Monkey see, Monkey do

My fears are beginning to come true!

Before Kaylee was born I had the most real fear that i would have a make-up wearing, nonsport playing, pink loving, baby doll playing, prissy, most girly girl in the world. All i can say is thank God she did not turn out like that. Well at least so far she is not like that, but i am getting little hints of what is to come and i am not so sure about it. Kaylee has grown attached to a few of her stuffed animals. So far they are the monkeys in her collection, but that is probably because she doesnt have any babies. She loves her Curious George stuffed animal and "Manny" her monkey she made at Build a Bear. She carries them around the house and has even begun including them in different things. She wants to take them to bed with her, hold them while we read stories, lays them on a pillow and covers them up, give them drinks from her cup, gives them imiginary bites from her play fork/ spoon, take them with us when we go bye-bye, have them at the table when we eat, play patty cake with them, (this one is kinda gross) she wants to get the boogies out of their nose. Kaylee has had a little head cold for the past week or so and i have been having to suck out her nose with the bulb syringe, because she hasnt figured out how to blow her nose yet. So she thinks that Manny and George need their noses sucked out too. It is so funny! She even puts them on her shoulder, pats their back, and rocks them. I just think that it is funny that all of a sudden one day out of the blue she began including them in everything. She has never been "attached" to a blanket, lovey, or animal before.

The reason why i decided to share this with you is because this morning I found something that really shocked me. Last night when i was getting dinner ready i saw her playing with her animals in the playroom. I never took the time to go see what she was doing, and was surprised to find it this morning. She had put her HUGE stuffed dog, a fox, Manny, and Smokey the dog all on one of her little pillows. This morning one of the first things she did was go an check on them. She brought George and her stuffed FedEx airplane with her and laid down with them. I thought it was so sweet!

notice how she put their heads on the pillow

I had to get a few pictures of her holding the 2 monkeys together

I am pregnant as you can see, is it a BOY or a GIRL, you tell me!

As you already know we do not find out the sex of our baby until he/ she is born. I think this is such and awesome way to do it and don't think i could ever find out.

I would like to know what everyone thinks we are having. Despite wanting a boy, I particularly think this one is a girl, Marcus thinks it is a boy. We both thought that Kaylee was a boy and obviously we were wrong.

When I was pregnant with Kaylee I was still teaching so I had all my kids in my class vote, plus the teachers, and any kids I had taught in the past. It was a really fun way to look forward to my due date. And it was interesting to watch and listen why/ how 4 year olds voted. Some intently examined my belly, some guessed only based on their own sex, some guessed based on the sex of their little siblings, and some really had no reasoning at all for why they voted what they did. My friend Katie made a REALLY cute sign and we posted the poll on the outside wall of my room for everyone to see.

So once again i would like to see what everyone has to say about the sex of this baby. I have created a poll, which you will find at the right of the blog you can vote whenever you like, the poll will be open until February 1st (just in case i have this little one early). So be sure to take some time to vote and you can leave me a comment on why you voted what you voted.

First Hello

Last night as I was laying in bed, like i do every night, I try and "play" with the baby to see if he will kick back. He was really active in one particular spot. This is usually the best time for me to let Marcus try to feel him kick so i called him over to the bed. I put his hand in the spot and immediately the baby walloped him. Marcus gasped. Then the baby kicked again and again. This was the hardest he has ever kicked me. He was really excited to get to say "hello" to his daddy for the first time despite our previous attempts.

Enjoying the weather

Kaylee and I were outside the other day and I got out the sidewalk chalk for her to play with. She had trouble at first understanding that she had to push hard for it to actually make a mark on the driveway. But then she got the hang of it. She created some really interesting drawings, I couldnt quite figure them out, but i am sure she knows exactly what they are supposed to be.

I wrote her name, she made the purple mark by the K

I drew the flower, she drew the stems (all 3 of them)

As you can see in the video she takes closely after her mom and dad in some regards. I have been told that when marcus was a little boy he hated having his hands dirty, and i remember having a bar of soap in my softball bag and washing my hands each time I went into the dugout. In the video she scratches the chalk and then comes to wipe it on me. I had to stop the video so i could wipe her hands, it was quite funny to watch.

