Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Lions and Tigers and Bears...Oh My!

Well, no lions or bears, but we did take our first trip to the zoo for Kirksey's 9 month birthday yesterday! (and you can't beat free admission Tuesday afternoons!)


She rode around in her stroller like a pro looking at all the animals.


Just hanging out




She was intrigued by the tiger




 

Her favorite, of course, was the giraffe!



Tuesday, August 30, 2011

9 Months Old

Kirksey, you are 9 months old today!

We anxiously expected you for 9 months and now we have joyfully enjoyed having you for 9 months. It's funny to think that I carried you around in my belly for as long as you have been alive now. It's hard to remember what life was like before you, and we wouldn't change that for the world!
So, what are you up to?

You are wearing mostly 6 or 6-9 month clothes; however, some 3-6 month things still fit. The outfit in your picture this month is actually a 3 month, but since it is a bubble outfit it still works for now. (I have been wearing that outfit out because I like it so much on you and you won't be able to wear it much longer).
You still wear size 3 diapers. I imagine you will wear this size for a few more months.

We went to your new pediatrician here in Memphis last week. Here are your stats:
Weight - 16.6 pounds (20th percentile)
Length - 25 inches (< 5th percentile)
Head - 17.25 inches (15th percentile)


You still nurse about 5 times a day.
You are a good eater. You eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You have tried so many things and there really is not anything that you really have not liked. I am still introducing new things to you about every 3 days. You love puffs and are starting to really like cheerios too. You are getting to where you want to be able to pick up your food instead of me spoon feed it to you. I don't know how much longer you are going to eat the pureed food.
You like to taste EVERYTHING...it all goes to your mouth.
You still have that sweet gummy smile. I love it so much. I think it won't be much longer until that first pearly white pokes through (although I have been saying that for a few months).
You sleep about 10-11 hours a night.
You also are taking 2 naps a day, one in the morning and one in the afternoon (most days).
You have such a sweet personality.

You have many expressions.


You really take everything and everyone in with your big beautiful eyes.

You are a very persistent little girl. For instance, you love our iPhones. If you see one, you will crawl over anything to get to it. There is no distracting you. You see what you want and you go for it. That is a good trait. Your daddy and I will just have to make sure that we are steering you in the right direction in the future.

You have become an expert crawler. Just last night you raced to the front door to meet Daddy when you heard him coming in.

You have gotten really good at taking off with your walk n ride. You do get mad though when you come to a wall or furniture and can't go any further. I have to help turn you around, but then you are off again. You have only been walking around with that or by holding onto something (many times what you hold are my hands or my legs).

You have the sweetest, most infectious laugh. The other day you even snorted once while laughing. I thought it was funny, but it scared you.
You love the song "Head and Shoulders, Knees and Toes". You also really like "The Wheels on the Bus". We sing those songs a lot.


We play aot and you have had your first tent, of many I'm sure.


You have gotten to where you love to flip the pages of your board books. That can keep you entertained for a while.

You also love Maci. You follow him the best you can. He runs by you and you just keep turning to follow after him. If I am sitting on the floor with you and he is running around, you go to follow him then get really excited and come climb up me.
You "talk" a good bit, but "dada" is still the most recognizable word. I am trying hard to get you to say "mama"! Don't worry though, my feelings are not hurt, you make it clear that I am the one you very much prefer.


You are so incredibly perfect. We love you so much that I think our hearts might burst!

Friday, August 26, 2011

Redbirds game and Dinner outside

Last week we got to go to the Redbirds game with Big Daddy (Richard's dad), Grandmama, and Granddaddy. We had a good time and hope to take Kirksey to many more games while we live here.







Last weekend I worked my first 12 hour shift (after a nice long break from them). I came home to my sweet girl and husband. Richard had not only cleaned the house for me, but he had planned a "date" for us after I put Kirksey to bed. This was one of the best dates we have had! We even had music playing for the occasion...on the baby monitor!



Oh, how I love this man!

Friday, August 19, 2011

First Words

Kirksey said "dada" today! Some people might consider it just babble, but she has been babbling for a while now and this is the first day she has said something that we have been working on with her, so we count it!
It couldn't have brought more joy to me to hear her sweet voice say those sweet words (even though they weren't "mama", ha!). I first noticed it when she was talking in her crib after her nap this morning. I went in with the camera and caught it on video so Richard could see too. I know it absolutely made Richard's day!
Click on the link to watch the video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YcZOhbuOrts



Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Back to Work

As of about 2 weeks ago, I am officially a working mom again. I can't complain too much though. I have a supplemental position so I only have to work 32 hours every 4 weeks. I am also back in a NICU, which I had missed over the past few years.
We were very blessed to have family come in town to take care of Kirksey while I attended orientation classes. My parents came for a few days my first week back, and then Emmy and Aunt B came for the second week. Although they loved being with Kirksey, we can't thank them enough!
Here are some pictures they took to help get me through my days.


I called often to check on my sweet little girl. I wouldn't be surprised if Mimi was talking to me in this picture.





Oh, how I love this little one!





Monday, August 8, 2011

Kirksey meeting Ethan and The Watermelon Festival

Last Friday, Kirksey got to meet Ethan for the first time. Ethan's dad, Jeremy, and Richard go way back! I know we will have many fun times with them in the future for years and years to come.
Ethan just turned 1 a couple of weeks ago...he has lots to teach Kirksey.


I love how she is so intently watching Ethan.




I think they had fun! 


Then on Saturday, Kirksey and I went to Water Valley for the Watermelon Festival and to hang out with the Harris family. Since Richard was out of town for an endoscopy course, we decided we would have a little fun!



Look at those HUGE watermelons. They weighed them on that scale and then auctioned them off.


Kenzie and Kirksey hanging out in the shade. It was HOT.


We couldn't resist...


Even though she was hot and ready to eat, she was still a happy camper!


Have I mentioned that my little sweet girl sweats...a lot?


After taking a bath to cool down, it was time for some reading. Jennifer, you look good with 2 in your lap, haha!


Here is the adorable outfit we got at the festival. I had to put a bow on her for a few one picture.