More about Kate @ 2.5

Here are some notes I jotted down about Kate recently. Some of these may be repeats, but I am recording these for my own personal use and don't feel like going back to see if I already wrote about all of these. So there. :o)

• Kate loves the words game on Tanna's iPhone and plays it a lot when we are out and about. It is a great way to keep her entertained. I think it is called "First Words."
• Logos/signs/stores she easily recognizes: Target, Chick-fil-A, Publix, McDonald's, Operation Christmas Child, Costco
  
• She sometimes likes to pick her nose and present me with her findings, which she calls "boogies." She particularly likes to do this in the car and then say, "Ooooh, it's a biiiiiig boogie!"
  
• She LOVES books and hearing stories. At bedtime, she will ask and ask for another story. I usually give in and cut her off after three or four. When we start reading longer books, I don't think I'll be able to do this. She also likes to sleep with lots of books and looks at them in bed--although her room is dark, so I'm not sure how much she can actually see.
• Kate enjoys jumping (does she ever!), waving, clapping, dancing and generally not sitting still.
• She has been like this for as long as I can remember--even as a little baby. When she anticipates a loud sound or a sudden movement or bright light (like a camera flash), she gets this hilarious look on her face and kind of closes her eyes like she is bracing herself. I think I have some pictures of this somewhere ...
• She loves to recite the ABCs and also the sounds each letter make. She also will ask you to do the sounds, like in the DVD "The Letter Factory." She will say, "The A says ..." and then she wants you to answer.
• She likes to pretend to eat and to feed others. So please play along if she tries to feed you something.
• She sometimes calls the living room "home."
  
• Kate loves artsy projects--drawing, coloring, painting, stamping, etc.
• She will sit still to have her hair fixed and seems to enjoy it. She also will try to brush my hair and put a hair bow in it.
  
• When Tanna is giving her a big hug, he will start to shake and she will say "aaaaahhhhh" so her voice is shaky when they are hugging. I am not explaining that very well, but they both love it and laugh.
• Kate often enjoys being tickled and will ask to be tickled by saying, "Tickle, please." And sometimes by saying, "Tickle, tickle, tickle" and holding up her hands like she is going to tickle you.
  
• Some of Kate's frequently heard quotes:
  
  1. "Awwwwww, soooo sweet." This is said when she is giving someone a hug. LOL!
  2. "Oh no!"
  3. "It's OK. It's fine."
  4. "Listen to Mommy."
  5. "Be careful, Kate." "Be careful, Mommy." "Be careful, Ah-Pah." "Be careful, chair."
     
  6. "Ready to get up."
  7. "Pay for it" or "We have to pay for it." Regularly said in a store like Target.
     
  8. "Look at all these toys." Said after she lines up a bunch of toys. Yes, she still likes to line things up.
  9. "God's great big world"--from Miss PattyCake DVD of the same name and said when Kate sees a globe or image of the world, etc. Also, she calls her Resurrection Eggs "Miss PattyCake's Eggs."
     
  10. "OK? OK."
  11. "Do you hear that?" and "What's that noise?" These are sometimes preceded with "Oooooh?" and "Listen!" (respectively).
      
  12. "What's wrong?" and "What's the matter?" (showing empathy/sympathy, usually said when she hears another child crying ... also says "Oh, no!" at those times)
      
  13. "Oooooh, what's that?"
  14. "No!" "Mine!" "I said NO!" "STOP!"
  15. "Oh, thank you, Mommy!" "Oh, thank you, Ah-Pah!"
      
  16. "Way to go!" and "Great job, Kate!" and "Oohhh, great job!"
      
  17. I have a bunch more Kate quotes from a few months ago that I still need to post.
      

10 Reasons Shopping at Publix Is Such a Pleasure

I *heart* Publix! And so does Kate. In fact, Publix is one of the stores she easily recognizes--and often asks to visit. You see, shopping there really IS a pleasure. In fact, I came up with (more than) 10 reasons why that is the case. And so now I present them to you, in no particular order ...

1. Free Chicken. Did you know that the Publix Deli will give kids a free chicken tender? It's true! Kate loves to go to Publix to get some chicken and another little treat ... for free!

