tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-85325512181452986872024-02-08T00:07:11.228-06:00Fertile RamblingsKristin (kekis)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14063547563759813530noreply@blogger.comBlogger601125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8532551218145298687.post-12146351057885216842014-11-11T19:52:00.003-06:002014-11-11T19:52:55.220-06:00Blowing Off the Dust . . . Full CircleHi there. Remember me? I didn't think so. I've wanted to start blogging again but just haven't made it a priority. However, today something happened that reignited that fire - even if for only a brief moment. I doubt anyone reads this dusty ol' archive of my pathetic journey to become a Mom, but I'm doing this for me anyway.<br />
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As a quick update, Kate turned two in September. She is freaking amazing. While I know I am biased, Kate is absolutely beautiful, smart, funny, strong, silly, feisty, loving, stubborn, dramatic, sweet, and all-around awesome.<br />
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I was changing Kate's diaper and getting her jammies on when I leaned down to rub noses with her. She looked me straight in the eyes and, while grabbing my cheeks, said, "I love you, Mommy. I love love my Mommy. Ohhh Mommy." and hugged me so, so tight while repeating, "I love you, Mommy." Cue the ugly cry. We just hugged and loved on each other for a couple of minutes while I soaked in the moment.<br />
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11 years ago today, DH and I met on a blind date. 3 years ago today, we officially signed with the adoption agency. 26 months ago today, I became a Mommy. And today, all of the pain & suffering of IF washed away for those moments while my daughter continued to melt the pieces of my heart back into a whole.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3YS9fVEqDwt24rjNtftwbtaiNxSXilhfYWLQjhXJbn0sgSTOtk7wtKvHMdhJuGtXiCcso_LSXjQKmQ67ZGjGWvp-o2M6reLLKrPF__R70WkMJqtS2aKCUnTVAcAMqzS0yjMJTtGyoXoI/s1600/Kate+&+Mommy+11.8.14.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3YS9fVEqDwt24rjNtftwbtaiNxSXilhfYWLQjhXJbn0sgSTOtk7wtKvHMdhJuGtXiCcso_LSXjQKmQ67ZGjGWvp-o2M6reLLKrPF__R70WkMJqtS2aKCUnTVAcAMqzS0yjMJTtGyoXoI/s400/Kate+&+Mommy+11.8.14.PNG" width="395" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kate & Mommy Enjoy Morning Snuggles</td></tr>
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<br />Kristin (kekis)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14063547563759813530noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8532551218145298687.post-26651166451260796082013-09-11T15:31:00.001-05:002013-09-11T15:31:25.900-05:00My BlessingI know I have fallen out of the blogosphere, and I apologize. There is so much to say, so much to share, and so much to tell that I wouldn't even know where to begin. Hopefully I can be a little regular with my blogging because my daughter is awesome & I'd love to share her with you!<br />
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But most importantly, God gave me an amazing gift one year ago today. My life and my heart have been completely changed forever. I am so very blessed.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7vZ56jcFyk6pixbWzt3h1KhQeBDUNGC4jeLDOTK51jrxRUI_EODOeixZxaEKhDjcDO3oSMzrv3QH0huHZeup5VehuvyflxWfPAlnoCEyQIePXjAIefZ-UUgf4c4hw9Ur_rP9bNIpeggw/s1600/Love+at+1st+Sight+bw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7vZ56jcFyk6pixbWzt3h1KhQeBDUNGC4jeLDOTK51jrxRUI_EODOeixZxaEKhDjcDO3oSMzrv3QH0huHZeup5VehuvyflxWfPAlnoCEyQIePXjAIefZ-UUgf4c4hw9Ur_rP9bNIpeggw/s400/Love+at+1st+Sight+bw.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit: photos by kekis</td></tr>
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Happy Birthday, Katherine Leigh. You are amazing, beautiful, smart, funny, feisty, active, strong, curious, and the most incredible thing God has ever created. I love you more than I could ever explain or show you.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit: AKA Photography</td></tr>
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If you are still in the trenches . . . . still waiting . . . . have FAITH. Your baby is out there. It will be worth the wait. I PROMISE you. I know it's hard to see when you are on the other side, but I promise you what I say is true. Have faith.Kristin (kekis)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14063547563759813530noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8532551218145298687.post-41018000979186687652013-04-29T11:32:00.003-05:002013-04-29T11:32:54.886-05:00Good Mommy, Bad BloggerWell, I've gotten the whole Mommy gig down pretty well now, but I obviously suck at blogging. There is always so much to say and share but not enough time to do it. Kate is doing so amazingly well. She eats lots of different veggies and fruits now. I make her food and this week I'm introducing beans and meats. Kate will love them, but we won't like the poops! :) Little Miss isn't crawling yet, but she is finally showing some interest in mobility other than rolling around and rocks on all fours when she wants. Kate is very verbal - sounds like "nah nah," "bwah bwah," and "ah ah" are frequently heard in addition to screaming, shrieking, and cooing.<br />
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Mr. Rambler and I are doing okay - just wishing we could be at home with our baby girl all the time. Unfortunately, that doesn't pay the bills and surely won't give us the money for all of the diapers and food and clothing we seem to go through like crazy! Here are a few pics for you to enjoy. I promise someday I'll get better at getting it all done.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgraPufnaNqSm2medEZFFJJKEBLwk5dt-4MUW_zjaJHCy_AjUyFABIa1l1go8SBltgxLP4BfIEHHTCUQv0O5TA2ITDoTI-KBh-oP0UPlxs3LdJPnl-ZsXQ5DkmRhiCM5U5SJIzcklrTAV4/s1600/IMG_2416.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgraPufnaNqSm2medEZFFJJKEBLwk5dt-4MUW_zjaJHCy_AjUyFABIa1l1go8SBltgxLP4BfIEHHTCUQv0O5TA2ITDoTI-KBh-oP0UPlxs3LdJPnl-ZsXQ5DkmRhiCM5U5SJIzcklrTAV4/s400/IMG_2416.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">5 months</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">6 months</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyvMFkoFyrn7BUK3203Wx84KC09T84HU50R3R_GM5N2GokGvzygV95xrlQ7idU4fAnavAFQjFkT2ryJhvsJgZz3NifbzX8OqYtZV53vvLIKImAll4SiO1Hl6Vs7lqv_eKwR3driVC7SCc/s1600/IMG_4119.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyvMFkoFyrn7BUK3203Wx84KC09T84HU50R3R_GM5N2GokGvzygV95xrlQ7idU4fAnavAFQjFkT2ryJhvsJgZz3NifbzX8OqYtZV53vvLIKImAll4SiO1Hl6Vs7lqv_eKwR3driVC7SCc/s400/IMG_4119.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">7 months</td></tr>
