Like a zombie...

...A cute one, that is.



Lately, Kaitlyn has become enchanted by Dora... you know, the explorer. She absolutely loves her, and will sit (and stand) right by the t.v. and watch her for as long as I will let her. I try my best to limit her exposure, but I won't lie... I don't mind the quiet sometimes!

I caught a picture of K watching Dora the other day. (It wasn't too hard- she doesn't budge an inch when it is on.) She's like a little zombie. You can try all you want to interrupt her, but she won't take her off the screen. Should I be impressed by her strong ability to pay attention? :/ Personally Dora's voice gets on my last nerves, but there are some days that I am downright grateful for her chalk-board scratching pitch!

Anywho- just wanted to share this cute picture of my chubby-cheeked girl. And, it showcases her new haircut nicely!

Who do you love?

I love this little lady!



Not only is she super cute AND cuddly, but she can scarf down a cupcake and rock a side ponytail like no-body's business!

Added bonus to this little cutie... If you ask really nicely while batting your eyelashes and puckering up, she'll plant one on you! A big-slobbery-mouth-wide-open-baby kiss. Mmmm Mmm Mm. My favorite kind :)

Kaitlyn is so much fun in every squiggly way, and she adores me as much as I adore her. And I ask you, who doesn't want to be adored? I do!

That counts... right?!

I speak a very, VERY small amount of Spanish, but Ezra is fluent.

We have tried to teach Haley a little bit. She knows her numbers, colors, and some letters in Spanish.

I think knowing a second language is an important and helpful skill to have in life.

Imagine my motherly delight when I overheard Haley teaching her younger sister a second "language"...

Haley (holding a ball) says to Kaitlyn: "ba, ba, ba, ba, ball. That's how you say ball in Chinese!"

Hmmm.

Technically, I don't think that will qualify as a second language. Looks like we still have some work to do...


Actual Chinese word for ball: qíu (chee-o)

http://www.simple-chinese.com/learn-chinese/lesson-15/index.html

For the BIRTHDAY girl.

My sweet Katie-bug-sophie,

Happy HAPPY First Birthday! I cannot believe how fast our first year together has gone by. You are an incredible blessing in our lives, and I can't thank Heavenly Father enough for sending your sweet little spirit to our family. You are a delightful little girl, and you make me laugh daily. Your smile is contagious, your squishy cheeks are addicting and your baby giggles make me giggle with delight. You're simply the most lovliest little person I've ever met! Love, Mom.




The day we first met.

up, uP, UP and away!

A Kaitlyn UPdate:
The little one has learned a new word. UP! I have been trying to teach her to use it when she wants to be picked up, instead of her usual choice- screaming. She likes to use it for a variety of reasons. She'll lift both arms high above her head, roughly slam them down and sternly say 'up'. Sometimes it can be a little forceful, but I still think it's pretty darn cute!



UPright and Moving:
Just a few days after Christmas, Kaitlyn started to walk. She has been standing in place for months, but one day she decided to take her first steps. She has been on the move since, and is now attempting to carry things. She is one brave little chick-a-dee. There have been a few bumps and a few bruises, but we have all been very impressed with her cruising skills. Her big sister is especially proud. There is lots and lots of cheering and clapping going on at the White house. I think she just might have it down in time for her first birthday.



A cUP half full (of apple juice):
Kaitlyn Sophie has been introduced to the sippy cup. She tried it a few times with success, but there is a whole lot more shakin' going on than sippin'!We, her parents & wonderful pediatrician, have decided to wean her off of the bottle by birthday #1. She tends to be the queen of multiple ear infections; despite all attempts to make this pesky problem stop. Any who- she doesn't know that her beloved bottle will soon disappear, but I am hoping if we do it gradually she won't notice. Anyone have any tips for bottle weaning? Please share if you do!

*Disclaimer- Mom, Twyla and other dental professionals who may be reading- I assure you that the apple juice was a 60% water/40% juice mixture :)