"Ba-Ba"

**ATTENTION MOMS of Toddlers:

I need HELP! 

E is 2 1/2, she will be 3 on April 4 and she still uses a pacifier to go to bed and take naps (she also has a pink elephant (squirt) I bought her when I found out she was a girl and a blankie that she can't sleep without). 

But lately, when E gets upset/throws a tantrum she screams for her baba, I of course, say no. She  then asks for a nap (so she can get it). Its good logic and I love that my toddler figured out that is the way to get her baba but, I AM NOT COOL WITH THAT. 

Basically... It was hard enough to break her of the baba all the time to just naps/bedtime. 

My question is: HOW DO I BREAK HER OF THE BABA ALL THE TIME? How did you do it? 

ANY & ALL SUGGESTIONS ARE WELCOMED, PLEASE! Feel free to email me if you would like.

I don't know why the baba is so hard she gave up her bottle with no problems at 6 months old. It was like she didn't even miss it. After her well-baby check-up her ped told me to start the sippie-cup so the afternoon I ditched the bottle and E did well. I don't want to be battling the baba when she is 3...4... and so on. I want to tackle this, head-on, NOW.

THANKS in advance!

...

Keep up in between posts, I Tweet , A lot.

xo

-Kandid Kelli

"Im alive, just barely"

Since we last talked I [cue bullet points] :

• -Packed up everything E & I owned in boxes in less then 7 days.
• -Helped M & Chip load it into my '04 MDX & U-Haul trailer.
• -Had a birthday... I am now 24 I feel 90 thanks to this horrid move. Gasp.
• -Packed 2 suit cases for out plane ride home. Had to inspect E's, b/c she's famous for "packing" toys.
• -Let E stay up late every night the last week in PA to spend time w.her Bop & Guppy.
• -Caught lighting bugs in a jar w.E- Daddy did the dirty job of touching them, Mommy took about a billion pics... those to come later!
• -Had a few very emotional good byes w.Chip, Bop & Guppy. There may or may not have been alot of tears at the airport. I looked like someone died as I was going through security. NOT a good look as you're going through AIRPORT SECURITY. [SN: I hate hurting people & seeing M's dad hurting b/c I was taking his granddaughter away, killed me. They are very close. E says he's her bestfriend. I am getting teary eyed typing this.]
• -Flew on a plane, w/a 2y/o & about 45 other children ALL going to Disney!!! My munchkin had her own seat. She enjoyed this. I however, DID NOT. Up. Down. Up. Down. repeat- for 2+ hours. 
• -Got home, cursed 100% HUMIDITY.
• -Basically made out w.my bestie when she got to my house!
• -Had pizza & ice cream cake for birthday dinner.
• -Had a slumber party w.aformentioned bestie.
• -GOT PRESENTS!!!! Bestie rocks... she just wants baller presents on her bday... I know how she rolls. haha j/k.
• -Took E to see TS3 (her first movie theater movie!) w.Bestie, Ashleyx2 & Miss Mal- They were so freaking cute together. (Thx for the pics Hayls!!)
• -Went to visit my Grandma & celebrate my bday & Fathers day. It was a blast. I love seeing my family & very pregnant cousins! 
• -Watched all the littles play in the front yard till the afternoon FL storm rolled in.
• -Had a Girls night-in & baked cookies w.mom & You got it by now... Bestie while watching DDD & Army Wives.
• -Greeted my hons @ 1am after his 15+hr drive w.my stuff and the horrible U-haul.
• -Started E's swim re-fresher lessons. [SN: Shes been in lessons since before she was 12mons...these are 2 week refreshers to refresh her memory about swimming!]
• -Un-loaded my car & U-Haul in said humidity, trying to beat said storms.
• -Took the u-haul back.
• -Had lunch w.my hons.
• -Took him to the airport, said a short good good-bye. [he'll be back in less then 27 days!]
• -Went to grandmas to get forgotten babydoll.
• -Started to move boxes around b/c temp. staying w.my parents- CURRENTLY LOOKING FOR A PLACE TO LIVE. - will not be unpacking everything.
• -Fell asleep in my clothes w.the lights on.
• -Swim lessons day #2.

& I have SO MUCH un-packing/organizing to do in the next week.

That about covers it. I am so tired its not even funny- I have so much to do. The mess is ridiculous. I want to cry. I hate THIS kind of messy. Playroom messy is different... moving messy gives me a panic attack.

I. HATE. MOVING. 

I am sorta back. I hope to be back in FULL swing by Monday, June 28th--

It feels good to be home though &  I know it will feel even better in the coming weeks, Good things are happening. 

THANK YOU FOR ALL THE SUPPORT. YOU GUYS ROCK MY LIFE.

[SN: Have you heard about LiLu? Go here to hear all about it!!] 

...

Keep up in between posts, I Tweet , A lot.

xo

-Kandid Kelli

"My Favorites"

Only b/c I was up all night w.a sick toddler... who has a drs apt at 10:15.



Animals Elephants

Beverage Diet Dr. Pepper, Diet Coke, Sweet Tea, COFFEE

Breakfast Moms banana pancakes

BubbleGum anything spearmint

Cars Audi Q7

Cologne Very Sexy for Him

Color Purple

Day Saturday & Sunday both family days

Dog Breed Um i like almost all dogs over 15lbs

Fast Food Restaurant Wendys

Food Mexican

Football Team College- UF (and now I guess OSU thx Jess) Pro- GB Packers

Fruit Raspberries

Month June

Music Genre Country

Number 7

Place Tropical (ie: Hawaii)

Restaurant Amigos

Ringtone I have a few

Season Summer

Sport To Watch Football/ Basketball

Perfumes Supermodel by VS

TV Shows I have a list

...

Keep up in between posts, I Tweet , A lot.

xo
-Kandid Kelli

"I am..."

I got the idea for this list from Hailey over at Be Serious . With Mother's Day on Sunday, I thought it was fitting.



...

A... Short Order Cook who can whip something up for the pickiest 2y/o I have ever met. Usually After she has her food and I have mine, I see her little blues eyeing mine and we switch but sometimes I want MINE, so I have learned to have a back-up for these occasions.

A... 5 star chef who can make cheap meals taste gourmet. I rock.

A... Top Notch Bargainer telling my 2y/o if she does this, she can have this (toy- that was taken away b/c of not listening or a single piece of candy as a treat) as a reward for listening- THE FIRST TIME ASKED. The deal goes out the 'window' after the first time.

An... Architect who can build the biggest best block house for 'little people' - it's so awesome, it withstands the town giant, shes 36.5 in of 2y/o terror. I can also put together christmas & birthday presents in record time. I am a wiz w/a screwdriver!

A... Vet who can make puppies and monkeys better with a quick wrap of a blankie and a "all better now", sometimes a smooch is necessary in the more serious cases.

A... Dental Hygienist who has not only learned how to get my stubborn child open her mouth for a proper brushing but I have taught her how to do it so when I am done she does it herself. I have caught her in there trying to 'brush feeth Mama!". I call that a BIG FAT WIN.

A... Translator who is constantly decoding the ramblings of a 2y/o. Most everything she says is coherent but when she gets going too fast/excited translation is needed.