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I'm finishing the little details of her nursery, and I PROMISE to post pics when I finish! Hope this finds all of you well wherever you are in your journey to parenting.Kristin (kekis)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14063547563759813530noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8532551218145298687.post-22707688162624722522013-04-06T14:21:00.001-05:002013-04-06T14:21:35.232-05:00My Little Easter BunnyKate didn't understand squat about Easter this year, but she did enjoy the empty plastic eggs, Easter bucket (because the Easter Bunny couldn't find a basket), and her stuffed hare (which kinda looks like a dead animal). Between my baby girl and losing my brother, the meaning of Easter and the Resurrection felt VERY different this year and now hold so much more meaning. I hope your Easter was enjoyable.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeuid-xWG1r31QyD77hiUqnNKv1KOQ5WM60N86qg5GbGQq0hymc0Spt1L3pnDplrZJVr4ZBmEuWMkSK2AGJ644_u1qutnJHzP5K4hVmf46gaNGdahFVzO6m6EsIamdAXkAkZ8iDg_WsjE/s1600/Kate's+First+Easter+2013wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeuid-xWG1r31QyD77hiUqnNKv1KOQ5WM60N86qg5GbGQq0hymc0Spt1L3pnDplrZJVr4ZBmEuWMkSK2AGJ644_u1qutnJHzP5K4hVmf46gaNGdahFVzO6m6EsIamdAXkAkZ8iDg_WsjE/s400/Kate's+First+Easter+2013wm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Kristin (kekis)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14063547563759813530noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8532551218145298687.post-66241819409359271432013-03-27T04:00:00.000-05:002013-03-27T22:00:29.709-05:00Where It All Began<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: inherit;">Today marks 6 years since my first BFP (and subsequent m/c) and the long, painful road to trying to have a family. It's hard to believe that it has been SIX YEARS since the roller coaster ride began. And, boy, do I hate roller coasters! (metaphorically and realistically)</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">However, as I rocked Kate to sleep the other night (and admittedly held her long after that), I can finally understand why we had to go through it all. Now, here we are with our precious daughter and an amazing birth mother whom I absolutely love and cherish as well. It's such a mix of emotions, and I thankful I can finally look back and say, "Ohhhhh . . . I see. That kind of makes sense now!" What a long, tragic, sucky, miserable ride that ended in this beautiful, perfect place!</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">Here's an example of beautiful and perfect. :)</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRwFk27RjJepzZQhu7kpXNSOpBeWvivFtMwc1NB10a4h_QeStLQoWIRarY7H90H3ItlpRNKm1Zq0I_sFncsh5zoxoFsBOPIRwxQblB0jylNY7RWjFovmXBGVf9EhGXaQ7G5LWRGKhpAvI/s1600/IMG_2938.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRwFk27RjJepzZQhu7kpXNSOpBeWvivFtMwc1NB10a4h_QeStLQoWIRarY7H90H3ItlpRNKm1Zq0I_sFncsh5zoxoFsBOPIRwxQblB0jylNY7RWjFovmXBGVf9EhGXaQ7G5LWRGKhpAvI/s400/IMG_2938.JPG" width="266" /></span></a></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: inherit;">It can't get any better than round rosy cheeks, bright blue eyes, pretty pink lips, blonde spiky hair, and lovely long eyelashes! And you should see her chubby thighs! That is right. My daughter, Kate, is PERFECT.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">After the long, hard battle I can now see in her that it all makes sense. And I wouldn't have it any other way.</span></span>Kristin (kekis)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14063547563759813530noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8532551218145298687.post-13928911757887520112013-03-13T21:46:00.003-05:002013-03-13T21:46:57.522-05:00Google is StupidFirst they drop sharing/commenting on Google Reader.<br />
Then, they drop Google Calendar sync.<br />
Now . . . Google Reader is getting the ax.<br />
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Soooooo, I'm trying Bloglovin' now to keep up with all of my favorite blogs. If you use GR, then you'll need to make the big switch yourself. Don't forget to import/find/follow <a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/4959645/?claim=qvqeexhdz58%22%3EFollow%20my%20blog%20with%20Bloglovin%3C/a%3E" target="_blank">Fertile Ramblings</a>!<br />
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<a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/4959645/?claim=qvqeexhdz58">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a>Kristin (kekis)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14063547563759813530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8532551218145298687.post-89840167531690241082013-02-01T10:40:00.000-06:002013-03-07T11:53:34.843-06:00The Very WorstI know that I've been absent from the blogosphere for a while now. For being known as "The Rambler" the reason is something that I can hardly discuss. I don't even know how to say it, much less write it, but my world completely changed on January 28, 2013 around 8:30pm. <br />
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I received a phone call from my mom. She was in an ambulance with my brother Jeffrey, and they were being rushed to the nearest ER. Jeffrey had a massive hemorrhagic stroke and never recovered. He passed on Friday, February 1, 2013 at 4:29pm surrounded by those who loved him most. I have never experienced anything so heartbreaking and devastating in my life. His memorial service was amazing and such a beautiful tribute to him. How I was able to stand before over 100 people and tell them about my brother is still unbeknownst to me. Watching my parents lose a child has been equally as difficult as losing my brother. And that's all I can really say.<br />
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If you've followed my blog(s) for a while, <a href="http://toddandkristin.blogspot.com/search/label/Jeffrey" target="_blank">you've prayed for Jeff before</a>. Thank you for that. He was so amazing and speaking of him in the past tense doesn't make sense to me. I don't have any idea how we are all getting through this, but it is painful.<br />
