Kid's Shows that DON'T Make Me Want to Poke My Eyes Out

I will openly admit that we are not one of those family that shields our child from television. We definitely don't allow an all day stare fest, but a few shows throughout the day absolutely happen around here and I honestly don't feel bad about it. Children's shows have come a long way and I absolutely know that Kenley learns from them. When she was first starting to talk she'd say a word and Jason and I would look at each other like "How in the heck does she know that?" And sure enough the next day we'd hear the word or phrase on one of her shows. 

Some shows, however, are definitely better than others. There's a new one on Nick Jr. called Mutt & Stuff that of course Kenley LOVES that gives me a migraine. It is the stupidest dang show! 

Another one that I can't stand but everyone else seems to love because it's be on forever is Spongebob! I do not think it's funny and think his voice is like nails non a chalkboard. I know, I'm such a hater. 

After roughly two years of kids shows, I can confidently say, that I have a few favorites that I actually enjoy watching with Kenley. These are shows that equally cute, educational and tolerable for adults. 

1. Wallykazam. My absolute favorite. This one is about a little troll who has a magic stick that teaches about letters and words. There's a little rebel named Bobgoblin who is stinkin' hilarious but always teaches a good lesson. Plus, there's music that is catchy and fun. 

2. Bubble Guppies. Oh how I LOVE the Bubble Guppies. These little fish children are ADORABLE! Their show always has a theme that they learn about in their classroom with their wise teacher Mr. Grouper. Again, lots of cute music, great lessons and very educational. No eye poking out during this one. 

3. Doc McStuffins. This is a show I would have been obsessed with when I was little. It's about a little girl who plays doctor to her stuffed animals who "come to life" when noone else is around. Of course, there is always some kind of lesson involved. It's a cute and happy show that I can absolutely sit through without wanting to claw my eyes out. 

4. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. Or as Kenley calls it, Mickey's Cuckhouse. It's a classic. Who doesn't love Mickey, Minnie and the gang? Tons of education in this one and Pete the Cat {did you know Pete is a cat? We just recently learned that!} always adds some humor in there for the adults. This show was Kenley's first favorite and she still loves it. 

So there you have it, a couple of mom approved kiddo shows that will entertain you just as much as your kid! What are your favorites? Or even better, what are the ones you just cannot tolerate?

And real quick, before I go, everyone should link up with me and Caitlin tomorrow! We've decided to do a fun Outfit of the Day linkup with brutal outfits from our childhood! I know you've all got some photos in less than desirable fashion statements - so let's see them! 

Kenleyisms

Kenley is a month away from being three years old {how?} and she won't.stop.talking. To be honest, I completely lost track of what was "typical" in terms of milestones and development after she turned one, but it seems to me this kid's vocabulary and language is a little ahead of it's time. She doesn't miss a thing, remembers EVERYTHING and is quite literally an adorable little sponge.

While she is speaking in full sentences, uses words like "actually", "remember" and "probably"{correctly I might add} she still is just a baby and has her own little spin on the English language. I'm kicking myself for not writing down every single funny thing she's said and all of her Kenley versions of words, but there are a few that will forever stick and therefore have been deemed "Kenleyisms".

• Chunky Mail -  or junk mail
• Mewgert - or music
• Woah-Woah - or car {no idea}
• Bob - or sippy cup of  milk she gets when she wakes up and before bed
• Poovie - or "smoothie" aka those fruit/veggie pouches
• Bobo - her best friend Brody
• Calvin and the Chickbux - Alvin and the Chipmunks
• Nen - her nickname for herself
• Paw-pellows - or marshmallows
• Fa-go me - or fallow me

Currently she can't say her "Rs" or her "Ls" and both she pronounces as a "W" so her name is "Kenwee",  her favorite color her "Weh-whoah" {yellow}, 

And then she has all 8 of her grandparents which have their own unique Kenley name: Papa Tom, Papa Meow Meow, Papa Horsie, Papa Steve, Yia Yia, Grandma Juicey, DiDi and Blue. 

Each time she learns to say a word correctly, I get a little sad. I mean, I'm happy she's learning and am proud to have the most brilliant kid to ever live but her fun little language is so cute and I kind of want her to talk like this forever. 

The Best Big Sister

Nope, this isn't announcement. Sorry to disappoint. 

Recently, Kenley and I have had the pleasure of spending time with Sebastian, the six-month-old adorable son of my buddy Sara. This time with two kiddos has given me much hope that eventually life with another little one will be fantastic. 