An... Octopus which means I can do numerous things at once b/c of course I have 8 arms & keep it all in order, I checked my sanity at the front desk of the hospital when I gave birth.

A... Teacher who is teaching my 2y/o major life lessons & how to count to 20 (we've got up to 15 so far) & her ABC's & work on reading too, I am ambitious- all before pre-school @ age 3!


A... Pharmacist who has mastered the art of administering eye drops and antibiotics to a child who runs a hides at the mention of meds (bribery, what?).

A... Dr. with magical healing powers, I can heal any boo-boo with a kiss and the sporadic mini (yes it has to be those annoying mini ones) Band-Aid.

A... Fitness Instructor who has convinced myself that dancing with my toddler around the house serves as an aerobic workout.

A... Choreographer who can choreograph a rad routine to Phineas & Ferb, Whitney Duncan, Laura Bell Bundy & the like if we're gunna be rocking out around the house kiddo has got to have moves!

A... Make-Up Artist b/c my toddler is obsessed with getting into my make-up, and wants "MORE ippysticks".

A... Costume Designer b/c when my girl plays dress-up, it gets serious, its more then playing in mommy's clothes & jewerly, she wants to be "so cute!".

A... Detective that can use clues to find where my child is hiding & why. She usually only hides when she knows shes done something 'wrong'.

A... Maid I have tried to give up the job, clothes, bathroom & dishes still get dirty- who would've thunk it?

A... Plumber who unclogs a very clogged toilet when a 'little peson' and too much TP is flushed. I tried to save the little person, but my attempts were futile. The prince now resides in our septic tank. RIP.

A... Chauffeur that is terrible at the whole driving thing, ask anyone who has taken a ride.

I wear many hats.

I am a Daughter to a GREAT mom.

I am a bestfriend .

I am Kelli.

I am a mother.

A mother is all those things and more.

Happy Mothers Day to ALL the Mothers I know & to all those expecting.

...

This is the purse I got from my mom for mothers day! Isn't it beautiful! (I got the pic off the website b/c Im tool azy to actually take a pic)

**I has PURPLE inside & out, My mama knows me soo well!!!**


...

Keep up in between posts, I Tweet , A lot.

xo
-Kandid Kelli

"Groundhog's Day"

"Mama...meme up...Mama... Ma!!!" That is usually what resonates from the monitor anywhere from 630-715, Daily. Without fail. I grumble something to Matt, if he is still in bed, he asks me what I just said. But it doesn't matter, I roll [literally] out of bed and go stumbling, stomping bounding into E's room, with a smile, like ive been waiting awake, for her to wake up.

As soon as I touch the handle on her door I know if I walk in there w.anything BUT a smile we will have a bad day. My attitude, first thing in the AM sets the tone for the whole day. Don't get me wrong, I AM NOT CHIPPER in the morning, nor am I HAPPY to be awake. But I do want to have a positive, happy, fun day. Also E is the happiest she is going to be ALL day first thing in the AM. She has just gotten anywhere from 10.5-12 hrs of sleep! How can I not smile when I see her, full of smiles?!

I change her, we are STILL NOT potty trained. [I hope that when we move back to FL in June, things will be a little easier, as we will be in our own place and not living w/grandparents- yes I am moving back- thats a whole different post] I am also not really in a rush, I have learned that there is no rush to force her to do anything, when she does it on her own, she is far more successful. I digress.

Then we get a cup of milk and go snuggle in my room. We usually watch one of her TV shows on DVD- then when snuggle time is over, she takes her "baba"(pacifier) and squirt (her ratty 2y/o pinkish elephant) back to her room & we venture out to the kitchen for breakfast.

Being the hard headed independent child she is, she insists on deciding on her breakfast and THEN she picks if she wants to sit in "boos chair" (the high chair) or her booster seat. All the while this decision process is occurring, I am prepping the coffee maker to hit the "ON" button. I have it down to a science and can get this done in the time it takes my 2 y/o to make her decisions & still have control over the situation in the kitchen. Groggy or not. I. AM. GOOD.

Once she has made her final decision I sit next to her and I check the interwebz and drink that magical potion I just concocted a few minutes prior...COFFEE. Once my child has eaten picked at her food enough to satisfy me. Off she & her sippy cup go! and Goes and goes until 1030/45 and then thats Nap #1.

During her nap I: try and get as much school work done, laundry (ours and hers... separate loads), Dishes, and misc. straightening up/ things that need to be done. I also get myself dressed and looking presentable (I shower in the PM). I try and clean-up her disasters but the minute she wakes up she is FULL of energy and ready to destroy. She is like a hurricane or Tornado.

Our afternoons are some what of a whirlwind: (The TV or Radio/CDs is ALWAYS on- I need something other then just toddler babble) wake-up from nap, get her dressed, Lunch, play outside for a few (weather permitting), inside to wind down and have a snack & play. [If I have errands that need to be done they are done during this time- thats rare] Then somewhere between 330/4 is NAP#2... YES I have a 2 naps a day type of kid.

Nap#2 I work on more school work but I like to be selfish [if I can] and catch up on my TV show(s).

As of late my FIL has been getting home around 430/5 so I try more for the 330 lay down, so she gets atleast an hr. -- Wakes up, gets changed. Socks, shoes & a pony and out we go for some more out doors time till dinner.

After the most annoying, oscar award worthy performance & tiring hr of my life dinner, is tubbie time. Usually kiddo takes off like a bat out of hell for the tub or begs during dinner for a tubs, but as of late (I LOVE HAVING A 2y/o) she runs and hides. We play with bubbles and toys in the tub- WE SPLASH. We get our jams on play a little more if she is in the mood we read a book. Then like clockwork she asks for a "cup & nap" she goes and gives nightnight kisses. She still gets some milk b/c of her lack of food consumption & is in bed by no later then 8:10.

From there its mommy & daddy time. U.N.T.I.L she wakes up around 11 or so and I have to go in and console her and make her lay back down. Then I have a love affair with my pillow. Before I know it -- "Mama...meme up...Mama... Ma!!!" is that time, AGAIN? Where did my precious sleep time go?

I realized last week, when I told my bestie , that my week/weekend was mundane [again], I feel as if I am living groundhogs day , there isn't even the slightest variation to my days anymore. I love my daughter and I love that we are blessed enough that I can stay home with her while I am in Grad School. I always said I wanted to stay home with my kids till they were in pre-school. I know children are creatures of routine but hers is so rigid lately that I wonder how that happened?

I never expected being a SAHM to be glamorous but i've been doing it for 2 years now, but more so as of late and SOMETHING has to change & it will but slowly b/c poor girl has had soo many changes, her routine might be her security thing.

When she was smaller, I had her on a feeding/sleeping schedule but NOTHING like this one. It is almost suffocating. I feel as if I somehow slipped and hit the repeat button on the CD player and I am living life on repeat- day in, day out.

You may be on the other side of your computer screen scoffing, thinking "she has it SOOO easy" scoff all you want, until you live it. Not only is the redundancy killing me but so is the loneliness. I may have a partner but I still feel like I do a lot of it alone.

