Our Little Girl Is Growing Up So Fast

I can't even believe Keira is 16 months old now. Today the director of the daycare, Aimee, mentioned that Keira would be getting ready to transition into the Toddler room starting next week. I just about burst into tears. She's really not a baby anymore and is a full-fledged toddler! Where did the time go? My Mom used to say she felt like she blinked a few times and we all grew up so suddenly. I'm really beginning to understand and feel that sentiment. It's both awesome and bittersweet. I love watching her grow up, learn and become her own person, but it makes me sad to think about the day when I won't be the most important person in her world and she won't want to crawl in my lap to cuddle. I better stop before I start misting up again.

While I was on one of my work trips Mark took Keira to her 15-month appt. While she's very well developed for her age (think speaking, walking, etc) she's still quite small and is actually under weight. So, we've got her on a high-calorie diet. In short, she can pretty much eat anything she wants as long as it helps put some meat on her bones. What I could do if I was on such a diet! We're not too concerned and will be back in for an 18-month appt soon enough to check on progress. But, her size certainly does NOT hold her back at all. She is still a little spitfire and is oozing with personality. Keira's always waving at people when she's on a buggy ride and blowing kisses too. She loves to run around and has the most active imagination. She can "talk" on the phone forever, but we're not sure what she's babbling.

Just putting on a little chapstick

Keira's loves to read books by herself and she loves being read to as well. Her Sesame Street board books are among her favorites.

She's a bit of a messy eater, but she has a good time at meals.

We went to visit Grandma's grave. Though she's too young to understand I hope that she will feel her Grandma's presence here as she gets older and will continue to visit.

Making those important phone calls

More messy eating...makes me laugh every time!

Where Did September Go?

I can't believe we're in the last week of September already. This has been one of the craziest months I've had in a long time. Between travel for work, a department re-org, and regular life...it's been a whirlwind. That's why I haven't posted anything in a long time. So, here goes...

First, I took off with Heather on a weekend jaunt to Vegas. She won a trip and took me along as her guest - thank you Heather! We stayed at the Planet Hollywood Hotel and had a fantastic time walking the strip, eating, talking, seeing shows, etc. But, as you know, what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas! :-)

Here's the hotel we stayed at. It used to be the old Aladdin hotel. We had a fantastic room with a bathroom large enough to accommodate two ladies getting ready at the same time.

Here's Heather getting cozy with one of the Cirque dudes...We caught Ka the first night and got tickets through 1/2 price tickets - it's quite the deal!

We ate at the Jimmy Buffet restaurant - my nachos were so yummy! And, yes, I ate nachos as my meal. I was on vacation!!

The Wed after Vegas I was back on a plane to Denver to attend a marketing summit. I had to present in front of a big audience and was shaking in my shoes, but I think it all went well. So, I'm thankful for that and thankful that it's over and done with!

Another week after that I was back on a plane to Denver. Yes, I'm getting tired of planes. I worked hard in the store and must've strained my back or something. My back, neck and shoulders have been really tense lately - more than usual. I'll definitely be treating myself to a nice and long massage once this month is over. But, it wasn't all work. I met up with Alice, who's been an amazing partner and friend on our Denver project and we attended my friends' performance at the Bluebird Theater. It was a fantastic show. I was also able to catch up with some family friends and enjoyed a nice dinner with them. It's been many, many years since I sat with their family at the dinner table. It was so nice and still so familiar to me. Thanks for such a great time guys! After working the last day I met up with Brian, one of Mark's old friends from school. We had a great time watching "ku" football (don't ask), eating dinner and catching the Dark Knight at the IMax - what a great movie and thanks for being a great tour guide!

Here's Alice and me hanging out at the Bluebird Theater. Thanks for a great night and Happy Birthday again lady!!! Hope you had a blast celebrating and I'll see you again soon!

Here's a snapshot of the front of the store I've been working on with a fantastic team of people. I can't show you what's inside just yet, but the grand opening is coming up on OCTOBER 4!!

Here's Brian and me in our "ku" gear...Thanks for a fabulous time!

And, yes, Mark's been the one who's been home holding down the fort and taking care of Keira while I've been gone. He's done a fantastic job! I'm so lucky to have him as my husband. Without his support and patience, with both Keira and me, I wouldn't be able to focus on the things I need to focus on and I certainly wouldn't have the energy to keep up with everything.

Well, one more trip to go and then life will slow down - hopefully! I'll be back with more on Keira later. She deserves her in post. I just wanted to catch up and let you know where I've been the past few weeks. Hope you're all well!

Into September We Go

Today was definitely a warm September day, but I know the fall and winter will be here before we know it. I'm thankful that Gustav did not cause as much damage for those in the Gulf as predicted and I'm thankful to be surrounded by wonderful family and friends. I miss my mom every day, but sometimes feel like she's still here. I hope to be blessed with that feeling for the rest of my life.

Anyway, here's a photo from our Labor Day weekend. 

Keira's had a great August - she turned 15 months old, is starting to babble words, plays all kinds of games...she's a blast to be around and keeps us guessing and laughing all the time. Click on the following photo to see more of what she's been up to.