Fall Planting Day

Saturday was fall planting day. Molly was a huge help! First on the agenda was harvesting our okra. Looking forward to using it in a stew in the near furture. Then, she helped us get the soil ready for planting our new crops. We found a garden rake that was just her size! While she couldn't really do much planting of the new crops, she found other ways to stay busy (and get a little dirty) while daddy did the planting. Looking forward to broccoli, carrots, lettuce & spinach in the fall. Yum!

Helping dad get the soil ready for the plants!

Molly showing off her "green thumb"

Holding the hose to help water our garden

I'll have seconds please!

I made spaghetti for dinner tonight. I knew this was one of Molly's favorites, but she took it to a whole new level. I saw her not only eating the spaghetti, but sucking the sauce off her hands, and digging in her high chair and bib pocket to find MORE spaghetti! She was ready for seconds before I had put the first bite of mine in my mouth. Funny story - when I was young we had spaghetti for dinner one night. I'm pretty sure I ate the meal in just my diaper. I made a MESS with it - I rubbed it on my face, tummy, hair - everywhere I could reach. (Mom & dad, you can confirm...it sounds like I may have eaten less than I played with). Straight to the tub I went, and after the scrub down, there was a large spaghetti grease ring around me! My parents have told that story enough times that I no longer get embarrassed by it. I know there's a picture somewhere...I'll see if I can find and share.

"Molly and the Purple Crayon"

One thing I've learned that's important to do in parenthood is to pick and choose battles. Once I discovered that Mr. Clean magic eraser will wipe off any crayon Molly happens to put on kitchen surfaces (we've yet to try the walls...), I decided to let her go to town. Just like Harold, Molly picked up the purple crayon and started on her masterpiece!

A New Direction

I'm going to try something new with the blog. I think I get overwhelmed with how much I have to share about certain events. I'm going to try minimizing. One of my friends is doing a daily photo blog of sorts. While we all know it won't be daily, I think I'm going to go more in that direction. Here's to hoping a picture is worth a thousand words... :o)

Watch Out World...Here She Comes

The biggest milestone for Molly this spring was learning how to walk. She took her first steps on April 24, but wasn't walking until about a week later. This video is from April 29. She is now walking almost exclusively. Go, Molly!!

Highlights of Spring

SPRING 2011 HIGHLIGHTS. This spring has been a busy time for us. We have attended many events and watched Molly learn many new things. What a whirlwind it's been. Here are some highlights of what we've been up to... End of the year Grad student picnic: Molly really enjoyed not only playing with another child at the picnic, but learning all about the wonders of sidewalk chalk. Here, her and Emma work on a rainbow together. Molly: Mom, are you sure I can eat my first popsicle? Me: Enjoy! Just don't get it all over me, please. (She did a really good job of keeping it in her mouth or on the bib. Way to go, M!)

Easter:

After hunting for eggs at Barbara's, Molly pauses in the shade to check out just what's inside each one. The cutest little Easter Bunny I've ever seen! This is at the egg hunt at church. She was way more interested in playing in the sand then hunting for eggs.

The Dogwood Festival:

The Dogwood Festival is every year in Atlanta. I've always wanted to go, and made it a point this year. My friend Anna, Molly and I went. They had a lawn where they were doing dog tricks. We watched that for a while before going to get something to eat. That was a disaster trying to maneuver the stroller through the crowd...but we found some yummy crepes! The main reason for the festival is to showcase different artists, so after our meal, we wondered to see what there was. It was a lot of very pricey photographs, sculptures, paintings, etc. But I did find a multi-media print for Molly's room. I haven't hung it yet but it's on the to-do list. First, I have to find the right frame for it. A fun afternoon for sure!

Ice cream:

This captures Molly's first ice cream cone. It was at Chick Fil A. She didn't understand that it doesn't go in our mouth - rather we lick the ice cream off. It didn't take her long to figure out how it works. The facial expression shows such anticipation...one of my favorite Molly photos!

