Sweet as can be- just like Halloween!

Halloween 2010

Halloween 2011

Happy Halloween 2011!

Cutest little Cookie Monster!

"Me want COOKIES!"

What's a Cookie Monster without her Cookie?

Today was the annual Downtown Concord Candy Crawl. We not only went around trick-or-treating to all of the downtown merchants, but we also helped out at our church's booth. This year, our church, Kinetic Church, participated in the Candy Crawl by having a booth and hosting games, a giveaway and of course, handing out candy.

We had fun walking around with our friends, Savannah, Silas, Evelyn and Caleb so that their parents could help out at the Kinetic booth. It took Katy a little bit to catch onto the concept of trick-or-treating. Our usually outgoing, boisterous child, suddenly became very shy going up to store owners and trick-or-treating. However, almost every time she received a piece of candy, Katy did remember to say, "Thank you!" The crowds were plentiful and we ended up receiving a lot of treats (and our church ended up handing out lots of candy, too!) While the weather was a bit on the chilly side, it was just right for a little Cookie Monster to be bundled up in her costume!

After the Candy Crawl, about a dozen of our church friends joined us for dinner at our house. Downtown Concord is less than half a mile from our house, so it was the perfect location to reconvene after a fun afternoon. Warm soup, good friends, laughter- a perfect fall evening!

20 Months is so much FUN!

I know that I seem to say this about every age Katy hits, but 20 months is so much fun! I love how smart and funny Katy is becoming. I love that she is putting concepts and words and ideas together to formulate a thought, a sentence, an act of rebellion against her parents (well, maybe not liking that last one so much).

Funny Katy store from the other day; We went to the Harris Teeter by us that has little mini shopping carts- just Katy's size. When we first walked into the store I said, "We need carrots and beans, Katy Girl." Katy looked around, pushed her cart over to the carrots, picked up a bag of whole carrots and plopped them into her cart. Then, when we were in the bean aisle, she grabbed a can of baked beans, put her finger to her cheek (as if in deep thought), studied the label (as if to read the ingredients) and then decided to put it into her cart. You can't tell me kids don't watch their parents- this is a PRIME example!

Let's talk about names and relationships. Once Katy meets a family, she's so good at putting correct family members with the correct family. For example, never once has she put my niece, Molly with my brother, Josh (Molly's uncle). She always knows who is who's brother, sister, daughter, father, mother, etc.

I know that every parent thinks that their child is the smartest and I am no exception. Katy really is very intelligent! Most nights while Ted gets home from work, I ask Katy to, "Tell Daddy what we did today." Usually, Katy will use one word sentences to describe what we did and where we went, "Park!" "Puppy!" "Books!" "Dancing!" Typically, Katy is spot on when she tells her Daddy about our day's activities. The other day, while talking on the phone with my mother, I told Katy to, "Tell Grandma what we did today." Katy proceeded to "Neigh!" and she was right- we had gone on a stagecoach wagon ride pulled by horses.

"Big Girl! Big Girl!" is the phrase of this phase. Katy wants to do EVERYTHING all by herself, just like a big girl. If she wants to get something off the shelf by herself, it's "Big Girl!" If she wants to pick out her own shoes, it's "Big Girl, Big Girl!" If she wants to walk to the car (instead of being carried), it's "Big Girl, Big Girl!" Just as Katy is learning to do things herself by doing, I am learning to be patient with Katy's spills, messes and streak of independence when things take longer/messier/not as smoothly as if I did it myself. Just this morning, Katy INSISTED on taking her almost-done cereal bowl to the sink. Of course, she spilled the remaining soggy cereal flakes and milk all over the playroom floor- the same floor I had just cleaned in preparation for our pseudo-Halloween dinner/party, tonight.

We are in a very big "Brock, brock!" stage, right now. "Brock, brock!" for those of you who don't know, is Katy's term for chicken- see, I told you she was smart- she put together the concept of "What does a chicken say?" with the sound, "Brock, brock!" It doesn't matter what form- Katy always seems to want "Brock, brock!" for dinner. Steamed, nuggets, fingers, patties, sandwiches, dipped- Katy loves her chicken!

