Kara~14 months

Kara, today you are 14 months old. I still look at you and wonder where my not so tiny newborn went.

You are becoming a smart little girl. You no longer want my help in doing things unless you get so aggravated you start screaming in frustration. This month you learned how to unlock my desk drawers. Thats a big accomplishment since the keyhole is small. I just watched you figure out which way the key goes. It took you a day, but you finally figured it out.

You have started to say a few words: see, wanna see, stop, and baby. You hold and comfort your baby dolls and stuffed animals, just like I have since day one. You hold them on your shoulder, twist back and forth and pat their backs. I love watching you love on your babies.

You haven't started walking yet. Although, you finally figured out you can walk as long as you are pushing something. Your favorite thing to walk and push are the office chairs. Your second favorite is your high chair. You are finally getting brave enough to walk behind the walking toy your Uncle Ronnie and Lem gave you for your birthday. I know it won't be long and you will be walking on your own. For now, I'm emjoying your crawling. It means I have my baby for a little while longer.

You still enjoy music. Your favorite toys are the ones that play a melody. Once you start to recognize it you sing along and clap your hands. Until you recognize it you just sway back and forth and bob your head.

Kara, you are growing up too fast. I enjoying spending every day with you. I enjoy seeing the world through your eyes. I look forward to many more days with you.

My little Linus

Kara has a favorite blanket. When she gets upset she holds it up to her face and sucks her thumb. I noticed she has been doing this since July. She does it when I leave her in the care of the church nursery, gym daycare or when Jeff leaves after dropping Kara off at home.

She CANNOT go anywhere without it. Once, I made the mistake of not taking it with us in 100 degree heat. I had to turn the car around before she would calm down. This blanket is her best friend and security. I wish I could say it was this same shade of pink. It has a dingy look now, and its stained. I am not looking forward to the day I have to get her a new one. I have been thinking of buying a second one for her to alternate with. I have this feeling she would know the difference. I should have gave her other blankets to get used to.

Jeff and I call her Linus from the Peanuts because he carried his blanket around sucking his thumb. Jeff gave her a Linus doll, given to him by his late sister many years ago. He did the same thing. I seen his baby pictures, he even looked like Linus. Just a few strands of hair sticking up.

Fall Festival

This year, my mother and I decided to take Kara to the Asheboro Fall Festival. It was the first time I have been in 10 years or so. The last time, I was there I was with some friends from college. We stopped in to look around and get one of the best funnel cakes from a family friend. They are always set up at the end of Worth Street. I didn't get one this year because I wasn't all that hungry. IT seemed to change alot. I didn't notice too many things for children to beg their parents for. I remember when I was younger, we would always get a mylar balloon or some crazy toy. Kara seemed to enjoy the event for the first 30 min. Then she started to get crabby. I was reaquainted with some friends from middle and high school. They were doing face painting and games to raise money for her foundation. Kara got a huge red heart on her face. I tried to get pictures but she wasn't in a picture taking mood.

Wanna See

Is the first mini sentence of Kara's. She has been saying "see" whenever she wants something. It took me a few seconds to realize what she was saying.

Kara~13 Months

I looked at my calendar and just realized Kara turned 13 months a week ago. I haven't had a chance to take many pictures. I feel bad about that. Its tough working a full time job and taking care of the house alone. I can't remember how I did it 3 years ago. Well, back then it was me and the cats so things were easier.

Yesterday, I got Kara's 12 month pictures done (a month late). It was difficult because Kara screamed and cried the entire time. I think we may have gotten 5 good shots. She has been going through this stage of screaming when I leave the room or leave her anywhere. Yesterday's photo session was a nightmare. She didn't like sitting on the table. She wanted to hold her blanket and suck her thumb the entire time. What makes her laugh at home made her cry harder. I am hoping this is a fast lived phase in her life.

On the good note, she eats everything I eat. She loves other people, especially older men. I have this good friend who she absolutely adores. We call him her adopted grandfather. I am so glad to be reconnected to him and his family. Now we just need to get all the grandkids together so they can play and hopefully, Kara will make lifetime friends.

She is not walking, yet. I thought for sure she would start last week. Today, she started to crawl with her feet and hands, so maybe she will figure out how to left her back up straight.

We both have a non spoken prayer request. I had a glipmse of something I have been praying about last week. I am sitting back and impatiently waiting for this situation to unfold. Just keep Kara and I in your thoughts in prayers.

Missing Him

Have you ever had a person in your life that just got you and your quirks? I had that person in my life. I shared everything with this person. We laughed alot. Although, this person is still in my life, we cannot share that bond anymore (reasons remain unnamed). I don't know if he reads this blog or not. If he does, I want him to know I miss sharing the important and non important things with him. I miss being around him. I miss watching him interact with our daughter.

Everytime I see a package of Jelly Belly's, I am reminded he was one of the few that shared my favorite flavor.

A Friendly Labor Day

This weekend was different for me. I was busy Saturday-Monday. Normally, I am trying to find things to do. Saturday afternoon, Kara went to her daddy's house. When she got home, we hit the road. Kara went to grandma's house and I met up with a good friend of mine. We haven't seen each other in 4 years. Life and relationships kept up from seeing and talking with each other. It was nice to catch up. We went to the movies then got caught up with each other lives. Sunday, I spent the day relaxing. Mom kept Kara an extra night so I could relax and have some alone time. Monday, I went to Kernesville to pick up Kara. We were in the grocery store buying items for dinner when my friend, "Sally" called me. Kara and I were invited to a cook out hosted by her parents. I was reaquinted with some people that used to be in my youth group. Again, it was nice to catch up and let the kids play and get to know each other. I have to admit, it was strange seeing everyone I grew up with having babies. Below is a picture of Kara and two of the children. We are hoping to have more play dates so they can be the best of friends.
I apologize for the small size. This was taken with the camera on my phone.