Soooo Big...Kinley, You're 7 Months Old

There are a few things that stick out in my head about being a parent.  One of the biggest things is discovering just how fast your kids grow and change.   Sure, some months seems to go by without much fanfare but other months there is lots of growing and changing and learning!   This was definitely one of those months for Kinley.

Kinley, you're 7 months old!  And you have learned so many things this past month.  You are quite the little charmer, showing off all your new tricks like "so big", waving bye-bye and hello, and even giving kisses (my personal favorite).    You seem to be catching on to all of this stuff rather quickly.  Of course, you get lots of practice between Daddy, Mommy, McKenna and Coop!

Yes, dare I say, you're future is so bright you have to wear shades.  

Well, you at least have to wear them in the swing because that pesky sun seems to always be in your eyes.

This past weekend Daddy and I converted your stroller from "baby mode" to "bigger baby mode".  We no longer will be using your baby seat with the stroller.  Sort of sad but at the same time you look so comfy and cute sitting there like a big girl.   It's good that you like the stroller because you spend lots of time in there watching your brother and sister play.  This week I also took you on your first walk/run with me.  I say walk/run because pushing you in this stroller while running is quite the work out.  You didn't seem to mind though - you slept almost the entire time.

You are sitting up on your own now and it's such a blessing.   You love to sit on your play mat and play toys.  Sometimes you'll sit there content for a half hour or more. 

You are still not too sure you like to be away from Mommy.  Mimi took this picture a week or so ago when you were at her house.  I left you in her capable hands just so I could get my hair cut.  I actually had to crawl on my hands and knees and sneak out the back door so that you didn't see me leave.  What are we going to do with you? 

The weather has been so super nice this month.  We have enjoyed countless afternoons outside watching the big kids in the neighborhood play and ride their bikes.  It's sad to say that it won't be long until you leave your post on the porch with me and join them in playing.

The beautiful weather has also meant a few trips to the park.  This is a picture of your very first time in the swing at the park.  You didn't really care for this version of a swing.  You prefer the one you have at home.

You are now weighing in at over 16 pounds.  No wonder you're a growing girl - you eat like a champ.  You love baby food and right now are eating the following : carrots, peas, green beans, squash, applesauce, pears, bananas and rice cereal.  We tried peaches but they did a number on your belly so we're taking them away for a bit.  You also enjoy eating "Puffs".  You can't quite pick them up yet and get them to your mouth - but never fear, McKenna and Cooper love to help you out with that!

You are wearing mostly all 6-12 month clothes now and size 3 diapers.  It was sad to put away some of your tiny warm winter clothes.  I love buying little baby clothes for you and already you're done wearing them.  I'm going to miss shopping for little outfits.  I wish you wouldn't grow up so fast.  It was so nice having a newborn baby around the house again. 

We continue to work on sleeping.  It seems that every time we get something good going we encounter a cold some other ailment that keeps you awake at night.  Most recently that's been teething.  And so, on good nights you sleep right through the night with the occassional visit from "the binky fairy", also known as Mommy.  But other nights you still wake up to eat.  Usually you go right back to sleep but other times you don't.   Over all the sleep situation is improving.  I try not to complain (okay, I try not to complain a lot) because I know that some day I'll even miss having a reason to sit and cuddle you in the middle of the night.

Kinley's Dedication

Usually I have no excuse for being a full month late posting an important event.  But this time I actually did have an excuse...a bad one.  I had no pictures.   That's right, I didn't have any of my own pictures (at least pictures that turned out).  And so I've been patiently waiting on some of my family to send me pictures.  I'm sure glad that they took some cute ones so that we can remember Kinley's special day.

In the past few years we have been blessed to find a church that really meets our needs and that we really enjoy.   It is a Baptist church and since Earl was raised Lutheran and I was brought up in the Methodist church, the whole dedication thing was a little new to us.   After a meeting with our pastor we felt like we really understood the difference between baptism and dedication and decided that having Kinley dedicated back to the Lord in our current church was the right thing to do.

We held our breath and said a silent prayer as Pastor Jamie took Kinley from us and walked around the church with her.  To our amazement she did just fine!

Not only were we lucky enough to have both of our families in attendance, but we were blessed to have Kinley dedicated right along side her little buddy, Mara.    I almost shed a tear when Pastor Jamie talked briefly about the friendship between Megan and I that goes back so many years and then spoke of how our girls would surely be friends some day.   Neither of the girls will remember their special day, but I can say that it's one I won't forget.   I also have to say that I can only imagine what it looked like to see all 10 of us (Mowry's and Dugan's) standing up in front of the church.  My goodness we are certainly a crew!

Speaking of a crew!  This is THE.ONLY.PICTURE of all of us that day.  Sadly, it's in the gym at the church and Cooper has clearly had enough of his Sunday best outfit!

This picture is so special to me because often I am the one taking the pictures and therefore don't end up in many. 

After the church service we spent time enjoying a meal with our family and friends.  It was delicious and all prepared with so much love and care.  But, I have to say that these adorable cupcakes stole the show.   And they were so delicious!!!

