tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71656747618359002142024-03-13T23:02:26.408-07:00and so it is...My beautiful husband and I officially began our journey together on August 17, 2009 when we exchanged vows in the Colorado mountains. We are committed to living a joyous, playful, and fulfilling life together, and look forward to all that will unfold along the way. This is our story.Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04241057171056034485noreply@blogger.comBlogger408125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7165674761835900214.post-40231121746853793392017-01-05T10:16:00.001-07:002017-01-05T10:16:16.602-07:00Cohen Bozley Ray: A birth story<div style="text-align: center;">
Throughout my entire pregnancy, I was convinced my midwives had
miscalculated my due date by at least a few weeks. I felt huge and
uncomfortable for months leading up to my due date and I started having
intense contractions beginning around 32 weeks. Either this baby was
coming early or there were a few of them in there- I just <i>knew</i> it. And although they assured me I wasn't having twins and that our baby boy was growing normally, each time I went in for an appointment my
midwives emphasized how important it was that I rest my body and try to
eliminate stress so I didn't go into labor too early. </div>
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Fast forward to July 21st where I sat on the couch of my midwife's office, crying because I was still pregnant on my due date. I was swollen and achy. I was exhausted from carrying around all that extra weight while chasing a toddler all day. I wanted to lie on my back again. I wanted my boy to come and I couldn't figure out why he wasn't budging. After handing me an entire box of tissues, my midwife checked me. I was 3 cm dilated and 80% effaced. She reassured me that effacement was a better indicator of my body's readiness to begin labor than dilation, so I was in good shape. She stripped my membranes at my request, told me to call if there was any action, and I was on my way.</div>
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My contractions strengthened throughout that day but remained inconsistent. We went for a long walk when Keane got home from work in hopes that it might speed things along. He rubbed my ankles and I chugged Red Raspberry Leaf Tea. I went to bed panicking over the idea of going another two weeks with this baby inside of me.</div>
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The following day, Liv and I ran some errands to keep busy. We played at the park, cooked dinner and went for another walk. This time, I lunged my way around the neighborhood. I could definitely feel things moving in the right direction but my contractions were still manageable and inconsistent.</div>
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Later that evening, Keane put Liv to bed while I lay on the couch catching up on Orange is the New Black. I glanced at the clock when I began noticing a few contractions that had come back-to-back. It was 9:02 pm. I told Keane this might be it and he suggested I call the midwife and take a hot shower. I called our birth center at 9:15 and let them know my contractions were coming about 5 minutes apart. My midwife asked if I felt like coming in but I told her I'd rather stay and labor at home for a while since things were still very manageable. I'd call her with an update when things progressed. </div>
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By 9:30pm I could no longer speak through my contractions. I was on all fours, rocking and moaning, attempting to catch my breath. When Keane came inside from packing up the car, he panicked at the sight of me. He immediately called the midwife and told her we were on our way. During that time, Keane's mom came over to stay with Liv while we went and had this baby.</div>
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I made my short walk to the car, stopping twice for contractions. I was getting no break between them and the thought having to make the 20 minute drive to the birth center was daunting. Keane helped me get buckled and began backing out of the driveway. Another contraction came and I begged for him to stop the car so I could get out and work through it. It felt torturous to be strapped into the seat. He sped out of our neighborhood, refusing to stop. "We just need to get there!" he said. I could tell he didn't want to be delivering his baby on the side of the road. Each time I felt a contraction coming, I lifted myself up and did my best to move through it. The weight of my body against the seat was excruciating and that was the only way I could find any sort of relief. </div>
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I tried my best to focus on other sensations around me like the wind in my face and the beat of the music while waiting for the next wave to hit. At one point I opened my eyes long enough to notice a man stopped at the same red light as us. Both of our windows were down and his jaw was on the floor as he watched me have a contraction. I gave him a little nod like, "everything's Ok," and we were off again.</div>
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We arrived at the birth center and Shaunti, our midwife, came to greet us. I had two more contractions while getting out of the car, at which point I heard her call the nurse on the phone and say, "Kelly's here and I don't think it will be long. Please head over now." Although I felt like I was progressing quickly, I refused to get too excited. My labor with Liv had been 24 hours of marathon-like physical exertion. I was prepared for the long haul time time around too. </div>
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After some coaxing, we got settled in our birthing room. The tub was filling up and Shaunti offered to check my progress. My fear after experiencing such a long labor with Liv was that if I was checked too early and discovered I hadn't progressed much, my confidence would be shaken. I decided it was better not to know. My other insecurity was that getting into the tub might slow my labor down like it had during Liv's birth. With a bit of a chuckle, Shaunti reassured me that wouldn't be the case this time. I labored about 15 minutes around the birthing room, having what seemed like a mere moment's break before the next contraction came. I spent the majority of my contractions hanging around Keane's neck during Liv's labor, but these contractions had intensified so quickly that no single position felt comfortable or effective. I decided to get into the tub.</div>
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Two contractions went by and every fiber of my body constricted. I told Keane I felt like I was going to be sick so he held a bowl to my mouth while I slowly swayed and tried to focus on my breath. I felt the need to bear down on the third contraction and felt a pop. With news that my water had broken, Shaunti, Abree (the student midwife) and Chandra (the nurse) gathered around me. They listened to our boy's heartbeat intermittently which remained good and strong. Shaunti placed a mirror under me to watch for his head. A few more contractions and some strong pushes later, out came our little boy. It was 11:13pm, just two hours after the whole thing began. </div>
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I pulled our baby out of the water and onto my chest, in utter disbelief by how quickly he made his entrance. It all felt like a dream- like it was happening to someone else.<br />
I couldn't believe it was over! I felt energized, alert and so elated. </div>
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Our babe had a hard time getting his color and taking strong breaths right after he came out, so Shaunti and Chandra vigorously rubbed his back and played with his limbs a bit to "wake him up." After almost a minute of stimulation, he pinked up and let out a good cry. We all took a collective sigh of relieve, although Shaunti assured us that his reaction was pretty common for babies born in the water and also because he came out so fast.</div>
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Shortly after his birth, we moved from the tub to our bed and did immediate skin-to-skin with him. Keane and I studied every part of him, from his perfectly round head to his huge feet! I stroked his face and I wept over my new baby boy for whom I had worked so hard to bring into this world. </div>
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We settled on the name we had been considering for months: Cohen Bozley Ray. It was most fitting for such a strong and handsome boy. </div>
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Born at 11:13pm on July 22, 2015,</div>
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Cohen Bozley weighed 7 lbs 15 oz and was 21.5 inches long.</div>
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Our big boy!</div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">We left the birth center about 5 hours after Cohen was born and headed home to snuggle and recover in our own bed. Because my labor began after Liv went to bed the night before, and we were home while she was still sleeping, she was quite surprised to discover her new baby brother in our bed when she woke up that morning. Her reaction to Cohen was absolutely precious. She was tender and loving and asked if she could "lay on him very, very gently." :) The video of their first meeting is something I will cherish forever. </span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">Our boy has blessed our lives in ways we could never have expected. I didn't know how my heart could stretch any bigger than it already had for his big sister, but the love we feel for Cohen was instantaneous and </span>unconditional. We are elated to have him safe at home with us and our family of four feels so complete!</div>
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Always and Forever, Coco. </div>
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Always and Forever.</div>
<br />Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04241057171056034485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7165674761835900214.post-72187145739650472672015-05-16T13:04:00.000-07:002015-11-12T11:20:32.573-07:00Surprise! <div style="text-align: center;">
I guess now would be as good a time as any to pop in and say...</div>
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I've been cooking up a tiny baby boy for the last 8 months; due to arrive in July!</div>
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We are so excited to meet our little man, and if I'm being honest, I'm still trying to wrap my head around what it's going to be like to parent two little people at once.</div>
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I think Liv is going to LOVE being a big sister. She talks about "baby brother" all the time and regularly lifts my shirt up just to kiss my tummy and say hi to him. </div>