2. Free Cookies! Likewise, the Publix Bakery gives kids a free cookie. If you'll notice, you may see a little case on top of the bakery case with cookies neatly stacked inside. Those are for the kiddos and are free for the asking. This isn't from the bakery, but word on the street is that you also can get a free balloon for your child at Publix, but I have not put this one to the test.

3. Cool Carts. Kate loves to ride in the green car (or rocket) carts at Publix. When we are headed in the direction of Publix, Kate will sometimes say, "Go Publix ... ride in green car." (And sometimes, "Go Publix ... get chicken ... cookie!" LOL!)

4. Two Words: BO. GO. I know that's not really two words. Or even words at all. But the buy-one-get-one-free deals at Publix are awesome, week after week. What's a bonus (especially for a small family) is that sometimes you don't necessarily have to buy two items to get the deal. Sometimes, if you just get one BOGO item, it will ring up at half price.

5. Publix Cakes. The Publix Bakery is well-known for its cakes. Ever since I moved to the Atlanta area--where Publix is huge--I've heard wonderful things about Publix cakes. When I was wedding planning, many folks recommended Publix cakes for the reception. We got married in Tennessee with no Publix nearby; otherwise, I would have considered it. I have had many a Publix cake and they are delicious! See this post and this one.

6. No Stupid Savings Cards. I hate having to keep up with bonus cards or savings cards or membership cards or whatever-the-latest-name-is cards. I shouldn't have to present some extra card that tracks my purchases to get the "sale" price. That's not really a sale, is it? At Publix, the price is the price. For everyone. No card required.

7. Senior Discount. I wasn't even aware of this until my parents were with me at Publix over the holidays. The very friendly cashier told us about the senior discount. I think it was only 5 percent--but hey, that is 5 percent!

8. Heartwarming Commercials. I dare you to watch a Publix commercial and not cry. Or at least get a little misty. Here's one to start you off, in case you missed it at Christmastime. If you need a good cry sometime, just do a YouTube search for Publix commercials--be sure to have some tissues handy.

9. Publix Subs. Oh yeah! Publix subs are awesome! We used to discuss their awesomeness at my former place of employment. Some of us would make a run to Publix to pick up some of these fabulous subs. I still eat Publix subs regularly. Had one earlier this week, as a matter of fact.

10. The Baby Club. And Preschool Pals. These two programs are wonderful. In fact, I wrote a post a while back about the Publix Baby Club. We have graduated to the Preschool Pals program, and it's great, too. They occasionally send a cute little gift for Kate. I usually save them for Operation Christmas Child, but it is a very nice gesture that is appreciated. I loved the coupons we received from the Baby Club--not to mention the very helpful book. Check it out!

And honorable mention:

• Double Coupons. Apparently, this varies according to region. But here in Atlanta, Publix doubles coupons up to 50 cents. You can read more about the policy here.
• Secret Penny Savings Sale. I don't really follow this regularly. In fact, I probably have taken advantage of it only a few times. But it is kind of fun--and you can get some great deals.
• Awesome Customer Service. I realize this could vary by store--but at "my" Publix, the customer service is awesome, and the employees are so warm and friendly. We've been shopping there regularly for almost six years now, and we enjoy seeing the familiar faces of the staff.
• Publix-brand merchandise. We buy several items from the Publix brand. Great quality and great price!
  
• I know there are many more reasons why shopping at Publix so pleasurable. What are yours?
  

Disclaimer: This is my personal opinion, and I have received no goods or services or monies or coupons or discounts or likewise for writing this. Yet. But if you want to send me some money, just let me know. LOL!

See you at Publix!

'See Jamie'

Jamie is one of Kate's BFFs. She often will request to "see Jamie" and gets SO EXCITED when we are going to have a get-together. Jamie's Mom tells me Jamie is the same way about Kate. It's so funny because when the girls get together, they don't necessarily play TOGETHER. And sometimes they kind of ignore each other. LOL! But as soon as we leave, Kate wants to "see Jamie" or "go to Jamie's house" again.

Both Kate and Jamie have a fabulous time with their friend Cammie as well. Cammie and her little sister Amelia live a little further away, so last-minute get-togethers with them are a little more tricky--but it makes their time together even more special. :o)

Kate got to see Jamie on Monday--the girls had a great time! Here are some photos as well as some others from our last few play dates.


