Christmas with the Kings 2010

What a month! It flew by, and I honestly think I'm glad it did! I thrive much more in a routine, and this month trended toward the chaotic, to say the least. First things first...I failed to put a photo of Sylvie in my last post and was fussed at, so here you go...

Wave yo hands in the aya, like you a true playa.

Parrish and I took our first Sylvie-free trip ever...we "chaperoned" our church youth group's trip to Breckenridge. We haven't been skiing in eight years, or left the munchkin for more than an overnight trip, so we were a little apprehensive (ok, ok...I was apprehensive and I had to check Parrish for a pulse...does nothing affect this guy??). Sylvie couldn't have cared less...she got five days of grandparents and cousins. She did manage to get a cold that my mom had to address with Dr. E, but other than that, she had a ball. So did we...we skied (I did great for my second time skiing ever), ate great food (think smoked trout, crispy lobster and a perfectly cooked filet), shopped sans munchkin, drank Starbucks, and laughed A LOT with our fun friends, the Cottons (Wade=champion skier and Suzanne=ballerina on the slopes). The actual traveling was the only somewhat yucky part...we had to drive from Andalusia to Birmingham, then fly to New Orleans, then Denver, then Parrish drove a 15-passenger van in a blizzard for two hours to our condos (he thought it was fun...the rest of us still have a hand grip fused to our hand or part of the seat lodged in our tense booties). It's not easy to get to Colorado, but it was definitely worth it. Can't wait to take Sylvie out in a couple years!

After a quick day at home (when my parents literally RAN out the door...keeping a 15-month old is exhausting and I sometimes wish I could run, too), we headed to the lake for Christmas with my parents and sister's family. Such a fun weekend...watching Sylvie and Bailey play was so cute. I'm not going to lie...Sylvie had a hard time, let's say, adjusting to us being home or being at my parent's house or being around Bailey or so many presents or goodness knows what. What a fuss pot. She had some good moments, but did end up sleeping with us for three nights...YUCK. I'm so not into bed-sharing with a snoring, kicking, hot little munchkin. I can't wait until I can put her in a sleeping bag out in the living room with Bailey. I'd much rather hear them giggle all night than here Sylvie snort in her sleep.

We did have fun playing games and catching up with my family...this was the first Christmas we've spent together in over four or five years. We had great food, tons of presents, an attempt at a Christmas Eve service (not so much for a 15-month-old), and SNOW on Christmas day!

Christmas Eve family.


Babies help un-decorate the Chrismon tree.

Helping JJ make cookies for Santa.

Munchkin's first dental exam...oh yes, follow in Daddy's footsteps, girl!

We did get to spend a little time with Parrish's family, playing dirty Santa and eating a huge boat of sushi before we left for the lake. Parrish scored a dust buster for me...I'm old and boring, I know. Sylvie received a great swing set from Nana and Papa...really a gift for me since Sylvie immediately calms down when we go outside. It will provide years of entertainment for her, I'm sure.

We are now working on re-establishing our routine and getting the house back in order. I'm sure I'll be bored again in a few weeks, but right now I'm relishing getting a full night's sleep in my own bed and getting chores done. I think I have a full-blown toddler now, complete with a HUGE personality and pretty strong stubborn streak. Tips, anyone? Seriously, I may need some help here, or some ear plugs, or perhaps some Prozac, or at the very least, a strong cocktail.

We hope you had a very Merry Christmas and are anticipating a wonderful 2011. We have no New Year's plans at this point, since apparently it's not cool to take your baby out drinking on New Year's Eve.

Our next job...watching Cam and the Tigers whoop up on some Oregon Ducks...which is actually so silly...when is the last time you saw a duck have any chance against a tiger? It's biologically impossible!!

God Bless and Happy New Year!
Katie

Best thing I've seen in a while...

This might an old clip, but I love Cam!

15 months old!

