Stanworthy Moments

Happy Valentine's Day!

2012-02-14T18:27:00.001-06:00

I hope everyone has a great Valentine's this year.

If not, maybe there's hope for next year? ;)

My two little Valentines!
I thought it sounded fun to have a little party with our playgroup at my house.
Of course I thought this up on Sunday.
Sent out the email Monday.
And magically 8 moms and their kids all showed up for some of this Tuesday (need I mention how much I love technology?):

My gerber daisies, in red no less!

We attempted pin the kiss on the frog.

They wouldn't wear the blind fold so it actually looks pretty good!

Maybe next year they'll be old enough?

More like 3 years...

The Red Velvet cake with cream cheese frosting.
Why do I have to like this so much?

Maybe it's genetic!

Kayson especially enjoyed his cake.

Turkey sandwiches for lunch.

Chocolate covered strawberries and vegetable dip.

Oh, and let's not forget the other game I tried...
Think cupid's arrow but with Nerf suction cup dart guns and this poster on the other side of the sliding glass door.
They also needed a few years to make this one particularly successful.
Kallie loves it though.
She's gotten pretty good this afternoon. :)

Yeah, the prizes for "winning" the games ended up being determined by drawing names out of a hat! Loved it.

Oh, lest I forget to mention on the blog, my husband is the BEST Valentine EVER.
He helped me prep for my party, steam cleaning the floors, cleaning bathrooms, watching kids, and STILL bought me a brand spankin' new desktop computer of my choosing today!
Wow, huh?
Like I said, the best.

Now go kiss someone!

New Year's in Utah

2012-01-15T14:27:00.000-06:00

Thought I should post pictures of our trip to Utah for New Year's as well.

Kallie enjoyed sledding on what tiny bit of snow there was left when we arrived.

There wasn't any snow while we were up there so instead of skiing we just walked main street in Park City.

Very cold but always fun.

Brian threw the entire New Year's party by himself.

Kallie enjoyed playing with her cousin Hailey soooo much.

All girly fun!

The bounce house place, Kangaroo Zoo, was a hit with my kiddos.

We'll have to do it again sometime.

Kallie was so exhausted with all the activities that she fell asleep on the stairs on the way up to bed.

Kayson enjoyed EVERYTHING: the present opening, the ham, the cousins, the grandparents, the aunts and uncles, and everything else we did.

Fun, fun!

Happy First Birthday Kayson!

2012-01-14T17:52:00.001-06:00

My perfect little baby, Kayson Ellis, turned one.

He was very happy about it... obviously.

I was a little sad like every parent watching their precious baby grow up.

He LOVED his chocolate cake.

He even asked for more today - arm out stretched making his patented "uhh" sound.

In the last few weeks he's begun talking more and more.

He:

- says "bahl" (ball) all day every day, literally.

I've never realized how many round objects there are in the world, and a "bahl" is anything round: sphere, circle, or O.

- even threw a tantrum for the giant concrete ball right out side Target the other day.

Hilarious.

- rocks like a pro on his new horse

thanks G Paul and G Catharine!

- loves the steering wheel.

- likes ride-ons and moves pretty well on them.

- LOVES dogs.

- basketball is the best sport so far - that whole ball in the hole concept fascinates him.

I got him a little tikes basketball goal and balls!

- RUNS, usually away from me.

- is STILL obsessed with the stairs.

- gives lots of high 5's.

- eats a ton of spaghetti.

- still won't hold still for a diaper change.

- also says "mamamamammama" and "dadadadadadadada" and "mah mah" (short and choppy sounding) for more and occasionally calls a baby "ba" too.

- likes apple juice in a cup but not milk.

I'm going to try strawberry milk with him. :)

- still likes to shape sort and stack rings and cups.

- has lots of nonsense sounds that entertain me.

- drools. so. much.

And the single best thing about him, he still smiles all day everyday no matter what.

p.s. did you notice the birthday suit i made him?? brian made fun of it but i love it!!!

Christmas in Seattle

2012-01-07T14:26:00.001-06:00

Went to Seattle to visit my brother Jason and his very pregnant wife Chiara for Christmas this year.

They were wonderful.

Jason may have also coined the new cliche "doting uncle" while we were there.

After dinner the kids (old kids included) rode the carousel.

Thanks for the cheese guys.

Now they are just patronizing me!

Kayson lovin' his Aunt Chiara!

A classic Chiara Christmas tree - BLUE!
When we arrived the ornaments were all nicely distributed around the tree.
By the time Kayson was through with it all the ornaments were on the very top and back of the tree.
He just couldn't help himself with all those beautiful balls!!!

Jason playing with Barbie!

Isn't my little bro adorable?!

Kallie admiring her Rapunzel pajamas from her "doting uncle" and aunt.
She loves being Rapunzel in them.

And then there was Kayson.

He had a great time not being home.

He loved every minute of the attention and new things to get into... though Jason and Chiara had done a decent job of baby proofing the house.
I was impressed.

We went to see Snoqualmie Falls. Very nice!

Even Kallie kept saying how beautiful Seattle was... and it was almost January!

Kayson crawling in the water wheel they had on display.

Kallie got cold and sad, and she managed to squeeze out a single tear!

At the Seattle aquarium she had her face painted with Nemo and Dory!
She said it was her favorite part of the whole thing.

I love these things!

Look at those awesome octopus tentacles!

The salmon are a huge thing in Seattle.
Very huge and VERY yummy.
We enjoyed an awesome salmon dinner overlooking the Puget Sound right after we finished at the aquarium.

Oh! And before I forget! Chiara is now officially cursed with the Casebolt last name.
The Christmas dinner rolls were sooooo perfect... except that the saran wrap got left on in the oven!!
It's a Casebolt "tradition" to ruin the rolls.
Legend has it, my mom burned the brown-n-serve rolls for Thanksgiving one year when we were kids. A few years ago, I forgot to add the salt in the Christmas rolls.
Turns out, that's a critical ingredient. Who knew?
So now Chiara officially a Casebolt.
Don't worry, we ate them anyway after peeling the saran wrap off. :)

Thanks guys, we had a really good time.

P.S. The baby came just a few days after we left and they are now the proud parents of Claire Eva and she's sooo adorable! Kallie and Kayson now have cousins on the Casebolt side. Yay!

Grandma Diane Visit!

2012-01-07T09:49:00.003-06:00

Grandma Diane came for a visit.

Of course there was a visit (or 2) to Pappasito's.

She got lots of good cuddles from her grandbabies!

Kallie showing Grandma her dance moves.

Posing.

Thanks for coming to play with us mom!

Make-up Birthday Party

2011-12-20T21:45:00.000-06:00

For dating purposes, the following took place October 30, 2011.

Kallie's birthday presents from Grandpa and Grandma Stanworth, we thought, were stolen.

Turns out there's a funky package drop attached to our garage.

Anyway, they were so kind and re-did her birthday to make it extra special and we found the box two months late.

This is Kayson enjoying "Billy Bear."

He REALLY gets a kick out of eating the bear's face.

Kallie opening presents.

Grandma and Grandpa with their little girl.

Getting a little bit of a pyro fix.

Successfully blown out candles.

Facial expression ARE GENETIC!!!!!

A Harley ride. P.S. These are fun!

Kayson being cute.

Grandpa trying to feed Kayson yogurt.

I think he may have gotten half of it!

Thanks ya'll!

Kayson - 10 months

2011-12-07T20:07:00.001-06:00

I was thinking (while sitting here on my lazy bum) that I should tell all ya'll just how adorable my little man is...

But then again, a picture is worth a thousand words.

Kayson Ellis is worth a million.

I can't even begin to describe him lately.

He runs around all day desperately trying to keep up with his sister.

He's getting smarter everyday and just like his sister - his favorite letter is O - could be that it's shaped like a ball?

His problem solving skills are outrageous - he is seriously Houdini. Opening and closing, pushing, ducking and crawling, climbing... oh, he finds a way...

He LOVES toys that let him put the ball or block in the hole.

He even puts his food back into the container rather than eating it.

He has also discovered that the trash can makes a nice basketball goal for dunking - so does the toilet.

He rarely uses his "mama" and "dada" but is capable.

This afternoon he summoned me over the monitor saying, "mamamamamamama!" as he needed a fresh diaper.

His "dadada" is reserved for extreme happiness and vocalization moments.

He DEFINITELY knows what a ball is - the sign for it - how to play fetch with it - how to find it - and anything else you can do with it.

Cups are some of the greatest toys ever.

He likes fried food - I've gotten desperate and resorted to taquitos occasionally just to get him to eat something.

He constantly is getting hurt - usually it's minor.