Eating cookies together


I don't think I ever posted about our Christmas craft experience. hahaha! Anyway, here is a picture from that day last month.


We went to the Atlanta History Center a few weeks ago.


Working on a project or two ...


Special friends. :o)

Kate sings the ABC song

Kate loves the alphabet. Here is a video I took of her today singing the ABC song.

Kate's Smiley Faces

Kate can draw a smiley face! For a few weeks, she has been drawing circles pretty regularly. Some are better than others, of course. Then, the last few days, she has been trying to draw smiley faces. Her first smileys had straight lines--vertical--for eyes. These lines usually crossed over the border of the face. Sometimes they weren't even on the face. LOL! Sometimes she would just draw a circle and then color it in.

Today, Kate's practice continued on the Aqua Doodle. (She loves that thing! It is so cute when she actually dabs the pen on one of the colored shapes on the side like she is dipping it in paint. LOL!) Anyway, I snapped some photos of a pretty decent smiley face (with the line eyes) this morning. After nap, I showed her how to make dots for eyes. (Kate likes to draw dots also.) She then wanted to make a dot nose. Once she figured out this style for a face, she was a little obsessed and wanted to draw smiley faces all evening. She hasn't mastered the actual smile mouth just yet. Her mouths often are straight lines or frowns--which upsets her (which makes us laugh ... sorry, Sweetie).

Kate's had a thing for smiley faces for a while now. There is a billboard on Peachtree that shows a smiley face and a frownie face. She will point to the sad face and say, "Oh no, smiley face!" She also might say, "What's wrong?" Or "What's the matter?" (These are things she says when she hears another child crying or a sees sad situation on television, etc.)

Some of Kate's post-nap smiley faces from today:

No More Crib!

We'd been talking about converting the crib to a toddler bed for a while. A long time, actually. But Kate seemed to really like sleeping in her crib--despite the fact that she could climb in it all by herself. No joke. She could climb out of it, too, if she wanted to. But she stayed put, save for those two incidences a year or so ago. I think she kind of liked the enclosed feeling the crib railing provided.

Anyway, Sunday evening, Tanna made an impromptu decision to make the conversion. Kate did and is doing rather well in her new bed. I mean, it hasn't really changed that much--it's just missing the railing. Oh, and Tanna did have to raise the mattress just a little because that's the way it is designed.

So far, Kate has stayed put for the most part. I explained to her that she is not to get out of bed unless Mommy or Ah-Pah come and get her. She did come running in the bathroom the other night after I had to change her diaper about 10 or 10:30. But I told her to get back in bed, and she complied. We'll see if it lasts. LOL!

She has had a couple of crying spells the last two nights, but we suspect that she is starting to get her two-year molars in (at least on the right side).

She is growing up too fast!

P.S. A couple of notes about the photo ... 1) Yes, Kate normally sleeps with that many books. B) This might sound crazy, but I think some of you will understand. If I had known Sunday night was going to be her first night in her "big girl bed," then I would have put her in different PJs--like, ones that matched her bed better. LOL! Silly, yes. I feel ridiculous just typing that out. But she already was in those red/white PJs, and I didn't change her because if I had done that, then Tanna would not let me hear the end of it. hahhhahhahaa

Kirkin' of the Tartans

Today was the annual Kirkin' of the Tartans at church. You can read about this tradition here.



During the worship service, there is a procession, led by bagpipers, of church members presenting their family tartans. The sanctuary also is decorated with various tartan banners. I try to get a decent photo every year, but it seems I am too slow or in a bad spot or have the flash off at the wrong time. Maybe next year. LOL!



In Sunday school group time, the children were treated to a program by a bagpiper. He played a few songs, including "Jesus Loves Me" and "Amazing Grace."

"Amazing Grace" was played during worship as well. I don't know if I can sit through the hymn being played on the bagpipes without crying ... or at least tearing up.



Kate wore a plaid dress to commemorate the special day. Here she is after church with some of her Sunday school work--and (of course) her cookie. :o)

Week In Review

Running behind on the blog again. Here are some bits and pieces from our week ...


On Sunday, we went to church. Here is Kate enjoying her post-church cookie.


