Friday, October 3, 2008

Little Man Keegan

When do they get so big? Keegan and I are in the process of starting to potty train. (Yes...I said Keegan and I because training a child is just as much about training the parents to watch for cues and get on a set schedule.) I'm trying to get into the swing of it all, but all I keep thinking is...didn't I just do this with Fiona?

I'm trying to remind myself how awesome it would be not to have a diaper budget and have this stage of parenting behind us. BUT...I'm not looking forward to the accidents, constant reminders, and training myself again. I guess no better time than the present.

From inside the little blue bungalow,
Katie Jean
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Thursday, October 2, 2008

Milestone: Goodbye sweet crib...

Today I'm with mixed emotions as I think about moving Keegan into a "big boy bed". For nearly 4 1/2 years we have had this crib up in our house for our little ones to sleep in and that time is over. It has served us well and it is with heavy heart that I will ask Drew to disassemble the crib for storage this weekend. Keegan is ready for this change, but I'm really not sure if I'm ready.

Years ago I can remember peering into it the empty crib with my hand on my pregnant belly just dreaming about the first time Fiona would rest her tiny body upon it. (Of course, the crib was up months before Fiona was born in sweet anticipation of our first born.) We lived in Wisconsin at the time and now the crib has joined us in our journey to Washington and held her baby brother, Keegan, as well. As they say...if walls could talk...this crib too would have a lot to say. The sleepless nights, tears, jumps, teddy bears, leaked diapers, sippie cups, blankets, and of course, sweet Keegan and Fiona that have blessed it during our early years as parents.

Ironically, most of the toys, clothes, and equipment the kids have been growing out of I have been so excited to pass them onto the next family. However, knowing the crib will be taken down this weekend really signifies the end of our time with babies...our babies. (Even though they'll always be babies in our eyes.) People always tell you to enjoy them...they (kids) don't stay young forever and it is totally true. I can't imagine a time when my kids won't want to climb in my lap and call out "Mama, Mama!", but I know it's coming.

Each night before I turn in to bed I check on my kids as they peacefully rest and pray over them. (I don't think that will ever change.) It will be hard to imagine not seeing the crib during this regular routine that has gone on for 4 1/2 years. It is time...I just have to get past that. Maybe someday (far, far away) Keegan or Fiona will be able to peer down on their own baby within this very crib at the end of the day and send up a prayer thanking God for such an amazing blessing. As a mother, this is one of my biggest hopes.

Thanks for the memories and outstanding service sweet crib...

From inside the little blue bungalow,
Katie Jean


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Wednesday, October 1, 2008

Wordless Wednesday


From inside the little blue bungalow,
Katie Jean
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Monday, September 29, 2008

First Ever Blog Contest!

I'm so excited to present my first ever blog contest! I've participated in blog contests before (though I never won) and thought I, too, should give it a try. For my contest please send me your most creative and thought-provoking caption to add to these pictures. All entries must be received by Thursday, October 2nd at midnight to be considered. (If you don't have a gmail account feel free to post your captions anonymous and then type your name somewhere on your comment.)

On Friday I'll sort through all the captions and come up with our two winners, one for each picture. There will be prizes... so get creative and think "WINNER".

From inside the little blue bungalow,
Katie Jean
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Friday, September 26, 2008

(Belated) Wordless Wednesday

From inside the little blue bungalow,
Katie Jean
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Sunday, September 21, 2008

In the Heartland...IOWA

Greetings fellow reader(s), (I'm never too sure how many of you are out there...ha!)

I wanted to let you know the kids and I arrived safely into the Des Moines, IA airport on Wednesday night with only a few laughs and stressful moments. Since it was my first time flying solo with two kiddos, I was proud of how my kids behaved and how my deodorant handed the extra stress. (Clinical Strength baby!) Overall, I would rate it a roaring success!

If you were wondering...praise God we were NOT "that family" in the airport. The kids were behaved and Keegan slept like a champ. Seriously, to the point he was snoring and drooling all over my shirt on both flights. (It was pleasant...ah...not so much.) But at least I didn't have to deal with "crazy" Keegan on the flight. Fiona watched Shrek and colored. (LOVE IT!) Keegan slept, slept, and oh...woke for about 30 minutes, eat three crackers and then went back to sleep. (Anyone notice a pattern here?) Everyone was very helpful and pleasant with me as I navigated and dealt with my kids in the airport and my Dad even met me at the airport with a Diet Coke. Honestly, it was an answer to prayer. (Everyone being nice. Ok...and the diet coke.)

Since our adventures flying out here, we are having LOTS of fun in Iowa. Fishing, boating, hanging with the grandparents and playing at the water park with the cousins have been some of the highlights of this amazing trip. As always, I promise I'll have lots of pictures to share when we get back home on Tuesday night.

Oh, and don't let me forget to tell you about a HILARIOUS story about Fiona and escalators. (Definitely...a classic Fiona story as well as a defining "mom" moment.)

From inside the little blue bungalow, (actually the lake house in Iowa)
Katie Jean

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Wordless Wednesday

...and I'm taking these two kids on a plane by myself?
From inside the little blue bungalow,
Katie Jean
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