Yes, we are still here

Sorry for the lack in posting but the Hinson family has undergone some pretty major changes the last two months and we are still adjusting. Terry was offered a great job with the company he worked with before we moved back to Florida. It is a wonderful opportunity for him and one that we couldn't pass up.....but the downside is that Terry is traveling extensively 6 months out of the year. He is pretty much gone Sept/Oct through March/April. Upside is he is at home (literally, no office to go to nothing just at home) the rest of the year. You got to take the good with the bad.
Terry's first assignment was the first of November in Connecticut. So the past two months Kendall and I have been adjusting to life without daddy. Let me tell you, it was quite a challenge at first (major props to single mothers). I think we have now settled into a nice routine and things are going much smoother now.
Terry was able to come home for Thanksgiving. It was only for the day but it was great to see him. Then back to Connecticut he went. While we were enjoying a very balmy December, Terry got to enjoy the lovely weather of the Northeast, snow and all. (So glad we don't live there anymore) He was able to get home this past Saturday just before the big storm hit. He'll be home for a few weeks then off again, I think to California this time.
Kendall was so excited to see him when he came home. We were a little worried how she was going to react since she is going through some major separation/stranger anxiety. For example she has been going to school for how long now, almost a year, and all the sudden she freaks out when I drop her off. She is okay after a few minutes, but it just breaks my heart. I know she loves it there and the teachers are great, but hopefully this is a short phase. But anyway, she was great when Terry came home and is so happy to have him home. He has been picking her up early from school so they can spend some one on one time together. Not sure how she is going to do when he leaves again, but I guess we will deal with that when the time comes.
Haven't been able to take lots of pics of Kendall. That is usually a two person job with Miss NON-Photogenic....but I'll try to post some later today....maybe tomorrow.....definitely by the weekend.

So check back soon for some new pics and an update on how Kendall is such a big girl these days...she is growing like crazy and I'm starting to miss my baby (but not enough to have another-just in case any of you were wondering)

Tinkerbell

Here is out little Tinkerbell...she did really great on her "first" Halloween. We were able to visit a few neighbors before she started getting sleepy.

Box

I don't know why mom and dad bought me that fancy chair...all I really need is a box.

Pumkin Patch

This year Kendall got to attend her first annul Pumpkin Patch trip with her grandparents. This is an annual tradition that started with my niece Taylor when she was just one (about 10 years ago). Every year my parents take the grandkids to the Pumpkin Patch to find that perfect pumpkin and take some photos. Since Kendall was only two weeks old at Halloween last year, she didn't get to go. But this year Kendall was decked out in her Pumpkin outfit and ready to go. (I think she thought they were basketballs when we first got there) Of course she tried to pick up every pumpkin and was only interested in the big ones. Here are some fun photos from the trip.

I can pick it up


Searching for the perfect one....


Me and Nama


So Cute!


Me and mom

Too Tall!

Okay here is a picture of me and my niece Taylor...keep in mind she is only ELEVEN!!!

She is already taller than my mom. Taylor and I can even share shoes. I think by next month she will be taller than me too.

Ohio Birthday Party

We went to Ohio over the weekend to finally introduce Kendall to Terry's side of the family. She was WONDERFUL on the plane (with the help of some Benadryl). While we were in town they decided to have a birthday party for her. So Kendall got to have more cake...I think she is caked out by now. It was a great time and I'm glad that we were finally able to make it up to visit. Hopefully it won't take so long before our next visit.

One Year Stats

Today Kendall went for her 12 month check-up. Here is how she measured up:
Weight 20.4 lbs (25th percentile)
Height 30 inches (90th percentile)


Kendall also got a slew of shots today, a total of 7 SHOTS! She was quite a trooper and did much better than I would have.

The dreaded ear infection is back.....and we are flying to Ohio tomorrow...this should be interesting to say the least.

Primrose Birthday Party

Here is me and my friend Meghan having cupcakes on my Birthday. They were yummy!

THE BIG ONE

Our baby girl turned one today! I cannot believe that a year has already passed by. What a wonderful year it has been. I can't remember life without Kendall. She makes us smile everyday and warms my heart. I feel so blessed that God has brought her into our lives and has allowed us to be her parents. Every night when I look at her sleeping in her crib I still can't believe this precious baby girl is mine. I am looking forward to this next year as Kendall continues to thrive and we get to see more of her personality.

We are off to the doctor tomorrow so stay tuned for the stats.....

Happy Birthday Baby Girl!

