Meet & Greet

Monday evening was meet and greet at little cowboy’s preschool.  He will officially start school on September 7^th.  We worked hard to build up the event and explained that Mommy and Daddy would be there the entire time.  When we arrived at his school all the 4-5 year olds were leaving plus the two classes of 3 year olds were arriving.  To say it was overwhelming is an understatement.  We quickly introduced our little family to his teacher and then she suggested that we walk around the room to check things out.  It is a darling classroom.  We had fun looking for Keeler's name on the birthday calendar, at his assigned seat and his little locker space.  We were also excited to see that we know a few of the children and their parents that will be in his class. 

Little cowboy was really excited to see all the toys and wanted to play with everything.  However, he was uneasy about playing with the other children and insisted that I find out the name to each child that he interacted with.  He did great exploring the room for about 20 minutes. 
Tyler was talking with one of the other fathers when Keeler asked for a hug.  I looked over and saw that he was crying while Tyler was holding him.  We asked what was the matter and he asked us, “Why is my teacher not teaching me anything?”  It was so sweet and it was hard not to laugh.  We tried to explain that we were just meeting her but he continued to be emotional and at that point we felt that it was best to make our exit.  He proceeded to be upset on the way home.  He said that he was sad because he didn’t get to meet ALL the kids.  He is such a sweet and emotional little guy.  We will continue to pray that he does well with the new adventure.  In the meantime we plan on reading him his books about going to school and build up the experience as much as possible.   

“My silly cowboy…” 
My co-worker / dear friend, Maria was so sweet and brought over a huge bag of precious baby clothes for Kallahan.  I started washing some of the clothes – let the nesting begin!  When Keeler saw the little clothes he started asking 100 questions.  I think he was confused that the baby actually had laundry and he was insisting that they were his clothes.  I told him they are too small for him BUT he wanted to try this one on – so we did.  He found it pretty funny that he couldn’t even stand up!

“This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”  

Psalms 118:24

All Boy!

My talented BFF, Sabra Turner and her hubby joined us on Saturday evening for a trip to the farm.  The guys wanted to practice shooting clay pigeons for next weekend’s opening of hunting season.  Us girls tagged along to support the guys and get some fresh air.  Sabra came with camera in hand to take some outdoor shots with her new camera.  As always, this lady amazes me with her wide realm of talents, from baking to design work and now pictures taking – she can do it all! 

Little cowboy had a blast being outside and Sabra captured his excitement about being around guns for the first time.  For a mommy, that is not too fond of the whole hunting sport, I was a little uneasy but have to admit it was pretty cute to see just how “all boy” he was once he got to fire his first gun.  However, the adventure was conducted with complete assistance and a lecture regarding gun safety.    

tired of taking pictures and walking

Mommy carried little cowboy back to the guys and their hunting spot

Cowboy was a little timid at first....

Now the fun begins! 

helping the big guys

Little cowboy's first shot

Safety First!

Waechter Farm & Ranch

Take your kids hunting and you won’t have to go hunting for your kids.

Granny, a gift from God!

I just wanted to share a couple pics of my little cowboy.  When I went to pick him up from his Granny's yesterday they were out playing restaurant on the front porch - out of a cardboard box.  He said his restaurant was Chick-fil-a.  It was hard to get anything ordered because as usual, he said, "I have a problem...um, I'm out of that."  What fun a cardboard box can be, the little cowboy was is in Heaven. 

We are so blessed to have Granny in our lives.  She takes such good care of our little cowboy and never ceases to amaze me at how much energy and enthusiasm she has with him.
Today, Keeler and I went to the park before it got too hot.  Since then we have been playing at the house, mostly coloring.  He is grounded from markers and paint for awhile since he marked all over his neck and hands on Friday morning.  He asked if I would color with him and added, "you're a super colorer mommy!"   I think our positive reinforcement might be making an impression.  This evening I am looking forward to getting to see one of my besties that is in town for the evening.        

 "A granny holds tiny hands for just a little while... but our hearts forever." Author: Unknown 

Growing and Glowing...

Yesterday, I had my 34 week appointment.  At my last appointment I was measuring a few weeks small but we are back on track!  I measured right at 33-34 weeks and gained a little over two pounds.  The doctor reported that everything appears to be right on target.  We have our next appointment on Sept. 12^th and thereafter we’ll start going every week.  As Tyler said, “we are about to enter where we have never entered before.”  He was referring to experiencing all the final stages of pregnancy that we missed out on since Keeler was early.  My doctor talked to us about actually “going into labor” and what to expect since this will be new to us as well.  In many ways I feel like this is my first experience since Keeler came in such a “shocking way” plus I was so medicated it all seems like a blur.  The thought of delivery is starting to make me a little anxious but that is nothing compared to the excitement I feel about meeting this little cowboy. 