Thank you to all of our family who celebrated this special event in Kinley's life.  We covet all of your prayers and support as we do our best to bring her up always keeping her eyes on The One who is most important to us all.

What's In the Camera

Don't tell anyone, but it's 8:39pm on Monday night and ALL my kids are in bed and sleeping.   It's quiet in the house, the dishes are done, the laundry is caught up (at least for the next 10 minutes) and Earl is still slaving working at the Big G. So, I decided to spend a few minutes blogging and thought it would be a great idea to see what sorts of pictures were in the camera.

We had the pleasure of sharing pizza and fun with the Dugan's on Friday night.  The big kids played, and played, and played, and played outside and consequently I did not take any pictures of them.  But I did finally get a picture of Kinley and Mara together.

Saturday was such a beautiful day.  In the morning we traveled to Danville for Easter pictures.  Three kids, two goats and one bunny later we were back in the car and headed home.  I can't WAIT to get those pictures!!  They turned out so well.
The kids were eager to get outside and as soon as we opened the door they were off to play with their friends.   That left Earl and I to convert Kinley's stroller from "baby mode" to "bigger baby mode".  So sad.  But she looks comfortable and happy and for all the time she spends in their watching the other kids run around, I guess that's what matters.   She just looks so big.  Where in the world has my little baby gone?

McKenna and her friends were still for one minute so I snapped a quick picture of them in the playhouse.

Sunday we packed up - and I literally mean packed up and went over to Mimi and Pappy's.  It's amazing to me that an afternoon at their house - 10 whole minutes away- now requires a car full of stuff!  The kids had a wonderful time trying out Cooper's new baseball bat and glove.

Pappy helping Cooper learn to catch.

So proud of his new glove!

 

And one more picture of Miss Kinley. 
We had quite a busy weekend which lead into the start of a VERY busy 6 weeks for the Mowry family.  Lots of blog posts to come covering everything from baby dedications and wedding showers to work and vacations!

All Together

I promised that my next post would include a picture of McKenna.  Today was a bonus because not only did I get McKenna in a picture, I ended up with everyone in a picture.



Tonight the kids are busy readying the house for St. Patrick's Day.  There are more than a few leprechaun traps in our house.  Personally, I can't handle taking care of one more person at this point so I'm hoping the little guys are sneaky enough to avoid the traps.   But I hear it's hard for them to pass up Lucky Charms!
 We have continued to spend every afternoon after school playing with the neighborhood kids.  I'm happy to say that there is not much involved from my end beyond visiting with my neighbors and watching children play from afar  The kids happily entertain themselves and there has not been any fighting, bickering or otherwise...yet.  It was obvious today that the kids are starting to get tired.  The running was a little slower and the bike riding a little less.  They even spent some time coloring in the garage.  
It has been amazing to see how the warm weather has positively affected everyone's mood and energy level.  It is so nice to be outside and amoung friends so much.  Next week I start work for Bloomsburg so I will miss a few evenings a week of play time outside so I feel so blessed to have enjoyed this past week with the kids.
I hope you all enjoy your weekend and catch some of the beautiful sunshine.

Ch Ch Changin'

I love the fact that I am writing this post sitting in the sun on my front porch. It is just one of a string of absolutely beautiful March days in PA. The warm weather has certainly brightened everyone's spirits and for me has highlighted the fact that the weather is not the only thing changing around here.

Yesterday I promised Cooper a trip to the park of his choice as a reward for being such a good helper lately.    I have recently enlisted his  help as my "grocery shopping baby stroller pusher".  That's right, I actually wait until Friday's some weeks so that he is home and can go grocery shopping with me.  Never thought I'd see that day, however, he loves to push Kinley in the stroller which leaves more room in the cart for groceries.  

 This is one of my most favorite recent pictures of Cooper.   It's hard to believe that the last time we were at this particular park was the afternoon before Kinley was born.  And my oh my did we have fun that day.  Yesterday was a pretty great follow up.    We were lucky enough to hang out with the Dugan's for the afternoon.  The kids did some serious playing.  There was lots of running, playing, jumping, dirt and fun. 

Best Buddies!

 

 This picture just about says it all....I think if she could speak she would say, "Really Mom, these pig tails look ridiculous."    If I can stop laughing I might agree.  I left them in for just that reason, silly or not, they make me smile.  Plus, what 6 month old do you know who can pull off pig tails.

 Kinley was content to sit in various locations and watch the bigger kids play.  I have a feeling that as the summer approaches she won't be as happy to sit on the sidelines.

I asked Lauren yesterday if I could take her picture.  She politely declined.  But I snuck one while she was on the swings.  If we held a contest for who had the most fun based on the dirt they took home I think Lauren would have won the prize.  If, however, we gave first place to the kid who crashed the hardest, then that would have gone to Cooper.   The poor kid was SOUND asleep at 6:50pm and slept until 7am today. 

