Like father, like daughter

I was semi-complaining last night to my father-in-law, Rick, how I've seen my friends' kids who are around Kate's age, how they can just sit there in a stroller, or whatever, so contently. My kid, on the other hand, has to be constantly on the move. Not easy at all for a mama! Rick reminded me of the story of when they were living on the Owyhee reservation when Brian was around two years old. Brian attended daycare at a Methodist church, where he was the only white kid, taken care of by two Native American ladies. One day, Brian's dad and mom got a phone call from one of the ladies, saying that there was something wrong with Brian. The problem? All the other kids would just sit there quietly and play, used to being strapped to their moms. Brian, on the other hand, would run around all day. Sounds just like Kate! It's hard not to feel a twinge of jealousy when I see those other toddlers so placid. But, as I told Rick, I wanted feisty kids, so I really can't complain. I got exactly what I wished for! Especially when it comes to my little girl.

Christmas card photos

Took the kiddos a couple miles down Shalem Colony Road to the Rio Grande the other day, let them get out on a dirt road and run a little bit so I could get some good pictures for our Christmas cards. (That's always my best advice for taking pictures of kids: take them to a new place so their faces light up with wonder.) It was a little tricky getting both of them to cooperate, the little imps, but we came out with at least a couple that still make me grin.

A year-and-a-half

My sweet baby girl is 18 months today! Kate continues to amaze me. Every day she learns new words. She's still temperamental, extremely active, and loves her blankets and stuffed animals. When we read books, she waves at the characters inside. She also waves at the dog, or at her socks when I take them off her feet. When she meets new people, she snuggles deep into the crook of my neck. And, of course, she wants to do everything that her big brother does.


Since I use this blog as partially a reminder for all the scrapbooking I'll do someday (and, believe me, there is a LOT to catch up on!), I have compiled a list of words Kate is saying. I just compared it to the list I wrote for Jack when he was 21 months old--three whole months older than Kate is now--and her list trumps his by far. I've got a talker on my hands!

bowl * cup * mama * dada * Jack * Grandma * Grandpa * hi * bye-bye * all done * more * hot * ruf-ruf * meow * quack * moo * ooh ooh ahh * bok-bok * caw-caw * vrooom * banana * cracker * cheese * ball * uh-oh * go * garbage * socks * potty* hello * Bubba * bottle * Bible * bubbles * up (she says "bup") * down * book * bath * chair * hands * no * off/on (sounds the same, and I doubt she knows the difference)