More photos from Jody Lynn

Can you tell I am trying to catch up on a few things? :o) Back in November, my brother and his family came for a visit. Like the previous year, they had Jody Lynn take their annual Christmas pictures--and she did a beautiful job. (Check out their pretty pictures here.) Jody also snapped a few photos of Kate. (We had the girls dressed alike because we're like that.) I wish I had fixed Kate's hair better--or at least brushed it--that morning, but I didn't know she was going to be in any formal photos. Also, we were in a hurry with a full house and everyone trying to get out the door. You know how it goes. Fun times! :o) Anyway, thank you for these great pictures, Jody Lynn!

Kate Quotes

Here is a post I started back on Oct. 4 and never finished. It is a list of some of Kate's regular quotes. I have added to the draft from last fall, so I would describe these as Kate quotes from 2.0 to 2.5. It's not organized the best way and could use some work, but I wanted to get this finished before I forgot and also so I could throw away all these little scraps of paper that contain some of these snippets. :o) After all ... "Done," as my sister Cindy has told me, "is better than perfect." :o)

"Pongoooooo!" This is the Korean word for ... well ... gas. She says it with such enthusiasm, too. LOL!

"Pretty colors!" Kate likes to see many colors all together, like in a rainbow. When she does, she will announce, "pretty colors!" She has a few items of clothing that are various stripes of "pretty colors."

"Carry you." Kate says this when she wants you to pick her up and carry her.

"This way ..." In the car, Kate likes to dictate which way we'll go next by pointing or motioning in a particular direction and saying "This way!"

"Ooooh, what's that?" Self-explanatory. LOL!

"Come on! Let's go!"

"Peek-a-boo! I can see you!"

"OH NO!" and "UH-OH!"

"Careful, Kate."

"Ah-Pah's at work!" Said all the time, especially during the work day. And occasionally at other times, too.

"It's OK; it's OK." Also: "It's OK; it's fine."

"Hiiiii!" and "Hi, Peoples!" She can be a friendly little girl and greet peoples she sees out in public. This is sometimes accompanied with a wave.

"Hey! What's going on?"

"No touchies!" What her mother says to her when she is not supposed to touch something.

"No scratch!" Also: "No scratchies!" She was prone to scratching some dry patches of skin, so she heard this instruction quite a bit and repeated it often.

"No squeezies!" Kate finally started to like apple juice. For the longest time, she didn't really care for it. We had a learning period--which, by the way, we are still in--when it came to drinking out of a juice box. I had to constantly remind her not to squeeze the box.

"No splash!" Said when she is given applesauce or also when we are out and we don't want her to splash in big ol' puddles. She has a thing for splashing her spoon in applesauce and making a mess. A biiiiiig mess. See next entry.

"It's a biiiiiig mess!"

"Excuse me." Tanna taught Kate the proper usage of "excuse me." She doesn't use it all the time without prompting, of course, but sometimes she does--and even with toys or other inanimate objects .... like raisins, for example. "Excuse me, raisins." You probably had to be there and it is probably only funny to her parents, but that's OK.

"OK? OK!"

"Try it?" This is said when she has found a piece of candy or other goodie that she wants to "try." Popular back around Halloween, etc.

"Anna-Claire's Party." Said in reference to her cousin's birthday party, which was at the end of November. She talked about Anna-Claire's party a lot.

"Miss Grace!" This is from her Miss PattyCake DVDs. On the show, Miss PattyCake and the kids will summon the Miss Grace character by putting their hands up around their mouths and yelling, "Miss Grace!"

"How big is baby? So big!" (Also just "so big!") With arm/hand motions. This is from one of her Baby Babble DVDs.

"I do it!"

"Sit down." ... "Mommy, sit down." ... "Ah-Pah, sit down."

"Mommy's Coke"

"I'm jumping!"

"Oh my goodness!"

"It's raining!"

"It's broken!"

"Piece of paper"

"Pretty music" "Singing" "Singing on"

"HIGH FIVE!" Kate likes to give high fives--and announce them, too!

"How about ...?"and "How about this one?" Said when she is coming up with different options (for eating, activities, etc.)

"Mmmmmmm ... meatballs? Mmmmmmmm ... nuggets? Mmmmmmm ... crackers?" Also said when coming up with various menu items.

