Mr. Obi

This handsome little man is Obi, and he's Rob and Joy's newest addition. No, he's not a Chihuahua or a bat or a rat (all of Joy's words, by the way). He's a Golden...Obi Golden, that is. Weighing in at 2 pounds and some change, this bulky French Bulldog can be seen chasing Sydney and Jake around these days. He's got a lot of spunk and already a handful of patience...Kennedy latched onto his head and ears multiple times and he didn't even flinch. Boy, was she enamoured by him. I'd also like to add that it seems the tables have turned now that Obi has arrived. You see, I used to be the one calling Joy on a regular basis with ALL of my parenting questions. And now she's calling me for parenting advice...albeit four-legged advice, but, hey, I'll take what I can get. It's just nice being the one with the answers and not the questions for once.

A walk, a bagel, and beagles

Now that we're home and the sweat has ceased, I have to say that a walk to Einstein's is one of the best ways to start your day. Our little family outing was easily the highlight of my week (if you don't count the big fat 1,000 calorie Chipotle burrito I devoured on Thursday, that is). I know, I know, glamorous life. Please, stop the jealousy. Anyway, all involved seemed to really enjoy themselves as well. I think it was a tad torturous for Miya, but she's so out of shape that climbing the stairs in our house is becoming somewhat of a chore these days. I was tempted to put her in the stroller basket but figured that would only be encouraging her baby sea lion appeal. Even Marley was a very good girl. Not a bark, not a growl, not a peep. And she was so delighted when we came across Timmy and the beags, as Frieda is her best gal pal. They sniffed and romped around a bit while Miya was able to lay down and catch her breath...so I guess you could say Miya was delighted (more like relieved) to see them too. And, of course, there's Kennedy. She was taking in all the scenery and talking to the trees every now and then. She wore her sunglasses the entire way there and back. And to quote some lady at Einstein's, "She wears them well." So, yes, today's walk was a much needed breath of fresh air, if you will.

Click on the pic so you can really take in her cuteness
Marley, Frieda, Murphy and Miya

A letter from Dad

Dear Kennedy Darling Hokenstad:

Daddy wanted to write you a letter to let you know how precious you are to me. You have captured my soul and I will never let go. You have a smile that spreads longer than a mile. Your laugh is so precious it actually stops time, causing mom and dad to remain breathless because you are so beautiful. Oh and those eyes are so big and so gorgeous, eyes so piecing that they allow you to look right into my heart and see how crazy I am about you. I could stare at you every day, look at your face, eyes, ears, feet, belly, forehead, nose and every other inch of your body. Until you were born, I have always believed in miracles but never really seen one live, but on April 3, 2009, I experienced a miracle in you! You are the miracle of life for your mom and me. And you shouldn’t ever forget how truly amazing your mother is. Her care of you is second to none, she values and cherishes you more than anything, even when she is changing your diapers. I value you and cherish you more than everything, except when changing you….HA, you know I am kidding, but they sure have gotten stinky! Now of course, after four months mom has decided it is time for rice cereal, and I highly doubt this is going to make your pooh smell any better. It is during this time that I have noticed myself checking the prices on face masks, you know, those masks that doctors and nurses wear, yep those are the ones! Ahhhh you know I will never resort to those, changing your diapers is part of the blessing that you are. Although, I do find myself holding my breath quite often. On a better smelling note, your baths have to be one of my favorite times with you. Watching you take a bath has helped me to truly understand why they invented the song, “Splish Splash I was taking a bath.” And not once have you cried when we have gotten you ready for your bath or given it to you (your mom has done this for the most part — like I said, you have a great mom). Now, I know all times with you are great, but waking you up in the morning has to be my all time favorite time. There is nothing better than coming to get you out of your crib and being welcomed by a great big beautiful smile and giggle. Knowing that you are happy to see me just melts my heart. I know the saying is, “Daddy’s little girl,” but I have to tell you it feels more like “Girl’s big daddy” if that makes sense. If it doesn’t make sense, well just know that you have me wrapped around your pinky young thing, and you are only 4 months old. And by the way, I am absolutely proud of this fact. So on that I note, I promise that with the help of God, I will protect you, care for you, love you, watch out for you, cherish you, understand you, listen to you, and just be there for you any and all times. Every day that I get to be with you is truly a blessing from God and I thank him for providing your mom and I with the most wonderful angel in the whole world.

