1,215 days...

This blog has been in my head for a very long time. I could not imagine what it would feel like when it got here. And when it did, it was not as life transforming as I thought it would be. I have officially been nursing or pregnant, at times I was both, for at least 1,215 days...give or take a few. I nursed Kennedy for 13 months and Whit for 11 1/2. Kennedy was 10 months old when I got pregnant with Whit, so there is the pregnant and nursing part. That is a total of 3 years and about 4 months. WOW! I am finally, all to myself again. I pictured it being liberating. I would be free. I could do whatever I wanted!! It is pretty freeing. It is quite liberating. I do miss it a little...not much..just a little. I am forever thankful to my nursing friends and my sweet husband for helping me through to a year. I don't think it is something that you can do without support. It was hard at times. It was a joy and privilege at others. I think back and wonder if it was all worth it. Hmmm...Let's see...does it look worth it?

I am truly blessed to be their mommy. I prayed for so long for just one baby to hold. I just wanted one healthy baby that would make it here to earth. I wanted to hold him or her and look into their eyes and tell them how much I loved them. God answered that prayer. He answered in a huge way. My life changed when I became a mom. Katie changed into a new Katie I think. I like how it changed me. My heart, my soul, is new. It is my privilege to call you my children, my sweet babies. Each choice I have made I have tried to make for you. I hope that you see when you are all grown up how much you both mean to me. I love you!!

Summer is WONDERFUL!!!

Don't you just LOVE summer? Mmmm....endless days of nothing but water activities and naps. I got a new sprinkler for the kids and our big kids wanted to play in it this morning. Look at these potty trained babies in their "big kid undies!" :)

Even Chad wanted to play...you know he loved dancing in the sprinkler! Here he is before he danced....sorry I didn't capture it.

The daddies and our babies

Whit and his Lorelei...all too soon they will be loving on each other!

My little BOY...playing with boy toys!

K and Drew...who is going to win?!!!

I hope you are enjoying your summer days! We are definitely doing that around here!!

She can SWIM!!

I wouldn't say it if it wasn't true. My little 2 year old can officially swim!! :) GO K!! She doesn't know how to stop and breathe yet which is a hard skill for one this young to learn. I know from my years of being a professional swim lesson teacher, you know. :) But this little girl can jump in and swim a pretty good distance all by HERSELF!! This is one proud mommy...here are some pics of her showing off...

Life

Life is not always easy. Throw in two kids under 2 and my life is really not easy. I get overwhelmed at times, but for the most part my life is just how I want it. "They" say that kids grow up so fast. I don't think you realize it until you have children of your own. These infants, our babies, are placed in our arms for the first time and depend 100% on us. A year later, they are saying..nananana (Whit's version of no no) when you tell them no. They are the same eyes, same smile, but with a better understanding of the world each day. I am utterly and completely in awe. I know that sounds silly because I have seen other people grow up. It is just not the same when it is your child. My little girl, my baby, is now a girl. She is truly a girl, not a baby. I have long conversations about everything with her. She in constantly asking questions and learning each day. She amazes me.

My son...wow. One week from Friday he will turn one. One....my BABY turning one. I can't even stand the thought of the Happy Birthday song. That one makes me cry so hard! And the first time you sing it to a baby...oh my goodness I can't hold it together! It is a proud moment for me. A year...we have nurtured him, loved him, and he has given us so much more in return. What a wonderful thing to celebrate...our first year with our son.

Life....it is hard sometimes. I am overwhelmed some days. I cry sometimes. I laugh a lot of times. I yell at Greg sometimes...(ok maybe a lot) My children make me cry sometimes. They make me laugh so hard I can't breathe at times. My house is clean sometimes and sometimes it is just not. Such is life....and I am so thankful I have such a good one. Thank you God for blessing me beyond anything I ever asked for! This life you have given me is just perfect...just perfect in the non perfect way. And that is the way I like it.

Happy Birthday America!!

Kennedy is super excited about America's birthday today! We made a cake this morning and she was making me laugh so hard. She was really excited about the birthday party! Ha! Here she is helping decorate her first cake. She was such a good helper! We have a fun day planned....pool, lunch, naps, low country boil, then fireworks!! What fun!! Happy 4th everyone!

Our finished product! Am I as good as Sarah and Liza? He..he..so kidding!

Meanwhile...

What's a little brother to do when his sister is in time out? Well, bother her of course!!! Here's Whit's side to the morning. He is truly a little brother in training. He is going to be a serious pain in Kennedy's side through the years. It makes me happy. :)

ATTACK!

"Whitty Whit's got my hair!" she yells. Then I hear, "He's eating it! Mommy, he's eating my hair!"
Now, that was fun!

I love her

I love her passion for the things she believes in.

I love how she shows you how she feels.
I love her determination.

I love that no matter what she will stand up for what she believes in.

She might need a short break but she is still fighting her causes.

She can be silent at times but will not ever forget what she believes in.

And in the end she is full of life and joy.

I realize that I am raising myself. I know that. I have a little girl that is bullheaded and strong. She is determined and passionate. She is forming who she is and I can see that this little girl will not grow up to let the world walk all over her. She fights for what she believes in. I pray that she grows up to be an independent woman that stands up for herself. We are just working on the right times to stand up for ourselves right now. I love this little girl. She's a challenge at times but I think she brings that spice we need to our family. Thank's Kennedy for being who you are.