Sunday, August 29, 2010
I finally figured out the Flip video
Finally...I figured out the silly little Flip video camera. It is the most simple video camera on the market and I somehow couldn't figure out how to download the videos in the correct format. So...here are some long overdue videos from this summer.
Kate officially accomplished all the swimming goals we set out for her at the beginning of the summer. I can't imagine what we are going to do with all our free time once we close the pool in a couple of weeks. These two videos show her swimming the width of the pool but as of the past couple of weeks, she can actually swim the full length, from skimmer to skimmer. Two proud parents!
Brooks is enjoying the pool as well. He averages 10+ hours a week in the pool! Ryan says that we extended his life expectancy by 2 years when we moved in our new house.
Kate officially accomplished all the swimming goals we set out for her at the beginning of the summer. I can't imagine what we are going to do with all our free time once we close the pool in a couple of weeks. These two videos show her swimming the width of the pool but as of the past couple of weeks, she can actually swim the full length, from skimmer to skimmer. Two proud parents!
Brooks is enjoying the pool as well. He averages 10+ hours a week in the pool! Ryan says that we extended his life expectancy by 2 years when we moved in our new house.
"Cannonball"
I finally figured it out. Here is a video of Kate and her newest accomplishment...a "cannonball"!
Nature Walk to the Louisville Ironman
What a wonderful Sunday. We woke up early to head down to River Road/Hwy 42 to watch some of the Louisville Ironman. The bike course goes right through Prospect so we got to enjoy the riders at about the 10 mile marker (of 112 miles) as they headed toward LaGrange through Goshen. Over the course of 2 hours or so, we enjoyed something to drink and lots of friendly chatting with our neighbors. To make it even more fun, we walked the nature trail to and from. The nature trail starts at our neighbors house and ends at the front of our neighborhood. We even got to say hello to Big Sandy!
We were all inspired by the athletes. I cannot imagine swimming for 2 miles, riding 112 miles and then running 26.2 miles. Thankfully our sights are only set on 2 olympic size triathalons in 2011.
These pictures don't do justice for how cute Kate looked today. She is really into picking out her own clothes and making sure everything matches. She definitely didn't look like she was venturing out for a nature walk; good thing she is tougher than she looks!
We were all inspired by the athletes. I cannot imagine swimming for 2 miles, riding 112 miles and then running 26.2 miles. Thankfully our sights are only set on 2 olympic size triathalons in 2011.
These pictures don't do justice for how cute Kate looked today. She is really into picking out her own clothes and making sure everything matches. She definitely didn't look like she was venturing out for a nature walk; good thing she is tougher than she looks!
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Aren't fat babies the best?
I had to post these pictures of Jake...the number of rolls is amazing. He is a happy, healthy baby and no matter what the day may bring, he will always bring a smile to your face. All you have to do is just kiss on his sweet little cheeks and all your worries go away. 
Beyond just the rolls, the picture also shows off the newest milestone he has almost accomplished - sitting up. He has made a ton of progress just this past week. This morning, he sat up in our bed for over a minute without falling over. When he is on a solid surface he does even better. It is hysterical when he leans his head a little to far one way and down he goes.
With sitting comes so many new activities, including riding like a big boy in the jogging stroller. With the cooler weather this week we managed to get a good walk in each night. He is currently in the routine of taking a little cat nap around 645 so I coupled that nap with a walk in the 70 degree weather and it made for a very happy mommy and baby! The fresh air is so uplifting. Ryan and Kate were kept busy in the pool every night. We said last summer that we planned to close the pool by Labor Day; it is sad to think that we only have a few more weeks of the open pool. What will we do with all our time?
Tomorrow morning we have a long walk planned. The Louisville Ironman runs right past our neighborhood and we are going to walk down and enjoy the biking action. Ryan and I have decided to each complete 1 or 2 triathalons next year so this should be just the motivation we need to get started with the training.