...
Ive gotta go learn about some pilgrims... I don't know as much as I thought. If Im going to be teaching it I need to know it.

Don't miss a beat, keep up in between posts, I Tweet , are we friends?

xo

Kandid Kelli

"Not Me Monday"

Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week. You can also check out Hailey @ Be Serious & see what she has not been up too.

-I did not cry (silently of course- along with my fellow classmates) in my EARLY LIT class WEDS night when my FAVY prof told us that she was NOT pleased with ANY our LIT PORTFOLIO'S & that they needed to be redone. Said LP DID NOT take me TWO FULL wks to complete & I was proud of it and turned it in with pride. Ha.

-I did not stay in sweats ALL day friday & feel like a bum, b/c I was bum-like so was my child who ran around in a sweatshirt and diaper most of the day. Hey I was NOT super-duper PRODUCTIVE though!

- I did not play "rock-concert" [singing, dancing & playing w/E's toy instruments) with E to the Phineas & Ferb CD so loud that we didn't hear M get HM. We were I was caught!

-I did not have [a rare] 1hr & 30 mins to myself while getting my nails done & tanning on Sat afternoon. I secretly did not want to come home b/c the "Me Time" is so rare. I love my babygirl but this was My much needed break.

-I did not walk into mass chaos after my blessed "me time" and want to turn right around and LEAVE AND RUN FOR THE EFFING HILLS. Why can't men control 25lbs? I control it, every. single. day. I can snap my fingers and have it under control or so I like to think. ha.

-I did not have a blizzard for dinner last night while watching Army Wives. I do not still want to loose 3 (maybe4) lbs. I did not do fabulous on WW all week and crash & burn yesterday. SIGH. I. AM. WEAK.

-I did not fall out of bed this AM @ 630 when my ray of sunshine decided this was the PERFECT time to wake up from her slumber. I swore my feet were firm on the ground, I thought wrong. I do not need a bedside coffee delivery service on days like this. [3 sweeteners, a dash of (fatfree) french vanilla coffeemate & stir]

- I did not start my "HW" before my coffee was ready this AM, so while E is napping I can watch last nights Brothers & Sisters- I may or may not be addicted. Its very hard to pick between that & Army Wives. -Rest assured I HAVE coffee now-


...

I do have ALOT of "HW" aka [13] lesson plans, but its not a Unit which is why it sucks... what I will be doing the rest of my life so I shouldn't look at it as HW, but as a way of life. Excuse me while I go gag. But I do have some interesting stuff planned this week.

Don't miss a beat, keep up in between posts, I Tweet , are we friends?

xo

Kandid Kelli

"Cop-Out"

Im usually not into surveys but 3 yes 3 people in my reader did this "3 things" survey--

I want to send some love over to Katie @ FromIFtoWhen GoodLuck today! xoxo.

Three names I go by:
1. Kelli
2. KS/Kelli-Sue
3. Mama/Mommy


Three jobs I have had:
1. Target Cashier
2. Starbucks Barista
3. After-School/ Child Care Teacher


Three Places I have lived:
1. Jacksonville, Fl
2. Winter Park, Florida
3. Temple, PA


Three favorite drinks:
1. Sweet Tea (I haven't found good sweet tea up here)
2. Diet Soda
3. Coffee (iced or hot)


Three TV shows I watch:
1. Brothers & Sisters
2. Army Wives
3. Melrose Place 2009 (this is the actual name of the remake)


Three places I have been:
1. East & West Bahamas
2. Hawaii (MY FAV PLACE EVER)
3. Jamaica


Three places I would like to visit:
1. Bora Bora
2. Seattle
3. Australia


Three people who text me regularly:
1. M
2. Hayls
3. Mom


Three favorite old TV shows:
1. Yes Dear
2. What I like about you
3. Sabrinna the Teenaged Witch


Three favorite dishes:
1. Spicy Chez It Chicken
2. Homemade Pizza
3. M's Buffalo Chicken Sandwich


Three makeup products I cannot live without:
1. Mascara
2. Bronzer
3. Lip Stuff/ chapystick (but not the band)


Three things I'm looking forward to:
1. The end of this semester, I am so beyond stressed
2. This SUMMER (it will be EPIC... right Hayls ?)
3. To start planning my wedding w.my bestie/MOH

...

I have lots of goodies planned for next week. Thank you for understanding this week. School is coming to a close in 26 days and they are slamming us with project after project. Wednesday our Prof handed back a project/Portfolio (mine took me a FULL two weeks) and told us [entire class] to redo them b/c she was not satisfied. She said the grades were not recorded... I had a "B". Normally I would want an "A" but I am so overwhelmed right now I would take it but thats not an option she wants it redone, while we are working on our huge final project... and we have 3 other papers for her too! Plus in two weeks in a diff class I am teaching [FOR THE FIRST TIME] a grade level I don't plan on teaching when I get out of school, ek! --

Have a great weekend yall.


Don't miss a beat, keep up in between posts, I Tweet , are we friends?

xo

Kandid Kelli

"April 4, 2008"

Dear Sweet Baby E,

It's amazing to think that it's been two years since you made your grand entrance. Two years since you single handedly changed my life, for the better. I don't know what I did so right to deserve to be your mommy, I have been so blessed. Being a full time mommy has been the best, most rewarding job in the world. Watching you learn and grow in to the beautiful little person you are today has been the best thing I could ever ask for. When things got tough, I cried with you and I learned with you and it all has been beautiful. I wouldn't change a single moment.

Seeing those crystal blue eyes looking up at me with your crazy halo of curls, surrounding your rosy cheeks, how can I not help but smile and scoop you up in my arms and snuggle you as tight as I possibly can. I see so much of myself in you, it's uncanny. That is until you wiggle your way out and run away to play. My little "baby shark".

Full of energy and always moving, you never stop. Everyday is a new adventure and nothing is the same. Just watching you play wares me out & I wouldn't change it for the world. I love seeing the world through your eyes, experiencing it all a new way. It is incredibly bewitching how you can take something so mundane and make it sparkle.

I've watched you go from completely dependent on me, the day you were born, to little miss "No mama Me do it". It breaks and makes my heart swell with pride all at the same time. Seeing your face weld up with fulfillment when you have accomplished your goal, I get excited along side of you, because you have realized that nothing is out of your reach. Every mother wants that for their child. Seeing that smile on your face after an accomplishment, no matter how big or small, makes my day.

Although your obsessions with "Finding Nemo", "Wow Wow Wubbzy", "Dora the Explorer" & "Go! Diego! Go!" drive me mad at times, seeing how excited you get is enough for me, because I know that in time this will pass. You will not be two years old forever and before I know it you will no longer love cartoons and I will be asking myself "where did my toddler go?" and I will want these precious days back.

E, You have taught me so much about life, what is important and what isn't. You have taught me how to love, you really opened up my heart. I can not for one millisecond imagine my life without you, I don't even want to. The last two years have gone by like the blink of an eye, being your mother has taught me that everyday is precious. I am enjoying every second I have. Enjoying the small pleasures you bring that really aren't small at all but are so huge they can't be measured in any thing but smooches and "noses". Not a moment goes by that I don't realize how lucky I have been. God blessed me and I thank him daily for you.