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I have lots to tell you about my beautiful, wonderful daughter and how she is helping to heal the hearts and souls of my family, but for now we would covet your thoughts and prayers as we try to figure out how to live without such a wonderful person in our world.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggv1-qXWzQZXCWdU7Q4Ygci-1FPqzP2l8LKF15ZVtawrELHTGKD_lUF_NhzMr-j5zfvDDlt2R8KaGI9IFpnl_Bhj8cKnWST-o9EmEkWMP7ZRFtajiagsIEzp2bC-a3-OHWK96eIxv8mxU/s1600/1984+sisterly+love.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggv1-qXWzQZXCWdU7Q4Ygci-1FPqzP2l8LKF15ZVtawrELHTGKD_lUF_NhzMr-j5zfvDDlt2R8KaGI9IFpnl_Bhj8cKnWST-o9EmEkWMP7ZRFtajiagsIEzp2bC-a3-OHWK96eIxv8mxU/s400/1984+sisterly+love.jpg" width="377" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Even though this pic from 1984 looks like I'm attacking my little brother with my huge bangs, I love it because of the look on Jeffrey's face. We had a relationship of love that could never be beat by any brother/sister ever.</td></tr>
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We love you, Jeffrey. You are desperately missed and forever loved.<br />
<br />Kristin (kekis)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14063547563759813530noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8532551218145298687.post-12983919081169811302013-01-23T22:00:00.000-06:002013-01-23T22:00:42.293-06:00I Missed It<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Can't believe I missed the first anniversary of the ripping out of my bum ute and all its crappy accessories! <a href="http://fertileramblings.blogspot.com/2012/01/big-ugly-uterus.html" target="_blank">My complete hysterectomy</a> was on January 17, 2012 - a year and a week ago - and boy has it been nice not having AF. Knowing that I won't ever see her ugly head rear again is quite wonderful.<br />
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And even better? I didn't need any of those parts to become a Mommy thanks to the beautiful gift of adoption.Kristin (kekis)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14063547563759813530noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8532551218145298687.post-40370135674181752702013-01-22T22:15:00.001-06:002013-01-22T22:15:23.713-06:00Almost SittingKate is ALMOST sitting up by herself. Right now she's doing a "leaning forward" kind of thing. She thinks it's sitting up like a big girl & I'm going with it.<br />
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<span style="text-align: center;">Objects in the photo may appear larger than they really are. </span><span style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"> </span>If you know anything about perspective, you will realize that my baby doesn't have an extra-huge head. (In fact, she's only in the 10th percentile for head circumference!) The cheeks, however . . . those are the real deal!! She's just so stinkin' cute.Kristin (kekis)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14063547563759813530noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8532551218145298687.post-43355301685414314842013-01-20T23:38:00.000-06:002013-01-20T23:38:22.487-06:00Four Months<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Cuatro. IV. 1/3 of a year. 4. FOUR! </span> </div>
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Miss Kate is now four months old, and she thinks she is a big girl already! </div>
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The day before her four-month birthday we headed to see Kate's pedi, Dr. D. After checking in and getting stripped down, Daddy Rambler and I let our wiggly worm have some tummy time on the exam table. It looked like this before the doctor made it in to see us.<br />
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Miss Chunkers was 25" long and 17 lbs. 3 oz.!!! No wonder my back hurts all the time! The doctor wrote on his monthly report that Kate is a "thriving and healthy baby!" When Dr. D. said that we hadn't asked him if she was beautiful, I responded, "No need. We already know she is!" haha<br />
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Since Kate received shots at her appointment, she was fairly fussy on the 11th. That's why all of these photos are a couple of days before and after that day! So . . . . . what has Kate been doing besides eating?<br />
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She's been bathing,<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicrTX1zuJ_OfrtrRY90zc4k4pxHLnL7y43Gm3PSHtpkttlJC9wlHl537yXLRJcC9b3PE-fkKtAs2bcHMjFAhhu22pf1pYbNlY7iAPS-zOw1S2HNLBecxt1Xmv8A5Qhfg6NJa-XIcjmSVg/s1600/2013-01-09+18.28.30wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicrTX1zuJ_OfrtrRY90zc4k4pxHLnL7y43Gm3PSHtpkttlJC9wlHl537yXLRJcC9b3PE-fkKtAs2bcHMjFAhhu22pf1pYbNlY7iAPS-zOw1S2HNLBecxt1Xmv8A5Qhfg6NJa-XIcjmSVg/s400/2013-01-09+18.28.30wm.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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playing (well, eating) football,<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5kB8EtxyCrNV9-eD1X0OYBR0KkWkwZJAiDBuiNV-Le1BZgdGx382rKLCQ5jfzw9LQNqv2n_yKfIoP6Pi8GZcMFUZvELCYpFg8CfSFmDjCzrNIkytE-41NWZ0J36vmziq1hIgCWe7PLJA/s1600/2013-01-16+17.42.01wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5kB8EtxyCrNV9-eD1X0OYBR0KkWkwZJAiDBuiNV-Le1BZgdGx382rKLCQ5jfzw9LQNqv2n_yKfIoP6Pi8GZcMFUZvELCYpFg8CfSFmDjCzrNIkytE-41NWZ0J36vmziq1hIgCWe7PLJA/s400/2013-01-16+17.42.01wm.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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and simply being cute.<br />
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Kate is enjoying cereal now.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitYbt3YwO8slpENptbyWTYqTl54p4ApJa8HF8o4vnHTHaAIt4oMi7TqplqVRLsHQjiswxvZdefDd_SxIntK6i5_uD9xqoE_sCXPmQHsVrpL2HXxMZXiLzgh5GyPKabXwWHz_BTcIbwbjI/s1600/IMG_1964wm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitYbt3YwO8slpENptbyWTYqTl54p4ApJa8HF8o4vnHTHaAIt4oMi7TqplqVRLsHQjiswxvZdefDd_SxIntK6i5_uD9xqoE_sCXPmQHsVrpL2HXxMZXiLzgh5GyPKabXwWHz_BTcIbwbjI/s400/IMG_1964wm.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
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And sitting in her Bumbo seat is fun, too.</div>
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I am STILL working on her nursery. (Don't judge. My three week pregnancy went very fast!) I will post pics when I finally finish.</div>
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Keeping up with a diva's wardrobe is hard work for me! That's just her 3-6 month clothes and doesn't include onesies, pants and her sock/legwarmer drawer. It's nuts.<br />
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Speaking of nuts, I think my little princess has more bows & headbands than Imelda Marcos had shoes.</div>
