Birthday Beauties

At the end of February, my friend Kerri who owns Freckle Face Photography was in the DFW area, so I had her meet me at Grapevine Springs Park in Coppell to take some pictures of the girls. I was most interested in getting some one year portraits of Kendall, but I figured we might as well do some of Avery too even though she was a month shy of being 3. Of course I'm biased, but I think the pictures turned out great and Kerri did a wonderful job making my girls look beautiful! You can check out her website at www.frecklefacephotography.smugmug.com. Here are a few of my favorites!

San Antonio

Last weekend we took a little trip to San Antonio, along with every other Texan judging by the traffic on I35 in Austin. Seriously, this was early afternoon on a Saturday and it was stop and go traffic from the north side of Austin all the way through town with no major construction or accidents visible-- ugh! My parents and I had originally planned the trip as something for the girls and I and them to do while Scott was in Mexico "shucking teeth" on the Edmond C of C Spring Break mission trip. The mission trip was canceled due to all the recent murders at the border, so Scott actually got to come along. I was disappointed for him about the mission trip, but it was much more fun having him along:) We arrived in time for afternoon naps and then headed out to a great restaurant at The Quarry called Canyon Cafe. Their chips and salsa were so yummy we had to bring some home with us! That evening my Mom put Kendall to bed and Scott, Avery, my Dad and I all headed to the pool. Avery was so excited about her first swim since last summer. She was so brave and went under past her eyes and she had a lot of fun jumping off the side (last summer she couldn't really jump yet and just sorta lunged). Sunday we hung around the hotel in the morning so Avery could swim again and Kendall could take her AM nap, then we headed to lunch and to the Children's Museum downtown. Since we just went to Sea World 1 1/2 yrs ago and Fiesta Texas would be too tough with a almost 3 yr old and a baby, we opted to try out some different activities. The Children's Museum was really neat with SO many exhibits and things to see and do. The kids pooped out before we even got through it all. After naps back at the hotel and a failed attempt at going to a Hibachi grill (they only had one Hibachi chef working and two tables of people already waiting), we ended up at Saltgrass for Scott's birthday dinner. Avery and Kendall really liked singing "Happy Birthday" to Scott after they brought his cheesecake out, and Avery got to have her very own chocolate sundae. Back at the hotel, Scott and Avery squeezed in one more swim before collapsing into bed. Monday morning we headed back home with a stop in San Marcos at Aquarena Springs. We took a glass-bottom boat ride and went to the little aquarium. It was pretty neat, but I wish we could've seen one of the old underwater shows they used to have there with "mermaids" and swimming pigs! Even though we didn't do just a whole lot on our trip, we had some good family time and enjoyed getting away!

catching some air on her way in

she was Daddy's buddy since he took her swimming so many times

learning about milking a cow at the Children's Museum

pretending to ride a trolley like the ones that run downtown

driving a front-loader and moving some rock

playing with some super strong magnets

Avery filled up her shopping cart at the HEB market- it was so realistic!

Dinner at Canyon Cafe--delicious!

waiting for our table at Saltgrass

singing "5 Little Monkeys" and jumping on the hotel bed

some pretty cute luggage!

glass bottom boat ride at Aquarena Springs

Avery's sleep-over

This past weekend Avery got to have a sleep-over on Saturday night at my parents house. We met my parents for breakfast Saturday morning and then her fun started from there. First, my parents took her to Toys R US and got her a Disney princess helmet and knee pad set to wear while riding my sister's horse, plus a pink Radio Flyer scooter. She's a lucky girl (and a little spoiled if you ask me)! Then they headed out to the stable for some horse riding and barn kitty petting. In the afternoon and evening she got to practice riding her scooter, paint, watch a new princess movie, take a bubble bath and who knows what else! Sunday she got to go to church with my parents, which is also where her aunt, uncle, and cousins go. She had a great time doing sticker books with her cousins in church and having them take her and pick her up from class. Although she was completely exhausted when we got her back on Sunday from not sleeping well away from home plus the time change, she had a great time with "Mimi" and "Poppi"and really got to do some special things!

I'm a Big Kid Now!

It seems that I am always blogging about Kendall since she is at an age where she changes and learns new skills constantly, but over the past 3-6 months, things have really been coming together for Avery. Although the changes in her and the skills she has learned may not seem as groundbreaking, they make a big impact when you add it all together! Some of her new skills are probably things that a lot of kids learn naturally because they are adventuresome, independent, or like to explore. But Avery never has been one to explore much or to get into things and make big messes. That said, here are some of the things she has learned to do over the past several months: dress herself (minus buttons, zippers, etc), put her socks and shoes on, open the refrigerator, help set the table, feed Josie (our lab), read books to herself, hop around on both feet and jump off of things, do a somersault, use her stool to turn on lights, go the bathroom on the big potty by herself, get up on her swing, ride her tricycle, color somewhat within the lines, truly play and interact with friends at school and church, and we are focusing more on her cleaning up her own toys and throwing dirty clothes in the hamper. She is just blossoming into an independent little girl! Although she definitely has her "moments", overall she is such a helpful, sweet little girl who talks so "big" and keeps us laughing. We are so proud of you Avery and are looking forward to many more accomplishments, big or little!