First

I had my FIRST BIRTHDAY party yesterday! What a day it was. Mommy decorated the house with pink and purple ballons and my family and friends came over to celebrate. Mommy's college friend Melissa came all the way from Atlanta to come to my party! It was so much fun. I got all kinds of great new toys and books. I also got bunches of new clothes so I'll be stylin at school. Here are a few pictures of me enjoying my birthday cake. Mommy picked out a cupcake theme for the party so she made me a GIANT CUPCAKE for my birthday. It was yummy! But I'm sure you can tell that from my reaction....I'm going to have another party at school on Wednesday and then another on Saturday in Ohio so check back for more pictures!

Eat Cake!

Here are a few funny videos of Kendall enjoying her first birthday cake, it was actually a giant cupcake. I was worried that she wasn't going to really get into it, but as you can see, I was clearly wrong!

Chair upgrade

After about two weeks of Kendall almost tipping over in her new chair, we decided to return it and trade it in for a "Big Kid" chair. It is much more stable and can withstand Kendall and her crazy ways. Here are a few pics of Kendall in her newer chair. She just happened to be wearing a green check outfit that day and appeared to be blending into the chair, like a camouflage outfit or something, it was so funny.

Go Bucks

Don't you just love my new Buckeye dress?!? It sure did make Daddy happy to finally have his girl wearing something other than Gator gear. It is super cute and I got so many compliments at school on Friday. Mommy's friend Melanie made it for me. (Check out her website to see more of her fun designs...see Pinky Blues on the right under Places we visit). Stay tuned to see the Gator dress I got too. You'll really love that one!

GO BUCKS!

11 Months

Today Kendall is ELEVEN MONTHS OLD!!! I can hardly believe it. She is such a big girl and getting bigger every day. Just this past weekend she mastered a new skill...one that we have been dreading...Kendall climbed up the stairs! I was in the kitchen and couldn't see her in the family room so I walked around the corner and there she is with a grin on her face sitting on the landing of the stairs. She took one look at me, shot her grin, then continued to make her way up the remaining set of stairs and didn't look back. Terry and I are on our way to the store tonight to look for a gate. Let me tell you this girl is fearless (definitely doesn't get that from me). She also thinks the best way to get out of the sofa or chair is to climb over the arm. Why is it that all kids think that is the way to get out? that's not the way they got in? Kendall continues to do fantastic in school. She has mastered the words more and baby in sign language and we are working on please, thank-you, drink and eat. It so cute to see her doing the signs. Kendall is doing great with her walking and even has her own version of a run. We are also in another teething phase. This one hasn't been as easy as the first round, but we are managing. We are working on getting ready to move up to the one year old class next month so the weaning process has begun. We are down to only one bottle during the day (at nap time) and one at night (before bed). We still have some work to do to get the number of naps down to one (after lunch). She has pretty much given up the morning nap but that mid to late afternoon nap is hit or miss. Some days she just likes to lay down and "rest" or re-charge and others she is just plain worn out and needs a power nap. I think she'll be ready when the time comes. I know that she is looking forward to being with the big kids and not around the babies anymore, because of course she is not a baby (at least in her mind).

Summer Days

Today we (rather Terry and the boys) washed my car. It was so hot outside. Just when we (they) were almost finished the ice cream truck came around. Since we (they) were working so hard we decided to treat ourselves (me included:)). Kendall really enjoyed the ice cream and had lots of fun going back and forth trying every ones ice cream. She was a mess when we were finished.



Once we got back inside and cleaned up, Terry and I couldn't wait any longer and had to go ahead and give Kendall one of her birthday presents. We got Kendall her own little chair to sit in from Pottery Barn since she loves to sit in daddy's chair. She loved it (or maybe she was just having a good time playing with a dipper-don't' worry it was a new one). To encourage her to sit on her bottom in the chair we would clap and say YEAH when she sat down correctly in the chair. Now she thinks every time she sits she has to clap and yell YEAH.

Giddy Up!

YEAH.....

College football is back!!!!

Go Gators

(an Bucks too)

We're still here....

Things have been really crazy lately, sorry for the lack of posts and pictures. The summer is coming to an end and Zander went back to his mom's. It hasn't been the same without him. I know Kendall misses him. It is so cute when she goes up to his picture and just stares at it and starts to point at it. I really miss him helping me keep Kendall occupied while I did some work around the house. Guess that's why thing are a bit crazy again. Kendall is doing wonderful in her new class. I can see the difference in her already. The teachers call her the energizer bunny because she walks around all day long and never stops. She has also started "talking" much more lately and is starting to learn some sign language. She can say dog and when you ask what a dog says she says "fff" "fff" Her version of woof woof. So cute. She has mastered the sippy cup but still will not hold the bottle. She is doing really great at feeding herself (with her hands) and getting better with the spoon. Still working on keeping the food actually on the spoon before she puts it in her mouth. I can't believe she is already 10 months old....my baby is growing up fast.