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But she handles it all very well, just posing for me like she's <a href="http://imgc.allpostersimages.com/images/P-473-488-90/59/5976/XY2QG00Z/posters/lily-tomlin-the-incredible-shrinking-woman.jpg" target="_blank">Lily Tomlin</a> or something.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb0eqmdkVkrb7jwCfydsQU-OwQ3BEsP5GspNAFfFWosYE5RkIsd6u8A2ncx1uYnklE8TZ_Fd6xxWWW6nw-Id3iCF5cpIBV18BIYeiAL5SoNBMh9A7BJJlLNCQfrgG-_Nrq61wPq8-kjhw/s1600/IMG_1671wm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb0eqmdkVkrb7jwCfydsQU-OwQ3BEsP5GspNAFfFWosYE5RkIsd6u8A2ncx1uYnklE8TZ_Fd6xxWWW6nw-Id3iCF5cpIBV18BIYeiAL5SoNBMh9A7BJJlLNCQfrgG-_Nrq61wPq8-kjhw/s320/IMG_1671wm.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
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My amazing daughter is changing so much and it is happening before my very eyes. Time is moving way too fast for me because I can't get enough of Miss Katherine Leigh. I am so blessed.Kristin (kekis)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14063547563759813530noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8532551218145298687.post-58715759550401755442013-01-20T12:59:00.001-06:002013-01-20T13:04:42.472-06:00Return of the PterodactylBaby Kate has always been pretty verbal. She is a calm, happy baby but has expressed her basic needs for sleep, food and diaper changes with cries. As she has grown, Kate likes to coo and talk and make noises. She really only cries now when sleepy, hungry, or bored.<br />
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As a teeny-tiny baby, Kate had such a squeaky cry. It sounded like a mix between a baby cheetah and baby pterodactyl. Enter Exhibit A; Kate at 2 days old (she was SO tiny!) :<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxjq5ZABc32lL0qBAtWIm3tRzMmxX1Yi8AbJVbknvxOeXn2Cnledj66guQEJGT5Rsbr2n2e3Tnok6gQpTVIVw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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At 2 months, her cry was more of a cry than a "call." Enter Exhibit B:<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyEtF5QMim-XxJPmlZ9Fb2wgs_xLc1SbzfvblpHd1thxAZjTJ-tSOIKhQ_P9M-u71jkHKIQUG0e5-QJLR25Lg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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A few weeks ago, Kate began her "static" language as demonstrated here. It was so cute and sweet! Note the descriptor "was." Enter Exhibit C (pardon my half-nekkid, roly-poly baby!):<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxUdX1WNO57GnM9je2xHSTPaBa7F-BM10MhL-CzEMmxo8tiB55LoS7NZS6fADNBi7crJpbR7eB97UntQ320qw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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For a few days, she just did some cute chuckling and giggling amidst precious coos and static language. Then this past week, (now that she is such a big girl at four months old) Kate has returned to the pterodactyl as demonstrated below. She is SO proud of herself. Kate will use this joyful "call" any time she likes, day or night. This time, it's killing me. Must.buy.stock.in.ear.plugs.<br />
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Enter Exhibit P for Pterodactyl (warning: turn down your volume now):<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzOcYSV7oyLqC8jc-9g1Gx_as5Z2mYpLgGEw1Ptpv6Jk8pZ3hqDJ94tEemxrQnbKX5S3ExOPPKFltbTwzyMBA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br />
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She's gonna be a talker . . . and screamer . . .and really loud. Who am I kidding? Kate is already all that & more! Oh mercy!!Kristin (kekis)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14063547563759813530noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8532551218145298687.post-78770948764332556712013-01-16T22:12:00.002-06:002013-01-16T22:12:43.921-06:00A Quick RambleFirst . . . to all of the mommies out there, I apologize. Mommy Brain IS real. It is not some pretend thing you made up to rub in my face that you had a baby and I didn't. Mommy Brainz = I gotz it.<br />
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Second . . . Kate is AMAZING. I can't even describe how in awe of and in love with her we are. She is now four months old (FOUR!!!) and beautiful, healthy, strong, funny, snuggly, feisty, smart, sweet, curious, and so incredibly cute.<br />
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Third . . . I have so much to blog but such little time. Being back at work and getting Kate picked up at the sitter and home and dinner and cleaning and bath time and bed time and . . . . . . . it's just not getting done right now. It will though. I promise.<br />
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If you had this to look at whenever you wanted, would YOU get anything done?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL8NFZgXLY2Nji3yqCZkSFb-V5HgOms74UK1uNNtG6GclKmoyf2eT97U3g6O2dwIebIibknJVOGLCO6ATJ0VE5BtqyXJEj7GkobR9rx4EWncEoYBqHgt_YSzlUzcTXewIvZ0ZqLQz-I4s/s1600/IMG_1504-3wm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="391" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL8NFZgXLY2Nji3yqCZkSFb-V5HgOms74UK1uNNtG6GclKmoyf2eT97U3g6O2dwIebIibknJVOGLCO6ATJ0VE5BtqyXJEj7GkobR9rx4EWncEoYBqHgt_YSzlUzcTXewIvZ0ZqLQz-I4s/s400/IMG_1504-3wm.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I didn't think so.Kristin (kekis)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14063547563759813530noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8532551218145298687.post-45697211022173502342013-01-07T13:06:00.000-06:002013-01-07T13:06:10.603-06:00Kate's First ChristmasWhat a busy Christmas we had! Seeing family, traveling out of state, and working on Kate's nursery/the house kept us busy.<br />
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Our new stockings (from <a href="http://www.uglysofa.com/" target="_blank">Ugly Sofa</a>) were hung by the chimney with care. Good thing because slacker first-time parents didn't decorate for Christmas at ALL otherwise!<br />
