Change

Wow... a lot has happened since my last blog.

1. Christmas.
2. Moving.
3. Kennedy in a 'big girl bed'.
4. Unpacking/redecorating.

I guess that isn't a TON of new stuff, but moving/unpacking did consume us for a few days. We now reside in Cudahy and we're enjoying being closer to everything... both of our jobs, church, family and friends.

Moving day could not have gone smoother. And within two days we were unpacked and ready to relax. We love our new place. It's so much bigger than the condo! Kennedy LOVES the new house too. She doesn't have to share her room with our computer and desk, AND she has more room to play! Riley is still transitioning...

Christmas was wonderful! My family came together and celebrated on Christmas Eve, and the Schultzes gathered on Christmas day. We all got a lot of great gifts, especially Kennedy. She really made out. We're so appreciative, but might be putting a cap on the presents for next year. I don't want her to forget the REAL meaning of Christmas. And although she opened all of her gifts, I'm actually giving her one gift per day. I think she'll appreciate them more that way. Two days ago, I opened her new baby doll and accessories (pack and play, swing and stroller). She loves all of it! Every time she finishes feeding her, she wants to put her bottle in the fridge. Too cute. She's very nurturing and I enjoy seeing that side of her :) ...by the way, she named her baby 'Baby Sister'. haha I love it!

Kennedy transitioned to a big girl bed (aka her crib minus the front portion) so well. Now she sleeps in a "day bed-esk" sort of deal. She doesn't get up EVER, and sleeps just the same. She won't even get up in the morning and come and get us. It's been five nights and five naps and she's going strong!

I took off a few days (combined with the holidays and weekends) and it's made for a nice 11 days off! Now, I'm just spending some quality time with Jon and Kennedy :)

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!!

Cuddle Bug

Merry Christmas Eve everyone!

Last night was bittersweet for me. Jon was plowing/salting for the good 'ole city of Cudahy, while Kennedy and I hung out at home. Although we missed him, we snuggled under and blanket and watched 'Elf' (our favorite Christmas movie) together. Even better than that... we fell asleep cuddling. It was the sweetest thing!! I always think to myself... how could I love this little girl more?? She is my world. Jon is too, of course. But this girl has my heart!

I hope that everyone has a very Merry Christmas this year! Enjoy your family and friends and remember why we celebrate... Jesus :) He gave the best gift of all!! Love you.

Big Girl Bed???

Today was a first for Kennedy... the first time she CLIMBED OUT OF HER CRIB!!! *gasp*

She was supposed to be napping, but decided that reading/singing/talking to her animals was more important. It was pretty cute, I must say. But I still went in a few times to tell her that she needed to sleep. She didn't agree. So I thought to myself, if she's having fun, why bother?! Soon after that I hear, 'Creeeeeeeeeek'. I thought, did Riley just open the door? I started walking toward her room to find out what was up, when I see two little eyes peering through the crack. She quickly closed the door. I look in and to my amazement, find her "Lion" on the floor, set perfectly next to her crib. That wasn't there when I put her down! Apparently she moved it to a location that would be of better use to her! (All while sitting in her crib.) I asked her why she wanted to get out and she said, "I wanna potty train.". REALLY?! So I got her on the potty. She didn't pee, but I appreciated her interest!

Yes, our daughter is 2 1/2 and still sleeping in a crib. I didn't want to move her to a bed if it wasn't necessary. I made the decision that I wouldn't move her unless she started crawling out of her crib, potentially proposing a danger to herself. So do I wait another day to see if she tries it again? Of course I'll make sure there is nothing in arms length for her to grab tonight. I guess we'll see what happens in the morning! Stay tuned.

Baby Brother?!

We were hanging out in Kennedy's room tonight, spending some family time together, when Jon asked her about mommy having a baby. She responded with, "I want a baby brother!". I asked her what she wanted to name him and she said, "Gala.". lol What's a Gala?? She makes me laugh.

I am not pregnant (for the record), but often wish I was. Now that Kennedy is 2 1/2 I know I'm ready for #2. It took forever for me to come to that realization, but when I finally did I was pretty excited. Now getting Jon on board... that's a another story. He isn't looking forward to the sleepless nights, endless diaper changes and non-stop crying. Well honestly, either am I! That part isn't fun. But obviously it's only for a season. He knows that too, but still insists he isn't ready. It's ok... I know that I will get pregnant when God allows it. I just wish I knew when that was. :)

On a side note... I took Kennedy to Grandma Val's today to bake cookies. We had a blast! She was such a good helper!! I know that Grandma was impressed... although I'm sure she never doubted Kennedy's abilities. She was so gentle, placing everything in the bowl so perfectly. And she took directions very well! I was even a little impressed. The cookies turned out beautiful and tasted even better. I even got some pretty cute pictures too. I know that whenever we do have another baby, she will undoubtedly be an AMAZING big sister!!! I love my family.

Sweet Girl

Kennedy was eager to take a bath tonight, but quickly changed her mind when she spotted her puzzles. So right now she is piecing together a puzzle... NAKED. haha And she's singing a "Jesus song" as she calls it. The song is from a Sunday School Songs CD that we have in the car. She LOVES that CD!! "God loves me... say it again!" ...what a sweetheart!

Jon just informed me that when he puts her to bed at night (when I'm not home), she asks for me. That made me so sad. We have a tradition when we put her to bed. Bath, mouse (to tame those crazy curls), brush her teeth, and kisses from Daddy and Mommy. Then Riley jumps up, putting her paws on the railings of her crib and kisses her goodnight. I kiss her one more time. Tuck tuck... then we pray. I have a busy life... between work, MOPS, L'Bri and other things, so I am not home at night as much as I want to be. Jon is a trooper and I love him dearly for not constricting me. Even when I'm home, he still does all the night time duties for Kennedy. They really bond at night and I think it's cute.

When I went over by Julie's the other night to scrapbook, Jon took her to Rocky Rococo's for a "Daddy-daughter date". She didn't eat anything, but enjoyed her free balloon. On the way home, Jon said to Kennedy, "I love you." She responded with, "I love you too Daddy." He said the sweetness in her voice was so cute. She really melts his heart. Thank you Kennedy for always making our day a little brighter... I love you both so much!!

Getting started!

I finally did it! I've created a blog. It's something I've wanted to do for a long time now. There is always something that happens in the day where I sit back and say "I hope I never forget that.". But honestly, life just flies by and things ARE forgotten.

Kennedy is growing up right before our eyes. She says something funny or memorable daily. About a week ago, she was very crabby. (Now, my two-and-a-half year old can be a real spitfire if you're unaware.) We were at the vet waiting for Riley to get checked and she was giving me attitude. I looked at her and said, "Do you have a chip on your shoulder??". She looked at me confused, checked her shoulder, and then said, "No!". We laughed so hard, right there in the waiting room. Later on in the day she decided it was time to test me again. So I said, "I see you still have that chip on your shoulder." She looked at her shoulder again and said, "Mommy, I don't have a chip on my shoulder!!" She is just too cute.

Little sayings, conversations... this is the main reason why I am blogging. My husband thinks I'm crazy. I'm sure I won't be able to post daily, but I'm going to try my hardest! :)