Kenley is so sweet with Bas. She watches his every move, gets concerned when he cries and makes sure he always has a toy. The thing that really surprised me is how patient she is. She lets me give Bas his bottle, put him down for a nap or change his diaper without needing attention. She watches and even helps but never asks me for a thing.

Of course, we are only with Bas for a few hours at a time and things will probably be quite a but different when there is a babe around 24 hours a day, but watching her with him has really made me realize that Kenley will be the best big sister!

I'm not quite ready to give up Kenley being my only baby, but when the time is right, I think Kenley is ready.

what is wrong with this picture???

Almost 2

As of today, Kenley is 22 months old, or as I have been referring to it for the past couple months..."almost 2." How this little love muffin will be turning TWO is so far beyond me.

This child is so full of personality, I am fearful of what the teenage years will be like in our house. She is also a chatty little thing - she learns to say a new word pretty much every day and it's SO fun {and hilarious}. For example, she has learned to say "sit" but it doesn't quite sound like "sit":   

Here's a little more on what this almost 2 year old has been up to lately...

Weight: 27 pounds also known as getting too heavy to carry

Teeth: 13 - we are waiting on three more of the pointy guys then we're done! Until they all fall out, I guess. 

Words: At this point, there's too many to count. But our favorites are "sit", "Bays" {which is what she calls Bailey}, and "Sa-sawwy" {sorry} 

Sleep: Bedtime is usually between 7pm and 8pm and she will wake up any time between 7am and 8am then usually takes a 2ish hour nap late morning.

Eating: K is still a good little eater and there really isn't anything she doesn't like but she definitely has her favorites like "smoothies"{fruit & veggie pouches, "hop hops" {Annie's bunny graham crackers}, Cheese and "Allgins" {olives}

Diaper Size: She's wearing 2T Pampers Pull Ups

Clothes: 18 - 24 months

Hair Color: Blondie.

Eye Color: Same as her daddy - greenish, blueish, grayish with flecks of gold.

Nicknames: Nen {which is what she calls herself}, Kenny, Mou, KenKen, Buddy, Squeezie, KennyPop

Milestones: Yesterday {when I of course was not home} Kenley looked at Jason and said "pee", so they went to the potty AND SHE WENT PEE! Huge, huge, huge step in the potty training journey! Kenley is also getting so good at her ABCs and is able to pick out letters when she sees them...O, M, T, A and S are the ones she always knows. And, we've started learning colors, so far she knows "pupu" or purple, "booooooo" or blue, "wed" or red, "beeeeen" or green and my favorite "welwoah" or yellow. 

Interests: Dancing {this kid loves to cut a rug}, being outside, watching her shows {Wallykazaam, Doc McStuffins, Paw Patrol & Bubble Guppies are her faves}, coloring.

The ABCs of Kenley

I've seen this fun little ABC getting-to-know-you game going around in the blog world and thought it might be a fun way to catch you up on what is going on with our crazy little almost 21 month old {also known as MY BABY IS ALMOST TWO! *tear*}.

Plus, Kenley has been working on her ABCs every night before bed so it's quite fitting. 

A. "Allgin" - which is how she says both Oliver {her little puppy baby} and Ally {her Auntie}

B. Busy, Busy, Busy - this kid does not sit still for even one second of the day. 

C. Crazy - my child is nuts. She does and says the weirdest things, has so much energy and is sassy to the limits.

D. Dancer - girlfriend has some moves. Her go-to is legit a booty drop {takes after her mama}. Kenley also took dance classes this summer!

E."Eeeeeee" - what Kenley calls slides because she yells "Eeeeeee" when she goes down them.

F. Full of it - if you ask Kenley a question and she doesn't know the answer she will make one up {just like her father}. For example if you ask "Kenley what does the wall say?" without hesitating she will reply with something like "daga-doo".

G. Gorgeous. I know I am biased, but sometimes I look at her gorgeous little face and cannot believe she is mine.

H. "Hop hop" - this would be what she calls bunnies and also what says when she makes her stuffed animals "walk"

I. Independent - I am grateful that Kenley has learned to play independently {at least part of the time}. She also loves tasks like "go throw this in the garbage" or "put the clothes in the hamper" we are still working on "put your toys away"

J. Jump - Kenley LOVES to jump! Her feet don't actually leave the ground but if you ask her to jump she will try and then point to everyone in the room demanding that they too "bop" {Kenley for jump}

K.Kind - Kenley is a little share-bear and also gets upset when anyone else is upset.