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Kate visited Santa - twice.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT4f3ixK4UX8a8m7KFsdg9obt82wHBhuRGbEdb_zQE1ZA4kT5DEXBRRX7cUFI2nGAWWlKTEOR6ICQ2YZRPQZvRg20I4H50VT1SoScSpHIZkYhX4XvQka2PxP_lSBsyKSdyVjSeDAyf-4I/s1600/IMG_0688.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT4f3ixK4UX8a8m7KFsdg9obt82wHBhuRGbEdb_zQE1ZA4kT5DEXBRRX7cUFI2nGAWWlKTEOR6ICQ2YZRPQZvRg20I4H50VT1SoScSpHIZkYhX4XvQka2PxP_lSBsyKSdyVjSeDAyf-4I/s320/IMG_0688.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is NOT my Daddy!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU3GVxNbcRJm_pUkw9O3uBdXfUh2mP1IHb_FTZL2ixOc8TlpMSvSo9tRS7OO6RGhvaE3Q0xNlh4N6AnCWun-SQ5Af0Ims_zMJD-pJM2PKrnqsIM7M3ZhGagYXkJ-wTzWYnf_7XSWGjzK8/s1600/IMG_0704.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU3GVxNbcRJm_pUkw9O3uBdXfUh2mP1IHb_FTZL2ixOc8TlpMSvSo9tRS7OO6RGhvaE3Q0xNlh4N6AnCWun-SQ5Af0Ims_zMJD-pJM2PKrnqsIM7M3ZhGagYXkJ-wTzWYnf_7XSWGjzK8/s320/IMG_0704.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Him again?!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIfpirJn_NJikzRCe_1CZh_CNfla-3_Dyp_10EB_pWOc9fhxB5UbkZr5ZbwfyndZj442psDs1fMwQdAAW5rss8-yjaPiietG7N0veZvy-xieLwLv9NptM9ZrFVbOs2MNNLryr9WpCQG-A/s1600/IMG_0707.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIfpirJn_NJikzRCe_1CZh_CNfla-3_Dyp_10EB_pWOc9fhxB5UbkZr5ZbwfyndZj442psDs1fMwQdAAW5rss8-yjaPiietG7N0veZvy-xieLwLv9NptM9ZrFVbOs2MNNLryr9WpCQG-A/s320/IMG_0707.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Let me run!</td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: center;">Santa brought Kate more than a few lovely gifts. A new toybox, iPad cover, pajamas, mirror, outfits, shoes, hats, coat, stroller and car seat travel covers, humidifier, pillow pet, and more awaited her "under the stockings."</span><br />
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Kate also received wonderful and thoughtful gifts from Auntie Patty & Uncle Jim, Auntie Jackie, and Auntie Christina. Opening them was a bit of a challenge this year, but she loved all of it!<br />
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She spent plenty of time being precious and looking cute as always.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxsdZx3CBzoH_6SFvtV-AFHvoT17MgqH_lGBxqRDh9RBq02y8vhvZ16bbFsHhvnbC4xflRWI0tLiWdKvTgS0PmwMgoTdSRXX_hdz1pvoValaB8fkX99XKmkrqRuWKtDTcfYIVPgRugGS0/s1600/IMG_1203.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxsdZx3CBzoH_6SFvtV-AFHvoT17MgqH_lGBxqRDh9RBq02y8vhvZ16bbFsHhvnbC4xflRWI0tLiWdKvTgS0PmwMgoTdSRXX_hdz1pvoValaB8fkX99XKmkrqRuWKtDTcfYIVPgRugGS0/s320/IMG_1203.JPG" width="257" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wearing her Santa outfit from Auntie Sherry and Uncle Big Pop.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thankfully Kate's grandparents had Christmas trees for her to adore.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtWwFuE3-jOnvbN16v_8gRSatlq8KjI8XQQDKDU6dhY_Y4qMC5XjUdAD442tF-ktsIq2VNiTAii-uPNhjCxsySN7gp-zePcG72sRGH7r2ex3fPkm2R8WMUIpdWDS7YzZjh5XyZxFtBWDU/s1600/IMG_1389.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtWwFuE3-jOnvbN16v_8gRSatlq8KjI8XQQDKDU6dhY_Y4qMC5XjUdAD442tF-ktsIq2VNiTAii-uPNhjCxsySN7gp-zePcG72sRGH7r2ex3fPkm2R8WMUIpdWDS7YzZjh5XyZxFtBWDU/s320/IMG_1389.JPG" width="206" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cute even with a massive scratch on her eye/nose. Awesome.</td></tr>
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And the best part . . . our first WHITE CHRISTMAS in North Texas for about thirty years. It must've been just for our baby girl.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghUseJYk8YKf9BtLV_u2mRbJPC3x-JnYo_KIM8Rbb9uU7Zqzr0Gotv7EFFgG_9QLCYPfxrdPEJDRVK1GuOySD3fngeJ6CvEpYRMxnShe5cahShuV5SvwNA_-SVqmyLgnK4doF07jceDu4/s1600/IMG_1384.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghUseJYk8YKf9BtLV_u2mRbJPC3x-JnYo_KIM8Rbb9uU7Zqzr0Gotv7EFFgG_9QLCYPfxrdPEJDRVK1GuOySD3fngeJ6CvEpYRMxnShe5cahShuV5SvwNA_-SVqmyLgnK4doF07jceDu4/s320/IMG_1384.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Protective Daddy kept saying "Hurry. It's too cold," <br />as if I didn't have her bundled up! :)</td></tr>
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As I entered Kate's room Christmas morning, I was greeted by a beautiful little angel lying in her crib with a huge smile on her face. Thus began this Mommy's first tears of this blessed day. While Jesus was born this day and saved us all, my precious daughter brightened my world in an instant. I'm constantly overwhelmed by the love I have for her and my heart continues to grow and grow and grow. Often I wonder if my heart will explode.<br />
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We are a very blessed family.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW82jOykmWIlaot2dUIR9MhrRBU_xqIYWiy0g7nWtArSmwTjxJV-y6871ynibcuOBjdnqnDm7f1XD4BeLwK0rMge6UGAYZbEDu1lBMxKpbYJ2smX1wdgw3yZ26d-bKwg0BknzB20vk800/s1600/IMG_1287.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW82jOykmWIlaot2dUIR9MhrRBU_xqIYWiy0g7nWtArSmwTjxJV-y6871ynibcuOBjdnqnDm7f1XD4BeLwK0rMge6UGAYZbEDu1lBMxKpbYJ2smX1wdgw3yZ26d-bKwg0BknzB20vk800/s320/IMG_1287.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Merry Christmas & Happy New Year from the Ramblers.</td></tr>
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Kristin (kekis)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14063547563759813530noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8532551218145298687.post-40571727797582236652012-12-20T12:40:00.002-06:002013-01-13T21:50:50.318-06:00FINALOn Monday, December 17th, 2012 Kate's adoption was finalized. While it was only a formality stating what we have known in our hearts all along, Katherine Leigh is now officially a Rambler. Her last name has been changed, her birth certificate is being reissued with the name change and placing our names upon it, and she will soon be able to get a social security number.<br />
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It was so neat to see the other families there doing the same as us. Since we were the second-to-last family to go before the judge, we offered to take photos of families as soon as they exited the courtroom.<br />
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One of the most special scenes I witnessed was of a family of SEVEN - Dad & Mom (both Caucasian), three Caucasian daughters, a young AA son and young AA daughter. They were all dressed so wonderfully and had huge smiles on their faces as they emerged from the courtroom as an "official" family. They all hugged and smiled at one another. The Mom then stopped, closed her eyes, and began to weep tears of relief and joy.<br />
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Being an empathetic crier, I teared up with her before jumping from my seat to take a photo. They were so appreciative and my heart warmed with the love they all had for one another. Our family just beamed with them, knowing we were feeling the same way. What a special moment for everyone that will always be in etched in my brain and heart.<br />