Beyond just the rolls, the picture also shows off the newest milestone he has almost accomplished - sitting up. He has made a ton of progress just this past week. This morning, he sat up in our bed for over a minute without falling over. When he is on a solid surface he does even better. It is hysterical when he leans his head a little to far one way and down he goes.
With sitting comes so many new activities, including riding like a big boy in the jogging stroller. With the cooler weather this week we managed to get a good walk in each night. He is currently in the routine of taking a little cat nap around 645 so I coupled that nap with a walk in the 70 degree weather and it made for a very happy mommy and baby! The fresh air is so uplifting. Ryan and Kate were kept busy in the pool every night. We said last summer that we planned to close the pool by Labor Day; it is sad to think that we only have a few more weeks of the open pool. What will we do with all our time?
Tomorrow morning we have a long walk planned. The Louisville Ironman runs right past our neighborhood and we are going to walk down and enjoy the biking action. Ryan and I have decided to each complete 1 or 2 triathalons next year so this should be just the motivation we need to get started with the training.
Here are some pictures for the month of August. We are headed to the lake next weekend...yea!
Another Saturday of swimming
I was thinking today of the number of days we have been in the pool this summer. With 90+ days in a row of 80 degree temperatures or above and over 60 days of 90+ degrees, I decided there have been too many too count. It is still hard to believe that last July we were only in our pool 3 times due to the cold/rainy weather.
So when we were invited to Adie's (one of Kate's best friends at school) birthday pool party, we of course said yes! Kate loves to show off her swimming skills and did just that today. Helen, Kate's other best friend at school, was there too and it was cute to watch the 3 of them interact. Everyday on Kate's daily sheet it mentions that she played with Adie and Helen. As expected, they got along great. Here are some pictures from the morning at the pool.
So when we were invited to Adie's (one of Kate's best friends at school) birthday pool party, we of course said yes! Kate loves to show off her swimming skills and did just that today. Helen, Kate's other best friend at school, was there too and it was cute to watch the 3 of them interact. Everyday on Kate's daily sheet it mentions that she played with Adie and Helen. As expected, they got along great. Here are some pictures from the morning at the pool.
Jake's 1st meal
Last week we introduced Jake to rice cereal for the 1st time. As you can tell from the pictures more ended up on his face, hands, and bib (as well as me) than in his mouth but what more do you expect for the 1st attempt. After a weeks worth of trying, his is starting to somewhat get the hang of it. He ate over an ounce tonight and started to open his mouth each time I put the spoon up to it.
Kate and Ryan got in on the action too. There is never a dull moment around the Mardis household.
Cardiology Update
All is good in regards to Kate and Jake's hearts. On Thursday, the 3 of us ventured downtown to U of L Cardiology office to have EKG's and ECHO's done on both kids. This is Kate's 4th follow up and she ended up getting the "All Clear" from our new favorite doctor, Dr. Keller. He is not our favorite doctor just because he told us that all of Kate's holes had closed, but he is so thorough and explained everything by drawing it out. I finally feel like I understand 1) where the holes are/were in each of their hearts and 2) the impact of having the holes. The doctor's previously thought that if the holes had not closed by 2 that they would stay open for life but she would have not physicial impact from it. So now that everything is closed and blood is flowing properly between all the chambers of the heart, she is discharged from Cardiology care! Yea!
Jake on the other hand is still going to be followed...for now. He had 6-7 little holes at birth and now he just has 2. His, like Kate's, are normal and will likely never impact him from a physicial standpoint. We will go back in a year and see how everything is going. Dr. Keller said they only concern with the types of holes Jake has is thriving. I don't think there is any problem there. Both kids got measured and looks like they definitely got the Mardis/Armstrong genes for height.
Kate:
Height is 44" - 97%ile (I never hit the vertical growth chart as a kid)
Weight is 38# - 75%ile
She is so excited to know that she can now ride "The Beastie" at King's Island in September; and as you can imagine, that is the first thing Ryan stated when I called to give him an update from the appointment.
Jake:
Length is 28" - 97%ile
Weight is 19# 3 oz - 90%ile - yes, he has gained a pound in 24 days.
