asked "how long are your cords?" (we had the hood up with the jumper cables sitting on the ground). We proceded to show him how long they were so he got in his truck, removed the trailer, reversed to be even with mom, gave us a jump (which took about 10 min of charging---so I talked with the man a little. Had been on the road since California and he was planning on stopping in Weatherford---but I guess he decided he needed a break a little earlier). By this time mom of course was relieved and had to visit the ladies room. She gave me a 20 to go thank the truck driver. When I went around to his truck I said "I just wanted to tell you thank you" and I held out the money. He held up his hands like "im not taking your money" and so I said "yes, take it. It would have cost more money to have someone come give us a jump and it would take more time" and I placed it in his shirt pocket. He proceeded to tell me "Only if you want to. I'm not asking for money. I don't wear this necklace for no reason. I've been a christian for 22 years and before that my life was not good". All I could say was Amen. We proceeded to offer "have a good drive" to each other and off he went. We loaded up the car and was back on the road (an hour later)

As we are driving down the road we began talking about what all we had been thinking as we were stranded there at the Rest Stop. I don't know why I usually don't stress in those type of situations, but I just knew something would work out---and after all it all is just an adventure right? Well come to find out my mom had been so STRESSED and was praying the whole time LORD, bring us some help! Protect us! Get us home! And my brother was getting angry. Angry that we were sitting at a rest stop with no way to get home. And we all were beyond ready to be at home. We had had too much car time already! Jeffrey told me that when he was the most frustrated he looked at Kenzie and she looked at him and he said "I really could use a hug" and she walked up to him and hugged him. He said her hug just made it all better. Seriously, how can such a little being create such a reaction within us? There are many times when I'm mad, frustrated, tired, sad that if I just look at Kenzie everything is all better.

So, thank you Mr Truckdriver for coming to our rescue and truly living out your faith. And my question to you (and me too) is----how do we act when we "wear our cross"? Are we walking examples of how Christ was? Are we willing to help someone in need if it means being late to our destination? No matter how tired we are (he had been driving from California!) we should always be willing to lend a helping hand.

June 2010

2010-06-24T03:42:00.000-07:00

I know---its been WAY too long this time since I posted last.

Kenzie is so big and cute! Maybe the reason I haven't posted is our camera got waterlogged in April so I haven't been able to take pictures! The camera turns on and will take pictures it just has a fuzzy haze over it. Anyone know how to fix that?

