So as I'm sure you've gathered from the last entry, Kayla now has a toddler bed.  It was hard for me to make the leap since most things I've read said that kids aren't developmentally ready for a bed until closer to 3.  I figured though it was better to risk the psychological damage now than when she fell trying to climb out of her crib at an inopportune time. 

Night 1 in the bed was a disaster.  It took her forever to fall asleep, and once she did, she wasn't asleep very long.  I spent most of the night on the floor next to her.  I don't know how much time she spent awake, but it was enogh that she was falling asleep at the lunch table at daycare the next day.  Night two, be it from having had some time to adjust or just sheer exhaustion, Kayla slept much better.  I had to go replace the nuk once, but she slept through.  Each night since has been better. 

Friday and Saturday night Kayla slept in another unfamiliar place - she spent her first two nights at Pepere and Grammy Sue's house while Shaun and I were in Philadelphia with friends.  Besides a small part of Saturday night, it sounded like she did really well.  I'm hoping that it went well enough that she might be invited back over there again in September... Right Dad and Sue? 

So we survived the crib to bed transition, nights in a new place and bar hopping around Philly in triple digit heat.  Not too shabby for one week, huh?  Now it's back to that potty training thing.  Maybe...

For the first time EVER

Kayla told me "I want to go to bed now!"

Look how proud she is to be in her big girl bed...

Another Milestone

This time for me, not for Kayla.  I am proud to announce that today I am wearing a pair of work pants that I haven’t fit into since I was about 12 weeks pregnant (see this old blog entry).  So what if it took me 2 years?  I’m starting to be happy that I didn’t get rid of all my old clothes… and that the salad eating/gym going is paying off. 

Time to consider a bed?

Today I picked Kayla up from daycare at noon and we went up to the farmer's market to pick up our produce for the next week.  Per usual, it took longer than planned and we arrived home after nap time would normally have begun.  Kayla was in full out meltdown mode and did NOT want to be put in her crib.  But I put her in and sat outside the door until she seemed calm.  I went out and brought our groceries inside and then sat down to check emails and such.  A little while later I heard her crying "my nuk!  My nuk!" so I went up to assess the situation.  Guess where that nuk was?

In the hallway. 

And a little hand was poking out under the door, trying to grab it. 

Little bugger can climb out of her crib.  At least she didn't get hurt... but I guess it's time we start thinking about how to get her in a bed since that mattress doesn't go any lower. 

Oy. 

Powder Room Remodel - the Big Reveal

I was going to wait until the room is 100% complete (we're still waiting on some of the accessories) before doing this post, but I'm afraid once I get back to work next week that I won't have the time or energy to do post... SO - here we are, the finished powder room. 

For reference, here's the before:

The during:

And the afters:

Almost everything was purchased at one of the local "big box" stores, except for the toilet and vanity/mirror which were purchased online (not that I endorse going that route for bathroom fixtures). 

The floor is 2X2 slate tiles, which were mesh mounted in 12X12 pieces.  In hindsight, we think they were intended to be wall tile, but we like the look.  The walls are "Saffron Strands" from the Behr Premium Plus line.  The roman shade is a deep blue, bought online from JC Penney. 

We spent a lot of time, money and effort in such a small room, but we made a lot of what I would call "rookie mistakes" along the way.  Lots of trips out for little things, lots of scratching our heads over why this particular sink comes with 1 1/4" plumbing when the standard seems to be 1 1/2.  Or why this toilet is secured with screws into plastic brackets that are bolted to the floor rather than closet bolts in the flange like most others... weirdness (see above statement about not endorsing purchasing bathroom fixtures online). 

All in all though, we are pleased with the result.  We went from boring builder standard to a more modern style, in just a few weeknights/weekend days, with a toddler in the house, and minimal fighting.  We're not jumping to start another project just yet, but we do have a few ideas brewing...

Happy Second Birthday!!

Dearest Little Kayla -

So here we are again, little angel; your big day is here.  There's so much to celebrate - so much growth and change and just so much to love.  Even though you thoroughly exhaust me by the end of a day, I wouldn't trade these days at home with you for anything. 

