We're Movin' On Up

Not to the East side but into a toddler bed! In recent days Kate has been trying to climb over the rails of her crib and when she's not trying to escape she's trying to gnaw it away, literally! So I decided to go ahead and convert her crib into a toddler bed. I know it will bring a whole new set of challenges to deal with but at least she will be safer and I won't have to worry about her getting splinters in her intestines :)


P.S. I just laid Kate down and so far, so good. Either she went to sleep like normal or she is playing with her toys REAL quietly, I think I'll go check ;) The morning will be the real test! We'll see! Wish me luck tonight, I hope she doesn't fall out of the bed (that would be sooo sad).

Another First

The first haircut! I've been bugging J for about 2 months now to let me get Kate's hair cut. He put up a little fight a first because he wanted her to look like a baby for as long as she could and knew that a haircut would definitely take that away. Over the past couple of weeks he softened his stance and said I could do it. So, I jumped all over that and called Aunt LeLe and made an appointment for Monday (which is extra special because she is on maternity leave AND the salon is usually closed on Mondays, but not for our Kate!). Aunt Erica, Ella, Heather, Steven, and Cole all came for support and to take pictures. Once we were all there and settled the process began...

Big girl Kate sitting in the salon chair.



We definitely need a cape for this job!



Checking ourselves out in the mirror. Look at those locks...it's the last time you are going to see them!



Discussing the length and style.



The first cut!



Look at how good I am being!



We used candy (see the little green treat in her hand?) as needed.



She absolutely hated looking down, hence my "assistance".



Then we used books for distractions.



And we are finished! Now, we are proud to present ... Kate's new hairdo!



Isn't it cute? By the way, J was right, it makes her look soooo much older. She is definitely an official toddler now, no mistaking her for a baby anymore!



I'll post some more pictures tomorrow after a bath and some styling. We've had enough adventure for one day today!

The Baby-Sitters Club

Well, I loved reading about babysitting when I was in elementary school. I loved actually babysitting when I was a young teenager. I decided to be a glorified babysitter (teacher and mom) by profession. And now I have the priviledge of teaching Kate the trade.

Our first lesson took place this Monday. Aunt LeLe had some errands to run and asked if we would like to keep Cole. Of course we jumped all over that!

Lesson #1- Babies like to sleep.



Kate watched Cole as he slept. She gave him a couple of "love taps" to make sure that he knew she was still there and played quietly until he was ready to get up.

Lesson #2- Babies like to eat.

Kate LOVED feeding Cole his bottle (hence the huge smile). She didn't quite understand why she had to stop feeding him for me to burp him but was alright with the idea once she realized that she would get to feed him again.



Lesson #3- Even the babysitter needs attention too sometimes!



Kate loved playing with Cole but was sure to let Mom and Dad know that SHE was the baby of this house! Here she is being rocked just like baby Cole. Awe...what a sweet (not-so-little) baby girl!

Next time we will work on Lesson #4- Dirty diapers!

A Birthday Bash at the Beach

This weekend Kate and I headed for North Myrtle Beach to celebrate Aunt Haley's 11th birthday. Haley only had 3 small request for the event...



Request 1: That Kate be there.

Who could refuse that? So, we packed up and drove 5 1/2 hours to get there. The first two hours were peaceful and quiet (Thanks Grandma J for the travel pillow! We used it in a couple of different positions but this was Kate's favorite:)



The last 3 1/2 hours were filled with cheerios, juice, and plenty of toys and books. Overall, not too bad.



Request 2: We eat at Cracker Barrel

This is Kate and the Birthday Girl waiting on their food.



It wouldn't be a birthday without presents!



Request 3: Go swimming.

The resort we stayed in had 2 indoor pools and a lazy river so we had plenty to keep us busy! Surprisingly, Kate was scared to death of the pool at first. She held on for dear life and teared up if anyone looked or talked to her. Thank goodness that only lasted for the first 20 minutes or so, after that, smooth sailing! We laughed and played and splashed the rest of the day away.



While Kate took a nap Haley, Emma, and I went out on the town. We had a blast being silly and just spending time together.





Not by request but because of tradition we sang "Happy Birthday" and ate cupcakes and ice cream. Needless to say we all enjoyed that but I think it is safe to say that I think Kate enjoyed it the most!





Then it was time to head back home. Only 1 hour of sleep on the way back.



But don't worry, we found the trick to staying happy; a Steak and Shake chocolate milkshake :)

Have You Ever Seen "Singing In The Rain"

Well, if not, now at least you can say you've seen "Grilling In The Rain" :)

Big Shoes to Fill

Women's 8 1/2 size slippers and a future Havard freshman shirt...what else is there to say?

Nothing Much

Well, we haven't been up to much around the Hinton House lately. Kate's trying to get back on schedule and I am trying to get the house back to normal. All the Christmas decorations are down and now we are just waiting for our regularly scheduled activities to start back (bible study, outings with Ella and Aunt Erica, core groups, etc.). Hopefully when things get going again we'll have more to blog about!