Biltmore

Biltmore castle

Family Picture in front of Biltmore

Pretty girl by the fountain

Katy "pets" the statue of Cedric, the dog.

"Daddy, go get your own ice cream, this sundae is MINE!"

Mommy and Me in the Greenhouse

"Look at the fishy, Katy!"

Petting the Sheep in the petting zoo.

Katy's "Boo Moment"- Tuckered out.

We went to Biltmore estate, this weekend, and had a nice family weekend get-away. After several stops to drop off some mail, stop for Starbucks and gas, we made it to Asheville in about two and a half hours. We were hoping that you would fall asleep on the way, Katy, and be well rested for our house tour. However, this was not to be- you were fine for the first two hours- playing, talking and "reading"- then you cried for the last half hour, FINALLY falling asleep when we were five miles away from the castle *Sigh*.

I wrapped you up on me and we toured the house, first. Daddy and I got the audio tours and enjoyed learning more about the Biltmore castle, the Vanderbilts and all of the architecture, antiques, designs and general opulence that went into building America's largest single-family "home." 230 rooms is quite a home! There were a lot of stairs to go up and down, so I'm glad that we didn't take the stroller into the house- that would have been a bear to lug up and down the staircases with all of the crowds! You were very good throughout the house tour- especially considering that you hadn't really had a morning nap.

The only comment I would make is that you were loud, loud, LOUD, Katy! You just wanted to talk and chat to anybody and everybody that would listen. You weren't bad and you weren't upset- there was lots to see and entertain you. Katy, you just wanted to talk and when nobody would pay you any mind, you would just talk LOUDER! We're going to have to work on your "museum voice," Katy.

After the house tour, we had lunch at the Stable Cafe. Daddy had a nice BBQ sampler platter and I had chicken and mashed potatoes. The service was quite speedy considering that it was the height of lunch when we were seated. You weren't terribly hungry when we tried to feed you lunch, but you did enjoy lima beans from Daddy's lunch and chicken from my plate.

The Biltmore estate has a creamery on site, so OF COURSE we had to end our lunch on a sweet note and indulge in some ice cream. I had a waffle cone and Daddy had a brownie sundae. It was very funny because every time I tried to feed you my ice cream- vanilla based- you didn't want any part of it. Anytime Daddy fed you a taste of his cherry ice cream, you were all over it, smacking your lips and reaching for more! Oh well, I guess that means more ice cream for me! :-P

We walked the gardens after lunch. The weather was very nice- a sunny, balmy 60 degrees. There wasn't much going on in the gardens as it is the middle of winter, but you can just imagine how pretty the grounds must be in the springtime.

When we were walking back to our car from our walk in the gardens, you fell asleep on Daddy, Katy. You had what I would consider a "Boo moment," from the movie, Monster's Inc. One minute you are up, talking, laughing and looking around. The next, you head drops and your are conked out on Daddy's shoulder! So, we took a little siesta in the car while you napped.

After your nap, Katy, we headed off for Antler Hill Village and roamed around the shops and exhibits. We skipped the winery tour, this time, but instead enjoyed going to the petting zoo so that you could pet the animals and watch all of the other little kiddies run around. You got to pet a sheep and a horse. You were very interested in the chickens, too.

By the time we were finished with the petting zoo, it was after five o'clock P.M., so we headed to our hotel, brought in dinner and called it a night. We had a fun time in Asheville!

Blogging for Books- The Dragon and the Turtle

The Dragon and the Turtle is a children’s story about two friends, Padraig the Dragon and Roger the pirating Turtle. Padraig helps his new friend, Roger, find his home through a series of repetitious descriptions involving all five senses- “…looks like…smells like…feels like…tastes like…” The Dragon and The Turtle teach children about friendship, putting the needs of friends’ before your own and exploring new ideas.

The book is engaging and simple enough for even the youngest reader. The story has all the elements and promise of an endearing story- pirate, dragons, and bugs! However, it fails to deliver. The illustrations are mediocre. The beginning of the book kind of “plops” you into the storyline without any formal introduction- I actually thought my book was missing the first couple of pages! At the end of the book, there are some helpful activity suggestions and a Bible verse to go along with the story.