I didn't realize it till April 4th 2008 at 8:29pm, but you were the missing piece in my life puzzle. I couldn't have asked for a better child. The last two years have been sensational. I can't wait for the rest... I am so excited but in the same breath I want a stop time b/c what happened to this 5lb baby?...

E only less than an hr old:


E @ her 1st birthday party- April 4, 2009. 1 yrs old.


E yesterday @ her 2nd birthday party April 3, 2010- (1 day away from 2yrs old) (Tutu from ColeBabyTutu's ...BEAUTIFUL tutu, GREAT costumer service, great prices and E loves it!!)



Happy 2nd Birthday my little twinie! -- I love you Doodles.

Love,
Mama (now known as "Mommy" or "Mom" not fond of the latter)

"Not Mommy & Me Monday"

So today, as my "first day back" I decided to mix Not Me Monday & Mommy & Me Monday-- Thanks again to Hailey over @ Be Serious (which is where I got the idea for "NMM") for letting me steal borrow the idea ... She stole got the idea from Krystyn.

Enjoy...

...



Mommy & Me Monday hosted by Krystyn. Here is what Mommy & Me Monday is all about...

Krystyn writes... "So, I am starting up a “Mommy and Me Monday.” I am challenging you to get at least a picture of yourself with you child, or children once a week. Then, on Mondays, you post that “Mommy and Me” picture with or without a story or fun anecdote about you and that child (not necessarily relating to the picture, just about you and the subject of that picture)."



Toddler giggles & snuggles! The best come from my twinniekin! Love her!

...

NMM:

"Not Me Monday"



Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week. You can also check out Hailey @ Be Serious & see what she has not been up too.

-I did not almost miss my plane back to PA b/c OIA and all of its employee's are incompetent (I was there 2hrs before) and frantically search my purse for happy pills only to realize I left them in PA... THAT WAS not THE LONGEST 2.5 hours of my life!!

-I did not loose sleep for 3 nights STRAIGHT, along side my wonderful fiancee because our baby girl would scream every time she went anywhere close to her crib. I did not have to leave class early Thursday night because she has having a shitfit. It did not help that "mommy was home" I did not TRY EVERYTHING UNDER THE SUN TO MAKE IT BETTER.

- I did not call the Dr. Friday morning in tears because 'SOMETHING IS WRONG WITH MY DAUGHTER, WHO NORMALLY SLEEPS 12-13 HRS A NIGHT, NOW WON'T EVEN SLEEP 1!!!- PLEASE SEE US!' She did not have a DOUBLE EAR INFECTION- No fever was ever present or ear pulling. I am mother of the freaking year.

-I did not have & still have to FORCE I mean kindly give my unwilling to take oral meds child, ORAL MEDS. Its a battle that I DO NOT WIN every morning. I AM THE MOMMY- SHE IS SICK, THE RX COST ME $50 (w/insurance...) she WILL take it, that is that.

-I did not buy PEEPS and leave them open on the stove so they will get hard/crunchy... the only way to eat a peep I tell ya.

-I did not go tanning- again, even though it is sooooo bad for me. I am NOT in love. Okay I am. I will continue not to go till May. Maybe- I live in the NORTH the sun seems to have forgotten about us... :(

-I did not buy try on a 'romper' @ KOP yesterday and decide... I MUST HAVE ONE this season.


...

I am glad to be back.

Don't miss a beat, keep up in between posts, I Tweet , are we friends?

xo

Kandid Kelli

"Mommy and Me"

[still on "Hiatus" be back later this week... maybe. If not NEXT week for sure!]

This is different this my usual "Not Me Monday" but I did steal get the idea from Hailey over @ Be Serious (which is where I got the idea for "NMM")... who stole get the idea from Krystyn .

Enjoy this... I will be alternating this & "Not Me Monday" Gotta have some variety!

Welcome to Mommy & Me Monday hosted by Krystyn . Here is what Mommy & Me Monday is all about...

Krystyn writes... "So, I am starting up a “Mommy and Me Monday.” I am challenging you to get at least a picture of yourself with you child, or children once a week. Then, on Mondays, you post that “Mommy and Me” picture with or without a story or fun anecdote about you and that child (not necessarily relating to the picture, just about you and the subject of that picture)."


Me & my "twinykin" -- Don't mind my dark circles/ tired look, this is just 12hrs after being on a (veryyyy delayed) plane from PA to FL. We're @ Miss Mal's 3rd bday party!!

...

Don't miss a beat, keep up in between posts, I Tweet , are we friends?

xo

Kandid Kelli

"Convo w/a Toddler"

E is like a little person now. Yes I know that is what happens when they grow but she is all about using cutlery and such. She was nvr interested, I would try to get her to used a fork and spoon and she would say no and use her adorably chubby fingers. She didn't like bowls or plates, she would take her food out/off them. Then one day she asked for a fork I said okay and she used it, correctly & the same with a spoon & bowls/plates. I mean she still spills things off her spoon b/c she is a lefty and has issues and tilts the spoon a little too much right before her mouth but she is learning & I am proud. She talks so much & well, repeating EVERYTHING (good & bad) you say. Thus far in her 23mons of life this is my new favorite (minus the "episodes") stage.

During Snack time yesterday (Nemo was on, surprised?):

She ate a good (for her) lunch so I promised during snack time some chips & a juice box (not a sippie cup)- Girl loves her juice boxes.

-I give her few chips and her juice box-
E: NOOO mama!!
Me: Whats wrong E? You know we use inside voices.
E: bow chipies Peeese mama bow. (bow=bowl)
Me: [I had totally spaced & forgotten to grab a small kiddie bowl for her chips] You would like a bowl for your chips?
E: Peeese. yes.
Me: Okay. I can do that. I am sorry I forgot.
E: [Smiles & shakes her head]
Me: Did you drink any juice box?
E: juiceee box! Awpple! Awpple!
Me: Very good, there is an apple on your juice box. Is that good juice? [setting the bowl down]
E: E do it!!! E doooo it mama!! [She wanted to put her chips in the bowl]
Me: Okay you can do it, youre a big girl
E: yesss mama [throws her arms up to show me how big she is]
M: What do you say when someone gives you something?
E: Cank You.
-A few minutes later...
E: Mama I all wet!!!!
Me: [I look over and she had dumped half her juice box all over herself!! I laugh to myself] Oh honey! Lets go change your clothes.
E: Yah I all wet, yucky! [makes some gesture with her hands and sticks out her tongue]
Me: Its okay just a little sticky
E: Skicky Skicky!!! I help wash?
Me: yes you can help clean it up after we wash you up.

She is becoming very Independent & wanting to do EVERYTHING by herself. It is great but somethings she needs mama's help & she doesn't understand that & that is when we have what I have decided to call our "episodes"-- I like that better then tantrums.

...

Thank Goodness Tomorrow's Friday--

I better get packing... I leave for FL tomorrow! Ek.

Don't miss a beat, keep up in between posts, I Tweet , are we friends?

xo

Kandid Kelli

"Baby Fever"

photo courtesy of eunice915 via Flickr

As the mother of a toddler who will be 2 years old in about 3wks, I am asked by many [strangers & family alike] "Do you have the fever yet?"