Sylvie is 15 months old today! We visited Dr. E for a check up and two shots. Before we saw him, she got a piece of ice stuck to her lip and cold-cocked her nose on a toy in the waiting room. Great start. The appointment was right in the middle of nap and lunch time, so I knew we were in for some fun. The highlight of the appointment was watching Sylvie dance on the exam table to "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" while donning only socks, a diaper and Parrish's toboggan. Hilarious. The low point was the shots, one being MMR, with a 10% chance that she'll have a reaction to it, 7-10 days from now. Fever at Christmas, what a great gift! I'm just hoping she's in the 90% that is fine. But of course, since we're going skiing and out of town for Christmas, I'm sure she'll react. This information prompted me to ask Dr. E if he prescribed Valium for adults.

On the growth side, Sylvie is 30 inches tall (30th percentile), weighs 17 lbs. 7 oz. (5th percentile) and has an 18 inch head (50th percentile...good brain growth!). Small but tracking along like she always has, and Dr. E says she looks healthy and just has very little subcutaneous tissue (ie, fat). He did recommend her drinking more Pediasure each day and taking a daily vitamin, as well as getting more veggies (my Achilles heel...she's a fruit girl, not a veggie girl). Although I think it would solve our newest temper tantrum situation, he also said she wasn't ready for a front-facing booster seat. I knew this, but it would make it better if I didn't have to catch from backwards diving out of the carseat EVERY time we try to go somewhere. He also said the Terrible Twos start at one, and to ignore the fits. Come spend a day with me, my friend, and see how easy it is to ignore the passion at our house. Ha ha ha, I chuckle heartily at your advice. The best piece of news is knowing that verbally, Sylvie is ahead of most kiddos her age. I don't like to compare her to other kids, but it does make me happy that she's so aware of what's going on around her. A+, Sylvie!

Dr. E did report that they're seeing multiple Type B flu cases, the kind that is not covered in the seasonal flu shot that we received earlier this year. We will have to be cautious...this makes me nervous to send her to Mother's Day Out, but he also said that she needed to be around other kids and adults, so it's a good thing for her to go. I guess I'll just need that Valium until flu season passes!

The munchkin is now sleeping off her stressful morning and I'm thinking will be veeerrry hungry when she wakes up since we skipped lunch and went straight to bed. Bless her heart.

God Bless & Merry Christmas!
Katie

Busy bees...

I thought I had more to tell about...I feel like we are constantly busy...but I looked back at the calendar and didn't see much of interest. I'm tempted to post the hilarious video of Sylvie using my underwear as a scarf, but since her tiny body makes my underthings look HUGE, I'm refraining.

We did take Sylvie to see Santa on Sunday (screamy) and we toured the beautiful Springdale Estate (dreamy). We then attended a Tacky Sweater party with our friends, sans munchkin, and had a very good time. Parrish's office Christmas party was fun and delicious, too.

This week we are preparing for our ski trip and then Christmas festivities in Andalusia and at the lake. I need my own set of elves to help me get all my chores done. We also have Sylvie's 15-month check up at Dr. E's this week. Wish us luck (and weight gain!). Anyone want to bet if I'll actually make it to Colorado without the baby? Seriously needing the trip, but dreading being gone for five days. I'll let you know how it goes...

We are super proud of Cam, by the way, for his Heisman win. My stomach literally churned during the award program, like he was my own child. I need to get a life.

Sylvie is learning so much right now...it's fun and interesting to see what you can teach her. She's mastered stomping now (we're working on jumping) and does this all the time. She also likes to get a cup and put it under the ice maker on the fridge when she's thirsty. And Parrish swears she said "hooray" this afternoon. I do know she can say cookie, since she and I eat them several times a day. Like mother, like daughter!

God Bless and Merry Christmas!
Katie

And the Christmas season begins...

All bundled up to watch the Christmas parade
(even though it was a least 60 outside!).


Sylvie with the REAL Santa Claus.


