Katy's Playroom

Bookshelves and Katy's "Dining Area"

Bench and "Parking Lot"

As I mentioned in a previous post, we said good-bye to the dining room and hello to Katy's Playroom, this past weekend. Daddy was hard at work putting together shelves and I went to work labeling and organizing the umpteen many toys and books that our toddler has somehow managed to amass (one word- GRANDPARENTS! ;-P) in nineteen short months (and it's not even Christmas or birthday, yet!).

While we gave up the dining room table and traded it out for a smaller table in the kitchen, I like this new, more organized look. This new playroom keeps the toys from migrating into either the kitchen or the living room and makes it easier to find specific toys and/or books (and keeps my sanity, just a little bit!).

Since the playroom is on the first floor and very visible, the room had to still look somewhat put together (hazard of the used-to-be interior design profession). I think the baskets and darker wood help make the room still look appropriate for the space, yet casual and family-friendly. Katy gets her toys and we get some organization. Win-win, if you ask me!

BTW, I used http://www.eichild.com/registered.cfm?Restricted=Yes&Referer=/Just4Me.cfm&CFID=2959428&CFTOKEN=76309144 to create the bin labels. I loved that you could customize the words and have a picture on the label.

Share Bear

Katy, your new favorite word is, "Share!" You usually exclaim this in exasperation when somebody isn't "sharing" the toy/food/drink/book (whatever) that you want them to share with you. I guess you've heard us say this one too many times to YOU, Katy Grace, when you won't share with others...

"If I had a hammer...."

Katy hammers away, "helping" Daddy put together some new shelves.

The dining room is no longer. Instead, we've replaced it with a room solely dedicated to your toys and books, Katy. We went to Ikea and invested in more shelves and baskets in an effort to help corral the over abundance of toys, stuffed animals and books. Now, instead of a haphazard mess of toys spread throughout the house, we have most of your toys and books in one place, neatly labeled and organized. Blocks in one bin, dolls in another, dress up in another, etc. I love an organized room!

Shop-aholic

Katy roams the aisles at Harris Teeter with a cart just her size!

Katy, you are definitely my daughter! As if your mini-me looks weren't enough to cinch the deal, you love to shop! The other day, you were quite fussy while trying to get you buckled into your car seat. The moment we said that we were going shopping, you quieted right down and started kicking your legs in anticipation. Daddy blames me for this materialistic love.

Earning Her Keep

"Cinderella, Cinderella.... night and day... Cinderella..."

"Hmm... let's use a different attachment for the hard-to-reach places."

"Helping" Daddy vacuum

Today you "helped" Daddy vacuum, Katy. You were very interested in holding the handle and changing out the attachments all by yourself. Good thing you find this fun because one day, this, too will be one of your chores, Katy Grace! ;-P

"Heather!"

Today you called me, "Heather," Katy. Not "Mommy, mother, mama" or any other motherly variation. Instead, you decided to call me by my first name. Isn't 19 months a little too young for pre-teen rebellion?!?!?!

"The Rainbow Connection..."

I captured this full, stunning rainbow (the picture doesn't do it justice!), yesterday after a day of rain and gloom. Beautiful!

Written by Paul Williams and used by Kermit the Frog, of The Muppets, Jim Henson Productions

"Why are there so many songs about rainbows
And what's on the other side?
Rainbows are visions, but only illusions,
And rainbows have nothing to hide.
So we've been told and some choose to believe it
I know they're wrong, wait and see.
Someday we'll find it, the rainbow connection,
The lovers, the dreamers and me.

Who said that every wish would be heard and answered
when wished on the morning star?
Somebody thought of that
and someone believed it,
and look what it's done so far.
What's so amazing that keeps us stargazing?
And what do we think we might see?
Someday we'll find it, the rainbow connection,
the lovers, the dreamers and me.

All of us under its spell,
we know that it's probably magic....

Have you been half asleep
and have you heard voices?
I've heard them calling my name.
Is this the sweet sound that calls the young sailors?
The voice might be one and the same.
I've heard it too many times to ignore it.
It's something that I'm supposed to be.
Someday we'll find it, the rainbow connection,
the lovers, the dreamers and me.
La, la la, La, la la la, La Laa, la la, La, La la laaaaaaa"

My, how you've GROWN!

Eleven Weeks, May 8, 2010

19 Months, September 20, 2011

*Both pictures were taken on the same bench at Memorial Gardens.*

A Leisurely Stroll

Tap Dancing

"Mommy, may I please go swimming (in the fountain)?"

Big girl posing for a picture

Running away from Mama!

I love our little town and I love our street. Our street is very walker friendly and we are located directly on the Greenway (part of the Caroline Thread Trail). We are in such close proximity to the library, the bank, the post office and several parks and playgrounds. Not to mention various shops, restaurants and of course, the Cabarrus Creamery!! This morning, in keeping with the nice, cool weather, we took a leisurely stroll around town. The girls each took turns telling us which way to turn and we had no real destination or goal- just to get out, get a little exercise and enjoy the almost-fall weather.