"Waffle cookie" To get her to eat waffles, Tanna told her they were "waffle cookies."

"Bye-bye, angels!" "Bye-bye (anything)!" The angels Kate said good-bye to were at a live nativity we went to at Christmastime. She enjoys bidding farewell to people and various things, etc.

Also ...

• Kate has known her colors for quite some time and seems to really enjoy colors. Kate sometimes likes to name things by what color they are. (For example: "It's a green!" Or "Red one!") She also likes to point out the colors of things to describe them. It is (or used to be, at least) a regular occurrence to get a play-by-play as we drive around town: "red car ... blue car ... yellow car ... green trees ..."
• This is an oldie also--as Kate has done this for a while--but I don't know if I ever wrote it down ... She will put her milk sippy cup back in the fridge and also will go and get it all by herself when she gets up from nap, etc. What a big girl!
• She also likes to announce who is in the room and point and name the people. It's usually just "Ah-Pah! Mommy! Kate!" But there are sometimes others as well.
• If Kate sees an "I" in a sans-serif font, she calls it a "1."
  
• She likes to pray and prays before meals and at bedtime. She does her "praying hands" and gets a serious look on her face.
• Kate is starting to ask to wear dresses (and more often than not, a pink dress)--but doesn't seem to care if she wears pants or some other color of dress. She also likes to look in the mirror to see her outfit or her hair after it is fixed. ;o)
  
• It is the sweetest thing to see her run and greet Tanna and give him a hug and a kiss when he gets home. Or when she says good-bye to him in the morning, she is usually just getting up and will hug him and take out her paci to give him a kiss, still a little groggy. :o)
• Tanna taught Kate to play catch, which she usually does with a small beach ball or one of her little toy balls. She will request to do so by saying ... "play catch."
• She has known her animal sounds for quite some time, but it took a lot of asking and explaining before she would answer both ways. For example, she's been saying the sounds on her own for a while--like, when I say, "What's the cat say?" She will answer, "Meow." But it took a bit before she would answer correctly when I asked her, "What animal goes ssssssss?" or "Who says moooooooo?" (See what I mean?) Tanna thought I was pushing the subject a bit at one time. But I loved seeing the lightbulb go off when she finally understood what I was asking. :o) Anyway, I need to get a video of this because I think her dog sound is hilarious!
  
• She likes to "make coffee" or have tea parties with her bathtub watering can/cups toys (a gift from Jamie--thank you!) and also with her play kitchen dishes. Oh, and she also likes to "play kitchen."
• She loves playing with trains and cars and pulling/pushing things with wheels (buggies, strollers, suitcases, etc.). She finally started to show a little more interest in baby dolls. It's not a lot, but it's something! I was so excited! :o)
• LOVES books and looking at books. LOVES drawing and coloring, art-related activities. LOVES for you to draw different things with her.
  
• Loves stickers, too. She had a fun sticker book that her friend Sam gave her last fall. She enjoyed it so much that I bought another one. (Thanks, Sam!) Kate is actually holding the first (original) sticker book in the two photos included with this post--the first photo is from November, the second from December. I bought another sticker book prior to our post-Christmas trip to California and already need a new one. LOL! It is perfect for the car, for restaurants, for trips, etc. Kate requests it frequently.
  

Happy Groundhog Day!

Here are a few photos I took of Kate on Groundhog Day 2010. (I am writing this entry after the holiday, but I am dating it for Feb. 2.) Photo shoots with Kate are quite an adventure these days, as you can imagine. LOL! Anyway, I thought this dress was just perfect for Groundhog Day--it is brown, after all, and it has a weather-related print. In the photos with Kate are our groundhog dolls as well as a fun groundhog mask I bought in Punxsutawney back in '02. We didn't make it up to Penn. this year. We didn't go see General Lee at Yellow River Game Ranch here in Georgia, either. Maybe we'll go back for the big day one year soon. We'll see ...

Hope you had a great Groundhog Day!