Veggies, on the other hand, are not liked near as much. We are making some progress, though- she will eat some mixed veggies mixed into mac and cheese or with rice and ham and she will eat carrot sticks. We had some really good corn at my parents' house while visiting, and I've never seen Katy eat a whole portion of corn, before that! It's not that I don't offer veggies- I do!- it's just that Katy doesn't like them and (once again, little smarty pants!) seems to find them, pick them out of her meal and discard them.

Ever since Katy was an infant, I knew that she would be a talker. First of all, she has me as her mom (hahaha), but also because even as a baby, she would babble constantly as if she were talking. Katy's language skills right now are amazing (I'm not just saying that because she's my daughter)! They way she puts together words and concepts amazes me! While walking past some Halloween costumes the other day at the store, Katy said, "Pretty dresses." While pouring her a glass of milk, this morning, I asked her, "Where does milk come from?" Katy replied, "Moo cow." Elizabeth, the girl I take care of during the week, was reading a book. I asked Katy, "What is Elizabeth doing?" Katy replied, "Reading book." I followed up and asked, "Where did she get that book?" Katy answered, "Library" (which was 100% correct).

On the topic of language, Katy now knows both of our first names. When she really wants our attention, or we aren't giving her what she wants, she'll usually resort to yelling, "Header!" or "Ted!" instead of "Mommy/Mama" or "Daddy/Dada."

Katy is a little parrot, these days, repeating anything and everything that she hears. Our friend, Bethany, was describing one of her friends as a bachelor and Katy immediately repeated the word, "bachelor"- Katy doesn't even know what it means, yet she can say the word. Good thing Ted and I don't usually say or listen to things things that we wouldn't want Katy repeating!

Oh, the messes we get into these days. It seems that the older she gets, the more complex, the more intricate, the more MASSIVE the mess, pile of toys, crumpled up papers strewn across the floor.

Sleeping is still (STILL?!?) an issue- as in nobody around here gets enough. You would think that at 20 months old Katy would get the hang of it, but, alas, that is not to be. Katy still wakes up periodically every night and it's a rare occasion to get a full night of uninterrupted sleep. *Sigh*

Potty training is going pretty well. For the most part, we only need to worry about when we go outside of our house. Public toilets and automatic flushers tend to scare Katy so she's not as good as using them.

Katy wears mostly 24 month clothing. She still has some 18 month outfits, but it's mostly 24 months/2T by now. Katy has definite ideas about what she does and does not want to wear and how to look presentable. The other day, she woke up from her nap with her hair going this way and that and she pointed to the brush and said, "Hair messy." Her feet have finally started to grow. For the longest time, she was still wearing infant socks (as in the socks that usually come with the little layette outfits in the store). Now, she can finally fit into more toddler-sized socks (12 months and up). Her current shoe size is a five/five and a half.

Katy is getting very smart about routines and what comes next. For example, she knows that our bedtime routine consists of story, prayer, cuddle time with Mommy and then bed. Sometimes, Katy balks at story time because she knows that is the beginning of the bedtime routine and she doesn't want to go to bed. Another example is how Katy understands that you need shoes in order to go outside. Whenever she wants to go for a "Walkie" she'll get her shoes on, insist you get yours on and then drag you to the door to go out.

It's fun to see Katy grow and develop. I feel like I can actually talk with her and not at her. I can even have very short conversations with her and it's fun to see what she has to say and what is going on in that little head of her's.

Wells Fargo Community Day

Wells Fargo Stagecoach Wagon

Wells Fargo Poster Child

Katy was so cute drinking her cider that one of the Wells Fargo employees taking pictures of the event had to take one of her. Who knows, maybe she'll end up on some sort of future marketing campaign for the bank?!

Family Portrait in front of the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art

Imagination Station

Warhol-in-the-making

Wells Fargo's olive branch offering of peace to the people of Charlotte and the corporate headquarters of Wachovia Bank came in the form of the Wells Fargo Community Day in Uptown Charlotte. Free wagon rides, free art, free cider, free music and entertainment- we were so there.

