Splish Splash!

Boy, did I wish we had a pool yesterday! It was the most beautiful day I have seen in a while. Blue skies, warm sun, light breeze ... I loved every bit of it. It was so amazing that I didn't want to waste it. Baby Kay and I decided to spend the day doing some fun things (after I got rid of the pain in my chest from not being at the beach on a day like this)!

You may remember one of my favorite summer spots from last year- Stella's Farm. Baby Kay and I went to check out the homegrown produce. I practically squealed with delight when I saw the tables of fresh jersey corn! I was hoping for peaches and tomatoes, but I have to wait 2 more weeks for those. It is quite alright because I stocked up on Jersey fresh sweet corn, basil, zucchini, and blueberries.

When we got home we made pesto and delicious zucchini bread! After we whipped up these yummy treats, we took some time to cool off and play outside before nap time. I filled up Lexi's baby pool for Kay. She  is getting so used to the water. She really likes to crawl in it and splash. I tried to lay her down, but she wasn't quite ready for that. I am really looking for a Mommy and Me swim class, but I can't find one anywhere. I know there are infant swim classes... anyone know of one?

After we played, we relaxed a little. For some reason, she is enthralled by Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. This kid has good taste. Who doesn't love a high pitched mouse with red shorts and big yellow shoes!? I love Mickey and the gang.

All around it was a great day. Exactly what you would expect from a momma and her baby on a nice summer day. I can get used to this, but first I get to have a girl's spa day with Angela!

A Picture Is Worth A Thousand Words

The Battle Scar of A Crawler

An Everlasting Bubble

Pure Love

A Dimple That Will Melt Your Heart In An Instant

A Relationship That Builds With Trust and Tolerance

Gymboree

Summer mode is in full effect! Boon-frickin'-yah! We are adapting to our new summer schedule of waking up a little later. Daddy and I have been getting out of bed a little before the 7 o'clock hour, and this is a nice change from the 5:30 wake up call we were getting! Even if Baby Kay wakes up earlier, she chills in her crib quietly and plays. Amazing. We are eating a little later, napping a little later, and just flying by the seat of our pants. Lunch dates, shopping, playing at home, visiting Grams ... we are pretty much doing whatever we want.

Our new summer schedule consists of a weekly play date at our local Gymboree! Today was our first class, and Kay and I had a great time. She loved the songs, movement, and exploration. She loved the big mirror that she could stand on and bang balls on. Her biggest obsession of the day was another child in the class. She just wanted to crawl right up to her and get right in her face. She  is still nervous to really touch another baby, but when she gets over that fear, I am sure she will be a bruiser.

I loved learning new things and news ways I can interact with Kay. A few of the things I never thought to do on my own like blow bubbles at her or create a little tent or tunnel for her to crawl through. Now that I have the ideas, I probably don't need to go to the class, but I love that Kay gets to socialize with new people. It is helping her learn to adapt and be open to new situations. I can't wait for Kay to go to a class with her BFF Addie!

What kinds of things do you do with your babies when you play and teach them new things? Anyone have any good toys or music recommendations?

Lions, Tigers, and Bears ... Oh My!

What a gorgeous weekend! We were lucky enough to have beautiful, warm days with very little humidity, and it was so enjoyable to be outside. Daddy and I spent two days loving life and family time. Today, we decided to head to The Philadelphia Zoo after nap. We debated going all morning, but I am so glad we went because we had a great time.

I haven't been to the zoo since I was a kid, and I loved it. I felt like we were still kids as we kept nudging our way to the front to get a good look at the animals.  It was big, clean, and the animals looked great! Baby Kailyn loved it. She loved watching the otters swim and dance, and she LOVED the Polar Bear tank. It must have been the blue water because she squirmed trying to get out of our arms to get to put her hands up to the glass. She laughed and giggled when she looked at the blue water.

It was an incredible day. Daddy and I had such a great time. We never got a map. We just wondered around and looked at everything.  Sometimes flying by the seat of your pants creates the best memories, and today was the perfect example. 

Like having a peacock walk right over your toes at lunch!

You can't really see it, but there is a jaguar in the corner! Amazing!

I hope everyone had a great weekend! What did you do?

Home Sweet Home

We just came home from 5 days at the shore. We had a blast even though we didn't have perfect weather. We had perfect company and perfect relaxation. We were able to get 3 beach days in, and the other days we shopped, walked, played, and swung! 

This little girl was too small for the swing, but she liked it for her first time.

Look at Lexi getting a chance to wander and sniff!

