Q1 2007

Can you believe 2007 is almost 1/4 over? I thought I would go back to my New Year's Resolutions and do some follow-up on my progress (or lack of):

• Read To Kill a Mockingbird (I never had to read this in school somehow?).

It took several tries to get going through the first couple of chapters, but I'm about halfway through now. I know it's a classic, but so far, I can't quite tell why it achieved classic status. I've still got another half to go.

• Commit to at least 3 days a week of exercise.

This is the one I can brag on myself the most. Tate and I have taken good 20-30 minute walks just about every morning the past few weeks. I've really enjoyed it...except for being chased by a killer terrier the other day.

• Stick to our budget.

We're still working on this one. The reality of my last paycheck in February obviously forced the issue. I'm sure the local Target has wondered what happened, because I have cut back considerably on my Target adventures. :(

• Learn how to use my IPod.

I've nothing to report here. I really am computer-savvy, but for some reason, the IPod seems complicated to me. I know...dumb! But thanks to my sister for my birthday present, I've got an ITunes gift card to figure this whole thing out.

• Savor, soak in, and enjoy the simple moments with Tate.

I've tried really hard to do this one. The first 2 months were much harder to do so than these last 2, when I finally awoke from the fog of life with a newborn. But, there have been some very sweet moments.

One of my favorites was a 4:00 a.m. feeding back in January. I was rocking him to sleep (yes, I broke the BabyWise rule!) and heard a light, scratchy noise on the window. From the glider, I opened up the blinds and saw a blanket of snow quietly coming down. It was such a special thing knowing that most people were asleep probably missing it, but my little baby and I got to enjoy such a peaceful sight.

• Commit to quality time with Wade...including time with me, Wade, and Tate and time with just me and Wade.

I think we've done the best we can so far. We've had 2 date nights on our own and could probably use some more (hint, hint). Thankfully, Tate's been pretty portable, so we've still had some good dinners out while he slept and we talked.

• Eat more fruits and vegetables.

Woops! Forgot about that one!

• Keep my side of the closet organized.

Ummmm, that one too!

• Don't nag about the things that don't matter.

I hope I've done OK on this one. I know I have tried to bite my tongue (even when keys were lost or food was left out in the kitchen). But it's difficult to judge progress as the one doing the nagging rather than the one being nagged to. I'll have to check with Wade on that one.

• Walk in a Half-Marathon (this is a second half of the year resolution...post-baby recovery).

That's a Q3 and Q4 one. :)

• Renew my faith daily.

The frequent feedings in the middle of the night and bouts of insomnia have helped this one, but there's always room for improvement.

Not too bad so far, but I've got a lot to get done in the next 9 months!

Why Oh Why...

...is Sanjaya not even in the bottom 3??? Because pre-teen girls have nothing but time on their hands and a phone.

Seriously!

I just watched American Idol (I'm hooked).

Seriously Sanjaya, what was up with the pony hawk? In the past, I've kind of felt sorry for the guy, since so many have made fun of him. But tonight, he was just asking for it. Yikes! The sad thing is that there are probably thousands of 10 and 11-year-olds out there that will vote for him just because of the hairdo.

I'm a fan of Blake, Gina, and Jordin.

Tummy Time Success!

I know it's not near as exciting when it's not your own child...BUT...our little boy can really hold his head up! Woo-hoo! :)

We had been working on some serious tummy time for awhile with not much of a response. Tate seemed to mainly lie there on the ground and suck his thumb. All of a sudden, he realized there was more to check out and see when you put your head up.

This video is pretty cute (yes, I'm biased). I put him on the guest room bed and got on the floor in front of him, so we're at the same level. He was hamming it up for the camera showing off his new-found neck muscles. Please pardon my goofy commentary.

Week of Fun

Last week was lots of fun. I got to celebrate my birthday several times and was able to spend time with family and friends.

One of my college roommates, Garyn, came and stayed for several days and was able to experience firsthand life with baby. By the end of the visit she was changing Tate's clothes, giving him a bottle, and playing peek-a-boo like a pro.

