Wonderscope

They day before the fourth of July, Stephen had it off from work and we were babysitting my niece Abbi. We decided to take some time and head to Wonderscope. Wonderscope is a sensory museum for toddlers and preschoolers. So we headed out as early as we could to enjoy the morning and early afternoon at the museum.

Meet Pepe The Cat

Hey, So I have always said that having a pet for a kid will help the child grow up to be responsible. Well, I was suppose to take it easy for the weekend. It was Ginny's birthday weekend and we already had it planned that we were going to spend the evening with Ginny. Anyways, my mom and I kept joking every time a commercial came on from a local shelter that we were going to go get a pet from there for the kids. Well, that Friday, my mom, myself, and the kids headed to Wayside Waifs to look at the cats. The kids were so excited as we looked at the different cats. We decided that we would get a female cat that was easy to handle because knowing Miles he would not be gentle. We were also hoping for a kitten. We found a cat that we thought would be perfect. We spent some time with the cat and my mom got a nice bite from her. So nope, we decided not a cat for us. We kept looking and finally, we looked at a couple of male cats that are a bit older. We found a cat named Pepe. The kids were so excited to to see this cat. Wayside Waifs said he was a leader cat and he liked to do his own thing. We played with him in a room and anytime the kids were loud or mean to him he would just walk away or hide. It was perfect. Did I tell you it was packed because of the adoption fees were 25 dollars this weekend. So it took awhile but we were finally able to bring him home. The kids loved him and still love him. For a long time, he liked to hide in my mom's area where the kids are not allowed to go without an adult. Slowly, he comes upstairs and spends time with the kids more and more. Did I mention that he loves to sleep with Ginny and Miles or anyone else. He's a great cat. Here is what he is up to.

Memorial Day

Hey Everyone, So, I found out not only was my mom off work on Monday but so was my husband. So we all decided we needed to do something before Mason made his appearance. Well, on Saturday, we headed to a few stores to get what we need for the week and then a few other extra stores to look for stuff for our yard. No luck on finding something that will work and within our budget. On Sunday, we went to church like we normally do. Monday, Stephen got help from our friend Mike to pick up our new bed. Someone donated a queen size bed for Stephen and I from my mom's work. So they went to pick it up for us. After they returned we all got ready to head to the Sea Life place which is on Crown Center. We invited Mike and his wife Kaitlyn with their two kids Charlie and Sariah to join us. It was so much to see all different types of fish and things that live in the Ocean. The kids had a blast hanging out with each other.

Miles loved the big fish

Ginny loved the touch pool. Where she had a chance to touch different sea life.

The kids loved watching the fish swim by.

The Dads with their boys

I saw this sign so I thought, I should do a 37 week pregnancy picture with it.
After we went to Sea Life we followed Mike and Kaitlyn to a spot in the crown center where they had an inside waterfall.

Miles Turns Two

So, now Ginny is four years old and soon after on the 30th of April, Miles turned two years old. It's amazing to think how fast time how went to now make me a mom of a four year old and two year old. Miles, had his favorite thing for dinner that night and we then had cupcakes, okay, well, the kids, Stephen, and my mom had cupcakes while I watched them enjoy the delicious chocolate iced cupcakes. It's hard to watch when you have gestational diabetes. So, a little about Miles. Miles can now speak up to three word sentences. His vocab had increased in the past month to be amazing. He has almost officially stopped biting Ginny and myself. He was weaned from breastfeeding at about 19 months old. He loves to play outside and does not mind screaming on top of his lungs if forced to go inside. He loves to wrestle and especially his Daddy. He still loves to cuddle and gives kisses. He is officially sleeping in his toddler bed and most nights sleeps through the night. YAHOO! He can now officially fall asleep by himself at night without anyone being in his room. He loves to "read" books about all different things especially Daddy's scifi books. He loves to watch Mickey Mouse cartoons especially the really old black and white ones. He loves to eat chicken nuggets, pb sandwiches, chips, fruit snacks, and fiber one bars. He loves to help around the house and does his chores like a pro. Such as vacuuming the stairs with help of Grammy. As you can see things have changed in our household. Things are only going to get better. I love this little guy and can't wait to see him with his baby brother soon. -Kendra