The month of June (really since Clay has been out of school) has been MADNESS for our family. Poor Kenzie has just been along the ride. Here is what our schedule has been like:
May 28---last day of school, drive to Meadow (1hr each way) for graduation
May 29--Hang out with good friends and neighbors, Tyler and Jillery
May 30--Drove to Angelo (2 1/2 hrs)
May 31--Memorial day--spent in Angelo with Clay's family
June 1 ---Drove to Clyde for an interview (1 1/2 hours) and back to Angelo
June 2--Drove to Harper for an interview (2 hours) and back to Angelo
June 3-- Drive home to Klondike to unpack, do laundry, and repack to leave the next day
June 4--drive to Lubbock for Dondi's wedding. I stayed with "the girls" and clay stayed with a friend from Meadow
June 5--Dondi's wedding, drive back to Klondike
June 6--Work nursery at church
June 7--VBS for me
June 8--VBS for me and Clay made a trip back to Angelo for an interview in Junction.
June 9 --for Clay---drove back to Klondike
June 10--VBS for me and then drove to Fort Worth to drop off Kenzie for the weekend.
June 11---rode to New Braunfels for Coaches Outreach
June 12--Coaches Outreach
June 13---Drove back to Fort Worth
June 14--drove from Fort Worth to Junction to sign lease and to look for housing options and then drove to Angelo
June 15--did NOTHING!!!
June 16---planned on going home, but couldn't find the car keys
June 17--had car towed to town to have new keys made, drove to Junction to look at possible rental, drove back to Angelo to pick up car, and drove home to Klondike.
June 18-20--did NOTHING---(And Clay actually enjoyed it!)--Kenzie did too!
June 20---My mom and brother drove to Klondike to help me pack up the house
June 21---Clay left for camp, I went to dr (Got "spider bite" over Memorial Day weekend and it was still red and infected---turned out to be an infected hair follicle), and mom and Jeffrey packed up pretty much the entire house! Got a call from Chamber of Commerce in Junction telling us of a potential rental. Got pics---debating since rent is so high and its a small house.
June 22---Clay at camp, me enjoying having nothing to do (other than applying for jobs) when we realize that we could buy a house for how much were willing to rent. Made a call, got prequalified for a loan, decided to go to Junction to look at houses---but we stopped overnight in Angelo (AGAIN!) to sleep and to have a place for Dalton (on another post I will inform you of the "adventures" from this trip!
June 23---drove to Junction to look at houses to buy. Looked at 4 now just have to weigh out all the options. Drove back to Angelo and then to Fort worth (with even more "adventure" that I will post about in the other posting). We basically got in the car at 830 and didnt get out until 9 other than stops. I can't sleep cause I can't stop thinking about which one is the right one. I am about to put together a PP to show Clay the pros/cons for each house. Am I a nerd??? =) Ill post it if its able to be posted on here.
June 24----DO NOTHING (atleast that is my goal) besides see Clay!
June 25----get hair done (sorry Amanda, but I just couldn't fit in a drive to Odessa!), rehersal dinner for Dessa's wedding, decorate, girls night
June 26---Dessa wedding getting ready and wedding
June 27---Clay gets to go to the Rangers/Astros game. Im going to do NOTHING!!!
June 28---Leave Fort Worth----will it be to go home? Or to Junction to look at houses again? Not sure.

I know that this was HORRIBLY long. I mainly wanted it all written down so I could remember later about this crazy month we call June 2010. I honestly can say I hope we NEVER have a month like this again! Did I mention that my favorite thing to do is to chill at home doing nothing?!?!? Good thing I have been a stay at home mom! And this is one of the big reasons I want to find a job in the school system so I will atleast have summers off!

It's not because I'm partial

2010-04-05T06:23:00.000-07:00

but Kenzie is THE cutest kid ever! I love to just sit and watch her play and discover new things!

On Saturday morning when I went to get Kenzie out of bed she was just talking away so I snuck in her room to see what she was doing. She had her baby and she was patting her on the back. I went to get the video camera and when I got back she had the baby and was rocking her. The video is on Facebook---don't see the reason in redownloading since it takes SO long! Kenzie will make a good big sister SOMEDAY---notice the someday----that was not a hint to new news!

Clay had a track meet on Saturday so we stayed home for Easter this year and didn't do anything special. We did go to church and I had Tyler take some pics of Kenzie in her dress (cause our camera isn't working)

Tyler told me my job was to get Kenzie to smile. I was failing so I went to get Dalton and the minute she saw him she started smiling----

Kenzie has learned where her mouth is. If you ask her, this is what she does. I have no clue where she learned it from. One day I decided we were going to work on parts of the face and I said "Kenzie, where is your mouth?" so she stuck her fingers in her mouth! I tried to teach her eyes and nose, but mouth is the only one that she will do. For awhile I thought it was a fluke so I've asked her numerous times and if she is listening to me she will stick her fingers in her mouth every time! How do babies learn things like that? It's CRAZY!!!

Why do I just love this expression? I don't know why, but I think this is my favorite!

After church we went to Pizza Hut for lunch. Towards the end Kenzie was getting restless so I took her out of her high chair and sat her on the table facing me. She saw my cup (and I have seen pics of other kids her age drinking out of a straw) so I decided to try to teach her. The first time she put the straw in her mouth she just blew and it made bubbles! I laughed and tried to explain to her that she needed to suck. I was not doing a very good job at describing how to suck, but when I looked at the straw I could actually see the water going through it! Amazing! Another "how do they know how to do it" thing! Clay didn't believe me when I said she was actually drinking so he gave her his drink and up it went! I of course exclaimed "I DONT WANT HER TO HAVE THAT TO DRINK!!!" (it was root beer) and he was all---I just wanted to see if she really was getting something!