After walking downtown, our first stop was the Memorial Gardens. We took a walking tour of the gardens and explored the different tombstones, flowers and fountains. We were the only ones in the gardens so we pretty much had the run of the place.

Twisty slide!

"Whee!! I love to swing!!"

Playing "restaurant." Apparently, I ordered a heaping mound of mulch for lunch ;-P

"Ready or not, here I come!!"

Our next stop was the playground at the Lutheran Church up the street. We've never been to this playground and I wasn't sure if it was open to the public. However, the sign on the gate didn't say anything about "no trespassing." This playground is really nice because it's all fenced in and self-contained. The equipment in new-ish and something different to explore. We had fun!

"All I want for Christmas..."

"All I want for Christmas..."

Katy, can you believe that Christmas is already in full swing at most stores?! Today, I caught you practically lunging out of the cart to get a better look at this animatronic puppy dog (that supposedly barks "just like a real dog!"). You were practically wailing as I pushed the cart past the row of dogs. *Sigh* Isn't nineteen months a little too young to already have the Christmas gimmies??!

Ted's Happy Birthday SURPRISE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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This past weekend, our good friends Mike and Sandra Noland came for a visit to SURPRISE Ted for his birthday! After several months of "conspiracy" we pulled off the surprise without a hitch and Ted was pleasantly surprised to see the Nolands' car parked in our driveway when he got home from work on Friday.

To continue with the birthday surprise, we met up with Keys family Saturday afternoon and ate lunch at Dave and Buster's. After lunch and (very frozen!) ice cream cupcakes from Coldstone Creamery, I took Katy home for her nap while Ted continued playing with the Nolands and Keys'.

Katy loved playing with "Muck" and "Sanda!" "Muck" made lots of fun sounds and funny faces that made Katy coming back for more giggles! We had a good time hanging out and catching up with old friends (we hadn't seen the Nolands since Katy was six weeks old!) and we were sad to see them drive away. Cheers to good friends and Happy (day early!) birthday, Ted!

Monkey Joe's with Nana and Grandpa Jones

"Open up! Let me in, Monkey Joe!"

Katy, today Nana and Grandpa Jones treated you to a morning out at your favorite bouncy place (Monkey Joe's) and lunch at Wendy's. It was nice to go to Monkey Joe's on a weekday when the crowds were minimal. You were quite enamored with the Monkey Joe character that was walking around the building, Katy. Also, you loved playing with the arcade games (rather than bounce). We had fun and the time running around Monkey Joe's resulted in a nice two hour nap at home- woo hoo!

A Girl and Her Bike....

Mommy on her bike, circa 1983 (ish)

Katy on her bike, September 11, 2011

Playtime with Nana and Grandpa Jones!

"Short stuff" with Bapa/Pop-Pop/Grandpa

Katy gets a little "push" from Nana

Katy with Grandparents' Jones

Today was a gorgeous day in North Carolina, Katy! The sun was shining, the temperature was balmy and cool and it was a great day to go outside and play! Play, we did! After taking a turn at the newly installed swing on the front porch, we brought out some of your toys to ride around and push in the front lawn. Nana and Grandpa Jones had a blast following you around and playing with you, Katy!

"Swing high, swing low, sweet chariot..."

"Wheeee!!! Higher, higher, Daddy!"

"More! More! More swing!!"

Yesterday, we bought you a new swing, Katy- just like the one your cousin, Molly has. So, today, Grandpa Jones and Daddy pulled out the step ladder and some tools and safely and securely installed the swing to the front porch. We gave it a whirl and you had a blast, Katy! It's just like having your own mini "playground" at home. Wheeee!!

Remembering 9/11/01

Because words fail to fully express the magnitude of emotions and thoughts surrounding the tenth anniversary of 9/11/01, let me just simply state that ten years seems like such a long time ago and yet, it seems like it was just yesterday. Let us all take a moment to remember what happened when bad men took hatred into their own hands. Let us remember the grief, the sorrow, the confusion, fear and sense of loss because all of those feelings can and will lead to a greater sense of good as we learn from the past and (hopefully) build a better future for our children.

Bye-bye Ghetto Bed, Hello, Big Girl Bed!

Katy, scaling "Mount Bed" (check out that flexibility!!)

Katy, pretending to "sleep" in her new bed (because "pretending to sleep" is really all the "sleep" Katy does :-/).

Katy's Big Girl Bed

Katy, sitting pretty in her new Big Girl Bed

Gone are the days of the ghetto bed, Katy. You have now officially graduated from a mattress on the floor surrounded by a baby gate to a full-fledged mattress and box spring on a bed frame! Grandpa Jones and Daddy put together you Big Girl bed while Nana, you and I were out shopping, yesterday. When we came back, you were very excited to try out your new bed! You climbed and bounced and had a good old time testing out the new sleeping arrangement. Come bedtime, however, you were not as thrilled with the new digs because you knew it meant nighttime. Potty training, Big Girl Bed- watch our world, our Katy is GROWING UP!

