August Adventures

Kemper,

I am way behind on writing your blog this month, but we've had all the adventures!  After returning from Montreat you had some fun mornings with Ms. Candance.  I cannot be more thankful for how well it worked out to have her hang out with you this summer, you had such a great time.  I know how lucky we are to find someone we already knew and trusted to spend time with you.   You also went to a science camp at preschool and brought back something different that you had created every day.  I don't even remember them all now, but glitter was certainly a main ingredient. :)    We also celebrated Dalton's 3rd birthday at his pool party.  I greatly enjoyed watching all the toddlers lick the icing off of their cupcakes and leave the cake on the counter....glad you aren't alone in that.

Our greatest adventure of the month was your third (second that you remember) trip to the beach.  We were blessed once again by Aunt Ida's generosity and were able to stay at their home near Emerald Isle.  We were able to go down a day early and stay with Ida and Woody at their home in New Bern and celebrate your cousin Mandy's birthday, which went off quite well considering the torrential downpour before the party started.  It is really wonderful for you to be able to play with your cousins, Jodie's son Grayson is only about a year older than you and you play quite well together.  It was also fun to watch your protectiveness of the baby cousins to be sure they didn't eat any of the smaller toys or climb up the stairs.

We went into New Bern on Sunday evening and had dinner with old friends (has it been long enough to say old after 15 years of knowing a person, Corinne?)  Corinne and Jeremy.  It is always a treat for Daddy and I to spend time with them, truly two of our favorite people.  You take a shine to most people, especially men, so you quickly formed a bond with Jeremy.  They were kind to take us over to the playground across the street and for a walk around town after dinner.  What a cute little town! It was fun for me to see the place where your Papa Bass grew up.


Papa and Beba came down for a few days during our trip.  Papa made homemade ice cream and it was delicious! Who knew he had an ice cream machine in the attic as old as your mother?

 Wednesday much of your family came and took us out on the boats! We went to Shackleford Island and while we didn't see any wild ponies we had lots of fun swimming in the shallow, calm waters.  Your dad took Beba out on the jet ski! You were very leery of getting out in the water with us but after about an hour, when you realized we weren't going to sit on the boat with you, you joined me.  "I'm swimming, Mama! This is fun!"  Your dad was particularly proud of you for your short ride on the jet ski with us.   When I asked you at the end of our vacation what your favorite part of the trip was you told me it was riding on the boat.   We enjoyed a dinner out with many of your cousins that evening.

We went fishing out on the dock one morning.  Papa caught a crab and Daddy a flounder. You quickly tired of the waiting game that is fishing. We went to the aquarium one morning before your grandparents left.  It was a great time to go because it was not yet crowded.  You saw lots of beautiful creatures, but you practically ran through the place! My favorite was a young sea turtle who will be released into the wild in October.

Most days we went out to the beach for a little while and several times your cousins came with us. You and Grayson made ice cream for us out of sand and little Sayla enjoyed eating it (for real).  I think perhaps you were a sand crab in another life.  You really love to dig in the sand, have us build castles and then stomp on them.  You were scared of the ocean which is understandable, but you really wanted to go to the ocean and be close to Daddy who may really be a merman (hahaha). By the last day you would sit at the edge of the surf with me and enjoy the splashing water.  

Again, I must say how truly thankful we are to be building relationships with this side of your family.  As an only child, I have always felt closer bonds to my extended family-aunts, uncles, and cousins.  One day, your generation of the family will need each other and so I hope you will get to know them in the years to come.  There is something to be said for the generosity of family.  We are very lucky because all of your family is kind and generous.  You have the most devoted grandparents and an aunt and uncle who love you dearly.  And you also have great aunts and uncles, and cousins who make sure to let you know you are loved.  Being an only child does not mean that you are alone, I hope you never feel that way.

Coming home after an adventure such as the beach can be difficult but we have had some fun. We went out to dinner one night and took you to the mall for a train ride.  Your joy was infectious.  The video Daddy captured was absolutely precious, I've watched it about a million times. When we returned home last week you were able to go and spend a few days with Grams and Papa Bass at their new house.  What fun to be able to go the fair and ride the carousel with your belly full of fried foods and cotton candy! You were able to visit with Aunt Mert and Uncle Nick which I know you enjoyed if the video Mert sent your Daddy is any indication.  You must have lived life to the fullest because you slept about 11 hours the night you came home.