I don't even panic at blood in his mouth anymore.

He's recently learned to have tiny tantrums over things that he wants when I don't cooperate.

He still drools all day every day and of course he won't wear a bib - not even to eat.

Here he is after his 9 month shots.

He has a matching bandaid on the other leg.

He LOVES to swing.

The other parents at the park always have to comment on how happy it makes him.

Gymnastics was just as much of a workout for me as it was for Kallie as I had to chase this cute little thing around the big blue mat the whole time...

Oh, my little bruiser!

He just wouldn't leave the puppy alone and ended up with a scratch on that cheek.

It's better now.

The red dot is a mosquito bite.

I'm not sure what the rest of his little scrapes and bruises are from.

He loves grass too - if only we didn't have bugs he'd get to enjoy it more.

I hope you enjoyed the pictures I've worked so hard to get.

He's trouble in a cute little bundle and I rarely have time to do anything but make sure he isn't getting injured!

Halloween Dallas Arboretum

2011-10-31T22:43:00.002-05:00

2011 Halloween costumes:

Jolly Holiday Bert and Mary Poppins!!

We went up to Dallas and joined the festivities at the Arboretum. They had more pumpkins than I've ever seen in my life anywhere. It was insane and very awesome.

Brian helped to keep Kayson happy. Don't tell him this picture is on here. :)

Kallie very much enjoyed being Mary Poppins and truly believed she was "practically perfect in every way."

A rare picture of me holding my little stud muffin as Bert.

The one photo I have with his hat on.

Me in the chaos of a VERY popular event.

They had all the pumpkin varieties lined up and labeled.

This was my favorite name.

They were just EVERYWHERE.

Kallie wishing she was part of the Rincon family... Lindsay leaned out of the picture to take her own picture and Jeremy didn't want to be in my picture... go figure. At least Hazel was being cute. :)

Kallie at 4 Years

2011-10-13T13:11:00.000-05:00

Well, it's official.

I'm old.

I no longer have a toddler for my oldest child.

Kallie is 4.

I'm almost a month late on the post - definitely failing at my journal blogging.

See? I must be getting old!

But I digress.

Kallie has grown up so much in the last year.

Her favorite things are movies - mostly Disney... Cars, Princesses, and now, Mary Poppins!

She wants to be Mary Poppins for Halloween.

What happened to the "ghost" costume she wanted?

She's a brilliant little mind and keeps me mentally on my toes.

Kayson has taken the other role and keeps me on my actual toes.

"Why?" just might be my demise.

She LOVES to have me play with her hair.

She adores her little brother so much I sometimes wonder if it's normal.

In the last year she has at least matured enough to stay in dance and gymnastics classes.

I have her in 2 gymnastics and 1 dance class a week.

I don't think that most children need this much at this age but she definitely does.

She STILL spends HOURS reading everyday and to the best of my judging abilities has about a 2-3 grade reading level.

Now she has few new hobbies that I enjoy listening to - specifically quoting movie scenes with "characters" all set up perfectly acting it out.

I love her perfect intonation.

Much to my chagrin she also now likes Barbies.

I could have done without that part of having girls, but Grandma Casebolt was MORE than happy about it.

She still demands that she wear a skirt ALL day EVERY day.

"Parents" magazine said this was normal? (Guess I was abnormal?) Grrr.

She has become increasingly strong willed, and it takes a lot of effort to talk her out of something she wants.

Oh, and she'll talk on the phone now.

She actually called Brian and had a full conversation with him.

She's gotten so much better around strangers and will actually talk to them sometimes.

Today after handing me her emptied bowl and spoon she said, "Here Mommy. You have a lot of Mommy work to do." : /

9 Months

2011-10-13T11:20:00.000-05:00

Kayson is now 9 months old.

I feel like it was last week that I was writing an 8 month blog entry to keep track of all his antics.

In the last month the biggest change is that he has taken to walking as a mode of transportation... crawling is being slowly phased out.

He chased the camera all the way across the living room on two appendages this morning.

I have a few pictures of my little "yard gnome" for your viewing pleasure today - no clothes as usual:

Bottom teeth.

On the prowl.

Funny face.

Oh, I love those blue eyes. Swoon. They are just so very blue. Not even a hint of green or grey. And that white hair. Not even a hint of color. Photos tend to pick up whatever color is reflecting from around him.

He STILL loves the toilet, stairs, hard floor, grass, dirt, wheels, his big sister, drawers, cars, etc.

He has added to the list FOOD!

Yay!

Finally!

He actually acts like he wants to eat the baby food now.

This makes me VERY happy.

haha.

Fine motor skills are coming along.

His cousin (Kadee Lynn) taught him to clap while she was here though he doesn't seem to like doing it as much as she did.

His "pinchers" an fully developed and cheerios are now a staple in the diet.
He also plays peek-a-boo holding up the blanket himself and pulling it down with the cheesiest happy face ever.

I am certain he understands the word "no" and apparently finds it laughable.

The drawers are the biggest "no, no."

He climbs them and pulls them open and attempts to demolish his tiny fat fingers in them.

If I could throw them away, I would.

He also finds it particularly funny when I ask him to say "mama" and "dada" though he does reserve the sound "mah" for when he is hungry and wants me.

He knows who "Kallie" is too and will look for her when I ask where she is.

Kayson still likes to give out cuddles and snuggles but not for too long as there is an endless list of "to dos" that he has to get moving on.

He has a very sweet, happy disposition and he'll laugh just by himself playing with toys.

This in turn makes me laugh, because I think it seems so ridiculous.

He also LOVES to play with other babies and kids though he could use a healthy dose of "fear" with regards to the bigger, out-of-control types.

8 months (8 days late.)

2011-09-20T22:00:00.000-05:00

My happy 8 month old.

He loves everything about life.

He finds ALL of it exciting.

He is a little like a bird though, he wants to be as high as possible.

He regularly hikes the stairs on his way to bed (with me behind him of course).

He's a bit on the chubby side.

That may be an understatement... you decide.

He LOVES his mommy, but Kallie reigns supreme.

He's a cuddler deluxe.

He pauses to lay down and snuggle soft things as he speed crawls across the room demolition style.

He's in the beginning phases of walking, though he is not a "walker" yet. He takes steps, but crawling is the mode of transportation still.

Yes, you should pity me.

Keeping up with this kid is WORK.

Did I mention the stairs already? Maybe I should mention them again.

Today he managed to climb up on the couch by climbing up the toys in front of it.

Safe huh?

He LOVES drinking Kallie's apple juice. His? not so much. Same thing just without Kallie making it "cool."

Of course he loves to play with anything he shouldn't have.

A great many of Kallie's toys have received a bath after he gets a hold of them.

He drools constantly.

He only has 5 teeth... if drool = teething, this kid should be a shark.

He has been sick for the last week with what ended up being his first ear infection.

I felt a little dumb taking him in as he was smiling and flirting with the nurses and doctor.

He is definitely one HAPPY baby.

At least he actually was sick so they couldn't look at me like I was totally nuts.

His eating habits are quite similar to that of a newborn... milk, milk, and more milk.

Now he eats a whole jar of baby food a day though... I know, impressive **sarcasm**.

Of course he's a total boy, favorite toys - things with wheels and balls, did I mention stairs?

He also thinks he's quite amazing when he gets to one of the off limits rooms - kitchen or bathroom - which have hard tile floors.

Problem is, he's so proud of himself he smacks the floor with his hands and laughs basically telling on himself.

Oh, and I might have the sweetest kids ever. I didn't even realize Kallie did this until a few days ago. Kayson is always really good in the car. With family in town, I put Kallie's carseat in the 3rd row and I was sitting next to Kayson in the middle row on a rather long drive. He was tired and got crankier and crankier until he was finally screaming. I couldn't figure out why he didn't just fall asleep like always. Finally, we stopped and rearranged the car so that Kallie was next to him again. She reached over and held his hand until he fell asleep - 45 seconds later. Literally. Then a few days later I caught her doing the same thing. Apparently, she ALWAYS does this when he's tired. Honestly, I think my kids are in love with each other :).

Oh, and this cute guy?

He is the best.

He's MY husband. He deserves a picture on the blog. :)

Proper Handling

2011-08-29T14:40:00.002-05:00

Proper handling of the mail is important to ensure that the contents of the packages do not get damaged.

Your mail carrier should be trained in how to properly handle the mail.

Mine could use a little more training.

This is NOT proper handling of the mail cart.

But don't worry, because Kayson doesn't care what the proper way is.

He is only interested in getting as high as possible and maximizing the danger factor of a given object.