Love For My Children - A Letter to Ginny, Miles, and Mason

Dear Ginny, Miles, and Mason, As of lately, life is hard for our little family. I graduated college in December and we moved in with your Grandma and Grandpa a year ago. I was able to stay home with you Ginny and Miles for a time and we had so much fun. Then I started working, sometimes I feel like it's because I started working that our relationship has changed. I feel like you two are getting short changed and I know Mason will be when I go back to work after he is born. My sweet children, know that I love you with all my heart.
Ginny, my sparkling little girl who loves the color purple and loves pokemon. You are such an amazing little girl. When you were born I felt like this was what I was meant to do was to be a mom. I feel like our time was always short as I was in college for most of your young life. Then I gave you your brother. It was amazing to see you become the best big sister. I know at times it's hard being older and feeling short change on the time that I have with you. Know that I love you and I am trying to give you the time. I just wish that your brother was not hurting you as much as he is and taking your time away from spending with Mommy and Daddy. You are an amazing little girl. I can't believe you will turn four in April and will have another little brother shortly after.
Miles, when you were born I was so excited. Especially since you were my first to actually breastfeed. I knew I was giving you the best from the right start. It amazes me how much different you are from your sister. Though those smiles are amazing. Lately though I feel like I get frustrated so quickly with you because of your many meltdowns. I am sorry for that, it just pains me to see you hurt others and even yourself through it. I love you so much, no matter if you have a developmental delay or even autism. Just know that we will figure this out together.
My surprise child Mason, actually, I am rooting for the name Mason but who knows what we will name you when the time comes. You were a major surprise, but I know there has to be a reason why you are coming to our family at this time. I love you, even though I don't often talk to you as you are in my stomach, it's taking me awhile to get used to the fact that there will be three of you in June. Just know that I love you and can't wait to see how you fit into our family. I love each and every one of you. Love Mommy.

My Little Boy is not your NORMAL Child

Hey, This is most likely my hardest post that I have to write at this time. Miles is very different than his older sister. At first, I just thought it was because he was looking up to his sister and she just talked for him. But, things have changed in my little boy. Miles is now twenty-one months old and he is only speaking up to four words, "yeah, mama, no, please." It started to concern me that he was not picking up words like I have seen other little kids his age were. Then...his nights turned bad to worse. He was waking up not just once but every hour at night. Which became harder and harder for me who is pregnant with another baby. I was often crying in the morning when it was time to get up. Then there were nights where he would be screaming for an hour and nothing could calm him. For this, I was able to take a video and show it to a doctor who told me that it was not night terrors as he was responding to my voice through the melt down. Then the meltdowns started during the day as well. At first they were like a normal toddler meltdown then they turned longer. We were having meltdowns for very little things that were lasting hours. With much tears from myself, Miles, and Ginny. So at first we started to put him in his room and he would only let us open his door when he was calm enough. Well, he had a bruise on his forehead after one session of a meltdown. So the next time I watched him during another one and watched as he ran head first into the wall, and door. Then he started to bite himself during the meltdowns. He also started to turn agressive to others during his meltdowns. He would kick, scream, bite, hit, and run at you head first. Not only was he doing it to myself, Stephen, and my mom, but Ginny as well. My sweet, cuddly boy was having some problems. We started to worry about the future. Is there a chance that he could hurt the baby when it comes during a meltdown? We started calling Children's Mercy, KU, Olathe School district, as well as Infant Toddler program. Anyone that can help us...it took us crying on the phone to finally get someone to help us. Miles is now being evaluated on his behaviors to see if something else is going on. Autism has been thrown out in words. Something that I have wondered since I work with autistic children. Is it scary...very much so...but right now it's scary of not knowing. It's taking everything to keep myself a float. I often cry myself to sleep of frustration of not helping him. Stephen and I struggle with a normal marriage, and I struggle to not take my frustration out on him as well as Ginny. Ginny is starting to act out because of feeling left out and it breaks my heart. I have been called a BAD MOTHER by others and even myself. Did I do something...to create this? Did I create my little boy not being able to handle things? If I did how can I make sure I do not do it again? How can I help my little boy? How will I handle this issue going on and having another baby? Is this even fair to Ginny as well as the baby? I worry and stress all the time...no one knows what's going through my mind... AM I A HORRIBLE MOTHER?