Today we are going to celebrate Labor Day at Dalton's house.  I think you will get to see Dalton and Maya, a fun reunion for sure.  Tomorrow you return to school.  You will be in Ms. Fiona's class and I think this will be a great fit.  Your little friend Emmi is going to be in your class so I know you will be excited to play with her.  Everyone at church and preschool are ready to see you, as you usually make your rounds, saying hello and getting treats in the office.  I am looking forward to seeing what the next month of life will bring.  Potty use!? Finger's crossed.

XOXO,

Mommy

Favorites (asked at this very moment)
Favorite Color: pink
Favorite Song: 10, 000 Reasons
Favorite Food: Mac & Cheese
Favorite Show: Mickey Mouse Club House
Favorite Toys: Paw Patrol
Favorite thing to say: "Sure"

Bear's First Montreat

Kemper,

We've had such a full month it is hard for me to remember all the fun (and frustration probably) that we have had!  All in the life of a toddler I suppose.

You enjoyed being at Art Camp with your preschool friends.  You loved seeing your friend Emmy each day.  It was great to bring home some neat artwork for our fridge!  In a week or two you will get to do another fun camp at church.

We went to the cabin over the Fourth of July.  Our holiday festivities got rained out but we still had a good time with Papa Tate and Beba there.  You enjoyed showing off your "cavin" and the tree house playground.  We went down and visited the stables too.  We are so lucky to have a beautiful, peaceful place to visit from time to time.


When we came home I had a few more days off so we went on some adventures at home.  We spent a day with Dalton and a few of his other friends.  We rode the trolley in downtown Roanoke and went to the Taubman Museum for story-time and crafts.  We had a picnic and then walked to the Peter Pan Park.  You and Dalton just loved being together.  It is nice that we are making friends here and I am thankful we were invited to spend that special day out and about exploring new things.


For the last few weeks we've had Ms. Candace watching you at home in the mornings while I go into the office.  Since you already know Candace from doing music with her at church and preschool this has been a huge blessing!  You've enjoyed playing all sorts of games with her each day from hide and seek to bubbles and water table in the yard. You like to turn the bubble blower on and then shoot the bubbles with your water sprayer. So inventive!  You even like Candace enough to go potty for her some....will wonders never cease!

Our greatest adventure has been going to Montreat, your first trip.  We accompanied Covenant's youth group for youth conference.  You were absolutely in awe of the auditorium and the flags and music of opening worship.  You loved to get out in the aisle and sing the songs.  You were particularly happy to sing "Ten Thousand Reasons" which you had learned with Candace at VBS.  It melted my heart to see you singing along and doing the motions you had learned.  You were certainly the little darling of our section of the aud.  One night as the scripture passage about Doubting Thomas was being read, you said loud and clear, "Hey, I know Thomas!"  Oh honey, I laughed at that until I cried.  So funny.  You loved going to the "big big playground" (I knew you would) and I was delighted it was so close to one of the houses our group was staying in.   By the end of the week you were telling me you were a teenager and calling them your friends.    We were so fortunate to have Grams come down to the cabin halfway through the week so you got to spend Thursday and much of Friday with her.  I know she loved seeing you as much as you loved being there with her and Uncle Ray.  You also got to meet one of my favorite people, Bill Buchanan for the first time.  Oh, to see you hug him goodbye.... all the feels.   It doesn't seem so long ago that I was babysitting his children and they were your age.  It did my heart god to see him.

                                                

Sprinkled here and there have been our usual excursions to the playground and the library.  You're getting quite good and climbing and playing on the playground. "I do it myself, Mommy."   I think you've grown an inch this summer at least and you'll need new shoes again before long.  Ms. Peggy always told me feet grow quickly in the summer.  You've eaten your weight in popsicles several times over. You continue to get better at various things, from speaking in sentences to a vivid imagination.  You continue to ask "why" incessantly, but I think it is getting better--I must be getting used to it.  You love puzzles and ordering in restaurants. You have asked to go potty several times in public places which is a huge success in my book. Panda Bear is still the favored stuffed animal. Paw Patrol is still king in our house.   Tonight you told me you wanted a hug and a kiss when I came in your room to check on you...and you insisted that I take all your sugars.  Sweet boy.  This mostly makes up for the bite marks you left on my belly yesterday.  

We have another camp and a very likely beach trip to look forward to in the month of August.  Excited to share all the fun with you and Daddy.  You're a rockstar, kid.

Love you,
Mommy

Where's The Fire?

