Bless her heart- Kensley was TERRIFIED of Santa! I told Kent I am not putting her through that next year- if she wants to, she can- if not, that's ok! Here she is.... (I tried to edit the picture and make it look cute...since it wasn't the best picture)

Well, it's finally Friday! This week has gone by slow, but gone by fast. Weird. Today is one of my good friend's birthdays, so Kensley and I are going to run to the store and pick up a balloon and card and deliver it later this afternoon. I'd like to find her something little to put with it....maybe an ornament for her tree? We'll see! I need to see if we have a store that sells Hallmark things in the town we live in. I don't feel like driving all the way to the mall to pick up an ornament.

This week seems to be creeeeeepin' by. Not sure why? Today was a pretty lazy day for Kensley and I . I really wanted to get up and go to the library story time but we messed around too long and didn't get there. We ran to Target this morning to exchange a bean bag that I bought for her yesterday for Christmas. Then I FINALLY got our Christmas cards mailed! Yay for me! :)

Well, we're home now and getting back into the routine of our everyday life. It was so nice to go back to Texas and see family. We enjoyed our visit, but were glad to be back home. I put up more Christmas lights yesterday so we could enjoy them for the next couple weeks. It's getting colder and colder.... hopefully my body adjusts ok to the northern winters!

Well, after reading two of my good friend's blogs, I am inspired to share with ya'll all of my blessings that I am thankful for. Even though I am going through a rough time right now (moving out of my home state to the north) I still thank God everyday for my life and the people He has put in my path.


I am thankful for my daughter. Being able to feel what a mother's love feels like. It is indescribable. I would take a bullet for that girl. Our lives revolve around her and I love that.

Again, I am thankful for my daughter- because while Kent is at work and I am at home, in a place that is very new to me, with not many friends- she is all I have. We have a blast together. She keeps me smiling.

My husband. He is my rock. God knew what he was doing when he put us together. We compliment eachother well. :-) He keeps me going. He keeps me in line :) I love him so much.

my husband's job. Although it has moved us VERY far from our family (whom we are super close with and miss terribly) it has brought us closer together. I love that we only have eachother up there to turn to. I love that on the weekends, I get him all to myself. It is bringing us closer.

Staying at home with our daughter- it has been such a blessing. Something that I started taking for granted but God reminded me what a blessing it is.

Being pregnant...with our second daughter. Pregnancy is such a miracle. I can't wait to be holding my baby girl.

Friends. We are still so new to the north, I don't have any friends up there yet. I wish I could move my DFW girlfriends (Whitney, Holly, Kimberly.... Ann, Angela, Megan, Lindsey) up to where we are... I guess our situation last year was just too good to last a long time! Luckily I still talk to Whitney on a daily basis (which makes it feel like she's still just down the road from me) and then I have facebook to keep up with everyone else. And Holly, I am not only thankful for your friendship- I am also thankful for your willingness to give your opinion of anything medical. I can ALWAYS count on you and it puts me at ease when I get nervous about something that is going on with Kensley. Thank you for that :)

Facebook.... for all my nosey moments ;-) and then for being able to easily keep in touch with my dear friends.

Playdates. For the adult interaction as well as the interaction Kensley gets with other kids.

Fall weather. We arrived up north right before fall hit. That was a good thing. It was beautiful and the weather was JUST how I liked it- sunny and cool. Ahhhh......

Fall colors- the trees up north are absolutely BEAUTIFUL during the fall.

The Winn family- they are the only other Texans we know where we live now. I am so thankful for them. Kensley has the girls to play with and we are able to help eachother out all the time.

My mom. My Ging. Everything about them. They are my best friends.

My relationship with God. We have yet to find a church up there, but I try my hardest to keep my relationship with God fresh everyday. In fact, he reminded me yesterday how GREAT He is. He answered prayers ALL DAY! Such an amazing God!

I could go on and on about what I am thankful for..... maybe I'll do a sequal to this when I get some more time. :) I need to get my precious baby girl up from her nap so we can get ready to go to Ging's for some Wright's bar-b-q!!!!! Mmmmmm......