After the appointment, Tyler and I went on a little date and enjoyed the afternoon together.  We went to a diner that Tyler recalls going to as a child.  It is the cutest place in Garden City called Traditions.  It’s a little soda shop / cafe that has been around since 1943.  They have restored the building with the original signs and décor to the way it looked in the mid 1950's. Tyler enjoyed a hot roast beef sandwich and sundae while I had a piece of coconut pie.  Then last night we had a Big Brother viewing party with Sam and Sabra.  Yes, we have our guys addicted to it too.  I was so much fun, we are considering making it a Thursday night tradition. TGIF!!

"You're gonna miss this, you're gonna want this back. You're gonna wish these days hadn't gone by so fast. These are some good times…

Sweet Bedtime Moment

Since school will be in session soon and with a new baby on the way – my thoughts, it’s a perfect time to start enforcing a more scheduled bedtime.  While Tyler was mowing, I managed to cook  little cowboy dinner, take our baths, read him a bedtime story and get him in bed by 8:30p.  Ahhh, I had just sat down to watch Big Brother (guilty pleasure), when here comes Keeler.  'He can’t sleep.'  I let him watch the show with me with the stipulation that he stay quiet and just relax.  What's better than snuggling up with a sweet lil' cowboy? 

After the show, we made bedtime attempt number two.  Within minutes – “I can’t sleep with all this noise.”   The noise, he explained was his stuff animals, they were talking.  I removed close to a dozen various animals from his room and while I was walking out of his room I told him “sweet dreams.”  He responded, “Mom, love me forever.  Do you look up over my bed?”  I was caught off guard...  then realized that he was referring to my favorite children’s book ever,  Love You Forever by Robert Munsch.  I proceeded to quote the book:

"yes, and if that little boy is really asleep, I pick him up and rock him back and forth, back and forth and sing, I'll love you forever. I’ll like you for always. As long as I'm living my baby you'll be." 

It was hard to hold back the tears... it was such a sweet moment! 

P.S., Thank you for the recommendations on heartburn relief.   Going on two nights without any issues. 

 

Hairy Situations

Pregnancy Old Wives Tale #1:  “If a pregnant woman experiences heartburn throughout the 9 months of pregnancy, she’ll have a baby born with a full head of hair.”  The proof is in the pictures, check out Keeler’s newborn pic:

            If I was a gambling women, I would say Kallahan is going to have a head of hair as well.  Just like I did with Keeler, I have started experiencing TERRIBLE heartburn in the middle of the night.  I know that there is no scientific proof to this wives tale but since I was NPO (no food / no drink) for almost two weeks leading up to Keeler’s delivery and still required Prilosec® in my IV – it’s got to mean something, right?  I guess we will have to wait and see if my prediction is true, in the meantime I will continue to pop Tums and sip on hot peppermint tea.  If you have any other suggestions, they would be much appreciated.  This morning, my boss told me to try drinking apple vinegar with a little bit of water, we will see how that goes.  I am up for anything!  I have not slept well the last two nights.

            Both my cowboys got haircuts this weekend.  Keeler has only had one other professional stylist experience since my mom and Tyler’s cousin typically cut his hair.  They are both retired stylists, it’s so nice to have them in the family to offer their services.  Keeler sat and watched Tyler get his haircut, this helped excite him because he is typically game for anything that daddy does.  When it was his turn he sat in the chair like such a big boy.  After the cut, she washed his hair and reported that it was the first kid she had shampooed in the sink.  Tyler informed me that it was an odd request but it was included in the package, so hey let’s get it done!  Even today, Keeler asked me, “do you like my haircut?”  He is very proud of himself.

“Hair today, gone tomorrow.”

Pure Joy!

33 weeks pregnant!  It has actually been the hardest week yet.  I have experienced a lot of swelling in my feet and hands and really just don’t know how I will get any bigger.  I called my doctor on Thursday because I was very concerned with the swelling, especially when my hands got to the point that they felt like they were on fire.  The nurse reported that it was “normal” and advised me to sit with my feet elevated as much as possible and watch my salt intake.  You all know how easy sitting around in the recliner was with my little cowboy around.  Tyler was great and gave Keeler his bath each night and didn’t give me too hard of a time for not cooking.  I don’t know how I feel about still having six weeks to go. Work wise, I have one large project to complete before I will feel comfortable working from home.  But on the home front, I am so ready to meet this lil’ cowboy and not be pregnant.