I reread my first birthday letter to you last night, and it just staggers me how much you've changed in a year.  I didn't think the transition would be so dramatic as it was from helpless infant to toddling 1-year old.  But it has been.  From toddling 1-year old, to walking, running, jumping 2-year old.  From just beginning to grasp two-way communication to knowing more words than I can count, forming sentences, asking questions and making observations. 

Right now your favorite things are KaiLan, puzzles, your doll house and playing outside.  Your least favorite things are baths (having your hair rinsed out) and sitting still.  You know all of your family members by name, and although you're still shy with Aunt Dena and Uncle Jaime, I know you like them a lot. 

We had your party this past Saturday, and it was a great time.  You were so excited about this party that was being thrown for you!  I can't wait to let you help plan next years, now that I know how much you enjoy talking about parties.  We were very excited to share your big day with the whole family. 

You will be "moving up" to the pooh bear room at daycare on Monday.  Today we ran some errands and when we stopped in to drop off your schedule for next week, I popped my head in to your new class room.  I was kind of overcome with it all of a sudden... you're growing so fast.  You're so big and smart and sweet but stubborn like your mamma.   You are so much like us, but still a littler person all your own. 

We love you so very much, Miss Kayla.  It's been a wonderful two years, and I can't wait to see what this one brings.  Hugs and kisses to you sweet one. 

Love Always -

~Mommy

2 year well baby visit

Since I inundated you enough yesterday, I figured I'd save this update for today.  Kayla had her 2 year checkup yesterday and she did amazingly well.  She hopped on the scale for the nurse with no hesitation, and sat very still and quiet while Dr. S. examined her.  She even said a few things while he was in the room - very unusual! 

She is now 25.8 pounds (42nd percentile) and 34 inches tall (56th percentile) so she's growing well.  The doctor said he heard a small heart murmur, but called it an "innocent" or "flow" murmur; according to him, it's not uncommon and it should resolve itself over the next year or so.  She's up to date on immunizations so she doesn't need to be seen again until she turns three. 

So thankful for a happy and healthy baby little girl! 

Once again, Blair says it best.

Check out Blair's poignant post about today's verdict in the Casey Anthony trial. 

Even though I understand reasonable doubt, I just can't make sense of this.  My heart breaks for the little girl who was only a little older than mine is now.  I hope that Kayla knows I am, and will always be her safe haven. 

Powder Room Update

The powder room is done, but not finished.  Done in that it is functional, not finished in that I wouldn't send anyone in there to use it just yet. 

I had to resand/repatch/repaint a wall, so that is in progress.  Artwork is on order; we will have to mat/frame it when it arrives.  The roman shade for the window should be here today. 

Once everything is totally finished, I will post the final product.  Here's a teaser pic to tide you over...

Second Birthday Party

Saturday was a lovely day for a birthday party.  So thankful for our amazing families - We gathered, ate, drank and celebrated this little girl for a warm afternoon. 

Skinned knees/legs and all - too cute. 

I was too busy enjoying myself to snap a lot of the detail shots that I got last year, but I'm cool with that.  I was having a blast watching her run the backyard track with her cousins and chatting with everyone there. 

The invitations were shamelessly copied from somewhere (I don't even remember the source) but created and printed by me (I'm an MS Publisher expert and didn't even know it!). 

We had two kinds of meatball sandwiches, with tortellini salad, green salad and fruit.  After dinner, Kayla got to don her bathing suit and do her favorite activity at Pepere and Grammy Sue's house-  play in the fountain!

After getting dried off, it was time for cake!

Strawberry filled white cake with whipped icing.  Yum. 

Then we opened gifts.  This was the point where my camera was sitting beside me while I read cards and helped keep her on track (multi-part gifts are tough - she wanted to grab something new after every box, even when there were more right in front of  her). 

All in all, it was a wonderful success and I hope everyone enjoyed it as much as we did!  I'll fill in more pictures as I get them from my dad and sister!

Happy 4th of July!

Friday evening's parade in Lititz

Happy July 4th everyone!  We'll be back shortly with a birthday party update and a 2nd birthday letter/photos not far behind!