The fever? What the heck are talking about? Then when I was ogling a little baby at the store and the mother looked at me and said, "My son was about the age of yours [motioning towards E] when it hit me, I got baby fever! I had to have another" "Shes two right?"

Stunned, I noded my head. the difference in a few weeks didn't matter to this stranger. I would never see her again.

"As soon as I had this one I put my son in 1/2 day preschool so this one would get me all to herself for 1/2 day, its only fair b/c my son had me all to his self."

My initial thoughts were "Why in the heck is this woman telling me all of this?" Then I remembered What it was like with a newborn. How lonely it can get. Her cart was empty, she was here just to get out of the house and she jumped at the chance to talk to the first person who 1) ogled her baby too long or 2) looked nice enough to talk to her and she supposed that was me. Passers by probably thought we were old friends catching up.

I do not by any means have baby fever. Sure [in time] I want another child. I want to be more financially stable and OUT OF SCHOOL. I want to have been married for a little while as my marriage will be different then most as I come with a wonderful addition. I want to get into a grove as a family unit before we go & start trying to expand our family.

I had a beautiful pregnancy, with a few hiccups. I was put on 'suggested' bedrest in the middle of my 2nd trimester because my daughter was no growing due to the high level of stress [GD walking out, moving home, divorce] in my life. Followed by not being allowed to drive because I was so as big around as I was tall [5'1] and my belly hit the steering wheel- so unsafe. Then in the last few weeks there was mandated bedrest because the baby girl in my belly was so tiny. I was never sick and I loved sustaining that life within me. I most defiantly want to do it again, I have found my soulmate, just not because my daughter is two.

People say baby fever strikes because when your child reaches two years old "they don't need you anymore"- That is complete bull. My little one needs mama all the time. I am enjoying this stage. The actual conversations, eating of real people food, wanting to be just like mama and most importantly sleeping all night long.

I don't miss getting up every few hours for feedings, taking a humongous diaper bag filled to the brim with the whole house with me for a quick trip to the store, not knowing what s/he needs because s/he can't tell me.

This stage is great, as my daughter needs me in a different way then she did before. She is learning how to do all the things that us adults take for granted everyday. Like go to the potty use a fork and spoon, drink from a big girl cup and not a sippie cup, and dress herself. All these things are taught things. Not things that just happen. We also work on reading and counting and our animal sounds and body parts.

Growing up I always said I wanted my children to be close (2-3 years) in age, but when your 12 years old you don't expect life's curve balls. I will ogle babies in stores. Or even better friends and family's babies. I will look back on my not so little one's first year scrap book and reminisce on those days and then I will go sleep all night.

Being a toddler is hard work, being a toddlers mommy is even harder work.

...


I hope you entered my giveaway to win funsies. Its NOW closed.

I don't think I will do anymore giveaways. I have done a few in the past and the response was much better. Did yall just not like this one? any feed back would be lovely.

I will do the drawing in a few days and announce the winner on the blog- as well as contact them individually. I hope you left an EMAIL ADDRESS like asked. You have 24hrs (if you did not leave one to get in contact with me to claim prize).

Tomorrow is Thursday... Convo w/a Toddler. I just love giving yall a peek into the special little day to day things that we do/say & the awesome connection I have w.E

Don't miss a beat, keep up in between posts, I Tweet , are we friends?

xo

Kandid Kelli

"Toddler Thursday"

So as most [all] you know I am in grad school. Well we are in a unit on EARLY literacy, in my Early Lit. class. Coincidence? Doubtful.

Well for this particular class, I had to go observe a toddler class at a child care center, to look at all the different modes for early literacy in a toddler class room.

I was reluctant, seeing as I have my very own toddler at home. Haha. But its for a grade & it was a chance to get out of the house for a few hours.

I chose to do my toddler observation at the learning center that is affiliated with my college.

Lets just say when I got there it was NOTHING like I was expecting.

**Sidebar... the following was not included in my observation critique that I turned in for a grade... this is all blog fodder for my lovely freders!! /end sidebar**

...

I was in the T1 room, these kids were 12-23mons of age- Minus one boy. He was 15 mons and in the INFANT room?

I was perplexed. -- Why was this TODDLER still in the infant room (Infants in child care are 6wks- 11 mons)? He came to the T1 room for snack, b/c they couldn't have solids in the infant room, and b/c the infant teacher used to teach toddlers for 22yrs (shes was 6mons from retirement) and thought he needed to socialize with other kids his own age; seeing as for the time being he was the ONLY one in the infant room. The other 2 children are 10 & 11 mons & are both sick.

I took it upon myself to ask his teacher. I figured I could ask just about anything, I was here 'learning' and they knew that and would prolly ask just about anything because of that.

Me: Ms. B, is it too forward if I was too ask why Samuel is still in your room?
Ms. B: No honey, he is in my care still, b/c of his mothers request, as you can see I think it is silly-
Me: Mother's request?
Ms. B: yes, apparently when he moved up to this class from infant he got hit on day 1, so she requested to the director he move back down.

[while she is telling me this story- Sam is in the middle of beating the crap out of Olivia w.a rubber hammer (!!!)]

Me: Is that so?
Ms. B: Apparently [while rolling her eyes]
Me: Well HE is beating Olivia with a hammer right now [points to the said action]

He is being held back socially by being in the infant room. It is terribly sad.

According to the director, who I spoke with before I left, told me by law he can ONLY be in there until they get another infant, which will be in 2 weeks. They will be getting a 5 month old and at that time they will be moving him to the MT [mixed toddlers] room. That room varies in age from 16mons- 3 yrs.

...

I was excited, after I got past my hesitation, to see how other toddlers act. It was nice to know that E is not the only one who has listening "issues".

Example #1:

Ethan hit Jade-- the teacher says to Ethan "Ethan we don't hit girls, please say you're sorry" (keep in mind these children are ALL under 2 yrs old, they barely talk, and if they do, it isn't well. Which surprised me b/c E talks very well & she isn't quiet 2 yet) Ethan mumbles something I am sure is supposed to be sorry and walks away... not longer then 3 minutes later he hit Lukas! In his defense, He did not hit a GIRL this time.

Miss Lisa should have said: "Ethan we don't hit our friends (thats what they call ALL of their classmates "friends"- as to not single anyone out) it's not very nice"

I am the only adult who saw him hit Lukas, so I walked over to the boys and I had a little quiet talk with them about hitting; Before I walked away I asked them if they understood me, they both said something that resembled yes. I was pleased. So were both of their teachers. They both praised me (so did Ms. B, who was still in the room with her "infant")

...

Example #2:

Miss Lisa [ML]: Alrighty kiddys!! Lets line up by the gate (babygate) for snack!! [Not a single child moves]
Miss Lisa's Aide: [Physically putting children in line] Snack time!!

I asked ML if I could try something b/c I used to work w.toddlers in child care in 2007. She said of course.

I sang this little song about snack time. I felt 9 pairs of eyes immediately on me- good sign.

