Friday, August 27, 2010

The Many Faces of a Strong-Willed Child

Kaitlin is a strong-willed child and is very persistent.  She absolutely, positively, without a doubt MUST have “Brownie” the dog at her side EVERY morning.  They’re BFF’s until about 9:00 a.m., then Kaitlin trades him for the breakfast table!

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If she wants to do something – she’s going to keep trying until its done – or throw a fit, whichever comes first.  Below, she tries to slam all her animals in the stroller. Here, she already has 4 animals in the stroller and was working on getting 2 more on top. She finally succeeded 20 minutes later!  Note:  She has Minnie Mouse between her legs so she was next!

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One day last week, we actually woke her up from her nap – a first. Needless to say, she was a little grumpy … but you’ve got love those “Bama Bangs”!!!!

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When I grew up, kids had “pig tails.”  Ironically, we live in Hog country here in Northwest Arkansas, but everyone out here calls this style “Dog Ears.”  Only fitting since Kaitlin’s favorite college mascot is Smokey, the blue tick coon hound from Tennessee!!!    

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She has started to love playing dress up and loves to twirl in her tutu! Kaitlin can turn anything into a bracelet or a purse. Kory knows he is in trouble with this girl!

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We are amazed at how much she is learning and changing everyday and how her BIG personality shines in every situation.

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Thursday, August 26, 2010

Baby Bear

Kory and I have a lot of nicknames for Kaitlin and for whatever reason, “Baby Bear” is one we call her frequently.  Aptly, Kaitlin LOVES her black bear (from the Smokey Mountains of course!)  He’s soft, cuddly, & gives great hugs!

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"Smokey” the black bear is a great dance partner (right) and even gives great rides around the playroom (left & below)!

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A couple days ago, I caught Kaitlin in her kitchen trying to grill the poor bear!  IMG_5249   IMG_5252

I’m not really sure how many black bears there are here in the Ozark Mountains but there is about to be one less in our house! 

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Mother’s Day Out!

Kaitlin and I both survived our 1st day of Mother’s Day Out this week. There were  a few tears from both of us leaving but I know this is a great opportunity. Kaitlin was a little upset when I left but one of my sweet friends emailed me that she was doing great! She dropped her daughter off a few minutes later and said that Kaitlin was not crying and was playing with the group. That really put my mind at ease and I was ready to enjoy my day! I went to the gym, ran some errands, made dinner, and even had time to meet Kory for a lunch date!

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Kaitlin made it the entire day, and they said she did not cry the whole time! Poor girl  did not eat lunch or take a nap so considering those factors, she did great. We know it is an adjustment and she will take some time to transition to a new environment!

Sunday, August 22, 2010

Who is that pretty little girl in red?

It was “supposed” to be cooler this week and it did not really feel all that like the temperature dropped AT ALL.  Kaitlin still BEGGED to go outside and would eagerly attempt to put her shoes on to expedite the process.  Bless her heart, she was so hot all week!

This week was rush at UT and it is always a million degrees every year. You are just so hot all the time … and sweaty… kinda like Kaitlin was all week! Today is Bid Day and one of the most exciting days in college for freshmen girls. I said to 2 random strangers 11 years ago “ We are gonna be sisters forever!!” I am sure they were like who is this crazy girl and why did we get stuck with her??  But, they both turned out to be 2 of my best friends in college, bridesmaids in my wedding, and are still the definition of a true friend today!

Happy Bid Day AOPi girls!  Here is a pretty little girl in red (couldn’t help myself) that will be going through rush in 17 years (even thought there is no pressure and she can be a cutie hootie if she wants - GIGI!) 

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Teething much?  Just too funny …

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Because AOPi’s MUST have a bow in their hair …

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