Hope Haven Visit and Photos!

We had our visit at Hope Haven in Jacksonville yesterday!  It was WONDERFUL!  I cannot say enough good things about everyone we met there.  They are such sweet people and have so much information and knowledge to share.  We were able to meet with a speech and physical therapist.  Unfortunately, the occupational therapist was out due to childcare issues, which was a little disappointing but the others were able to answer most of our questions and address our concerns.  There was also an educational session, where we were able to discuss all of her cognitive skills, education, learning, etc.  I really cannot say enough wonderful things about everyone that we worked with yesterday.  I look forward to receiving our full report in a few weeks, and I'm excited to go back next year!  There is a lengthy waiting list, but I encourage anyone that's able to take part in it, to do so!  We also met some other children and their parents.  There was one little girl in particular that reminded me of Kennedy.  She was 18 months old and so busy!  Running around, playing with toys.  I can just see Kennedy doing those things when we go back next year.

Okay, and here are the long awaited Christmas photos, taken by my good friend, Stephanie Willson.  She was wonderful to squeeze us into her busy schedule right before we went out of town.  Kennedy was less than thrilled for the family shots (someone was a little sleepy and apparently mommy and daddy are the only ones to make her smile.)

Here are some other quick cell phone photos that show off all of her adorablenes!

Another hotel! I'm so excited mommy!

 I can't wait to meet the people at Hope Haven!  And go to another hotel!

I like this hotel.  But not so much the hat and jacket.  This really is the land of the chilly people, huh?

This is more my style mommy!

Catching Up!

This is always a busy time of year, but I promise, I will get back to blogging regularly soon.  I'm exhausted after a busy weekend, and have an even busier week ahead, so I don't have much to say.  However, I do have TONS of photos to share.  We went over to Orlando this weekend to "do Disney" but after considering how crowded the park would be, we opted to do it in another month or two, when the park is less crowded and we're more likely to enjoy it.  So we stayed at one of our favorite hotels, and then visited all the other (much more expensive hotels - like the Grand Floridian) and saw their decorations and went to Downtown Disney.  We all had a wonderful time, and wrapped up the weekend with a stop at the beach.  We really don't take advantage of all that Florida has to offer, so we're determined to start doing that more.

I also have our Christmas photos to share, but they deserve a post of their own, so look for those later in the week (or maybe even as early as tomorrow.)

(Oh, and by the way.  Kennedy crawled completely across the room today....backwards.)

You're giving me WHAT for lunch?

Ravioli and meatballs are a lot better than I expected.

I give this meal a thumbs up!

Can I have this more often?  It's also fun to play with.

What's in these noodles?

Look blog people, I'm a big girl now. I can take a bath with out my tub in a tub.

 Do you people know how much I love vacation?  And this is a super big hotel.

Chicken tenders? More new food.  I like this.  Sorry I bit your finger mom.

I'm gonna help daddy with this project.  As soon as he's done working we get to go have fun.

Our hotel has SAND!

Mommy says this is one of her favorite hotels.  Now I know why.

 Mommy and daddy said maybe next year they'll take me to the real Key West.

Daddy, don't let the gators get me!  And why are there gators in the hotel anyway?

Can we have a Christmas tree like this at home?

I'm snug as a bug on mommy.  I've seen enough decorations for tonight.

I slept through all of Downtown Disney, now I want to party and enjoy this hotel.  Until 4:30am.

Oh, I'm tired.  Do we have to go to breakfast now?  I guess I should have listened to you mom.

Can we have a fishy tank like this at home?  Maybe in my room?

Look at that one dad. 

You don't mind if I play with this place mat do you? 

Who needs a high chair when you can sit on the table?

 This is the life.   Mommy says this is why we live in Florida.

It's fun to play in the sand.  And kick my feet in it.  And eat it.  See my castle? I did it with my feet.

 This feels funny on my feetsies.

Mommy it feels weird!

MOMMY!  The water got me!  And it's cold!

Help me! I'm sinking mom!

Mommy and daddy even took me back to the hotel they got married at.  They said it was also my first vacation, but I don't really remember it.  I think it was before Dr. Q gave me all my extra energy.

 

Kennedy's First Hair Cut! (And MORE Pictures)

Disclaimer - Please excuse the messy format of the blog right now.  Apparently I really don't know THAT much about editing blog formats.  But I promise, it will be better than ever before too long.

Did I mention how thankful I am for my digital camera?  I've taken over 500 pictures in the past three days.  People on Facebook are probably "over" my excessive posting of Kennedy pictures.  But I can't stand it, she's too cute, and her expressions and smiles are too adorable not to post.
Yesterday she had her first haircut!  I swear, it does not feel like she's old enough to be getting her hair cut already.  Didn't I just give birth, like yesterday?  I was really hoping to make it until she was at least one before cutting her hair, but neither of us could stand her bangs being in her eyes anymore.  So off we went too Cool Cuts today.  I was nervous.  Really nervous.  I thought they'd butcher her hair, that I'd never be able to put it in piggies again, and that it would just be full of tears (like PT or EI.)  I should have known better.  I should have known that my little Diva would love the salon and act like a perfect lady while getting her hair cut.  This just goes to show how many more trips to the salon are in our future. 

And now onto the pictures.  First some swing pictures from Friday.  I know, I know.  Like you need to see MORE pictures of her on MORE swings?  But I promise, her expressions are adorable.  Then I'll follow those up with haircut pictures.

YAY!  My first trip to the salon. 

How come we don't have one of these chairs at home?  Maybe Grandma will get me one for Christmas.

Mom, make sure she leaves enough for the piggies.

 I hope she doesn't make my bangs too short.

Hey, I can see again!

Are you sure they are straight?

Oh I like this!

That was so fun daddy!  When can we come back?

Does my new hair cut make me look older?

Can we go to the salon again next weekend?

Just as long as she doesn't take this much off!

Maybe pedicures next weekend?

You help dad with the decorations, I'll supervise.

Put Santa right there!

Eeek!!  I love it!

Wait!! I have a better idea!

Yes! Just like that dad! Perfect!

You keep working, I'm going to eat Raffy.

The decorations look beautiful dad!

I'm working on my list of things I'm thankful for!  But for today, I'm thankful that Casey didn't mess up when she cut my hair, so I can still have piggies!