Then I asked "Who's belly's want snack?" (not every child will know what the word hungry means yet)

Everyone but Maggie raised their hands. I said "Okay lets get line so we can wash our hands... we don't want our germs to eat snack with us, do we?" They all shook their heads no.

Success~

The two teachers were in awe! They kept saying "Can we hire you, NOW?" It was a great feeling.

I didn't realize how much I missed working [in childcare till I was in that setting]. I know that I could never work doing anything else unless it was with children. I am so lucky I found my calling. I just want to speed this process up!!

They are short a few teachers, I would gladly work there, but there are two factors... 1) They wouldn't pay me enough to put E there (or anywhere else) full time 2) Or enough to make it worth my while. All my pay would go to pay for E's childcare. I would get a discount for being a student at the affiliated college -or- being an employee, not both.

...

Example #3:

During Snack time Judas was sitting next to Olivia. They were having apple slices & milk. Yum. Well apparently Jude eats extremely fast, like nascar fast. Well even if the children finish they are still expected to sit at the table with the rest of their friends. I guess Jude was still hungry b/c he took it upon himself to help himself to Olivia's apple's, but he hadn't touched his milk!!

ML was engaged with Maggie who was not interested in eating but very thirsty. I nudged ML as to not draw too much attention to the situation at hand. ML sent her aide to deal with Jude, this seems to be an everyday occurrence (!!!).

Aide: Jude please don't take Olivia's snack
Jude: Mine
Olivia is drinking her milk, doesn't seem to care
Aide: I think that we might need to talk to mommy about this if it continues. Please don't take Olivia's snack, anymore
Jude: Mine

As I am watching this situation unfold, I say to ML, "Maybe he is just very hungry. There are extra apples. What is the centers policy on more snack?' "There is no policy, its by class" -Very enlightening...

ML walks over to jude

ML: Jude would you like some more apples of your own?
Jude: tes
ML: Okay [gives him 3 more]

Problem solved.

...

Finally-

since the playground is snow covered... screw you snow! & it was raining... Outside play was not permitted... ya think? They have this area called the "Village". This place blew my mind! It was incredible. It is exactly what it sounds like, it’s a miniature village and everything is labeled in big bold lettering.

There is: a beauty parlor, a home environment, a bookkeeping & law office, Doctor’s Office, A mechanic’s garage and a police and fire station. Numerous ride-in cars and a road to ride them on, a telephone booth, building blocks and risers to sit on that surround a tumbling area.

It was really a great place for the children to run and get their energy out, esp after snack time.

But... theres ALWAYS a but... it was chaos, pure chaos! The MT room and the T1 room where in there and right before I left the T2 room arrived! 20 TOODLERS ages 12-36mons & only 5 teachers (not including myself) in ONE area!!!

I could not believe my eyes. As the MT teacher who is a 21y/o undergrad said "Talk about BIRTH CONTROL". I chuckled and told her I have one at home, she looked at me wide-eyed and said "You must be joking" I just looked at her. She said that I was brave and walked to brake up a mini-wrestling match. Srsly!

I can't even begin to tell you ALL of the things I saw for the 30 mins I stayed in the Village- I wish I had a video camera- it would've gotten a bazillion hits on youtube.

But I can say this... I was glad to come home to MY TODDLER.

When I walked in the door she ran up to me and said "you home mama" and huged my legs. I melted in to a pool of love right there.

I LOVE children. I am glad I found my calling & I do miss childcare.

I am going to TEACH and MOLD young minds, but I am going to teach and mold America's 5 or 6 year olds! K or 1st grade for me!

...

Thank Goodness Tomorrow's Friday--

Come on back then to see what I have planned... Its full of FUN & WIN

Next week we will be back to our normal "Convo w.a Toddler"

Don't miss a beat, keep up in between posts, I Tweet , are we friends?

xo

Kandid Kelli

"Wacky Wednesday"

Today is all about the waked headlines, fashion & parenting trends, etc... Hayls Over @ Blue Eyed Blonde did something similar to this last week, check it out, here , I decided to branch out from her idea & take it one step further...

Headlines:

I know living in PA I should really care that yesterday was "Groundhogs day" but I didn't. If you follow me on Twitter , you saw me tweet this to my friend Katie: "Yes, I want to cry. Stupid, fat ugly, good for nothing, groundhog. He didnt even want to come out. He knew it was too cold!" b/c:
Punxsutawney Phil predicts 6 more weeks of winter . ***Yah screw you Phil.

Lack of "excellent" coffee blends: Consumer Reports *** That isn't seriously one of the MOST POPULAR HEADLINES!!! Why yes, yes it is. Americans need to realize that coffee does not rank among things that are important. I mean I HAVE to have my coffee in the morning to get going but I would not have clicked on this story if it wasn't for this entry. Sigh. I feel bad for the reporter, Marcy Nicholson & the editor Lisa Shumaker.


Doctor casts new light on cat that can predict death *** For serious?! This is the MOST ridiculous thing I have EVER seen... IN. MY. LIFE. I have heard of this cat before a year or so ago, but I CAN NOT believe I am "seeing" about him again & that he is one of the MOST POPULAR stories on YAHOO! today, seriously.

...


Lets move on to wacky parenting trends that I (as a mother, of a toddler) just shake my head at...


I get (usually) bi-weekly e-mails from Parenting.com. I usually glance @ them and move on. Sometimes they have useful info, most of the time NOT. Well yesterday this "article" was in there & It BLEW my mind. I could not believe what I read.


Could Your Child Be Gay? *** I have nothing against gays or anything but seriously! I think we as a culture worry about things prematurely (I do sometimes). PARENTING.Com. is supposed to focus on babies, toddlers & early childhood. The second paragraph was about a 4y/o wearing a pink shirt. Thats a little much. I read [almost] the whole article but still, they have my daughters age... she is almost 2. Get with it.


Eating Green *** I never jumped on the organic bandwagon. I don't plan too. E is healthy. Always has been, since birth. I have nvr been one to follow fads anyways.


The Secret to Your Crazy, Adorable Toddler *** Gues what!!! Kids will be KIDS!!! I just spent the last 2.5 days reading all about development and blahblahblah on children ages infant-toddler & this article just makes me chuckle. Toddlers like to explore, thats how they learn & how their brains grow- that is why they do what they do. Period the end.

...


Moving on to things I like to call fashion "NO-NOs"


We ALL know I LOVE me some leggings but these are HIDEOUS:
Cutout Leggings *** PPL seriously pay for these things?




Im not sure if I missed the memo this one or what but BIB necklaces?! ***Seriously. My toddler doesn't even wear bibs anymore. These look like something I would see on a Disney Ch. star.



Booties ***are next on my list, of "fashion trends" that have me scratching my head. Are we taking cues from infants now? Has it really come to that? SO SAD.





The last trend MOST all will agree with me on is GAGA... ***I just dont get her... I think she is a little over the top...



...

I hope everyone has a good hump day...

See you back here tomorrow for "Convo w/a Toddler" @ Kandid Kelli...!!!

Keep up in between posts, I Tweet , do you?

"Not Me Monday"

Well today IS THE BIG DAY! Welcome to KANDID KELLI- Southern Belle to Yankee Doodle! I felt that name was fitting b/c I am always so kandid about my life's happenings here with all my freaders & I have gone from the South to the North. Self explanatory? Yes.