Life is How You Make It

Hey, Nothing major is going on right now. Other then we try to get outside as much as possible and get as much sleep as we can. I was able to finally get the double jogging stroller that I wanted so that was super exciting. I am already putting it in so much use with the kiddos. Though we took a week break from walks as the morning were so humid here in Kansas. We have been doing great and enjoying spending time with each other.

Stephen and I were able to go to the temple just recently. I still can't believe that I can finally go through it anytime that I want to as long as I am living the commendments. Anyways, so it was really neat. Plus, I helped my mother-in-law Char be sealed to her parents for all time and eternity. Stephen and I were proxys of her parents during the sealing. It was so so so amazing. I can't wait to help my own ancestors on my mother's side get their temple blessings.

Ginny also thought it would totally be great to make the biggest mess in awhile. I love her but at times it's hard having a three year old. She decided to paint the kitchen table with yogert as well as the floor. While I put Miles down for his nap of the day. Charlie was coming up the stairs while I was going down and said, "You are not going to like what is happening down stairs." I am not sure how quickly I got down the stairs I just know that I was steaming. Though, I have to say the incident of the yogert still did not over top the incident of Miles eating vasline while I was in the bathroom. I am glad this time I took a picture.

But it's the inspiring and watching my children grow into little people that amaze me so much. Ginny loves to look at books and makes up her own stories while she reads them based off the pictures. Or the time that Miles finally said, "Mama" to me. Or the time that Ginny brought me the Book Mormon stories book and asked me to read it to her at bedtime. It's those moments that make the hard moments disappear.

Because they won't stay little much longer no matter how hard I try. It might not be easy to be a stay-at-home mom, but then I remember what I missed out on while I was studying for my career. It makes it that much harder to go out to the career field and leave those precious babies behind. Because they have grown so much since the first time I was able to lay my eyes on them.

-Kendra

Story-Time Friends

Hey, So my daughter has several other little kids she plays with at story-time. It will be sad when I start school in the fall what will happen as she won't be able to go to story-time. Anyways, she really enjoys being there. Today though we didn't know because we would have to walk home in heat. I love watching Ginny play with the other kids and seeing how much she enjoys it.

Kendra

Busy Day Saturday

Hey, This post won't have any pictures because I totally forgot to take one. Like always, we go to the farmer's market on Saturdays. Ginny walked with her little backpack around the vendors. I love going and checking all the produce. It's nice that we can use our food stamps there. This is a way where we can get healthy things for home. After that Ginny and I went home to relax for a little while. Which means that Ginny played with her toys and had some breakfast. We then met at a park in town to meet lots of other Emporia moms. It was so nice to meet some of the women that I have met through a facebook group. We also invited a mom and her daughter from story time. Ginny played with the little girl and just had fun watching the big kids. She was totally worn out by the time we got home at noon. She's sound asleep in her crib at the moment. Tomorrow, the Mitts family is coming to visit. So after Ginny gets up it's cleaning time. I just keep thinking that it's going to be so hard to go back to school in the fall. I am really enjoying this time with Ginny. Until my next post, Kendra

