All Things Easter

This past weekend went great! We enjoyed spending time with our families and Kiley had a blast learning what Easter was all about. 

Saturday we had our Easter in the backyard before we went to Mommo Siegmund's house.  Jason was working Easter Sunday so, we wanted to make sure that Jason would be a part of Kiley's "easter hunt." I figured that she really wouldn't understand what was going on this year and so, did the easter bunny.  Luckily for us, the easter bunny knew that Jason wasn't going to be home the next morning so he scattered eggs around a small part of the backyard and Kiley crawled to each one to see what was in them.  She got cheerios, dissolve puffs, goldfish, and money! She really liked all the noise that the money made - the bunny must have known she would like that and gave quarters instead of dollar bills.  He's a smart one!

That afternoon we went to Mommo's.  Kiley loved it! There were so many small children there - Jason's 2nd cousins, Kiley's 3rd cousins.  She loved watching them and crawling after them and she especially loved to give Conrad kisses! It was hilarious to watch her and I think that if it was up to her we wouldn't have left at 8:30, but by the time we got home she was ready to go to bed and went to sleep right away.  I don't blame her though, holidays can be tiring!

On Easter, Kiley decided to be the devil at church.  I think it was because Dada wasn't there so, she figured she could act up.  Wrong! Mama put her foot down, well the little that I can because she is still a baby.  I took her outside first, then stood up with her in the back of the church the rest of the time...I was pretty relieved when it was time to go, only because I was a little embarrassed by how she was acting.  Let's pray that it can only go up from here!

Afterwards we went to my Nana and Papa's in Schulenburg with my Mom and Dad and played and played and played some more.  We took Easter pictures outside and then had a wonderful lunch, as always.  Kiley played on the floor with her toys and then we had a snack (yummy in my tummy banana pudding), and then we played some more on the floor and then we had supper.  The little stinker decided that she didn't want to miss out on a thing...so we never took a nap! Surprisingly, she wasn't fussy and entertained herself for most of the day.  The minute we headed home though, she was out!

Playing Peek-a-Boo with Pops.

Kiley, Nana, and Papa - Kiley's Great Grandparents.

I found it!

Nanna and Pops with Miss Kiley.

This Saturday is Kiley's party.  In case you don't know it has been moved to our house.  If you are able to come please bring lawn chairs! We are praying for some nice weather and calmer winds hopefully! Looking forward to visiting with everyone again! So, until then Gig Em' & God Bless!

One of Kiley's Biggest Fans

I have always been and always will be one of Kiley's biggest fans.  The other biggest fan is Jason, of course.  I didn't even know that I could love and admire someone so much, until we had Kiley (no offense babe).  I was her fan before I even met her - it was meant to be.  I say this, because I have probably well over a 1000 photos of our daughter and the pictures and albums are steadily growing in numbers! - and very quickly at that!

Each week I come on here and write about the new things Kiley has done.  And now I'm stunned by the thought that I am going to very soon be writing about our little Kiley's first birthday.  Knowing this, I have also felt the need to get as many pictures as possible this last few weeks.  Now don't get me wrong, just because Kiley is turning 1 doesn't mean that the pictures will slow, but my little baby is starting to look like a little girl now and well I'm just trying to capture the baby essense that she still has left. 

First of all let's start with this past weekend! We had family time at the lake, despite Dada having to work at night, we were able to spend the days together and really enjoy ourselves.  Friday, we left for the lake and while Nanna and Pops took Kiley with them to the grocery store, Jason taught me how to drive a jet ski! WOW! It was a little overwhelming because it was pretty choppy out there and we got water splashed on us (thanks Jason) which was VERY cold, but other than that we had a lot of fun! Once we got back to the house my parents and Kiley were back which made for a very nice evening eating at the house and just relaxing.  Saturday took us to Austin where we got to watch Trey (my cousin) who is a pitcher for Texas Tech pitch against Texas and win! It was great because I always like to see the Longhorns loose..; ) Kiley enjoyed herself because she was outside of course and all in all it was a great day!

Our weekend ended quietly, although very windy and we headed home that afternoon!