Love Daddy!

For Grandpa H.

Although I'm just a babe,
how easily you've become a fave.
I can't express what I like about you best,
but you seem to be better than most of the rest.

The aromas that you make,
I hope you teach me how to bake.
I love your version of This Little Piggy,
oh how it makes me giggly.
Your love for the Civil War can be a bit of a bore,
so why don't we stick to playing on the floor.
One day I hope to be like you,
so loving and generous in all that you do.
Maybe I'll follow in your footsteps and join the FBI,
perhaps be a lawyer or an undercover spy.

And though you're not here,
I'm always wishing you were near.
You're like a permanent stain,
in my heart you will remain.
The love for my grandpa you cannot measure,
time spent together I'll truly treasure.

Rice Cereal

I've been working with Kennedy for the past couple days on her dining etiquette. In only a few short days, she's mastered the chew/swallow technique quite nicely. However, that's about the only thing she's done in a nice fashion. Her report card is borderline B, B+ right now. If only she could learn that it's not polite to grunt when the food is coming, in her opinion, too slow. Not to mention, slapping your hand on your Bumbo is no way to show the chef you're impressed with her ability to add just the right amount of formula to the rice cereal. And if only she could sense that there's something on her face, ear, nose, forehead, arm, and toe, that would be nice too. Had she not worn and spread her cereal like it was simply an exfoliating mask you get during a weekend spa day, she would be sitting at a C average. But you must give the girl credit when she's already showing an interest in being pampered. Manis and pedis might be on our weekly to-do list before we know it.

Time Travel Tuesday

I was thinking we could all use a little Halloween motivation right now. If this little hot dog doesn't get your costume juices flowing, I don't know what will. Interestingly enough, not only am I now hungry, but I'm also very excited for fall, pumpkins, ghosts and goblins, CANDY and, most importantly, dressing the babe in her first Halloween costume.

Baseball + Baby = Bad Idea

We attempted to take Kennedy to her first baseball game and, well, she hated it. Minutes after this picture was taken she was a screaming, crying mess. There's nothing like having a screaming baby in your arms when they're singing the National Anthem. Oh, the stares. I can still feel them. She made it three innings...or shall I say I made it three innings before I threw in the towel and took her home. Mama H. should have known that all of the noise would scare the living crap out of her. I mean, the girl is sent into a frightened rage when someone merely sneezes, so why would I ever think that she would like or understand sudden bouts of clapping and whistling? Oh, baby girl, Mama's sorry she put you through that. Lesson learned.

An atypical baby

Kennedy has been up all day. And by all day, I mean ALL DAY. Not a nap in sight. As we're leaving our friends' house and preparing for the hour drive home, I'm secretly evaluating her. It's obvious her eyelids are craving some kind of relief. And if a yawn followed by a quick rub of the eye isn't enough proof that she's pooped, I don't know what is. Hallelujah! The girl is finally going to sleep in the car. There isn't a doubt in my mind that she's going to resist the persuasive hum and soothing vibrations only a moving car can offer. No, she will surrender and probably be sleeping by the time we pull out of the driveway. So five minutes into the drive Brandon, who was sitting next to Kennedy, gets his first "Is she sleeping yet?" "Um, no." Okay. So we'll give her some breathing room and see what we come up with in say another five minutes. Ticktock. "How about now?" "From what I can see, she's still staring right at me." All right. She's obviously feeling the pressure here. We'll back off for another ten. Another ten comes and goes and still no go. So let's fast forward to almost a hour into the drive. At this time Brandon somehow finds the camera and decides to show me just how NOT sleeping Kennedy is. Keep in mind that it's dark outside and Kennedy has no idea she's about to be blinded by a flash...

So there you have it. There's your confirmation that my baby girl does not and will not succumb to sleeping in the car.