Well that's all for now. We are gearing up for college football season so check back this weekend for pics of our (well my) little gator!

Formal 2007

This past Friday Kendall's class had their 2007 Formal. I know sounds pretty silly, but it was so funny to see all the little one's dressed up. I found this fun dress in the back of the closet. It is size 12 months, but fit the occasion. She looked absolutly precious.

Oi Vay

Today I turn 30...not at devistating as I was expecting it to be...no tears...no meltdowns...no freakout...but then again it is only noon....

I don't feel 30 and I don't look 30 (at least I don't think so) That has got to count for something,right?

You'll have to check back in tomorrow when I am 30 plus 1 day old and then we'll see how I'm doing.

Eat Cake

Kendall had some practice eating cake this past weekend at my neighborhood surprise birthday party. As you can see, I don't think she'll have any problems with her first birthday cake!

More Walking

It's hard to believe that just two weeks ago Kendall was only taking a few steps. She really has this walking thing down. She is having a little trouble with the transition from surface to surface, but she's getting the hang of it. Check out her new pink car seat for Terry's car (yes I was able to talk him into a PINK car seat for his car! Anything for his Princess).

Sorry, but I couldn't figure out how to rotate the video, but it's not too long so hopefully your neck will not hurt too bad:)

Fun in the Sun

Today I (finally) took Kendall out in her turtle pool that doubles as her toy box. I suited her up in her bikini (so cute) and we headed out. She was more excited about trying to eat the balls than playing with the water.




Here is Kendall sporting her pool cover up from Water Day at school last week. Kendall has been spending half days in the older infants/young toddler class getting ready to transition up next week. She seems to be enjoying hanging with the big kids as opposed the babies, but she's having a little trouble adjusting the the big kid schedule (i.e. less naps). We'll see how it goes next week when she starts full time.

Thanks Aunt Wendie

Here I am sporting my new hand-made outfit from my favorite Aunt....well she's my only Aunt so I guess she has to be my favorite (just kidding!) I Love you!

9 Months

Our big girl is 9 months old! I really can't believe it has been 9 MONTHS! This has been a very eventful month for Kendall. She is finally rid of her ear infections (at least we think so) and got her ears pierced. Kendall is expanding her palate by experimenting with school lunch. She has had mac-n-cheese, meatballs, pasta bake, green beans, graham crackers, vanilla wafers and mandarin oranges. At times she will hold her own sippy cup but still refuses to hold her own bottle. That's okay because the only time she'll let me cuddle and hold her is when I'm feeding her a bottle:) The biggest accomplishment this month is walking! Everyday she is taking more and more steps on her own. She has finally figured out how to really get around the house with her push walker, it is slow gowing on the carpet, but once she hits the kitchen floor she is off to the races! She gets so excited and proud of herself she grins from ear to ear. At this rate she'll be running at next months update. Kendall's new favorite place to play is in the pantry. That is where she hangs out now while we are cooking in the kitchen. She if fascinated by the soda bottles and fun chip bags. Doritos are her favorite bag. Kendall is starting to finally get some baby fat legs, but she is still so thin around the waist her poor shorts won't stay up. We went to the doctor on Monday for a well check and weigh in. Kendall is 17.15 pounds and 29 inches long.



I love this picture of Kendall, here she is saying, "Don't mess with me I'm tired"

Steps

Today when I went to pick up Kendall from school the teacher had some pictures for me, Kendall took some steps (about 10) at school today. They rushed and got some pictures of her so that I would have them. She has taken 2 or 3 at home the last few weeks, but she is really getting the hang of it now. Of course when we got home from school we had to recreate the big event for video. Now I present Kendall and her first (real) steps....



p.s. I know her shorts are way too big, they look like Capri's, but she is between sizes right now and if she wears a size 3mo they are daisy dukes and the ones that she is wearing today are 6/9 months but too big...already having problem finding the right fit.....

Yummy

Now I know why Harley likes to chew on these things!

Ears Pierced!

Now that Kendall has finally fully recovered from her ear infections we decided to get her ears pierced. Tonight Terry and I took her to get them done.
Here is a before shot


Here is the after shot.


She did really well, much better than I was expecting! She cried for a few minutes afterwards, but once I gave her a bottle she was good to go.

Pool Time

This weekend we went to my sister's house with the kids. Kendall and daddy cooled off in the pool. While Kendall isn't exactly afraid of the water, she still isn't totally sure about it. Here are some cute pics of Kendall in the pool. The bottom picture is Kendall in her dress my sister got for her in Hawaii a few months ago.

