Another Birthday Celebration

Katie loved the carousel at the Parks mall so much last year that we just had to do it again this year. We invited her friends, and I'm pretty sure they enjoyed it again. She was reunited with her buddy Jaxson and just couldn't get enough of him. Every time he went on the carousel she had to be right next to him.
She got even more spoiled by her friends. I'm glad she had so much fun!

Memories and Katie-isms

I always get a little depressed when I think about the fact that I have a 4-year-old. I love watching her grow and learn, but part of me misses the little lady I brought home from the hospital. I know I've traded in some things for others. For example, I can't really "hold" her like I used to, but we cuddle when I read books to her at night and I tuck her in. I love that I can have an entire conversation with her, and I don't have to try and guess what she wants (some times this is more of a curse than a blessing.) I truly love the little lady my baby is growing up to be. I know I'll get to experience this all over again when Mackenzie gets here, but I just don't want to miss a moment with Katie.

That being said, Katie had some words she created over the past year. Some of them have come and gone already, but some have stuck. I absolutely love them! I don't want to correct them because they represent who she is.
Word=Katie-ism
zoo=jungle
cracker=crackra
bacon=macon
yesterday=lasterday
computer=puter
Reesee=Nutrigrain bar
restaurant=rancharant
bathroom=bathtub room
popsicle=posicle
sucker=socker
hushpuppies=hot puppies
Kleenex= nose wipe
M&Ms= num 'n nums
wasps=wops
umbrella=brella
pine cone = pine corn
nasty=actually nasty

Happy 4th Birthday, Katie

We had family over for Katie's birthday since it was in the middle of the week. She wanted pizza and ice cream, so that's what we had.
Of course, when you invite grandparents, the child inevitably gets spoiled. Katie had a blast and was so overwhelmed with the presents, she didn't even know where to start. She played with some of her toys and tried on some of her clothes.

Swimming lessons with Chris

My parents have a pool. Katie and I go swimming for at least an hour every day. This has become much simpler thanks to swimming lessons with the City of Arlington. Katie has gone from swim wings and floats to being a completely independent swimmer. She can do the breaststroke, "ice cream scoops" and kicks, the backstroke (kind of), jump off the diving board unassisted, jump in and swim to the side, hold her breath underwater, retrieve things from the bottom of the shallow end of the pool, and more. It's amazing what a teenager can accomplish with 4-year-olds in a 25-minute period over the course of 2 weeks. I've been so impressed. Dave is already planning her trip to the 2020 or 2024 Olympic Games.

My Shower

I am so blessed to have great friends. I love our girl's nights. Candis made the cutest invites, and her house was decorated adorably. Becky made a fantastic wreath to hang at the hospital plus the cutest cookies (that were absolutely delish.) Lisa and Tiffani always make the best food and are super creative. I'm super lucky to be surrounded by such great ladies. They threw a fabulous shower.
The delicious cookies
Words of advice and wisdom from friends

I can't thank everyone enough for the goodies for Mackenzie. I am so blessed to have great friends and family.

"Going to the Married"

Shannon and Clint's wedding was beautiful. The details for the reception were gorgeous. It was so good to see some old friends and catch up. Katie got to see Ryleigh again, and they spent lots of time goofing off on the dance floor.
She got to dance with Daddy...
and Uncle Brett.

Older Sibling Class

Katie is super excited about Mackenzie's arrival. We told her that she was going to learn about being a big sister at the hospital, and she couldn't wait. Nurse Carol Schunk started by talking to the 5 students about the importance of being an older sibling. She asked if the kids had anything to share, and Katie couldn't stop telling stories. "My baby, Kenzie, is sleeping. She kicks Mommy really hard." Then, the kids learned how to hold the baby. She told them the rules: 1-Wash your hands. 2-Must have an adult. 3-Must be sitting.
Then, they learned how to change the diaper. Katie acted like this was a piece of cake.
Then, the kids watched a silly video about becoming a sibling. Nurse Schunk told the kids that they could take their babies or leave them on the table. Katie, of course, took her baby. She wasn't leaving her baby anywhere.
After that, we took a tour of the maternity ward. They told us that with the hospital's new policies, there might not be any babies in the nursery. Babies only went to the nursery right after they were born, or so that their mom could take a 1-hour nap/break. We got to see 2 tiny female babies. Katie was super excited. As we get off the elevator, I turn around and Katie had been so good at carrying her baby properly. She is now carrying the baby by the ankles, when I asked why. She said, "That baby was heavy. My arms are tired."
Her instructor was super sweet. When we left, she said, "She is darling. She has the most to say and seems most interested. I hope your next one has her red hair."

Katie, the Cuddler

This picture was taken sometime in April. I actually think it was Easter weekend. Katie loves cuddling. I love this photo...it just makes me think of all the times we've laid on the couch together and just talked or stared at each other. Sometimes she asks me silly questions. I love that she loves to cuddle. I know it won't last forever, but I'll enjoy it as long as I can.

4th of July

We spent the 4th of July at Grandma and Grandpa Martin's house. Katie had spent the weekend with her Grandma, and we picked her up around 5 PM. Then, we headed to Grandma and Grandpa's for some hot dogs and burgers followed by fireworks. Katie started playing in the backyard with her Great Grandpa, and ended up picking the ripe tomatoes off the vine. She also ate like she hadn't seen food in days. We played a little, and then she got really tired and cranky before the fireworks. In fact, 10 minutes before the fireworks started at Bedford Boys Ranch, she fell asleep. We woke her up, and she did enjoy them.