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This pregnancy has been night-and-day different from my first. The all-day morning sickness started earlier, lasted longer and was far more severe this time around. It is so true when people say that your body remembers what to do when you get pregnant for the second time. My belly popped so much quicker. I feel like he is huge even though he's not, and I'm carrying him much lower and straight out. I've gained more weight this time, been so much more exhausted and uncomfortable, and have had an insatiable craving for sugar. I also suffered from migraines during my second trimester that I never had when pregnant with Liv. </div>
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Oh the joys of bringing children into the world! I know it will all be worth it the second I pull that little babe to my chest and kiss his tiny head. </div>
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We recently took a family babymoon to Hawaii. Here are a few photos from our trip. </div>
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<br />Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04241057171056034485noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7165674761835900214.post-21214613947084395892014-12-16T20:42:00.001-07:002014-12-16T20:42:15.957-07:0020 month goodies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIWopPQx_XAV7_Mem50CvRqpDYnk4QJQjaYjEDkGPPmUjTTlWZd8YqDEzrIIcNvLM7T0s-ELjxylZwuwnudZPVfpz87ROw6UycTb9qnuAi9iCOE5s_RKto7KRA-u73TEghax6D_BtsYjGD/s1600/photo+2-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIWopPQx_XAV7_Mem50CvRqpDYnk4QJQjaYjEDkGPPmUjTTlWZd8YqDEzrIIcNvLM7T0s-ELjxylZwuwnudZPVfpz87ROw6UycTb9qnuAi9iCOE5s_RKto7KRA-u73TEghax6D_BtsYjGD/s1600/photo+2-1.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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It's official, 20 months is my favorite age! The things that come out of this little turkey's mouth are both hilarious and sweet, sassy and thoughtful. She soaks everything up like a sponge and she is unbelievably empathetic– she really has the best personality! There's not a chance I'm biased about this either. </div>
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Here are some the "kill me with cute" things Liv is doing currently:</div>
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I have never formally worked with her on numbers (or anything else for that matter). I don't find it necessary to force learning at this age but I'm constantly talking to her and she LOVES books so we read all throughout the day. A few weeks ago, she started saying, "One, two, free, go!" before she'd jump off a step or run down the sidewalk. Then one day she counted to 10, unprompted and out of the blue. "One, two, free, four, six, nine, ten!" She did it again and again the exact same way and has ever since. </div>
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I am very big on kids having manners so we work on saying please and thank you a lot. This morning when I set her breakfast in front of her, she said, "Here ya go, thank you, welcome!" Just covering all the bases :)</div>
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She says, "Ta-da" when she completes something, "bummer dude" when something unfortunate happens, and is obsessed with picking her toe jams (thanks papa!). She knows how to put her own socks and shoes on and insists on having a turn buckling her highchair straps and zipping her coat. The other day I overheard her saying, "Pee-Ew! Papa tooted." Papa wasn't even home. </div>
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Current cute words:</div>
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-Heggie (heavy)</div>
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-Beeyo (video)</div>
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-Peekies (pictures)</div>
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-Wib (Liv)</div>
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-Wogurt (yogurt)</div>
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-Whood (food)</div>
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-Kinnie (her cousin Corynn who we call Corynnie)</div>
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-Tadin (her cousin Cavan)</div>
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-Damaw (grandma)</div>
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-Peas (please)</div>
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-Oss (off)</div>
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-Tinky (stinky)</div>
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I have to censor myself when I talk to the dogs now that Liv picks up on everything. She walks outside on the back deck and waves her finger in the air shouting, "no, no, no barkin!" and demands that they "way down" when they come inside. She tells them to "zip it" quite often. </div>
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She also says, "top it!" and "hey!" in a very sassy manner when she is objecting to something. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnx2hcbISyhlP49Bm9ZK74Ie1x7Urmbk7U2ZIque1xCGUW_XvFAjE9KEYKTs-l4hSM_kkDERoHsdt4_2ZRatmbr1E-xrJera_gqqrI8Y9-2XXKDL9ZzCG7S0n05xbPYNwUynWQohS11krI/s1600/photo+3-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnx2hcbISyhlP49Bm9ZK74Ie1x7Urmbk7U2ZIque1xCGUW_XvFAjE9KEYKTs-l4hSM_kkDERoHsdt4_2ZRatmbr1E-xrJera_gqqrI8Y9-2XXKDL9ZzCG7S0n05xbPYNwUynWQohS11krI/s1600/photo+3-1.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a>Liv is a very reasonable kid. I can often use logic to explain why we have to keep our coat on when we're outside and why we can't eat crackers for every meal. She is also cautious and considerate. If I ask her to be careful of the hot oven door, she will be. She is curious yet respectful of the fragile ornaments on the Christmas tree and is sure to only look with her eyes. </div>
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If someone is hurt or sad, she leans in to their face and says, "you OK?" in a sweet, high voice while cupping their chin in her hand. When they respond that they're OK, she says, "I'm OK too." </div>
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I hope to never forget how adorable and remarkable this age truly is. Each day gets a little sweeter with this precious girl. </div>
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What a blessing she is in our lives!</div>
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Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04241057171056034485noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7165674761835900214.post-38271484393104830192014-10-23T08:00:00.000-07:002014-10-23T08:00:01.018-07:00Bovine Blessings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
There's a great open space trail just minutes from our house that Liv and I have enjoyed getting to explore. Positioned next to the trail head sits a large cattle farm and each time we go, we're sure to make a stop to say hi to all the "moos."</div>
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I don't know if it was the endorphins or the Vitamin D or the fact that I feel closest to God when I'm outside in nature, but the last time we walked the trail, I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude for this life that I'm living. </div>
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With so much going on in the world–so many ugly things happening and people who are hurting–there I was, free and safe and healthy and ALIVE.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7DMsq1jMe63OCg6I5B_QapXGPxNCgmoQY1LFyl3CRbRYLdwiBIeOWNdsBBzNgT2fC04aG_NT0bvE7vla05QIZOlKCuuvPNaCMBP7ljYrrPw7q4dXdrgWg-nH-8Sgj4RxApwW_fpVdXR9o/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7DMsq1jMe63OCg6I5B_QapXGPxNCgmoQY1LFyl3CRbRYLdwiBIeOWNdsBBzNgT2fC04aG_NT0bvE7vla05QIZOlKCuuvPNaCMBP7ljYrrPw7q4dXdrgWg-nH-8Sgj4RxApwW_fpVdXR9o/s1600/photo+1.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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What a blessing to have eyes to see the beauty around me! </div>
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How wonderful to be able to walk and move and play with my daughter! </div>
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What an honor just to be breathing!</div>
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I'm making it my intention not to take a single breath for granted on this amazing journey. </div>
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Join me, will you?</div>
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Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04241057171056034485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7165674761835900214.post-57071411926340710462014-10-21T13:42:00.000-07:002014-10-21T13:42:21.329-07:00Fall Festivities<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3YiVFsCGVmLmLS4urwcKWgd60pOGtiwtB8X7bzkHNolaNK0D719kKDG286JALHCHiZvvSHZiCZ77IN2083AnSHgq0qMMVpeNHZnor7q3DljV-4SQR_Np-duW4D30X4T4IQRmWXV33NcH9/s1600/Untitled-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3YiVFsCGVmLmLS4urwcKWgd60pOGtiwtB8X7bzkHNolaNK0D719kKDG286JALHCHiZvvSHZiCZ77IN2083AnSHgq0qMMVpeNHZnor7q3DljV-4SQR_Np-duW4D30X4T4IQRmWXV33NcH9/s1600/Untitled-1.jpg" /></a></div>
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So many things about this picture make me want to simultaneously giggle and weep. She looks like such a big kid walking with her hands in her pockets, sporting that glorious grin. I am reminded how quickly time passes when I compare this year's pumpkin picking photos to <a href="http://giveitgrace.blogspot.com/2013/10/pumpkin-picking.html">those taken last year</a>. </div>
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Liv was just a tiny six month old last time, obliging me with a few festive photo ops. But this year, she truly got it. She wanted to pull the wagon all by herself. She picked out her own pumpkin, ran through the corn maze and waved at the scarecrow. </div>
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My baby is a year and a half now, recently weaned and insisting she do many things without my help. How quickly these little turkeys go from totally and completely dependent on you for survival, to this "I can do it myself" attitude!</div>
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Wishing you and yours all the best in pumpkin carving, apple picking and cozy sweater wearing this fall season!</div>
<br />Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04241057171056034485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7165674761835900214.post-30222688248908322602014-08-17T19:59:00.001-07:002014-08-17T19:59:44.474-07:00Five years It's been five years since I walked down that winding path to meet you. Five years since my Dad passed my hands over to yours. Five years since we promised each other Always and Forever.<br />
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It feels like we've spent a lifetime already together. Each day is an adventure with you, my love. Thank you for being such a supportive husband to me and a loving father to our Liv.<br />