Memphis Zoo

With all that happened last week with Kaylee falling of the truck, I completely forgot to post about our trip to the zoo. I have added a slideshow of a few of the pictures we took so be sure to check it out.

Kaylee loved every minute of her first trip to the zoo. Despite being tired she was such a trooper. She loved making animal sounds when she saw the animals she knew. She had quite an audience when she was making monkey sounds. And she was completely baffled as to why we would not let her kiss all of the animals. YES!!! I said kiss! She thinks that she should kiss just about everything, so why not kiss all the animals. I also thought that it was quite funny how she would tell EVERY animal "Hi" when we walked up and every time we walked away she would wave and say "bye." We even rode on of the fastest rides at the zoo and she LOVED it! I hope that i can get over my fear and take her back to the zoo again soon, I know that she will have an absolute blast!

First Visit to the ER

I have officially been inducted into another phase of "mommyhood!" Last week Kaylee had to visit the ER for the first time! But the thing about it was she not only visited 1 ER, but 2 in the same night.

It all started Tuesday as we were walking out of the Memphis Zoo. Kaylee said she had to go to the bathroom, so instead of walking back into the zoo (which was closed) I thought the better option was to put her on the potty that we carry with us in the car. We had driven the truck this particular day so I stupidly put her potty on the tailgate of Marcus' truck and put her on it (BIGGEST MISTAKE!) Marcus and I began loading the truck with all the stuff while Mary was watching Kaylee. And somehow I looked up and saw Kaylee about to stand up and fall off the truck. She fell face first from a standing position straight onto the concrete below. I saw her head hit and Marcus scoop her up a second later. As she was screaming the bump just kept getting bigger and bigger. We decided to put her into the truck and head to LeBonheur Downtown, which was the closest hospital. When we walked in everyone stared and gasped as they saw the apparent injury on her head. We checked in, a nurse wrapped some gauze loosely around her head, and we took our seat in the waiting room with everyone else. We were told if she vomits or tries to fall asleep to come immediately back up. All I could think to myself was it is almost bedtime, of course she wanted to fall asleep. So after sitting anxiously for probably 10 minutes (it felt like 10 hours) I told Marcus that her eyes were drooping and we needed to go up and tell them she was falling asleep. She was taken into the triage room with the nurse where all her vitals were taken and we were told that she got bumped to the top of the list. We were also told she could not eat or drink anything until seeing the doctor. Are you freaking kidding me? She hadn't had any dinner and was dying for a drink and I could give her nothing! So we sat there waiting until finally after about 2 1/2 hours they called her name. We were back in our room where the doctor was coming to give us the news on what to expect next. She came in and wanted the gauze removed so she could see the injury. After examining it the doctor decided to order X-rays, because "CT Scans are a last resort in children," she said. They could see some pieces of gravel stuck in the wound and they needed to clean it. So they put the numbing cream on a clear bandage and stuck it on her forehead. They said the numbing meds would take 45 minutes to work. In the meantime we were sent for X-rays and more waiting. Oh i almost forgot she was told by the doctor she could eat and drink so she downed 4 cups of water and juice, but all i had were snacks for her to eat, no "real" food. That seemed to keep her pretty occupied along with the frequent trips to the bathroom after drinking so much so fast. We finally got taken back to our room where we were given the delightful news that she DID NOT have a skull fracture and after they cleaned the wound we could go home. While Marcus, myself, and a child care specialist attempted to hold her down and distract her, a nurse removed the apparently ineffective numbing meds and cleaned the debris from the wound. Kaylee got so upset that she began to vomit during this procedure. But finally we were able to get it all out and a fresh bandage on to cover it. We were told to change her bandage at least 3 times a day for the next 3 days and keep it covered 24 hours a day. I thought that was a little ridiculous considering her wound was not a laceration, but a contusion. The skin was not broken, she did not need stitches, so why put her (and myself) through the trauma of removing that bandage 3 times a day for 3 days. And besides that, I thought that air helped heal, so couldn't i keep it uncovered during the day while we were inside? But I was told "NO" and given some preliminary supplies to bandage her up with at home. We were also told that if she vomits in the next couple of days to bring her "straight back to the ER, any ER!" After taking her vitals and going through the check out process we were able to leave the ER at about 10:30pm.