This is the point at which the camera was flung aside to avert certain disaster.

Yes, I caught him on his way down and it wouldn't have been pretty.

To properly baby proof my house would require that I remove everything from it and pad the walls and floors and box him in a play yard.

7 months

2011-08-15T16:57:00.009-05:00

Wow. Time really is moving at warp speed.

There is hope for my little guy yet - he fed himself some "puffs" today.

He has at least 4 bruises on the right side of his forehead.

He really just doesn't get that what goes up must come down.

Either that or he's just really optimistic.

So, at exactly 7 mo. on Aug. 12, he took his first step.

Literally.

He stood up.

Let go.

Took one step.

Ate it.

Like I said, it was his literal first step. Hahaha.

This action has been repeated.

Basically, he's the biggest safety hazard to himself.

Not only does he pull up on EVERYTHING, he has to let go and see how long he can stand there until he loses balance.

Then he frantically tries to grab for something to stabilize himself.

Rarely does this activity end well.

He'll just keep doing it until he smacks himself and cries.

He continues to turn up the speed with his crawling.

As I type this he's climbing the stairs. Be right back.

...

Okay. I can't even blog in peace. lol.

He LOVES to use me as a jungle gym.

I apparently hurt a lot less to fall on.

I can't believe how high energy he is.

He doesn't wake up at night anymore. YAY for me!!

He doesn't get bath time anymore (just showers while I hold him).

WAY too dangerous.

Won't even sit while I'm soaping him.

Favorite toys - balls, bead mazes, anything that spins, and anything good for pulling up and standing next to.

He dreams of getting to chew on cords, paper, drawer pulls, and the garbage can.

He's adorably happy all the time - except when he can't get me because I'm behind the camera. :)

Today he managed to make it to the vacuum and accidentally pushed the power button and turned it on.

I laughed at his terrified scream.

He probably thought he had initiated the launch sequence and was about to be blown out of existance.

I love how easily he smiles and laughs.

I love that he loves my diet Coke can. :)

I love how much he and Kallie can entertain each other.

I love squishing all that squishiness.

Kallie somehow decided to say (quite often) that he's a little chubber and he chubs around. :)

I hope I never do that... lol.

I love that I can't get anything done while he's awake for fear of a trip to the ER... I love that too right?

Random (well, more than usual)

2011-07-25T18:43:00.005-05:00

Hi blue eyes!

The little guy wants the camera.

He gets so cranky when I turn on the camera.

It's like he thinks I do it just to tease him with it and never let him suck on it.

Oh wait, that's exactly what I do.

I've also got to get some video of him crawling (without crying) and saying his version of "mama."

He makes a cute (and funny) little face and goes, "mmm, mmm, mmm" at me.

He exclusively does this when he's hungry and I'm not holding him.

Crawling without seeing the camera. Haha.

Notice the purple bandaid on his little thigh - he got his shots today.

He has a matching one on the other leg. :(

Not that it slowed him down any - he's still crawling, pulling up, and cruising around things.

This kid's got more energy... no really, he crawls OVER our laps when we are in the way, up over our shoulders when we are just trying to hold him, and walks or jumps when we stand him up.

I made Kallie a new skirt this afternoon.

Just reinforcing the high heel obsession. :)

This one is probably my favorite. Kallie LOVES to squish herself between the cushions of the couch to read or play games.

This is her favorite toy right now.
She's loves "Cars" - especially Lightning McQueen.
She's also enjoying math right now, specifically addition.

She really likes the computer math games best.

Crowning of the Prince

2011-07-20T14:29:00.005-05:00

Let it hereby be blogged that Prince Kayson's bottom two front teeth broke through the gums Monday, July 18 2011.
The royal children both have slow moving teeth.
The nightly ceremonial brushing will commence following further eruption such that more than the incisal edge is protruding.
His majesty, Dentist Brian, should prepare himself for the wars within his kingdom each evening as Her majesty, the Seamstress, knows that this will not be accomplished peacefully.

About Crawling

2011-07-13T16:17:00.004-05:00

Someone was too sick to be happy about these photos.

I'm a mean mom. lol.

It's really coming down to the wire.

He's pretty much ready to crawl and I need 2.5 more weeks of partially inhibited baby.

He gets around ALL over the living room by scooting, rolling, scooching, and a little bit of legitimate crawling but he's still slow.

We have to move in 17 days and in baby development world that's a very long time.

And I LOVE having all my sewing stuff right in the middle of the living/dining room.

He's going to put a quick end to that just as soon as he gets faster I'm sure.

Now I should be packing.

Instead I think I'll go sew something. :)

Sick Six

2011-07-13T15:58:00.003-05:00

This is my very sweet little 6 month old!!

He's pretty sick, can you tell?

Everyone say, "awwwwww." jk.

He looks particularly sick when he's bored.

Lucky for you I entertained him for the next few pictures in this post. HAHA!

Silly boy. He LOVES to spit his food spraying it everywhere just to get us to laugh.

Yes, we were stupid and laughed the first time he did this.

You would think we would be better on round two.

Still got the toes.
It's fun to see how far he will try to track us without falling over.

Little chubber.

Even Kallie calls him "chubber" and it's really funny.

He's getting impatient with the camera in this one.

Apparently, like all other electronics, cameras look delicious!

At six months, he now LOVES it when Brian gets home from work.

He cries if Brian doesn't come in a play with him first thing.

He is basically ready to crawl but hasn't taken off across the room yet, whew!

He does "girl push-ups" all day.

He still only kind of eats solids.

He likes peek-a-boo WAY too much.

He likes to be tossed in the air and laughs about it (previously this scared him).

He weighs in at over 19 lbs. "Chubber" is right.

He doesn't sit still - he has to rock and wiggle like crazy.

He reaches for us to pick him up.

He cries when he knows we can see him and aren't holding him.

I'm better off walking out of the room. lol.

And about being sick...

You would think, based on the shrill scream, that I was trying to kill the kid when I merely wipe his nose.

I'm sure I'm forgetting lots of stuff that belong in this blog entry... ;o)

Family Updates

2011-07-03T11:52:00.004-05:00

At 5.5 months, Kayson's favorite activity is pushing the "mail cart." It would help if he was a little more independent about it but I love seeing him smile. He definitely still needs to learn how to fall to his bum. Body control comes very slowly. I can see why they get frustrated so easily. His laugh now includes this ridiculously high pitch squeal too. Very funny. Probably should get some of that on video too.

Kallie has recently discovered "video games" with a little Lightning McQueen car toy my dad bought her. It's all "educational" but she gets so mad when she claims she "can't" do it. She's quite capable but she likes to make us do it for her. Needless to say, this toy has to "disappear" occasionally so as to maintain parental sanity. She spends most of her life now doing artsy things - coloring, painting, writing, and "doing projects." She is definitely my little girl in that department. Love it. Also, she finally likes to play catch. I assume that it will be a little sooner with the boy. haha.

For the baby's sake I wish he would crawl, but for my sake I need him to wait at least a month. I really really really don't want to have to babyproof this house just for the last few weeks we are living here. He's making the preparations a LOT harder for us though. Brian and I have to alternate doing yard and house work so that he doesn't get neglected. It's going to take a LOT longer to "move" than it did before with just a 2 year old. We still haven't picked out the new place, but we do have to be out of here by the end of July. Looking for new places is not fun at all but we're always excited to try something new. Brian's looking forward to starting at his new job this week a couple blocks down the street from the Houston temple. Check it out HERE.

I've actually started selling my patterns with an online fabric shop - Fat Quarter Shop - and now consider myself employed. hahahaha! jk. I still quilt like crazy. There are so many awesome new fabric lines coming that I see no end in site. :o) The limiting reagent is definitely time and I'm loosing a lot of it to the packing and cleaning right now. Grrr... cleaning and packing are NOT fun.

Now to celebrate the 4th of July tomorrow! Have a happy Independence Day!!

5 months

2011-06-14T17:26:00.004-05:00

My "little" Kayson Ellis.

The happiest little boy ever.

We still adore him.

All 18 pounds of him.

Still has blue eyes.

Rolls away before we can even change him.

He refuses to sleep on his back but sometimes he'll settle for his side.

He's a very stable sitter considering his age.

Now I just stick a pillow behind him so he can play.

He's in the beginning phase of scooching around, not just the spin.

He makes lots of "words" for us.

He's started to enjoy his solids - bananas were apparently worth it.

We still feed him lying flat on his back.

His favorite person is still Kallie.

He's still VERY high energy and always seems to be "working out."

I've got more snuggles and kisses to give now.

My Kiddos

2011-06-14T17:21:00.001-05:00

Just had to post these of my sweet children.