I forgot to tell you something else "big girl" Kenzie did the other day. We went to eat at Savannah's with Tyler, Jillery, and Ethan and there was only one high chair. So we let Ethan have the high chair and we used a booster seat for Kenzie. She did so good sitting in the big girl chair! Wish I had taken a picture!

Well Kenzie has been talking away in her bed for about an hour---and it's now turning into a cry---so I better go get her.

New things

2010-04-01T18:21:00.000-07:00

So Kenzie is almost 13 months old and she is getting more and more of a personality! She has learned to stand up without holding on for up to 10 seconds at a time (just today!). I think she will be walking in a month or so! Kenzie LOVES to grab onto my shirt and pull up. If she is pulling up on something she can climb up on she doesnt stop at standing!

Kenzie has learned where her mouth is. Whenever I ask her "Kenzie, where is your mouth?" she sticks her fingers in there. I really am not sure how she learned how to do it---one day I decided we were going to start working on mouth, eyes, nose, etc and when I asked her she already knew!

Kenzie LOVES to sing songs---that is for you to sing to her. She just sits there and claps her hands the whole time.

Kenzie's favorite word is DADDY! And it doesnt just mean daddy. She says it when she sees daddy, Dalton, me, pretty much anything that she recognizes that makes her happy! She does talk a lot---but I havent figured out what she's trying to say yet.

Kenzie is getting a bit clingy! For about a week she wouldn't let me put her down AT ALL! She has started the screaming/crying game when we leave her in the nursery. The nursery ladies tell me she's a sympathy cryer. Any time any of the other kids cry she cries right a long with them.

I know this has been real random and there arent any pics, but I pretty much type so I will remember what was happening when.

At her yr appt Kenzie weighed 21 lbs and her head circumference was like 18"----both of which were in the 50th percentile. We didnt get a height measurement.

12 Months

2010-03-10T14:13:00.000-08:00

Here are the new things that Kenzie is doing:
--she is CONSTANTLY pulling up on EVERYTHING!
--she will take a few steps with her walker toy
--We have successfully switched out 1 sippy for whole milk. Today I decided to just go ahead
and switch her completley over to milk instead of going back and forth between milk and soy
formula. Hopefully all will go smoothly!
--Kenzie still will eat anything you put in front of her! She is getting a little burnt out on
Cheerios and lunch meat!
--She loves to talk but no one has figured out what it is she is saying yet!
--Naps are getting longer---but she is trying to switch to only 1 a day
--attended her first funeral

We are switching doctors so I haven't taken Kenzie in for her 1 year appt. As soon as I do I will post all her stats.

First Bday

2010-03-10T14:08:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was Kenzie's first birthday. I must admit, it was a pretty emotional day! Clay's Uncle Dub passed away the same day as Kenzie's party and his funeral was on Kenzie's birthday. Here is a picture of Kenzie and Uncle Dub at Easter:

Today would have been Uncle Dub's 93 birthday. Rest In Peace Uncle Dub!

1st Bday Party

2010-03-10T13:32:00.000-08:00

On Saturday we had Kenzie's birthday party! So much family got to come in town! My dad, Brenda, and Jeffrey came into town on Friday. On Saturday Jim, Betty Sue, Travis, Kaci, my Mom, Jesse, Olivia, and Jada all came to town! My Uncles, David and Mike, were working in Midland so they came over after they got off work to celebrate with us as well! We had her party at our house. Clay cooked out hamburgers and then we did present and had cake. Here are a few pics from the day:

Kenzie obviously did NOT like the bday hats!!

Kenzie waving Hi to all her guests

Not sure what we were all looking at (maybe Clay putting together the horse?) but I was BARELY hanging on to Kenzie---aka---she was almost standing COMPLETLEY by herself!

Kenzie's bday cake---made by Jillery! I was just going to give Kenzie an oversized cupcake and Jillery came up with the idea to put 4 together to make a butterfly!

I love the pure excitement/innocence in this picure!