L.Laugh - her real laugh is my favorite sound in the world but currently when she gets really excited she does this very Bevis & Butthead sounding laugh which is both hilarious and incredibly annoying.

M. "MomMom" - Kenley's name for me and my favorite word she says. I love hearing that little voice yelling "mommom" from her crib, or when I get home, or when she wants me to sit by her.

N. "Nen" - how Kenley says "Kenley". She calls herself Nen and it's about the cutest thing in the entire world. Everything in the house is either MomMom, DadDad or Nen depending on who it belongs to.

O. Outside - Just like her mama, if Kenley could be outside all day every day she would be as happy as can be. She will sit out on her deck by herself for an hour just because she LOVES to be outside.

P. Pickle - Kenley's favorite food, currently.

Q. Quick - you can't turn your back for a second with this one. She's speedy, sneaky, and very curious. I swear I spend half my day just trying to figure out where she put something I didn't even know she took.

R. Runner - Walking is not longer an option, running is now the primary mode of transportation

S. Sharpie - apparently in Kenley's mind sharpies are lipstick. Orange was her first attempt then she tried a lovely silver shade. Shame on mom for turning her back for two seconds.

T.Tantrum - we've officially entered the Toddler Tantrum stage of life. Kenley doesn't quite understand why she can't do whatever she wants and get whatever she wants despite being able to communicate that with us. It's fun.

U.Undies - we are still very lackadaisically trying to potty train but I'm nearing the point of tossing the diapers and buying some undies because I am OVER the diaper changes. 

V. Vegetarian? This child could eat fruits & veggies {and pickles} all day long and could care less about meat.

W. "Wallykazaam" her favorite TV show. We hear "Walla-walla-walla" {Kenley talk for Wally}about 400 times a day

X."X Marks the Spot" - OK, I know this is a stretch but it's X for crying out loud. Kenley's new trick is closing one eye and saying "argh" like a pirate. Just watch the very end of the ABC video for proof.

Y. "yeaaaaah" - if you ask Kenley a question 95% of the time she will answer with a very drawn out "yeaaaah" not "yes" but "yeaaaaah"

Z."zzzzzz" - this little buddy girl is still a great sleeper. I am so grateful we haven't had to deal with any sleep regressions and that I can be sure my babe is always rested and ready for action.

I Hate Teeth

These past few days, actually, this past week has been really rough. My happy-go-lucky sweetheart of a daughter has been whiney, mopey, clingy, irritable and crying CONSTANTLY. She had a fever for three straight days, has splotchy skin on her face and isn't eating. Based on the symptoms, constant hand gnawing and parental intuition {and of course a call to the pediatrician} we're thinking it's teething. The hate these stupid incisor teeth so much I may just rip them out when they finally come in.

Seeing my baby in pain and not feeling well breaks my heart. I would do anything to make her feel better and take away the pain. And in addition to her not feeling well, I am exhausted. It is not easy listening to crying all day and trying to comfort all day and trying to do your best to make your baby better all day.And then of course there's the late-night-screaming-in-pain part.

It's been hard, yes, but this past week has made me incredibly grateful. For one, I am grateful that Kenley didn't feel like this for all of her other teeth. For the most part, teething has been a non-issue for her. I really can't imagine having to have done this for ever tooth. I am grateful she wasn't a collicky baby, I am grateful she has never had anything worse than a cold, I am grateful she has been an easy baby and an easy toddler. I know that there are parents out there dealing with SO much worse than teeth. I can't fathom the strength it would take to comfort a child with a serious disease or illness. I am counting my blessings for sure.

I am so grateful for my healthy baby and I thank God for that every day and now when I pray at night I pray that these stupid teeth come in {and quick} and I pray for all the kids and parents dealing with pain far worse. 

Kenley:: 1 1/2

It's Tuesday and it's time for....

Here's what you do:
1. Write a post about ANYTHING baby {or pregnancy} related.
2. Add my button to your post.
3. Link your post with the link-up tool found at the end of all of my posts.
EASY PEASY! 

As of this coming Sunday, I will have a 19 month old {say what?} I am really loving this mid-year age range because I can get away with telling people she is "a year and a half" instead of using months and watching them get all confused trying to do math. That, and this is pretty much the most fun age ever! It's been MONTHS since I've done a Kenley update, so here's what my crazy kiddo is up to:

Weight: 26 pounds

Teeth: 12 pearly whites. The molars were really tough, now we're just waiting for those pointy ones to come in. Brushing her teeth is also the highlight of her day. She LOVES it!