Play time at home:

There is obviously a lot of play time at home. I've learned to live with the fact that our living room floor will never be "clean again". Don't waste her nap time cleaning it up, because it will all be brought back out post-nap. She is still learning how to really use crayons. The best way to use them is with a pacifier...or else they end up going into the mouth rather than on the paper. Another goodie...this is one that I couldn't resist taking. Apparently, I was a little older but there was one of me taken while I was playing in the dryer. I don't want Molly to get in the habit of thinking this is a play place, but she was pretty happy to pose for a picture while in there. Just make sure to put it on the delicate cycle. ;o)

Molly Turns ONE

(It hasn't been 6 months...for those of you who are still reading...) Molly turned one on March 11. This is a big milestone and of course, we had a party to celebrate. In fact - two parties. One was the week before with my co-workers. We had brunch at one of our favorites, J. Christophers. Pancakes followed by a red velvet smashed cupcake. Yummmm! Thanks friends for helping celebrate Molly wish us. And a huge thanks for the presents that you gave to the Children's Hospital.

Waiting for guests to arrive at J. Christophers.

She spotted the cupcakes and couldn't wait to get her hands on them.

Birthday Girl

Friends that came to help celebrate Molly's first birthday!

Her actual birthday we had Andrew's parents in town from Waco. My friend Anna also came to the celebration. We had dinner at Folks - good southern food (can you say peach muffins and corn nuggets?!!?).

Waiting for dinner... Granddad, Grammy, Dad, Mom, and Molly

Then we came home and let Molly smaaaaaash her cake. It was so fun, but the poor girl didn't know what to do with a WHOLE cake at first. She needed some "coaching" from mom, but she caught on quickly.

After a bath that turned the water blue, she got to open presents. Molly was such a trooper as it was clearly after her bedtime. But hey, who can say no to presents?

Happy birthday, Molly Marguerite. What a year it's been....I can't wait to see how you'll grow and change in the coming year. I love you.

It's been awhile...

...and life with Molly has been very busy. I could kick myself for not doing better at keeping up with blogging. Since my last post we've been to New Orleans for Andrew's college reunion, Kansas City for my HS reunion and Thanksgiving, and of course Christmas. While I hope to get caught up eventually, I wanted to go ahead and share our trip to Athens, GA last weekend while it's fresh. I can't find the cord to upload pictures to the computer, so those will come later. We've lived in Atlanta for 6 years. Every year I've searched the Baylor athletic schedule in hopes they would come this way. FINALLY, baseball was coming to play UGA in Athens (a little over an hour from us). We've always wanted to head up there. We had heard good things and since it's where REM met, there's some musical interest as well. We headed up Saturday mid-morning. Got there in time to grab a quick lunch at Subway before getting to the game. If you know me, you know my love for all things baseball. There's something I've missed about the "ping" of the metal bats hitting the ball. I hadn't been to a college game since my time in Waco. It was a sunny day, but still a slight chill in the air. It was a fun game - Baylor ended up losing 4-3. I would've liked to see them win, but I'm ok with it since they won Friday and Sunday winning the overall series. After the game, Molly was ready for a nap so we checked into our hotel. We were all pretty tired so took a quick rest before going out to find dinner - ending up at Logan's. Molly's first steak...yum! Sunday was a beautiful day - mid 70's and sunny. We drove to downtown Athens and pulled out the stroller. Time for the "REM walking tour." Perfect day for it! We saw the steeple from the church of their first show, the train trestel bridge from the cover of their first album "Murmur", Weeber D's Soul Food - Automatic for the People, the old & new 40 Watt clubs, and of course - Wuxtry Records - where the band members met. Andrew has turned me on to REM so it was a fun walk for both of us. After all that walking we were ready for some lunch. One of our favorite places in Atlanta, Doc Chey's, has a location in Athens, so we went there. Delicious! It was while we were eating lunch that Molly and I had our first "gut laugh, you-had-to-be-there" moment. I had just put a bite of food in her mouth and she laughed or did something that made it fly back out of her mouth. It startled her and she started laughing, which made me laugh, which made her laugh. We were both belly laughing at each other for the silliest thing. Andrew calmly looked up from the newspaper and asked, "what's so funny?" We both looked at him and I said "You had to be there..." It was a fun mom/daughter moment. Even the little things that seem like nothing are special to share. We had discussed going to Sunday's baseball game, but decided to finish seeing campus, and then head back to Atlanta (with a stop at the outlets first, duh!). It was a wonderful weekend get-away that was much needed. It's amazing what a night away from home will do for the mental state of mind. I promise it will not be another 6 months before I post again. After all - we had Molly's first ONE YEAR OLD birthday celebration today!

