Year's end is neither an end nor a beginning but a going on, with all the wisdom that experience can instill in us. ~Hal Borland

A year in review. Hard to believe it's time to think back over the past 12 months and reminiscence.  The last year has flown by... well sometimes it flew by, other times around 2 or 3 or 4 am it seemed to go a little slower... but really - looking back at those wakeful hours, they flew by too. 

  This year was the best year of my life. Don't get me wrong, I loved 2009 - being pregnant and having Makenzie, but even those joyous moment paled in comparison as I watched my little baby turn into a little girl.  2010 was the year of firsts... first smile, first laugh, first crawl, first walk, first tooth, first vacation... etc... It was such a joy to watch all of these big milestones in my daughter's life. One of the best parts of 2010 was witnessing my husband go from man to father.  There is a difference.  A man is confident, strong, and proud (amongst other qualities).  A daddy is all those things, but is also a little unsure, a softy, and proud for an entirly different reason. 
  I look forward to what 2011 has in store for the Probst Pride.  For me, it will hopefully be weight loss, relaxation, blogging more and more,  becoming an even better mommy and wife, and hopefully a new pregnancy to celebrate.
   Happy New Year Reader (12!!)

Sending and receiving Christmas cards are timeless ways to show your thoughtfulness during the holiday ~ quote from an advertisement

Christmas is over. It's time to undecorate the house, but before I do, I wanted to share with  you (reader 11!) my family Christmas card. A while back I blogged about our family photos that the amazing Scott did for us... we had a hard time picking just one photo for our card but after much deliberation we think we picked the perfect one!
 I ordered 50 of these little beauties from Vista Print and mailed them out on December 3rd.  I was told by many many people that our card was the first of the season for them.  That made me happy - considering I was balancing Makenzie's first birthday along side of all the Christmas preparations.  I was  very pleased with the cards that we received from so many of our family and friends... however... we only got 27 cards.  Two of the 27 came from my parents, and 3 came from Matt's parents... tucked along side some  Christmas Mexico money - so really we received from 24 families. Whats wrong with this picture? Where was everyone's holiday spirit? I have decided to keep all the cards from this year... most will have the photos cut out and put on Makenzie's bulletin board - and only those, along with the givers of the traditional cards will be receiving cards from us next year.  I know the whole saying "it's better to give then receive" but screw that... It's my turn to say Bah Humbug!

The greatest gift is a portion of thyself. ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

A few years ago my best friends and I decided that our Christmas gifts to one another would be homemade.  I have always believed that the best gifts were handmade, because theoretically the person making them would be thinking of you while they created something extra special. They are also special because they are one of a kind and made with love... and blood and sweat and tears. literally.

  This year I decided to make advent calendars... I even got the husband in on the deal and he engraved little silver coins with each day - 1 thru 25.  My bestie, Reanna, made me snuggly warm pajama pants. I love them!!

We weren't the only ones that took the extra time to make homemade gifts - my boss/friend Stacy made me a scrapbook calendar so that I can proudly display my baby girl. And my sister in law, Wendy, made me a knotted blanket - probably because I stole my daughters knotted blanket that my niece, Stephie made for Kenzie's first birthday.  I suppose I will give it back now that I have one of my own!  

I hope all three of the girls that made me a special Christmas gift knows how much I love and appreciate each one. And each of them.

Did you, reader (ELEVEN!) make or receive something handmade this year?

What do you call people who are afraid of Santa Claus? Claustrophobic

With Christmas quickly approaching there has been a few photo ops with the big man in red.  The first visit was at the Christmas party put on by our air base... we were only about 7th place in line of about 300 families.  So during the photo ops of the families prior to our turn I was able to show Makenzie who Santa is and that other children were letting him hold them.  Prior to this big party we had been reading stories about Mr. Claus and showing her videos on youtube of him singing (if you have little ones check out Santa singing Jingle bells on Youtube! Makenzie loves it!) When it was our turn she did awesome - no tears! and a darling little photo.


On Friday (two weeks after our first visit with HOHO) at around 2 we got a call from the base letting us know that a spot opened up on the Santa Train and asked if we would like to go... at 3 pm! we scrambled to get there in time, but so glad we did! The train took us out about a half hour outside of town and stopped - and then Santa came to each car and gave each person - not just each kid - a ornament.  Then it was time for a photo op... I handed over Makenzie and the melt down began... she was not impressed! Screaming and real tears followed.  I am sure it's just because there was no warm up time in meeting the big guy again. 