This weekend is flying by too quickly.  Why is it that the week will crawl on forever and then it seems that Saturday and Sunday are gone in a blink of an eye?  Again we have stayed in town, which for us is very unusual.  My cowboys had fun playing with a rocket set that Keeler’s friend Damien gave him before they moved away L.  Shout out to the Cates family now residing in OK– we miss you terribly!  Look at the pure joy on my little cowboy’s face.  He was having so much fun.

Today, Keeler and I had a relaxing day at home.  I caught up on all the laundry while Keeler played very well by himself.  Then we made a loaf of zucchini bread, it turned out great.  Thanks aunt Samantha for the zucchini!  Later this afternoon we had to deliver some supplies to Tyler to the farm.  Keeler got to visit the pigs and help Tyler with his pickup repairs a bit. This evening, Granny has invited us over for ribs.  A nice evening with family sounds really pleasant.  Enjoy the remainder of the weekend.    

"A family is a little world created by love."  Author: Unknown

Have a good day!

My dad sent me an email this morning with this picture

 included that simply said, “Have a good day!” 

It made my heart melt to see me little cowboy and know that my dad was thinking about us today.  This picture was taken in February of 2010 at a friend’s wedding.  Toby and Anne asked us if Keeler would be their ring bearer – they had a gorgeous wedding and it was so fun to see my little cowboy in a suit.  My dad loves this picture, stating that Keeler looks like a used car salesman.  I hope that you smile when you see this cutie and have a good day as well! 

"A photograph can be an instant of life that will never cease looking back at you."  Brigitte Bardot

Me and My Daddy

            On Sunday, I woke up feeling very tired and sore.  It was probably because I did more physical work on Saturday plus we stayed up late playing games with our couple friends. But Tyler was very helpful and took Keeler to the farm for morning chores while my mom and I finished up some projects.  Keeler had a great time.  He even got to pick some fresh corn and “help” fix an irrigation motor. 
            After a quick lunch, Grandma headed back to Texas.  Keeler was ready for a nap after his eventful morning and when he woke up we had a family day.  We chalked on what Keeler refers to as the “highway” – the driveway.  Keeler ate so well at dinner that we took him to the park.  For those of you that aren't around him much, the little cowboy never eats!  I hate to make a big deal of it but felt he deserved a reward for doing well. 
           It was such a beautiful evening.  Hopefully the extreme summer heat is finally coming to an end.  Two other little boys, all right around Keeler’s age, were at the park as well.  He played so well with them.  We found out that one of the boys will be attending his preschool.  He interacted so well and took the role as leader in their pretend play.  He told them the jungle gym was a boat and it went from there.  Tyler and I sat on a park bench and watched our little cowboy make friends.  It was a proud moment for this mommy! 

             I was also able to get some online shopping done for Keeler.  Since we cleaned out his closet and noticed that he was in need of essential items, I knew that I needed to get some items picked up before school starts.   I was stressing about getting this done since travel restrictions are in place with my pregnancy.  Fortunately, when I checked my email I had a some special offers from Gap and The Children’s Place, both with free shipping!!  I was able to get three pair of jeans, some long sleeve shirts, two pair of wind pants, a pair of shoes and several pairs of socks for less than $200.  I think this will put us in pretty good shape. 

"A man never stands as tall as when he kneels to play with his child." (Author: unknown)

All work and a little play…

32 weeks pregnant!  Friday, we went to my doctor’s appointment.  Unfortunately, my doctor had a family emergency so I had to see his practicing partner.  He was very nice.  It was a basic progress check up.  I gained a little less than a pound and my blood pressure was good.  The baby did measure small @ only 29 weeks.  The doctor asked if I had experienced any lower pressure, which I had reported to Tyler earlier in the week.  He said the smaller measurement could simply because the little cowboy has dropped.  He said that they would measure again in two weeks and if he was still small then we would have to do a sonogram.  He did not seem concerned and since I have felt more pressure, I am sure everything is fine.    

After the doctor, we went to Target.  Grandma helped Keeler pick up school supplies and a couple shirts.  He really enjoyed picking everything out and reported that he is going to like school!  Grandma enjoyed spoiling my little cowboy, along with the supplies she bought him a little gardening set.  They had fun planting radishes and
tomatoes when we got home.