" YUMMY CAKE!!!" I was amazed at how long it actually took for Kenzie to actually dive into the cake! She kept just sticking her fingers in the icing and licking that!

videos

2010-02-16T06:21:00.000-08:00

Here is Kenzie in the bathtub

Kenzie pulling up on her Toy shelf

A little sleepy

2010-02-15T17:08:00.000-08:00

Today I went to town to mail a few packages and we ended up stopping by my friend Danielle's house. Danielle is the person I signed up to do Pampered Chef under and she has a little girl that is a few months older than Kenzie. So Danielle and I talked about Pampered Chef while Kenzie and Audrey played. When we got home it was about 6 and so I fed Kenzie dinner. I left the kitchen for a second to go check on something and when I came back this is what I found:

11 Months?!?!?

2010-02-09T11:52:00.000-08:00

Gosh! I can't believe it! Kenzie is 11 months old today. That means only one more month until she turns 1. I never thought the day would come when my baby would turn a whole year!

Kenzie is growing like crazy! I went to Fort Worth for 5 days weekend before last and when I got home, I swear Kenzie had grown an inch or two! Every day is such a blessing with her. I can't tell you how many time's I've been told "You're so lucky---she's so happy!" or "She is such a good baby!". Not sure how we have been so lucky with such an "easy" baby for our first, but it sure has been nice! I love Kenzie more and more every day!

Here are some favorite pics from her 10th month:

Yummy Spaghetti!!!

First time Standing

I took a pic of Kenzie sitting in the recliner to show how much she has grown

2/7/10

5/25/09

Kenzie at Superbowl party after she had eaten black beans

Jada, Kenzie, and Olivia. Jada and Olivia were performing for all of us and they decided to add Kenzie to their act.

Kenzie, Honey, Me, and Grandma at Bj's

--Kenzie LOVES to eat! I haven't found much that she doesn't care for.

--We have mastered the Sippy cup and no longer use bottles (except to measure out the amount of water we need).

--Kenzie eats 3 times a day

--Kenzie pulled up by herself for the first time on Jan 28 and then decided to take a break from standing until yesterday. She pulled herself up multiple times!

--Kenzie loves to pull herself up on your clothes while you're holding her

--Kenzie likes to talk a lot---sounds like dada, hi, bye

Scooting

2009-12-28T21:52:00.000-08:00

Its official! Kenzie is scooting now! I have been working all night on editing videos that we have taken since Kenzie was born---and while I was working on it I looked up and saw Kenzie scoot one last time to make it to the power cord to the computer! I of course got out the video camera and all she would do is laugh and smile! I think I finally got some scooting on video (about try #5!)

Christmas in San Angelo

2009-12-28T07:47:00.000-08:00

We just got home from a long trip to Angelo. We got there last Saturday. It was a fun time getting to see family and friends. We celebrated like CRAZY!!! Monday night we went to the Veribest Baptist Church "Young Adults" Sunday School party, Tuesday night we had a get together with all the families Clay and Travis grew up with, and Wednesday night Clay, Kenzie, and I hung out with our friends Dustin and Kaela. For Christmas Eve we went over to Travis and Kaci's to hang out with Clay's Great Aunt, Aunt, Uncle, and Cousins. We ate, talked, read the Christmas story (out of NASB AND KJV!!!! ;) ), and decorated Christmas cookies!

Christmas morning we decided to sleep in and Travis and Kaci came out at about 11. We opened presents and watched Kenzie experience Christmas for the first time! All day if you would say "Merry Christmas" to Kenzie she would get a HUGE grin on her face---I guess she already knew! Kenzie got ALOT of stuff from Jim and Betty Sue, but so far her favorites are her baby doll and play laptop.

Here are some pics from our trip and Kenzie's first Christmas.

First Kiss under the Mistletoe

Kenzie in front of Travis and Kaci's Christmas Tree

Kaci and Kenzie on Christmas Morning

Travis and Kaci

Me, Clay, and Kenzie

Kenzie amongst all her presents (I wanted to do a pic of her in all the trash afterwards, but she was too tired to mess with it!)