Rapunzel's Hair

2011-06-14T16:49:00.002-05:00

Contrary to popular opinion in my house, cutting Kallie's hair did not alter its existing physical properties.

She was convinced that her "magic golden hair" would turn "brown and ugly."

(I'm quoting this - it is not actually my opinion that brown hair is ugly.)

Ta Da! Beautiful trimmed "magic golden hair."
She looks a lot less homeless now.

Circus!

2011-06-14T16:43:00.002-05:00

Brian decided to spoil Kallie (okay, and maybe me too) and take us to the circus that came to Conroe.

We were quite surprised at how good the show was - especially the elephants!

Kallie and Kayson were as mesmerized as they are by the TV.
Go figure.

Brian got one of the back of our heads watching the elephants.
Kayson was naked by this point because he was so hot.

Oh, I forgot this too.

2011-05-19T19:21:00.003-05:00

After reading someone's (person to remain nameless) blog, I started feeling really guilty about not getting all of Kayson's first on "film."

He went swimming last week - and loved it until Kallie splashed water in his face. No pics.

He rolls both ways all the time. Almost no video of it. Rather, no decent video of it.

He jumps and dances in his exersaucer and jumperoo. Again, no video.

He sits.

Well, at least I could get him to do that "on demand" so that I could check it off my list and ya'll could see how cute he is - and how happy his sister makes him.

I'll keep working on getting those others on film.

I think he sits just so he can be like her.

In his carseat and swing he is constantly trying to sit up - he ends up doing an ab crunch and holding it for minutes.

Pretty funny.

Maybe if I did it too I wouldn't have such weak abdominal muscles... mmm...

Don't worry, we'll never know because I'll never try. :o)

Little Guy

2011-05-18T16:07:00.004-05:00

My little guy hit the 4 month mark on May 12th.

It was nice to know he was old enough to put himself to sleep, finally.

I'll always enjoy rocking my baby but it's so nice to have that time back for Kallie.

He's growing like a weed.

He's near 17 lbs now (his official weigh in is next Monday at his doctor's appointment).

He's just the sweetest little thing still.

Loves his mommy.

Likes daddy a LOT more.

Adores his big sister - possibly more excited to see her than anyone else (unless he's hungry).

He's extremely alert - ALL the time.

Everything is interesting and worth touching, possibly even eating.

He loves his toes.

He's still very strong - goes on his "walks" around the room even more often now.

He's getting more mobile too. He just rolled off the blanket going for the toy from his back to his front. He's rolled the other way since day 1 but has taken a liking to this in the last 2 weeks.

Contrary to the the apparent facial expression in this one, he loves the exersaucer, especially those little sliding bugs.

Oh, my little infant is getting too big to be an infant anymore.

Happy Mother's Day

2011-05-10T14:10:00.003-05:00

First of all, Happy Mother's Day.

Most especially to my mother because (of course) she's the best!!

Secondly, woohoo for having a daughter old enough to do something like this for me!!

She has the cutest little kid handwriting EVER!!!
I remind ya'll ALL the time that I am NOT biased, right? :o)

But, the best part of mother's day may have been opening this...

And it wasn't even the gift card that I was so happy about - it's the amount.

As if there could ever be such an amount at that store!!!

HAHAHAHAHAHA!

Seriously, made my whole day.

And with the back spasms I've been having for the last while, what a feat!

Happy Easter

2011-04-24T15:56:00.009-05:00

I really waited until the last minute to get on the Easter dress thing for Kallie.

I actually drafted up a pattern and made this dress last night.

At least I already had the fabric and idea.

And, thankfully my second child is a boy so no coordinating was necessary.

It's a "redondo" style dress so each panel of the skirt is actally a J shape - makes for some interesting piecing.

Kallie was soooo excited about it which made it all worth the effort.

The back view.

In action. This is a great twirl pattern!

This angle kind of lets you see the J shaped panels and the fullness in the skirt. Lovely.

The prettiest princess I know. She thought she was exceptionally pretty today! Yay!

Jumperoo Too!

2011-04-22T18:55:00.004-05:00

It's official.

Kayson's a jumper.

I swear he MADE me assemble this thing.

He wants to stand up and walk ALL DAY.

My back just can't handle it.

I have the "walking wings" for his rounds about the living room - but when he just wants to stand I get so tired.

And he's grown tired of sitting in the bumbo for long.

The only thing is - he's only three months old.

I was on the verge of tears (okay, you know I can't actually cry) watching him bounce around in it happily and thinking my baby is growing up and he's not a baby anymore!!

Then I promptly reminded myself that he'll be a baby at least until he grows out of this thing.

Whew.

But it really made him so happy he stayed in it for an hour.

Where did the last 3 months go?

2011-04-13T21:16:00.003-05:00

I can't believe my little guy is three months old!!

I'm not exactly sure where it went either.

Major mommy brain.

He's still my favorite baby boy!

He's just so happy to see me all the time.

Ask poor Brian, he'll cry when he looks at him then turn to me and start smiling and laughing.

And it's a repeatable action.

Kayson LOVES his big sister though too.

He works very hard to get her attention and smiles.

Kallie has figured out a way to not get left out of Kayson's nap time too.

She lays on the bed next to me so I'll play with her hair while I rock Kayson to sleep in the car seat.

He still sleeps in the car seat and probably will for another month.

He FINALLY likes to be swaddled for bedtime.

He still refuses a bottle or pacifier.

He LOVES to "walk" around - honestly, nothing makes him happier than standing with someone holding his hands so he can take a lap around the living room.

He'll even postpone nap time or feeding time for it.

He still gets out of doing tummy time by rolling over until I give up.

He's super ticklish now too!

Oh, and he gives AWESOME cuddles.

Sheer perfection.

Kayson at 2.5 months

2011-04-09T14:49:00.003-05:00

Oh, I love this little guy!!

There's nothing that could be improved upon.

He's such a smiley little thing and he's a total chunk.

He adores his big sister, they talk, smile, and laugh together.

He's really strong and he really wishes he could stand up and walk across the room already.

His blue eyes are still blue. We'll see if they stay.

He gives the best baby cuddles ever.

He makes LOTS of poopy diapers for me.

He's a good sleeper and napper.

Ahhh, love.

Weed Princess

2011-04-09T14:17:00.003-05:00

Sometimes it's a good thing that kids "don't know any better."

Our grass is about 50% grass (and that's being optimistic) but it is a rental so I'm not the least bit worried about it.

So right now the yard is full of tiny yellow flowers.

Ever the little princess, Kallie wanders through the yard singing the Snow White song and picking them and tells me she is "Snow White Princess" in the most serious way.

Being a princess is a full time job.

Puppet Appendages

2011-04-08T22:53:00.005-05:00

Kallie cracks me up (and makes me want to pull my hair, nails, and teeth out, but we'll save that for a later post).

This little ensemble really made me smile.

It came accompanied with a story about how each animal requested to be on each appendage.

They are puppets she got for Christmas two years ago actually.

In other news, Kallie's questions are nearly out of control.

We attempted to teach her the Easter story per "The Friend" and ended up getting no where and answering questions like, "What's dead?" "Why did the people kill Jesus?" "Can you blink when you are dead?" "Why were the men mean?" "Did the rock have wheels?"

Seriously? I think she missed the point.

Oh, and more questions... just a few days ago after watching "How to Train Your Dragon" she asked: Mom, why do all the Gods hate Hiccup?

Me: Uhh... well, those Gods are fake. God loves you.

Kallie: Why is God fake?

Me: Well, the Gods in the movie are fake... BLAH blah blah blah...

We went on and on like this for about a half hour before I managed to change the topic of conversation.

Someone save me from the little interrogator!

IVF Baby Shower

2011-03-20T23:03:00.004-05:00

Houston Fertility Institute throws an annual baby shower for all the little ones they have helped to exist.

The doctor's get to see the little ones as more than just embryos.

We get to have fun with them and eat Texas BBQ.

They had a bounce house, blow up slide, train to ride, petting zoo, face painting, swings.

It was awesome and Kallie had a blast.

Okay, so did I.
Yes I was the only adult who got in the bounce house. :o)

And of course, MY little IVF miracle baby was the cutest one there. ;o)

He liked most of it.

But he's just like his daddy and did NOT like the huge group photo.

There were well over a hundred people there.

He even smiled for Dr. Haddad. :o)

Dr. Haddad commented that he had a "C-section head."

No, I just have babies with balls for head. Haha!

Kallie LOVED having cherries painted on her face.

Brian really enjoyed the activities and food.

Of course the food.

He loves "the meat."

Livestock Show (again.)