Story-Time at the Library

Hey, Ginny and I really enjoy going to the library for story-time on Monday and Thursday mornings. She always has a smile on her face when we are there unless it was when she had strep. She is learning a lot and is around kids her age which I think is great. As she goes into nursery with me at church which is 18 months to 3 year olds. Then she goes to daycare which is older kids as well. So this way she is able to spend time with kids her own age. I hoping to get to know more parents and set up play dates in the future. Story time first starts off singing songs with the kids. A lot of the songs have some actions that the parents do with their kids. Then the person reads a story with them. Then she shows something that goes along with the book. Like on Thursday we read Goodnight Moon. After the book we learned about rhymes. Then they get fifteen minutes playing with the toys and each other. As a mom I am watching Ginny learn things at story time. The first thing we do is sing a song and greet each kid that's there in the song. Well, Ginny decided to stand in the circle and she went to each kid when we said there name. She was connecting their names with what they looked like. I was very surprised and taken back on how much she had learned. On Mondays, we take Stephen with us. We are lucky to be able to spend this time as a family. Also we turn in Ginny's book log in. As we read over a 100 min. in a week with her. What can I say, Ginny loves book. Right now she is looking through a book. Here are some pictures that I took before the library opened the other day.

First Time Walking Outside

Hey, On May 6th, we were lucky enough to have some cool weather before it started to get really hot. Ginny was having a rough day so I decided it was time for her to be able to explore outside on her own. By own I mean on her own feet. She had been walking off and on before then but not really walking. I put her tennis shoes on and took her outside and off she went. Stephen later joined us outside and we stayed for over an hour. When we finally came in she screamed because she wanted to walk some more outside.

Ginny's first balloon.

Hey, So we were able to go to the first summer's farmer market on May 5th. We love the farmer's market here because you always run into someone you know and you are able to get some really nice stuff for really cheap. We also love the different selection that is here. Anyways, it was the farmer's market fifieth birthday so they were having contest on the best cake. Also there was a chance to get a free grocery bag and they gave kids balloons. Ginny never has had a balloon before so she was amazed by it. It lasted over a day at our house and never popped. So here she is with her first time with a balloon.

Ginny's First Time in the Pool

Hey, So on May 10th, Stephen and I went to Sis. Powell's house to help clean out her pool for the summer. We had a lot of fun cleaning the really fun stuff out of the pool. After we were done and the pool started to fill we decided that it was safe for Ginny to be able to be in the pool as it was going to take over a day for the pool to fill all the way up. I put Ginny's swimsuit on that her Grammie got her and off we went outside. She was so very unsure at first in the huge pool but then started to love it. I got the best pictures of her with her big old grin. I have to say it was worth all the hard work that Stephen put into the pool to see her smile like that. Here are some pictures that I took of her in the pool for the first time.

Catch Up

Hey Everyone, Sorry for not bloging much this past semister so it seems. I had a lot going on and it will start up again in August. So anyways, let me catch you up on some things that are going on. I just finished my first block of elementary education which means that I have just one more year left of school. So excited for that for sure. Also, well be student teaching the next two semisters which is even better. I got A's in all my block classes and pretty bummed that my favorite teacher does not teach second block. I am right now enjoying being home with Ginny and doing fun things with her. Also learning how to drive this summer in hopes to get my license before school starts up. Ginny is an amazing little girl who loves to talk. Also she has this cute little walk where she shakes her hips. She is at the moment enjoys going to the zoo, doesn't matter if it's the one here in Emporia or the one in Topeka. She is also learning how to eat with a spoon and fork by herself. She has become miss independent which makes me sad. But I am pretty happy that she is learning all the fun things. Also she "helps" me fold laundry and clean up around the house. It's amazing to see how much she is growing now. Stephen was laid off of work at Walmart but was lucky enough to get a job as a prep cook at a restraunt in town. Thankfully, they let him have Sundays off as well as Mondays. He is enjoying it for the most part as he wanted to be a cook for the longest time. He is really enjoying being a dad and spending time with me and Ginny when he's not busy working. Well enough chit chat..here are some updated pictures.