1 to Grow On

To end today on a happy note

Because I'm convinced that the sight of Keely running around today in her adorable Scuttlebutts and even more sweet, SWEET! homemade by Aunt Laura shoes is the most precious thing on earth. period.

Hi, Guys!

I want to stand up. I want to stand up and walk soooo bad, that I pull up on everything. EvErYtHiNg! And, sometimes, I am even successful. YeS!

And just cause I'm a cutie-patootie:

I am just way to fun to take pictures of. There's no way to turn this cuteness off though, no-sir-ree. I gotta keep movin' cause I'm too hot to handle!

Happy 3/4 Year!

Keely's 8month Dr. appt revealed a healthy, happy, bright, and growing baby. Of course, we already knew this, but it feels pretty good to have these facts verified by a credentialed person.

8 Months.

19 lbs and 1 oz.

29 inches.

This places her in an elite group - taller than 97% of other kids her age, heavier than 70some%.

Just like your sista.

These days, you're madly army crawling. Always on a mission. Tackling hills and mountains with fierce tenacity. Or pillows and dogs, as the case may be in our house.

You share love, grins, smiles, and drools freely.

Girl, your smile lights up the room.

We are so blessed. Love you, baby!

Ends of February

FarM update:

A couple of weeks ago, while Travis attended a Landstar conference in Detroit, I conned my dad and brother to come assist in clearing some wood to make way for a quad path.

And guess what, it worked!

The girls, Trav, our neighbors, and I ran out to the property with a quad and a snowmobile to pack it down. Adalynn LoVes "The Pwopety". I have to admit, we're partial to it ourselves.

I finished my first knitting project with the Marr Haven yarn I ordered. Another first, this project was the first time I knitted Without a Pattern. I'm proud to say, the shorties fit perfectly.

Definitely an adequate tushie cover while running around outside this summer. (summmer, summer, where art thou warmness?)

Currently, I'm working on a skirty on hand-dyed organic Gaia yarn ... super cute, I'll take pictures of it today when the SUN wakes up. AND, the first project I started on Marr Haven, a cute pair of capris that started out Keelys and ended as Adalynns. Who knew that wool stretches more than cotton? And seed stitch stretches more than stockinette? Enough to make a 7 month old's clothes fit a 2 year old! Now? I do.

Happy New Longies Day!

Ahhhh. Woolies. I just like saying that: Woolies. Woolies. Woolies-woolies-woolies-woolies. Yippee!!

Oooooh.

Soooooooo cute.

On Soooooooooo many different levels.

Rock on.

Poor Bebe.

So not cool guys.

So

not

cool.

Smitten

In my world, cloth diapers catch my eye.

Most always I feel compelled to duplicate.

It's a work in progress, but I'm learning.

Featured: Wool Interlock Cloth Diaper Cover, size Medium.

The First Bite

You. Are. Now. Experiencing. Keely's. First. Bite.

Mmm Avocado!

After staring longingly at our plates for the last couple of weeks, tearing up anytime we ate at the table and begging to join in, she looked...well, crestfallen. Dissapointed.

"Gag me."

Seeing the need for some big 'sis intervention, Adalynn showed Keely how it's done.

"Mama, Mama, let me try!"

She may not be hip on the food, but man, those spoons sure taste good!

Keely: bringin' down Bob

Hewwo guys. How are you? Wong time, no see.

Oh. Hi Bob.

Was up, man?

You gotta move, man. You're wuining my photo shoot.

Bob, go away!

I'm

gonna

get

you!!!

Ah ha. I got 'em.

Now that I've got all the attentions...pwease, take a moment and admire my new wool longies!

Thanks. :)

Tonight...

Keely accomplished a very exciting gross motor milestone. And, of course, we are obligated to share:

About the Closing

Keely really enjoyed the chairs.

We Did It!!!!

This

Is

Ours!!!

Thank you, God!

Are you ready for FarM?!?

A 'lil bit more catch-up

Hokey Pete!

Keely is 4 months old. This means:

-she hands out smiles generously, when in the mood.

-she requires entertainment, preferably with rattles or by adalynn

-she is on a pretty good nap/sleep schedule, as long as monitored by mom. the inverse relationship between length of nap time and length of sleep at night is strong; not something to be messed with. (or she will wake up at two to eat. and at four. and at six.)

-keely's loves her crib for nighttime, but she really loves to takeover mommy's bed for naps. on her right side only so gravity assists her right thummers into her mouth.

-"the swing" will no longer pacify. only human arms will do.

-when mom gets her act together, keely will start on solids. that requires mom getting her act together though, it could be a while. but keely's impatient, and makes her wants and needs quite well known at the dinner table.

-the dogs ROCK! and one is required to laugh hysterically whenever they start to romp and roll.

-the car seat is NOT a friend. no matter what they tell you - they will buckle you down and never let you out. at least forever longer than you want to be buckled down for. NOT FUN. NOT COOL. DON'T FALL FOR IT.

-but, when in said carseat, crying will get you places you want to be.

*

Adalynn

is two.

This means:

-she can count to 10 with minimal assist, approximately 80% opportunities (-20% for lack of attention to task)

-she is 80% potty trained and wears big girl undies all the time except bed and naps. way to go, girl! (poops. those downers. they're tough to get in the potty.)

-she colors, with a static tripod grasp the majority of opportunities.

-she can draw a circle to command.

-she has slept in a toddler bed since approximately 16 months old.

-she has used utensils when eating since approximately 14 months old.

-she often voices numerous opinions about everything. STRONG opinions.

-she responds best to encouragement, patience, quiet listening, and praise.

-she takes off her socks and shoes and shirt and pants and undies. depending on the shoes she puts them on. and undies/pants, but often upside down and inside out.

-she has grown into a 'lil bit of stranger anxiety.

-"I DO IT!" has become a common sound around our house. after 30sec of trying, then "HELPING!" is requested. at mach 10.

-"Mommy, call Opa/Gamma/Nanna?" is a daily request.

-she helps with keely so well. whether retrieving or securing a paci, holding her hand while in the car, singing her a song, reading her a book, washing her in the tub - adalynn does it.

-she LOVES cindy, rocky, playing with cousins and friends, coloring, playing outside, and babies. she DOESN'T LIKE anything out of her control, washing her hair (although this is improving), pooping on the potty, going inside, clothes on her babies, and soup.

*

The Barn

Isn't it looking great with the fill graded? Ahhhh. It's a pleasure to the eyeballs!

A week ago now? we tripped over to the barn for Adalynn to ride, brush, and walk Cindy. (before the birthday party where she received a bareback pad and bridle. :) Travis took great pictures, so I am compelled to share.

Adalynn learned to turn Cindy (with help).

And to walk her. The poor 'lil pony - such a good sport! walked quietly by Adalynn's side, and allowed Adalynn to pull her around the dirt.

Keely enjoyed it. But it got cold. And she got sick of the confinement of the carseat. So, we brought Cindy back to the pasture, fed her dinner, and left for home.