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Happiest anniversary.<br />
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I still do.</div>
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Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04241057171056034485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7165674761835900214.post-32975350310496745902014-08-12T08:38:00.000-07:002014-08-12T08:39:00.607-07:00Cheeeeeese<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Recently, Liv has begun to understand what I'm doing when I pull out my iPhone or camera to take her picture. She gives the cheekiest grin, says "cheeeeese!" and then immediately asks to see the picture.</div>
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It is so much fun watching her personality unfold at this age. She has a great sense of humor, can be silly and wild, but also likes to stick close to her mama in unfamiliar situations. When Keane asks her if mama is her best friend, she enthusiastically shouts, "YEAH!"</div>
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Everyday is a new adventure with her and the belly laughs keep coming– from both of us!</div>
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Such a ham!</div>
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Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04241057171056034485noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7165674761835900214.post-53288191472962997142014-08-08T09:45:00.000-07:002014-08-12T08:38:48.983-07:00Let's catch upI think it's about time we caught up.<br />
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As I mentioned in a previous post, the Ray family moved! From the city! To the country! Kind of. We left the hustle and bustle of Denver and bought a house in a quaint little rural subdivision, sandwiched in the middle of suburbia. All the houses in the neighborhood are spread out on large properties and are zoned for animals, so if we get a wild hair one day, we are allowed to have 2 "animal units." That is the equivalency of two horses, or one horse and one cow, or ten lamas, or one-hundred chickens, or five alpaca, fifty chickens, one large pig and two-and-a-half goats. The options are endless on the livestock front, really.<br />
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We casually started the house hunt back in April after realizing that we were bursting at the seams of our two-bedroom bungalow. We bought that house in 2012 as an investment property and planned to turn it into a rental once we grew out of it. Well, the time came quicker than we expected (spoiler alert: you acquire a whole bunch of shit once you have a kid) and we were ready for a bigger space.<br />
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We expected to end up in a suburban neighborhood (because that's what you do when you have a family, right?) so we started our search there. We looked up north where we would be closer to family and in a good school district, but the thought of living right on top of your neighbors in a house that looked like all the rest was fairly unappealing to us so we put the search on hold for a bit.<br />
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One morning we got a text from Keane's mom saying there was a For Sale By Owner sign that just went up in her neighborhood (which happens to also be up north and in a great school district). It was a cute 4 bed, 2 bath farm house on an acre of land with a horse barn and giant 2-story playhouse in the back! I assumed there was no way we could afford it because I knew what homes were selling for in that area, but I called on it anyway. I was pleasantly surprised by the price and set up a time to go over and take a look. As the seller took us around the property, Keane and I sent silent messages back and forth via hand squeezes. We tried to play it cool as he showed us the brand new kitchen they just remodeled, the original hardwood floors in perfect condition, the crazy amount of storage space (did I mention we have a ton of shit?!), the apple tree and raspberry bushes, the horse stables, and the fenced-in lot that would be heaven for our baby and dogs. We casually asked if we could take a minute alone to discuss. Once the seller was out of earshot, we both agreed, through various tones of excited squealing, that we had to have this home. We could picture ourselves having more children there, growing into the space and maybe eventually adding on in the future if we needed. That's one of the benefits of having a bit of land and no HOA– there aren't limits to what we can do. And if there's one thing I know about my hubby, it's that he hates restrictions. Since the house was listed FSBO and we were able to get a discounted price by not using a realtor, we had to do all the contracts and negotiating on our own, which was hugely intimidating. Like a couple of rookies perusing a weekend garage sale, we walked back over to the sellers and said, "Uh, so we'd like to buy your house. How do we do this?"<br />
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Luckily, the sellers were a dream to work with and it wasn't a big deal not using any agents. We developed a really good relationship with them from the beginning. We learned that we were the first people to look at the house just 12 hours after the sign went up and that they really wanted to sell it to a young family. Fate? I think yes.<br />
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With the contract underway, the next step was finding renters for our Denver house. Thankfully, it's located in a really great area so it was unbelievably easy to rent. I posted an ad on Craigslist and within 24 hours I had over 30 people asking to see it before the open house. We chose a few that we thought would be good fits, hosted private showings, and rented it for well over our monthly payment– without even having to do the open house. The whole process went so smoothly and we LOVE our tenants. It's great to know that someone is taking good care of our house and loves it as much as we do.<br />
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We've been in the house now for about 6 weeks and are still getting settled. Projects like pulling weeds, hanging curtains and updating brass fixtures take about three times as long with a toddler running around, but it is slowly starting to feel like ours. Life is very different here. In Denver, Liv and I walked everywhere: to get groceries, to meet friends at the park, to get a mid-afternoon coffee. Keane biked to work and we rarely used our cars. His commute now is about 35 minutes and I often feel like a soccer mom (sans minivan) shuffling around town from stop to stop.<br />
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But we have space to roam and time feels slower here which is what we've yearned for since moving back from Wyoming. For the first time in my life, I don't have cable and we have no intention of getting it. It is shocking to even say this, but I have no idea what is happening in the lives of my Real Housewives! We even lived without internet for a couple weeks when we first moved in. My priorities are different here. Liv and I sit on the deck and listen to the roosters crow in the morning instead of watching the Today Show. We pick raspberries and check on the baby birds in the barn. We inspect worms and dragonflies and get really dirty. Life is different here. Life is good here.<br />
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The dogs are in hog heaven with all the space. We lose Daphne on an hourly basis admits the chest-high weeds in the back and Cash has already killed his first rabbit. I found a 6-foot long bullsnake right by Liv's foot and almost had a heart attack. Keane caught it and released it into the field behind our house. That guy. So humane, it's gross.<br />
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<br />Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04241057171056034485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7165674761835900214.post-87027331874774834612014-07-29T08:00:00.000-07:002014-07-29T08:00:00.908-07:0012 months<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>I realize I'm posting this 3.5 months late but my anal retentiveness wouldn't let me forget to post the very last month in the series...so better late than never!</i></div>
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Here's what was going on during this beauty's eleventh month:</div>
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-Babbling all the time. Using a lot of inflection.</div>
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-New tooth sprouting</div>
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-Saying, "Whoa!" when she falls or drops something</div>
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-Smelling flowers</div>
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-Mocking Daphne's whining by imitating her</div>
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-Grinding her teeth (worst noise imaginable, BTW)</div>
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-Always on the go and never wanting to come inside</div>
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There! </div>
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Months 1-12 are finally complete! </div>
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Phew.</div>
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Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04241057171056034485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7165674761835900214.post-964004046140407662014-07-28T14:51:00.002-07:002014-07-28T14:51:39.397-07:00We're backWell, would you look at that. It seems I inadvertently took a three month hiatus from writing. I could do all sorts of explaining about how time got away from me, but the truth is I needed a break from all this sharing. For a long time, all I wanted was for readers to find their way here. I wanted to create a sense of community and belonging among women and mothers. I wanted a space where people could come to share a laugh, commiserate about the trials of parenthood, inspire or be inspired, and most importantly, connect in an age of utter disconnection.<br />
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But a few years into it, I got scared. What if what I was writing wasn't interesting to people anymore? Was I sharing too much? Not enough? How would Liv feel when she's older knowing that I'd detailed her life on the internet? Once something is put out there, you can never get it back, after all. I began feeling insecure about my decision to write instead of empowered by it.<br />
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So I decided to take a step back and sit in silence for a while. Our days marched on and a lot of things happened. We celebrated a first birthday with the most special people in Liv's life. We bought another house and moved for the 8th time in 7 years. Life changed and we grew, and through it all, I just kept thinking, <i>I should really be writing this all down. </i>If for nothing else than our own memory.<br />