More about Kate @ 2.5

Here are some notes I jotted down about Kate recently. Some of these may be repeats, but I am recording these for my own personal use and don't feel like going back to see if I already wrote about all of these. So there. :o)

• Kate loves the words game on Tanna's iPhone and plays it a lot when we are out and about. It is a great way to keep her entertained. I think it is called "First Words."
• Logos/signs/stores she easily recognizes: Target, Chick-fil-A, Publix, McDonald's, Operation Christmas Child, Costco
  
• She sometimes likes to pick her nose and present me with her findings, which she calls "boogies." She particularly likes to do this in the car and then say, "Ooooh, it's a biiiiiig boogie!"
  
• She LOVES books and hearing stories. At bedtime, she will ask and ask for another story. I usually give in and cut her off after three or four. When we start reading longer books, I don't think I'll be able to do this. She also likes to sleep with lots of books and looks at them in bed--although her room is dark, so I'm not sure how much she can actually see.
• Kate enjoys jumping (does she ever!), waving, clapping, dancing and generally not sitting still.
• She has been like this for as long as I can remember--even as a little baby. When she anticipates a loud sound or a sudden movement or bright light (like a camera flash), she gets this hilarious look on her face and kind of closes her eyes like she is bracing herself. I think I have some pictures of this somewhere ...
• She loves to recite the ABCs and also the sounds each letter make. She also will ask you to do the sounds, like in the DVD "The Letter Factory." She will say, "The A says ..." and then she wants you to answer.
• She likes to pretend to eat and to feed others. So please play along if she tries to feed you something.
• She sometimes calls the living room "home."
  
• Kate loves artsy projects--drawing, coloring, painting, stamping, etc.
• She will sit still to have her hair fixed and seems to enjoy it. She also will try to brush my hair and put a hair bow in it.
  
• When Tanna is giving her a big hug, he will start to shake and she will say "aaaaahhhhh" so her voice is shaky when they are hugging. I am not explaining that very well, but they both love it and laugh.
• Kate often enjoys being tickled and will ask to be tickled by saying, "Tickle, please." And sometimes by saying, "Tickle, tickle, tickle" and holding up her hands like she is going to tickle you.
  
• Some of Kate's frequently heard quotes:
  
  1. "Awwwwww, soooo sweet." This is said when she is giving someone a hug. LOL!
  2. "Oh no!"
  3. "It's OK. It's fine."
  4. "Listen to Mommy."
  5. "Be careful, Kate." "Be careful, Mommy." "Be careful, Ah-Pah." "Be careful, chair."
     
  6. "Ready to get up."
  7. "Pay for it" or "We have to pay for it." Regularly said in a store like Target.
     
  8. "Look at all these toys." Said after she lines up a bunch of toys. Yes, she still likes to line things up.
  9. "God's great big world"--from Miss PattyCake DVD of the same name and said when Kate sees a globe or image of the world, etc. Also, she calls her Resurrection Eggs "Miss PattyCake's Eggs."
     
  10. "OK? OK."
  11. "Do you hear that?" and "What's that noise?" These are sometimes preceded with "Oooooh?" and "Listen!" (respectively).
      
  12. "What's wrong?" and "What's the matter?" (showing empathy/sympathy, usually said when she hears another child crying ... also says "Oh, no!" at those times)
      
  13. "Oooooh, what's that?"
  14. "No!" "Mine!" "I said NO!" "STOP!"
  15. "Oh, thank you, Mommy!" "Oh, thank you, Ah-Pah!"
      
  16. "Way to go!" and "Great job, Kate!" and "Oohhh, great job!"
      
  17. I have a bunch more Kate quotes from a few months ago that I still need to post.
      

10 Reasons Shopping at Publix Is Such a Pleasure

I *heart* Publix! And so does Kate. In fact, Publix is one of the stores she easily recognizes--and often asks to visit. You see, shopping there really IS a pleasure. In fact, I came up with (more than) 10 reasons why that is the case. And so now I present them to you, in no particular order ...

1. Free Chicken. Did you know that the Publix Deli will give kids a free chicken tender? It's true! Kate loves to go to Publix to get some chicken and another little treat ... for free!

2. Free Cookies! Likewise, the Publix Bakery gives kids a free cookie. If you'll notice, you may see a little case on top of the bakery case with cookies neatly stacked inside. Those are for the kiddos and are free for the asking. This isn't from the bakery, but word on the street is that you also can get a free balloon for your child at Publix, but I have not put this one to the test.