Our good friends, Jared and Bethany Reeves were visiting us this weekend, so they joined us in the adventure. The morning donned quite chilly (40 degrees F!) with some brisk winds. However, the 90% chance of rain all but disappeared and was instead replaced by blue skies and fluffy, white clouds. We got to the festival right as it started at 10 AM. We helped ourselves to some free apple cider and hot chocolate and then lined up for a wagon ride. Katy loved pointing to the horses pulling the wagon and saying, "Neigh!" She enjoyed the ride and had fun.

Next, we walked down Tryon Street to the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art. It was free admission to most of the museums downtown. We had been wanting to visit some of the (new) museums but never really had the chance- this was our opportunity. We browsed the Modern Art Museum (Such cool interior windows and design!) and then went next door to explore the Mint Museum of Craft and Design. There was a kids' section in the Mint Museum where we let Katy run around, get messy and have some fun being creative. Katy is definitely the product of two artists because she went right for the markers and crayons and made herself at home drawing a pretty picture.

While in the Mint Museum, Katy started getting fussy so I took her outside to listen to some music and people watch. While doing so, she fell asleep. I met up with Ted, Jared and Bethany and we all grabbed a bite to eat for lunch while Katy snoozed away. All of the morning's excitement wore Little Miss out!

We had fun enjoying the arts and it was great to spend time with good friends!

Blogging for Books- No More Dreaded Mondays by Dan Miller

“No More Dreaded Mondays” by Dan Miller is motivational on paper but sometimes pat and contrived. Passages are your typical cheerleader hype that fails to feel like it has much application in the real world. The book is scripturally based and pushes the reader to find their true calling in the world. While this book can be categorized as inspirational and self-help, it was so slow and uninteresting that I was very unmotivated to finish reading it.

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

All bundled up!

Looking cute in her winter hat!

Cooler weather has officially arrived in the Carolinas!

A Katy Equation

This (running, active toddler)....

plus not too much of this (sleeping)...

= One Tired Mama ;-)

"Happy Day, Christa!"

Christa and Katy, October 19, 2010

Christa and Katy, October 23, 2011

October must be a good month to visit FL because we've been there two years in a row, now. Katy was able to celebrate (second) cousin Christa's birthday last year and this year. "Happy Day, Christa!" as Katy says!

"It's a Small World, After All!"

Cinderella's Castle with Grandma and Pop-Pop Tinkey

"Oooh, look over there!"

Katy found lunch very uninteresting. *hehehehe*

Magic Kingdom with Mommy

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We made a quick trip to FL to spend a long weekend with my parents. While we were there, we were able to visit the Magic Kingdom (thanks to our friend, Steve and the fact that Katy gets free admission under the age of three).

We got to the park around 11:30AM. Magic Kingdom was quite busy, so by the time we got through the lines to get in, rent a stroller, walk to Pinocchio Village Haus for lunch, order lunch (a special, allergy-free lunch, I might add!), Katy was completely conked out and sleeping in my arms. My usually wakes-up-at-the-slightest-sounds little girl managed to take an hour nap in the middle of all of the Disney hustle and bustle.

Just as Katy was waking up from her nap, we met up with Mom, Dad, Uncle Jeff and Aunt Lee (who were coming from their Grove City Alumni brunch at Disney's Beach Club). We found a prime spot to view the Grove City Wolverine Marching Band lead the Disney parade. Katy loved watching all of the instruments and all of the Disney characters go by. She was quite entranced with all of the colors, sounds and characters. She got a little scared, though, when the characters came a little too close, though- the characters were a lot bigger in person to a little Katy!

After the parade, it was time to ride some rides! Katy's first Disney ride was "It's a Small World." She did great waiting in line and loved riding in the boat, watching all of the dolls go by and dancing to the music. Next, we rode the carousel, Aladdin's Magic Carpet and finally, the train. I believe Katy's favorite ride was Aladdin's Magic Carpet ride because we went up and down- my little wild child. Pure joy!