On Monday I got Kiley ready for pictures in Austin.  I wanted to have more professional pictures done of Kiley before her first birthday and had always planned on The Picture People doing the photos like they did for her 8 month birthday.  But, my plan went sour when I found out that they had closed their store in Austin.  I remembered seeing a photographer at the Arboretum that had caught my eye and decided to give him a call.  He said that he had young children himself and enjoys taking very natural, organic shots of individuals outside in the Arboretum park.  I thought, what the heck lets give it a shot! Nanna, Kiley and I loaded up with many outfits in hand (I couldn't decide) and drove up to Austin to see what this guy could do.  Kiley slept on the way up there, we grabbed a bite to eat, and she couldn't have been in a better mood! John didn't like to make Kiley do anything she didn't want to do.  If she was scared or about to cry he would just have us do something else.  He made it fun and got some really great photos.  It really helped that Kiley was outside and a lot of younger children were playing out there.  She loved that and kept pointing and shrieking with excitement at them and the squirrels.  The grass was soft so she didn't mind being put on the ground and of course everytime she saw a leaf she had to pick it up and show it to Nanna and Mama. That's my girl, very aware of everything you put her by!

I was so proud of her, she did so good and to her mommy and daddy, she is the most gorgeous baby we have ever seen!

So, on Tuesday we went to go see the Easter Bunny.  I was not to sure how this was going to go.  Kiley was not too happy to see Santa so, we were hoping that the Bunny might be different.  Boy was I wrong! When she first saw the Easter Bunny she began shrieking with excitement, "Aha!" "Aha!" and pointing at the bunny.  So, I'm thinking, "okay, so this is going to be a good picture."  Again, wrong! Once Daddy decides to take her closer to the bunny and then let her sit on the bunny...well, let's just say it went down hill from there! We tried to advert her attention, but she was just plain bawling and soooo upset.  They took the picture anyways, but I wasn't very happy with the result.  That's when I asked the lady if we could be in the picture too.  She agreed that was a good idea and Jason and I then sat by the bunny with Daddy protecting his baby by making sure she was no where near the bunny and we got a good shot! Although, it was not what I was planning to do this year, it did turn out to be a great photo. BUT I won't be putting it on the mantle anytime soon!

It's amazing what you will do once you have children...

This weekend is Easter, but also Kiley's last "first holiday." - I hope that makes sense.  The last celebration is her first birthday, but I know there will be many more first for her and many more wonderful holiday's to come! Until this weekend, Gig em' & God Bless!

Less than 1 Month Away..

Friday, we celebrated Kiley's 11 month birthday.  It blows my mind that we are less than one month away from her birthday.  My emotions about this specail occassion are mixed.  I am excited for her, but sad that our little one is growing so quickly.  I am blessed that I get to spend every day with Kiley and watch her grow and see all her firsts, but the days go by so fast it just seems like she is slipping right through our fingers.  Kiley has truly been a blessing to Jason and I.  Who could of thought that such a little baby could make our hearts be filled with so much love for her and one another!

Friday seemed to go by crazy fast again and I was running out of time to take pictures of Kiley.  We all have been battling this wind! and I was trying to think of a place where I could take pictures where we weren't having to deal with what seems like 30 mph gusts.  Well, since I couldn't come up with any ideas and time was clicking away I just took them in front of the house by our newly planted flowers! They actually turned out pretty cute and I was pretty pleased with them! Kiley always takes the best pictures outside because that's where she likes to spend most of her days.  She has also been very interested in picking out rocks from the plant beds and then putting them back where they go.  This entertains her for what seems like hours! I like calling her the "Rock Patrol" when she does this.  It seems like she has a plan for which ones need to be moved and the best place to put them back at! You'll see in these next few pictures she is picking rocks hard at work patroling...

We also went for our first kiddie pool swim this week! At first we were unsure about what we were doing with our clothes on in the water, but we quickly got a hang of it and had a ton of fun! I just love this swimsuit on her.  She looks like Pebbles from the Flintstones! She likes to hang on to a wash cloth whenever she is in the water, you will see it in the pictures.