First present to open

ITS HER BABY!!! She loves it already!

Playing with the laptop! Look at that face! Cracks me up!

Passed out sitting up with Baby---opening presents sure is hard work!

So when we got home there was still some snow on the ground---barely---but it was snow--so here are those pics:

Kenzie with My Pal Violet---what Clay and I got her

Its been awhile!

2009-12-14T08:47:00.000-08:00

This one's for Travis!

Sorry its been so long since I've posted---When I logged on to post the 8 month blog I realized that I had already said everything there was to say! Now I realize that I didnt post about our first Thanksgiving or Clay's first Bball game---so here are some pics!

Clay's first game as a head coach

We dont wish to remember the score from that game, but his kids are getting better! In fact, they got their first win last Tuesday!!! It was a good game!

Here is a pic of Kenzie's first Thanksgiving----I kind of forgot about taking pics---sorry there isn't a good one! I took more videos than actual pictures!

My mom bought her this outfit for her first Thanksgiving---it had a bib with it that said "Everyone's Thankful for Me!"

This first video is of Kenzie playing with a Leap Frog Puppy

The second one is Kenzie playing while all my cousin's were playing Rock Band in the background. I was in another room and kept getting told to come and watch Kenzie. I think she was doing more before I got there---but you get the idea.

9 Months

2009-12-14T08:04:00.000-08:00

9 Months

Here is what we're up to these days:

Eating 3-4 times a day. When we went to visit the dr she said that Kenzie could start eating table foods---so she has tried pancakes, cheerios, macaronni, Gerber puff treats---since Thursday! Dr Landry said she needed to be having 18 oz of milk atleast a day and the rest could be in food. Other moms---how do you know if your child is eating enough "finger food" to be full? So far Kenzie is sharing more with the highchair and floor than actually eating! I also now see how women get in the habit of sweeping their floor multiple times a day! Thankful for Dalton also who often acts like a vacuum cleaner! Today we tried Carrots

About 2 weeks ago Kenzie started pulling herself up on her hands and knees. She will rock, but still hasn't figured out how to move forward! She does however go backwards quite fast! In this pic, she had scooted all the way under the couch (well as far as she could go) and started whinning! Clay and I were in the kitchen so we walked in to find her like this! It was too funny!

Kenzie is sleeping about 12 hours every night! She usually goes to bed between 730-830 and gets up between those hours as well. Of course on bball nights she goes to bed a little later---and still gets up at the same time! How do they do that?!? She is taking 2 naps---one in the morning and one in the afternoon.

Since Kenzie has turned 9 months she has began to "blab" more often! She has more to say all the sudden!

Kenzie LOVES her Daddy! Kenzie had been ornery ALL day so when Clay came home I said "Here's your daughter!!!" She was definatley happy to sit with him!

We went shopping and it was COLD outside! So I bundled Kenzie up---we needed groceries BAD!!!

Kenzie LOVES to play on the computer!

Kenzie hasn't seen snow yet (unless you count the snow when she was 5 days old!). It snowed in Fort Worth when we were in Klondike, and snowed in Klondike while we were in Fort Worth! Darn the luck!

Updates from the dr: Weight: 19 lbs 15 oz (75%) Height: 27" (80%) Kenzie sure is getting big!

Swine Flu

2009-11-01T16:00:00.000-08:00

So this has been an interesting time of learning new "responsibilities" as a mommy! For the most part Kenzie is a pretty easy sick baby. All Ive had to do is feed her (whenever she will let me), rock her, take temp, give tylenol, and watch her sleep. Well today started a new phase of the Swine Flu... Diarrhea! So those of you who are mommies know that along with diarrhea comes TERRIBLE diaper rash. I kept reading the best thing for diaper rash is to let the area "breathe". So that's what we did...

Unfortunatley, after being peed and pooped on and my third set of clothes for the day, I decided it was time for her to wear a diaper again! I do have to say today has been the hardest day of her being sick cause she has been miserable ALL day!