Mama & Sylvie.

For some reason she BEGGED to wear my headband...
looks like she has a toothache instead of cold ears).

Cute shirt from Aunt Kathy!

One more thing...

And just because I treat this blog like a diary, I want to remember that my child at 14 months is eating like a field hand/teenage boy and apparently has grown 1/4 of an inch in two weeks. Wow.

Love those Tigers...

Here's how Sylvie feels about the Tigers and the upcoming SEC Championship game:

What a week...

I'm attempting to finally post a good post about our Thanksgiving week. To say that we've been busy/overwhelmed/exhausted might just be an understatement. We started Thanksgiving week with Typhoid Mary aka the carrier monkey aka Sylvie bringing home her very first stomach virus. Yeah for firsts, but for real, this was the most miserable I think I've ever been. Her little body seemed to recover quite quickly, but I was sick for four days, and she generously infected my father-in-law and my mother, both who were called in to take care of her and me while I was MIA. During this time, I had to host my Mary Kay open house and attempt to prepare for a houseful of company for Thanksgiving. I made it through those days ONLY because of Parrish...he changed vomit sheets in the middle of the night, kept Sylvie happy, took care of me and cleaned the house, as well as helping me schlepp my Mary Kay products. He is the ultimate husband, partner and friend. I know I don't tell him enough, but when it comes to any type of difficulty in our life, he's the rock and I'm the mush. I couldn't survive without him.

Anyway, once better, I successfully (with lots of help from my sweet family) cleaned the house, shopped for groceries and cooked a Thanksgiving dinner for 10 adults and two kiddos. We were so grateful to have our family from Jacksonville join us since we get to see the way too rarely. I loved seeing all our kids playing together and I know that we just have so many years of fun to look forward to.

We also got to see everyone on the other side of the family at two delicious dinners at Nana & Papa's house. Watching the Tigers beat the Tide was definitely a highlight of the week, as was my sweet husband taking me to see the new Harry Potter movie in Destin. So good! Sylvie and I are now trying to get back to our normal routine, decorating the house for Christmas and organizing all of my Mary Kay gift baskets. We are enjoying our quiet time before the bustle of Christmas!

I can't believe I didn't take any pictures during the week (I was kinda busy) but Aunt Beth came through with her blossoming photography skills (should have hired her for our Christmas card...).

Parrish took great pride in our brined turkey...only took six hours to roast!


Mimi and Sylvie.


Do I look tired to you? 'Cause I was.

The 18-pound masterpiece (note to self: don't ever get an 18-pound masterpiece again).

The family and my crying child (she was a tad overwhelmed by all the activity).

Another wonderful thing to report...Parrish renovated our fireplace and it is FABULOUS!!

Before...

Ta Daaaaa!!
(We also got new remote controlled gas logs and a tankless hot water heater...
a fiasco but SOOO worth it).

God Bless!
Katie

TELL YOUR HUSBANDS!!!!

I'm now taking orders for my Mary Kay "12 Days of Christmas" gift baskets. Trust me, you want one! It's filled with 12 individually wrapped gifts that are to be opened each of the 12 days before Christmas. This is a great way to get what you want without much work...I do all of it for you! I will select all the gifts, beautifully wrap them and deliver your basket to your door! This is a great idea for wives, mothers, mothers-in-law, grandmothers, sisters and more! Send me an email if you're interested and we can go over details. I will also secretly call your hubby if you'd like...hint, hint, hint!!

Please take advantage of my gift-giving service this year...I promise it's worth it!


God Bless & Merry Christmas Shopping!
Katie
king.katief@gmail.com

Mother's Day Out!