Sorry, Sant,a that your second visit with our little one didn't go very well... but please do not let that stop you from bringing her lots of goodies -  she really is a good girl!!!

One little candle, placed on the cake... One first birthday wish to make! ~ Author Unknown

First birthdays are like weddings.  How? With the exception of having to hire a dj (maybe next year!) the planning, the stress, the coordinating, the ordering, the wanting everything to be perfect is all the same.  At least for this momma.  A few posts ago I told you about my 18 foot banner and all the other too cute for words crafty items I was working on… do you remember (reader 9! Woooo we added one!)?  This weekend was finally the time to bring all the elements together.  I took part of Thursday and all of Friday off to finish up the details and Matty took Friday off too - together we made Makenzie's smash and the guest cake.  We split up the batter in 6 parts and dyed each one of the colors of the rainbow and then layered them into the pans. It cake out kinda looking like tie die but much much cuter! My parents came Friday as did my brother and his family, and Makenzie's GodParents and honorary Auntie. Saturday was the big day, which prior to the party consisted of frosting the cakes, picking up the balloons, dressing the birthday girl in tutu and matching onesie (which of course I made both).  

 Makenzie's actual party didn't start until noon but around 11:30 we started decorating the room rental. It turned out really cute, aside from the cowboy motif of room. Guests started to arrive and the party began! We enjoyed pizza and then it was time to open presents.  Our little princess did not get the concept that we should set an opened gift aside in order to open another... she was very upset she didn't have more time with each gift.  Next came the cake, and much like our trial run, she wasn't interested in having her hands dirty... she did eat more of the cake, but only from Mommy's fingers. 

All in all it was a success and we all had a good time. My mom said before I know it my baby girl will be getting married, and that if Makenzie's first birthday is any indication, her wedding will be the event of the year... but this mommy can definitely wait for that day.

 

I wonder if I can grow fangs when my baby teeth fall out. ~ Calvin and Hobbs

So my almost one year (in 3 days!) old has ONE tooth. ONE. This doesn't stop her from eating just about anything... she just gums it to oblivion.  They say the longer it takes the teeth to pop thru the stronger they will be... I have no doubt about the truth of this statement.  The lone tooth is a tough lil' bugger... so tough in fact that it can tear through a $300 crib with ease.

I was originally upset that Makenzie's crib was damaged so... especially since it's a grow with me crib that will convert into a toddler bed and then a full size.  Something we had intended for Kenzie to have all the while she lived under our roof.  However, a friend of mine said something that really made me feel better about the whole thing.  She said that her little girls both chewed up their grow with me cribs, and now that her girls are older, when she goes in to tuck them in at night she looks at those gnaw marks and smiles... they remind her when her girls were babies.  So now I embrace those teeth marks, because someday my little girl, wont be so little.

“Letter writing is the only device for combining solitude with good company” ~ Lord Byron

Dear Teenage Kim,


Quit being hormonal all the time. You don’t even know what hormones are… just wait until you start taking medications to get pregnant… then you will know hormonal. Or better yet, wait until you are pregnant – then you will really know hormonal. Daddy is right (yes, we still call him Daddy), you are a brat. He’s not being mean. He’s pointing out the obvious. Your relationship with dad will get better… be patient. He’s keeping his distance but you will grow closer… especially around your wedding and when you have the baby.

I don’t want to tell you much about when things will happen, because we both know you will dwell upon that. You will let life pass you by waiting for the ring and the pacifier. Stop worrying so much!!  You think the world revolves around you… just wait until the world revolves around your child. Notice I am not telling you the sex of the baby – because you will start buying baby clothes now. You’ll do it anyways; they will be out of style by the time you have a baby. I’d tell you not to, but you are stubborn. Very stubborn. You will struggle to become pregnant. It will give you time to be a wife. It is the hardest thing you will ever go thru, but you will be stronger because of it. Your baby is so worth the wait.  It will make you a better mother.