2011-03-20T20:17:00.005-05:00

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is a MANDATORY event, especially with kids.

It was not quite so easy with two of them though.

Kayson did not appreciate the animals or the lack of a decent nap.

Kallie, on the other hand, LOVED all of it.

She got to check out dirt - and hold one of the worms she dug out.

I told her to be cute.

I think she is.

Oh, and note the hair-do.

She was supposed to be a longhorn wearing her longhorn get up hanging out with the livestock.

I thought it was funny.

Brian didn't even notice.

Hanging on the fence with Dad.

Love it!

Hanging out with the cows.

Yes, they are trimming that cow's butt.

Oh, and I did step in a pile of fresh manure while holding Kayson as I couldn't see in front of me.

Lovely.

The carnival area was total chaos.

Kallie got tired of walking and we got tired of trying to keep an eye on her so we doubled up.

Walking at the Park

2011-03-18T08:13:00.004-05:00

I caught Kayson at the beginning of his cry.

First, the lip turns.

Then he whimpers.

Next, he starts to fuss.

And if you haven't fixed it yet you find that last, you get the "fire siren."

It's this incessant {cry breathe cry breathe} in perfect rhythm until finally he lets out one good scream holding his breath.

Sometimes until I think he actually passes out.

(Like he falls asleep for a few seconds - sorta scares me).

Thought this pic was too funny.

Kallie being her beautiful self. I'm not biased at all. ;o)

Infant Olympics

2011-03-15T10:42:00.003-05:00

Kayson has a particularly good step reflex and he loves to stand up.

So of course he can "walk" pretty well.

I just think it looks so funny since he's only 2 months.

Kayson has also been quite the rollie pollie from birth.

He rarely stays on his stomach longer then a few seconds.

So tummy time has been hard to come by.

I would have thought I'd be a little less excited with the second child doing the "standard" baby things.

But, I'm usually wrong, just like this time.

The good, the bad, and the ugly

2011-03-14T23:01:00.005-05:00

So life continues.

Kayson and Kallie keep me "entertained" to say the least.

So I thought I'd share a few of the day's activities or whatever you want to call them.

Aside from creating havoc in the home, Kallie never ceases to startle me with the things she does.

First, the good:

Today she walked over to me and showed me what she drew on her magnadoodle.

Yes, not only did she write her own name (pretty well) - she DOODLED it.

I asked her what she did to her name and she said, "[insert my friend's name here] did it too."

Sure enough - someone had doodled the little dots on her name on a party favor.

Okay... so it made me slightly less upset about the craisins she was wasting making "cherry pie" with her stuffed animals and plastic horse under the kitchen table by my sewing machine stuff.

And since blogs are for telling people how amazing your kids are and for complaining about them... let me just complain a little while I'm already sitting here.

The Bad:

You see that little guy with the paci in his mouth?

Yeah, that one.

What the heck?

He will not take a bottle - under any circumstances.

He has me on a 10 foot leash. Literally.

I can't leave him because without me - no food.

So, Brian and I are trying our best to get him to take a paci hoping the skills will transfer.

No real luck so far.

Life can be so ironic.

The Ugly:

I opt NOT to show the ugly... yes, the huge disaster of a house I currently am living in.

I just love it that my three year old tells me when the house is messy.

Shouldn't that mean she's capable of cleaning it up as well?

Blessed Baby

2011-03-04T10:02:00.005-06:00

We were a bit more on top of getting Kayson blessed (6 weeks) as opposed to Kallie (3 months).

But maybe that was due to our ability to "cope with life."

Maybe we're improving??

Ehh... probably not.

Anyway, these are just a few pics of Kayson in white for the blessing and the grandkids with Grandpa Casebolt.

Notice the cheeks have already hit the chest. (12 lbs in this pic.)

Smiles make it so worth it

2011-02-17T22:13:00.003-06:00

I think I've waited long enough to do another baby post.

That's pretty much all I deal with anymore... that and Kallie.

So here he is smiling.

I love baby smiles.

But really, he's a good baby either way.

And if any of you know what Kallie was like... think of something very opposite of that. :o)

Squinty eyes and open eyes versions...

And just in case you haven't had enough yet...
(I could never get enough - just watch the many videos of me doing just this already! HA!)

I love me a little Kayson!

The Second Week

2011-02-02T13:52:00.004-06:00

Well, week 2 has come and gone.

Kallie still loves her baby brother, she no longer has a pacifier (only one really bad night), Kayson loves his mom, and Brian takes care of pretty much everything.

Did I mention what a great sleeper Kayson is?

The exact opposite of his sister.

He'll sleep through all the noise Kallie can dish out and I love it (not to mention need it).

These pics are of Kayson naked before massage time.

Kallie and I massage our babies together - it's very entertaining to watch her emulate every "mommy" thing I do with her favorite baby.

More pics on facebook here.

Kayson - One Week

2011-01-23T23:25:00.004-06:00

So, in an effort to stay on top of things... here goes for some 1 week old photos of Kayson.

I do love this little guy.

He's pretty amazing.

And he actually likes me!

It gets funnier with kids

2011-01-19T16:27:00.003-06:00

Took Kayson to his 5 day old doctor appointment. I'm pretty sure this was over kill.

The doctor came in and began to examine Kayson a little less than happy. Kallie glared at the doctor and yelled, "Don't touch MY BABY BROTHER!!!!" I started laughing and the doctor said he just had to look at him and make sure he was okay. She then decided the solution was to tell the doctor, "I don't want you to look at him." :)

Anway, he's perfectly healthy and even managed to gain 3 oz in those 5 days. I have a sneaking suspicion that he's going to be just as "healthy" as his sister.

Kayson Ellis Stanworth

2011-01-12T19:27:00.006-06:00

With one quick labor and delivery - 4 hours and an epidural - we now have two "perfect" children ;o).

We are two very happy parents, one loving big sister, and one very sweet new baby boy.

Kayson Ellis Stanworth

7 lb. 0 oz.

20 in.

January 12, 2011

12:13pm

To see more photos click here.

Weekend Visit

2010-12-20T10:58:00.003-06:00

The Stanworth grandparents - Paul and Catherine - drove down from Dallas this weekend to visit us!

Sooo fun!

Friday night Brian and I left Kallie with them to go to the office Christmas party.

Lots of dancing and eating fun!

Oh yes, I danced around in all the glorious splendor of being 9 months pregnant!

And Kallie got to stay up until midnight being spoiled rotten! :o)

Kallie and the grandparents by the forest!

Paul and Catherine by the water! Oh, that coveted water view!

Building a castle for Ariel, Flounder, and Sebastian to live in!

Paul and Catherine being adorable!

And Paul even let Kallie paint his nails! Very tranny of him!

He's such a good grandpa!

She absolutely loved it!

Thanks for coming!!

My Princess

2010-12-20T10:47:00.007-06:00

Kallie is the little princess, every day, all day, 100%.

She now likes to twirl in dresses and skirts!

And don't forget to put on the coordinating high heels, lipstick, nail polish, etc. to make you a beautiful princess!

In these pictures she is (what she calls) a "clickety princess" - a princess of high heeled shoes.

This may become a very expensive type of princess in the not too distant future.

She spends countless hours coloring princess pictures, watching princess movies, pretending to be a particular princess, and playing with princess dolls.

Oh, my little princess!

Fall Apples

2010-11-12T12:17:00.005-06:00

Made this outfit for Kallie.

She was just so cute in it that I thought it needed to be shared.

The rest of the photos are on Facebook here.

3 Year Portraits

2010-11-02T19:41:00.005-05:00

Sooo... I know it's been a while since Kallie's birthday and I never did post pics of it.
Bad mom.
Maybe I should do that. For the record - Kallie is three.
And, here's one photo of the annual photo shoot with Jenny Brown (http://www.photo-jenique.com/).

The rest are on facebook in this album.

Happy Birthday sweet baby.
Your mom thinks you are the most awesome thing ever.

Halloween 2010

2010-10-31T22:34:00.005-05:00

The pumpkin patch in Flower Mound (north of Dallas) was sooooo much fun! Kallie was determined to pick ALL of the pumpkins - of course, she couldn't even pick up one of the big ones... not to worry - she found another method.

A wagon! Full of smaller pumpkins - but it total weighed enough that she really struggled to drag this thing around for about 10 minutes or so.

Then there was the "mud" play... she LOVED the dirt - shuffled her feet through it until she was a total disaster!

Additionally, she discovered the "big kid" hay maze... no adults allowed - and you had to crawl through a little tube to get in and I was wearing a skirt... so I told her no. I really didn't think she would leave me. I was wrong. In she went... then I started to panic. It was (I thought) too big for her and she would just end up screaming for me and I wouldn't be able to help her... after a few minutes she was at the top of the exit slide... guess she showed me!