Time Travel Tuesday

Cousin Keff is coming to town! This is us going through the car wash the last time he was here...only our most special guests get this kind of entertainment. May the Keff Countdown begin!

A Saturday Outing

I remember the days when going to see friends was easy peasy. Times have changed. The checklist used to read: Brandon, Michelle, beer/wine...good to go. Now the checklist is a small novel. Diapers, wipes, bottles, formula, extra clothes, paci, car seat, toys, burp cloth, KENNEDY (I add that only because I have a fear of accidentally leaving her), baby Tylenol, blanket, etc. We were only going an hour away, but jeez this was becoming stressful. Once we finally made it out the door, I did settle down a little. But then the BP went back up when I realized Danico Patrick was behind the wheel. Brandon always promised me that his driving skills would change as soon as our precious babe was sitting in the back. After almost headbutting Jen while taking a corner (while most people turn a corner, Brandon takes them) and telling Brandon for the umpteenth time to stop riding the raised lane dividers, I'm guessing that promise is null and void. To Brandon's credit, we did arrive in one piece. All was forgotten and washed away when we finally settled down with some pina coladas and some good old girl talk (the boys opted for the pool). But all good things must come to an end. So after many hours of laughter, kids playing, eating, and catching up with friends, it was time to go. Again, thank you, Kyle and Michelle. We had a wonderful, wonderful time! And just in case you're wondering, I drove us home.

Michelle and Ava Joy and AvaKennedy and GM JenKennedy, GM Jen

Goodbye Grandma...Hello Grandpa

The last of the grandmas left yesterday and the Hokenstad Hotel is quiet once again. Not for long, though, Grandpa H. is making his way here early next week. Kennedy is not short on love that's for sure. And, yes, we were at Zipps AGAIN in these photos. Dare we go anywhere else?!

Grandma M., Kennedy, BrandonM'Liss and Brandon

True Love

If you've never experienced love at first sight, get ready because it's about to happen. Seriously, I'm so in love with that face. And those cheeks! How am I ever going to be able to tell her NO?? On a much more somber note, KD received four shots today. Her poor thighs. She weighed in at 12.6 pounds, which is more than double her birth weight. So if you see her anytime soon, give her a high-five or some knuckles for her accomplishment. (Click on the picture to enlarge it...she's so much better big)

Time Travel Tuesday

Since it's "Time Travel Tuesday" and since KD turned four months old yesterday, I went back in the archives and found a two-week-old little boog. Once I stopped oohing and aahing and trying to pet her on the computer screen, I was reminded of the hair she USED to have. What happened? I mean, I realize that the hair in the back eventually gets rubbed off from all of her looking this way and looking that way and because she ALREADY knows what "no" means (ha), but how did she rub the top of it off? Am I missing something or could she be mastering the headstand in her crib at night? Has Brandon been rubbing her for good luck? Come to think of it, he has been talking about the upcoming football season and how he prays the Huskers are good this year. Certainly he wouldn't jeopardize her locks in exchange for some Husker wins, would he?

About last night...

Dearest Kennedy,
Mommy and Daddy went out last night for the first time since you were born (together, that is). The drinks...I mean food was excellent, the company even better, and the cougar bar we ended up at was quite entertaining. No, honey, these weren't ANIMAL cougars, but they did act like they were on exhibit and I'm pretty sure you could pet them. Anyway, it's a good thing that both of your grandmothers are here today because Dad and I seem to have come down with the brown-bottle flu. Not to worry, darling, it's not contagious. However, I do want to apologize if Dad and I are a little slow today. It seems one of the symptoms of this flu is a massive headache. I promise that we'll pull it together and eventually take a shower so you don't have to gag every time we come near you. Also, I heard that you were just perfect last night. This came as no surprise, as you're always such a good baby, but I truly appreciate you not giving me anything to worry about.

Lots of love, Mom and Dad

Timmy, Dad, Rob Joy, Mom, Godmother Jen

Mom and Dad

Rob and Joy

GM Jen and Timmy

More pics...really?!

Timmy, Brandon, Michelle, Rob, Joy

Blue Steel and Timmy
Timmy and Michelle
GM Jen, Michelle and Brandon

Lance and Brandon