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I remembered why I started this blog in the first place. It's our family's storybook and our daughter's babybook. Over the years, Keane and I have spent so much time looking back through old blog posts– reminiscing about our adventures, laughing at our missteps and reliving the emotion of our biggest moments together. I thought about how, in 50 years from now, when my hair is white and my skin is wrinkled, I'll cherish this collection of writings more than most things. Memories fade but words and photos live on. My hope is that Liv will appreciate reading these snippets from her family and maybe even develop a love of writing like her mama.<br />
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So I've decided not to worry about the "audience," and just write. If people come, great. If they find enjoyment from our stories, even better. But I have to remember, first and foremost, this is for us and the pressure is off.<br />
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So for now, we're back...with stories to tell.<br />
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<br />Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04241057171056034485noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7165674761835900214.post-16456009574030073162014-04-13T21:30:00.000-07:002014-04-14T08:18:42.549-07:00Letters to Liv: Happy First BirthdayMy Dearest Liv,<br />
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It's 8:40pm and I'm writing you this letter from bed. You are sound asleep in the next room without the slightest idea of just how meaningful this moment is to me. Right now, exactly one year ago, I was in labor with you.<br />
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I remember every detail about that day so vividly. I felt my first contraction early Saturday afternoon while I rested my aching body on the couch. I was still 6 days out from my due date and had fully expected for you to come late, so I was a little shocked it was all happening so soon.<br />
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Knowing it could still be days before active labor truly started, your papa and I tried to wait patiently without getting our hopes up too much. We watched episodes of Breaking Bad and ate rotisserie chicken and mashed potatoes while casually timing my contractions. I bounced on the big blue ball, stopping every five minutes or so to breathe through the waves that rolled over my core.<br />
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Around 9:00pm, papa called the midwife to see if we should head to the birth center. My contractions had gotten strong and were coming every few minutes at this point. Another hour passed before we were given the green light to come in.<br />
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I remember walking out to the car thinking that the next time we returned home, you'd be with us and our lives would forever be changed. The air was cool and our street was silent. I paused in papa's arms through one last contraction before buckling in and making the 20 minute drive to the birth center. From the back seat, I closed my eyes and said a prayer for us. For you, that your journey into the world would be a safe one; and for me, that I could remain strong through it all.<br />
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Papa called our families to inform them that you were on your way.<br />
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The next 16 hours were the most intense of my entire life. Contractions came every 1.5 to 2 minutes and lasted 60 seconds or more. Each time one ended, I had just enough time to refocus and gather strength for the next. I labored in bed, on a ball, draped over a sling, lunging up and down stairs, floating in a tub, hanging from papa's neck, and hovering over a birth stool.<br />
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Our room was warm, quiet and peaceful. I listened to nature sounds and sniffed peppermint essential oil anytime I got nauseous. Had it not been for the unbelievable pain, I would have thought I was at a spa.<br />
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Your papa was by my side the entire time. He never asked if I was thirsty, instead just held a straw to my mouth and I drank. He rested when I did, but stood up the instant a contraction started to brace some of my weight for me. There were very few words spoken between us during labor but we were more in sync than ever before.<br />
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By about 1:30pm the next day, you were ready to come out. It wasn't at all like the movies, Liv. No one was directing me on when or how to push. There were no beeping monitors or people coming in and out of my room. There was simply a nurse and a midwife kneeling beside my birth tub, gently encouraging and praising me. "You are doing great, mama" they kept saying.<br />
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<i>Mama</i>! It dawned on me that I was just minutes away from becoming your mama! With a few final pushes, you came out into the water and into my arms forever.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTQPS3O77vuQE3SHR8Am4IDguVwyG2iAm_8svuZvx0SEzFAY-g03tmIt2kM-Uq9uj9zf5ZvxfK5x7vLZ0_F_Tgl8Wl1TpcuIU4ZEetr46fEoWGv3B-zHQmlbNXbeE87kkEmJqEUrneQ2Tu/s1600/1.1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTQPS3O77vuQE3SHR8Am4IDguVwyG2iAm_8svuZvx0SEzFAY-g03tmIt2kM-Uq9uj9zf5ZvxfK5x7vLZ0_F_Tgl8Wl1TpcuIU4ZEetr46fEoWGv3B-zHQmlbNXbeE87kkEmJqEUrneQ2Tu/s1600/1.1.jpg" /></a></div>
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You have changed me in so many ways, sweet Liv. I never knew I could love this deeply, live this selflessly or care this much...and all while sustaining prolonged sleep deprivation! You are sweet and sensitive, wild and free, independent and courageous. You are everything I hoped my daughter might be.<br />
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Your life is such a wonderful gift and this year has been my favorite yet. Thank you for coming into our world and choosing us as your parents. We are the lucky ones, Liv.<br />
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Happiest first birthday to you.<br />
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To the moon and back,<br />
<br />
Mama<br />
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<br />Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04241057171056034485noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7165674761835900214.post-41294738783038159622014-03-19T14:12:00.001-07:002014-03-19T14:12:25.420-07:0011 months<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't know her stats but let's just leave it at this: chicken legs. </td></tr>
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<b><u>New this month:</u></b></div>
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-Growling like a wild animal.</div>
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-Clapping, specifically to "If You're Happy and You Know It."</div>
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-Kissing. On the lips... with a wet, open mouth.</div>
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-Saying Mama, Dada, Dog, Deh (yeah), and Doh (no)</div>
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-Cutting a new top tooth (that's 5 total)</div>
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-Obsession with shredding toilet paper. She tears it into tiny little pieces and leaves a trail around the house for me to clean. She's very much like a cat. </div>
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-Loving on command. When I ask her to give someone or something a "love," she gently rests her head on it. Her favorite recipients of loves are soft things like blankets and stuffed animals. </div>
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-Fascination with teeth and tongues. While she nurses, she jams her fingers into my mouth and plays with my teeth. She thinks it's the funniest thing in the world when I pretend to bite them.</div>
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-Moving like Jagger. She sways one arm back and forth with bent knees anytime she hears music or I ask her to dance. It's quite possibly the cutest thing she does. </div>
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-Carrying heaving objects around the house. She loves a challenge so anything big, heavy or awkward to handle, she lugs from room to room while grunting. </div>
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-Exclusively walking (and running). Crawling is for the birds now.</div>
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-Better understanding of the world around her. I can say to her, "Liv, do you want to go for a walk in the stroller?" She'll respond with, "Deh" (her way of saying Yeah). I'll then ask her to get her shoes from her room so we can go. She'll stop what she's doing, go into her bedroom and emerge with her shoes in hand. Brilliant, I tell you!</div>
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-Learning about emotions. She laughs when Keane and I laugh or when she sees someone on TV laughing. She also appeared very concerned when she saw me crying the other day and actually reached out to touch my tears. I love that she's showing empathy at this age. </div>
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-No more scowling! Thank the sweet Lord for that. </div>
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If you need me over the next few weeks, I'll be cursing that hood rat called TIME. Because how has it been almost a full year. How?</div>
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Months <a href="http://giveitgrace.blogspot.com/2013/05/one-month.html">1</a> <a href="http://giveitgrace.blogspot.com/2013/06/two-months.html">2 </a><a href="http://giveitgrace.blogspot.com/2013/07/three-months.html">3</a> <a href="http://giveitgrace.blogspot.com/2013/08/four-months.html">4</a> <a href="http://giveitgrace.blogspot.com/2013/09/5-months.html">5</a> <a href="http://giveitgrace.blogspot.com/2013/10/6-months.html">6</a> <a href="http://giveitgrace.blogspot.com/2013/11/7-months.html">7</a> <a href="http://giveitgrace.blogspot.com/2013/12/8-months.html">8</a> <a href="http://giveitgrace.blogspot.com/2014/01/9-months.html">9</a> <a href="http://giveitgrace.blogspot.com/2014/02/10-months.html">10</a> here</div>
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Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04241057171056034485noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7165674761835900214.post-53898685346190171672014-03-03T10:34:00.000-07:002014-03-03T10:34:09.097-07:00Fishy Fishy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Do you guys remember that terrible sounding jingle that McDonalds came up with a while back for their equally terrible sounding Fish McBites? Well, it was actually brilliant marketing because that dreaded song is ALWAYS stuck in my head. And it's infuriating. </div>