Bookworms

The Decatur Book Festival is an event I'd always wanted to attend. For whatever reason, Andrew and I had never made it out there. I thought it was the perfect opportunity to go check it out while Andrew was out of town. It was something that would definitely get me out of the house. And it turned out to be a beautiful day. Molly and I were trying to get there by 12:30 to see the Charlotte's Web puppet show. I thought that would be something she would enjoy because of the visual. We arrived at 12:35, and found that they hadn't started yet (yes!). Well, sadly it's because they were behind schedule and just ended up cancelling it. (Or if it was changed to a different time, no one could tell me when it would be...) So, I was pretty bummed, but knew that if I stuck around I would probably find some good deals on some books. This is probably my favorite thing to spend money on. Especially children's books....and especially children's books for Molly.

We did find some great deals on books....$4 hard-cover books. It's really hard to beat that. Another tent had 50% off all children's books. So, I got some for Molly & some for my class. I wouldn't say it was all I expected it to be, but I really can't complain about getting such great deals on books. And it was a nice mother/daughter afternoon.

Waiting in the tent for the (non-existent) puppet show to begin

Molly calling...

Andrew was out of town recently, so Molly and I would call to say good morning. While she was "talking" to daddy, I decided to snap a picture. She's really interested in listening to that familiar voice on the other end, but still seems a little confused by it all. Her favorite thing to do is reach for the cord...and try to put it in her mouth. (surprise!)

Molly's Dedication

August 15, 2010 Andrew and I, along with our family & church family, dedicated Molly. Many people have asked what that is exactly. It's basically our promise that we will do our best to raise her in a Godly home, with the help of God himself, and our amazing support team - family, friends, and our church.

We were so blessed that both sets of grandparents and Andrew's sister, Courtney, were able to attend. It was a special day. Here's what we promised....so you all can help us and so we can always remember what we agreed to do in raising Molly Marguerite Kirkpatrick.

Susan & Andrew, we invite you to recall your own baptism and, seeking to fulfill it's promises, give yourself in convenant to lead Molly toward discipleship in Christ.

With gratitude to God:

Do you receive this child as a precious gift from God, and seek God's grace and this community's support in nurturing and caring for her...

Do you covenant to remain faithful in love to your child...whatever the future may bring...

Do you promise to teach her the joy of the Holy scripture, The importance of worship, The duty to serve God's people, The responsibility of faithful stewardship, and the Blessing of Christian Community...

Do you promise before God and this community to so fashion your lives that your child may come to know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior

I do, God helping me...

Andrew, myself & Molly with Rev. Erin during Molly's dedication

Grandpa, Nina, Mom, Erin & Molly, Dad, Aunt Courtney, Grammy & Granddad

Just us 3...Andrew, Susan, and Molly KP!

Sit & Spit

So I realize the name of this post sounds quite gross. But when you're talking about the sweetest 4 month old around, it's so cute, right? :o) Yesterday, while in Ottawa, Andrew needed to go to the library. Molly and I found a shady spot close to the library to hang out for a bit while he worked. I knew she was very close to being able to sit on her own, so we were "working" on strengthening her muscles to get her strong enough to do so. I was lightly holding my hands behind her back when I realized she didn't need my help. So I grabbed the camera & took some pictures. While she was sitting there, she was also participating in one of her other newer tricks....spitting. She has learned to do this and while it's not the most lady-like thing she's ever done, it really entertains her.

Molly's New Trick

Recently, Molly has discovered that she can suck on her hands at any point. Unlike the pacifier, she doesn't have to wait for mom & dad to put it in her mouth. You can always tell when she's sucking because of the "smack smack" that comes from her direction. Andrew and I realized it was just a matter of time before she would find her thumb. And this week she found it! She doesn't always suck it because she's still learning how to get it to her mouth before she gets frustrated. But when she does get it, it's like she's struck gold. I've heard negatives to thumb sucking, mostly with how hard it is to break the habit in years to come...but for now, it's pretty stinking cute! See for yourself. :o)

Baby in your bag?