I had a "brilliant" idea on how to get rid of the diarrhea---give her food that would constipate her. Seems like a good idea, right? Well, in case you dont know----its a BAD idea! Lets just say now she is grunting every time she needs to go and is even more uncomfortable!

Well Kenzie's calling. Better run!

Sick

2009-10-29T16:51:00.000-07:00

Well it's official---Kenzie is now sick for the first time.

My mom called me on Tuesday and said "So I'm sick, you might want to keep an eye on Kenzie to make sure she doesn't get sick." Not only is my mom now sick, but one of my nieces that spent the night with Kenzie Friday night is sick! I kept thinkin, yeah right she won't get sick. Well I was wrong!

All day yesterday Kenzie was just whinny! I thought it was because she was teething---she's been chewing on EVERYTHING! and she wouldn't go down for a good nap. When Clay got home we went up to the church for their harvest festival. The church did a cool one where the different stations were characters out of the bible---they had the empty tomb, someone reading the creation story, a "booth" where they gave away free kid bibles, a bean bag toss that was Daniel and the Lion's den (had to get it in the lion's mouth), and many more that I can't remember. The whole time we were there Kenzie was just chillin'. We didn't think much of it since she hadn't taken good naps, it was pretty much bed time, and that's usually how she responds when there's a lot of people.

This morning at 6:30 (may I also point out---she usually sleeps till 8:30) she woke up crying and when I went to check on her she felt HOT! I tried to take her temp in her arm (99.6) but she was squirmy so I wasn't sure it was accurate. So I went to the favorite----the butt. Yup, 102.6, definatley knew we needed to go visit the dr. It was about 7 am though, so I was doing the hurry up and wait. I called about 9 (kenzie had fallen back asleep and I didn't want to wake her up) to see if she could get in and they said bring her in as a walk in. We arrived at 9:30 and didn't get out till almost 11! Since Kenzie had been exposed to Strep (from my niece) the dr decided to test her for strep. It came back negative. Since there weren't any other "symptoms" other than high fever we got the diagnosis of Swine Flu! Oh boy! So we are now definatley stuck in the house for a few days! We had so much to do---Football tomorrow, Halloween Carnival tomorrow, hadn't been at church in 2 weeks! and now I get to stay home with a sick baby!

Well Betty Sue borrowed a lion costume from a friend of hers for Kenzie for Halloween. Well turns out it's a good thing we went last night to the Harvest Festival so Kenzie could have some "dressed up" pics. They aren't the greatest, but atleast you can see her in her costume!

Well Kenzie is calling, better get going! I have decided 2 things are going to happen in the next few days---Kenzie will be spoiled and my arms are going to be buff! Oh, did I mention she weighed 18 lbs 5 oz at the dr today?

San Angelo and Fort Worth

2009-10-29T16:19:00.000-07:00

The past two weekends we have been out of town and I can honestly say, I am glad to be at home!

Two weekends ago we went to Angelo for Travis' housewarming party. It was a lot of fun and good to see some of our Angelo friends! On Sunday we went to the Wall Festival. I have known about this for the past 5 years, but somehow I was able to avoid it until this year! =) J/K I wasn't trying to avoid it, just different things always happened at the same time.

We arrived home at about 6:30 on Sunday and I left town again on Thursday around lunch to head to Fort Worth for my friend, Valerie's, Bachlorette Party and Lengerie shower. I, of course, fit in A LOT more into the weekend including: Seeing neices, visiting my mom's work, visiting my friend Lauren and her two boys, Will and Van Allan (Kenzie left her "mark" there (spit up and #2 out of the diaper---good thing Lauren has kids too!)), Visiting Sam Moon's for the first time, seeing dad and step mom, church with my mom, seeing people we hadn't seen in YEARS, lunch with the girls in my mom's family (plus Jeffrey), then the LONG 6 hour drive home. Let's just say I was very happy to be home!

Um---so I don't think I took any pics during these 2 weekends, so I will work on finding some to post!

Teeth

2009-10-15T18:49:00.001-07:00

After hundreds of tries to get a pic of Kenzie's new teeth---I finally succeeded!