Daddy's parents have a house in Ocean City, and we are grateful to them for letting us come and go as we please. We were able to kick off the summer with a getaway, and it was much needed. The house is perfect in every way. With seashore paraphernalia everywhere, you instantly feel happy and at ease when you walk through the door. What is it about the shore? The smell of the ocean as you drive in, the sky lit up from the Ferris wheel on the boardwalk, the happy people actually stopping for you to cross the street, and all of the pleasantries exchanged with the dog walkers that you pass. It is such a happy place, and I LOVE it! I think this little cutie likes it too!

Baby Kailyn had a great week. We battled a little bout of constipation, but other than that this baby is a rockstar. She simply adjusts so well to new situations and new surroundings. 

iPhone beach pics!

She is 8 months old now, and she is starting to get a tiny bit shy around strangers. A few times, a woman or a couple would stop us on the beach to look at her and tell us how beautiful she is (of course), and she would hide and bury her face in my chest. So sweet!

iPhone beach pics!

This baby amazed us on our last beach day. She sat in the wet sand, and she actually played. She smiled and touched the sand. She splashed a bit in the water. We even let the water come up and wash over her legs...she loved it. She got so comfortable that she actually started crawling!!! She raked the wet sand with her little fingers and kept feeling the texture. It was amazing to watch her brave a new situation. 

iPhone beach pic!

I am happy to be home. Our time at the shore was fun, but we are tired. After we got home tonight, I put the baby to bed an hour early. I can't wait to cuddle up in my bed with some DVR. I plan on enjoying some lazy days around the house with my little girl this upcoming week. Who knows what we will do?

Happy Father's Day

Happy Father's Day to my two favorite Dads. I hope you have a great day full of U.S. Open golf and relaxing.

A FATHER MEANS...

A Father means so many things...

A understanding heart,

A source of strength and of support

Right from the very start.

A constant readiness to help

In a kind and thoughtful way.

With encouragement and forgiveness

No matter what comes your way.

A special generosity and always affection, too

A Father means so many things

When he's a man like you...

As my husband celebrates his first father's day, I hope he feels as special and important as he is to us. He is an amazing father to our little girl and I hope he knows that he means the world to me. 

Thanks To My Mom

My emotional journey of returning to work after having my first born child has come to an end. It was one of the hardest things I have had to do in my life and there is only one reason I made it through... my mom. My mom was my babysitter, my supporter, my encourager, and my lifeline. Knowing that Kay was with her was a relief to me. I was able to go to work and concentrate on doing my what I love and doing the best job that I could without worrying about leaving my own baby girl. I knew she was safe, loved, playing, and learning every day.

I don't think I could have asked for a better person to care for my Kailyn. My mom respected all of my wishes whether she agreed with them or not! The love and care she showed for Baby Kailyn was beyond anything I could have ever expected. The bond they share is truly incredible.

Thanks so much for everything Mom. You are so selfless, and I can never tell you how much everything you do means to me. I know I don't always show it, but I appreciate you more than you will ever imagine! Thank you for taking care of my sweet baby girl and helping her learn and grow each day. Without you giving her play time and interacting with her, she may not have been able to crawl and stand and do all of the wonderful things she is doing already!

I love you Mom!

Happy Summer

A happy summer filled with this smiling face. A happy summer filled with lazy days lounging around. A happy summer filled with busy days buzzing around. A happy summer filled with doing whatever we want whenever we want! A happy summer filled with creating ever lasting memories.

Happy summer has begun. I couldn't be happier or more excited!

Have a great weekend!

Happy 8 Months

Mid-month has arrived yet again. Every time, I sit down to write this post I am never sure how to start. It seems so cliche to tell you how amazed I am that my newborn is gone, to tell you how fast those 8 months have flown by, and to tell you how sad I am at how my little sweetie is gaining on THE big one...shhhh....don't say it....don't think it... shhhhhh...yes, the first birthday.

But, it is all true. Happy 8 months Baby Kailyn! For an 8 month old, you sure pack a big punch. This is by far my favorite age yet. You are so happy, and you smile and laugh all the time. You are like an unstoppable machine. You crawl around checking everything out, and no one better get in your way! You can throw a tantrum, crocodile tears and all, with the best of them! You interact with your mommy and daddy, and when you flash those two little square pearly whites at us, you can pretty much get your way.

At 8 months, you...

* weigh 16.3 pounds! You just had a sick appointment and I had the nurse help me weigh you in the office. You gained less than 1 pound in over a month. Is that normal? That doesn't seem like a lot, but you are eating like a champ so I guess I shouldn't worry.

* you wear 6-12 month clothing. It is too funny because you have this extra long torso, short legs, and skinny body. I am worried that it is going to be challenging to find clothes that fit you. Either the pant legs are too long, the clothes are too baggy, or they won't button under your tush. For pajamas, you wear size 12 month (Carters)  or  size 12-18 if I could find any pajamas that I actually like. Oh, and shoes...forget it. What a joke! Maybe we can broach this subject again in a month.