We put her in her car seat where she sat 'sleeping with her eyes open.' She just had a blank stare on her face. We decided that Marcus and I needed to eat, and the best option would be to stop and get some fast food and eat in the car. We picked Arby's and after ordering and before we made it to the window to get our food, I hear a strange sound from Kaylee. I look over and see her begin to vomit EVERYWHERE! I didn't know what to do. I was trying to catch as much as i could while trying to avoid getting sick myself. I just could not take it and Mary (who was in the front seat) and my mom (who was in the car behind us) had to take over. They got her out of her seat and cleaned her up, while I collected myself and began cleaning the truck out. Marcus was still waiting for our food while we all contemplated what to do. We were just told at the ER "if she throws up come back immediately." We decided to continue heading in the direction of home and take her to a different ER (another BIG mistake). I now understand it would have been better if we would have taken her back to LeBonheur, but at the time we thought that a different ER would be just as good. We took her to Germantown Methodist, where, to make a long story short, we waited another 3 1/2 hours to see a doctor, and experienced MANY MANY bumps in the road and disagreements with the staff. The doctor ordered a CT scan, which seemed so forbidden at LeBonheur. The results came back positive again and we were sent home again. This time they gave me a different set of discharge instructions. They said DO NOT bandage the wound. Keep it uncovered and basically treat her like we normally would. He said if we draw attention to it then she will too. I thought this was a much better plan. So at about 5:15 am, 12 hours after the injury occurred, we were on our way home.

Kaylee has recovered masterfully! She was a little slower version of herself the day after the injury, which was probably more so the result of no sleep than the injury. Then Thursday (2 days after) she was completely back to normal. It took about 4 days for her appetite to completely return, but we can safely say "SHE'S BACK!" The scab has been peeling away more and more each day, and I am praying that it does not leave a scar behind.

It is absolutely amazing how resilient kids can be! I can truly say that I think Marcus and I were just as traumatized as she was going through the whole ordeal. But the thing is we remember everything that happened and all she knows now is that she has a "boo boo" on her forehead, and as soon as it is gone she will probably never even remember this ever took place.

Here are the few pictures that we got of the injury.

This one was taken after the initial gauze was wrapped in the triage of the 1st ER

This one was taken when the gauze was removed for the first time

These last 2 were taken on day 3 after the accident. You can see how it has begun to heal and the scab fall off.

Farmers Market Saturday

I should have posted this last Saturday, September 6th

Memphis has a really cute Farmers Market every Saturday downtown. This was only the 2nd chance we have made it down there, but it is a lot of fun. It is a REALLY long way to drive for us though. This weekend they had a huge easel in the shape of a dog for the kids to color pictures. There was also face painting, live music, and lots of fresh veggies, fruits, and flowers. This would definitely be where we would spend our Saturday mornings if we lived closer to the city! If you want to check it out for yourself you better hurry up, I think there are only 4 weeks left this year. But then the fun starts up again in April.

Kaylee and I woke up REALLY early Saturday morning, by early I mean I was out of bed at 6:30 and I woke Kaylee up at 7:15. We ate breakfast, got dressed, and hit the road. Since we were up so early and Fall seems to be getting closer and closer I felt that I needed to put Kaylee in jeans at least while we were at the market. And that is my entire reason for this post.......After I got her dressed she looked completely different! She looked like such a big girl in her little jeans and t-shirt. Marcus and I were dying to get a few pictures of her before we left. Kaylee has not been very cooperative for pictures lately so we have learned to 'take what we can get' when it comes to pictures of her.


Once we got to the Farmers Market we ended up staying and walking around for about 2 hours. Then we were off to grandma and grandpas for a much needed nap.

We are going to try out the Arlington Farmers Market this Friday, it is a closer. We are going to go to the park while we are in Arlington too. I will let you know how it goes, hopefully I will remember to take my camera with us.

P.S. I can't wait for Fall, it is my FAVORITE season! I am busy planning lots of activities and outings for this wonderful season. I am ready for a break from this heat, and cant wait to enjoy all the wonderful things that Fall has to offer!

1st day wearing "Big Girl Panties"

I have to start by saying, I am SO far behind!