We left the park around dinnertime. Katy did GREAT during her first (and surely not her last), trip to Disney! There were no tantrums, no meltdowns, no crying or whining. She was all smiles and giggles. Whenever she heard music, Katy would stop to dance. She'd wave to anybody willing to wave back and was always on the search for "MickeyDonald." (It's never just one of the other, it's one word, "MickeyDonald.")

For Katy, Disney truly was the "...happiest place on earth." :-)

Adventures in flying solo with a toddler

As most parents know, children under the age of two fly for free on most major airlines. Ted and I have taken every advantage of this "perk" (they are so few and far between in the airline industry, these days, aren't they?) and Lil' Miss Katy is a well seasoned traveler with at least a dozen one-way flights under her belt and she's not yet two.

Since Elizabeth, the girl I take care of during the week, was spending time in Washington D.C., this week, I decided to fly to to Florida to visit the 'rents for a long weekend. We got to the airport with no problems and we were actually a little early. I attempted to check-in online, but for some reason it wouldn't let me print the boarding passes so I ended up having to wait in line at the ticket desk, anyway (with a toddler!).

It's a good thing I went to the ticket desk because they needed to print out an "infant in arms" ticket for Katy. Having flown with Katy multiple times, I've always carried her birth certificate with me, just in case anybody asked for it (even though I still believe that Katy is my little mini-me and there is no denying her). Do you know that nobody has ever asked to see it?! That is, until yesterday. The woman behind the desk asked for Katy's I.D. and I was able to hand over Katy's freshly-minted U.S. passport (in preparation for the Petruzzi Family cruise, next year- woo hoo!). As I'm handing over Katy's passport and the ticketing agent is reviewing the contents (more like scrutinizing every little detail), Katy starts saying, "Mine! Mine passport!" The longer it takes the lady to hand over the passport, the louder Katy's cries get, "Mine! MINE! MINE PASSPORT!"

Finally, we get our tickets and we are on our way to security. Now, I know I've said it before, but I hate how just because you have a child in your arms automatically pigeon-holes me for the uber-slow, don't-know-what-they-are-doing, clueless line. Just because I'm flying with a kid doesn't mean I don't know how to get through security. Not to float my own boat, but I know what I'm doing when I'm flying and because I'm ultra-sensitive to other passengers' perceptions of parents flying with children, I make it a point to be fast and efficient while flying and adhering to TSA rules and regulations. Into this slow line I go. I take off my shoes, I take out the liquids, I put everything in the bins and on the conveyor belt- all while holding Katy and getting her ready to go. I'm done it five seconds while I wait for the gentleman in front of me to struggle to take off his belt and then ask the TSA official if he should take the change out of his pockets. *sigh*

We walk through the scanner- no problems. Our bags- not so lucky. TSA pulls out our bags and begin searching. They take everything (and I do mean EVERYTHING) out of them (and I had everything packed so neatly and in a specific order). They begin examining the contents. Turns out that the magnetic stylus to Katy's Magna Doodle looked threatening. Everything is run through the machine again and we are free to go- mess and all. While attempting to quickly shove everything back into my bag, another official comes up to me and tells me that I can't be standing in that exact position and I must move over there- way over there to the bench- to repack my bag. Then, he proceeds to ask me if I'm done with the plastic bin all of my stuff is haphazardly strewn in because they are low on the other side of the line. I flash him a look and he walks away.

We get to our gate with plenty of time and we start to wander the terminal. I let Katy run around and get some energy out. She charms the pants off of anybody willing to give her a couple of seconds to flash a winsome smile and say something cute. We walk. We run. We squeal. We attempt to take every key chain off of the rack at airport store. We walk. We run. Repeat.

Our incoming flight is late, so we are delayed. More walking and running...

Our flight is finally ready to board (about thirty minutes late). We board early since we are traveling with a young child. We are lucky enough to get a seat near the bathrooms (only lucky when traveling with a potty-training toddler), next to the window. We wait and wait and wait until everybody is seated. Next to us, is seated a businessman. He's about late forties or early fifties, I'd say. The whole cabin is seated and boarded, the doors shut. Then, Katy pulls on my shirt and says, "Potty." She says it again and again- each time with increasing volume. The businessman next to me is mortified. Then, Katy starts saying, "Eww! Ewww!" as the smells begin to waft. There is nothing I can do because the doors are shut and we can't get up.

