Birthday Extravanganza!

My very first birthday was yesterday...and guess where we went...Ripley's Aquarium in Gatlinburg! Mommy and Daddy took off work to take me there, and it was the best birthday ever! Mommy fed me pancakes and syrup for breakfast (since it was my birthday and all), so I didn't nap all morning. I screamed almost the entire 2 hour trip to the aquarium, but once Daddy got in the backseat with me and held me I fell asleep snuggled in his arms. The ride alone wore my mommy and daddy out, but once I woke up, I was ready to see some fishies! The aquarium was so cool- I got to see big sharks and turtles..and my daddy explained everything to me! I even got to pet a horseshoe crab! All the colors were so bright, and I was so talkative! We got ice cream after lunch- which made me happy- I love ice cream! We got plenty of pictures of the whole day so I can look back on my big day in the future! On the ride home, we wanted to go out to eat...but we were all just pooped! At home, Mommy and Daddy gave me a bath- I got a new book at the aquarium to play with in the bath. I was so tired that I went to bed at 6:30! Whew, what a fun day:)

My birthday party is Saturday! My aunt Beth is making my cake for it- it's Winnie-the-Pooh! She is really good at baking! I hope there are lots of people there- my mom invited 30 people! For lunch, we're having chili- my mimi is making some and so is my grandma! I am especially excited because I get to see my great-grandma oden from Indiana! I haven't seen her in a long time! My family from Knoxville is coming too- I haven't seen them in a while either! There are also some family members coming that I have never met, so that's the most exciting part! I can't wait to open my presents and show everyone how good I can walk and talk!

My mommy and daddy say I am the cutest thing in the world...especially when I dance and sing to the radio. My favorite songs are "Cowboy Casanova" by Carrie Underwood and "Honky Tonk Stomp" by Brooks and Dunn. I will dance to almost any song though- and I love the guitar! Hopefully someday I can sing and dance on a stage!

Well, that's all for now- I'll update soon!

Love, Blakley Kate

Update!!!

Hello Everyone!

It's been too long since the last post, and I assure you that I'll do better with my updating! Things have moved way too fast over the past few months- Blakley has gotten four teeth now and is cutting four molars and two incisors at the same time!! She's a trooper though- nothing a little Ibuprofen hasn't taken care of! She is walking now- she really doesn't crawl at all unless she needs to get somewhere fast! She says a few words: momma, dadda, dog, ball, hot, and I think she tries to say bird...but that's to be determined. Her first birthday is tomorrow and her party is Saturday! We've had ups and downs since my last post, but life has been so wonderful. It seems as though things are just becoming easy now- maybe because we're now getting into our "parenting groove" or maybe because we're just on the down hill of our roller coaster ride as parents! I'm certain the next climb is fast-approaching! Part of the issue may have been my health though- I recently found out that my thyroid is underactive (actually almost dead) and was put on Synthroid last week. I'm not one that has had many experiences with sickness or anything of that nature, and the thought of being on a pill everyday for the rest of my life is scary...but I cannot begin to describe how differently I feel! I have not felt this clear-headed or energetic since before I was pregnant! It really has made a huge difference in my everyday life...so, all these issues with being tired and rundown may have just been my health! Whew!
Jason is doing great- his team had their first match last Saturday against Missouri Baptist and Oklahoma Central (I think). They lost, but they really put up a fight against both teams. He is so busy- I honestly don't think I've ever seen him this busy! He's doing a great job with the girls, and I am so very proud of him. He's really been a trooper lately with all the car trouble we've had. He's helped me to remain calm and just "weather the storm".
Colt is really hanging in there considering that having a new baby around WALKING everywhere is tough for any little brother. He's still a little nervous about being around her, but he's been very patient to say the least. He's getting a little more exercise since we can let him out without the leash now- he roams for a bit and then comes back.
The new house is doing great- Jason keeps the yard lookin fantastic, but I am not much of a flower person, so the flower beds are pretty much non-existant. I wish he would just mow them all down! I have actually asked him to do that, and I think I almost have him convinced!
I sure hope everyone is good out there- Hope to see all you folks in Aiken during Christmas! Love ya'll