I should have posted this LAST Friday, September 5th

I bought Kaylee her first pack of "big girl panties," and gave them a try for the first time on Friday. This was a little gutsy of myself because I knew we had a playdate at my friend Bethany's house. I decided to try putting her in them all day (except naptime) and see how she did. To my surprise she kept them dry all day long! Even in the car on the way to and from Bethany's house (which is only like 10 minutes away). I was SO SO SO proud of her!

Eating Breakfast

Yesterday morning I was dying for a HOT breakfast. By that I mean turkey bacon, eggs, and hashbrowns. But we woke up too late and I didnt have time to fix it. So this morning I decided to make breakfast. Kaylee and I sat down to eat ours before Marcus even got home. Then I timed his breakfast to be ready when he arrived. Here are a few pictures of Kaylee eating with Marcus, keep in mind she had already eaten half her breakfast with me. She had 1 egg (plus another egg white) with cream cheese, 7 hashbrown rounds, and 1 1/2 pieces of turkey bacon. I'll tell you what this little one can put away some food!

Anyways, I just had to get my camera out when I saw the 2 of them sitting at the table, Kaylee looked like a little old lady reading her magazine while she ate, it was quite cute. She is about ready for a booster seat at the table instead of her high chair. She is to the point where she wants to sit how we are sitting. She still makes that funny face when you get the camera out, I think it is because of the flash.

Enjoy the pics (ignore the mess on the kitchen table!)

Lions and Tigers and Bears -- OH MY!

She might not be saying many words yet (which I have become more and more thankful for), but she sure knows her animal sounds. We have been working on animal sounds for probably about a year now. She knows a total of 13! Bear, tiger, lion (all 3 are the same sound), dog (her first animal sound), cow (her second animal sound), horse, frog, cat, donkey, monkey (the funniest one!), bird, snake, elephant (this one is pretty funny too). We have been working on the pig sound for some time now, but she just looks at you like you are a complete idiot when you make the sound. Any ideas for new animal sounds?

I tell Marcus all the time that I think she is going to grow up and get a job doing 'something' with animals. She loves them all! We stopped on the way home yesterday to look at some horses that were grazing near the fence and she screamed when we drove away. Marcus and I are going to take her to the zoo soon, I will let you know how that goes.

On top of her animal sounds, we have been busy adding body parts to her list. She knows the following: fingers, fingernails, hand, arm, leg, neck, tummy, booty, hair, eyes, ears, nose, mouth, teeth, tongue, cheek, elbow, knee, foot, piggies (toes), and toenails.

He's ALIVE!!!

Today was one of the most momentous days I have had for the past couple of weeks. I experienced what I have been waiting on for the past 82 days. I felt the baby kick for the first time! At nearly 16 weeks (I was 17 1/2 weeks when I felt Kaylee for the first time), when I was vacuuming this morning the baby was going crazy! He was kicking just the way I remember Kaylee kicking! "God, Please dont let this one be another WILD CHILD." I love Kaylee to no end but it is really hard to imagine 2 children with her energy. I know what my mom would say if she heard me saying that, "you better just prepare yourself," I swear she has cursed me to experience what it was like to be in her shoes raising an "active" child like myself. Feeling your baby kick inside you is probably one of the most "looked forward to" moments of any pregnancy. It is like such a new world when you can actually feel the baby kick, it is so much different from seeing the ultrasounds, it is so AWESOME! I am now looking forward to being able to "play" with the baby. Marcus and I used to push and poke my belly when Kaylee was inside and she would kick/ push back. She would roll around and get all excited when it was 'play time'. The next thing I am looking forward to is our next ultrasound, which unfortunately I have to wait another 4 1/2 weeks for.


By the way.....if you noticed that I wrote "he" in this post it is because that is what is easiest for me to say, I mean "he" comes out so much easier for some reason. NO, I do not know the sex of our baby, and we are NOT finding out again, so if you catch me saying "he" it is just what comes out. To be perfectly honest I truly think that this baby is another girl, but i still say "he" for some reason. I dont know why i think "he" is a girl, I guess just mother's intuition. And i think i am finally at peace with the idea of having another girl (at least we have all supplies necessary for a girl). Dont get me wrong, I want a boy REALLY bad! So i hope that my intuition is wrong this time.