We always have such a good time together. Wade is used to us and has tolerated the "Garyn & Kelly silliness" for years. It's such a blessing to have a friendship that is so comfortable. After living together (and actually sharing a bedroom AND bathroom) for 3 years, you know each other pretty well. Although we live 5 hours from each other now, the comfort of being with each other and the silliness hasn't changed at all.

We went the whole visit without taking pictures of Garyn & Tate until we realized that in the last hour. So, this is taken in the Barnes & Noble bath room. :)

Later in the week were the birthday celebrations...all 3 of them! Wade and I had our night out (see previous chocolate cake story). Wade did a great job with the birthday presents, which included a tiny photo album of Tate's pictures that will fit perfectly in my purse and an addition to my Shel Silverstein book collection.

Then, my sister, brother-in-law, and niece came in town. We had a great dinner with my parents @ PF Changs (both kids made it through without a meltdown). Then we put the babies to bed at my parent's house, and the 4 of us headed out for dessert...guess where...Truluck's for more chocolate cake! (I forgot to mention earlier that the cake is best with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.)

While they were here, my sister and I enjoyed dressing up Tate and Mallory (they're exactly 6 months a part) in the matching outfits we've bought for them. Here they are in the matching Christmas outfit, which is just now fitting Tate correctly. We promised Wade & Brad that we won't do this to them after the age of 16! :)

This picture cracks me up for some reason. It's like they're saying...woman, leave us alone and stop taking our picture! Since they're so close in age, I can't wait to see how they'll get along as they get older.

Then, I celebrated with my in-laws on what is now the Kelly's birthday/St. Patrick's Day dinner. My niece and mother-in-law went all out in St. Patty's decorations. Mary Tish even made us each shamrock place cards for the dinner table. Here are Mary Tish and my nephew, Trip all decked out. Too cute!

Then all 3 of us ended the week on Sunday afternoon with a much-needed long nap. I'm half asleep in this picture, but think it's so funny to see him relaxed with his arms back.

Thanks to everyone for helping make my birthday memorable and special.

Kiss Me I'm Irish!

Well, kind of...part Irish, part Czech, part German, part French, part English, part Scottish, part everything!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

31...Really???

This past March 15 wasn't quite as ground-breaking as last year. 31...not quite as big of a deal as 30. Wade doesn't understand my amazement and freak-outness (not a real word, I know) about ages. But 31 is much weirder to me than 30. Turning 30 had some novelty to it. Turning 31 just sounds so much older! That means I'm now closer to 40 than I am to 20! The good news is that I still feel and probably act more like 25. I plan on keeping it that way.

It was a good day, though. Tate seemed to know it was a special day and was on his best behavior for me. :) My parents watched Tate last night, so that Wade and I could go out alone. We had a good time walking around Southlake Town Square and ate a delicious dinner at the new Trulucks. People...you must go there! Not for the dinner, but for the dessert. Now the dinner was pretty good, but the highlight was by far the chocolate cake. Yum! The waiter said it's been voted as the best chocolate cake in Dallas. I think we might have to go back just for dessert some time soon.

Good times...good day...good year!

My New Favorite CD

For the ACUers out there, you probably remember Zane Williams. I found his website a few months ago and ordered his newest CD. I can't stop playing it.

Even as a born-and-raised Texan, I've never really been into country music. But to me, this is much better than the mainstream country I've heard. It's more bluegrassy acoustic guitar.

My favorite songs:
Sleepy Angel
Livin' in the Good Ol' Days
Home Sweet Home
Back Porch Band

Here's a link to his website. Enjoy!

Happy 3 Months Baby Tate!

Time flies. Tate is already 3 months old. Here are some recent pictures:

Macy & Tate. The funny thing is that she could care less about Tate...she just wants his toys.

This is him yelling, "Stop changing my outfits 3 times a day Mom!" I can't help it...so many cute clothes, so little time. (Wade is rolling his eyes at me right now!)

He's discovered his thumb but can't quite figure out what to do with the rest of the fingers:


We've got to get some good pictures of the wild hair while it lasts. It's falling out like crazy!