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Oddly enough, the jingle is very appropriate for our recent day spent at the Aquarium. </div>
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We were having one of those mornings... You know, the kind where your 10 month old is being super whiney for no reason and there's nothing you can do to pull her out of her funk? Yeah, that kind. </div>
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So I loaded her up in the car and we headed to the Downtown Aquarium for a change of scenery. I hadn't been there in years and it was her first time. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSGszcYxZk9sEu5h9C4ehmc8s794uPX6NznuFiZ7KgUBDq_ctxXkoRJKSMv0xBalrGslqwU8wPUPUjo4DHwJjSeuhrn0QEEvTFGzWXd4b-L5we3NJ5CzPxJqgvCYi9JxGH-MWq6PXUqCyB/s1600/10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSGszcYxZk9sEu5h9C4ehmc8s794uPX6NznuFiZ7KgUBDq_ctxXkoRJKSMv0xBalrGslqwU8wPUPUjo4DHwJjSeuhrn0QEEvTFGzWXd4b-L5we3NJ5CzPxJqgvCYi9JxGH-MWq6PXUqCyB/s1600/10.jpg" /></a></div>
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It's so fun to go places like this with her now that she's walking. She could explore at her own pace and the best part was, we went on a Wednesday and pretty much had the place to ourselves. Since I didn't have to worry about her getting trampled or lost, I let her have total freedom. </div>
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She was mesmerized. </div>
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The aquarium is neat because you can walk right up to the exhibits where the fish are constantly moving. It's easy for little ones to stay engaged since there is so much to watch. Sometimes, places like the zoo prove to be a bit boring for her because many of the animals are far away and not doing a whole lot. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQiRHgdDavUNl7bltDvDXCswmgKLa8daV3oXcN9pSXDEikuzYMvH1GQX5xiomKuBuaoX_SS61GFSkSNGa0L2hu7HKMY8CG28k323nGu1BQ2KKl3yx_RIbTyZ1Iu7McFJ4jZe6z8h3WZDuI/s1600/12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQiRHgdDavUNl7bltDvDXCswmgKLa8daV3oXcN9pSXDEikuzYMvH1GQX5xiomKuBuaoX_SS61GFSkSNGa0L2hu7HKMY8CG28k323nGu1BQ2KKl3yx_RIbTyZ1Iu7McFJ4jZe6z8h3WZDuI/s1600/12.jpg" /></a></div>
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At the very end of the aquarium were the sharks. Now, there aren't too many things that creep me out in this world. I'm not one of those girls that runs screaming when they see a spider. I'm perfectly fine squishing them with a tissue and moving on with my day. Snakes aren't my cup of tea but I can handle them as long as they aren't on me. But Sharks...There is something so eerie to me about a shark. Their eyes, their teeth, the ways they glide through the water. </div>
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When Liv and I walked into this final, dark exhibit with floor to ceiling glass and dozens of sharks swimming around, my stomach dropped. It didn't help that we were the only ones in the room and the Jaws song was blaring through the speakers around us. I was certain they were all staring at me. They can sense fear, right?! I snapped a few photos and quickly ushered Liv out of the room to the safety of the snack bar. </div>
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Despite the creepy sharks, we had such a great time at the aquarium and can't wait to go back. Next time we'll be sure to take papa with us...you know, for protection.</div>
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Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04241057171056034485noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7165674761835900214.post-69035472813317272612014-02-21T12:59:00.003-07:002014-02-21T12:59:34.544-07:0010 months<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB2leH1lBfSgPlSyanCijYDlrADwbtwzFcn4Kc4-FvvZe1BbHeUCalAIx1BZNJ53IyISyUgY4o_ByHHqxJGE7US3Tvo5aUaGdpfi_TlhcyWMtyYLbh6M83BaoQ6wMSfcGi4CJvtbB2sE-x/s1600/10months.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB2leH1lBfSgPlSyanCijYDlrADwbtwzFcn4Kc4-FvvZe1BbHeUCalAIx1BZNJ53IyISyUgY4o_ByHHqxJGE7US3Tvo5aUaGdpfi_TlhcyWMtyYLbh6M83BaoQ6wMSfcGi4CJvtbB2sE-x/s1600/10months.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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It's cliché, I know, but I really can't believe how big our girl has gotten. She is going to be a year old the next time I blink. </div>
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What? No, I'm not crying! There's just dust in my eye. </div>
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Ok, on to accomplishments from last month. The biggest and most exciting milestone is that we now have a walker on our hands! Liv took her first steps just two days after turning nine months and then spent the next few weeks gaining the confidence to inch further and further on her own. She now toddles all around by herself. Although she doesn't need any help from us, she still enjoys the comfort of holding onto our finger for support. </div>
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<u>Other notable happenings:</u></div>
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-Makes the sweetest cooing noises as she's falling asleep. While I nurse her to sleep in the evening, she drifts off and lets out the most glorious little throaty sounds in existence. She's so peaceful and relaxed. It's music to my ears!</div>
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-Learned to feed the dogs at meal time and now attempts to give them all her food. I appreciate her desire to share but we are going to end up with some seriously fat dogs if this continues. On a related note, Liv is their new favorite person. </div>
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-Developed quite the 'tude. For about 2.5 weeks, Liv looked at everyone and everything with disdain. My once smiley baby had morphed into someone I didn't recognize and wore a permanent scowl on her face. We were starting to become concerned and went back and forth about how to handle this phase (at least we hoped it was a phase). Should we laugh? Do it back to her? Ignore it all together? I'm happy to report we are now on the other side and she's back to smiling and waving at everyone she meets. Thank goodness.</div>
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Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04241057171056034485noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7165674761835900214.post-80620851328714451422014-02-20T13:43:00.000-07:002014-02-20T13:43:52.081-07:00Lately in photos<div style="text-align: center;">
We've been surviving bouts of the polar vortex over here with lots of indoor activities and play dates with friends. Luckily, unlike the rest of the country, our sub zero weather was broken up by temperatures that reached the 60's some days so it hasn't been all bad. </div>
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Here are some Instagram (@raysyoursights) and iPhone photos of what we've been up to recently. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuDOmIaWNaF_BLTGO6McXGOKdN70rZbXG5PuWA3x1PbnPouknztJS1OcRhwgUws7wu3ivdz165_o2HeMsWNDcQNSylW_NQ9FAOf7docjPMhMDuKUIemzHJ8Uw9AVggbbyNqkRtGeOJbRNa/s1600/photo-4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuDOmIaWNaF_BLTGO6McXGOKdN70rZbXG5PuWA3x1PbnPouknztJS1OcRhwgUws7wu3ivdz165_o2HeMsWNDcQNSylW_NQ9FAOf7docjPMhMDuKUIemzHJ8Uw9AVggbbyNqkRtGeOJbRNa/s1600/photo-4.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Struttin' around with her fancy lady fan//Carefully observing the big kids at the playground//Proving that she can now climb onto furniture and make herself comfy, all on her own//Tantrums which are starting far too early for my liking//Exploring the market at the Children's Museum with her pal Drew//Double date with Brooke and Cameron to the Butterfly Pavilion//Dog beds are her happy place//ET phone home//Sunday family brunch</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoTD3tiqGQiVHSY7G2_IT3s2lDKMCG2TC9lNAhFds40O27Brp0OFzY2fkHnMS2DXSXcmvRg27TFmQ9CO4x9kpF7GIbW8cZKPgv180nEGOU2VfL1ParHGoyz8AnL4MXYhgMq18idSziBHRn/s1600/photo-5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoTD3tiqGQiVHSY7G2_IT3s2lDKMCG2TC9lNAhFds40O27Brp0OFzY2fkHnMS2DXSXcmvRg27TFmQ9CO4x9kpF7GIbW8cZKPgv180nEGOU2VfL1ParHGoyz8AnL4MXYhgMq18idSziBHRn/s1600/photo-5.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A sick little cream puff//Pear to the face//My attempt at Valentine's nails//Sleeping beauty//I can never and will never get over her feet. OBSESSED//First swim with some friends, Charlie Mae and Ellie//Mama and baby photo op at the pool//Family hike in Evergreen//All my children</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmndGh6oXCB2bfadCEosFFCpErhfykV8Zzq8cALAPNlbuApLtXEqA2cbpqkoiHL01sEW5aNOui94CvMk0JDRi8ZQ7VZw0cTcuA8neMiBbfH-OG8PVfDImP-t7JLMDe5lLxQmlDCBQyVOzI/s1600/photo-6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmndGh6oXCB2bfadCEosFFCpErhfykV8Zzq8cALAPNlbuApLtXEqA2cbpqkoiHL01sEW5aNOui94CvMk0JDRi8ZQ7VZw0cTcuA8neMiBbfH-OG8PVfDImP-t7JLMDe5lLxQmlDCBQyVOzI/s1600/photo-6.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Exploring the mountains with papa//Valentine's Day celebration with my main squeeze//Chocolate cake the size of one's head//Feeling guilty for being short with Siri//So much love for my guy after spending hours talking about our goals for our marriage//Play date at Olen's house...his mama makes the coolest toys!//Olen and Liv, born just 3 days apart//Ikea//Just moments before L picked up a handful of dog poop at the park. YAY!</td></tr>
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<br />Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04241057171056034485noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7165674761835900214.post-8163555029535472822014-02-07T08:00:00.000-07:002014-02-07T09:05:18.702-07:00Keane's Quotables Sometime around 3am the other night...<br />
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Keane jolted up in bed and reached across to grab my legs. Having almost scared the poo right out of me, I barked at him, "AHHH! WHAT are you doing?!"<br />
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"Oh sorry, I thought Liv was falling out of bed. I was trying to grab her."<br />
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Liv doesn't even sleep in our bed, mind you. In a huff, I rolled over and tried to get comfortable again, squirming around until I found my cocoon.<br />
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Groggy and still mostly asleep, Keane had the gall to say, "I'm going to need you to calm down."<br />
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"Ugh, whatever Keane," I responded while giving him the side eye. I get very defensive in the dark, I'll have you know.<br />
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Then, as if out of some Russian mob scene, he calmly (and creepily) said, "Just call me Sarkovsky."<br />
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I'm sorry, WHO? WHAT? I can't even...<br />