Tanna was off on Monday for the MLK holiday. That afternoon/evening, we had Steve, Holly and Adam over for dinner. Tanna prepared some egg rolls with kalbi and some others with shrimp and scallops. For those of us who don't really eat egg rolls, he make spaghetti and meatballs. It was tasty!


Group shot. :o)


On Tuesday, Kate had some photos made for a Web site. She didn't get paid for this modeling gig, but we are supposed to get some nice photos out of the deal. :o) I will share some--and a link to the cute, cute products--when we get the digital images. It was fun, and she actually did better than I thought she would.


On Wednesday, Kate slept very late due to a rough night the night before (a few crying spells and a little girl who would not go to sleep). We missed Bible study that morning and actually stayed home most of the day. Here is Kate in her PJs "playing numbers," as she likes to say. Aunt Cindy gave her this fun numbers game Christmas before last. She is enjoying it! :o)


Thursday evening, we met Burt and Jennifer for dinner and trivia at a nearby barbecue joint. It was fun!


We didn't place in the competition, but we had fun trying.


Kate enjoyed her sticker book, Hermie book, and playing with Tanna's iPhone.


Friday morning, we ran some errands, including a trip to Costco.


Friday evening, we had an appointment at church for directory photos. They were running a bit behind, so we were there longer than we thought we would be. Here's Kate at the indoor playground.


Today, Kate "helped" me take the ornaments off the Christmas tree. Yes, finally. No judging, please. :o)

Those are a few of the highlights from a week in the life!

The Monarch Butterflies of Pismo Beach

There are several butterflies in this photo--can you spot some of them?

When we were in California earlier this month, Darlene took Kate and me to see the Monarch butterflies at Pismo Beach. Kylie and Eric came, too. The Pismo Beach Monarch Grove is a very popular vacation spot for these butterflies. I was just reading on the Web site that from late October to February, some 25,000 Monarchs come here to winter. Who knew?

I wasn't sure what to expect when Darlene mentioned taking the kids to a butterfly grove. She said it was by the beach, so I thought, "Why not?" Sounded like a fun afternoon to me--and it was! We parked across the street, which is very busy (so be careful if you go). When we walked up, I think there was an educational talk going on. I tried to walk past as quietly as possible with a 2-year-old--hahaha!

For some reason, I pictured a bunch of butterflies flying around--perhaps even swarming. Or maybe even under a big net. But there they were, all kinds of Monarchs, up in the trees in clusters. Darlene had to point them out to me because at first glance from the ground, they kind of look like part of the vegetation. Once I knew what I was looking at, it was a pretty remarkable sight!

If you are in the area, you should definitely check this place out (and this is coming from a person who--let's face it--is not that into nature). LOL! The grove is free to visit, and the beach is a brief walk away. Bring your binoculars to get an even better view of the butterflies. Great and very educational outing for kids, too!


Eric gets a closer look.


So what is everyone looking at?


Do you see the butterflies? Looks like just another picture of some trees or something, right?


Do you see those clusters that look like leaves? Those are Monarch butterflies!


A little more zoom--look at all those butterflies!


Pretty amazing, right?


An alternate view ...


Ground rules--the butterflies thank you!

Seh-Beh 2010

January 1 is the big day for seh-beh! This is the Korean tradition of bowing to your elders and wishing them prosperity, etc. They, in turn, present you with a white envelope containing money! This year, Kate wore the hanbok that Rebekah wore in our wedding. (We had four flower girls--all nieces--who wore these pretty hanboks.) I have been waiting for the time when Kate could fit into this and was so excited for her to wear it. I wish I'd gotten more photos on New Year's Day. Oh well ...


Here we are doing seh-beh to Tanna's parents.

A few days later, when we were back in LA, we went to visit Tanna's aunt and uncle, who live nearby. I will have to post some more photos from that visit--but here are a few photos of seh-beh, which we observed with them when we were there.


I gave someone (my MIL, maybe?) our camera to snap a photo of us doing seh-beh to Tanna's aunt and uncle. This is the photo--LOL!


I think this is Kate doing another seh-beh or a practice or before/after shot? I can't remember exactly. Tanna's aunt and uncle are on the sofa.