*Size 3 diapers are your thing. They did come with our favorite sleep sheep diaper. I don't think Swaddlers Sensitive come in size 4 so I don't know what we will do!

* This week, you started eating your first finger foods! You have had watermelon and banana pieces and Gerber puffs. The pincher grasp you use is the cutest thing I have seen. It is like an automated chop stick opening and closing. You put the food right in your mouth and you are so proud of yourself!

* You have your first diaper rash, and I think that top left tooth is the culprit. Your poor little sore bottom. This is new, uncharted territory for us so any suggestions will be greatly appreciated. I can't believe you have two teeth, and you are so close to cutting your third!

* will not sit still for a picture! You crawl away quicker than I can click the shutter. Most of pics end up blurry because you are moving so fast! I did manage to get a few pics tonight, but it was a rainy night and the lighting was not great. Your cuteness makes up for it.

* crawl ALL the time. You are so quick! You crawl to your toys, pick them up, and bang them and throw them, and then you continue on your path of destruction. You are learning how to push yourself up into a sitting position from crawling. You can almost do it. When I sit you down, you can sit up by yourself, but you aren't interested in staying there too long because you are constantly on the move. You can pull yourself up to a stand, and you getting stronger and less wobbly every day.

Baby Kailyn, this month marks one of the most anticipated months of my life. I get to be home with you all day everyday. School is ending, and I get to spend your 8 month loving you up and I couldn't be happier. Happy 8 months sweet girl!

Pool Party

Last week, we had our first pool party of the year. I hope it was our first of many. After a long day shortened day at work due to the heat, we headed to see some family and friends for a swim party. It was so much fun! Tracy, Jay and their friends have dinner together once a week, and it was nice to be invited because we had some good eats and some good laughs.

This cutie loved it too...

Baby Kailyn went in the hot tub because the water was still a little too chilly, but she loved it! Of course, she was such a good girl. I love taking her to experience new things. It amazes me how much she takes in. She has the cutest, serious face. It is like she studies her new surroundings, and she is starting to hold mommy a little tighter in new situations which makes my heart feel warm.

This little lady is growing up right before our eyes. I am looking forward to this summer to experience more firsts.

Baby Laughs

Need a smile?

People aren't lying when they say the best sound in the world is a baby laughing. This will get you through your week.

Please excuse my weird noises. She thought I was funny. Daddy and I were trying to remember the strange noises from The Coneheads and it made her giggle. Does anyone remember the weird Conehead noises anyway?

Oh Baby!

These are some of the few pictures I was able to capture of my girl this week. She is flying around the house at warp speed. She will not stay still. I can't get any pictures! This little girl is changing so much before my eyes.

She can crawl, climb, and stand while holding onto something. She can even pull herself to a stand which I find amazing since she still seems so small. She may be small, but she is one strong little bugger.

These days the pictures usually end up like this...

We sure have our hands full over here with this chick, but we wouldn't want it any other way. I am too tired to blog from chasing this sweetheart around. Happy Tuesday.

Family Fun on the Farm

Yesterday was one of those days you think about when you are anticipating summer. You can't wait for beautiful weather and to get outdoors. You can't wait to eat fresh locally grown food and grill out on the deck. We did all of these things today, and it was a great day.

We were planning on heading to Johnson's Farm after morning nap. Well, morning nap lasted about 30 minutes, and we decided to just head over early to make sure we were home for afternoon nap because we missed nap last weekend... and .... it .... was .... not .... pretty.

We arrived at Johnson's Farm just as the sun was coming out.

And just as the sun was coming out, I realized I didn't put any sunscreen on my little lady. Good job, mom. So I spent most of the morning worrying about keeping the baby in the shade. Once, we got on the hayride it was all good. Away we went to pick our fresh berries!

The cherry trees were so full of red, ripe cherries. The highlight of the day was when we first got off of the hayride, and a little girl runs over to the cherry tree and climbs it. Too funny! Her family yelled at her, and she was like, "But the good ones are at the top!" She did have a point. I imagined that will be my wild child one day. Climbing the fruit trees. *sigh*

After we filled our cherry quota, we went over to pick our strawberries. Baby Kailyn loved being outside. As we were on our hayride, she loved the wind blowing her hair.

We had such a great day on the farm. We came home with so much delicious fruit! I was so excited!

I decided to make a homemade, fresh cherry pie. It was pretty easy since my friend Angela had just posted this recipe. The cherry pie was so good! Daddy and I almost ate the whole thing in a day.

What a great day spent with my family. It makes me so excited for summer to spend many more days like this. Here's to another fabulous weekend!