As soon as the pilot turns off the "fasten seat belt" sign, the businessman next to me jumps up (without any prompting from me), practically bowls over the woman sitting on the other side of him to make room for me to make a mad dash to the bathroom.

We freshen up in the bathroom and return to our seat. I've come prepared with toys, books and snacks. Katy attempts to share her veggie sticks with the businessman next to us. He wants no part of our "tea party." His head is buried in his laptop.

Drinks are served. The businessman next to us receives his drink and Katy proceeds to try and clink glasses with him and say, "Cheers!" The businessman is not amused. He is ignoring Katy in the hopes that she will stop. What he doesn't know is that the more Katy is ignored, the louder and more persistent she gets. Katy is still saying, "Cheers!" so that the whole cabin can hear her, when I finally distract her enough with the lights outside of our window seat, to stop bothering the man next to us.

We land. We taxi to the gate. We are finally off the plane. All in all, Katy has been wonderful and a perfect traveling partner. Yes, there were some loud moments ("Cheers!"), and there were some stinky ones, too. However, Katy was well behaved and never had a meltdown. For a toddler, I'd say that is pretty darn good!

Uncle Rob would be proud

Yesterday, while waiting in the airport of our flight to Orlando, I did what every good parent would do and I let Katy run around in her little froggie footie jammies and burn some of that extra energy out.

We were running this way and that- Katy wanted to go up to every stroller that was passing by and peer in to see the "baby." Whenever anybody ran past us in an effort to catch their next flight, Katy would yell out, "Running!"

While reviewing the lit airport map (what is it about shiny things that light up that attract children?!), Katy pointed to the Starbucks icon and said, "Copy!" (Katy's own word for "coffee") Thinking that this was one of those funny little flukes- something to tell the hubby when we get home- I didn't really pay it too much attention. Then, as we were yet still running around getting energy out (our flight was delayed), we walked by an actual Starbucks and Katy yells out, "Copy!" and proceeds to march right into the store. That's our girl! I totally blame the Jones side for Katy love affair with coffee at the ripe old age of 20 months! Ha! ;-P

"Gourd-ous" Girl

Saturday, October 9, 2010

Saturday, October 15, 2011

Thankful for another year with our little Pilgrim, Katy!

Saturday, October 9, 2010

Saturday, October 15, 2011

Cutest Lil' Pumpkin in the Patch- Pumpkin Picking at Riverbend Farm 2011

Bus to Riverbend Farm with Mommy.

"Wheee...!" Big Girl Katy slides down the slide by herself.

"...And we're off and running to find our pumpkin!"

Katy found her pumpkin (gourd). She was very adamant in selecting this "geen punkin'."

Jones Family Pumpkins (The orange pumpkin ended up weighing as much as Katy!)

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Today, we ventured out to our favorite pumpkin patch at Riverbend Farm, to select our yearly pumpkins. We got there right as they opened and spent a good two hours there playing on all of the slides, fiberglass animals, petting zoo and of course, taking the tractor ride out to select our pumpkins. Katy had a blast running around like a free bird on all of the different slides and various set-ups. She didn't want to leave the tractor behind (seriously?!) but she did NOT want to ride on the fiberglass horse! There was a cute baby calf in the petting zoo and while Katy enjoyed looking at him, she didn't want to get closer than several feet away. We had fun on the tractor ride out to the patch and Katy enjoyed running around the field, selecting a pumpkin. She found a green gourd and found this to be her pumpkin of choice, this year. Katy had such a good time on the farm and she was falling asleep on the way home because she was so worn out from playing and exploring.

Out of the mouth of babes.

As your vocabulary increases daily, translating is becoming much easier. However, there are still times where a little translation is needed and I know that I'm going to miss the cute little sayings, once they are gone and you are speaking in full, complete sentences. For example;

"Fopfop" means flip flops. Yes, it is October in NC and Katy is still wearing her favorite purple flip flops (one size bigger!), thanks to Grandma Tinkey buying them in several sizes to accommodate Katy's growing feet (and penchant for FL footwear!).