If you are reading this in GReader or the like click HERE to check out the blogs facelift!! Then go HERE & tell Erin how AMAZING she is & rave about how much you love it. I just want to say a BIG thank you to her for all her hard work. I LOVE LOVE LOVE the new look. It's crisp & clean. Simple & perfect.

Now onto...

...



Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week. You can also check out Hailey @ Be Serious & see what she has not been up too.

-I did not dump my purse out on the floor of my car looking for my ringing iphone that was in my coat pocket. It was not a wrong number.

-I did not tell my toddler (21mons) that we were staying in the bathroom, her on the potty till she went & sat in front of the door b/c I got annoyed that 2 mins after I re-diapered her she would go peepee and then tell me & ask to be changed. Not that it worked.

-I did not go out Saturday night with M & his buddies, for the first time in OVER A YEAR, for M's 27th birthday to the bar they "always" (M hasn't been been in ages) hang out at & I did not drink too much or have a blast meeting his friends for the first time.

-I did not play the Wii for over 90mins Sunday evening while the grandparents had E for the day. I was not childless for the day & instead of napping or READING. I did not waste 90 mins playing Family Game Night 2 followed by some serious house cleaning.

-I did not the New Shinedown CD, that has the song that M has been pining for all weekend, on my iPod & he was not shocked when he realized there is more then just country on that bad boy.

-I did not trip on NOTHING in the middle of the grocery store & go to catch myself on the dayquil/nightquil display. So much for discreetness.

-I did not buy my WONDERFUL b/f a PS3 for his birthday with COD Modern Warfare 2 in-tow- yah what a colossal mistake that was. He's not fully addicted, Yet. I know it's coming.

...

**What do you think of the new name/ look?**
...

I hope everyone has a wonderful week & I hope to see you all back here tomorrow @ Kandid Kelli

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"Convo w/a Toddler"

Picky eater doesnt begin to describe E. She has created her own dang food pyramid. I am surprised that the child grows as quickly as she does. During lunch E points at the banana's and asks for one:

Me: Are you going to eat it for real? or are you just faking it?
E: Yes mama
i asked her 3 times if she was gunna eat it
E: "yessssss mama"
Me: Promise emmy?
E: "YESSSSSSSSSS!!!!! Nana!!! [pointing] Peeeese!"

So I open the banana for her, one bite and shes done. I just love toddlers!!

...


photo courtesy Le fabuleux destin d'Amélie via Flickr

While I was sitting on the couch catching up on my E-mails & blogs drinking my coffee. E was in & out of the family room back & forth to her room for more toys.

E: Mama I go byebye [shes in only a diaper bc we're potty training and thats the quickest to get off her]
Me: You're going to go byebye?
E: Yah. Byebye [Walks away & waves]
Me: Wait! Where are you going?
E: Byebye [Walks towards the basement/garage door]
Me: Um excuse me, we are classy folks. To go in public you need clothing missy!
E: Oh [touches her bare belly & runs towards her room]
-I hear the closet door open-
E: Help Mama Help!!!
Me: [I walk in there, She in INSIDE her NONwalk-in closet] Yes dear?
E: I go byebye. Help? [points up]
...


Only [4days] till the reveal of the new NAME & Design for the blog yall. Erin @ MyWayThisTime has been working really hard, or hardly working? To make this great. Hmm. JK. We shall see come Monday, Jan 25. I can't wait!
...

-Kelli-Sue

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"Silence is NOT Golden"

I like a loud home. One where my doodle is laughing and playing. Talking and babbling. I like hearing the pitter patter of her tiny feet running through the house.

The minute it gets quite, it better mean ONE thing- SHE IS ASLEEP.

If its not 10:30am, 3:00pm or 8:15pm- all 3 of which are sleepy time in my house hold- It usually means she is into something they are not supposed to be into.

E is small for being almost 2, she is TALL & LANKY (unlike me, I am short), but VERY flexible. She seems to be able to maneuver herself into some tight spots, "to check stuff out". Usually after I have told her a firm "No". she gets two tries before a timeout.

Not to mention the climbing, all over EVERYTHING & the jumping off. [Insert Heart attack, here.]

I am all about exploring, thats how children learn & grow. That helps them feel independent and what not but I worry about things that could hurt her.

I am not a hoover mom, by any means. I never have been. But I do go into her room or the living/family room after a few mins & peek in just to see what she's doing- she doesn't always want to play with mom. She is content playing with her toys and her "friends" (dolls & stuffed animals).

We moved from a 2 story death trap house were Doodle was only permitted to play in the bonus playroom [above the garage that was babygated off], Unless she had a chaperone to watch her every move downstairs.

To a one story, well the master is upstairs but a babygate blocks the stairs, so its mostly a 1 story (minus the basement) house; Where doodle is free to roam about everywhere, no chaperone needed.

E loves her newfound freedom, she also loves all the new stuff there is to get into. The house is pretty much baby proofed, but not really.

Lets just leave the major exploring to Dora & unless my doodle is asleep I want loud laughs & gut giggles. None of that quite stuff.

----
OKAY FREADERS, I have BIG, AND I MEAN MONUMENTAL NEWS:

Coming SOON there will be a NEW NAME and LOOK here @ The Urban Cowgirl. So keep your eyeballs peeled.

Have a good weekend yall.

-Kelli-Sue

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"Its a Mom Thing..."

"...Real World Insights for Profoundly Imperfect Mothers"



Its that time again... for some more insight from Mrs.Neidlein.

Enjoy & Happy Friday!

-Children are a gift. A gift where you're like, "Wow, who knew a gift could make you so lumpy and tired?"

-Changing Diapers... Folding Clothes... Making Dinner... It's so cute when husbands reach a new developmental milestone.

-My friend. My partner, My rock... my portable DVD player.

-You can fool some of the people all of the time, but it's damn near impossible to look cool carrying a diaper bag.

-Parenting Magazines are perfect for those times when you're not feeling inadequate enough on your own. [NO KIDDING!!!]

-SHOULDN'T RUNNING ERRANDS COUNT AS EXERCISE? HELLO... IT'S CALLED "RUNNING!"

-I try not to offend other moms, because you never know who's carrying around an arsenal of scrap-booking scissors.

And lastly this is perfect:

-Kids grow-up too fast! Unless they're throwing a fit in public. Then-- Geez... grow-up already! Get a move on! [um hello!]

Have a FANTASTIC FRIDAY! & A good weekend. I move in 18 days and HAVEN'T started to pack. I am going to start today & all this weekend. That is my "project". I am also going to try to go to a Christmas Party for a College & Career group @ my church. We shall see. I really want to go, but I don't know how Saturday is going to pan out.

See you back here bright & early MONDAY... I am going to be running a short contest next week so check back for that!
Bye lovers.

Thx for sticking with me [us]... the journey REALLY has just begun.
-Kelli-Sue

"Im on twitter!" ... Are you following me yet?

"Convo w/a Toddler"

Yesterday E was playing with her My Little Ponies (like the ones above) and then she has a few larger ones with actual hair. Those are the "mommy" pony's.

