Some girls don't look good in hats...But mine does!!

So, today Kenny and I ran some errands...our first stop was Costco. Before we even got into the store, we had this little older lady stop and talk to us in the parking lot. Well, stop and talk to Kira in the parking lot. She just kept talking to her and getting her to smile. She told us about how her grandkids and great grandkids were all growing up and how she didn't have anymore little babies to play with. It was just so cute to see the joy that Kira brought to her face every time she would smile back at her. (Yeah, I do take my camera everywhere now. I mean, we are documenting our lives here people.) This photo is of Kira basking in the sun on the way into Costco. :)

Kira's a big girl now and she sits up in the cart. She's not harnessed in like in her carseat so she reaches for stuff...like my camera.

Tonight our neighbor had a bbq. We went for a little bit, but let's be honest.... I didn't know most of the people and Kira didn't want to play volleyball which was what everyone was doing....so we escaped back home after a little while. lol. But, of course, I made sure to take pics first of Kira hanging out. This picture shows my so talented baby sitting up. She has just recently mastered sitting up for more than a couple minutes without falling back and bonking her head.

Kira has the face of an angel as you can see by this next one...

Why I love this picture, I'm just not sure. I think perhaps it's because it shows the innocence of a child. She's just feeling the grass on her feet and content with that. She's perfect. I love her.

But, she's also a ham. She knows this face...makes me crack up. Her cute smile, with a little scrunch of the nose. Her teeth are already showing on the top when she smiles. I can't believe how quickly she is changing!

Memorial Day (Only a week late :) )

Kenny bouncing on the trampoline

Mckayle acting silly :)

Cody and Kira

Grandpa Hart and Kira

So, this week has not been the best...I haven't been feeling well, and so I haven't really felt like updating my blog. I've just been tired and sick...and sick and tired. lol. But, on Monday we went to Aunt Bernice's to hang out. I was kinda of sad because I bought Kira a new swimsuit that she didn't get to wear because it was so cold, but it was fun to see the family and hang out. I always have fun when I go there, and this time was hilarious because I got on the trampoline. I know, I know, right? But, it was fun. :) Unfortunately there aren't any photos of me jumping, but you know, it's the price I pay for being the photographer.

DOUBLE ear infection?? SAD!!!

Kira has been awake a lot the last couple nights coughing...and it's been really sad. Kenny, I and the baby are all sick-it's not fun--but it's just hard when Kira doesn't feel good because she's so tiny. Today we took her to the doctor to make sure she was okay. I was worried about the sound of her cough, and I felt like she was wheezing...so off we went. As it turns out, she has a double ear infection that just barely started, and the doctor gave her medicine to make sure she doesn't get croup. I'm so glad we went because we didn't have any idea about the ear infection so we got to it before it got really bad!
We were at the doctor's office...it looks like Kenny is more sad than Kira...maybe because I got him up so early to go with me??

After we got Kira's prescriptions we went to Cafe Rio, you know, to make her feel better because that's her favorite place to eat. Okay, maybe not, but we love it. lol

Typical photo in my camera...if Kira even thinks she can come close to the camera she tries to take it from me. :) She's so cute!

Motherhood

Kira and I went to breakfast with Celeste, Angela, Becca, Milli and Emma. We had a good time just catching up....Celeste has moved out to the middle of nowhere, so it's fun to see her when she comes back into town. And, as always, good to see the others. :)
We were talking today about being mothers...and how crazy life can get, and how hard it can be sometimes. Simple things become events when you take your child and all the things they need for the day. From back problems, lack of sleep (that's a big one for me), cranky babies, sick babies...just everything....being a mother can be a challenge. When Kira was born, life as I knew it was over. I've always wanted to be a mother, but I had no idea how much life changes. No longer can I be selfish--never again. I have a child now...and she reshaped my whole world. It's awesome...but, a huge adjustment at the same time...sometimes after those sleepless nights, or several in a row... I just wonder how I can do it...