Then there was this amazing pumpkin house. Jack and Kallie were having an absolute hay day (no pun intended) in there... when she decided it would be a good idea to get one off an upper shelf. So she climbed up and tried to grab one - it fell and smacked her in the face for this awesome picture! She ended up with a bruise on her upper lip that looked like a perfect mustache. We called it her "mustachio" and she really enjoyed having it.

Then there was the church trunk-or-treat... She really mastered the art of saying "trick-or-treat", getting candy, and moving on to the next one - it was total business.

Brian thought she looked a little too naked for a church function so we included the shirt... Afterwards, while putting Kallie to bed she asked me, "Mommy, was I Kallie's bones in Ariel's body?" Ummmm, she REALLY REALLY REALLY believed she was Ariel!#$!!! Oh the crazy factor is too high! So funny. You should she how seriously she takes this whole costume thing.

Anyway, we HAD to carve pumpkins - Brian went for the jack-o-lantern and I was left with "accessory" designs...

Halloween night - Kallie was definitely the perfect little Ariel princess. Poor thing was sick too - not that it slowed her down one bit!

Here she is singing Ariel's songs from the movie... told you she was serious. At one house the lady asked Kallie if she could sing Ariel songs... OF COURSE! She immediately started belting out her best Ariel impressions - for the next HALF HOUR!!! Ummm, yeah, thanks a lot lady... :o) Still pretty cute. But I'm biased too.

One happy girl with a lot of loot! She worked really hard to get all of this... don't even think about taking a piece either - she knows she worked for it!

A rare photo with me included... 30 weeks pregnant and all... grrr.

All-in-all, she was thrilled to be Ariel and had a blast trick-or-treating. Good thing the weather in Houston was PERFECT!!!!

Touchable Bubbles

2010-10-11T14:51:00.004-05:00

These things are just freakin' cool.

They are touchable bubbles.

You blow them, let them "set up" in the air for about 5 seconds, and then you can catch them.

The impossible is possible. :o)

Got these at Lakeshore Learning - a Kallie "hot spot."

Dude, so cool.

(I know, I'm easily amused.)

Halloween is on the way!

2010-10-08T12:59:00.003-05:00

Kallie's getting ready for Halloween...
Yes, she carries that giant spider around like a baby.
She's pretty stinkin' adorable today.
I finally got the seasonal decor up today.
I know, I'm slow.
Better late than never.
I still have to make her costume... wish me luck.
It's Ariel the mermaid and she DEMANDS a fish tail.

Playing "Farmer"

2010-09-18T13:42:00.004-05:00

We just spent the weekend up in Dallas with the Father-in-law and his fiance Catherine... She is an animal person - totally. And with two horses, two dogs, and two cats on acres of beautiful land, Kallie thought she was in heaven! She spent much her time enticing the dogs to eat and drink, hauling the cats around, and feeding the horses carrots and watermelon. MMmmm....

The horses wanted to be part of our family picture...

Kallie really wanted to ride the motorcycle. I'm not really a big fan of letting little kids do things like this - and well, the result speaks for itself!

She got burned when she jumped down (motorcycle was stationary) and Dad wasn't watching! Grrr... Poor baby. She thinks it looks like an "a" - and it does :o). Luckily it wasn't as bad as I initially thought. No blistering or pussing disgustingness.

And we've concluded that Kallie must have a way with animals. The cats should have clawed her eyes out for doing this to them multiple times... somehow they still loved her! Thanks for the great weekend Paul and Catherine! She's still talkin' about it!

"Dance Class!"

2010-09-08T16:09:00.006-05:00

I know I said I would NEVER put my child in dance class.

Is there anything worse than dance to a total jock?

I mean, we made fun of cheerleaders and the drill team.

But... have a sweet little girl who wants to dance... and even I can change my mind.

I've never seen anything cuter than the group of little girls all lined up trying to stay focused on the teacher and do what she's doing.

It really is quite funny.

I've even wondered if the other little girls (like me) who didn't get to try dance at this age were deprived!

Kallie is also the youngest and shortest in the class (in the whole studio for that matter).

She is technically too young for the class, but they were lenient on the age requirements since her birthday falls 3 weeks after the cut off.

They go for a full hour with the first half ballet and the second half tap.

She LOVES those tap shoes!

Her first "performance" is in a month and I'm sure I'll have video to post then.

Anyway, I have heard all day about - DANCE CLASS!

I've even heard about it all week.

"Dance class is on Wednesday. I want to go to dance class."

However, I wish it was first thing in the morning.

Kallie wakes up and immediately starts in on the "I want to go to dance class. I want to go to dance class now!!!!!"

We even got there 5-10 minutes before the doors were open and had to wait outside.

She wanted me to unlock the door.

Good thing I couldn't!

A Cautionary Tale

2010-08-07T13:51:00.002-05:00

Just a thought...

Don't leave a Diet Coke in a hot car...

Once the car starts moving this is what happens.

This hot liquid bomb annihilated Brian on his way home from work... :o)

What do you do during church with a 2 year old?

2010-07-11T13:08:00.003-05:00

Today wasn't bad by any standard for surviving church with a two-year-old who does nothing but talk - regardless of if she gets a response. Today was no exception but at least there wasn't any crying, screaming, or obnoxious laughing. And hey, she even folded her arms for prayers. But one humorous little conversation today (which I'm sure half the congregation could hear (it is so quiet) went like this:

Kalle: "Mommy, you have a ring because you are married."

Me: "I do. Who am I married to?"

Kallie: "Daddy!"

Me: "Yes, are you married?"

Kallie: "No."

Me: "Why not?"

Kallie: "Because I have to find my prince!"

Me: "Yep. That's why."

Kallie: "Mommy, where is my prince?"

Me: "Ummmmmm...."

Why does she always win and trap me into another long drawn out abstract discussion? I'm not exactly what anyone would call stupid... but questions from small children require staggering feats of forming logical explanations trimmed down efficiently for concise understanding. I also refuse to lie or make up a silly explanation to Kallie - there's nothing worse to me than corrupting the understanding of reality in the infancy of the developing mind.

But this moment reminded me of the time taking my "A exam" (oral exam in the PhD program with 4 very mean professors, haha) when the professor asked me (very out of context) where electrons come from. That was the first time I've ever experienced a total mind blank. I honestly didn't know how to answer the question because I didn't have any context for what he was asking. (Correct answer after clarification was: food. Our energy, a.k.a. electrons, comes from food.)

Anyway, I get this feeling all the time with Kallie. She asks me the most random questions that require the most complex answers. And I answer them honestly (she can tell when I make up something ridiculous)as thoroughly as I can and end up with more questions probing into the unknown world around a toddler. I've always said she would "give me a run for my money" but what I really meant was my brain power. She pushes me to teach her as hard as she pushes herself and it's amazing. Kallie is probably the single greatest challenge I've ever faced... and honestly, that's saying something! (And I KNOW I'm not the only mom out there with this "burden".)

Who told you I was pregnant?

2010-07-08T10:01:00.004-05:00

So, someone spilled the beans... and it wasn't me.

But I thought I'd post ultrasound pics now that it's not a secret.

These pics were done on Tuesday (at 12w6d).

For those of you who rarely look at ultrasounds - this is baby's profile, head is on the right.

You can actually see the nose, lips, and even the brain inside the skull. Oh, and the fingers are the dots in front of the face.

We got another thumb sucker on the way.

Seriously would NOT get his fingers out of his mouth during the ultrasound.

Oh, and it's a boy. I busted up laughing when the ultrasound tech scanned this. Sooooo blatant.

I'm due on Jan 11, 2011 and we're pretty excited. I've got to come up with something to sew for baby boys...

Family Portrait by Kallie, Artiste

2010-07-03T14:18:00.003-05:00

Kallie drew this about two weeks ago - she loves to explain the images to me as she draws.

A "code" is provided in the picture below.

I'm not sure why Brian got the long skinny legs or why I am so small... :o/ oh well.

Her fine motor skills have come along way from the arc scribbles that all looked like rainbows when she was 10 months... she's even writing some of her letters free hand now (not tracing anymore).

It's Independence Day!

2010-07-03T13:49:00.005-05:00

Happy Fourth of July!!!!!

Kallie told me today, "I love TEXAS!" - can you tell?

Hook 'em! This is serious business.

Enjoying the little pill bug.

Daddy! You made it into a picture!

Hey! Even I made it into a picture!

Willow tree tickles.