Today was my first day back to work. While I was very anxious about it all week, the day turned out quite well. The students were excited to have me back, and I was excited to see them, too. I also enjoyed being back in a routine. Not to mention, having lunch with adults! :o)

I did miss Molly, and was grateful that Andrew sent me 2 pictures to my phone. He also kept me informed of her day by email. I was definitely ready to come home right after school. It was so nice to curl up with Molly for an afternoon nap.

Funny "first day back" story. I walked into the room with my normal gear plus my breast pump. It is hidden in a good sized tote. One of my students said "Hi, Mrs. Kirkpatrick! Is your baby in your purse?" I thought it was really funny and quite cute. I informed him that, in fact, Molly was at home sleeping. My students are so cute...it was good to be around them again. Nevermind how fast the last six weeks has gone; this whole year with this group of 3rd graders has flown! I will enjoy my last 4 weeks with them.

And while we're here....a few pictures of Molly:

Molly curled up with mommy for a nap on her first day home.

Molly with the Easter bunny!

I'm pretty sure this belongs in the dictionary next to the word "Peace"

Welcome Molly!!

I think most of you that read this blog have heard about Molly, but I do want to blog and share with the world about this most precious gift.

Molly Marguerite Kirkpatrick arrived on March 11, 2010 at 8:49 pm. She weighed 7 pounds 13 ounces.

The weight is a funny story....we had a couple ultrasounds in the weeks leading up to her birth, and SEVERAL at our doctor's office that were convinced we were going to have a 9+ pound baby. Because of her size, we went ahead and induced on March 11. I was ok with that though because it meant that the midwife, Kelly, that I really wanted to deliver with, would be there to help me.

Labor was not terrible. It started around 7am with the help of ptosin. The contractions started to get pretty intense, so at 10:30, we called for the epidural. After that I slept for a few hours on and off...which was great to help me get my energy ready for that evening. There wasn't much progress from 10:30-2:45 until Kelly came in and "threatened" a C-section. Then things really took off. I still wasn't feeling much pain from contractions, so I sent Andrew to the gift shop to get some cards. I kicked his butt in a few games of go fish (the only game that either of us could remember how to play!)

At 7pm, my body started letting me know that it was time to push. Nurse was in to help us start at 7:30. Molly arrived at 8:49! Hearing her cry in the seconds after her birth was the most beautiful sound. I wanted to hold her right away, but knew the nurses needed to do their thing. She couldn't get to my arms fast enough. . .

It was a long day, but one that I wouldn't trade for anything in the world. Becoming Molly's mommy was worth it all!

Molly's first picture

Hello world-here I am!!

Molly with mommy & Kelly

First family photo

Latest on the nursery. . .

I've kinda lost track of what happened when, but wanted to give you an update on the nursery. It is now the most multi-tasked room I've ever had. It is a guest room, Andrew's office, and baby's nursery. I guess you could even say it's storage for some of Andrew's old band things.

Anyway...we've made good progress and I would now say we are ready if the baby were to come early.

Valentine's day weekend I had a 4-day weekend, and we were hoping to get out of town on one last weekend get-away just the two of us. When the weather had other plans, the goal became to get the crib up. Friday we went out to lunch and it started snowing. We decided that's perfect weather for getting home and working in the room.

It's SNOWING!!

We cleared the spot and moved the dresser into it's new home.

That night we watched Adventureland while putting the crib together. It was fun to do it together, even though it turned out Andrew really didn't need my help. But still - I'm glad Andrew let me be involved.

Crib together - bedding in!

B is for Bear . . . . so cute....I love, love, LOVE it!

A cross-stitch that was in my bedroom when I was a child. Mom passed it along at Christmas and it goes perfectly with the teddy bear theme.

Mission accomplished. We got the crib together. Andrew's only stubbed his toe on it once. I have a fear that will happen more as 3am feedings become more common.