But, as I was driving home, and I hear Kira talking...well, kind of talking, I realize that no matter how hard my day is...like today I just wanted to sleep all day because Kira was up all night... (She's not feeling well, and I now I think we're all sick)--hearing her little babble makes me smile. Watching her roll around, play with her toys, spit out her food, snuggle with Dad or I, get excited about anything, wave her hands back and forth, get a new tooth, grow bigger and stronger, recognize family and friends, drink her own bottle...anything that she does--makes anything that I will have to sacrifice as a mother worth it. And now, and only now, can I appreciate what my mother sacrificed so that I could have what I wanted, go where I wanted, have the education I wanted, go to every school activity that I wanted....I know now that all the hugs, teaching, love, sacrifice...everything she did for me, made me who I am today. So, I am thankful for my mother, and I am greatful to be a mother. It's the biggest change of my life, but it's also the best! :)

Kira and Milli Meet Again...

Milli was born about a month after Kira, and right after she was born, Celeste moved to Nevada. They met when Milli was about a month old, but they were too tiny to hang out... so it was cute to watch Kira and her interact.

Kira looks a little shy because she's just waking up...Milli was excited to meet her.

By the end of breakfast they were holding hands...

And, by the very end, Kira's hand was a yummy treat for Milli!

Mommy Tag

1- Typically, what time do you wake up?

On days that I work, I'm up at 5:30am. On days that I don't work, I wake up at about 5:30am, and then go back to sleep after Kira gets her bottle.

2- On a good night, what time are your kids in bed?

I'm working on a schedule...right now it's about 9pm.

3- How long have you been a mommy?

8 months today.

4- How old were you when you became a mom?

30 years old

5- What is your favorite kids TV show?

Well, we're not really into kids shows just yet.

6- What is your least favorite kids TV show?

Well, they might not be kids shows...but whatever cartoons Kenny watches.

7- What is your favorite chore?

Anyone who knows me knows I LOVE any chore. You can tell because my house is SO organized and SO always perfect. Or not. Let's be honest. I hate chores, but I love my house when they're all done.

8- What is your favorite meal to cook?

Taco salad...you can't really mess it up.

9- What meal do you cook most often?

Anything taco-ish or taco salad. Why? Because I can't mess it up. :)

10- What is your kids' favorite meal?

Kira loves umm...food. Anything mushy.

11- What's your favorite thing your husband does with your kids?

I love when I put Kira in bed with Dad when I leave for work and she snuggles right up to him. And, I love that he can make her laugh....it's hilarious.

12- What are 5 things that make you smile when you're being a mom?

-When Kira falls asleep and snuggles up to me

-Watching every new thing that Kira learns or does

-Seeing her face

-Watching her face go from crying to smiling when I sing to her (maybe she thinks I'm funny?)

-Just being with my baby

13-If you could take your kids anywhere, where would it be?

I'd take her to my parents, Kenny's parents...and my siblings' houses so they could see her more

14- When was the last time you went out without your kids?

I usually take her everywhere except work. But, hmm...we went out to dinner a monthish or so ago without her..

15- What is your favorite activity to do with your kids?

Well, it sounds lame, but I like to feed her. She's always happy when she's eating and it cracks me up what a mess we make.

16- Name one thing you said you'd never say as a mother?

I'll never swear at or around my children.

17- Name something you do that your own mom did.

I sing "I love the Mountains" to help Kira get to sleep or calm her down. I always remember my mom singing that to me when it was bedtime.

18- What is your favorite quality your mom has?

She has a huge heart, and would do anything for anyone, especially her family.

19- What is your favorite kids book?

I'm undecided on this very important matter. :)

20- What is your favorite advice for new moms?

Sleep when you can. Don't let the little things bug you. Take time for yourself, even if it's only 15 min. a day... or you'll go insane.

21- What is your most heartbreaking moment as a mom?

When I found out Kira had a little problem with her heart. I felt so helpless and scared.

22- What is your most joyful moment as a mom?

Every second of every day...happy my baby is alive and healthy....and loved.

23- When was the last time you told one of your kids, "I love you"?

When I just put her down for a nap.

24- When was the last time you were told, "I love you" by your kids?

Well, she can't really say it yet, but I'm pretty sure she tells me with her snuggles and smiles every day.

I tag Julie, Jody and Lisa

She's a biter

Last night Kenny and I were watching American Idol. He had Kira on his lap and all of a sudden he lets out a yelp. Kira bit his finger, and she bit it hard. I laughed so hard even though it wasn't really that funny...But, who can blame her with these bad boys...she's getting so many teeth!!