3. Cool Carts. Kate loves to ride in the green car (or rocket) carts at Publix. When we are headed in the direction of Publix, Kate will sometimes say, "Go Publix ... ride in green car." (And sometimes, "Go Publix ... get chicken ... cookie!" LOL!)

4. Two Words: BO. GO. I know that's not really two words. Or even words at all. But the buy-one-get-one-free deals at Publix are awesome, week after week. What's a bonus (especially for a small family) is that sometimes you don't necessarily have to buy two items to get the deal. Sometimes, if you just get one BOGO item, it will ring up at half price.

5. Publix Cakes. The Publix Bakery is well-known for its cakes. Ever since I moved to the Atlanta area--where Publix is huge--I've heard wonderful things about Publix cakes. When I was wedding planning, many folks recommended Publix cakes for the reception. We got married in Tennessee with no Publix nearby; otherwise, I would have considered it. I have had many a Publix cake and they are delicious! See this post and this one.

6. No Stupid Savings Cards. I hate having to keep up with bonus cards or savings cards or membership cards or whatever-the-latest-name-is cards. I shouldn't have to present some extra card that tracks my purchases to get the "sale" price. That's not really a sale, is it? At Publix, the price is the price. For everyone. No card required.

7. Senior Discount. I wasn't even aware of this until my parents were with me at Publix over the holidays. The very friendly cashier told us about the senior discount. I think it was only 5 percent--but hey, that is 5 percent!

8. Heartwarming Commercials. I dare you to watch a Publix commercial and not cry. Or at least get a little misty. Here's one to start you off, in case you missed it at Christmastime. If you need a good cry sometime, just do a YouTube search for Publix commercials--be sure to have some tissues handy.

9. Publix Subs. Oh yeah! Publix subs are awesome! We used to discuss their awesomeness at my former place of employment. Some of us would make a run to Publix to pick up some of these fabulous subs. I still eat Publix subs regularly. Had one earlier this week, as a matter of fact.

10. The Baby Club. And Preschool Pals. These two programs are wonderful. In fact, I wrote a post a while back about the Publix Baby Club. We have graduated to the Preschool Pals program, and it's great, too. They occasionally send a cute little gift for Kate. I usually save them for Operation Christmas Child, but it is a very nice gesture that is appreciated. I loved the coupons we received from the Baby Club--not to mention the very helpful book. Check it out!

And honorable mention:

• Double Coupons. Apparently, this varies according to region. But here in Atlanta, Publix doubles coupons up to 50 cents. You can read more about the policy here.
• Secret Penny Savings Sale. I don't really follow this regularly. In fact, I probably have taken advantage of it only a few times. But it is kind of fun--and you can get some great deals.
• Awesome Customer Service. I realize this could vary by store--but at "my" Publix, the customer service is awesome, and the employees are so warm and friendly. We've been shopping there regularly for almost six years now, and we enjoy seeing the familiar faces of the staff.
• Publix-brand merchandise. We buy several items from the Publix brand. Great quality and great price!
  
• I know there are many more reasons why shopping at Publix so pleasurable. What are yours?
  

Disclaimer: This is my personal opinion, and I have received no goods or services or monies or coupons or discounts or likewise for writing this. Yet. But if you want to send me some money, just let me know. LOL!

See you at Publix!

'See Jamie'

Jamie is one of Kate's BFFs. She often will request to "see Jamie" and gets SO EXCITED when we are going to have a get-together. Jamie's Mom tells me Jamie is the same way about Kate. It's so funny because when the girls get together, they don't necessarily play TOGETHER. And sometimes they kind of ignore each other. LOL! But as soon as we leave, Kate wants to "see Jamie" or "go to Jamie's house" again.

Both Kate and Jamie have a fabulous time with their friend Cammie as well. Cammie and her little sister Amelia live a little further away, so last-minute get-togethers with them are a little more tricky--but it makes their time together even more special. :o)

Kate got to see Jamie on Monday--the girls had a great time! Here are some photos as well as some others from our last few play dates.


Eating cookies together


I don't think I ever posted about our Christmas craft experience. hahaha! Anyway, here is a picture from that day last month.


We went to the Atlanta History Center a few weeks ago.


Working on a project or two ...


Special friends. :o)

Kate sings the ABC song

Kate loves the alphabet. Here is a video I took of her today singing the ABC song.