The pictures in the post are just some random ones from the past 2 weeks. Kate is turning into such a little girl. She asked to go to the bathroom by herself the other night when we were out for dinner - and she passed - she covered the seat and washed her hands. For some reason, this hit me pretty hard. Where did my baby go?
Jake LOVES anything to do with the water...bath, pool, etc. He really seems to be the happiest baby, which allows us to enjoy everything even that much more. I am trying to take it all in, his smile, laugh, smell, cry, fat rolls, etc. I know I won't remember it all but hopefully I will at least remember some of it.
Jake on the other hand is still going to be followed...for now. He had 6-7 little holes at birth and now he just has 2. His, like Kate's, are normal and will likely never impact him from a physicial standpoint. We will go back in a year and see how everything is going. Dr. Keller said they only concern with the types of holes Jake has is thriving. I don't think there is any problem there. Both kids got measured and looks like they definitely got the Mardis/Armstrong genes for height.
Kate:
Height is 44" - 97%ile (I never hit the vertical growth chart as a kid)
Weight is 38# - 75%ile
She is so excited to know that she can now ride "The Beastie" at King's Island in September; and as you can imagine, that is the first thing Ryan stated when I called to give him an update from the appointment.
Jake:
Length is 28" - 97%ile
Weight is 19# 3 oz - 90%ile - yes, he has gained a pound in 24 days.
The pictures in the post are just some random ones from the past 2 weeks. Kate is turning into such a little girl. She asked to go to the bathroom by herself the other night when we were out for dinner - and she passed - she covered the seat and washed her hands. For some reason, this hit me pretty hard. Where did my baby go?
Jake LOVES anything to do with the water...bath, pool, etc. He really seems to be the happiest baby, which allows us to enjoy everything even that much more. I am trying to take it all in, his smile, laugh, smell, cry, fat rolls, etc. I know I won't remember it all but hopefully I will at least remember some of it.
Monday, August 23, 2010
Happy 5 month Birthday Jake
No pictures this weekend again...sorry! Promise to post some asap. Ryan was out of town this weekend for his Fantasy Football draft so needless to say I had my hands full. We hit a few milestones this past month including:
* Rolling over and at times, waking up on his tummy. As soon as you lay him down he immediately flips to his left and on to his belly. A little frustration usually ensues as he hasn't quite figured out how to flip himself back over.
* Eating - well, he hasn't accomplished this yet but we did start rice cereal this week. I mixed it with an ounce of formula the 1st feeding and I think it was a total shock. Last night I mixed it with breast milk and he ate the whole bowl. By the end of the bowl he was opening his mouth reaching for the spoon.
* Laughing - I already posted about this but it is worth mentioning again because it makes all that comes with parenting worth it! Kate is the one who can make him laugh the most. He is mesmerized by her.
* Swimming - he loves it now! He was in the pool most of the weekend and just sits there and smiles.
I forgot to post his 4 month statistics:
Weight 18 lbs 6 oz (97%lie)
Length 26 3/4 inches (97%lie)
Head circumference 42 1/2 inches (75%lie)
Both Kate and Jake go to the cardiologist this week so I will keep you posted on their progress.
I will try and find a few minutes this week to download all the pictures. Always hard when work gets in the way with the fun ;)
* Rolling over and at times, waking up on his tummy. As soon as you lay him down he immediately flips to his left and on to his belly. A little frustration usually ensues as he hasn't quite figured out how to flip himself back over.
* Eating - well, he hasn't accomplished this yet but we did start rice cereal this week. I mixed it with an ounce of formula the 1st feeding and I think it was a total shock. Last night I mixed it with breast milk and he ate the whole bowl. By the end of the bowl he was opening his mouth reaching for the spoon.
* Laughing - I already posted about this but it is worth mentioning again because it makes all that comes with parenting worth it! Kate is the one who can make him laugh the most. He is mesmerized by her.
* Swimming - he loves it now! He was in the pool most of the weekend and just sits there and smiles.
