Big Katie's Shower

Katie and I headed to Wylie to shower Kelsey with gifts before her arrival. Katie and Natalie were HUGE helpers in helping Big Katie open all of the gifts. I got to catch up with Katie's sister, Jennifer, Erica, and Katie got to meet Big Katie's niece, Natalie. The girls had such a blast. It's not very often you're pregnant at the same time as one of your best friends...but this pregnancy proved to be very different.

WinStar

So, somehow, my boss got the teachers at my school a charter bus to the WinStar casino in Oklahoma. We headed out at 8:30 in the morning for an hour long drive. When we got there, we were free to do as we pleased. They had an over-priced spa, slot machines, and a pool. Our breakfast and lunch were catered by ChickFilA. We would be back on the bus at 4:30. Kasey, Brenda and I started at the slots with $20. I lost it all in a matter of an hour and a half. Then, we ate lunch, and I spent the rest of the day at the pool. It was a great way to kick off the new school year. Plus, I didn't go into labor. :)

Making Room for Kenzie

Katie was way overdue for some new furniture. We just never really made it a priority until it was time to get ready for the baby. Katie was still in a toddler bed that had been converted from a crib, and she didn't seem upset. So, her room was transformed first.

When we finished with Katie's room, it was time to get Kenzie's room ready. We were using most of Katie's furniture and just had to transform the study into a nursery.
So, the transformation was complete. It was just time to wait for her arrival.

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.