"I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review"

Smiley Baby!

Sitting Pretty

"Daddy, you are so silly! You make me SMILE!"

"Hiya, Mommy!"

49th Week Birthday

Playtime and Fun time with Elizabeth!

Katy, catching up on current events.

KG in the House!

Notice the LACK of covers on the outlets behind Little Miss Smarty Pants.

Today you are 49 weeks old, Katy!

We did a lot of playing and exploring, this week- including figuring out how to take the electrical outlet covers off of the outlets. So far, when it comes to childproofing, you've been able to outsmart us with the kitchen cabinets and now the outlet covers. I think we are in trouble. Either that, or we just have a little genius on our hands. ;-P

You continued to be a good eater, this week. You've been eating regular meals with us and showing distinct preferences and dislikes for certain foods. You let us know by shaking your head, "No" if you don't want to eat a particular food. We've been trying to bump up your veggie intake, though I have to admit that you like your sweeter fruits, better. This doesn't entirely surprise me since I ate a lot of fruit when I was pregnant with you (Daddy took a lot of runs to BJs for cut up fruit when I was pregnant and that was the ONLY thing that I wanted to eat.) Plus, fruit is sweet and you do have a bit of a sweet tooth, Katy!

You've added the words, "Me" and "My" to your vocabulary, this week. You've been quite the chatty girl- babbling and "talking" to your other toys, to Daddy and I- we just haven't figured out what you are saying, yet. I don't know if every baby talks this much, but I have a feeling that you are going to have lots to say once you figure out more words and how to put them together into sentences!

Speaking of talking, there were several times this week where you even talked in your sleep! One night, you put your arm up and said, "Ah Da, Dada!" and then put your arm down. Your eyes were closed and you continued to sleep. I guess you were having a dream?

You've been all girl, this week, Katy! You've really enjoyed playing with your baby doll and Elizabeth's doll, also named Katy. You've also enjoyed playing with my purses (and I have a lot of them!) There were even times where you didn't want to give up holding the purses so we would hear you crawling down the hall with the purses 'thunking' along with you. Funny how you don't have to teach a girl about dolls and purses- it's kind of like this intuitive instinct, already built in at this young age!

I've been busy this week drafting from home with a job from my previous employer. It makes for hectic days and really busy nights but it's nice to be able to still stay home with you, Katy, AND make a little extra money in my field. Truly, a blessing.

"Me, me, me, me..."

Today (and yesterday) was brought to you by the word, "Me." This is your new favorite word, Katy. Hmm... I'm not so sure about that... So, I suppose that the title of this blog, 'All Things Katy' is appropriately named. You also like, "My, my, my..." and "may, may, may." I guess you are working on the letter, "M."

"Forever Blowing Bubbles..."

You have discovered blowing bubbles in your drink, Katy. It was bound to happen and while we don't condone poor table manners, it was quite funny to see you derive pure, childlike pleasure from the simple act of blowing bubbles in your glass of water. On a related note, you are getting much, much better at operating a sippy cup and using a straw- yay!

Designing Women

Designing women plus two!

Katy and Addison chilling on the sofa.

Tiffanie, Addison, Heather B. and Gena

Tiffanie and the girlsHeather and the girlsHeather Bryan and Katy chat it up

Hugs from Gena!

Today, we had lunch with some friends from Shoe Show. Since Tiffanie and Addison Smith were in town, Gena Bettis, Heather Bryan all joined us for a Planning Dept. soup and salad lunch- just the girls! We ate yummy jambalaya and potato and corn chowder while we caught up on each other's lives and work. So good to get together and especially to meet Addie for the first time!

Bag Lady

Like Mother, like daughter...

48th Week Birthday

Riding on Dino

48 Weeks, January 16, 2011

Curling up with a good book.

Katy fell asleep during one of our walks so we kept walking until you woke up. We go exercise and you got a nap- win-win!

Today you are 48 weeks old, Katy! You are officially 11 months old. How did I end up with an 11 month old, already?! Time really does fly by and I can't imagine life any other way!