Well, I am less than halfway there..... almost 22 weeks. Things are still going great. The only thing different so far from my pregnancy with Kensley and with this one is the fact that this little girl moves ALL THE TIME! I guess she's getting ready to keep up with her big sister when she gets here. I told Kent that Kensley always slept at night.... I'll wake up sometimes in the middle of the night and she'll be moving like a wild woman. Hopefully she'll get her mornings and nights figured out before she enters the world! :) Right now we're trying to find a name. I have one in particular that I LOVE and it is really growing more and more on me. Kent won't say "ok"... he did the same thing with Kensley though. I guess it's just a guy thing. I need to get a name for her so I can start getting stuff monogrammed! haha

I found a blog that I am following- this woman does GREAT work and has GREAT prices! I've ordered a couple things for Christmas from her and a couple baby shower gifts. Her blog is:
http://justsewsweetdesigns.blogspot.com/

Go check her out!

Well, I NEVER put my tree up before Thanksgiving... but this year, our situation is a little different. I went ahead and put it up because we'll be doing a lot of traveling during the holidays - and I can't imagine my house without a tree up! It is a little "much" for miss Kensley. She is in "awe" of all the ornaments and can't seem to keep her hands off them. My "no no" and hand swats are KIND OF working.... hopefully she'll get use to it soon. Here are a few pictures of us putting the tree up. She was such a "helper"

Well, it's been an interesting couple days.... first off- I have been so torn about all this flu shot and swine flu shot mess. I have never had a flu shot in my life- and I have never had the flu. I kept going back and forth on my choice to get Kensley and I the flu shot and then on top of that- the H1N1 shot as well.... I talked to friends- I hear the news (ugh!)- I read articles.... I have PRAYED! I have now made my decision.... we will not be getting the flu or the H1N1 shots. This is a spiritual matter for me. I am trusting God with this. We will take precautions and wash our hands often...la de da de da.... all the normal things you hear about everyday. I just feel so much better now that I have made up my mind.... and that was about 24 hours ago. WELL.... this morning I wake up to a little girl who is whining in her crib (this never happens!) I got her milk but she wouldn't really drink it. It took her a while to start chugging away. I noticed snot had dried all over her face.... her nose was runny... but it was clear. The rest of the morning she acted a little different. She didn't eat as much breakfast as normal.... she just kind of layed around. At 10, she was ready for her morning nap..... I put her in her bed (noticing that she felt a little warm) and let her get her sleep. I thought maybe her belly was hurting (she had been crying earlier this morning because she was trying to poop and it was hurting her). She woke up at noon and was beat red. I knew she was running fever. I took a rectal reading.... 102.4. I gave her tylenol, put some cool clothes on her and gave her cold juice (thanks to Holly for being such a great friend! I am so blessed to have her to call in times like these!) I took her to the dr. and found out that her flu test came back negative and that her ears were clear and her chest sounded ok. We just have to keep a close eye on her and make sure she doesn't get any worse. Please keep our baby girl in your prayers. I'm hoping she'll be able to sleep tonight- so far, she's been out since 8. She never has really got sick much- so I hate to see her cry and be fussy! I wish I could take the pain (or whatever she's feeling) away! We'll be staying in this weekend- maybe getting some Christmas decorations out.... and I'm going to try to get some online shopping done.... I LOVE the Christmas season!!!! It's coming early to the Vest household this year- we'll be traveling so much around the holidays, we won't be home to enjoy the decorations!

Sorry no pictures to share.... I've sold my old camera and my new one arrives tomorrow--woohoo!!!

We had a fast, fun-filled weekend! Kent's brother Keith, the Knowles family and Kyle came up to visit.... we had lots of fun. The boys played golf yesterday while Karissa & I took the kids to the Zoo. We didn't stay long because of the nasty weather (and the fact that it wasn't where we were suppose to be in the first place... long story) . We came home in time to make dinner and bake a little and get the kiddos ready to go trick-or-treating. I wasn't too excited about it this year because I didn't figure Kensley could really do anything. I figured I'd have to hold her or she'd be in the stroller.... well she proved me wrong! She had a blast! She walked around like a big girl and made one of the cutest chickens around :)

Here is the group...

The Chicken, The Turtle & Rainbow Bright!

Well, today is pretty gloomy out..... but we have a great weekend ahead of us and that makes me excited! We'll have a house full and I like that. Saturday our neighborhood has the trick or treat night. I've got chilli to cook, along with queso and cookies and other sweets. My job this week is to get the house cleaned. Everyone should be arriving Friday night, late. Kensley is going to be a ladybug for Halloween... I think... I got the costume at a consignment sale and it's a little big- so we'll see if it fits. If not, then I'll put her a cute little outfit on with her tutu.