Tunnel To Towers 5K

Tired and sweaty, after the race

Yesterday, while you stayed home with Nana and Grandpa Jones, Daddy and I ran our very first 5K. We ran in the http://www.tunneltotowercharlotte.com/ race to honor and remember those who lost their lives in the 9/11 terrorist attacks ten years ago. Daddy's company, Lionel NASCAR Collectables was one of the main sponsors of the race.

I can't say that either one of us had a life-long goal of ever running in a race, but the opportunity presented itself to support a worthy cause, so we both went for it. The morning dawned cool and crisp, with no rain. We joined up with some of Daddy's co-workers and everybody did a great job! Daddy ran 3.1 miles in 24 minutes and 32 seconds, coming in 17th place out of 145 finishers (10th place for men). I ran 3.1 miles in 29 minutes and 1 second, coming in 57th place out of 145 finishers (24th place for females).

Both Daddy and I ran the complete race, without having to walk one bit of it. We both had personal best times and were satisfied with the results. Let this race be a life lesson for you, Katy; You, dear Katy, can do whatever you put your mind to. You don't have to be the best, just run your hardest and try with all of you might!

Puddin' Head

"Hmm... I wonder what this pudding tastes like..."

"I'll give this spoon a lick."

"Hey, this pudding tastes pretty good!"

"Let's give this pudding a little stir."

Puddin' Head (PRICELESS!)

We made pudding for an afternoon snack, today. I let you lick the bowl after I was done with it, Katy. Boy, did you have a ball with that!! Needless to say, it was straight to the bath after this little "adventure!"

Freebird

Toddler in Motion

"Kermit on (Katy's) Mind"

"Peek-A-Boo"

Katy dressed in her Sesame Street T-shirt, Kermit hat, Kermit backpack and Kermit flip-flops.

Ted's daughter HAD to have this adorable Kermit the Frog hat!!

Shades of days to come...

Ella's Third Birthday Party

Katy and the birthday girl, Ella.

Katy REALLY liked this child-sized rocker (and didn't want to share when some of the other little kiddies wanted to sit in it).

"Pin the flower on Minnie's dress" game- Katy actually did pretty well for being so young and being blind-folded.

Group Photo Op- It's really hard to get five active, wiggly, hyped-up-on-birthday-cake toddlers to sit nicely for a group picture!

This past Monday (Labor Day), we helped our good friend, Ella Baty celebrate her third birthday. We munched on typical cook out fare- hot dogs, chips and baked beans- while the house was filled with the laughter and squealing brought about by toddlers! Katy, you even got to play "Put the flower on Minnie's Dress!"

Adventures in Potty Training (cont.)

Beginning with last Thursday, I decided to take a more progressive approach to potty training- I decided to let you run around naked from the waist down. Now, I had heard about this method of potty training before, but it always seemed too "gross" or "icky" (I mean, what about accidents?!?). You had two accidents. The first incident was definitely gross and icky. The second accident was right at the doorway of the bathroom- as if you had made a run for the bathroom but didn't quite make it. Since then (and that was Thursday, the first day of our "trial"), we've been accident free!

We even went to the South Park mall today (a good 45 minute drive from us), walked around the new Container store (nirvana!!) and had lunch without one accident! Daddy and I kept asking you if you needed to use the potty, and every time you would reply, "No!"Toward the end, you were even getting a little exasperated with us for asking you so often. Once you were ready, though, you used the restroom like a big girl with no fussing or complaints. Hooray! We're not completely there and I realize that there will be accidents, but we are making real progress!

I will miss many things about you being a baby, Katy, but diapers are certainly not one of them.

**A little more on the methodology (for those of you who care, or who are curious), on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, I took Katy to the bathroom every half hour, on the hour from the time that she woke up in the morning. Yes, that meant that we spent a lot of time in the bathroom! While Katy would sit on the toilet she would read her books that we kept close by. Katy got a big sticker for every time that she sat on the toilet- whether or not she went. She got little sticker to put on her potty chart every time she went. Once she fills that chart, we will go to the store and Katy can pick out a prize as her reward. She has almost filled the chart in both bathrooms!

On Thursday, I would also give Katy a small handful of fruity Cheerios as a "reward" for using the potty (I NEVER buy this cereal on a regular basis-I just thought that she might like them because they are sugary and Katy has quite a sweet tooth). The Cheerios quickly lost their "newness" and have since been tossed to the wayside and quickly turned down in favor of other things. Also, with Katy being naked from the waist down, that meant that I was watching her like a hawk for any signs that she might need to go. Watching Katy like a hawk also meant that I got NOTHING done on those days!

On Sunday, I decided to let Katy take the lead and let me know when she needed to go to the bathroom, opposed to taking her every thirty minutes to the bathroom. She did great at letting me know when she needed the potty. She did go once in her pull-up at the church nursery, but I choose to believe that was because it was a different environment with different adults around her.

Mom Wings

I've officially earned my "Mom wings," today. I spent the better part of a nap sewing poor Dolly back together. All of her stuffing was starting to fall out and she needed to be repaired. I had to do it while you were napping, Katy, because every time I tried to do it while you were awake, you wanted to play with Dolly and I got nothing done in the way of repairs. Now, Dolly is, "All Better!"