We'll call this week the week of hungry, hungry Katy! We couldn't seem to feed you fast enough or fill your tummy up enough to keep you satiated. You must be going through a growth spurt- that's the only explanation I can come up with for the sheer quantity of food that you consumed this week! Several times this week, I ended up feeding you my dinner or lunch and then going to find something else to eat myself as you had completely consumed my meal. I have no complaints- I love my good eater!

You cut another tooth, Katy! This one is on the top, on the left side. With your new found tooth, you've discovered how to bite- you even bit me- ouch!!

You continue to explore your world through play. One game you like to play with Daddy is "Where's Kermit?" You have this little Kermit figurine that Daddy likes to put in his shirt pocket. Then, you like to go and find the figurine. You get a big old grin on your face when you find Kermit!

While your vocabulary is still limited to a handful of words, you do love to exert your voice and "talk" to whomever and whatever will listen. You are quite chatty- I just wish we understood what you were saying!

You are steadier on your feet, Katy. Now, when we pick you up and place you somewhere, you no longer sit, you can land on your feet. Usually, you prefer to be standing to sitting. However, you are still not confident enough to walk everywhere- crawling is still much faster.

Speaking of Kermit, the Cabarrus County Library has a play area in the children's area where they have a variety of stuffed animals. They have Tigger, a bear, a dog and a Kermit doll. Guess which stuffed animal you made a beeline for?! Hmm... must be genetic!

Speaking of genetic, I believe that you are a purse girl, just like your Mommy! I have this apple purse that you like to crawl around and carry with you. When we try to take it from you, you give it a death grip and do not let go! Hmm... must be genetic!

Daddy and I both got the 24 hour stomach bug, last week, at the same time. Let me tell you, it is NOT fun to be sick AND take care of a baby through the night. Somehow we managed, though and now we are *hopefully* all better.

We had lunch with Katherine Freeman on Wednesday and will be having lunch with some friends from Shoe Show on Thursday. It is nice to catch up with friends.

Blogging for Books- Divine Appointments

Divine Appointments is staid, cliché and static at best. The book introduces us to Josie Brooks, a fast-approaching 5-0 year old efficiency consultant dealing with the throes of menopause and a life devoid of normal human interactions. Brought up by a strict military lifer, Victor, Josie prides herself for her independence and self-reliance. Through a series of events throughout the book- particularity through the possession of a mysterious snow globe- she learns that life isn’t just about herself- that no one person is an island.

A bunch of secondary characters round out the cast of this book- all of them a cartoonish cliché of humanity. There is Barb, the do-good helper whose default is to pray for her peers in an over-bearing, goody-two-shoes way. There is Frank, the crotchety old mail delivery man who loves to gossip. Marsha is the newly divorced mother of two adult children coming into her own through boorish fictitious writings. Then there is Lyle, the bleeding heart antagonist who finds himself drawn back to his starry-eyed dreams of youth.

Every chapter was a new entry into self-inflicted boredom. The plot moved slowly, characters were predictable and one-dimensional and the ending conventional. Other than the occasional mention of prayer, this Christian fiction novel was strangely void of God, religious theology or ideology. This book is definitely worth passing up!

"I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review"

The Bottomless Pit

Katy, today you ate the following (all in one day, mind you!):

-1 full Belgium waffle
-1/4 blueberry bagel
-1/2 cup pineapple
-1 jar Carrot baby food mixed with rice cereal
-Beef, squash and peas homemade baby food mixed with rice cereal
-1 container of apple yogurt
-2 adult portions of sweet potatoes
-Puffs
-Apple Juice, water
-3 baby raviolis
-Bites of my grilled cheese

Plus, you nursed! After week of non-eating (rather, eating nothing but puffs), today's gastronomic adventure was quite a pleasant surprise! We're not really sure where you put all of that food- maybe you have a hollow leg?

If you keep this up, Daddy may need to get a second job just to feed you, Katy!!

Another Tooth!