Today was Sylvie's first day at Mother's Day Out at the Baptist church. Right now, she'll go for four hours on Tuesdays. I was nervous about making this decision, but I really think she's ready for a little more social interaction than nursery on Sunday. She really likes other kids! She was fine when I left, me not so much. She was VERY sleepy when I picked her up and wouldn't eat with the other kids (too distracting) but they said she fit in very well! She also brought home a paper turkey made with her handprints (thus beginning the endless school projects that I have to keep unless I want to hear about it in 20 years). I got so much accomplished in those free hours, so I think it's going to do us both good (I'm hosting a holiday open house for Mary Kay on Sunday, followed by Thanksgiving at our house for 13 adults and 4 kiddos!!). Other than a little mother's guilt, it's been a great day!

My first day of school!

God Bless,
Katie

Sylvie's One Year Photos

Here's our latest session with our wonderful photographer, Vicki. We had her come to the house and this is in our backyard. Sylvie loves to have her picture taken!

God Bless,
Katie

Cam Newton is my hero...

I love Cam Newton. So does every Auburn fan, but seriously, I love him. Here is a video I'm sure you've seen on Facebook already, but I had to post it. I cried. Not a little, but a lot. Maybe it has to do with Cam, maybe it has to do with my affinity for tiny rappers, or maybe that one of my crazy high school friend's mothers (Mrs. Hodges, you nut) is still being crazy in this footage, but for real, it's great.

As I'm writing this, I'm hoping that my opinion of Cam will stay the way it is now...that he is a genuinely good guy. I'm remembering when we watched the Tiger Woods scandal unfold at my parent's house and my mom saying in her best Scarlett O'Hara, I'll think about it tomorrow, voice, "Oh, I don't believe it! Tiger would never do such a thing!" Think again, Scarlett.

My point is that today I think Cam's the best, and I hope I hope I won't have to take off my orange-and-blue colored glasses tomorrow.

Enjoy and War Eagle!

Happy Halloween!

Our little girl one year ago...as the sweetest Tooth Fairy you've ever seen!

Boo! Hope everyone enjoyed a very un-scary Halloween! My personal preference for this day includes fairies, pumpkins and puppies, not vampires, ghosts and goblins. I am so scared of everything, seriously. I hope I don't pass this trait on to the munchkin and so does Parrish...he is training her to do all the things I refuse (ie, roller coasters, scary movies, scary stuff in general).

We attended the Andalusia vs. Opp football game on Friday night...Go Bulldogs! They pulled out a win over their biggest rivals, so it was great. Sylvie's mouth never closed and her hands never stopped clapping. She was SO excited and maybe wants to be a cheerleader/band director/football player? Everything was right up her alley, judging by her ecstatic demeanor.

Saturday morning we went to Grover's second birthday party. This was the only time Sylvie got to wear her costume, and I was so proud that she wore it without a fuss, even her stem hat. She had lots of fun playing with the other kids and eating what I hope was my crust of bread (can't say for certain that she didn't get it off the floor, but a little dirt never hurt a pumpkin!). Happy Birthday, Grover!

Our little pumpkin!

It is always a good idea to be friends with the UPS man.

We spent the evening watching Auburn football at the Grimes'...I'm pretty sure that Sylvie is going to be a tomboy since all her friends are boys. Where are all the little ladies in this town?

Parker is my personal pick for Sylvie's future boyfriend...she thinks his tractor's sexy.

After a big win by the Tigers, Parrish and I headed to our own Halloween party. To say the least, it was INTERESTING. Halloween always brings out the character in everyone, giving them LOTS of freedom to stray from their every day persona. This event was no exception. A fun night, for sure!

The scariest thing about our '70s get-up was Parrish's authentic facial hair. Yikes! Needless to say, he is now beard-free since I couldn't look at his mutton chops and Fu Man Chu without laughing.

My next few weeks will include planning for a large Mary Kay holiday open house that I'm hosting, followed by family here for Thanksgiving and then decorating for Christmas. Where has the year gone??

On a side note, Parrish has a hurt foot. We're thinking it will require surgery at some point. Please pray that the doctors will know what to do and it will be a quick surgery followed by fast healing. A dentist has to be on his feet!