Your mom is your best friend, you don’t realize it, but she is. Be nice to her, she puts up with a lot of crap from you. You have no idea how good you have it with her! She will be your rock – always has always will. Someday you will recognize it.  Don’t forget to tell her thank you - often. Your brothers and you will grow apart – but only because distance permits getting together more often.  Don’t forget to call them. When you come together it will feel as though no time has passed. You will enjoy your nieces and nephews – they are pretty awesome.

You’ll have a zillion boyfriends - you will learn things from every one of them – mostly what you do and do not want in a partner. You will learn what hate is. But first you will love. You will have your heart broken. It hurts. It will not kill you, but it will feel like it is. Please know that you will love and be loved a thousand times more. Your husband is AMAZING!!!

College will be EPIC! You will love it! Be sure to remember to actually learn. Don’t just cram the info in your head and lose it after the test… you will wish you would have retained it… even the classes you hate. Your future husband will be a bit of a nerd – he will talk about this stuff… It will save you much Google time. What’s Google? One of the most valuable tools on the internet? What’s the internet? One of the best time passers of all time. You will make a big mistake during college. It’s not the end of the world in the long run. It’s just another lesson in life.

You will lose contact with every one of your high school friends. Every single one. You will regain their friendships later, thanks to Facebook. What’s Facebook? Maybe if I told you, you would develop it on your own and be a billionaire… but that’s not your destiny. You will make great friends in college – some will be your sisters for life. You will learn what "best friends" are after college – They are amazing. You will have an instant connections. 

You will have many career aspirations. They are good for you. Keep dreaming. Even in my thirties I still dream. You will have good jobs. Be thankful.
Lastly, don’t forget to love yourself. It will be hard. Life is NOT easy – but you are who you are because of it. You are beautiful. Shine.

Love, 30 something  Kim

Teen Kim



Thirty something Kim



A lot of people like snow. I find it to be an unnecessary freezing of water. ~Carl Reiner

Oh snow how I loathe you.
 I'm fine with snow if it's quietly sitting on my lawn - but not on my car, sidewalk or streets.  In short the white stuff scares me! Last weekend was Thanksgiving and we were scheduled to spend it with Matt's side of the family... but since I was unable to go home last year to spend the holiday with my side of the family (49 weeks pregnant and the Dr. said NO!) I wanted to see my mom and dad... really, I wanted to go shopping with my mom on Black Friday.  We were playing it by ear alllllll week hoping that the weather would cooperate so that as soon as dinner was done on Thursday we would drive the 2.5 hours home. Thursday's weather actually held off.... but it was the threat of what Friday or Saturday would bring, that left us in Klamath Falls. Snow 1 Kim 0.
I did end up going out Black Friday shopping, but for the first time in twenty years (yes, I went at 49 weeks pregnant last year!) I didn't go out until about 9:30 am! If you (reader 8) know me, you know this is a big deal. Black Friday is my very favorite day of the year!!! I did, however, get everything that was on my list from the two stores I went to. Never less, I missed all the excitement of standing outside a box stores doors in the wee hours of the morning.
I'm not the only one that hates snow.  We bundled up Makenzie - too look like that kid from Christmas Story - and let her have her first experience with the snow.  Snow 1 Kim 1

Elbow grease is the best polish. ~ English Proverb

Many of you (reader 8!) know that Makenzie's first birthday is quickly approaching - I think I've mentioned it a time or two.  I love to plan big parties... weddings, employee appreciation dinners, and now first birthday parties!  I have a list of things I want to do... its long. and somehow gets longer as I find cute things on the internet (etsy.com!) and think: I can do that! Her theme for her birthday is rainbows - you know the 1980's style with the clouds at the bottom.

I have been crafting a bunch to get ready for the big day - making a tutu, bloomers, invitations, photo collage, decorations for the room, a flag banner and even the smash cake for a photo op.

I got a sewing machine for Christmas last year and decided it was time to dust the box, get out a box cutter and pull it out for the first time... I've been busy with a newborn, give me a break! Matt helped me by cutting out a template to use to make the flags for the banner. I ironed the fabric over and pinned so it would be easier to sew.  It turned out great... all 18 (EIGHTEEN!!!) feet of it! oh well... bigger is better, right?