Happy Independence Day

Wave and Mean Face

Yesterday Kendall finally figured out how to wave "Bye Bye". She is so amazed by it. It is so cute.

We were also able to get a better video of Kendall doing her "Mean Face". She is almost over it now so I'm glad we were able to get it before she stops doing it. Enjoy.

Photo Session

Here are the results of today's picture taking session.....you can see the progression.
First a semi smile
Next a full on smile (can almost see her upper teeth in that one)
Forced/mean face smile

finally a warning smile that the session is officially over.

Stop now while you are ahead!!!

Magazine Junkie

I hope this is a sign she will be an early reader....

Stairs

Look who finally found the stairs. They are a baby magnet, she goes straight for them every time. Guess it's time to invest in some gates.....



What, I didn't do anything....I'm just standing here.


Okay if I put my hand here maybe I can make it up....

5 YEARS

I just wanted to say that today Terry and I have been married five years. It doesn't seem that long, but I guess that's what others who have been married for 50 say. It seems I really lucked out when finding Terry. He compliments me so well. I don't think anyone else could handle my antics or attitude the way he does. He is a wonderful husband and an incredible father.

In five years, we have gone through one apartment, one townhouse and one house, and lived in three states. We have owned the best dog in the world (who doesn't love that face?!), and have had a beautiful baby together.

I believe music helps tell the wonderful story of life, so I will quote words from an Edwin McCain song that I feel describes today.

"I could not ask for more than this life together, I could not ask for more than this time with you, and every prayer has been answered, and every dream I've had come true, right here in this moment, is right where I want to be, here with you, here with me."

Love you Terry,

8 Months

Another month down. Kendall went to the doctor again today for a follow up appointment and weighed in at 16.14. But after we weighed her and took her back to the room we realized she had a really FULL diaper, so she may still be 16.10. HAHA

The ear infection is still there, but improving. We are our 4th different medication and if this doesn't do the trick we are off to the ENT to talk about tubes. Such fun. But hey if they clear up the infection I'm in.

Kendall also has all four top teeth in. The last one finally broke through over the weekend. It's still tough to see them when she smiles. You have to push her lips up to see them, but believe me you can definitely feel them if she gets hold of your finger. So that leaves a total of 6 teeth (4 up 2 down). These top teeth were a little tougher coming in than the bottom two were.

Her new favorite food is Oatmeal Cookies. You can tell she really enjoys them beacuse it is ends up all over her face and hair.

Last week Kendall had her first chicken nugget. They gave one to her at school. Apparently she loved it, the teacher said she was so quite for like 15 minutes eating it up. Kendall ususally likes to talk and sing while she is eating.

Let's see what else has the princess accomplished over the last month, as you can see from the previous videos she is mobile. This week she has started walking along the furniture. We have strategically placed the furniture so she can walk along the couch to the end table to her execauser to the dining room chairs to the dining room table all the way around to her highchair and into the kitchen. She is so proud of herself when she does it. When she reaches the kitchen we walk her back to the end and she starts all over. She is also mastering the walker, but walks much better with the walker at school, it is a bit wider so it keeps her more stable. At school the teachers tell me she walks all along the cabinets around the room to the toy box and then to the highchairs. The girl is so busy...she is going places!

Monday night was the most exciting however. Nightly Terry and I will sit with Kendall and walk her back and forth between us trying to get her to walk towards us. She normally just bounces up and down till you put your hands out for her to hold then she'll take a step, well last night she took three steps towards me with NO HANDS!! Terry and I were acting all crazy and excited and she was looking at us like we were crazy. All she needs is a little courage and she'll have it, I'm sure of it.

I've been a bit worried because Kendall didn't seem to really "talk" that much. Well this month she put my worries to rest, she has mastered:
Bubu= Harley (that is what we call him)
Dadadadada= of course she would say Dada first....

There are various other sounds she makes, but she is still grunting a lot. She gets so frustrated that she can't just do things. Can we say impatient...don't know who she get that from......

As you can tell our baby is growing up so fast, now if we could just figure out a way to get her hair to grow......

Sorry no pictures this post, I'll try to get some up over the weekend.

Walker

Kendall has finally figured out how to actually walk behind the walker not just stand up holding on to it. She still doesn't have much control over it, but she is learning....quickly!

Mean Face

Kendall came home from school last week with a new "trick" we call "The Mean Face"
She cracks me up when she does it. She scrunches up her face and blows in and out of her nose really fast. The video is a little dark, hope you can see it. Enjoy.

Double!

Seven months and two weeks later Kendall has finally doubled her birth weight...we went for a follow up appointment today and she weighed in at 16.10! Such a big girl!


I just love this smile....you would never know she has been battling an ear infection for almost 4 weeks now.