After our swim we drove over to Nanna's for a girls pizza night.  Afterwards, we played on the floor and Nanna and Sonni (puppy) went outside to water some plants.  I asked Kiley where Nanna was? and she quickly crawled over to the door leading outside.  This is the shot I got of her looking for Nanna and Sonni.

Kiley pointing at Sonni and saying "A Dah!"

On a side note we are also trying to teach Kiley some sign language.  We started with how to sign "more." Now when Kiley is eating and is ready for more food she can sign to us that she is still hungry! It's amazing what these little ones can learn so quickly!

The party is less than 3 weeks away and we are looking forward to it! Just so you know if you have little ones, we will not be providing anything for entertainment so it would be great if they have some toys to play with! Hope everyone can make it out! But until then Gig em' & God Bless!



PARTY!

This week I sent out invitations for the upcoming party! We are looking forward to everyone coming and hope you all can make it to celebrate Kiley's first birthday on April 30! Please don't forget to RSVP!

Some fun facts - Kiley's first birthday is May 8 which is Mother's Day this year! and the picture I used for Kiley's invitation was taken by Bethany Behrens of KB Photography!

Even if you aren't an Aggie, you are still welcome to the party :) but please no UT clothes! j/k Be sure to come hungry...cake, cupcakes, candy, and hot dogs!

More details to come next week! Love to you all & Gig em'!!

Picture taken by Bethany Behrens.

Our Lil' Sunshine

I know it's been a while since I've written a blog.  I got LASIK a little over a week ago and the computer has been my enemy lately.  Don't worry I can see just fine, but the brightness of the screen blurs my vision still.  I was told that after 3 months everything would become crisp for me, but in the meantime my eyes are healing.  But, enough about me and more about Kiley!

Lately, the weather has been wonderful and when the weather is great our little Kiley is the happiest.  I've been trying to keep us outside most of the time, riding bikes, taking afternoon walks, swinging, and even eating supper outside.  The other evening my Mom and I got back late from Austin.  I decided that Jason, Kiley and I were going to have pizza for supper and I wanted to do it outside because she had been at daycare all day.  We went and picked up Kiley and the pizza and then we finally got home to eat supper with Dada.  We put toys outside for Kiley and took the pizza and drinks outside and just relaxed in the backyard on the grass.  It felt great outside and instead of the "grouchy" and Mama clingy Kiley I get after a full day of daycare we had a smiling little ray of sunshine sitting with us.  We were laughing so hard at her.  She didn't know what to do with her legs on that grass! She kept one leg up off of the ground the whole time while she sat on the grass.  Even if you pushed it down she would raise it back up.  What a character!

So, as the weeks pass I've been noticing that Kiley is a lot more talkative and has been expanding her baby vocabulary! Words we can say; Dada, Baba, Rara, and A Dah. Words we can't say; MAMA.

I've come to the conclusion that she doesn't know that my name is mama.  To make myself feel better I've been thinking that she believes that I'm dada and that's why she says it all the time.  Even if it isn't true, it does make me feel better! So the last word that she can say, A Dah, to Kiley this means dog.  Every morning when Zoe (my puppy) and I come into Kiley's room she points at Zoe and says, "A Dah."  When we go to Nanna's house and Sonni is there she says the same thing.  So, A Dah has got to mean dog to Miss Kiley.  Another thing we are doing new is pointing.  It is so cute and definitely helps me understand what she is talking about.  For instance, Kiley has a life size stuffed tiger in her room named Tony the Tiger.  Every morning I ask her, "Kiley, where is Tony?"  My little smarty pants points at the tiger and shrieks with excitement! She is starting to know everyone's names such as who Zoe and Sonni are, Nanna, Pops, and Dada, but when it comes to someone asking Kiley where Mama is? Yeah, no response! Oh well, hopefully it will come, but this only justifies my reasoning that she knows me as Dada too!

Friday, Kiley and I goofed off in Austin in the morning.  We did a little shopping and went to one of the parks and then ate lunch.  I really enjoyed our Mommy, daughter time together!  She is really laid back and loves to go places as much as Mommy does.  She makes it so easy to have fun and just enjoy the time I have with her while she is a baby.  Every day holds something special and another wonderful memory I have of my little girl.  At lunch that day she was so ticklish.  I couldn't help myself, I had to keep tickling her! I love hearing her laugh and that day she was laughing so hard she couldn't catch her breath! Just thinking about it makes me smile - she is such a love bug!