Before the storm

Kenny and I took the baby and the puppy on a walk last night...it was so beautiful. It was one of those warm nights before the rain came...and we just had a good time. Kira loved it...and of course our crazy dog loved it. I didn't get a picture 'til the end of our walk, but the whole time we were on our walk kira was leaned back in the stroller with one arm hanging over the side...you know how you see those tough guys driving their cars with the seats all the way back driving like they're really cool....yeah, that's how my baby rolls....

Does it ever end?

Now, I realize that it's not common to post photos of your baby's snotty nose...right? But, really, does the snot ever end? I'm thinking not. This picture is from last night. But, just 3 minutes ago I used the squeezy thing to get all the boogers out of Kira's nose. I mean, there was a huge supply in there. She was mad, but I had to do it because it's what needs to be done, right? Well, just now she sneezed...and she looks exactly like it did last night. I can't tell if she's got a cold, or because she's cutting teeth...or what? But, yeah...poor baby. Haha. Whoever would have thought a year ago I'd be posting pictures on the internet of my baby's boogers. Crazy how things change. :)

My movin' girl

So, I turned on the little camera because Kira was rocking back and forth on her knees...and I thought maybe, just maybe...this will be the day she crawls....nope. Dangit. But, she's got talent I tell ya. She gets bored with the rocking, and drops to her belly. She does her swimmer's kick. She's got a great kick...but, unfortunately she doesn't go anywhere. When she realizes this, she decides to do a roll, a 180 degree turn, and then carefully wiggle/army crawl across the floor to her destination...the flips flops. lol.

Slobber is Sexy

Why I found this picture so entertaining I'm just not sure...But, if you really think about it, what other time in your life besides being a baby is it adorable to have only two teeth, a double chin, AND slobber dripping down your face? Love it.

Saturday night...

So, Becca and I went to Bailey's House for a BBQ...good times, good times....we didn't know most of the people there, but that's okay right? Kira, of course, came along and we all just hung out for a while. I laughed so hard I spit water across the room...I love those moments when you just can't help yourself. Pictured here is a photo like half of the ones on my camera..me paying attention, and no one else is...Well, Becca is, but Bailey...what are you doing? And well Kira...she's not that attentive to the camera just yet unless you wave her toy and make noises, which obviously was not done by our not so skilled photographer. :) So, pay attention when my camera is out, or I'm just gonna post the ones where I'm paying attention....yeah, that's right.

Becca and Kira just hanging out.

Kira's so cute toy...that totally lights up. :)

For a second I thought I needed an intervention. I mean, how many pictures can I take of this baby??? I can't help myself. She's so dang cute that I really cannot help myself. But, it's okay right? I mean, it's not unhealthy to take pictures of my soooo cute baby.... She changes every day and I love it. I want to capture it all. And, I think I'm doing a pretty good job. :) I've gone through a million batteries though...I need to start buying them in bulk. :) The focus on these two pictures is her legs. Everyone (especially me) loves her cute legs. Click on the picture...you know you want to. And count the rolls on these sweet babies.... :)

Pretty in Pink

We love the Sunshine!

Today was sooo nice out!!! I know, it might snow tomorrow...cause that's usually how Utah works, but this time maybe the sun is here to stay!! Kira wore her cute outfit from Aunt Jody and showed off her adorable thighs all day. :) I can't wait for more sunny days. Kira loved...LOVED...the grass. She kept touching it and rubbing her feet in it. It was so cute. :)

Are you kidding me?

I am so annoyed. Usually when people change their blog, it looks better, right? Not worse. I'm trying to change my blog...just to a more fun color. What do I do? I end up deleting half the stuff and my blog header, etc. Wow...apparently I'm not that skilled. But whatever. I'll try and fix it tomorrow because I am just TOO TIRED. This is post is simply to state: yeah--I know my blog looks stupid right now, and hopefully I'll get some sleep and have the patience to fix it. Lame.

Teething Baby = Exhausted Mom

Let me, before I begin, confirm the following: I love being a mom, and I love my baby. (That needed to be said before I continue.)

