WHAT did you say, Aidan?

Yesterday morning I left the boys to finish eating breakfast while I took a quick shower. (Moms are allowed one of those at least every couple of days, right?) When I returned, the kids were giggling, and Aidan was spinning an empty bottle of apple juice on the tabletop. I asked him what he's doing, and he replied, "We are playing Spin the Bottle!" Taken by surprise, I gained composure and asked him where he's heard about that game. He said, "We play it at lunch at school." Then, not knowing whether to burst out laughing or call the school to see what's going on, I decided to clarify first. I asked him, "How do you play Spin the Bottle?" He replied, "You just spin the bottle, and whoever it points to gets to be the next person to spin the bottle." Phew. Okay, I guess I can live with that.

Tentative Steps

Kaitlyn has been taking some tentative first steps for a couple weeks now, but we haven't ever been able to capture them on camera--until today! She's funny, because she has figured out how to stand up in the middle of the room without holding onto anything and take off from there (for up to about 5 steps) and then flops to the floor. My boys didn't master standing up all by themselves until they were accomplished walkers. And, my Mom says that I wouldn't stand on my own at all without holding onto anything until I was walking really well--the feeling was just too weird to me. It's funny how different kids are.

Kaitlyn's Gift Gets 5 Stars!

Kaitlyn spends lots of time on her old little tikes riding car, so we thought she might like a new and different one for her birthday. That way, she and Cotter (who zooms around looking ridiculously big on the little tikes one) can even play bumper cars! This gift was a definitely a winner! She wanted to ride it before we even took it out of the box. Then, she played and played on it for quite some time, which was especially amazing considering she really didn't feel that well. Then, when she realized it even had a seat that opens up, WOW! Quite amazing. It's so neat observing kids at this fun age of discovery.

Speaking of, as I was typing this blog, she saw herself on the computer screen for the first time and was quite excited! She said what I believe is her word for Kaitlyn (after I said, "Yes, that's Kaitlyn!) and then pointed at herself on the screen over and over saying, "Hi!" It was very cute.

Breakfast Cereal--a Family Tradition.

Before heading off to the doctor today (see post below), Kaitlyn roused for long enough to try a little bit of her special Dora breakfast cereal. It's a MacNabb family tradition to get a special sugary cereal on your birthday, since we don't often buy that kind of cereal otherwise. So, we chose Dora cinnamon stars for Kaitlyn. Despite not having an appetite, she did eat some and play with some. So, overall it was a success.

Happy Birthday Kaitlyn! (If only it were true!)

As you can see from this picture, Kaitlyn's birthday didn't exactly start off on a happy note. She woke up for the third morning in a row with a fever. We took her into the doctor, where she got poked and prodded and catheterized and all sorts of injustices. She was then diagnosed with a bladder infection. Poor girl! After being injected with round-one of a 2-day antibiotic regimen, we were back home to rest for the day.

Say It Isn't So!!

I figure all of you Moms out there will appreciate this. My friend Kim sent along a link for a product that will blow your mind. And, YES, it's real! Here you go... http://www.pregnancystore.com/zaky.htm

Dad's Surprised Look!

I tracked down a picture of my Dad at the moment of surprise at his 60th party (thanks Elisabeth!). He recovered quickly and immediately went into a humerous speech in typical Bill fashion.

Holy Ween?

Aidan asked Roy where Halloween came from. In the middle of Roy's rather lengthy explanation Aidan concludes outloud, "Oh, so it should be called Holy Ween!" (As if that makes it all clear.)

Here are some pics of the kids on Holy Ween. See if you can figure out who's who. ;-)

Birthday Fun

First picture: Kaitlyn and her new baby doll.

Second picture: Kaitlyn trying her first taste of cake with brothers cheering her on.

Third picture: Cousin Brennan in need of a bath! And Grammy trying not to get too dirty.

Birthday Celebration Times Three!

A couple weeks ago we traveled to Atlanta for a surprise 60th birthday party for my Dad. The party was lots of fun with over 100 people in attendance, and we were all amazed that we pulled off a true surprise for him. That was quite an accomplishment! I want to track down a picture taken of him at the moment of surprise. But, for now you'll have to make do with pictures of the second party in Atlanta--a joint birthday celebration for Kaitlyn (born on Nov. 3) and her cousin Brennan (born on my Dad's b-day, Oct. 15). I don't think I'm going to be able to fit the pictures and all the text on the same post, so see the pics in the post above.

Anyway, we have lots of Hispanic friends here in Orlando, and they really know how to put on a good party! A kid's first birthday is a really big deal. I don't think I'm going to admit to my friends that Kaitlyn's first birthday celebration lasted about 20 minutes and included any family members who happened to be around at the time. I figure, she's one! She won't remember! Oh, well. Shame on me. We did do the obligatory cake with lots of icing for a good picture. Brennan knew exactly what to do with birthday cake--eat it, smash it, rub it in your hair....drop it, throw it, bathe in it, pat it...you get the picture. Kaitlyn, ever the dainty lady, did touch it a couple of times and eventually picked up the entire plate and dumped it upside down. I think we had to convince her to try the cake, which is no big surprise considering her selective eating habits. But, we did have fun.

And, we brought her a birthday present, too, from Orlando, even though it wasn't her true birthday. Now, that's not bad for pre-planning! (I think Emily and Adam bought Brennan's presents the same day of the party.) She loves her little baby doll (the first one I've ever gotten to buy!) She hugs her and pats her and kisses her and talks to her...and even eats her toes! What a good little Mommy! Kaitlyn's true birthday is in two days. I'm not sure what we are going to do to mark the official day. I guess you'll have to come back later to find out...