We stripped it down to wash the bedding. We also got the sheets for the bassinett washed, so she has a few options for sleeping.....although I'm already convinced her favorite place to sleep will be in mommy and daddy's arms. :o)

Something else not quite as fun, but also important - we have the changing table together and in the room as well. I like the one we chose because of the shelving. That's this weekend's project...getting baby supplies into cute little baskets so it's a functioning room. The presents from showers are still in the living room. I plan to sort through those and get them put in a better place. Here's hoping I get this "burst of energy" I keep hearing about. I'll definitely need it to get through this "nesting" task!

Two cute!

With baby faces like these how could we not make an absolutely adorable baby?? :o)

Nursery Progress (weekends 1 & 2)

So, I'm a little stressed about all the blogs I've missed and "shoud've posted...." But at this point, I'm taking inspiration from my friend Judy and going more with a "look at the progress we've made on baby's nursery."

The question I've heard the most lately (and am frankly tired of hearing because of the stress it causes) is "Is your nursery ready yet?" Well, the short answer is NO! but we are working on it. It's been Andrew's office and our guest room for the last 4 years. You can imagine how 4 years of graduate school can really pile up in there. It's books, cds, papers, folders, and then even more of those things. . .

I'm a little embarassed to show the "before" pictures, but I will. Mostly because I know how proud I'll be at the end when I see where we started.

We started last weekend. I say we, but it was mostly Andrew rearranging the books to get them on the bookshelf and dispersed other places in the house. Quite a project....

Here are the pictures after last weekend before this weekend (January 30 & 31). Under each, I'll let you know what our tentative plans are for that area of the room....

The twin bed that serves as our guest bed. This will stay in place - at least for the first few months. We assume at some point, baby girl will need more play room....then the bed will probably have to go.

For this area, we're thinking of two options. Either move the bookshelf out of the room and slide the dresser over. Where the dresser sits is where we will put the change table. We may also try to just turn the dresser and put it between the end of the bed and the bookshelf. It would block access to some of the books, but Andrew says that's ok.

Here are the filing cabinets. They will be turned into the base for Andrew's "new desk" First they require some cleaning.

This is Andrew's corner desk. It is quite large and because of the design of it, needs to be replaced. It was quite a task getting it undone. Andrew thinks he may have spent more time taking it apart than putting it together. . .

The new desk will be put in front of the window. The black end table will leave the room.

January 30 & 31:

There was good progress made this weekend. The major task was cleaning off the filing cabinets and getting the desk taken down. When we saw that progress was far enough along on Saturday, we headed to Home Depot to get the wood. This wood will be placed between the 2 filing cabinets to serve as Andrew's new desk. I felt bad about this, but we know it only needs to last us for a year or two. He has a nice one waiting for us in Waco. We'll take it when we have a house of our own and room to put it somewhere. Poor Andrew worked hours on getting the desk taken apart. It was quite a bear for him to tackle, but he managed to do most of it Saturday. Then he woke up early to finish on Sunday morning. He was careful when taking it apart because a friend of ours is going to take it from us. (Have fun putting it back together!!)

Filing cabinets cleaned off & the desk taken apart!

End table cleaned and removed; desk taken apart & moved out of the room. New desk ready for assembly.

Andrew's new desk in place!! Ready for him to use this week. We realized a problem. The crib is going to be in the foreground of the picture (where the filing cabinets used to sit). There is JUST enough room, but it means that Andrew won't have access to his files in the black cabinet. He (again) says that is ok. Many of the files he is keeping for when he teaches. So we'll make sure he doesn't need those for the first few months.

All in all, there was good progress made on the nursery this weekend. It was a lot of work and I really owe Andrew a huge thanks for all his help getting the room ready. The theme for the room is "B is for Bear", so as a small token, I bought him a bag of gummie bears. He's the best! Next weekend we'll either work on getting the space for the changing table ready....or maaaaybe even get the crib up. I'm anxious to see how the desk/crib combo will work out. 2 baby showers this weekend mean that a lot of the work will be left up to Andrew...although I'll help when possible.

I'll keep you posted. . . . :o)