Okay, now that that's said.....I have to vent for just a minute. I have been lucky to have a few nights of full sleep since I have had Kira. (No, they have not been recently.) I have been lucky that my baby is a super happy baby and is very comfortable being held and babysat by just about anyone. I am lucky that besides a few little viruses Kira has been really healthy. I am lucky that Kira smiles a lot, cuddles a lot, plays a lot, and laughs a lot. She is the sweetest daughter and I am so lucky to have her.

But, I am going INSANE. No really, I am going insane. This is why.

I don't know if Kira is at the age, or I have conditioned her to do the following.... She does these things when she and I are hanging out alone:

Cry when I walk out of the room.
Cry when she can't see me and I am in same room.
Cry when I put her in her crib.
Cry every hour or two in the middle of the night, until I put her in the bed with me.

This is the problem with these activities:

Mom is tired.
Mom is frustrated.
Mom is tired.
Mom is tired.
Oh, and Mom is tired.

Does anyone know what I am supposed to do??? (rhetorical question) I mean, the advice that everyone gives, and I am trying to live by is --let her cry. Seriously. I put Kira in her bed....with her music, full tummy, she's almost asleep....as soon as her body hits the mattress.....she cries. Not only does she cry, but she screams, and she does the "I am crying so hard I can hardly breath"cry. And, it doesn't stop after a few minutes. No, it doesn't. It doesn't stop after 1/2 hour....So, I'm trying to put her in bed, and let her cry so she can get herself to sleep. I'm doing a little better at that. And, when she cries when I walk out of the room, I'm doing better with that too. But, this middle of the night thing....wow, it's hard. I admire and am jealous of mothers who have the patience of angels at 11pm, 1am, 3am, 5am. Not me. I'm going bonkers. Love her, but I'm going bonkers.

So, I've been frustrated...can't figure out what the heck is going on.... Then, I see 3 more teeth coming in. Yeah, my poor baby is cutting 3 teeth right now. No wonder she's a wreck...poor thing. I just bought these tablets that everyone swears by...I'm going to give them to her tonight. She's going to need them. Because, it's 4:15 pm, and do you think Kira has had a nap at all today? Nope....are you kidding me? How does an 8 month old not take a nap? Wow. Tonight should be interesting.

I have no pictures to post with this venting session. If I did, it would be of my screaming child, or of me pulling handfuls of my hair out. Neither of which would make for great photo ops if you know what I mean.

Anyways, here's to trying these apparently amazing tablets that give me hope for a full night of sleep tonight. I'm crossing my fingers.

The cutest moms ever

Dani, Lexi, Sayer, Brooke, Kira, Me

My little family

I love my baby

Dinner Downtown

Michelle, Becca and I went to dinner at Z'Tejas last night to kind of celebrate Becca graduating. My sidekick (Kira) came and Michelle's daughter Isabelle came too. It was a good dinner and great company.
We were trying to figure out where to go to eat when we got to Gateway, and we are a very indecisive 3 girls. So, we ask Isabelle out of the choices that were right where we were, what she wanted to eat. She didn't want Applebees, or pizza (which we kinda wanted), or seafood...none of the choices we gave her. She then decided she wanted Mexican food. So, we go to Z'Tejas. I got chicken, Becca got fish, Michelle got pork...none of them being really all that Mexicanish in nature...and you guessed it--Isabelle ate chicken fingers. What? Gotta love it.
We saw Brooke (my cousin) there and what was fun about this is I got to see all of her friends. Now, who cares, right? :) But, these girls all have blogs and I probably could have named half of them, and had their kids been there I might have been able to match the kids with the mom. Yeah, so I thought that was fun because I look at their blogs and I don't even know them but it took me a minute to realize I didn't know them because their faces were all so familiar. In fact, when I looked over at the table of girls, Brooke wasn't the first face I recognized! :) Haha...I love these blogs. :)

So cute...

Becca, Ang and I went to our monthly, or not so regular monthly girls lunch. This time Ang's daughter Emma came--such a cute girl. We had a good time catching up and watching our little girls interact. Emma kept trying to share her super fun sugar packets with Kira, and Kira kept trying to pull anything and everything within her little hands reach off the table. Love it.

Kira and Great Grandma Hart

Chillin' with Dad

So, Kira and dad love to hang out. Usually she's just hangin' out in some random position such as this...so cute and so relaxed.

