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