Last Sunday we spent time at the lake.  The first picture is the one I took right out of the dock.  The next picture was about 5 minutes later.  Lets just say the boat does wonders for naps!

I've been working on Kiley's upcoming party for a while now and it is fast approaching...hoping to get some more done this week but, until I write again, Gig em' & God Bless!

No More Daycare...

If it was up to me I wouldn't take Kiley to daycare anymore.  Don't get me wrong, having a place to take Kiley to is great, and the care givers are awesome, but I don't want to take her because she is so much fun to be around.  I know it's good for her to be around other little babies, but she is at such a fun age right now! Everyday is an adventure with her that just flies by.  Her personality is shining through more and more and she is such a goof ball!

Last Monday we went to my LASIK consultation in Houston (I've decided to get my vision corrected).  Kiley was great.  The ride seemed considerably long, but Kiley slept all the way there and all the way home.  By the time we got home it was 3:00 and that girl was none stop playing for 5 hours.  Yes, I said 5 hours! She had so much energy to get out of her system and she just couldn't wait to crawl around and play with everything and everyone.  At 10 months old, Kiley really isn't interested in toys, she would rather explore.  And boy did we do some exploring Monday! Her favorite thing had to be that the puppies were there to play with her too.  She is hilarious, everytime she sees a puppy she shrieks with excitement!

Tuesday we were able to go to Lockhart to go see Kiley's GiGi or my Grandma.  We visited with Grandma for the afternoon and really enjoyed sitting outside and watching Kiley crawl around and get dirty.  Somedays Kiley is a princess and whines if her hands are dirty and other days, like Tuesday, we are a tomboy looking around for dirt to dig into!

Playing in the garage.  Notice how I took the WHITE pants off so she could get dirty!

Time for another BaBa!

We learned how to use our two bottom teeth to bite into a cookie! She loved them and kept taking really big bites!

Friday was a really hot day.  Because it was spring break weekend Alex (my cousin) played softball at noon against LaGrange.  Getting Kiley dressed for the game reminded me of how tiny she was the last time we went to a high school softball game.  At that time she was only 2 weeks old and newborn sizes would swallow her.  Now as I was getting her dressed in her 9 month sized clothing, I was trying to stay calm because she never wants to stay in one place and thinks she needs to crawl somewhere! Totally different situation and now that she's older it seems like she needs more for a game! I don't want her to get hot, she needs to stay protected, so we needed a hat, I wanted a chair for her so I wouldn't hold her the whole time because she is beginning to hate that! and I had to make sure she had food, snacks, juice, and milk.  The funny thing is we were just in town for the game so it's not like we were far from home.  But, I always insist on being prepared! So, instead I always go overboard and end up being over prepared! Kiley had a blast though and got to see her Nana and Papa again (they came down to watch the game). 

We are learning to clap, but Kiley's clap is special or another good word for it is proper. When everyone cheers she clasps her hands together (her clap) or throws her arms up in the air! I just love watching her do this! It is so darn cute and you can pretty much predict that she will do it everytime you say "yea!" or "go Kiley!".

Saturday we spent the day driving to Waco to watch Trey (my cousin) pitch against Baylor.  Kiley sported her Texas Tech onesie or jumpsuit as Trey likes to call it.  She was a great cheerleader, constantly dancing and singing with the music and again throwing those arms up in the air or doing her special clap! Before we could even get back on the road again she was asleep, my guess is exhausted from all the fun and excitement!

This is the romper she had on before we left for the game.  She changed into her Texas Tech uniform before the game.

The weekend closed for us with a visit to Lake LBJ.  We had a fun and relaxing time and couldn't be more impatient for the summer to come so we can jump in and get our feet wet! Although a pretty windy Sunday, Kiley didn't mind the boat ride, it was her excuse for a nap...can't blame her, she had to rest up to go exploring again!

This week is going to be another hectic one! Until Sunday though, Gig em' & God Bless!