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We got a few photos taken before we were called.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbdO9Aiwq_43u9wHdrA93ercPvzz_Ayi1X2vB27LOhA02JHtk8XB8Einfaa5Bv05R5u-xMjUMwv37nD7SXTq0tOlcV9EE-ck8U0WsIK3AjbFYuBSmc2By9pO6TIBi_9DU4FjYfrvuui-M/s1600/IMG_1104.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbdO9Aiwq_43u9wHdrA93ercPvzz_Ayi1X2vB27LOhA02JHtk8XB8Einfaa5Bv05R5u-xMjUMwv37nD7SXTq0tOlcV9EE-ck8U0WsIK3AjbFYuBSmc2By9pO6TIBi_9DU4FjYfrvuui-M/s400/IMG_1104.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kate with two of her sets of grandparents - Papa & Gran (my dad & stepmom) and <br />
Grandpa & Grandma Linny (Todd's dad & stepmom).</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD2k-wdQ3JoFOiqGdNUUgmA_kkCR8sR-dx8kglnT5oh-YVVgrnJllszNS8yNTa2WgF9KU73mrLvZD_IHK6vtCt5nYp50DYkagjhGAtHsDLtsyvtXz1mN-CLj6JbwbfZEhhQ0DtWXB_0wc/s1600/IMG_1111.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD2k-wdQ3JoFOiqGdNUUgmA_kkCR8sR-dx8kglnT5oh-YVVgrnJllszNS8yNTa2WgF9KU73mrLvZD_IHK6vtCt5nYp50DYkagjhGAtHsDLtsyvtXz1mN-CLj6JbwbfZEhhQ0DtWXB_0wc/s400/IMG_1111.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daddy & his little girl.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjScv7_MmRMIE8UI8t4o52DVOLd-ddvAJU6i1YnbQWxBx9WO_uLB-wgsqO2m6StMyyXrMHCe-1WxZ6qXE0xL8LpcSNphcVbQuRx0Xt7CMLi4dnx6fzdiUt5oF7up0G-htuTVQOtmHpyQeE/s1600/IMG_1116.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjScv7_MmRMIE8UI8t4o52DVOLd-ddvAJU6i1YnbQWxBx9WO_uLB-wgsqO2m6StMyyXrMHCe-1WxZ6qXE0xL8LpcSNphcVbQuRx0Xt7CMLi4dnx6fzdiUt5oF7up0G-htuTVQOtmHpyQeE/s400/IMG_1116.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Along for the ride, but not overly interested!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQj6KHBdENPxSoVVNZkAW9qXPMSqVqaJSuuxx4wRvWzjjKN3VUd4rXI2kIe78eAVnvveMasd8KmK-bpHa8rF56vyyPo2NZnurawuhej3l-MVKzLcoKdV6e6El2FFmVAXSPAlWiWYWktMQ/s1600/IMG_1120.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQj6KHBdENPxSoVVNZkAW9qXPMSqVqaJSuuxx4wRvWzjjKN3VUd4rXI2kIe78eAVnvveMasd8KmK-bpHa8rF56vyyPo2NZnurawuhej3l-MVKzLcoKdV6e6El2FFmVAXSPAlWiWYWktMQ/s400/IMG_1120.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our lil' family. I love Kate's WubbaNub paci hanging out of her mouth!</td></tr>
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Our time finally came to enter the courtroom. Kate had fallen asleep (not long after sharing her pterodactyl cries through the echoing hall outside the courtroom!), and I was carrying her. Our attorney was inside and we were asked to approach the bench. We asked if our family could join us, and everyone said yes with smiles on their faces. The attorney began to petition the court for our adoption, we were sworn in by the judge, and the legal talk ensued.<br />
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Our attorney then asked Todd a series of questions related to our adoption, submitted documentation to the court (home study, criminal backgrounds, etc.), and then asked if I concurred with all of Todd's answers. Whenever the judge responded, she did so with a sweet and happy voice. We knew this must be the best part of job as a judge in the juvenile courts of a large urban county.<br />
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As the discussion got underway, so did my tears. They were the silent and thankful type of tears, unlike the many loud and painful tears cried through the over five years of waiting for our baby. When the judge declared this adoption official and binding, that this daughter will always be ours, she said it through a smile. My smile returned hers, albeit a little stained with black mascara streaks. (Why did I think I wouldn't cry that day??!!) The sweet judge then gave Kate a little stuffed bunny as a gift and congratulated us and our family. We took photos of OUR family now. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkbADMkZE3JsvJ2vlq1UW1fQyHmtdH-eSziJ_ZC6nBDQiyw2y1qgAx2Zdb2yhIioLByvji2t6qj7Yn5VHuxEKhFzEM3SR1PskNY1TTsWm5jsciAg1a9xeEEJ-dcRbAVdiApfuuiEnSb5k/s1600/IMG_1139.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkbADMkZE3JsvJ2vlq1UW1fQyHmtdH-eSziJ_ZC6nBDQiyw2y1qgAx2Zdb2yhIioLByvji2t6qj7Yn5VHuxEKhFzEM3SR1PskNY1TTsWm5jsciAg1a9xeEEJ-dcRbAVdiApfuuiEnSb5k/s400/IMG_1139.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, for the record, I photoshopped out most of my mascara streaks.<br />
I was under oath, so I have to tell you.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGfHFsFBF4YyE78_ViGHblBx9ie5dIgejyi3JCUdKXsS4jAdHl8fG8bP7sA64YCFuolWLxvr5jd460A8ElAVv2WMjMKQ50z53YKDpKOG_Qu3nXBaesCp1Ux8izhOGVMzFO4hxva2FIhJc/s1600/IMG_1127.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGfHFsFBF4YyE78_ViGHblBx9ie5dIgejyi3JCUdKXsS4jAdHl8fG8bP7sA64YCFuolWLxvr5jd460A8ElAVv2WMjMKQ50z53YKDpKOG_Qu3nXBaesCp1Ux8izhOGVMzFO4hxva2FIhJc/s400/IMG_1127.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just a small section of Kate's family and a minute section <br />
of the many who love her.</td></tr>
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Our precious daughter was really and truly and finally ours. In our hearts, on paper, legally, to the world - ours. It's not that she wasn't before, but now we could breathe just a tiny bit easier knowing that no matter what, she would be with us forever. Joyous relief filled my heart. What a journey it has been to get here. And what a journey it will be.<br />
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<i><span style="font-size: x-large;">"For <b><u>this</u></b> child I have prayed . . . " 1 Samuel 1:27</span></i></div>
Kristin (kekis)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14063547563759813530noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8532551218145298687.post-28378011866822115652012-12-11T10:58:00.000-06:002012-12-20T11:00:46.184-06:00THREE Months<br />
I've heard other Moms say, "I can't believe my baby is already three months old." My infertile eyes would roll to the point they were almost stuck back in my head. <i> But . . . it's true.</i> Where has the time gone? I still get giddy over her and earlier tonight had a little crying session in awe of this blessing of ours. Poor, salty baby.<br />
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It seems like yesterday we got THE call; like yesterday we met J; like yesterday our baby was here; like yesterday we brought Kate home with us.<i> And it still seems so surreal.</i><br />
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Last night I changed my little tater tot from the pajamas and too small hat Daddy put on her (and took her out in public in it like that!) and tossed on a new sweatsuit that is 3-6 months. I also put away the 0-3 month clothes since they don't fit and pulled out Kate's new "big girl" clothes. Can't believe my little baby girl is growing so quickly!<br />