She would line them up on the top of her slide and push them down saying:

"wee!!"
"Mama, wook!! Wee!!"

Then she decided to put her "babies & mamas" in her shopping cart and push them around the play room... well she was running at full speed & her little body was going to fast for her legs. She tripped and fell.

Noticeably startled, she looked at me [I was sitting on the floor a few feet away reading]:

Me: Are you ok hon?
E: I okay yah (love how little kids talk backwards)
E: uhh uhh [pointing @ her babies in the cart]
Me: Are your babies okay?
E: No!! Owwwie!
Me: Your babies have owies?
E: Yah mama (very whiney)
Me: Want me to kiss em and make em feel better?
E: No baby mama! [holds up the big 'mama' pony]
Me: Oh you want her mommy to kiss it. Okay.
E: [making a kissey face] muuuah
Me: Your such a sweet baby.
E: Yah. [makes her 'pretty face']

Everyday she amazes me. Sometimes I have no words for how amazed I am by her & how much she knows & learns on a daily basis. She is such a little sponge. Talking up a storm, I hope yall enjoy these little blurbs, b/c w/her talking as much as she does I see this being a pretty permanent feature here @ The Urban Cowgirl (I NEED A NEW NAME!! HELP PLEASE!!)

We are going to see klanta Asuse (Santa Clause) Next Mon/Tues so Nana & Papa can go!! Excited.

Thx for sticking with me [us]... the journey REALLY has just begun.
-Kelli-Sue

"Im on twitter!" ... Are you following me yet?

"Its a Girl"

Wow! Is the first thing I can think to say.

My brain is so cloudy right now. It has been such a whirlwind.

Not only was my precious baby girl born, but I as a mother was born.

I was not a mother until I heard the beautiful cry's emanate from E's lungs.

When I held her for the first time, I cried... I cried because this was the moment I had been waiting for my entire life. It wasn't perfect... but SHE WAS.

I was so amazed to think that for the last 39weeks she lived in my belly... I protected her & now after 22+hrs of intense labor, she was here.

Blew my mind. She is absolutely gorgeous. The moment she looked eyes with me I knew everything was going to be okay.

...

Heres how my L&D went:

I went to Winnie Palmer @ 11:45pm on thursday, April 3, 2003. I was scheduled to be induced at midnight, due to her very small size and lack of growth (there was concern in the 2ish mons leading to delivery- if you don't remember)....

Bloated face. eek!

So they admit me and start hooking me up to all the monitors & one of the nurses asks me
"How long have you been having contractions?"
Me: "I've been having braxtin hicks for awhile"
Nurse: "No honey your having REAL contractions... see" [points to the monitor]
Me: Oh idk I thought that those little crampies were just BH, again.
Nurse: Well they aren't very big... Im gunna call your doctor and see where he is about ask him about the pitocin, since you're contracting on your own."

Pitocin was started @ 12:15am.

I ended up being on pit. for 22 hrs!! Talk about being bloated. 

My Mom and aunt Pam were there with me, my birthing team, so we just [tried] to relax, tried to sleep. Yah def. did not happen.

My Dr. showed up at 7am to check me... I wasn't progressing very well, even with they help of pit. so he, w/o telling me, breaks my water. Hello! Weirdest feeling ever, esp. when I was not expecting it.

He said since I was only  2cm after being on pit for about 7hrs it had to be done. In his experience its best not to tell the patient and just do it.  So do it he did.

After he broke my water, he upped my pitocin- that stuff made me feel kind of sluggish.

My contractions started to pick-up and get more intense.  I wasn't ready for my Epi yet (my aunt was a L&D nurse; she told me to hold off for as long as possible b/c it slows down labor) my contractions weren't unbearable but I did need something, I was really anxious, so they gave me a sedative to take the edge off and to clam me down.

I went from 2cms-5cm in no time at all (less then an hr). I thought awesome... this is gunna happen soon! Heh little did I know.

It could have been b/c I was so uncomfortable in that bed that my nurse suggested that I try sitting/bouncing lightly on the birthing ball. So I did that a lot. Mostly during a contraction... it took the pressure away. I tried walking around the room. I couldn't roam the halls because my water had been broken. Sanitation reasons I suppose.

I couldn't take it anymore. My contractions seemed to be on top of each other and were "off the charts" huge.

Every 30 minutes anesthesia would come in to check on me and see if I needed my epi. yet (b/c they gave me the sedative earlier). I said "No" so much, I finally told them they could check every 45/60mins.

HUGE, COLOSSAL mistake. When I needed it they were busy next door doing the women in labor with twins.

I kept at that until 6:45pm when I couldn't take it anymore and they finally got back to me. Over 13hrs of hard laboring, naturally, mostly- pretty good!

So at 5 .1/2-6cms they gave me the epi. It was nice! But I hated not being able to feel my legs/stomach. weird. Plus I hated being "bed ridden".

I got to 8cm and called my dad down in the waiting room, b/c there is a 3 person limit in the room at a time (my RN was amazing and let me have upto 5 till I had mt epi put in). I told my dad "Tell everyone it's guuna be soon!! Im at 8cm!!" This was around 4pm (ish).

A few hrs later, I asked my aunt to go get my RN, I didn't feel well, that last contraction really hit hard. As my aunt was going to walk out. In comes my nurse. she said she saw how big my last contraction was and wanted to check me.  I had finally hit 10 and was ready to go, except my Dr was NO WHERE to be found.

My RN paged him, when he called his page back and said he was 20 mins out and not to let me push. WHAT THE HECK! That was soooo hard. I wanted to push but couldn't. I was almost in tears- begging,  pleading with my nurses, more then 1 at this point, to just let me push, asking probably yelling, about his ETA and location. 

Even w.the epi I was feeling soo much pressure, it was awful. Finally he showed and I thought it would be 1,2, BABY. WRONG-- the 2 hrs of pushing began.  

I was terrified that he was going to have to do a c-section. Time was running out. I had hit my 12-hr mark from when my water had been broken. I remember my DR. telling me "I am not going to c-section a baby that is less then 6lbs! Lets get her out! We're in the danger zone of time Kelli"

Once she was delivered (8:29PM) and safe- I was exhausted and crying. I couldn't believe how beautiful she was. I felt like I could do anything at that point. I had just labored for over 22hrs. They laid her on my tummy and my mom was crying. I looked over at my aunt Pam and she was crying.

During delivery I was allowed 3ppl- I opted for my mom- who I am very close to and my aunt who I am also close to, plus she used to be an L&D nurse... shes a pro! I don't think I could have done it w/out them. My mom was up by my head coaching me, and my aunt was holding one of my legs and telling me when to push, as I was unsure some of the time.

I couldn't stop crying. I was just a mixture of emotions. Needless to say that April 4, 2008, is by far the BEST day of my life. 

A few minutes old.

1 day old. Angelic. 

...

I know this is a little all over the place but Its hard to remember all the details. 

All I know is that despite my lack of sleep I am the HAPPIEST woman alive. I have a great support system here and my aunt will be here for 10ish more days to help. I am so blessed.  

My life is only going to get better by the day. I know it. 

...

xo

-Kandid Kelli