This weekend I decided to make the smash cake as a trial run... and figured it would be a great photo op for Makenzie!  I decided I would dye the batter all 6 shades of the rainbow and carefully layer them in the pan and bake it all at once.  This took a lot of patience as the batter is pretty thick! It took 1.5 boxes of mix and I thought it would only take a smidge longer then the time recommended on the box...  an hour and a half later it was done baking... at midnight. It looks great... but didn't turn out how I envisioned. I thought the batter would stay in perfect layers... oddly enough it ended up looking like a target symbol... however the colors did stay separated! Today I frosted and decorated, we laid out plastic tablecloths, stripped Makenzie down to a pair of bloomers and let her have it... but she didn't want it. What child of mine doesn't want delicious cake (I tasted it and it was good!) she stuck her hands in the frosting - tasted it, took one look at her colored hands and started crying. so my envisions of my daughter covered in frosting and cake... foiled. it only took one baby wipe to clean her up. Sometimes plans don't turn out the way I intended. 

Every job is a self-portrait of the person who does it autograph your work with excellence. ~Unknown

My last blog was all about thanking our vets… we’ll I’m not the only one that remembers to say thank you.  This last weekend was duty (she said doooty!) weekend – My husband is in the Air National Guard,  but he also works on base full time – our base is a training base and 99% of everyone is a civilian but they are also all guardsmen (and women) – they wear uniform everyday.  Anyhow… they have a big base wide meeting every duty (there she goes again) weekend and this time Matt was called up on stage and presented a Commander’s coin.  It’s a big deal.  Imagine in front of 5,000 of your co-workers the president of your company calls you (and 4 others) up to present you with an “award” for going up and beyond your normal… job (you thought she was going to say Doooty again, didn’t you?) That’s what it was like for Matt.

 

This is Matt’s second coin – his first is a coin specific to his field of training.  The first coin is safely tucked away in his wallet and is probably one of his most valued possessions.  The funny thing about having a large coin tucked in your wallet is that pretty soon your wallet caresses that coin and forms to it… and now his wallet looks like he has a condom in there… from the 90’s.  It gives me a laugh every time I see his wallet sitting on the nightstand.

 

I am so proud of you, Sergeant Probst… next time ask for a raise. ;)

 

This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave. ~Elmer Davis

I think it is pretty fitting that Veteran's Day falls in the month of thanks. Today's blog is devoted to my husband, Matt.  Thank you, Sergeant Probst, for your service to our country.  It makes me so unbelievably proud for all that you have done for our great nation.   I am thankful that your position provides the men and women that tote guns, the security to know that what you fix, will provide them the protection they need. I am so proud to be your wife.

Happy Veteran's Day to all of our great men and women in the military, and THANK YOU!

Nursing does not diminish the beauty of a woman's breasts; it enhances their charm by making them look lived in and happy. ~Robert A. Heinlein

Before I know it my daughter will be having her first birthday. wahhhhh!!! I am super excited to watch her grow and learn, but I know I am going to miss all the little things about her being a baby.

I made a promise to myself and my daughter that I would nurse until she turned one... and sadly that milestone is only a month away.  I love nursing.  I love having those quiet moments where we just gaze into each others eyes.  I will miss her letting me cuddle her, because even at 11 months she no longer just lets me rock her.  She reaches up for me to hold her and then 2.2 seconds later she wants down.  I  have already started to teach my body that our  nursing of Makenzie days are numbered.  I used to pump twice at work ... and I slowly stopped that... and now Makenzie gets whole milk when mommy is away.  I personally have never given my daughter a bottle... and do not plan to - it's sippy cup time!

My very favorite time of the day is the 15 minutes that I nurse Makenzie in the morning.  The house is quiet.  Daddy and Sunny are sleeping.  So it's just me and Makenzie. Together we sit in the glider, her in her soft jammies, still smelling of the night before's bathtime. There is nothing like the feeling of soft skin on soft skin. I ignore the clock... I learned months ago that these precious minutes do not need to be timed. 

I know that I can continue to BF past the one year mark, but I also made a promise to my husband... at one year, Makenzie will start sleeping in her own room.  There will no longer be the need for us to wake up 2-3-4 times a night to comfort nurse. I will certainly miss reaching over into her crib in our room and pulling her under the covers to cuddle with me.  But after one year of this... it's Matt's turn... well at least until we get pregnant with baby #2.

It takes a village to spoil a child

People amaze me… in a good way!