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<br />Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04241057171056034485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7165674761835900214.post-45774185541387049922014-02-05T09:27:00.000-07:002014-02-05T09:27:22.625-07:00Remember Me?!It's been a while, I know. Let's get reacquainted, shall we?<br />
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Interwebs, meet Kelly. Kelly is a stay-at-home mama to a very spunky (and recently SASSY) 9.5 month old baby girl named Liv. Kelly feels like all the creativity is being sucked from her brain during this brutiful stage of life which is why you haven't heard much from her lately. <strike>Stella's</strike> Kelly's trying hard to get her groove back.<br />
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Kelly, meet interwebs. HI GUYS! Thanks for sticking with me.<br />
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Phew, glad we got that out of the way. So moving on to the important stuff. Our beloved Denver Broncos. I'll pause while we all have a moment of silence for the way things went down at the Super Bowl last weekend.<br />
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pause....pause....pause<br />
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It's taken our household a few days to recover from such a tragic loss, but we still love our team and are optimistic about next year. I ain't mad atcha, Broncos.<br />
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I am super excited for the Olympics to start in just a couple of days. As I mentioned in <a href="http://giveitgrace.blogspot.com/2012/08/lately.html">this post</a> from the last summer Olympics, both K and I are extremely competitive people so two weeks of being able to live vicariously through athletes on the other side of the world and cheer on our country is definitely our idea of a good time. USA!<br />
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It's dreadfully cold here in Colorado. Today's high will only reach 4º. Weather like this makes the days drag on forever since we are stuck indoors. I think our only option today is to head to the mall for a glimpse of civilization because yesterday L and I both bordered on the brink of crazy. 12+ hours of playing with the same toys inside our tiny bungalow will do that.<br />
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Speaking of that yummy baby of mine... she has officially taken her first steps. On January 16, she took three giant strides from K to me right before bedtime. Since then, she's been getting more and more comfortable on her legs and only uses one of our fingers for stabilization now as she moves around the house. Get it girl!<br />
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Here are a few pictures of our recent happenings.<br />
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<br />Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04241057171056034485noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7165674761835900214.post-34128577406538768962014-01-27T08:00:00.000-07:002014-01-27T08:00:02.078-07:00Baby Eats<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Around six months, we began introducing Liv to solid foods via the Baby Led Weaning approach. I loved the idea of exposing her to a wide variety of flavors at a young age. With BLW, baby eats what you eat– ideally wholesome, nutritious foods in their natural form. If you are having steak and veggies for dinner, well then baby gets a chunk of meat and a spear of broccoli to gnaw on too. The method encourages the use of plenty of spices and dispels the myth that babies require bland foods. It makes sense when you think about all the babies in other cultures who regularly eat spicy foods at each meal. Some of our favorites to sprinkle on meats, rice and baked vegetables are garlic powder, rosemary, curry powder and sage. </div>
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Neither Keane nor I are picky eaters so it was really important to us that our children develop a well rounded palate. I also refuse to make a different meal for everyone in our household so out of necessity, our kids need to be able to enjoy foods other than chicken nuggets and mac and cheese. </div>
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Following this method and being liberal with what we offer Liv has really paid off. We get so many comments from family, friends and fellow restaurant goers about how well she eats. There really isn't a food she won't gobble up. Her favorites include kale, mushrooms, broccoli, cauliflower, black beans, kiwi, blackberries, pomegranates, eggs, chicken, and beef. </div>
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The fact that she eats pretty much anything I do makes life so much easier, but I will admit, there are times when I'm feeling lazy and don't want to have to think about making a meal. Times when I decide to eat chips and salsa for dinner or hold off on making breakfast for myself until L's morning nap. That's when having a variety of frozen purées on hand for quick, healthy meal options for her is super convenient. I can simply reach into the freezer and quickly thaw a couple cubes of fruit and veggie blends without any thought or preparation. </div>
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The organic squeeze pouches of baby food are nice to keep in the diaper bag for when we are on the go but at $1.89 a pop, they add up quick. So when we're home, mama's blends are what she gets!</div>
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Every three weeks or so, I come up with some combinations I think sound good and stock up on produce. I use a food processor to make big batches which I then freeze in ice trays. </div>
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Here are a few tried and true recipes in our house:</div>
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<b>Apple Carrot</b></div>
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Peel, core and slice apples. Place spears in 1 inch of boiling water for 10 minutes or until tender. Peel and steam carrots for approximately 20 minutes. Place both in food processor until smooth. </div>
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<b>Apple Peach Corn Chia Seeds</b></div>
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I used organic frozen peaches since they aren't currently in season. I also used frozen organic corn because that's what I had on hand. Place all ingredients into food processor until smooth. </div>
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<b>Tropical Fruit Spinach</b> </div>
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(Steamed pears, fresh kiwi, mango, banana, and spinach)</div>
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Blend all ingredients until smooth.</div>
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<b>Beets Kale Banana Pear</b></div>
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Clean and peel beets. Cut into small chunks and steam for 15-20 minutes or until tender. Add raw kale, banana, steamed pears and beets to food processor until smooth.</div>
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<b>Pumpkin Banana</b></div>
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Blend organic canned pumpkin and banana</div>
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<b>Butternut Squash Sweet Potato</b> </div>
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This one is easy because you can pop both ingredients in the oven at the same time. Slice squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. Place both halves face down in a baking dish with about 1 inch of water. Bake at 400 for 40 minutes to an hour. Let cool, then scoop out the "meat." Puncture sweet potatoes with a fork and place in the same oven for the same amount of time. Once cooled, scoop out potato from skin and process until smooth. Add a few dashes of cinnamon to taste. </div>
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<b>Pear Sauce</b></div>
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Steam pears. Once cooked, blend in food processor and add vanilla extract and cinnamon to taste.</div>
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A few months ago I made a huge batch of beets and discovered they weren't Liv's favorite. So instead of wasting all those wonderful nutrients, I added a little frozen beets to other recipes to pack in more vitamins. The bright pink cube you see in the picture is Pear Sauce with some frozen beets thrown in. They don't change the flavor, and they make everything prettier! Win win. </div>
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If you are making purées with a single vegetable, try experimenting with some yummy spices. Add basil, thyme or tarragon to carrots. Sprinkle garlic powder, sage or pepper on green beans or peas. I don't use exact measurements of anything, I just do a lot of taste testing while I cook. </div>
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Some other combinations you could try are Broccoli Apple, Sweet Potato Corn Apple, Spinach Pumpkin Chickpea, or Blueberry Pear Carrot. The combinations are endless. Just use what you have on hand and taste as you go. Chances are if you think it's tasty, you're babe will too.</div>
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Try using organic ingredients when possible and make things in bulk. You'll save time if you steam a whole pot of apples or bake a few sweet potatoes at once, and use them in several different recipes. </div>
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Depending on your baby's texture preference, you can add vitamin rich water from the steamed fruits or veggies to the purées to make them more runny. Breast milk or formula is also a great option.</div>
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I really recommend getting some silicone ice trays. I've found they make larger cubes than traditional ice trays and it is much easier to get them out once frozen. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr4Tm6SA7RAdqIb0_kwpWSijM3vfz9zllt_i_EXQZgXBzWHg85R0BfdFZ-8WDZ7MNh82czNTW0dBrNIzlA_dy-w_e0f3C00drGtFyus_BGZDR5I0vySIzpPFEWdKg0wA6MaQyXu1isx3xs/s1600/10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr4Tm6SA7RAdqIb0_kwpWSijM3vfz9zllt_i_EXQZgXBzWHg85R0BfdFZ-8WDZ7MNh82czNTW0dBrNIzlA_dy-w_e0f3C00drGtFyus_BGZDR5I0vySIzpPFEWdKg0wA6MaQyXu1isx3xs/s1600/10.jpg" /></a></div>
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Making your own healthy baby food doesn't have to be a daunting task. With a little planning, you can create lots of fun flavors for your little one to enjoy! </div>
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Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04241057171056034485noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7165674761835900214.post-25196508476866909922014-01-20T21:26:00.000-07:002014-02-18T21:18:25.937-07:009 months<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic3vPKtoc3XVGMnWRi-xyupwgz8MvZuQ62XXqEf_hbA9aB5uBHIt6xU6_t1u_ku_UNbBh-7Inz_ZDvyKzrAnXn9uF87wsXrFl5HohF9lBXGa2EMadYotECyiGAxob26thEuo_sb6X1rF6A/s1600/9.1months.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic3vPKtoc3XVGMnWRi-xyupwgz8MvZuQ62XXqEf_hbA9aB5uBHIt6xU6_t1u_ku_UNbBh-7Inz_ZDvyKzrAnXn9uF87wsXrFl5HohF9lBXGa2EMadYotECyiGAxob26thEuo_sb6X1rF6A/s1600/9.1months.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">15lbs 11oz, 27.75in long</td></tr>