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Happy Three Months, my precious little baby girl. You have such an amazing life ahead of you. I love you more than my heart can handle.</div>
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Maybe by month four, Kate will smile for the camera rather than just be mesmerized by it!</div>
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Kristin (kekis)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14063547563759813530noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8532551218145298687.post-65977016706216997912012-12-11T07:10:00.000-06:002012-12-12T09:13:54.342-06:00Sleep Diapering?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://images.sodahead.com/polls/001775135/1834954108_sleep20walking_answer_1_xlarge.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://images.sodahead.com/polls/001775135/1834954108_sleep20walking_answer_1_xlarge.jpeg" /></a></div>
Now that I'm back at work and Daddy Rambler is taking care of Miss Kate, he has night time diaper and bottle duty. On weekends, I'll take one feeding and he'll take the other. We'll have to figure out how to divide and conquer that when we both return to work in January.<br />
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So in the weeeee hours of this Tuesday morning, I woke up to shrieking sounds resonating from Kate's bedroom. She shrieks more than she cries, so I wasn't alarmed. Stopping by to use the bathroom first, I made my way to the precious little shrieker and changed her diaper.<br />
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Mr. Rambler comes stumbling in, and I told him to go back to bed. He groggily said, "Are you sure? I'll get her." I confidently responded, "No, get some sleep while you can. I'll feed her." DH shrugged his shoulders and turned towards our bedroom replying, "If you insist."<br />
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I finished diapering the cutest little bottom in the world, got her bottle ready, and prepared to nourish my little Chunklet when it hit me . . .<br />
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It wasn't weekend. It was a school night.<br />
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Continuing to practically sleep walk, I headed to our room and woke up an already snoozing Mr. Rambler. "Honey . . . can you feed Kate? I thought it was weekend. Sorry."<br />
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Man, it's going to be a long week!Kristin (kekis)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14063547563759813530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8532551218145298687.post-36171087560224092102012-12-05T10:53:00.005-06:002012-12-05T10:53:30.417-06:0012 WeeksI have become a terrible blogger, but I can promise you that I'm a great Mommy! :) After going back to work last week (booooo), I'm trying to get it all done. Bottom line is that Kate turned TWELVE weeks yesterday and she is absolutely amazing. She is sweet, feisty, beautiful, smart, healthy, funny, strong, cute, and precious . . . all wrapped into one. We are <em>absolutely</em> in love.<br />
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Many more stories about our awesome little daughter to come. I'm at work and apparently they won't pay me if I don't do my job. Whatever.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I ain't skeered of no tummy time!</td></tr>
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Kristin (kekis)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14063547563759813530noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8532551218145298687.post-20167219431008519342012-11-21T04:00:00.000-06:002012-11-21T04:00:11.922-06:00Birth AnnouncementNow that they are finished aaaand reprinted aaaand mailed aaaand hopefully received by everyone . . . here is the front of Kate's birth announcement. So sweet!<br />
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If you need announcements, cards, photo books, etc. definitely check out <a href="http://wwwmixbook.com/" target="_blank">Mixbook</a>. We did our adoption profile book, marketing fliers, birth announcements, and will do business with them again. They have great products, always have discounts/coupons, and excellent customer service!Kristin (kekis)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14063547563759813530noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8532551218145298687.post-85054373611913302822012-11-18T11:26:00.003-06:002013-01-07T08:40:53.550-06:00Still Waiting?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
For those of you still waiting for your dreams to come true, they will. It may not be exactly as you imagined it, but let go and be patient enough to watch it happen.</div>
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<br />Kristin (kekis)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14063547563759813530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8532551218145298687.post-91616173099772382922012-11-14T11:11:00.000-06:002012-11-14T11:11:39.876-06:00Adoption Tax Credit<div style="text-align: center;">
Your help is needed!!</div>
<br />
We are lucky enough to be able to finalize Kate's adoption before the end of the year which will qualify us for an adoption tax credit. This credit will offset less than 25% of our total adoption expenses but it will help. However, Congress is planning to abolish the current structure of the tax credit which will affect many, many, many people and likely prevent them from creating a family simply because of money.<br />
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Regardless of your political involvement and believes, PLEASE sign <a href="http://wh.gov/9jqZ" target="_blank">this petition</a> (http://wh.gov/9jqZ) and share it with others via Facebook, Twitter, e-mail, whatever. This is not a political statement from me; it is a plea to help others by preventing this change from happening. I was #909 to sign the petition if you want to me to prove that I signed. :)<br />
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Thank you . . .Kristin (kekis)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14063547563759813530noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8532551218145298687.post-70147773030724878382012-11-12T22:54:00.001-06:002012-11-12T22:54:12.730-06:00Mending?As I was rocking my precious baby girl tonight, I thought to myself how I could sit there all night long with her and not move. Then I decided I could truly stay there forever . . . just holding her, listening to her coo in her sleep, smelling her sweet clean skin, feeling her squishy thighs, and letting her fuzzy hairs tickle my cheek.<br />