It seems as though my daughter has everyone wrapped around her little finger!  I mean really, I am the biggest victim… but I am supposed to be, I am her mommy!  About 2 weeks ago when I went to conference, (did you read that blog post, reader (8!)?) my parents gave Makenzie a first Halloween bib… and thus started the Halloween gift giving to Makenzie.

  A week ago Makenzie got a Halloween card from our adult niece, Jenn, who moved to NY to pursue her dreams.  A few days ago Makenzie got a Halloween card from her God Parents and a craft, that her daddy did with her.  Friday, my boss, Stacy brought in a Halloween bag filled plum full of Halloween goodies, our friends the Rainvilles made Kenzie a cookie, and not to mention all the candy from Auntie Wendy and our neighbors! . 

                       Thank you, everyone for spoiling my daughter on this, her first Halloween!

 

House call!

Do you (readers 8!) remember watching Little House on the Prairie where the Dr. actually came to the patient's house? Did you think this only happened when the only modes of transportation was either foot or horse drawn buggies? so did I, until tonight!





So back in July my husband and I went on a houseboat to Lake Shasta, California and did quiet a bit of swimming and playing in the water... which for me resulted in a pretty nasty ear infection - and when I say nasty, I mean loss of hearing and swollen jaw - the works!  I went to see Dr. Hempel and he gave me ear drops and antibiotics and pretty soon I was feeling back to normal. Until Yesterday. I started to feel like my ear was filling up with fluid and it was pretty sore.  Today I was at work and blew my nose and I am telling you, I saw stars!
Tonight, after hours, because of the wonder of Facebook I was able to talk to Dr. Hempel's wife, Amy (she's amazing in her own right!) and before I knew it Dr. Hempel was on his way over to my house. TO MY HOUSE! (I was unable to meet him at the office because Makenzie was already in bed and my husband was at work)

Dr. looked into my ear and told me that my ear drum had burst. lovely. He gave me a ginormous (if that word isn't in the dictionary it should be!) shot of antibiotics and a shot of some wonder pain numbing liquid in my butt. and then he was on his way. That man is amazing. seriously. amazing.

When he left I checked to see if he came over with a horse and buggy ... but was slightly disappointed to see a normal truck.

"Did I do that?" - Steve Urkle

I know this isn’t the blog I promised you, reader (8 +?!), but this is on my mind tonight…

   Do you ever relate to a television or movie actor? I’m not talking Freddie or Jason or anything like that… geesh what do you take me for?? However it is a man I can relate to these days… Do you remember Carl from Family Matters? It seems as though I have a few Urkles in my life and lately I feel like a Carl.  I want to like them and start out with the best of intentions, but the Urkles- they just wears ya down.  They are nice and I am sure they mean well, but they just sometimes annoy me!

   When I was in middle school and high school, I had a boy that liked me, and would kinda follow me around… my mom and I called him Urkle.  I haven’t thought about him until I started writing tonight (and if I could remember his real name - would look him up on facebook)… my mom always told me that Urkle from school would someday become the next Bill Gates… but I don’t think so. 

 Do you ever think about the movie Gremlins , when they added water and they multiplied -  do you think this is plausible? Do you think Urkles multiply? Oh dear God maybe they procreate. EW "Did I do that?!" 

   Does it make me geeky that I just referenced Urkle and the Gremlins in my post... Am I too an Urkle?...well at least I am nice, even if I annoy you.

A picture is worth 1000 words

Last weekend we had our first official family photos taken.  We have candid family photos from the day Makenzie was born and through out the last 11 months - but nothing staged with coordinating outfits.  Yes, we had coordinating outfits.  The hard part was finding Makenzie's dress for the photos... oh darn I had to go baby clothes shopping! I didn't even have to twist Matt's arm to wear what I wanted him to! I think that's partially because he didn't have to make any of the decisions.  He knows: what momma wants, momma gets!

We met the photographer (Scott Brainard) at a park about 30 minutes north of where we live, in hopes of getting photos with Aspen trees (my favorite!).  We were able to find some baby Aspens, and although they didn't have the tall paper white trunks I was hoping for, their color was still of splendor!

I need your help, reader (7!) to help pick our family Christmas card... please comment with your favorite photo!
 

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Tomorrow I will share some of the outtakes!