Kellen Happenings

Kellen, these last few weeks have been brutal with the constant biting. You have bitten my right arm so often making impressions in my arm that I have actual bruises. Clearly, you are teething and using me as a chew toy. It looks like tooth number seven is coming in on the bottom right.

You are also clapping these days. The first time I saw you clap your hands was July 7th down in Bethany. You were listening to Raffi with your brother, sisters, and grandma Mary Ellen. Just this past week, you were watching Isabel dance in a show at Episcopal and you started clapping in unison with the crowd. This gave everyone in the audience a chuckle!

Finally, you are putting your arms up over your head for "so big!".

So proud of all the little, big things you do!

Kellen's First Footsteps

It is hard to believe my little guy is taking his first steps. At the beach a few weeks ago (weekend of July 7th) Andy and I saw Kellen take his first step. Isabel walked at 10 months and one day, would little K rival his big sister? Isabel was excited for her brother to walk, but her competitive spirit came through in a playful manner. Just in the last week has the little guy really started to walk, he is taking more and more steps each day! He crawls to a wall or piece of furniture that he can use to pull himself up. Then he slowly gets his balance and wobbles along. It is a sight to see, the "Frankenstein"....a moment for sure we will catch on camera!

Kellen, I think you will have to settle for 10 1/2 months as the age you started walking! Mommy and Daddy are so proud of you!

Kellen's First Baby Sign is dog!

Kellen has learned his first baby sign. He will actually pant (haa....haa...haa) when he sees our dog, Lexy. He did this for the first time yesterday, July 16th! Way to go Kellen!

Funny things the kids say....

Kids: what's for dinner?

Mom: Zucchini Lasagna (lots of zuchs from our garden)

Brady: Mama, I want ra-bee-oli (ravioli)

Absolutely adorable!! There are actually very few things that Brady is unable to say correctly. He articulates quite well for a 4-year old.

Chloe has blossomed into a reader!

I can no longer check out enough books from the library to keep pace with Chloe's reading. Just the other night she read 7 I Can Read books before bed...staying up an extra hour and reading in a dim room. I promised her a book light! While Chloe has been reading since she is 4 years old she was never really passionate about books. Just the other day I asked her why all of a sudden she loves books and she replied "because in every book, mama, I realized there is a story!" This brought a smile to my face. Hope you continue to love books and make time for reading, Chloe!

Brady can dress himself

Brady you have finally started to dress yourself. I am so proud. Just this week, on several occasions, you have not only picked out your own clothes but successfully put them on all by yourself. Hooray!! I have taken a few pictures in attempt to mark this stage of your life. Usually one or more articles of clothing are on backwards! Super cute!

The Enforcer

Brayden, my dear sweet son you are growing so quickly. Of late, you have turned into a rule follower. You are always asking me the rules everywhere we go. I love this about you, although it always seems to go too far ending in a potentially embarrassing situation. For example, today we were at the Kriebel's annual summertime party and you were excited to play in the moon bounce. However, before heading over you asked me what were the rules. I deferred to Mr. Kriebel and he told you no shoes and only 3-4 people at a time. Excitedly, you ran over to the bounce house and began to jump. After a few minutes, you were quick to point out that there were now six kids in the moon bounce and those kids were breaking the rules. The expression on the parents faces...oh boy! Later you wanted to play soccer on the otherside of the yard. I told you to go ahead. You ran off, but then stopped in your tracks to ask, "Mama if I go play soccer am I wandering off?" You are a funny kid!

At the pool a few weeks ago you were jumping off the wall in the baby pool. I told you that this was against the pool rules at St. Alban's. I know a little fib. The things mother's will tell their children! After awhile a little girl was jumping off the side of the pool. You sauntered over to the girl and pointed out that she was not allowed to jump into the baby pool. Her grandmother looked wide-eyed at you not sure how to respond. I think I may have to start calling you "the enforcer"!

I will say I felt better after reading an article on the Baby Center website that stated how developmentally 4 year olds are rule followers by nature (sigh)!

Kellen is 10 months...will he walk?

Kellen was 10 months yesterday and is moving and shaking. Andy and I were wondering whether Kellen would walk earlier than Isabel who took her 1st steps at 10 months and one day. He is taking a step or two, but quickly loses his balance and spills like a puddle to his feet. I forgot how cute babies look with their outstretched Frankenstein arms and the beaming smile on their face. Little K is so proud of himself!

I have mixed emotions on my baby taking his first steps. Not sure I am ready to lose my baby.

On another note, with respect to Kellen's kidney reflux, diagnosed in Jan 2012, found out Kellen's kidneys are fully functioning and there is no evidence of scarring. I am relieved to hear this great news :-) Dr. Canning mentioned it is likely Kellen will outgrow the kidney reflux by age 2 or 3.

Raising Kellen!

I don't think I could be a prouder mama! Lots of new things happening with my baby boy.

Kellen is getting his sixth tooth (up top and to the right of the front tooth). He is constantly biting, even leaving marks/bruises on my upper arms....serious teether.

He is also enjoying his sibs being at bible camp this week and mama hanging around the house finally giving him a chance to take a morning nap enabling him to sleep from 9:30 to 11:30. This is huge given the hectic schedule we have had all year with nursery school and kindergarten pick-ups.

The biggest, proudest moment was seeing Kellen start to clap hands. I saw this for the first time at the beach house on Saturday, July 7th. He is so proud of himself, his quick smile gives it away. I guess it is time to tackle sign language, no more excuses!! I have started to introduce the basic signs for eat, milk, dog, etc...

Kellen is crawling everywhere and quickly. He can completely and confidently climb the stairs in the house. He has been doing this for at least a month. He is cruising around furniture and beginning to stand without holding on to anything. He is attempting to take steps, but without success.

Kellen loves to explore the world and make new discoveries each day. One of his favorite finds in our home is the bathroom. He loves to crawl into a wet shower or swish his hands around the toilet making a splash! What fun?! The constant worry is whether the little peeps living here have remembered to flush the toilet and/or put the lid down.

He is still using a pacifier and sleeping in his crib at night. He goes to bed around 9:00 pm and wakes at 5:00 am for a feeding. Then goes back to bed until 7:00.

Surprisingly, Kellen is not showing signs of separation anxiety yet, he will be 10 months tomorrow. Where does the time go??

Happy 4th!

Today was Kellen's first 4th of July. We started the day at the Newtown Square 4th of July parade. A hot day, but lots of fun. The kids love the hot dogs, soft pretzels, and water ice at the fire house. Brady thought it was funny seeing "Lou" his barber in the parade playing guitar. It is always nice seeing friends from the community :). In the afternoon, we took the kids to St. Alban's swim club for games. The kids always enjoy diving for coins and the tube races. For dinner, the Ciocca's and O'Reilly's came over. Finally, we watched the fireworks at Aronimink. Kellen was in awe... The sound and bright colors of the first firework surprised him. He opened his mouth wide and was looking all around. Daddy had brought ear plugs for Kellen, this seemed to help. He snuggled into my chest and watched the show without tears until the finale. The kids had an awesome day and looked cute in their red, white, and blue!