Today, I found evidence that your top teeth are starting to come in, Katy! You've had the bottom two since November but it's taken you awhile to get your top teeth. For now, it's only one- the top left tooth. The reason I noticed the new tooth is because all morning it sounded like you were grinding your teeth but I didn't think that you had a top tooth to grind against. I guess I'm wrong!

Maniacal Laugh

Within the last several days, you've come up with this maniacal laugh that has Daddy and I laughing ourselves! The laugh sounds like this deep-throated "hahahaha." We are never close enough to the video camera to capture it on video, but we will keep trying. When you laugh it seems like you are going to tap your fingers together in front of you, throw back your head and conquer the world. What makes the laugh even funnier is the timing of your laugh.

Daddy, "Katy, you don't want to go into the ball pit- I just cleaned it and you need to let it dry."
Katy (maniacal laugh), "Hahahahaha!" as she crawls into the ball pit.

Mommy, "Katy, let's eat our veggies!"
Katy (maniacal laugh), "Hahahahaha! That's what you think!" as she shakes her head no!

47th Week Birthday

47 Weeks, January 10, 2011
Elizabeth and Katy


Snow Day Fun!

Checking out Daddy's Muppet Collection

Kermit blanket from the Nolands!

Today you are 47 weeks old, Katy! Just five short weeks until you are ONE!! Can't believe how time FLIES!

This week was all about SNOW!! Apparently, we received record amounts of snow. School and businesses were closed at the beginning of the week and we are just now getting back to some sort of a normal schedule. Daddy had off on Monday and Tuesday with a delayed opening on Wednesday. We didn't venture out in the snow, this time- too cold! Though, we did make a Snow Day cake and Snow Cream with Elizabeth. Lots of fun!

You are getting more confident in standing and taking steps, Katy. While I wouldn't say that you are consistently walking, you are taking more steps. Our current record of steps is four at a time.

For some reason this week, all you've wanted to eat are puffs, puffs and more puffs! I've tried feeding you a variety of baby and table foods. You just always shake your head grab a puff, instead.

"The Weather Outside is Frightful..."

Yesterday, we received five inches of snow here in Concord- a record snowfall! Daddy got a call at 5:45 AM from his boss saying that he had a snow day- no work! So, we put on a crock pot of chili and stayed toasty roasty inside!

Today, the roads are icy!! Daddy said he skated to work. All of the area schools are closed due to hazardous road conditions and the Governor has declared a state of emergency. Family and friends up north would laugh at all of the chaos this snow has caused but here in the South, it's a big deal!

Fortune Teller

Just picture the little girl with black hair... visions of our future :-P

Drama Queen

As usual, tonight, while Daddy and I sat down to eat dinner, we put you in your high chair with a tray full of puffs (you usually eat your dinner beforehand). You proceeded to wave your hands all around sending the puffs EVERYWHERE! Daddy firmly admonished you, Katy, telling you that this is NOT how a lady acts at the table and that we need to use our manners at the dinner table. You then stuck out your lower lip, quivered, squinted your eyes and fake cried. Then, you looked over to me to see if I was taking in the full effect of your tantrum. Drama Queen!

Soup's On!

Today for lunch, I heated up some chicken and dumpling soup for Daddy and I. You had already eaten your weight in sweet potato puffs so we didn't think that you were terribly hungry for lunch. However, when you started showing signs of hunger, I fed you some veggies from my bowl of soup. When I had completely depleted ALL of the carrots, peas and green beans from my soup, you moved onto Daddy's bowl. You then proceeded to finish ALL of the veggies AND some dumplings and chicken from his soup bowl. Daddy ended up eating a PB&J sandwich, instead, for lunch!

46th Week Birthday

46 Weeks, January 3, 2011

Katy loves to sit in her race track, rather than let the cars go round.

Katy and Elizabeth playing in the ball pit.

Katy's "graceful" exit from the ball pit.


Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU, Abigail for the authentic, BEAUTIFUL Korean Hanbok!!!!

Today you are 46 weeks old, Katy!