I forgot to post his 4 month statistics:
Weight 18 lbs 6 oz (97%lie)
Length 26 3/4 inches (97%lie)
Head circumference 42 1/2 inches (75%lie)
Both Kate and Jake go to the cardiologist this week so I will keep you posted on their progress.
I will try and find a few minutes this week to download all the pictures. Always hard when work gets in the way with the fun ;)
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Laughter...medicine for the soul
Jake laughed for the 1st time tonight. And when I say laugh, I mean REALLY laugh; so hard that you even snort type of laugh. He has been "giggling" for a month or two now but tonight was the first time we got to experience his ability to truly laugh. He was laughing at Kate, which makes it even more memorable. But of course, as soon as Ryan got the video camera...he stopped. As is life.
A little R&R with my girls
This picture is so special I had to steal it from Jessica's blog. One of our husbands took it last weekend at the pool party with Jess's fancy camera. There are a ton more posted on her blog so take a look when you get a chance (link to the right). I have to admit, our kids are all beautiful.
As I said last weekend, I am truly blessed with a good group of girlfriends; 14+ years strong. We all get together a few times a year and the one characteristic we have in common is laughter. I look at this picture and I think of all the experiences we have shared and relived through great story telling. It never gets old hearing one of the infamous Key West or Vegas stories. And now and again, we even get to hear a new one (for those of you that were at the nail salon in Nashville this weekend you know what I am talking about, for those of you not there think "Kelly in a tux").
Yes, our experiences and stories have evolved over the years, but it never gets old sharing them with good friends. Now we mostly talk about relationships, parenthood, work/life balance, etc but as with all of our other stories, we always end up laughing.
I also look at this picture and think of all the stories our little girls will experience with their friends. I hope they are lucky enough to find a group like I have.
I was lucky enough to see Jessica, April and Kelly again this past weekend. Jessica and our other dear friend Michele Corley threw April her 1st baby shower in Nashville. We started the morning off with a pedicure, celebrated Baby Boy Nodine over lunch at the Cheesecake Factory, did a little shopping, and ended the night at Kelly's new house! It was refreshing to get away for a day and spend a little childless girltime together. Here are a few pictures from my weekend away. It was different being with my friends children and not having to watch over mine. I know there were in great hands.
The precious diaper cake:
Harper:
Madelyn & Cashen putting on a show for us:
Thank you to the Nashville girls for inviting me down - it was great to see you! Thank you also to Ryan for allowing me a day off. I am so greatful!
Sunday, August 1, 2010
3 years ago, this was life... 
(Kate far left, John Riley 3rd from left, Sam 3rd from right, William far right)
Now, this is it...with a bunch more kiddos!
Now, this is it...with a bunch more kiddos!
Saturday we hosted a get together with my closest girlfriends from college. We try and get together a few times a year as a group and it is always so special; this visit being no different. I have shared so many memories with these girls and last night will go down as another one to remember! We ate, we drank, we ate some really yummy food, and of course, we laughed.
Our kids, now ages 5 years to 4 months (and one still in the oven cooking until Nov 2nd) all play really well together, which makes the big group get togethers even more fun. Jessica made the trip from Nashville with her precious little girl Harper, Stephan made the trip from Lexington with Stephen, Sam & Stella in tow, and Jennifer, Michele, and April all made the trip across town with their families! There are 9 kids total now and it is fun just to hear the amount of noise 9 kids can make at one time!
Here are some pictures of the gang:
Stella (9 months):
Lucy (2 years later this month):
Jessica & Harper (1 later this month):
Whitney (3 years):
Sam (4 years):
William (5 years):
John Riley (4 years):
Enjoy the pictures from July 2010:
4 months old...and in 12 month clothes!
Here are a few updated pictures of Jake! Yes, he really seems as happy as he looks in these pictures. God blessed us with a laid back baby and for that, we are thankful! Only He knows what we have in store but I am sure that we will look back at this post 2 years from now and laugh...that is if we have a free second that doesn't entail chasing him around!