Today we started working on going through tubs of Keeler’s infant clothes as soon as we woke up.  I knew that it was going to take time but my house was torn up by the time we were done.  We had clothes piles everywhere and Keeler managed to drag out every toy in the house while we were busy.  I also went through all of Keeler’s clothes in his closet and discovered that a back-to-school shopping trip needs to be planned asap for him.  We finished up around 2pm and that’s when we finally got ready for the day and out of our pajamas.  I am so relieved that Kallahan’s clothes are out and organized for at least 6 months.  I am glad that I have not bought much for him either because we are fully stocked!  Thanks Grandma for all the help!!

"A baby will make love stronger, days shorter, nights longer, bankroll smaller, home happier, clothes shabbier, the past forgotten, and the future worth living for." (Author Unknown)



Just Grandma & Us...

            My mom made it to town this afternoon.  She was at Granny’s house right before I got off work to surprise my little cowboy.  We have had a great evening.  We ate dinner (leftovers), painted, read books and since Keeler went down we have started a movie.  Tomorrow, I have a doctor’s appointment in Garden City so Grandma, Keeler and I will head over bright and early.  After the appointment we are meeting Sabra and her mom for lunch and then to do some shopping.  My sister suggested that we take Keeler shopping for preschool supplies and some new clothes/shoes to really build up the excitement for school to help with the adjustment.  So far he seems really excited.  He was eager to tell Tyler that he was going shopping for “cheese sticks” for school.  We corrected him, “no you mean glue sticks.”

           My little cowboy did so well at his physical for preschool today.  He weighed 27lbs, was able to identify a circle and star for his vision test, answered all the doctor’s questions correctly such as, what street you live on, etc… and was very patient as we waited for the different tests.  The only thing that he goofed on what that he told her he was two but then said he was four.  When asked if he had any brothers or sisters he said yes and started naming all his cousins.  I had to step in and correct him on this one – she would have thought we were working on a football team!  I was so proud of how brave he was when they pricked his finger for a blood test.  He seemed so interested in the process and not scared at all.  The doctor said that he was very “cerebral.”  I smiled and knew it was a compliment regarding his brain but had to look it up when I got home – adj. “Appealing to or requiring the use of the intellect; intellectual rather than emotional.”  I am sure she gathered this from when he puts his finger on his chin, looks up to the sky, pauses and then gives you an answer.  Let’s just hope and pray that he always “thinks before he speaks.”

"Did you ever stop to think, and forget to start again?"  (Winnie the Pooh)

Terrible Horrible No Good Very Bad Day!

            Yesterday was a  "Terrible Horrible No Good Very Bad Day!”  As I was getting ready to leave work my computer crashed.  It would not do anything.  What made it so stressful was the timing because it was 6 o’clock.  I just had to wait to see what the problem was until the IT Manager could get to it today.  I fretted all night.  I called and complained to several people – thanks Toby and mom for making be feel a little better.  Poor Tyler got to hear about it all evening and I just sulked around and could not get the worries off my mind. 

           Thanks to answered prayers, a wonderful IT Manager and a great boss I had a great day today!  I didn’t lose my work files –  over four years of projects, records, etc…  I had meetings all today but while I was in and out I got the great news – our IT Manager was able to retrieve all my files and ordered me a new laptop – which will be much nicer.  
           Tomorrow morning Keeler has a physical for preschool scheduled.  Still hard to believe that my little cowboy is going to preschool so soon.  Then tomorrow evening my mom is coming to town to spend the weekend and help me with baby prep.  We are going to go through our storage of all of Keeler's baby clothes, get them washed and organized. 

"Give your stress wings and let it fly away."  (Terri Guillemets)

bama bama slammer!

         Yesterday was really a typical day: went to work, went to the grocery store, made dinner with Tyler and hung out with my cowboys.  Okay, so the making dinner part was not typical but Tyler was home early and we prepared meatloaf as a team.  Keeler even chanted for us from The Wonder Pets “we’re not too big, we’re not too tough but when we work together…” 
          Anyway, starting on Saturday, with the whole Smurfs Movie advertising crave, Keeler has been pretending that we have five Smurfs (he alternates calling them Smurfs and s'mores) visiting our house.  We have to include them in everything we do, bathe them, help them on the furniture and last night I got to feed them salad because they are supposedly “too small’ to eat.  While Tyler was getting Keeler out of the bath, I had to get onto one of the Smurfs because he was getting water on the wood floors – yes, I encourage the pretend play.  So, Keeler joined in on the disciplining and said, “he needs a bama bama slammer!”  We died laughing!!  Tyler has been pretend wrestling with Keeler and talks about the "Alabama Slammer."  Oh, what a kid. 

            I've decided on the days when I don't have much to write about that I am going to dig from the past and blog other funny things Keeler has said that I have recorded via email.  Calling it “My silly cowboy says…”  So stay tuned!!

