Sleepy Kailyn

Kailyn has been falling asleep in her crib after she finishes playing a little bit. So yesterday I went in because she had been sleeping quite a long time and I thought I heard her, and this is how I found her.

The times I think of my dad.

There are many things and places that make me think of my dad and I felt like writing them all out. I miss him so much every day and I still feel like I've been cheated! But most importantly, that Kailyn has been cheated out on spending time with such a great grandpa!

So these are the things that remind me of him:

• When I see a motorcycle.
• When I see someone wearing a Harley Davidson shirt or hat.
• When I see a Harley Davidson store, window decal, pretty much anything related to a Harley.
• When I take a funny picture of Kailyn I think of how much he would've loved seeing it.
• When Kailyn does something new I think of how I would've called him to tell him.
• When I see Brian with Kailyn, he's such a great father just like my dad was!
• When I hear certain songs on the radio that remind me of him.
• When I look at the pictures I have of him around the house.
• When I walk into our downstairs bedroom because he helped us finish it.
• I think of him every night when I'm laying in bed trying to fall asleep.
• When I drive to Lincoln, NE I think about how I wish I could just stop by his house and say hi.
• When I see Kailyn with her other grandparents I think about him missing out on moments like those.
• When I see a hunting show on the TV, he loved to watch those boring shows!
• When I eat brisket, chili, sausage, french toast or goulash (those were all things he loved to eat and make).
• When I think about my wedding day I think of him walking me down the pier/aisle.
• When I see a house being a built, or a window being installed (which we have houses going up all around our neighborhood).
• When Brian and I do any type of upgrade or remodeling of our house I think about how nice it would be to call him to ask his advice.

Pretty much every hour of every day he enters my mind. I'm just waiting for the day when those thoughts don't hurt so much and I can smile instead!

Things Kailyn has been up to these days....

Kailyn amazes me more and more every day. She's growing up so fast and learning so much. I enjoy every minute that I'm with her. Last time I updated my blog we were down here in the basement and the next thing I knew she had gotten into a pile of papers Brian had on the floory by our desk. All she wanted to do was help him sort them I'm sure!

We got a swing hooked up under our deck. It's her new favorite thing to do. It also works great to help get her tired before naps and bedtime.

Here's a picture of her being goofy! The faces she makes cracks me up.

Lately she's been pulling herself up a lot. She still hasn't figured out that if she lets go, then she'll fall. Or maybe that's her way of getting down because she hasn't quite mastered sitting back down from the standing position.

She pretty much eats anything we're eating. Still not a huge fan of the pureed baby foods. Here she is eating some spaghetti.

She still really enjoys bath time. She pulled herself up to the tub to watch the water fill up. She was so anxious to get in! Sorry for the nudity, but she has the cutest little tush!

This weekend we went to the zoo here in Manhattan. It's not very big, but it's actually the perfect size for her. It's also great because it's shaded really well.

Lastly, if you'd like to watch a video of some new things she learned today check it out here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bLzC4yywyx0.

A poem written by Brian

Brian wrote this poem about my dad in the eyes of Kailyn and I thought I'd share it.

Grandpa, why did you have to leave us now?
I already miss your bright, playful smile.
I've shed all the tears that my eyes will allow,
And still I yearn to turn back time's dial.

Grandpa, why did you have to go away?
I already miss that glow in your eye.
Every time I saw you, I wished it could stay.
You were my dear grandpa, but now you're Heaven's pride.

Grandpa, why did you have to go so soon?
I already miss the strength of your hug.
I need something to turn this somber tune.
Please keep me safe, as you watch from above.

Grandpa, I miss you, why'd you have to go?
God must have needed your love, to help other children grow.