Kendall's First Birthday Party

This past Saturday we had Kendall's birthday party here at our house. Since the party was on Valentine's Day, I decided to do a heart-themed party. My parents, my sister, Scott's parents, and one of my nieces were all able to come celebrate with us. Just like her sister, Kendall was not too keen on the birthday hat (but it looked so cute!) and was not too sure about everyone staring at her and singing. But, unlike Avery she actually played around with her birthday cake some and even ate a few bites. Of course Avery felt the need to try to show her what to do and proceeded to scoop a huge blob of icing off the cake and then shovel it into her mouth as we all silently gagged in the background. It was cute to see her "help" Kendall though. Avery also added a little humor by attempting to sing the "Happy Birthday to you, you live in a zoo" version of the birthday song to her after we did the regular one. Kendall really liked her presents and was so busy playing with all of them that we had a hard time getting very many good pictures of that part. She got an Elmo phone that can be programmed with her name, a pink "Build a Bear" monkey w/ velcro arms , some sand toys, a See & Say, a unicorn backpack from the San Diego zoo, lots of books, gift cards to Children's Place and Baby Gap, and some shoes. I think she had a good time and it was a success overall.

Today I took her for her one year check-up. She weighed 20 lbs, 1 oz. (I can't believe she finally cracked the 20 lb. mark!) and was 28 in. long. So she is finally over the 25%ile in weight. Bad news, however, is that the reflux has made a return lately. When I first weaned her and put her on formula around Christmas she had a little trouble for a week or two, but then seemed to be doing fine until just the past couple of weeks. She's back to the gurguly burps, hiccups and even spitting up some too--ugh! So, the Dr. put her back on Zantac to see if that helps. I was not too thrilled about putting her back on meds, but I was also concerned about her. I don't want her hurting or developing any more food issues or aversions than she already has. Mealtime with Kendall can already be enough of a battle without her refluxing. So, I guess we'll try the Zantac again and see if that makes a difference. Other than that, she is completely healthy and reaching her milestones right on track. Speaking of milestones, she is getting a little braver and actually took two steps yesterday as opposed to her usual one and then lunging for you. And tonight she said "dog" very clearly and also "biba" (Bible) when she was patting her little Bible as I sang a church nursery song to her. Fun times ahead with all of that! The speech pathologist in me cannot wait!

To Kendall on Your First Birthday

Sweet daughter,

Exactly one year ago today you entered our world and forever changed our family! I look back on that magical moment when I first saw you with such fondness, amazement, and overflowing love. And it was such a sweet time when we were able to introduce you to your big sister and then to your extended family that first evening at the hospital. Those are moments and feelings I will never forget! We thought you looked a little like your sister, but you were definitely your own little person, complete with a blister on your hand from sucking it so much! I guess we had clues from the moment you were born that you would love sucking your little thumb when you're tired and when you drift off to sleep. Even though I know it's a bad habit that will be hard to break, it's so sweet when you lay your head on my shoulder, suck your thumb, and rub my shoulder or arm while I sing to you. I have tried giving you a lovie to hold, but in true "Kendall" form, you insist on pulling off your sock and holding that up to your face while your suck your thumb if I'm not holding you-- silly girl! In fact, every night when I put you in your crib you pull your little legs up so you can rub your sock or pull it off and hold it as you drift off to sleep. You are such an affectionate baby. You love to cuddle when you get up in the morning or from a nap, and you love giving hugs and kisses, especially to Daddy and Avery right before bed. You also love to hug and kiss your stuffed animals and baby dolls and can do it when I ask you to now. You have started "pretend" eating with the play food and dishes and can give your animals and babies a drink and a bite when I ask you to. You are so smart and try to do everything that Avery does. You figure out how things work very quickly, even if you can't always actually make them work right since you're still so little. You love to look at books, but you're still too impatient to sit through me reading a long one. Your favorite ones are those with real photos, flaps to lift, sound buttons, and things to touch and feel. Speaking of being impatient, you are always on the go and all about action! You crawl all over the house, usually to find me or to chase Avery. You stand alone quite well now and have taken 1 step several times, but we are still eagerly awaiting the moment when you decide to take off walking (or running)! You love playing at the park or indoor playground, playing in the sandbox, splashing in the bathtub, riding in the stroller, being pushed on your little car, big wheel or tricycle, getting into the cabinets, making messes when I'm busy (although other times you just cling on to my legs and cry to be held), and pulling books and toys off the shelves in Avery's room. Although your lack of patience and busyness can be challenging at times (like at restaurants and when I'm trying to shop), I love watching you play and seeing you "help" and entertain yourself. You are also very vocal, including both "talking", and yelling or crying when you are frustrated or upset. Daddy is frequently saying "cool your jets girl", especially around dinnertime and in the evening when you are tired and crabby. There's no doubt that you are a morning person. You are all smiles in the morning and then you like to go to bed early, around 7:30 or 8:00, and sleep until around 7:30 the next morning. You can sign "more" , point at things you want, and use a few words- dada, mama, dat (that), uh-uh (uh-oh), sy (outside), ba-ba (bottle), moo, woof, bye-bye, hi-- but we are definitely looking forward to your vocabulary growing so you can better communicate what you want. At one year old, you already have a sense of humor that seems to be brought out best by Avery. Although you sometimes get angry with her for not sharing or jealous when I am holding her instead of you, you definitely love your sister. In fact, one of the funnest parts of your first year has been seeing you interact with Avery and develop your own special relationship with her. I hope the two of you remain good friends throughout your lives. You are so precious and special to your Daddy and I, and even more so to your Maker in heaven! We believe that you are destined for greatness and that God has wonderful things in store for you. Daddy and I feel so blessed that the Lord has entrusted you to our care and given us such a miraculous and amazing gift! Happy Birthday "Ken"!