(If you can't tell they're teeth---pretend you can! Its pretty IMPOSSIBLE to get her to smile to where they show!)

Even Newer things!

2009-10-14T08:40:00.000-07:00

Man, doing the 7 month post was hard considering how much new stuff Kenzie has done since last friday! Im trying to keep it all seperated in my head!

Here are some pics for you to enjoy! Last night when I was trying to watch The Biggest Loser Kenzie decided she wanted to talk to me. So I pushed "pause" and continued with this special conversation consisting of oohs and aahs! And lots of laughing and smiling. She then realized that Dalton was near and wanted to have a convo with him. I finally set her on the ground and called Dalton over so they could bond!

(I have a video to add, but it was taking FOREVER to load, check back later for video)

The other day I realized that 1--I never took a pic of Kenzie in the bath! And 2--if I want Kenzie to sit and relax taking a bath we should revert back to the baby bathtub so she could sit and play with toys. Here are some pics.

Just after I had dumped some water on her head to wash her hair!

Although this pic doesn't do justice, she really does enjoy laying down in the water and just relaxing!

7 Months

2009-10-14T07:30:00.000-07:00

Sorry this is late, but I’ve been working on it since Friday!

Wow! I can’t believe that my baby is 7 months old already! It’s funny how you can look at a baby and think, “wow they’re getting big!” but the past few days I have REALLY been noticing! Kenzie has definitely picked up personality! Just today I noticed that she is closer to being a year old than to being a newborn! I realized that she has been that way for over a month now, but it just hit me!
I know that yall have seen the pic of her from when she was 5 months old and she ended up sideways in her bed

Well look at her now:

Not quite sure how this is comfortable, yet every morning this is how I find her when I go to get her. I must confess, this is the moment I realized how big she has gotten!

New things this month:
-- Food: Sweet Potatoes, (attempted Green Beans), Corn and Sweet Potatoes, Mac and Cheese,

and Apples and Blueberries.
-- Kenzie is now enjoying our Baby Mum Mum’s and our Sippy Cup for snacks! We have also

tried Nilla Wafers and Refried Beans (see previous posts for pics)
-- Noises: Kenzie has discovered how to squeal! And she does it often!
-- Introduced to Sesame Street and we like it! Especially when Elmo is on
and they are talking about the weather! (see previous posts for pics)
-- First two teeth about a week before turning 7 months!
-- Learned to sit by herself (see previous posts for pics)
-- Enjoyed her first Meadow Bronco Football game
-- First COLD weather football game and wearing a coat on her 7 month Bday!

-- A few days before her 7 month birthday I weighed her on the Wii and it said she weighed

almost 17 lbs!

The theme for the game on 10/9 was "Lei out the Dragons". Daddy gave me his cool prizes from the pep rally!

Trying out Leg Warmers for the first time!

First time to stay in my Pack N Play at a hotel! And first time in the lower section!

More Firsts

2009-10-01T20:12:00.000-07:00

Baby Yum Yums (or something like that). Aren't you just jealous you dont get to eat something like this?

And First time to watch Sesame Street

Sitting

2009-09-28T18:23:00.000-07:00

I have been working with Kenzie to try to get her to sit by herself. It started out as being able to do it for just a few seconds without any support. Now she can do it for a few minutes! Im going to consider her a sitter now! She actually sits for a longer period of time if I am on the blanket with her, but if I sit her down and then walk away to do something else she seems to fall over faster! Here is a picture of her sitting and playing with her ball that Shyanne and Rhonda gave to her.

Meadow Bronco Football

2009-09-19T07:28:00.000-07:00

So last night Kenzie and I went to watch the Meadow Broncos play the Paducah Dragons, and as always (against Paducah) it was a close game! Meadow was down the entire game until late in the third! Broncos ended up winning 38-30!!! It was quite an exciting second half---I screamed the entire time and remembered what it was like to come home from a Bronco game!