Funny Face.

The real Kallie during a photo shoot.

These were taken at the pond by our library - it's amazing... and the pictures can't do it justice.

Could you tell she was running a fever in these? Poor kid.

How Kallie took the move

2010-06-23T11:42:00.006-05:00

We moved. Kallie didn't take the move very well for quite a few days. There were no toys and we were busy. Apparently she's very spoiled. I have no real problem with that, :o). Well, these are the first house images you'll see I guess... I haven't taken pictures of the house yet so no virtual tour today. Oh, and we did get Kallie that bike. Video of that later too.

TV Zombies

2010-06-23T11:05:00.003-05:00

Sooo... many of you probably know that I rarely let Kallie watch any TV for a variety of reasons...

1 - it's a waste of time and brain power (they learn almost nothing useful)

2 - it's not good for anyone to be so sedentary

3 - she sits there totally engrossed and doesn't move until the show is over.

Well, maybe there's a 4th more selfish reason...

I don't like wasting my life away in front of the TV - 'cause I turn into a TV zombie too! It's genetic! HAHAHAHAHA!

Graduation... only a month late

2010-06-22T22:34:00.009-05:00

Only a month late - and I have lots of excuses (which you'll hear about as the posts get caught up...). But Brian graduated from Dental School. I know, this should have been posted sooner. Big moments always get swamped with the transitions of life though... so he's finally Dr. Brian P. Stanworth! Can I just tell you how hot and sweaty we were after standing outside for all of 30 seconds? Good grief!

Kallie even yelled loud enough for Brian to hear her down on the stage and behaved perfectly (I thought we'd be out in the hall throwing tantrums while he walked since it was naptime). Way to go Brian!

What time does your baby go to bed?

2010-05-01T19:57:00.005-05:00

Does your child ever want/need to go to bed this badly?

On a side note, she also took a 2 hour nap...

Would you believe she's sick?

2010-04-29T11:14:00.003-05:00

Does she look sick to you? She has reached the "driving me crazy" sick point. Took her to the doctor even, nope just a virus... nothing to be concerned about... Happy as could be while we were there. Played doctor with her doll, (she still thinks that's who was seeing the doctor today.) smiled, even laughed a little. But would she let anyone sleep last night? NOPE! Seriously ridiculous!

Some days it's just too funny

2010-04-15T22:59:00.003-05:00

Really. 100% guaranteed to make you laugh. (Unless you are brian, he doesn't laugh at my jokes - even though he admits they are funny.) Take tonight for example:

Tonight Kallie didn't fall right asleep and I went in to convince her to go to sleep (if you can give her a good reason she'll do just about anything you ask her to).

I decided to lie (first bad decision) and said, "Kallie you woke me up, I was sleeping."

Without even hesitating my ever observant child asked, "You take your shoes to bed?"

I looked down at my feet laughing (second bad decision) and realized my child outsmarted me trying to outsmart her. I lose. So she got a "stay of execution" and was up a little late tonight. Guess what she wanted to do? Read. Go figure.

Oh, and tonight at Joann's she found a dolphin and a bottle of glitter glue. While sitting at the pattern book table she asked the grandma, "Can I put this up here?" Of course she said yes. Kallie apparently took this as permission to engage her in the game. She then explained to the lady, "This is dolphin's. She is sick. She needs it. It is her medicine." Seriously, what do you expect people to say to the psuedo-insanity?

Yesterday evening, Brian was sitting on the couch talking with Kallie. I asked her what we were going to do tonight. Her response, "I want to take Daddy back to dental school." She told me the other day when Brian was at school and I told her he was coming home, "Daddy will come home and give you a kiss and then he will go back to dental school." I had never really taken notice of how often he comes and goes in a day. Of course, nothing seems to get past her.

At dinner she was drinking out of a regular cup, she dribbled a little and told me, "Mommy, I need a lid 'cuz I spilled." What 2 year old asks this one? Definitely a girl. Oh, and she had on a shirt and shorts set and put on a necklace from the dress up supplies that was the perfect match and told me, "It's an outfit!"

One of my favorite things she does lately is make comparisons - similies mostly, she says, "The ___ is like ____." She compares words "etsy is like easy", people "the girl is like Audrey." (matching people here), concepts "bright like the sun.", etc. Some of them are so funny... I should write those down too. That could be time consuming.

I'm really liking this "my mommy" and "my daddy" phase too. Nothing better than hearing them say "mama" and "dada" but still hearing, "You are my mommy." just melts me all over again.

My favorite this week would have to be this one. Takes a little story set up though. The missionaries came over one evening to give a "practice discussion" to us. It was great, though Kallie almost incessantly interrupted it. She had to go potty twice, danced around and talked loudly for attention, whined for help getting toys out that she couldn't reach... you name it. Then this week I heard her telling the little boy I watch, "Joseph Smith said a prayer to God for help. I like that story." First, that's amazing. Second, how did she pick that up? She wasn't even listening - so I thought. Man, I need to watch what I say...

It's funny - even though she is ridiculously articulate for a 2 year old, she rarely talks to anyone besides family and people who have been over long enough not to be shy around... which is a really really long time. I wish I could have a camera set up to catch all of the things she says and does.

Easter

2010-04-12T23:47:00.007-05:00

The Easter festivities were great this year even if I am beyond slow to blog about them. The neverending blog guilt. HA! Anyway, we threw a little egg hunt dinner party at our place, we went to the beach Saturday morning, and we went out to Katy to have dinner with the Peterson's (thanks again!!). Kallie loved ALL of it.

A few pics for your visual enjoyment - from the top left:

1 - Annie with her egg stash

2 - Celeste enjoying the swing

3 - Jack getting eggs with Grandma Peterson (Aunt Patrice)

4 - Bethany and Leah

5 - Devin and Annie getting eggs

6 - Caroline running everywhere

7 - Mabel spotting an egg

8 - Brian and Kallie

9-12 - Kallie getting lots of eggs!

13 - Kallie and Devin being adorable little kids

Happy Easter everyone!!

Future Dream Home Location?

2010-03-28T15:49:00.003-05:00

Kallie had a "snot nose" today (she got it from Brian who got it from school, so I better not be next!) and couldn't go to nursery.
Though she was too sick for church, she was definitely not too sick to stay home.
So we went "city shopping" to Conroe.

Wow! It was awesome.
They have awesome houses right on the lake with private covered boat docks and get this - you can take your boat out to dinner.
Seriously!
You hop in the boat and drive it up to one of the docks of the restaurants lining the lake. How fun is that?!?!?

On a side note, Brian took a slightly wrong turn and we ended up on a scenic drive through some really gorgeous country... in CONROE!
I've never seen such pretty land in the Houston area!
There are even little hills and with all the wildflowers in bloom... so if someone wants to give Brian a job in Conroe, sign me up!

Spring Break Trip to Utah

2010-03-21T16:02:00.004-05:00

My favorite thing that happened on this entire trip had to be when Kallie was playing with a little ride on toy that (with batteries) sings the muffin man. It hadn't had batteries the whole trip but she knew (from 9 months ago) that it was supposed to sing that dang song. She looked at me and said, "It broke, the muffin man isn't muffing." BHAHAHAHAHAHA! I about died.

So a picture summary:

Hanging out at "Grandpa Chimpanzee's house" - that would be Brian's dad...

Kallie on Catherine's horse - she LOVED it!

Grandpa helping Kallie to feed the horse.

My mom (Kallie calls her "Grandma Diane") at IHOP with a monkey on a tree hat - only in Utah would an IHOP have a balloon guy.

The fam at the dinosaur museum. Kallie obviously did not want this photo taken.

With "Grandma Donna" playing in the sand digging for dinosaurs. Very fun.

Kallie did NOT like getting her hands dirty.

So she flipped her wet sandy hands around the whole time and got everyone else dirty.

She Stopped the Airplane

2010-03-21T15:44:00.003-05:00

So this little story HAD to be blogged.
We were on the plane headed to Utah for Spring Break - Brian's mom was getting married.
As the plane pulls back from the gate and starts to taxi to the runway Kallie exclaims,
"I have to go peepee!"
I immediately rip her out of her seat and proceed to the bathroom with my potty-trained 2 year old...
The flight attendant stops me in the aisle,
"You need to return to your seat and put on your seat belt."
Me, "My two-year-old doesn't hold it."
Flight attendant, "Alright, (acting annoyed) then I'll tell the captain to stop the plane."
Me, "Great."
The plane stopped, Kallie went, and 1 minute later the plane resumed takeoff.

It was awesome. Then I got scolded for taking this photo - this "approved electronic" needed to wait until they told me that I could use it... uhhh, are they mad at me?