I had to do some serious editing with the last one- my friend was holding her hand and I had to edit out her arm. I just loved this picture of Kensley though- so we'll have to try to get it again when we go back out for family photos.

Kent's parents came up Thursday to visit for the first time. They were so excited to see Kensley. Needless to say, when they left, Kensley was worn out! She played her little heart out. It rained the entire time they were here so we didn't get to do any sight seeing in D.C. Hopefully next trip we will. Liz & I went shopping all day on Friday while Kensley got to spend time with her Grumpy at the house. They had a blast. She got a lot of new winter clothes- time to start trying to get some Christmas pictures! :) Speaking of winter clothes- it's not even Halloween yet and it's FREEZING up here! This weekend's rain and no sun didn't really help out though. The sun is out today and it's beautiful.... I can handle this weather a little more. Even being pregnant isn't helping me stay warm. Here are a few pictures of while Nana & Grumpy were here.

As I fixed dinner tonight and watched Kensley eat her dinner in her high chair, I was thinking about how some things with pets & kids go hand in hand. Did that make sense? I just find it funny because when we got McCoy, we were so proud when we taught him a new trick. When people would come over, we would show him what he had just learned.... it got to the point where you didn't even have to say anything to him- he just knew what you wanted him to do (and in what order) because once he learned one new thing, we just added it to the end of the other things he already knew.... and we'd always have him do the things in the same order...every time. The same thing happens with Kensley! haha She knows what a puppy dog says "woof woof" and then she knows where her tongue is and then her ear and her nose... and today I taught her "How big is Kensley?.... SOOOO big" and she throws her hands in the air. Silly me- I'm excited for daddy to come home so he can see the new "trick" I taught her today :)....see why I am relating this whole story with our dog? Just a funny thought.....

On a side note- it is FREEEEZING here. I'm not sure about this weather. In Texas last year, I didn't even have to pull out the sweaters I owned. I have ALREADY started pulling them out for this winter and it's not even November yet! The bad thing is, none of the sweaters fit anymore! This little miracle I'm carrying around in my belly has decided to take up more room, making NONE of my clothes fit! I thought I would be able to "get by" for a little while longer, but I'm afraid that was just wishful thinking. We'll be hitting the mall up soon to see if we can find any sells on long sleeve shirts and some scarves.

Tomorrow Nana & Gramps (we still haven't all agreed on a name for him.... Nana wants Grumpy but I am having a really hard time calling him Grumpy! Any suggestions????? Maybe I can throw some out there to them) are coming to visit!! It'll be their first trip up here. We're excited to see them and I know they're excited to see Kensley. It's been a couple months since they've seen her. I'm sure she'll have a blast with them here. Unfortunately, it's suppose to rain all weekend :-( However, that's not going to stop us! Hopefully we can find some good inside things to do. Or just have some good ol' family time together in front of the fire. Sounds nice, huh?

My card reader broke for my camera so I'm out of luck uploading pictures until I get a new one... ugh.... so be ready for a picture overload soon!

Well, Kent & I took Kensley on a weekend get a away with another family this weekend. We drove up to Pennsylvania and got to see Penn State campus & stadium. Kent & Tim watched the football game while us girls walked around campus and visited one of the big attractions on campus- the creamery! It has been there at least 100 years, so the workers told us. It was pretty good ice cream (although, it was not Blue Bell!) :) The tradition there is to go after the football games. We got there when the game first started, so we didn't have to wait in line too long. However, when we left, the line was CRAZY long! Here is a picture... you can kind of see the line going out the door...and down the street. I wish I would have snapped one of the ice cream we got. You just ordered by the bowl or cone.... and they piled abotu 5 scoops on there! Cheap & lots of good ice cream... good thing I didn't go to Penn State :)

I've been thinking a lot lately about different parenting styles. Now that Kent & I are parents, it's something I think about all the time. Are we going to do the right thing? How should we handle this situation? What if Kensley does this? I just want to do it right....the 1st time. However, I know we all can't be perfect and there is no "perfect" parenting style out there. (too bad there isn't-- the world would be such a better place!) I am the type person that really watches how people parent their kids. I take mental notes. Kensley is still at such a young age, we haven't had to discipline much yet. Just telling her "no no" when she splashes in the dog's water bowl, or telling her to "sit down" in the bath tub. I am a very laid back person and there are some things that Kensley does that I let her do. I don't freak out if she gets the socket cover off. I simply walk over and place it back in. I don't yell at her for anything right now. I truly feel that Kensley is such a happy baby because when Kent and I are with her, we play and laugh and have a good time. (I know life is not going to be happy-g0-lucky 24/7... trust me, I'm not in denial about that) My delimma right now is what to do when we're around people who have a VERY different parenting style than we have. Negativity will not be spoken in our house. Just after teaching kids and being around them so much, you can tell how negative parenting works on them. It's NOT good! .......any advice?