all smiles on her birthday morning

showing off for the camera

thinking she's big stuff on the big wheel

feeding her baby

love that sweet face!

Wednesday

It's been awhile since I have done a "day in the life" post, and with young children things change quickly, so I think it's time for an update on what daily life around the Bedichek household is like.


7:20 AM Wake up; Scott brings Kendall in (she's up a little early) just as I finish making the bed and then leaves for work
7:30 AM Feed Kendall a bottle, put her clothes on and she plays while I hang up clothes and re-stock diapers in her room
7:50 AM Check if Avery's awake--She is (or I just woke her up, not sure which). Put her clothes on since her pull-up leaked, change her sheets while the girls play.
8:20 AM Eat breakfast (Avery- cereal and yogurt, Me- frozen waffle, Kendall- part of my waffle, yogurt, few bites of oatmeal)
9:00 AM Do dishes, clean kitchen a little, put a load of laundry in.
9:30- 10:30 AM Playtime--have a pretend picnic, play doctor, build a road and animal cages with blocks, build a "cage" for the girls and Avery pretends they are various animals
10:30 AM Take Avery to potty (she can't reach the light switch or wipe very well yet) , get her a snack and drink
10:40 AM Put Kendall down for her nap
10:50 AM I shower and get ready while Avery watches cartoons.
11:30 AM Avery and I play a partial game of "Chutes and Ladders" and read books. Do Avery's hair.
11:50 AM Start making lunch (Mac and cheese, plus a salad for me and fruit for Avery, a half ham and cheese sandwich broken into tiny pieces and some applesauce for Kendall)
12:05 PM Kendall wakes up.
12:15 PM Eat lunch. Get up in the middle of lunch to help Avery potty; Kendall screams b/c we left the room.
12:50 PM Clean up lunch dishes. Get everybody's shoes on, a bottle for Kendall, and the bag ready to run a few errands.
1:15 PM Go to Hobby Lobby and PetsMart. Stop at Sonic for a drink on the way home.
2:30 PM Return home. Push Kendall on big wheel while Avery rides her tricycle.
3:00 PM Go inside. Since it's almost nap/rest time, the girls start playing really well by themselves, of course. Oh well, a few minutes won't hurt right?
3:45 PM Put Kendall down for her nap and Avery has rest time (looking at books in her bed).
4:15 PM I do my daily Bible study.
4:30 PM Go in Avery's room to get her up. Scott gets home early-- yay!
4:45 PM Discover that Avery had an "accident" while sitting in her bed. Great! Now both sets of sheets are dirty! Strip the bed and Scott throws the sheets in the wash. Avery plays in her room while Scott and I talk about the day.
5:10 PM Start making dinner-- "Biscuit pizzas" and veggies. Avery helps me while repeatedly singing the theme song from "Land of the Lost" that Scott taught her.
5:45 PM We eat dinner. Kendall wakes up about 5 or 10 minutes into it.
6:00 PM Attempt to feed Kendall dinner. She ends up drinking a bottle and eating a graham cracker-- that's it! Scott does the dinner dishes.
6:30 PM Get everybody's shoes, bows, etc on for church and get the diaper bag ready.
6:45 PM Leave for church. Once there, we all go to separate classes- Kendall to the nursery, Avery to her class, Scott does financial counseling, I go to a study on 2 Chronicles taught by our preacher.
8:35 PM Get home from church. Get Kendall ready for bed and put her down. Scott gets Avery ready for bed.
8:50 PM Read a book to Avery and sing her songs. Get her a drink and help her potty in the middle of the songs. Think, "Ugh! Will I ever be done?"
9:10 PM Type this blog entry and eat cookies that Scott made while I put Avery to bed. Yum!
10:00 PM I'm headed to get Avery's bag ready for school tomorrow and make Scott's lunch. Then I'll collapse into bed and drift off , probably thinking of my girls. As much work as they are and as challenging as they can be sometimes, at the end of every day, I sure do love them and feel blessed that God entrusted such precious souls to my care!