10 Loves

This week consisted of doctor appointments, work, and shopping! Don't worry the doctor appointments were not Kiley's.  She is a healthy growing baby! On Tuesday, Kiley had her 10 month birthday! For her birthday I wanted to write 10 reasons why we love our little baby.

10 Reasons We Love Our Kiley:

1.  Her beautiful Smile.  Morning, noon or night our little baby is always flashing us her beautiful smile.
2.  Her cute Giggle.  Whether she's silently giggling at herself or laughing out loud because she is so darn ticklish our Kiley loves to laugh and we love to hear it!
3.  Her cute dancie and singing.  Anytime we hear music that's Kiley's cue to sing and dance, especially in church.  She sings as loud as she can so Jesus can hear her and that puts a smile to our faces.
4.  Her loving kisses.  One thing about it Kiley is very loving and gives the best kisses!
5.  She won't say Mama.  When we say Mama, Kiley says Dada.  I'm blaming it on her stubborness, but either way you can always predict that she is going to say Dada as loud as she can when we say Mama.

Here's an example of her doing just that!

6.  Her loving and adorable UGGS (hugs).  Gentle and long, they are the best hugs we have ever gotten!
7.  Waving bye-bye.  Before she leaves a room she stops and waves bye-bye.  She thinks about leaving, but we know she won't crawl away because we can't leave her sight. 
8.  Her shrieks of excitement.  Whether it's seeing Zoe (our puppy) in the morning or when Mama gets out the cheerio box for breakfast, Kiley gets so excited about the smallest things and it makes you realize that just about anything can make this little girl happy!
9.  No tickling allowed.  When the tickle monster tries to get Kiley she tries so hard to push the monster away, but the monster always wins and then her beautiful laughter comes alive!
10.  She is our daughter! I couldn't imagine what life would be like without her in it! She makes us family and we just love her so much!

This is definitely Kiley - always with that tongue out!

Mama's ultimate favorite photo! Those beautiful blue eyes sparkling and those 2 teeth! Such a cutie!



Wednesday,  my very good friend from HEB came down to see us.  We hadn't seen him in over a year so, this was the first time for him and Kiley to meet.  It was great catching up with him and I was relieved that he got to meet Kiley before she turned 1. We thought it wouldn't happen! Later that night, Jason and Nanna were outside at Nanna's house planting plants that we got from the nursery that day.  Kiley and I decided to go inside and make supper.  Now this task is always a tough one! Kiley feels that it is necessary that she be entertained by Mama at all times and if not I better be feeding her something or holding her.  We are just a little spoiled! So, I decided that while I was making spaghetti that Kiley could snack on cheerios.  I put her in her bumbo chair and put a handful of cheerios on her tray.  Next thing I know she is putting as many cheerios as she can in her mouth! We don't understand what one at a time means yet! Such a piggy! Once we were done with that handful she started screaming for more (we are also needy). Got to love her! Once we ate our own supper I lifted her out of her chair and sure enough there were a ton of cheerios sticking on her diaper and cheerio impressions on her chubby little thighs! Poor baby, but yet so funny!!

Saturday, Bethany came over and we took Kiley our to a grassy field to take pictures for her one year birthday party invitations.  Mama should be excited about this one, but trust me I'm not! I just want my little baby to stay a little baby! Kiley did great and now I'm just waiting on Beth to edit the pictures so I can see them all.  I know they will be awesome! By the way the party is Saturday, April 30 so mark your calendars!

We're hoping to get to the lake this upcoming week..hopefully it will work out, but until then thanks for reading and Gig em' & God Bless!

A Letter to Kiley

Dear Kiley Addyson,

I wanted to write this letter to you to let you know how much Mommy and Daddy love you.  You are a little ray of sunshine that shines upon us each and every day.  It's hard for us to believe that you are 9 months old.  Yesterday, I started packing up most of your winter clothes that you can't fit into anymore or are too warm for you to wear (it's been 70 degrees or more which is really really warm for February).  Mommy had clothes everywhere trying to fold up the ones that were going to go in storage and hanging your new spring/summer clothes.  You had a blast helping (more like making a mess) Mommy! Everytime you would unfold something or throw the clothes everywhere I could hear you secretly giggling to yourself. I love your laugh. It is one of the sweetest sounds I have ever heard. Good thing Mommy has also learned to just go along with you because if Kiley's happy then everyone is happy! We also got a seat for Kiley on Daddy's bike yesterday and a helmet.  Daddy took the time to attach your seat to the bike and we were so excited to put you in there and see how you liked it! The result? You cried!! You didn't really care for the helmet, but we have to protect that sweet head of yours. So, Daddy didn't ride with you long, but we will try again another day and I know you will grow to love it!