His newest milestone is rolling over, which happened for the 1st time last Sunday. As soon as you lay him on his back, he immedately rolls on to his left side and then to his belly. It only took him a few tries and now he is a master. We have found him asleep on his side a few times, but generally he is still sleeping on his back! I guess that means the honeymoon phase is over because Jake is mobile!
Other than rolling over, he is happiest when he is standing, sitting, or interacting with Kate! He is much more interactive, which provides us a ton of joy! He is cooing and even providing us a full on giggle from time to time!
We go to the doctor tomorrow morning for his 4 month check up so I will keep you posted! Considering he is in 6-9 and/or 6-12 month clothes, I am guessing that he will "weigh-in" well!
His newest milestone is rolling over, which happened for the 1st time last Sunday. As soon as you lay him on his back, he immedately rolls on to his left side and then to his belly. It only took him a few tries and now he is a master. We have found him asleep on his side a few times, but generally he is still sleeping on his back! I guess that means the honeymoon phase is over because Jake is mobile!
Other than rolling over, he is happiest when he is standing, sitting, or interacting with Kate! He is much more interactive, which provides us a ton of joy! He is cooing and even providing us a full on giggle from time to time!
We go to the doctor tomorrow morning for his 4 month check up so I will keep you posted! Considering he is in 6-9 and/or 6-12 month clothes, I am guessing that he will "weigh-in" well!
Thank you Ryan
This picture is so cute it deserves it's own post! I was out of town for work this past Tuesday night and Ryan surprised me with this sweet picture over email! Talk about pulling at your heart strings...
I love this picture for so many reasons; it is a true representation of the happiness! 10, 20, 30+ years from now I hope I can remember the level of fullfillment I had at this point in my life. Life is not always easy so I am glad to capture the good times like this on film.
Kate's new room
As part of Kate's gift for her 4th birthday we painted and decorated her bedroom! After 3 coats of yellow paint (over a very dark red) it turned out pretty cute! She helped pick out the bedding, which will be even cuter once I get a chance to buy some stuffed owls and birds that I found online to go on the bed.
Her room is special to me since she is using all the old furniture that I grew up with. The bed has been in my mom's side of the family for many generations and is still in great shape. I have so many memories in that bed, most memorably giggling with Sarah way past our bedtime. I have also passed down my collection of Madame Alexander dolls that my dear grandmother, Corky, and my aunt Betsy started for me. Betsy has generously given Kate 3 more for each one of her birthdays. Words cannot express how grateful I am for the collection of precious dolls. Lastly, her desk sat right next to my bed in my old room and I remember spending many hours there mulling over my homework in highschool.
I remember hearing before I had kids that once we did, we would feel even more connected to our parents. That statement is so true. Every night before I go to bed I check in on Kate and Jake. With every check, I have an overwhelming feeling of peacefulness, one that I wonder if my parents had each night they checked on me. This is one of those times that I feel very connected to my parents, my old house, and the true foundation of family. I hope that one day Kate and Jake will each get that same sense as they check in on their kids. And if we are lucky enough, they will get to use the same furniture for their kids.
Her room is special to me since she is using all the old furniture that I grew up with. The bed has been in my mom's side of the family for many generations and is still in great shape. I have so many memories in that bed, most memorably giggling with Sarah way past our bedtime. I have also passed down my collection of Madame Alexander dolls that my dear grandmother, Corky, and my aunt Betsy started for me. Betsy has generously given Kate 3 more for each one of her birthdays. Words cannot express how grateful I am for the collection of precious dolls. Lastly, her desk sat right next to my bed in my old room and I remember spending many hours there mulling over my homework in highschool.
I remember hearing before I had kids that once we did, we would feel even more connected to our parents. That statement is so true. Every night before I go to bed I check in on Kate and Jake. With every check, I have an overwhelming feeling of peacefulness, one that I wonder if my parents had each night they checked on me. This is one of those times that I feel very connected to my parents, my old house, and the true foundation of family. I hope that one day Kate and Jake will each get that same sense as they check in on their kids. And if we are lucky enough, they will get to use the same furniture for their kids.
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