God Bless,
Katie

Auburn vs. LSU

We traveled to Auburn again this weekend to see the Tigers whoop the Tigers. So fun. Aunt Jan smocked Sylvie a super cute Auburn outfit that she wore at JJ's and Ferg's while we enjoyed a munchkin-free gameday.

What Sylvie wants you to think she was like that day...so sweet.

What Sylvie really was like that day...boo hoo.

War Eagle!
Katie

Pumpkin Patch

Sylvie picks a pumpkin.

Sylvie & Mommy.

Sylvie & sunflowers.

It was SOOOOO hot.

Sylvie is a sheep.

Sylvie rides a hayride, clapping the whole time.

God Bless & Happy Pumpkin Picking!
Katie

Step right up...

We took Sylvie to her first Covington County Fair last night. She had a ball, to say the least. She ate chicken fingers, cheese fries, corndog and funnel cake (at last, something she got from me, a love of all carnival food!). She rode the merry-go-round twice (once with Daddy and once with Papa) and rode down the big slide with Daddy. Of all this, the only thing that freaked her out were the cows. They have a livestock area and she was EXTREMELY worried about the animals. No tears, but so funny to hear her uncertainty as we walked around the cows, pigs, chicken, goats and sheep. Animals we discuss on a daily basis, but I guess the Fisher-Price version doesn't do the real thing justice at all.

Parrish is training her to be his scary ride/scary movie/all things scary partner since he married the biggest scared-y cat ever. He can't wait for her to be able to ride the Zipper!

Not a lot going on, so let's play!!

Just thought I'd share a bit of Sylvie these days...13 months and counting! Hope you're having as much fun as we are!

Yes, this did result in her head getting stuck under the ottoman, but at least I received a fake cry instead of a meltdown.

Playing at Nanie's (how cute is that outfit??).

The following video is brief, but showcases some of Sylvie's quirks and tricks. Please ignore the bleeps in the background...Top Chef: Just Desserts gets a little off-color once in a while.

God Bless!
Katie

Happy Birthday, Parrish!

We celebrated a big milestone in the family last week...Parrish's 30th birthday! He is officially old, although he says he doesn't feel his age (I feel about 10 years older than I really am, but he still maintains his youthful 18-year-old demeanor). We had a surprise party for him at our friends the Rall's land. After being blindfolded and driven around for a long time (what a sport), we reached our destination to find a bonfire and lots of friends. We roasted hot dogs and s'mores and enjoyed our faux fall night (meaning we pretended it was cold and good bonfire weather when it was really not). I couldn't have pulled it off without help from the grandparents, as usual. Sylvie had a wonderful time playing in the barn and getting super dirty. I hope it was memorable for Parrish...of course I managed to not take a single picture the whole night (doh!). Oh well, we still have our memories for a few more short years, until middle age hits.

God Bless!
Katie

Fall fun...

Happy Fall, finally! We are definitely enjoying the cooler temperatures God is blessing us with right now, although it's supposed to return to the 90s soon. Oh well.

I'm having to look back at my calendar to remember what we've been doing lately...I'm that scatterbrained right now. I guess mostly playing with Sylvie, cleaning the house, Auburn football, Mary Kay, playing with Sylvie, repeat. Sylvie changes every day, so I can't even begin to write it all...I'd have to post every day! She is a sponge, learning so many new things it often surprises me. I'm learning not to underestimate her abilities...there's a lot more that a one-year-old can do than I thought! We did have her one year photo shoot on Friday...can't wait so see what Vicki has for us this time!

Here are some photos from the last Auburn game. We had friends over for brunch and Sylvie got to play with friends, her favorite activity. Thanks to Aunt Kathy for keeping her outfitted in darling AU gear! I will say that one of our favorite tricks that Sylvie keeps us entertained with is "Touchdown Auburn," prompting her to raise her little arms above her head, almost every time she's asked. She's a fair-weather show-off, meaning it will ALWAYS be on her terms, not ours.