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This picture slays me. </div>
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I've had to rethink our method for taking these monthly photos because she simply won't lie still. Since standing is more her style these days, this was much more successful. </div>
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Lots of new developments last month:</div>
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-Began cruising with a walker she was given for Christmas</div>
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-Stands on her own without any help from furniture or us</div>
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-Smiles at everything but reserves her giggles for things that are really, really funny.</div>
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-Gives "loves" to soft things, i.e. stuffed animals, blankets, sheepskin rug (She gently rests her head on them and smiles at us while we say, "looooves")</div>
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-Enjoys pulling things out of drawers and baskets, then putting them back in. Each night before bed, she diligently yanks all her clothes out of her hamper and then throws them around the room. Then she moves on to the books in her basket and the toys in the drawer. Her most favorite activity is taking all of papa's jeans out of the dresser, one by one. </div>
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-Understands the signs for Milk, All Done, More, Eat, Dog, Mama, and Papa</div>
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-Loves music and thrashes her body around whenever she hears it</div>
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-Mastered going up stairs</div>
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-Still has no idea how to come back down</div>
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-Gives high fives</div>
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-Plays games. When I say, "I'm gonna get you!"she scurries away from me, giggling.</div>
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And spoiler alert:: this girl took her first steps two days after turning 9 months. </div>
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Here we go!</div>
Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04241057171056034485noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7165674761835900214.post-24686484544890174012014-01-06T22:12:00.004-07:002014-01-06T22:12:39.749-07:00New Beginnings Just when I was starting to wrap my head around 2013, BAM! Another year gone.<br />
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Welcome, 2014. I trust you will be good to us.<br />
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Last year was a good one. We welcomed a baby girl into the family and our world was shaken to its core in the best possible way. I wholeheartedly embraced the job I always knew I was meant for and became a stay-at-home mama. K and I adjusted to our new normal, kissing sleep goodbye for the foreseeable future and figuring out how to juggle the added responsibility of caring for a tiny, helpless human.<br />
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Since ringing in 2014 nearly one week ago, I've been spending a lot of time pondering what it is that I envision for this new year; what it is that I want from it– from myself, really.<br />
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More so than any other year, I feel I have a true opportunity for a start fresh. There are several things that need tweaking in my life and I feel ready to dig deep and put in the work. There really is no time like the present, right?<br />
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Above all else, I want to stop using time as an excuse for my shortcomings. Phrases like, "I'm too busy" or, "I wish there were more hours in the day" frequent my vocabulary more than they should. I want to stop complaining about time because the more attention I give to <i>lack</i>, the bigger <i>lack</i> becomes. <br />
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Once I've loosened my grip on the clock and allow time to flow as it should, I plan to re-prioritize the important things in life:<br />
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<b>Health</b>- Physical, Emotional, Spiritual. I want to schedule more time each week to attend a yoga class, journal, sit in silence, take a bath by candlelight, and serve others. I want to get out of the city, away from the constant chatter of people and buzz of electronics. I want to find a church that we are excited about attending and one that we can raise our daughter in. I want to finally start the book study with Keane that we've been talking about doing for months. I want to simplify my world.<br />
<b>Relationships-</b> I want to strive to be a better wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend everyday. Send a handwritten note just because. Help someone move (it's truly my least favorite thing to do EVER so this is a big one), cook a meal and deliver it when someone is ill. Smile at more strangers. Chat with the clerk at the grocery store rather than rushing off to my next activity. See the Good and the God in everyone I meet. Be selfless more of the time.<br />
<b>Creativity</b>- Turn off the television, put down the phone and create something. A lavish meal, a fun painting, a blog post that's been brewing in my brain for months. I want to paint my nails, listen to loud music, dance wildly with my husband.<br />
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I'm avoiding using the word "resolutions" because statistics prove that those things are never successfully kept. Instead, this list is more of a direction I wish to take. It's a personal mission for my life.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtnn8J-ruh3tjTvr_PC8OFwLJccmjK6sYFoa-N9oy7M74UoKSp2CjQURUsLDcJzjM8cwlVSmph4qJwaFJj_1gI5IywaEoLiQj2RvMPsYD42r0AU8wLNZenJc6edNQR22G_hr_x2q4CaEsG/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtnn8J-ruh3tjTvr_PC8OFwLJccmjK6sYFoa-N9oy7M74UoKSp2CjQURUsLDcJzjM8cwlVSmph4qJwaFJj_1gI5IywaEoLiQj2RvMPsYD42r0AU8wLNZenJc6edNQR22G_hr_x2q4CaEsG/s1600/1.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I took this photo a year and a half ago in Aspen. <br />It makes my soul happy.</td></tr>
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Here's to you, 2014...<br />
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Let's make it good.<br />
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<br />Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04241057171056034485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7165674761835900214.post-59253234408254960972013-12-27T10:38:00.001-07:002013-12-27T10:38:31.812-07:008 months<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Pmv2hoRUKuZk-LwVR0hs99-3yKD7T9JoTC7iML2OBL9NMCi7027xv3KW3zSLgVmZUA-xWWAV7Wy09J-mSxI7bgIOaVqP3g5f6-oHdbYFeFKfykB3WUeDDMny6mE7HDiu8REDDgxLP7g9/s1600/8months.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Pmv2hoRUKuZk-LwVR0hs99-3yKD7T9JoTC7iML2OBL9NMCi7027xv3KW3zSLgVmZUA-xWWAV7Wy09J-mSxI7bgIOaVqP3g5f6-oHdbYFeFKfykB3WUeDDMny6mE7HDiu8REDDgxLP7g9/s1600/8months.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">15lbs 1oz</td></tr>
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These monthly photos are proving more and more difficult to take since L refuses to lie flat on her back anymore. Here's the best shot of this squirmy blur I was able to get. </div>
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<u>New last month:</u></div>
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-First plane ride (she did great)</div>
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-First time at the beach (she ate a lot of sand)</div>
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-Started saying "mama" (be still my beating heart)</div>
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-Began yanking the hair straight out of my head (I embraced the "Mom Cut")</div>
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-Learned how to clap and wave (so proud of herself)</div>
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-Walking around furniture and cruising with the help of our fingers (oooh our aching backs)</div>
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-Climbs stairs (still recovering from many small heart attacks)</div>
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-Developed the most endearing emphysema voice and uses it whenever she's excited (sounds like an 80 year old lifelong smoker)</div>
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-Became a very distracted nurser (I have better things to do than lie still and drink milk, ma!). She now attempts to nurse in a downward dog yoga pose, just to avoid lying down. You're welcome for that visual. </div>
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I swear this girl is taking after her Tio Brennon and Grandpa Jett and will be walking by 9 months. Baby proofing has taken on a whole new meaning now that she pulls herself up onto anything and everything, i.e. the toilet (GROSS), the refrigerator drawers (and attempts to CLIMB into them), the TV cabinet (and does a CHIN UP on the top shelf- WTF?), and the open dishwasher racks (I now have to hand wash the knives).</div>
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Time with this munchkin keeps getting better. She is so COOL and I truly enjoy spending time with her. She's funny, a little ornery, and very courageous. She's always up for anything, just like her papa and me. She's not so much into baths anymore, but adores mealtime and must be storing all her food in a hallow leg because she's still a twig. </div>
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My strong-willed child holds her own at playgroups when other babies try to snatch her toys. After giving them the stink eye, she rips her beloved rattle or ball away from the vultures and moves along to another area of the room. That's my girl! </div>
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She is fearless and adventurous and loves making new friends. At a recent music class, she crawled to the other side of the room and sat on a woman's lap whom she'd never seen before. Having always been a shy child myself, I beamed with pride while watching my outgoing babe explore her world. </div>
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Boy, do I love that Liv Evelyn.</div>
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Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04241057171056034485noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7165674761835900214.post-40576237556824745602013-12-26T12:10:00.001-07:002013-12-26T12:10:07.151-07:00Merry Merry<div style="text-align: center;">