Every Friday I take you to daycare.  You love it there, really you do! Lately, it's been hard for Mommy to let you go though.  You are just so much fun to be around! This past Friday I took you to daycare and you gave me a BIG kiss bye and I in turn felt like crying.  You love playing with your baby friends and Mommy is glad about that, but you also love to be around Mommy and Daddy so I just didn't want to let you go that day..

Last week on Thursday, we went to go pick up Mommy's friend, December.  I was so excited to go get her and happy that you had taken a nap on the drive up there to Austin.  We left a little earlier because you like to take naps around 10:00 a.m. and you always fall right asleep once you have had your juice and been riding in the car a little bit.  I think you knew December was someone special to Mommy because you were on your best behavior the whole time she was there.  Seeing you crawling around and giggling made Mommy fall in love with you all over again!  Every day your personality shines through more and more.  You love to be tickled and chased by Daddy and you love the mornings because that's when you get to eat some of Mommy's cheerios or if December is here you insist that she share too! Now, December likes to sleep later in the morning than you do so, I had to make sure that I had your bottle ready for you when you woke up at 7 a.m.  Mommy knew what you would wear and since you hate clothes right now Mommy would let you drink your bottle while she got you dressed...I know it's sneaky of me to do that, but it kept you from screaming! When it was time for December to leave Mommy wasn't ready for her to go and was pretty upset, but you stayed the loving, sweet baby girl you always have been and brightened Mommy's day!

Pictures with December!

Kiley's first Valentine's Day! We couldn't get you to keep your bow in your hair!

Kiley, every morning I look forward to seeing your beautiful face as you play in your crib waiting on Mommy to get you ready for the day.  And eventhough, you haven't said MaMa yet I know that when you are babbling you are telling me in your own words that you love me and baby I love you SO much! You and Daddy are my life! 

Love,

Mommy

Here's to another fantastic day and week! Gig'em and God Bless!

Fly As High As the Sky!

Wow is it really Sunday already? This week flew by! Kiley celebrated her 9 month birthday Tuesday during which she successfully grabbed her peach finger food off the table and put in her mouth! Mama was so proud of her! We had been practicing for the past week and now she can do it all by herself...YEA!

Wednesday we went to the doctor for a well check appointment for Miss Kiley.  He said she looked great and was right on track.  How much did she weigh? 18.1 pounds! and 27" long! The other great news? No more formula once Kiley turns 1!! Mama is definitely relieved about this one.

Thank goodness the weather turned around for us! Today was beautiful and we decided that we were going to get Kiley outside once Dada got off from work.  Earlier this week we bought a swing for her now that she is 9 months old.  We were pretty sure our little dare devil would love it and sure enough she couldn't stop from laughing and smiling when she tried it out for the first time today! And here's a tip - Kiley loves to fly as high as the sky! It seemed that the higher and faster the swing would go the more she would giggle and shreak with excitement.  It was a great ending to a great day!

We took a ton of pictures and I'm calling it her:  First time on a swing/ 9 month pictures!

Kisses for Dada!

Priceless...

All we want to do now is stand like the big kids.

My sweet baby after 9 months! It's hard to believe that just 9 months ago all she did was eat, sleep, and well you know the other one.  Now, she is crawling all over the place and pulling herself up using anything or anybody to help her.  I do know this though, I wouldn't change a thing! To us she is beautiful, inside and out.  She brings joy to our lives each and every day and well who couldn't ask for more?

Kiley's first Valentine's is tomorrow and wait till you see her dress! More pictures tomorrow for Kiley, but you will have to wait until next Sunday to see them! Until then, Gig em' and God Bless!!