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Then - since I'm a rambler inside my head before I even write or speak it - I thought that if needed I would stay there forever even I had to pee or poop on myself. (haha) But then I thankfully started another train of thought:<br />
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I could not love this precious angel anymore had I grown her in my own body. She is mine. There is absolutely no doubt about that. My heart is so full that I sometimes feel like I really could explode. Every time she smiles; every time she coos; every time she giggles . . . my heart begins to mend a little. Each of those beautiful, precious moments take a bit of the hard parts in my heart and crack them apart so they can escape the clutch they've had on me for so, so very long. The parts can now remove themselves from my heart, my mind, and my body. A small hole will always remain in those places. I know that because I am forever an infertile, habitual aborter. My history won't ever change. I won't ever forget how I got here and what I had to endure to be in this very place. Surely that is why I can appreciate the here and now.<br />
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My future has changed though. Now I am forever a Mommy. And I am so incredibly in love.Kristin (kekis)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14063547563759813530noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8532551218145298687.post-34118528623815313312012-11-12T03:00:00.000-06:002012-11-12T03:00:02.908-06:00Two Whole Months<br />
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<span style="color: navy;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Where has time
gone? Kate turned 2 months old yesterday! Every time I pull out the camera, she becomes more interested in
the lens than she is in smiling! That's why </span></span><span style="color: navy;">Kate is in the beginning of a smile in this photo. I got what I could which is still amazingly precious to me. :)</span></div>
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<span style="color: navy; font-family: inherit;">As you can tell, Miss Katherine is
growing like crazy and really filling out.</span><span style="color: navy; font-family: inherit;">
</span><span style="color: navy; font-family: inherit;">We can’t believe how big she has gotten & look forward to an actual
weight/length at her two-month check at the pediatrician.</span><span style="color: navy; font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="color: navy; font-family: inherit;">She is CRAZY strong and pretty much crawled
over her Boppy pillow during tummy time last night.</span><span style="color: navy; font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="color: navy; font-family: inherit;">Steve must have been proud of her because he
stopped, licked her twice on the head, and laid down in the middle of her room
- </span><i style="color: navy; font-family: inherit;">his</i><span style="color: navy; font-family: inherit;"> new place.</span></div>
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<span style="color: navy;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Funny
story: After I was done taking pics with
Kate, Mr. Rambler said, “What is that on her legs?” I excitedly said, “Legwarmers!
They’re called Baby Legs!” I won’t share exactly what he said (haha), but
he hates them and later asked Kate if she was crying because she hated her
legwarmers. It’s all good, though, because Daddy hung Kate’s chandelier
not long after that. Hahaha! We’ve
been working hard on her nursery and it is already looking sssoooo pretty! Photos to come soon . . .</span></span></div>
Kristin (kekis)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14063547563759813530noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8532551218145298687.post-81564665501027916352012-11-09T00:22:00.002-06:002012-11-09T00:22:20.391-06:00Concept of Time<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.s3.envato.com/files/1165701/time_concept.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.s3.envato.com/files/1165701/time_concept.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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If you've been in the land of IF/RPL as long as I have, you most certainly have seen posts on blogs/FB/forums of women who are sharing about their pregnancies and children. Things like "I'm 35 and 35" (35 weeks pregnant with 35 days to go to full term) and "baby has been out longer than in" (meaning baby is about 40+ weeks old).<br />
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Two thoughts hit me tonight and yesterday . . .<br />
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1. We've had Kate almost 3x as long as we've known about her. Mr. Rambler thought that was interesting as well.<br />
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2. I've been Kate's mommy longer than I was able to carry any of my three babies.<br />
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WOW. That concept of time has really changed for me!<br />
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Speaking of Kate, she is awesome. However, this growth spurt of hers is trying to kill me. Off to tend to my baby pterodactyl . . .Kristin (kekis)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14063547563759813530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8532551218145298687.post-14146874408167885222012-11-06T13:17:00.001-06:002012-11-06T13:17:24.894-06:00Fighter of All Things Sleep<span style="background-color: #fcfcfc; color: #444444; font-family: proxima-nova, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 16px;">When Mommy says she'll win the battle of me going to sleep, I smirk. Fine then . . . I'll just poop my panties!</span><br />
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<br />Kristin (kekis)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14063547563759813530noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8532551218145298687.post-77868595350609473322012-11-01T12:16:00.004-05:002012-11-01T12:16:57.018-05:00Our Lil' PumpkinKate wasn't overly impressed with Halloween this year! I'm sure next year will be just awesome. Luckily she waited until I changed her out of her costume to poop . . . <i>everywhere</i>. :)<br />
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<br />Kristin (kekis)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14063547563759813530noreply@blogger.com1