God Bless & War Eagle!
Katie

I'm walkin, yes indeed...

We had a great weekend at the lake with my parents. Order of GREAT events: SYLVIE TOOK HER FIRST STEPS, SYLVIE GOT HER THIRD TOOTH, THE TIGERS WON IN A GREAT GAME, I GOT A FULL NIGHT'S SLEEP, I GOT A SUNDAY AFTERNOON NAP.

Can you tell we're a little excited? We spent the day with my folks, where Sylvie played and decided to start walking. We're still in the brief Frankenstein stage, but it's so fun to watch. Then we got a solo gameday while Sylvie got some needed grandparent time. She rode the train, swinged (swang??) and slept without a peep. Such a sweet girl. Her third tooth was discovered when JJ heard that HORRIBLE grinding sound...like nails on a chalkboard (or baby tooth on baby tooth). Ew. We were so happy to watch the Tigers pull out a hard fought win...we stayed until the end of the game which has been unheard of in about two years!

Riding the train! No more caboose for this little conductor!

War Eagle (thanks to Mom for the adorable tutu and Aunt Kathy for super cute Auburn shirt)!

Beginning...

Middle...

End.

Sylvie has continued her new found walking skill here at home this afternoon, and I'm certain that she'll have it licked in the next week or so.

This week we're staying home, cleaning, decorating the house for fall, playing and working on Mary Kay stuff. I have several parties booked this month...we're gearing up for holiday. If you need any gift ideas, want to hint for gifts or just want to play with makeup, let me know! Free gift wrapping available!

We're having Sylvie's one year pictures made with Vicki on Friday...I'll be sure to get a sample of the "photo shoot" up when I can. Can't believe we're at the end of our year with Vicki!!

God Bless & War Eagle!
Katie

One Year Check Up

Sylvie had her one year check up today. She was given a clean bill of health, although she is one tiny baby. She's weighs in at a whopping 16 lbs. 10 oz. and is 28 inches tall. That puts her in the 5th percentile for weight and 10th percentile for height (we've been on this track since birth). Tiny! But healthy, although we are going to add some Pediasure to her diet. She endured three shots and will get two more in a month, but has already forgotten the pain, as she's currently eating Goldfish and playing with her lion. Dr. E says she's developmentally right on target and that we should be on the lookout for temper tantrums (little late, Dr. E, we've been dealing with those for a while now...we have a lot of PASSION in our lives thanks to little miss).

Hope you're all doing well...we enjoyed a brief thunderstorm yesterday that interrupted our drought conditions. It sadly didn't last long enough, so we are praying for rain in South Alabama!

God Bless!
Katie

Pool Party Fun!

We celebrated Sylvie's first year with a pool party at her Nana & Papa's house. It was a super hot day, so it turned out to be a great idea for all the kiddos. We were so happy that so much of our (scattered) family could join us for her special day. My parents came from the lake, Parrish's mom and stepdad drove from Louisiana, Parrish's brother came from Auburn, Parrish's aunt and uncle came up from Ft. Walton, and my sister wins the longest distance prize as she and her family drove from South Carolina. Of course all our local family joined us, too, and it was a great day!

Sylvie received WAY too many sweet presents, swam like a fish, smashed a cake, refused ice cream, blew out a candle, rode in a wagon, went down a water slide, ate pizza and passed out. Sounds like my days before I had a baby! Now we have a year to plan her next party...

Daredevil.


Cousin Bailey LOVED the pool.

Attempt at a family photo!

Sweet Sylvie the Swimmer.

Carey, Katie & Ferg (or Dird).

Beautiful cake
(I have the baker's contact info if you need it...
I love small town best kept secrets!).

Blowing out the candle.

Bailey shuts the party down. Last one in the pool!

God Bless!
Katie