It went pretty good. We originally had planned to go to the National Zoo; however, we drove and the parking lots were all full. Our backup plan was to go to the National Mall.... and we didn't make it there first- we ended up going to the Washington Monument & White house. We really enjoyed our time there. The scenery was beautiful... We will be going back there sometime this week, for sure. I realized that if we really want to do some good sight seeing, we're going to HAVE to find a babysitter for Miss Kensley.... we'd like to go to the museums, for sure. Here are a few pictures from the day.......

Well, you read it right.... A tooth has broke through! WOOHOO! haha- You may think I'm crazy, but I am one excited mommy! Kensley is now 12.5 months and still has NO teeth! I noticed her bottom gums were swollen where those two middle teeth will come in... well, today I noticed a little white bud had broken through. I'm anxious to see how our little one looks with teeth! It's been so long that we've seen her big, huge "gum"my smile! Fortunately, she hasn't been really cranky- just some loose bowel movements and a few mornings with a little clear runny nose, but so far, so good!

My parents are in town and so we're staying busy. It was so funny- they got here last night and Kensley went straight to Nonnie (my mom). She loves her! She has been attached to her since. It's so sweet. They're up here all week and I am so happy for that. I wish they lived up here- along with the rest of my family!

Well, Texas & Tech are playing....... back to watching some football..............

Happy 1st Birthday Kensley!

What a great day! We had Kensley's 1st birthday at my mom's and it turned out great. We had all of our family & friends and Kensley had a blast! She walked around and played the entire time. She got a lot of cute clothes and a few toys. Here are a few pictures from the day.

It's crazy how fast this year has flown by. At 12 months, here is a list of Kensley's likes & dislikes.

Likes

Cheese

Fruit (especially bananas & grapes)

Yogure melts

formula

saying "dada"

Reading her books

having someone read to her

playin with other kids

watching a DVD in the car (Baby Einstein)

climbing stairs

sitting on the bathroom counter with mommy while she gets ready

morning walks

Dislikes

Meats- maybe it's the texture, and the fact she has no teeth?!

Puffs- maybe because I tried to skimp and buy the off-brand kind

holding someone's hand while walking

Well, I haven't blogged in a while- but I thought I would while Kensley is napping.

Things here in VA are going good. I would like to find a mom's group for little ones so Kensley can interact with other kids and I can interact with other adults! :) We have a neighborhood mom's email group, so I may try to coordinate one here. That way it will be more convenient to do things close to home since everyone lives near eachother.

Kensley is growing like a weed. She is walking everywhere and has mastered the art of crawling up the stairs. She thinks she's so cool when she does it. I need to get a cheap-o gate for the bottom of the stairs now!

Fall has made its appearance. I am LOVING it! The windows have been opened all day and the A/C is off. I had to put jeans and a long sleeve shirt on! My parents are coming up next week and I am really getting excited! Man, I wish they lived up here! We're going to venture into D.C. and do some sight seeing and go to the National Zoo. So, I'm counting down the days until they arrive!

As for me, things are great. This pregnancy has been just like my pregnancy with Kensley. I go to the doctor up here later this month. I hope and pray that I like the nurses & doctors. I am really having a hard time leaving my old OB/GYN. Speaking of babies- Kent's cousin Scot; he and his finace are expecting a GIRL! Yay! I am so excited!! I know it's what Scot really wanted and I am so happy for them! I can't wait to go to a store and get her an outfit.... :-)

Well, I believe that's about all that is going on in the Vest household. I'll try to upload some pictures soon... I just have to find where I (or KENSLEY) put my card reader for my camera.....

Well, we are slowly getting settled in our new home. Kensley is walking now- she's getting really good at it. We're headed to our parent's next weekend- yea! I'm so excited to see everyone :) I don't have much to say or post now....