"Happy Day!" translates to "Happy Birthday!" We were sitting in a restaurant last night, when the "Happy Birthday" song came on over the loud speakers. Katy started swaying and dancing to the music and saying (at the top of her lungs, I might add), "Happy Day, Happy Day! HAPPY DAY!"

"Peekboo!" is your way of playing the "Peek-a-boo" game. You still love that game and never cease to tire of hiding and popping your head out from the covers and saying, "Peekboo!"

"Cream" is code for ice cream. Our daughter was destined for a love of ice creaminess goodness! You will repeat this word over and over and over and over and over, voicing your desire for a treat!

"Tippy" usually refers to (veggie) chips. You love, love, love your veggie chips, Katy!

Stand Up Comedian

Katy, "Knock, knock."

Me, "Who's there?"

Katy, "Knock, knock."

Me, "Who's there?"

Katy, "Hahahahahahaha.....!" (laughing manically)

I guess if there was a joke in there somewhere, I missed it. However, you sure were cute, Katy girl, laughing away at your own joke, my little comedian!

Holding Baby Jacob

As Jacob started tugging on Katy's hair, Katy cried out, "Help, help!"

Katy and Jacob share an open-mouth smile!

While holding Jacob, Katy pointed to him and stated, "Brother." I.am.in.TROUBLE!

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Our friends, the Pates, drove through town this last weekend. We were glad that they could spend the night with us on their way home to FL, but sad that the time together was so short. The kids had a blast together and Katy LOVED holding Baby Jacob!

Big Girl Ponytail

Quick ponytail action while Katy was distracted reading a book

(Thanks for the book, Reeves family! :-)

... and we're off and running...!!!

Since birth, Katy, you have been blessed with a full head of hair. I was told a long time ago that babies that are born with hair, eventually lose it and then it grows back. I guess somebody forgot to tell you that, because you never lost your hair- is just kept growing and growing into the beautiful (if unruly!) dark brown mane that it is today.

I have always been a lucky mama because I never had to "glue" a bow to your head due to lack of hair and I can count on one hand how many times you've been mistaken for a boy (the elderly gentleman at the grocery store who called you a boy- despite the fact that you were dressed head-to-toe in pink that day- doesn't count). Bows, headbands, hairbands, clips, bobby pins, big, puffy bows- bring 'em! I love a girly-girl in pigtails, ponytails and braids!

Alas, Katy, my free spirit, you had other ideas. Bows manage to stay in your hair for mere minutes. Clips somehow find their way into the crevices of our car (along with the veggie chip crumbs and lost Elmo cellphone) and/or the store floor. We have the most success with headbands- they stay in your hair for minutes and not seconds. Ponytails and pigtails remain elusive as you are in constant motion, not to be bothered with the time it takes to sit still and perform some at-home salon magic.

Today, though, we had a breakthrough! You actually brought me a rubber band and brush and proclaimed, "Piggy! Piggy!" (for pigtails). While the pigtails didn't quite make it- wiggly, squirmy, active toddler that you are- a ponytail did emerge. Success! And it lasted ALL MORNING, only ceasing to exist after a wild adventure in the playground.

Sweet baby wisps in exchange for a big girl ponytail- sniff!- my baby is growing up!

Play date with the Woolards

Savannah and Katy enjoying making a mess, er, I mean "eating" lunch.

Silas and Elizabeth, eating lunch at the "big kid's" table.

Four active, wiggly, moving kids!

Lindsey, Silas and Savannah Woolard came over today for a play date. We put the new playroom to the test with four very active kids. There was laughter, there was chatter, there were toys strewn this way and that way. The kids seemed to enjoy themselves and Lindsey and I even had a chance to chat. Chicken (rice) noodle soup was a bit messy for lunch, but that's okay- we all had a good time!

Lilo's Day Out

"We're off for a walk, Lilo!"

Lilo gets a little "push" on the swing from Katy

(Katy put the puppy in there herself and insisted on pushing him).