Let's talk about the dentist...

Okay, so how long have I been going to the dentist? Oh...let's say 25 to 30 years. And, how long have they been telling me to floss twice a day? Oh...let's say 25 to 30 years. So, do you think that I would do it? No, really...do you think that if I've been told for that long to do something that I might do it? Yeah, well, apparently that's not how I operate. So, after been told that my teeth look really nice by the tech, and her asking if I bleach them because they are so pretty and white...and after getting my teeth cleaned and feeling like things are going pretty good...I get the smack down. I have two cavities. ARE YOU KIDDING ME? Sad. I hate cavities. Seriously, I wanted to cry. Why? Because I'm afraid my teeth are going to fall out one day. And, because they are in the lower left part of my mouth. This means nothing to anyone but me, and Dr. Almond, my dentist. This, family and friends...is the only part of my mouth that does not get numb. Yeah, that's right. The last work I had done in that part of my mouth I felt it all. I felt the drill as tears poured down my face. I had 4 shots last time. Yeah, 4 shots of whatever stuff they give you, and my mouth did not get numb. So,...in two weeks I'll be back at the dentist to enjoy the drill. (sigh)

On the positive side, I took Kira with me to the dentist and she loved it. When they called to remind me of my appointment the other day (which I had forgotten about.) I was talking out loud and said I would just cancel my lunch plans because it was too close to my appointment and I'd have to go get her from the sitter. They said bring her. So, I said okay. Why not, right? I love the girls that work there, and it's so convenient for me. I mean, seriously...how many dentist offices babysit your baby while they're cleaning your teeth. Love it!

Kira Hope

I can't believe how amazing being a mother is. I love to watch Kira grow and change. The littlest things make me smile...and it makes me realize how precious life is. When I hate my job, or the house is messy, I'm annoyed at Walmart, traffic is bad, I'm tired, or I'm stressed about dumb things...I just look at her and smile. She is amazing. She is adorable. She is funny. She is ....my world.

McKayle and Me

Okay, so I did not have permission to post the other hilarious pictures from this last week of McKayle and I...so I'll stick to the one that I think she won't kill me for ....that's just, you know, all smiles. I love her hilarious faces...mine aren't so cute, but oh well...she has lots of practice. ;) I went to Cole's baseball game the other day and decided that I needed to hang out with her. She agreed. So, she came over for an evening of adventure. Although the details are top secret, I will tell you that I've never had so much fun with a box of macaroni, chocolate, peering out the windows, and well...."Ding Dong" if that means anything to any of you. It's really been awesome since she's moved here. Most of my friends are single--and not really down to hang out with a married chic with a baby allll the time....or live too far away. :( But, she's always down for a good laugh and seems to save me when I'm going insane. Love you McKayle. :)

Spirit Fingers

Okay, so Kira is so FUN lately. She's getting such a personality... She's really happy and it's easy to make her laugh the last few days. But, a lot of her personality comes out in her hands. Wendy, our babysitter, calls it spirit fingers. When Kira is excited, mad, frustrated, tired, wants to be picked up...really any emotion...she sticks her arms out and waves her hands and fingers. It's hilarious and adorable. I'll have to get a video of it when I empty my memory stick and post it because you can kind of tell in this picture, but not really. I love it!!! She's such a sweet baby and I love her.

Highchair

There are several reasons why I love this highchair. One, it's cute and just nice to have. Another reason is that Kira looks like she's in a space shuttle ready for take off in this thing. I mean, she's secure...strapped in and buckled up--no way this baby is moving from the chair 'til mom says. Another reason is I can giver her a biter biscuit (I know-sounds like a dog treat but it's not) and she can eat it without the dog thinking it's his dinner. I can put her in it with a spoon or a measuring cup and it's playtime for a while. And, I love it because she looks SO little in it. She is filling up her carseat and looking huge, and now I've got this highchair and she looks tiny again. I love it!!! Thanks Grandma and Grandpa Johnson for her highchair...I love it!!

P.S. I know she only has one sock in the picture. That's her most of the time. She likes to pull her sock off with her teeth and then play with it. It's only one sock though--she usually leaves one on and then the other one disappears. I swear the dog hides them or eats them. I have so many unmatched socks!