Kaylee is 2!!

sob sob sob, boo hoo, sniff sniff

I was talking to one of my cousins tonight about how sad I am that Kaylee turned 2 yesterday. It has nothing to do with wanting her to stay a baby, it has everything to do with her growing up...does that even make sense? I have no desire to have another baby to fill my "nest". I am so in love with Kaylee and I have fully enjoyed every stage she has gone through so far. I know that the next stages will be just as great, but turning 2 is a bit more "grown up" than I'm ready for! Go ahead and laugh at me, I'll just wallow by myself. ;)

On the other hand, Kaylee has welcomed 2 with open arms. Little Miss Independent only wants to push the grocery cart herself and she wants her food put on the table so she can pick it up herself.

Even among the bouts of independence, she is still the sweetest little girl I've ever met, and I'm really not just saying that because she's my baby! She is a Giver...She's not possessive of her toys, she'd rather share than play with it by herself. She loves to share her food with anyone who will take a bite. And her latest thing is requiring family hugs before bedtime. Who doesn't love a good family hug before bedtime?!! And did you know that loving monster trucks and power tools are genetic traits? They must be because Kaylee will choose anything with wheels over any other toy in the room and "oom oom oom" it all around the floor. She is drawn to all of John's tools too and tries to use them correctly. She loves to "help" him construct things. :)

Anyway enough about my ramblings, you're all here for the cute pictures not my emotional blabbering. ;) We had a BBQ on Saturday with friends:

The kids had a picnic in our living room:

This was our dessert! (Check out the Kayteedids blog for this story!)

Then we had a BBQ on Sunday with our neighbors but I forgot to take pictures! For someone who wasn't wanting her baby to turn 2, I sure have celebrated quite a bit already! Then Tuesday, her actual birthday, we went to Applebee's for dinner. That's the "biggest" restaurant we have in town. We told our waitress that it was Kaylee's 2nd birthday so they came to sing to her. She didn't seem to know they were singing to her but she was certainly happy that they brought an ice cream sundae bigger than her head!

Sharing with Daddy!
And just so Monday didn't feel left out of the party, we had Starbucks Birthday Cake Pops! mmmmm

Kaylee got a kitchen for her birthday! (Thanks Ed & Michelle!!) She loves to "cook" in the big kitchen so this is perfect for her. She works in her kitchen while I make dinner.

Look at that big girl pony tail! Ahhhhhhhh, she's 2!!!!!!!!!!!! sniff sniff

Happy Belated Father's Day

In the jobs I've had over the years I've seen many different types of dads. Most of the ones I dealt with in social services with were the ones who didn't take the time to cherish the children they helped bring into this world. Those dead-beat dads are the bottom of the barrel in my opinion.

There are the dads who are there, but not really there. Luke warm, if you will. The ones who are present but have no true relationship with their children. They meet their children's physical needs - food, shelter, clothing - but there is no emotional connection.

Then there are the dads who lead by positive example, support their children through life's journey, and have a true and specific relationship with each child.

I count myself very blessed and fortunate to have THAT kind of dad and more specifically, having the dad that I do. I remember going to the electronic flea market with him on Saturday mornings and getting to eat at McDonalds afterwards. He and I rebuilt my VW Bug from junkyard pieces. He flew to Oregon to drive with me back home after my college years. Just to name a few memories! He had an equal part in raising me and if I do say so myself, I think he did a great job!

And what a great Grandpa he is too! We Skype daily with Grandpa even if it's just to say hi and bye. :)



Another thing that my dad did well was role model to me and my sister what to look for in a husband. I remember a teenage memory vividly...someone had "broken my heart" and I yelled "BOYS SUCK!" as I ran to my room. My dad calmly but loud enough for me to hear said "Not all boys suck." It was so true, not all boys suck. :)

When John and I started dating I knew that he would be a wonderful father. The way he treated (treats) me, his fun-nature and the way he was raised...all good signs that this boy "didn't suck"! :) Now watching him actually be a dad just blows my mind. Yesterday Kaylee bumped her head and she wanted Daddy. Those moments I just stand back and admire the love they have for each other. I am completely and utterly blessed to have John as my husband and as Kaylee's dad.

Eskimo Kisses

Rad Like Dad! - Father's Day dinner at Ruckus

Daddy, I definitely "pick" you!

Thanks Daddy for being my Daddy so we could go out to dinner and I could eat delicious mac n cheese with 2 forks!

And I'm lucky to have a wonderful father-in-law too! The way John was raised is an important piece to who he is today and I can't thank his dad enough for loving him and for welcoming me into their family with open arms.

Happy (belated) Father's Day to the 3 dads in my life!