The big accomplishment for this week was your first step!! On Monday you took one step and on Tuesday you took three. So far, you've still proven me a liar when I try to get you to walk for Daddy. The steps are unsteady and you don't really seem to realize you are actually walking, but I know that it's just a matter of time before you are RUNNING!!

The other thing you've been doing this week is shaking your head, "No." At first you were doing it arbitrarily- shaking at anything and everything- but now, it seems a little more controlled. "Katy, here is your medicine," Mommy. Katy shakes her head, "No." "Katy, here comes yummy veggies," Mommy. Katy shakes her head, "No." "Katy, night-night time!" Mommy. Katy shakes her head no... Hmmm... I think that we are in trouble...

This was our first week taking care of Elizabeth Allen, the daughter of our friend, Crystal. We know Crystal and Elizabeth from Kinetic Church. So far, it's been a great experience! Elizabeth is seven years old and a big helper at getting you to laugh and play, Katy! You want to be wherever Elizabeth is and doing whatever Elizabeth is doing- even if she is doing her homework (she is home schooled).

On Wednesday, we went to story time at the Library. You and I had never been before, Katy, but Elizabeth likes to go and since the library is right down the road, I figured it would be a nice weekly outing. This week's theme was "winter"- the stories, short movie and snowflake craft were all themed around chilly weather. You listed to part of story time before you decided to be louder than the storyteller, Katy. Then, we had to excuse ourselves from the group and otherwise (quietly!) entertain you.

We've all been dealing with a cold, this week. First you got it, Katy, then you passed it onto me and then we passed it onto Daddy. It had not been pretty- cough, cold, runny nose, watery eyes and itchy throats- yuck! Hopefully, we are on the mend, though.

Last night, we handed you a spoon and let you feed yourself. It was an interesting experience- very MESSY! You managed to get a couple of bites IN your mouth, Katy, but mostly, it went all over. Good thing bath time follows dinner!

On the subject of food, you've been doing better with a sippy cup. Particularly, the sippy cup that you received as a Christmas gift from Uncle Josh and Aunt Delinda. Wherever they got it, we need another one since this seems to be one of the only ones (out of collection of at lest twenty!) that you actually finish the liquid inside!

I don't know if it's because you now have a playmate to play with, or if you are getting more advanced in your exploration of your world, but I've noticed that you are playing more with your toys (opposed to just observing, putting them in your mouth and manipulating with your hands). You loved to jump in your ball pit from Auntie Hope and Uncle Eric, I've caught you putting the play carrot into the soup pot of your play kitchen and banging two objects together while dancing (or bobbing) to music.

"Walk This Way..." Katy's First Step

Today you took your very first (and only!) unassisted step! You were standing in the dining room, holding onto a chair and you wanted to get to me. So, you let go of the chair, took one big step in my direction and then kind of lunged for my lap. Of course, you made me a liar when I tried to get you to repeat the step for Daddy. That's one small step for Katy.... and many more to come!

Headwaggin'- Katy Shakes Her Head, "No"

Your newest trick, Katy, is to shake your head, "No!" You've been doing this for a little less than a week, now. You will shake your head, "No!" indiscriminately and to no one thing in particular. There are times where you will shake your head, "No!" and then you will smile and giggle.

All Things Katy is ONE!

Katy, 26 weeks gestation, October 26, 2009

Katy, 46 weeks old, December 31, 2010

One year ago, I started the blog "All Things Katy" in the hopes to document life with our then-unborn daughter, Kathryn "Katy" Grace Jones. I wanted to share with friends and family near and far the good, the bad, the funny, the JOY of discovering life through the development of Katy. Fast forward one year later and over 400 blog posts, and I believe we've done just that!

I am thankful for the many blessings of 2010- the healthy labor and delivery of Katy, a roof over our heads, food on the table, two running cars, the opportunity to stay home to care for you, Katy, friends and family.

Katy, my prayer for you this new year, 2011, is that you continue to grow and thrive. I pray for good health, laughter and giggles. I pray that we can overcome whatever obstacles are placed before us with courage, peace and dignity- I pray that those obstacles be few. I can't wait to see what this new year holds for us as a family and what new lessons you will learn and what new lessons you will teach us.