Holiday Recap part 1 ... Thanksgiving

Well, I did it, I failed to post at all about the holidays. I created this blog so that I would have something to share with family, but I also created it as a way to eventually share with Kennedy someday what we did as she was growing up, and what do I go and do? Completely fail to post anything about her holidays.  So, here is the beginning of my end of the year recaps.  They'll be quick for the most part, and chalked full of pictures, but what else is new?

I'll start with Thanksgiving.

This year for Thanksgiving we went up to visit family in Cameron Park.  It was great to see everyone, and spend our holiday together. 

The day after we headed up to Apple Hill for some hot cider.  We stopped for breakfast/lunch along the way.

That weekend when we got home it was time to get out the decorations and Kennedy so graciously helped in the decorating...

See, told you that was quick.  Now on to December and Christmas!

A new way to drum

We got Kennedy this drum for her birthday.  She loves it.  But apparently she has found a new way to play with the toy as well!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

I am so so so incredibly thankful for my family and friends who have helped us get through the tough times last year, the hard times this year and the fun times all year round and more to come!!

Last year we spent Thanksgiving in the NICU.

This year we will spending Thanksgiving with our entire family and I cannot wait!  On to happy and good holidays this year. 

One year ago today...

Kennedy was 8 days old, weighed in at 3lb 7.5oz, and was moved from the level 2 nursery to the level 1 nursery in her NICU!  This meant she was taken off of her IV fluids, and was on her way to feeding by bottle/breast.  She became a full fledged feeder/grower at that point. 

It was also the day that Alanna came to visit us int he NICU and she took these wonderful pictures for us.

Now, a year later Kennedy is still growing like a weed.  Getting bigger each and every day.

She loves her puppy (the toy one that is)

We got Kennedy her My Pal Violet when she was about 6 months old.  She loved it then, and it just made her face light up when she saw it.  Now she seems to love it even more.  She gets so excited and happy when she see's her, and just loves to snuggle up to her when she is "singing". 

I just think it is the cutest thing ever :)

A visit with Santa that didn't go so well!

When we took Kennedy for her one year pics Santa was already at the mall (yes on November 16, what is wrong with the world today that they couldn't wait until after Thanksgiving?!?)

Anyway, I actually had not planned on taking Kennedy to see Santa because I didn't want her around all of the other kids, coughing and sniffling and touching everything in site during the winter season.  Luckily there was no one, and I mean absolutely no one in line to see Santa, so at my mother's insistence we got some Santa Pics.

Needless to say, she wasn't a happy camper.  But everyone needs a crying Santa pic, right?

My poor girl.  One day she will laugh at these, but for now they are kind of heartbreaking.

One year pics

I subjected my daughter to professional pictures on her birthday.  I feel bad, she got ticked at one point but we got some cute ones out of it, so at least I am happy, right?

Thankfully my mom went with me, as it would have been hard to do it all by myself. 

So, here are a few of her pics.

She is such a cutie!! I love that smile. 

One Year Stats!

She had her appointment yesterday, November 19, 2010 and here are Kennedy's current stats:

Weight: 17lb 13oz  (5%)
Length/Height: 28 1/4" (20%)
Head Circumference:  17 3/4" (50%)
*All of her percentiles are for her actual age - which is exciting, she is on the charts and staying there! 

She is just one long skinny child, gotta feed her some more good foods I guess!

One year ago on November 19, 1009 Kennedy weighed only 3lb 1.4oz, she now weighs over 5x that!

What a mess... but I wouldn't have it any other way!

Last night after putting Kennedy down for bed I came out to do my nightly routine of picking up her toys that she has taken out and gotten everywhere. 

I stopped for a minute and thought about how different my living room floor (well and living room in general) looks today.  A year ago there was nothing cluttering the floor, or the tables.  I could easily have my coffee table in the middle of the room with remote controls, candles, and what not laying about.  Now it is all replaced by bouncing zebras, drums, play phones, little people farms and houses. 

I stopped, and looked at the mess my daughter had made.... and I smiled.  I would not have it any other way.  I will happily take a mess that my daughter makes with her toys over not having it at all.

What a difference just one year makes....

November 18, 2009....

November 18, 2010....

One year ago today I was still in the hospital recovering from giving birth, pre-eclampsia, a likely infection, and Kennedy was fighting to grow, get strong, and learn to suck, swallow and breath (something they learn inside that she never got to learn). 

Today, she is almost 18lbs (will know for sure tomorrow, eating like crazy, crawling, cruising, talking (she says a few words - we think), and is a happy little camper.