These last couple of weeks have been pure magic for our little family. Liv experienced several firsts this Christmas season and was showered with goodies by so many loving family members. Although she's too little to grasp the meaning of this holiday, the excitement of it all was certainly not lost on her. </div>
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She opened lots of prizes, danced to every existing variation of Jingle Bell Rock, decorated cookies with mama, and tempted the fate of very breakable ornaments which were hung too low on the tree...oops! I always thought Christmas was the best as a kid, but now I know I was wrong. It's WAY better as a parent. </div>
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Merry Christmas and happiest New Year wishes from our family to yours!</div>
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Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04241057171056034485noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7165674761835900214.post-80190268062752785622013-12-11T13:21:00.000-07:002013-12-11T13:21:13.128-07:00A girl and her dogs <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Our dogs have really gotten the raw end of the deal since moving back from Wyoming. They very suddenly went from having free reign of unrestricted open space, to running circles in a dirt lot masquerading as a dog park in the city. Not long after our move, their lives were turned upside down again when a tiny human moved in to their house and invaded their lives. </div>
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L absolutely adores them, and now that she is mobile, all up in their grill is the only place she wants to be. With as much change as they've experienced over the past year and a half, Daphne and Cash couldn't be more patient and sweet with her. </div>
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I love seeing the bond she is forming with these hairy beasts. She loves them so much and I'm certain they secretly love her back. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji0OCL58Mug038zrV5tCIjyZuA5DKg0IyDMBcjW6pgXkx_i5sEIANXO5FHIfDk52g0p_BPDpKUZabt0NhTFpw2MHBxsy6DbbzRnZ6rqg7OyGcH7ua_yV-UJ4qKSGuVASOzuepfOIz-VRZP/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji0OCL58Mug038zrV5tCIjyZuA5DKg0IyDMBcjW6pgXkx_i5sEIANXO5FHIfDk52g0p_BPDpKUZabt0NhTFpw2MHBxsy6DbbzRnZ6rqg7OyGcH7ua_yV-UJ4qKSGuVASOzuepfOIz-VRZP/s1600/3.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's a known fact that children who grow up in homes with dogs have better immune systems. This photo proves why.</td></tr>
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<br />Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04241057171056034485noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7165674761835900214.post-11554996040518409642013-12-04T15:57:00.003-07:002013-12-04T15:57:26.088-07:00What's in a (nick) name?K is notorious for coming up with nicknames. Every pet we've ever owned has been given a series of nicknames, each morphing into the most random of words which are a far cry from their origin.<br />
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Take Daphne for instance. We call her Squeakers by way of Feeks, Fifi, Finicus, P. FeekieCheeseMo, and Feekie Squeaks. </div>
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Then there's Cash. He became Mr. Pants early on, then Monsuego, Wiener, Cashew, and now it's Chooms or Chum for short.</div>
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And yes, I do realize how crazy we sound.</div>
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Before Liv came along, I asked Keane if he was planning to dub her some obscure name, and thus, embarrass her for life. He replied that a nickname can't merely be chosen out of thin air... it must flow from within and evolve naturally. </div>
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<i>Well, excuse me.</i></div>
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As it turned out, Liv was not exempt from the weirdo naming process, and now that it's been seven and a half months, I thought I'd take a second to record some of them. Because there are just some things that must be immortalized on the interwebs. </div>
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<u>Liv:</u></div>
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Littles</div>
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Livabell Stevenson</div>
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Stevie-Sone</div>
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Livi Lou</div>
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Baby Lou Lou</div>
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Toot Toot</div>
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Tiny Toot Toot</div>
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Toot De La Fruit</div>
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Tukie</div>
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Fructise </div>
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Froofie </div>
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I happen to have come up with those most commonly used which are Tukie (Tukes) and Froofie. </div>
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I'm sure we are doing some psychological damage and Liv will grow up with a major identity crisis, but we literally can't help ourselves. Seriously, I have to make a conscience effort everyday to call her by her real name so she knows what it is. </div>
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We hope she can find it in her little Tootie Fruity heart to forgive us one day.</div>
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Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04241057171056034485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7165674761835900214.post-24950917344588431732013-12-01T20:58:00.003-07:002013-12-01T20:58:28.770-07:00Because I can't seem to find the time to write<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I hope everyone had a happy Thanksgiving and a restful holiday weekend. We ate copious amounts of turkey at my in-laws' house on Thursday, and then again at my sister's on Saturday. We have one more Thanksgiving dinner next weekend at which point I will gladly give up turkey and stuffing until next year. </div>
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I was chatting with K's uncle over the weekend about this little blog of mine and I shared with him that I'm bummed I can't put as much energy into this space as I would like. Time doesn't usually permit when I'm baby wrangling, and when I do find myself with a spare minute, my brain hurts too much to string together thoughts on a keyboard. So instead, I end up watching another episode of mindless reality television and wishing this brain fog would lift. </div>
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Until that happens, I guess I'll just continue averaging one post per week while relying heavily on the "picture is worth a thousand words" sentiment. </div>
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I appreciate all of you who continue to stop in, even when there isn't much to read. I hope that will change someday.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwxn2ophx4Ub396L8IKtIr99cQLlxoomam_Y0Mj7NAc5MFXraE6ymPb2nmFc8stGM4ttdkcNUgRIIiM7mmUF25GLB8Z_Pxi-hmboMiJLl4RkWcWoi6l1v5IXAQ01AK6Pjhqq1vrnzze0Eg/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwxn2ophx4Ub396L8IKtIr99cQLlxoomam_Y0Mj7NAc5MFXraE6ymPb2nmFc8stGM4ttdkcNUgRIIiM7mmUF25GLB8Z_Pxi-hmboMiJLl4RkWcWoi6l1v5IXAQ01AK6Pjhqq1vrnzze0Eg/s400/photo+1.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cooped up in the house to escape temperatures in the teens. Wishing we were still in San Diego.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi04P02F1LGclXaBLzS9lfnA2bnK5Dk3Ay8joTu27ZrurragiNvsolK0hrTy8OU6UJnmk4dRKUEkikOA-iLtOJOm9Y_tvz27uHx8NK09l6M9mPc21_v2wfNJRyzd1JhtjMHBzL0fffBYYkG/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi04P02F1LGclXaBLzS9lfnA2bnK5Dk3Ay8joTu27ZrurragiNvsolK0hrTy8OU6UJnmk4dRKUEkikOA-iLtOJOm9Y_tvz27uHx8NK09l6M9mPc21_v2wfNJRyzd1JhtjMHBzL0fffBYYkG/s400/photo+2.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All dressed up for K's company holiday party.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ5jN926g6IXu8vgi7mJStQYjkECXOR25lzAAG6WFjP5nCu9hibgh0Wy4ehMnpZtqkSyB64Pn58QRnGgZB0KDvk37pucSqJ8VgvzBOnCNOIcushrlELO7nmYGVHDIXsOV6GoePwrmi4R1K/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ5jN926g6IXu8vgi7mJStQYjkECXOR25lzAAG6WFjP5nCu9hibgh0Wy4ehMnpZtqkSyB64Pn58QRnGgZB0KDvk37pucSqJ8VgvzBOnCNOIcushrlELO7nmYGVHDIXsOV6GoePwrmi4R1K/s400/photo+3.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Longest day ever being used as a human jungle gym. Ready for papa to come home and relieve me.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFgIqNsWjiHp80uRPqBbnfhr4uw6gAPCvECpTOl799kJW73jhPSgI-M3BGaY7MRiriMiDvqJEw_GO7J_tWroR_PGrAahK-oLRj_iirGstGtlOkeZU0-TGsPKMowlKdTPuUYR3JWYHJykyh/s1600/photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFgIqNsWjiHp80uRPqBbnfhr4uw6gAPCvECpTOl799kJW73jhPSgI-M3BGaY7MRiriMiDvqJEw_GO7J_tWroR_PGrAahK-oLRj_iirGstGtlOkeZU0-TGsPKMowlKdTPuUYR3JWYHJykyh/s400/photo+4.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At our local library for Book Babies. L no longer thinks it's cool to sit next to mom. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_54ZJMKxFHynFaVRgagXBp2x2Pspv5HZiPzN9fyCjD7F8vx7QDCicWXCdZnPiOAKjgAVoKDXnhRAGtGaFezrJUZBfr9iH1nba-Ygvkmb-Skwt81RB0Wdm-MNYDpZX7tFZ-tlV2TvsZjM4/s1600/photo+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_54ZJMKxFHynFaVRgagXBp2x2Pspv5HZiPzN9fyCjD7F8vx7QDCicWXCdZnPiOAKjgAVoKDXnhRAGtGaFezrJUZBfr9iH1nba-Ygvkmb-Skwt81RB0Wdm-MNYDpZX7tFZ-tlV2TvsZjM4/s400/photo+5.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My handsome man guy</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixAxCy_01RxCB6aWixHgYdKWlS9elYEx5LSqyB_BZWqzBtDuUZX5QjGggy0L_wz666nfJ69JHwI49nv4RNV2w4hYbjbG_3rcR2b0gcz-MXlPF9omNLGy4URxswjNqYzzEmutIMQexxwUL0/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixAxCy_01RxCB6aWixHgYdKWlS9elYEx5LSqyB_BZWqzBtDuUZX5QjGggy0L_wz666nfJ69JHwI49nv4RNV2w4hYbjbG_3rcR2b0gcz-MXlPF9omNLGy4URxswjNqYzzEmutIMQexxwUL0/s400/photo+1.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our little adventurer</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjoi5cyflIzHR-bGv7FEP3SDiBD7fJashXJnvyNRXwLC3pBdgJVjeLMf-SzQuJ5aWWZYetzLSrtBfjjeSjRJ8ocH-T9bb7zuNDlIbtH9K9eoiOTF6Hpt4pp0uqDaLI9xQz8SmGxVqEc-87/s1600/photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjoi5cyflIzHR-bGv7FEP3SDiBD7fJashXJnvyNRXwLC3pBdgJVjeLMf-SzQuJ5aWWZYetzLSrtBfjjeSjRJ8ocH-T9bb7zuNDlIbtH9K9eoiOTF6Hpt4pp0uqDaLI9xQz8SmGxVqEc-87/s400/photo+4.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Decking our halls to the sounds of Michael Buble Christmas on Pandora. <br />So excited for the magic of this month.</td></tr>
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Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04241057171056034485noreply@blogger.com2