“Laughter is timeless.  Imagination has no age.  And dreams are forever."  (Walt Disney)

Weekend at home…

            We spent the weekend in town and really didn’t do anything too exciting but these are the weekends that I love.  Tyler was actually home more so it was nice spending time with our little family of three – soon to be four!  Saturday afternoon, Tyler worked in the yard while Keeler and I watched a video that we picked up at the library, Sesame Street - Three Bears and a New Baby.

          It was a cute little video about what happens when Mama, Papa, and Baby Bear are expecting a new cub in the family… Baby Bear is having a "wee" bit of trouble adjusting to the new arrival. But he is able to become an expert big brother, and even has fun teaching his baby sister.  I was happy to find a few more books and another video that will help Keeler understand was is about to happen when we bring Kallahan home.  After the video we took a nice nap.  When we woke, we all played Playdoh®, picked up take out for dinner and when Keeler went down some couple friends came over and we watched Hall Pass.  We all enjoyed it – but the guys really did! 

            On Sunday, we had a nice breakfast and headed to church.  It was a nice service but I experienced some more anxiety about Keeler's well-being.  Keeler has started having issues about leaving us and/or his granny.  He talked all before church about seeing “his friends” but when Tyler tried to drop him off at the nursery he refused.  The teacher was so sweet and informed Keeler that they were going to the park but he still started to cry and wanted to stay with Tyler.  He has not done well with the entire nursery idea, which will be similar to preschool that he starts in the fall.  I know that it will  be an adjustment and is only two mornings a week but I don’t want my little cowboy to ever feel uncomfortable.  Any suggestions on how to prepare him for school would be greatly appreciated. 

            On a side note, we had a very sweet moment in church.  As most of you know, when we talk about heaven and God with Keeler it always makes its way back that his dog “Sam” is now in heaven with God and Jesus.  Well, on the projector screen at church there was a large picture of Jesus.  Keeler looked up at the picture and very sweetly asked, “where’s Sam?”  At first we were confused but then Tyler and I had to giggle.  We whispered that he just wasn’t in that picture with Jesus.  He is so sweet.  There were several times this weekend I kept thinking, I wish that I could freeze time, I love this stage.

            Sunday evening, we had dinner at the Turners and went swimming.  Keeler played like he was a waiter of a restaurant and attempted to make us spaghetti.  He kept running out of ingredients so I don't think we ever got any food.  Who's kitchen does this sounds like?  I hate that the summer is coming to an end so quickly.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7)

Happy Birthday Sabra!

What a fun evening we had last night celebrating one of my dearest friend’s birthday.  A group of friends met at our house, opened presents, ate dinner at Antlers in Moscow and then headed back to our house for cupcakes & conversation.  

We started planning for the celebration Thursday evening.  When I picked up Keeler I told him that we were going to have Sabra a party and asked him what we should do for her.  His reply, “Let’s make her a s’mores cake with kids on it!”  My first thought, really you and I that NEVER bake are going to try to bake for my friend that bakes professionally?  But I was so impressed with his response....  it was so thoughtful of him.  This summer we have spent quite a bit of time with Sabra and her husband soaking up the heat at barbeques and have enjoyed them so much.  Keeler had really personalized a cake idea for her.  He thought about good memories (making s’mores for the first time with Sabra) and what she likes - Kids (she’s a kindergarten teacher, she is great with kids and LOVEs Keeler).  I told him I didn’t have a recipe for a s’mores cake but I could look on the computer.  As soon as we got home, he helped me look through pictures and recipes and we agreed on Betty Crocker™ S’mores Cupcakes with Teddy Grahams™ on them.  They seemed pretty amateur and really weren’t that hard to make.  It was a simple cake mix with grated chocolate bars and crushed graham crackers in the batter.  The icing was the tricky part – made from marshmallow cream and powdered sugar.  Everyone seemed to like them and was pretty impressed that the non-Bakers had accomplished such a task, even Sabra!  

Poor Keeler was so pooped from the dinner that he didn’t get to enjoy a cupcake with the group last night.  As soon as he woke up this morning he was asking for one.  So, naturally we had a cupcake for breakfast.  Hey, it’s Sabra’s birthday!  Today is a simple Saturday at home and we call it “Mommy/ Keeler Day.” We plan on going to library, renting a movie and washing sheets.  Keeler just asked if the Smurfs can go with us, my response: “of course, as long as they are quiet in the library.” 

Have a blessed weekend! 

    

“There has never been, nor will there ever be, anything quite so special as the love between a mother and a son.” (Author: Unknown)