Words: Kenley's vocab is increasing every day and it's SO FUN! Right now her words include : mom, dad, yia yia {grandma in Greek}, bob {which can mean Ball, BaBa (what we call her milk) or Auntie Bob (which is what she calls her Auntie Tate) depending on the context}, trash, wow, yes, yeah, no, up, done, gone, hi, shoes, socks, hat, hug. She can also make the animal sounds of a dog, pig, cow, lion, snake, owl, fish, and monkey.

Sleep: Bedtime is usually around 8:00 or 8:30pm and she sleeps until around 7:30 or 8:00am.

Eating: Fruits & Veggies. If this child never saw meat or grains on her plate she would be as happy as a clam. Tomatoes and blueberries top the list but she's also a big fan of cheese, olives and LOVES mustard. Seriously, she's such a little weirdo.

Diaper Size: size 4 or 2T in her Pampers Easy-Ups for potty training.

Clothes: A mix of 18 months, 24 months and 2T. Because she's so tall & skinny all of the 18 months fit perfect but are too short. The 24 month & 2T are perfect in the length but fall off her. She comes from a long line of long legged skinny butted people - so I'm afraid this will be a battle she fights her whole life.

Hair Color: Little blondie! Her hair is getting so long and SO thick! This child definitely got my big Greek hair. And it's CURLY!

Eye Color: She has eyes just like her daddy - they aren't really hazel but they definitely aren't blue or green and they have really cool flecks of gold in them.

Nicknames: Kenny, Buddy, Mou, Kenny Kakes, Squeezy, Kenners, KenKen, Kenny Pops

Milestones: I can't keep up. This child learns something new every single day. It just amazes me! And she is such a copy cat, she will see me or Jason do something ONCE and will start doing it. I guess it's officially time to be on our best behavior!

Interests: Kenley LOVES to dance. Every time she hears music she starts to do her own unique dance moves, it makes this former-dancer-mom SO happy. She also love to accessorize. This child cannot be without a necklace or hat or teething rings doubling and bangles. 

She is also OBSESSED with Bailey. Jason and I are a little salty because the puggles gets probably triple the hugs and kisses that we do. Her favorite shows are Bubble Guppies, Wallykazam, Mickey's Clubhouse and Doc McStuffins. Her favorite song is Talk Dirty to Me by Jasn Derulo {that's not a joke}. She loves more than anything to be outside playing at the park, swimming in the pool, chillin' in her stroller, or watching planes on the deck. And, her favorite person in the whole wide world is her mom...sadly, I'm kidding on that one, she is a complete and total daddy's girl.

Kenley's Baby Book

I didn't start Kenley's baby book until after she was born - which I regret. BUT, thanks to this here blog I had my entire pregnancy and her whole first year documented. Thank goodness because without it I don't think I'd remember a dang thing.I looked at A LOT of different baby books, none of which really got me excited so I decided to create my own using Shutterfly. Shutterfly offers a ton of different photobook layouts and designs but also allows you to customize it - which is what I did. I am pretty obsessed with how it turned out and Kenley loves it too! 

Here are a few of our favorite pages...

Let me tell you, this book was a labor of love. I put more time than I care to admit putting it together but am so, so happy with it. It's such a special keepsake that I can share with Kenley and I think it will mean even more that I made it special just for her.

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Genius Mom Ideas

I've said it before and I'll say it again....what in the heck did we do without Pinterest? I have a board dedicated to "Mama tips, tricks & ideas" and another to "Little Products" and I love looking at them and getting fun ideas for the future. 

Here are some of my favorites:

 

The "Stay in bed until you see the sun" clock. Perfect when Kenley moves into her big girl bed. 

Bathtub Divider, so you don't waste as much water - why didn't I think of this?

 

A Tooth Receipt from the Tooth Fairy so you can remember when your kiddo lost which tooth!

 

"Work for Hire"...such a great idea for chores. Clip the chore and the allowance to a board for the kiddos to choose. 

 

Such a simple way to teach kiddos which foot their shoes go on!

 

"House Store", your kiddo gets "money" for good behavior and helping out and can use the "money" to buy something from the home store. It teaches responsibility AND money. I will be doing this one for sure!

And my personal favorite...

 

A Zoo Passport to mark off things you see at the zoo! I am a spaz about the zoo so I'd probably have to make one of these for myself as well! :) 

What are some genius mom ideas you've seen?

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