Also to true Bronco tradition---I didnt see my child all night! When we got to the game I needed to go to the bathroom so I passed her off. Next thing I know its almost half time and Sherryll is bringing her to me saying she was cold. Ha! I put socks on her and gave her a blanket. Then she was gone again! She fell asleep at some point cause the first time I saw her she was wrapped up in her blanket and passed out! When we finally got home last night I took her out of her carseat and went to lay her down (after changing diaper, of course) I realized how ADORABLE her outfit was! I had changed her in the car right before we got out so I hadn't really noticed before. I had bought this outfit for Bronco games when it had started getting a little cooler--so good thing I brought it for her to wear last night. It's sized 6 mo so I didnt think it would fit, but come to find out she's about to outgrow it!

I didnt get any pics of her in it last night, so this morning after she woke up I took some pics. (Please ignore the bottle leakage stains!)

Pics

2009-09-17T19:43:00.003-07:00

Here are some random photos that I've taken of Kenzie recently:

You can't really tell in this pic, but Kenzie had turned over to her side to curl up with her bottle and fell asleep!

I want you to notice 2 things---1. Kenzie is smiling!!! I guess something happens at 6 months that allows her to smile or pics! and 2. She had just eaten---look how BIG her tummy gets after she's eaten!

Let me give you a little background before you watch this video. I was at Zookinni's with Kim, Ashley, Braxton, and Kelly and Kenzie was getting a little fussy (later I realized DUH She's hungry!) so Kim took a Nilla Wafer off my plate for her to suck on. She didnt know what to think of at first her little tongue was just licking it up and down. Finally I remembered I had my camera so I had to video it. Shes pretty much passed the point of trying to figure out what it was, so its not as funny, but it still cute!

Six Months

2009-09-09T11:59:00.000-07:00

So the true reason for having a blog is so I can keep up with what Kenzie is doing at each age (and I guess so you can see her whenever you want!) so with that in mind---here is what Kenzie is doing at 6 months.
(some of this stuff she's been doing for awhile, but I havent ever written it down!)

Started solids at 4 months. So far she likes Prunes, Pears, and Applesauce. She's not to fond of cereal or Peaches.

I'd say formula is still her favorite thing

About a week ago she started staring down what you eat and she now watches you bring it from the table to your mouth!

I can prop her up in the recliner and she can hold her bottle to feed herself.

Today she tried her sippy cup for the first time.

2 teeth are poking out (but theyre still covered with a layer of skin). Should be out soon.

She can now grab a toy and bring it to her mouth

She doesnt like paci's, but she LOVES sucking on her thumb!

She isnt too fond of teething rings

She likes to sleep on her tummy
She sleeps about 11 hours every night and takes 2 naps during the day
She likes Dalton

She LOVES Daddy---she gets all excited when he gets home!

She sat in a grocery cart for the first time without her carseat (tried it out in Midland yesterday while I was waiting for my car at Discount Tire)

She likes to grab her foot and try to stick it in her mouth

She was able to grab onto the ladybug to start the music on her "recliner" (See Photo)

She LOVES playing in her saucer. She can manipulate all the toys.

Kenzie weighs 15 lbs 10 oz and was 25 inches long at her appt.

Finally!

2009-08-28T06:33:00.000-07:00

I'm Finally tall enough...

Kenzie is learning to communicate!

2009-08-26T07:14:00.000-07:00

Listen to Kenzie say "HEY!!! GET IN MY MOUTH!!!"

Pics for you

2009-08-25T20:40:00.000-07:00

Here are some photos:

First Solid Foods

She actually fell asleep with her hair in her hand!

"Look what I just discovered!!!"

Dont hate me because I'm beautiful!

Those "bald" spots are actually blonde!

Taken on Sunday! Daddy said he thought I looked BEAUTIFUL!!!

I've been Challenged

2009-08-23T16:37:00.000-07:00

After reading Shyanne's blog about Kylee's 10 month I got encouraged to start a blog about Kenzie. Considering I have a HORRIBLE memory and won't remember things in a few months, I've decided to try this whole blogging thing out. I hope to keep it up to date and add pictures so y'all can see all the milestones with me!