Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Matt's softball tournament

Marc finally got home on Thursday night of last week. Marleigh was so happy to see him. She was running around like Jo-Jo the circus bear trying to get his attention. Little girl loves her Daddy!

We packed up Friday at lunch and headed back to Mound City for Marc's brother, Matt's Memorial softball tournament. During the drive, Marleigh decided she needed to fill her diaper. Daddy must have smelled it because he said, "Marleigh, did you poopy?" Proudly and very loudly, she proclaims, "I did it!" We both about died laughing!

Saturday was the tournament. Blazin' Saddles had so much fun (that's our team name), but I'm afraid we were anything but on fire! Ha! We were run ruled in both of our games. It was amazing all the people that came out to remember Matt. A very bitter sweet day.

Marleigh had fun showing off for everyone and playing with her cousins. A big thanks to Grandma, Aunt Mae, Aunt Johnna, Aunt Pat, and Tari for keeping an eye on her while I was playing ball. Marleigh is such a little ham. She was sitting on a picnic table full of our family. I was watching from a little ways away. She was totally loving all the attention and put on quite the performance. I think we are going to have a little social butterfly! I love just observing her. I could sit and watch her all day.

Marleigh, Keira, and Brinley (the three youngest) are all about the same age. It is so neat to see how different their little personalities are already and to watch them interact. And Reese, she just loves to love on all the babies! I just wish we all didn't live so far away!

We had planned on stopping in Eudora on Sunday to meet my cousin Jake's newest son, Kolt, but Marleigh had a runny nose and I didn't want to chance getting Kolt sick. So, as much I as I can't wait to hold the little guy, we just came home and will have to meet him some other time. Soon I hope!

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Some girl time

Marc left early Friday morning for Kansas City for work. He won't be home until late Thursday night. So, it has just been Marleigh and Mommy for a few days. We've missed Daddy, but had lots of fun!

Friday night we decided to go to Hoisington to watch my cousins Ben and Matt play football. Marleigh's favorite part was when the band would play. As soon as they would start, her little arms would get to moving and she would dance until the band quit. Ben and Matt both played well. We're very proud of them! We left at halftime to get Marleigh home to bed. She is like clockwork. Around 8:00, it is time for bed. When we're at home and I know she is tired, I ask her, "are you ready for night, night?" She replies with, "night, night" and runs over to the stairs.

Saturday afternoon, we headed to Hutch with Papa & Gigi. We hung out with my sister and her family Saturday night. The kids had fun together. Luke begged for Marleigh to take a bubble bath with him, but it was already past 8:00, and Marleigh was shot. She was not a fan! Sunday morning we got up and went to the fair. It was an absolute gorgeous day! Marleigh loved being outside and watching all the people. We went to the petting zoo. She wasn't so sure about some of the animals. Overall, a great day with family!

Last night, Marleigh and I were playing. She has a toy with different shapes that you can put into the right shaped hole. I put one of them in the right hole. She looked up at me so cute, smiled, clapped, and said, "good girl!" I laughed outloud at her. I wish I would have had it on tape. I also taught her to say her own name. Her little voice is just adorable! :)

Can't wait for Daddy to get home Thursday night. Then Friday we're off to Mound City for the Matt Johnson Memorial Softball Tournament. Blazin' Saddles are winning it all this year!!!

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

New accomplishments

So much has happened in the last week!

Marleigh went potty in the big girl potty! She has been very interested whenever I go, so I have been letting her come in with me and explaining everything. The other night, I asked her if she wanted to go. She said, "YEAH!" of course, this is how she is currently answering any question. I was skeptical, but sat her up there anyway. She giggled the cutest, little nerdy giggle I have ever heard. After a few seconds and some coaxing, she did go a little in the potty! I was extremely proud of her. 19 months! Only 16 months adjusted! That is AMAZING! Since she still is so young, I'm not going to push the issue. I did ask her again on Sunday. She replied with the standard, "YEAH!", but ran into the bathroom. She sat there and giggled for 30-45 seconds, and nothing. NADA. I figured it was a false alarm. I got her down from the potty and then it happened. She pottied all over the floor. Bad mommy, just didn't give her enough time to get it done. I told her good girl, and praised her. Daddy cleaned her up and changed her clothes while I cleaned up the mess. As I was finishing up, Marleigh walked into the bathroom and said, "Ha ha, mama." I do believe she is just a tad onery!

Marleigh has also started brushing her teeth! Well, I brush them, but she loves it. She sticks her little botton teeth out so cute. She will even spit when we are done. We brush after every meal!

I swear, I'm going to wake up tomorrow and she'll be headed off to college!

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Just another quick plug.... if you are interested in donating money in Natalie's memory for the splash pad in Larned, see the previous post. I'm hoping to have most of the funds by the end of the month. Thanks again for all the amazing support!

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Requesting your help!

Ever since we lost our sweet Natalie, I have been searching for something to do in her memory that would be a permanent remembrance of her. I wanted something happy, something fun for children. I never was thrilled with the idea of a park or playground because Larned has quite a few already. I just couldn’t put my finger on anything that I LOVED.

This summer, Marleigh and I were in Hutchinson with my Mom, sister, and nephew. We played at a splash pad. The kids absolutely loved it! A splash pad is a concrete area with different water features that kids can run through and play in. After we got home, I found myself thinking, “I wish Larned had a splash pad.” The next night, I saw that a local group, Larned PRIDE, was looking at the addition of a splash pad at a local park. Finally! An idea that I LOVED. I was so excited at the thought of a splash pad in Natalie’s memory that I didn’t sleep at all that night. What an awesome tribute to our little girl!

Larned PRIDE is working on getting funding from various sources, including a grant for the complete renovation of Doerr-Vernon Park, with the addition of a splash pad. I am thrilled to be working with them. I am raising money in Natalie’s memory, so that a section of the park can be in her honor.

Many of you have been extremely generous to our family. We are humbled by the love and support we have received. We thank you for all that you have done. However, I feel that God has placed this in my heart for a reason. So, if God puts it on your heart to give a small contribution in Natalie’s memory, we would be forever grateful.

Donations can be made via check and made payable to the City of Larned. Please write Natalie’s name in the memo portion, and mail back to me at:

Sarah Johnson
Funding Chairman
720 Morris Ave.
Larned, KS 67550

I have also set up a paypal account for secure, easy payment. The email address of the paypal account is: nataliesplashpad@hotmail.com

Again, thank you from the bottom of our hearts! It will be so bitter sweet to see Marleigh playing in a splash pad next summer in memory of her sister.