Family Portraits

2010-03-21T15:37:00.004-05:00

We had a few formal family portraits done while we were up in Utah for Brian's mother's wedding... yes, you read that correctly. I almost couldn't believe Kallie looked happy in a studio picture.

I (of course) think Kallie's the most beautiful thing EVER. :o)

2010-02-17T12:04:00.003-06:00

So Brian FINALLY caught Kallie reading (and yes it was on the toilet) without her noticing. Kallie's been reading since before she turned two back in September and it just keeps getting better - she'll read whole books now.

The problem is trying to get any of it on video. Seriously!

She gets one little glimpse of the camera and won't read for the rest of the day - not even bribery gets the job done. But she's one amazing little nerdling and I love hearing her read me the stories... (and it's about time!) I just wish she was more of a "performing monkey" type and would do things for the camera. HA!

And for a little ranting... since everyone gets to do this every once in a while, else what are blogs for?

I'm going to share my first hand opinion on teaching toddlers to read. I've gotten so sick of people telling me that I wasn't teaching Kallie to read and that I was just making her memorize a few words here and there... Can I just ask, how do you read? Do you phonetically dissect each word? If you were literally sounding out every word you would be reading this post for half an hour. No one does that. Phonetics are a skill that everyone needs, but not for 99% of what we read. You just look at the word and you know it. Just like you know a circle is a circle. It's ludicrous to me that people think that sight reading is incorrect or "fake" reading. Ironically, Kallie also knows the letter sounds too, and I've noticed she has started intuitively picking up some of the more complex phonics. Go figure! So for everyone out there who acted as though the "Your baby can read" method was stupid... you're wrong. HA! And that completes my rant, and if you are offended... you should teach your toddler to read. :o)

Happy Valentine's Day!

2010-02-15T22:06:00.004-06:00

Kallie wouldn't even stop eating strawberries long enough to wish ya'll a Happy Valentine's Day... go figure. :o)

3... 2... 1...

2010-01-28T21:07:00.007-06:00

Kallie has a new friend named Analise as I'm watching her for three weeks (her mom goes to school with Brian) and she is a great playmate.

She's 3...

and Kallie and her actually play together and talk about what they are going to do together.

They actually plan their play and conspire (as much as little people can) against me.

They both decide they want something and then (of course) I can't say no.

Smart kids, 2...

cute faces is always better than 1...

Does this make my mom enforcement level 0... ?

To Dallas

2010-01-28T21:02:00.003-06:00

And we got to go see Lindsay, Jack, and Jeremy just before baby Hazel was born. Kallie was super excited about it all and didn't take a nap for 2 days... crazy. Thanks for having us and letting us make a mess of all your nesting work Lindsay!

DC Christmas

2010-01-27T20:38:00.006-06:00

Our Washington, DC Christmas Vacation - the abridged version:

So we went to the Udvar-Hazy Air and Space Museum...

Playing "tickle, tickle" with Uncle David (they seriously had a little game going with this one) And check out the super cute huge bow her Aunt Mary made and gave her!

We went to the Smithsonian Natural Science Museum...

Yes, Brian held the freaky bug (the *nice* man pointed out to be that it was an insect... I was talking to a 2 year old!!!!!

Kallie in the exhibit... it was a perfect fit! And what a way to keep the little ones under control at a museum!

The girls got our nails done, yes even Kallie...

Kallie behaved like an angel for this - she really liked having "pretty fingernails!"

It snowed 2 feet in a day and we had to get out there and do the snow removal ourselves with one little shovel... go figure. But it was beautiful and Kallie needs all the exposure to snow she can get.

Snowman Family built by Brian and Aunt Mary (yes I was a cold whimp!)

Me out shoveling snow and Brian wanting a pic of it

Kallie buried in animals, obviously!

Kallie out in the snow, she didn't mind it one bit.

My mom got a new sewing machine and it didn't stop running the entire time we were there. Awesome!

Kallie helping Grandma sew. She was ecstatic!

Grandpa Time

2010-01-27T20:32:00.004-06:00

Kallie and Grandpa Casebolt watching football together! She NEEDS her football!

It's time for a little blog catch up... seriously! I haven't posted in over a month - that's how busy it's been. First off, my dad planned a trip (very deviously) to come down right after my mom had and make sure that he was the "grandparent-du-jour" going into the Christmas vacation with them. He's very very sneaky. He was very helpful on the flight back - he booked the seat right behind us!

On the Train Again

2009-11-23T20:55:00.009-06:00

Kallie was just thrilled to go to the zoo today with her second cousins and ride the train. She pretty much yelled "choo choo" the whole way around the track. Even Baby Dennis enjoyed the ride!

Happy Face Breakfast

2009-11-22T18:11:00.006-06:00

So my blog is all about food now... lol. I just thought I would show you Kallie's very special breakfast. This is what we get when we ask for a smile too... just a huge open mouth every time. And her right eye? Well, even though it looks like a black eye, it's just from a bug bite... scary, horrible, awful mosquitos.

Premature Christmas Gingerbread Cookies

2009-11-19T12:04:00.008-06:00

So they just looked so good in the picture that I couldn't help but make some even if we haven't passed the thanksgiving landmark yet. Besides, all the stores have decorated for Christmas already so it's on the brainl. I would definitely recommend this activity as we had a blast making a mess (good thing I'm not a nut job clean freak!) and eating them. Here's a pic of Kallie in the middle of saying "cookie" - if you want some, come and get 'em!

Adding to the Train Obsession

2009-11-16T13:31:00.005-06:00

Grandma came to visit us for a little weekend stop over between business trips... gotta love those busy "grandmas-on-the-go"! We did a few new things and a few old. We all sat around and watched Kallie be cute *old* and we went to the zoo *old* but we did ride the train *new* and tried El Tiempo's fajitas *new*. The reviews? Everyone loves watching Kallie be adorable, the zoo was fantastic as always, the train even better than I could have imagined (there was a large tunnel that Kallie was beyond fascinated with), and El Tiempo was good (though Little Pappasito's still ranks supreme). Some pics.

Oh, and if you are ever in a bind and need someone to entertain 16 obnoxious 2 year olds... my mom is a total professional! Seriously could have handled our nursery all by herself. Awesome job mom! Brian really appreciated having you there!

Before I forget to post this one too...

2009-11-04T22:01:00.003-06:00

Kallie has of late, taken a serious interest in happy faces. Not only do they draw them on the back of the receipts at Costco for her, but she draws them too! She yells, "Mommy look! I draw a happy face!" (Still working on grammar.) She also builds them out of objects. And yes, she did this all by herself with no adult intervention or idea sparking... the question I have is, where does she come up with this stuff? Her imagination just seems limitless right now.

Jack and Kallie

2009-11-04T21:58:00.004-06:00

And the love affair continues... not to mention that Kallie (every time she sees a picture of Jack) says, "Kallie and Jack are best friends..." SOOOOO cute. I miss Jack.

Halloween Makeup Post

2009-11-04T21:36:00.004-06:00

To recap the Halloween festivities... Kallie was "Miss Universe" this year. Her costume was based loosely on the winner of this year's pageant - click here to see it. I just thought it was the perfect "tah-dah" outfit, especially considering she hates dressing up... I even had the "wonderful" opportunity of putting makeup on a two year old. What a disaster. She was crying, the mascara and eyeliner were running, I was beyond frustrated... and in the end it was so worth it. HAHAHAHA! So without further ado, I present...

And yes, I made the costume. I love making things for her... even if she would rather just run around naked.

Kallie picking out her pumpkin from the little pumpkin patch. She was very nervous about the people watching her try to pick it out... no idea why.

Perfect little Princess!!!

I had to post this one because she seriously looks like the totally trashed prom date... only she's buckled into her car seat... HAHAHAHAHA!

For the actual Halloween night Trick-or-Treating, we went up to the Woodlands with Tyler, Brittany, Clara, Lindsay, Jeremy, and Jack. The candy was awesome and the company even better. Kallie would NEVER have called it quits... she was on a mission. She even figured out that if they handed her candy and she stayed there, they would give her more... double dipping by age 2. Ridiculous. Thankfully the other two little ones decided they were through and we called it a night. I'm not sure I've ever seen Kallie so willing to walk. HAHAHA!

Zoo Day

2009-11-04T21:29:00.004-06:00

One seriously awesome day at the zoo. Kallie crawled through the tunnel under the fish a million times, scream and yelled happily at the armadillo, talked about EVERYTHING the animals were doing, and was just soooo happy to see every last little critter... even the nasty bats. I can't stand those things. Some great pics of the day.