Posing for a picture for Mommy

(For this picture, Katy stopped, pointed to the camera and said, "Picture!" and then said, "Cheese!").

Puppy Portrait

(Katy took this picture by herself- not too shabby!)

Perfect fall day to go outside and PLAY!

A girl and her dog...

For Christmas last year, Uncle Rob and Aunt Julie gave you a toy puppy that you can "walk" while pulling it's string. At the time, you were just learning to take your first steps, so you mostly just sat and played with the puppy, rather than roll it along behind you. Nowadays, though, you love, love, LOVE to take puppy for a walk!

Today, you insisted on taking the puppy, named "Lilo" (after Uncle Rob and Aunt Julie's own dog), outside for a walk. We walked up and down Union Street with Lilo in tow. You had so much fun going for a walk and taking your puppy with you, Katy! It was so cute to see you walk with such purpose.

"Big Girl, Big Girl!"

I think that we've been saying that you are a "Big Girl" a little too much, Katy Grace. Now, whenever you want to do something all by yourself (whether it be climb up the brick steps out front, climb the jungle gym at the playground or feed yourself a soupy mess), you will tense your body, purse your lips in a grimace and say (quite loudly, I might add), "Big Girl, Big Girl!"

All in the pursuit of a flu shot!

Today we went to the allergist to get you tested for the flu shot, Katy. Since you are allergic to eggs (and flu shots are grown in eggs), having a flu shot could potentially cause a reaction.

Our appointment was scheduled for 8:30 AM- nice and early, first thing in the morning. Usually, your best time of day. Of course, not to be, today. Instead, you slept fitfully last night and woke up cranky. We made it to the allergist's without a hitch and didn't have to wait too long in the waiting area before being called back. Nurse Karen escorted us back for the typical height/weight check and then into the consultation room. Nurse Karen is NOT very kid friendly. She was easily flustered by your cries and general toddler curiosity. When you went to reach for the stethoscope, she swatted your hand away and said, "Don't do that!" (and not in a loving, gentle kind of way). By this time in the appointment, I knew we were in for a LONG day....

First step to the appointment; get tested for the flu shot (which, was the whole reason we were there, in the first place). The medical assistant (much nicer than the nurse!) came in and did a couple of scratches on your back. You did NOT like this! You cried big crocodile tears and kept saying, "All done! Bye-bye!" to the medial assistant.

Then, we had to wait fifteen minutes to see if you had any sort of reaction to the scratches on your back. Fifteen minutes was more like thirty/forty minutes. Finally, after the time elapsed (and then some!), the doctor came in, observed the scratches and gave the okay for the full, first dose (those under two have to get the flu shot in two doses).

More waiting.....

Then, Nurse Karen returned to administer the flu shot into your thigh, Katy. Of course, you didn't like this and tried to wiggle away. In a moment of exasperation, the nurse exclaimed, "Don't move!!" (Seriously?!?!) The flu shot finally got administered, but not before bleeding all over your new light pink pants- good thing I brought an extra change of clothes into the doctor's with me!

Now, more waiting- thirty minutes this time, we the nurse returning several times to check vitals. You did MUCH better during this period of waiting and was even compliant when the nurse took your blood pressure and temperature.

More waiting....

The doctor came in to check in and noticed a slight rash on your chest and belly, Katy. He ordered a dose of Benedryl and more waiting (to make sure there wasn't any more reaction).

More waiting....

Finally, the doctor came in one last time and deemed it okay for us to leave. So, two and a half hours later, we FINALLY got to leave the doctor's office. You fell asleep on the way home, thanks to the Benedryl and I put you right to bed. I'm glad we got that out of the way... that is, until we have to go back for the second dose of the flu shot in four weeks!

Lionel NASCAR Company Picnic

Katy befriends a puppy

Friendly game of volleyball

Race car themed cake (using company diecast, of course! :-)

This afternoon we joined Daddy's co-workers at Frank Liske park for a potluck picnic. The weather was cool and windy but nice and sunny. While Daddy played some volleyball with some co-workers, you and I went to the playground and ran around the different fields. There was plenty of good food and goodies to go around and we had fun!