And my poor  McKenna...well she has been slaving away at school, reading her Adventure Bible cover to cover, making plans with the neighborhood girls for a lemonade stand, going on play dates, and taking care of her American Girl dolls.  I guess I really need to make a better effort to snap some pictures of her.   Next post, I promise!

Hope you are enjoying this great weather as much as we are!

What Goes Around Comes Around?

Only one day into the new week and I found myself plagued with the stuffed up head and runny nose that has been wandering around our house for the past few weeks.  I was crazy to think that after wiping Kinley's nose for the four hundred and thirty third time that I wasn't going to get sick.   At least at work I have the luxury of isolation gowns, gloves and masks when dealing with snotty kids.  Here, not so much. Three kids and a husband definitely mean there is not much time, if any, for resting and getting better.  But three kids and a husband also means that I'm forced to keep going and forced to have fun.  And do laundry.  That parts not so fun.  Today we were able to enjoy a few hours outside in the beautiful weather.  We definitely have a case of spring fever in the Mowry house.   And so, even though I actually DO have some pictures from the last few days, you're going to have to wait until my Nyquil coma wears off and I can concentrate on getting them loaded onto the computer.   Luckily, we are planning a low key weekend at home this weekend so I hope to get caught up on a few things including blogging.   So until then...I am off to rest recover. 

Sleepover!!!

After four long short days in the house with a sick baby, I was more than ready to get the heck out of town.   My cousin, Morgan, had a field hockey tournament in Lewistown so Saturday morning I packed up the kids and hit the road.  And because Earl worked 12 hours on Saturday I decided to indulge the kids and stay overnight.   I will spare you the picture I took of the back of the SUV packed with our "overnight gear" because I fear that if Earl sees it there will be a minivan in the driveway by weeks end. 

  

Kinley was more than happy to let Mom Mom and Pappy hold her as long as I was close by.  It was a welcome change for both of us as we had spend MANY long hours together this past week.    I was thrilled to watch Mom Mom and Pappy enjoy Kinley which left me time to enjoy McKenna and Cooper.  We played lots of new games on the ipad and watched some good cartoons too.

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These two look like trouble after one too many sugary snacks!

Jeri told Cooper to move on over...she wanted to stay over at Mom Mom and Pappy's too!

Yes, that is my child with snot smeared all over her face and her hair in her eyes.  Keeping up with both is a full time job.  Nicole won the prize for getting Kinley to take a nap early Saturday evening. 

Sunday morning we were up early and Kinley supervised Pap while he cooked up some bacon for breakfast.

The bacon tasted so good with the yummy french toast that Pappy picked up from his favorite breakfast stop.

 

This was Kinley's first ever sleep over so I thought it was important to take a few pictures before we left for home on Sunday morning.

We looked a little rough Sunday morning, but we really had a good time.  It was so nice to visit with family without having to have a constant eye on the clock or think about unpacking once we got home at the end of a long day.   The kids were great the whole weekend and I scored major points for the sleepover.   They have said no less than 100 times how much fun they had and that they can't wait to go again.   And while I'm not opposed to doing it again, I must say that I have to rest of from this trip before I pack my bags for the next time.
For all of you reading this who helped me out this weekend by holding a baby, wiping a nose, playing for endless hours with Cooper (Jon), feeding us, spending time with McKenna and just plain giving me a break --thank you so much.  It was just what I needed.  And I loved your company too!

My Little Sicky

I've been trying to hard to sit down and blog.  But instead, I've been doing a lot of sitting down on the couch holding this little cutie.   My poor baby is not feeling so well.  She started getting sick on Tuesday evening and by Wednesday morning it was clear that this was going no where fast.   A quick trip to the doctor revealed a case of RSV and an ear infection.   Its probably important to mention that Cooper also has been a little under the weather.  He's the one who started the sickies around here and he also ended up with a double ear infection and a sinus infection.   I was thanking my lucky stars for my nursing background with all the medications I've been administering lately.  Thankfully, Cooper is feeling much better and I'm hoping Kinley will turn the corner tomorrow, too.   I am looking forward to getting her back to her crib at night and me back to my bed.    A few nights on the couch is about all I can handle.   Suffice to say we have gotten our money's worth out of the Mamaroo the past few nights. 

I am sad that Kinley is sick but happy that I am home to take care of her.  I have learned the past few days that taking care of a sick kid(s) while trying to juggle well kids is quite a task.  I'm so thankful for my parents and my friends who have helped me shuttle kids back and forth to school, etc so that I don't have to take Kinley out.  The girl definitely needs some rest. 
I was hoping to make a trip to Lewistown on Saturday but I'm not certain that is going to happen any longer.  I'm also not sure that we will be able to make it to church on Sunday.   Kinley definitely shouldn't be around other kids right now.  So, there is a good chance we will be confined to the house for a few more days.   By Monday I might be crazy, but hey, I'm half way there as it is!   I'm glad to know that spring is right around the corner and better days are on the horizon.  The kind that involve fresh air and sunshine.
So, stay tuned for some better material and more importantly, stay healthy!