Kempy,

My mind has been much consumed in recent weeks by Vacation Bible School--your first VBS experience.  I think you handled it as well as possible for a preacher's kid.  It was a challenge to be in leadership and have you there because you wanted to be with me all the time.   But, you had so much fun singing songs with Ms. Candace and playing recreation with Mrs. Mary.  You walked around the house saying, "Howdy, Partner" (we had a ranch theme) and singing, "Boom Chicka Boom." You had to be up front with me to tell the story each day, and I think you liked pretending to ride horses to learn about different missions each day.  You even gave one of your crafts to Beba as a gift.  On Friday evening we had a summer concert at church and a bounce house for kids. I think you must have gone down the bounce house slide 100 times.   This week you are at a camp through the preschool and enjoying preschool friends and creating artwork.

You've played a lot with your grandparents this month.  You spent a weekend at Beba and Papa Tate's so that Daddy and I could celebrate our 10 year anniversary.  You also spent a lot of time with Grams & Papa Bass at their house while I was at work....hours of fun spent playing in the water table and playground.  In fact, you love the water table so much that Grams ordered you one to stay at our house, a pirate ship! Tonight we are having dinner with Grams and Papa Bass at their house in Salem, our last time there before they move to Harrisonburg.  We sure will miss having them close by.

There have been some difficult moments this summer as you test your boundaries with us, but we are learning how to adapt and address these times when they arise.  You still don't want to potty with us.  We've tested out big boy underwear a few times and all manner of incentives to encourage potty use.  You've been liking summer hours, staying up a little later to play at the playground or in the yard....but still getting up early! Come on!

We've had fun at the playground and going on walks in the neighborhood.  We've also had a picnic at Hollins and went up to the barn to see the horses. We have gotten to play with Maya and Dalton as well.

  Our adventures will take us to the cabin next week for fourth of July and we are taking Papa Tate and Beba along with us.  Hopes are high for a trip to the beach at some point.  In July you will go to Montreat for the first time.  I am so excited to take you to a place so near and dear to my heart, although I know we will miss Daddy a lot.

You sat in church for the beginning of worship Sunday and Mary did the children's time.  She asked about VBS and you told her all about your friend Emmi.  When she mentioned the fire that was built in the sanctuary for VBS (thanks, Mark) you said, "But, where's the fire?"  This question became part of the guest minister's sermon--good job kid!

You had so much fun with Daddy last Saturday, I think you had every toy you own out in the living room.  You took total ownership of creating the mess.  We love hearing about your day and experiencing your imagination emerging.  Also, your hugs are terrific.

You had a good three year check up--scared while you were there but so proud to announce what you'd done when you were finished.  You're about 3 feet tall and 30 pounds.

Favorites:
Food-mac & cheese, popcicles
Drink-Apple Juice
Song-I Was Born
Thing to say: "mamamamama", "daddydaddydaddy," and "I just Kemper"
Thing to do: go to playground, play with safari animals and Paw Patrol
Favorite Show: Paw Patrol & Moana
Best Friends: Dalton, Maya, and Emmi



We love you a million times over.
Love,
Mama and Daddy

"I Was Born Today"

Little Bear,

This morning when you realized it was your birthday you bounded out of bed, stood up proud and tall and proclaimed to me, "I bigger!"  Then you said, "Look, Mommy, look what I can do" then you jumped and clapped your hands at the same time.  How marvelous to be three.



The truth is that the date of your birthday has always held a special place in my heart as it is my mommy, your Beba's birthday as well.  You were very excited to tell people that you share a birthday with your Beba and to sing Happy Birthday to her this morning.

I think maybe as a mother a child's birthday is a little different than it is in the view of everyone else. At least for me it is, it is not just a day a celebrate as the day you entered into our world, but it stands for me as a reminder of my strength, my perseverance, and quite honestly, plain old survival!  As I write this blog, it is lunchtime.  Right about the time three years ago when your Beba--foregoing all ideas of celebration--was driving me from the doctor's office to the hospital "for further observation" because things just "weren't right" with me.  I don't think I will ever forget the relief I felt at having all those monitors hooked to me and having a nurse tell me that you were doing fine.  This was mixed with the terrifying visit from the doctor on duty (who was AMAZING) that I was not fine and in fact the time had come, it was absolutely necessary that you be born on that day, as soon as possible.

So much has happened in three years, it is hard to wrap my mind around.  I look at you and you are so big, so tall and beautiful.  No matter how much parents prepare to bring their babies home, you just truly have no idea what you're doing.  I second guessed everything--how to swaddle you, how to change your diaper (those first weeks with the horrible diaper rash were rough), how to feed you, how to leave you to go to the bathroom, how to sleep! Now here we are and I still have not figured out how to go to the bathroom in peace! But, I have fully embraced the "sleep when the baby sleeps" method.

Kemper, you bring us such joy.  Even when these days are long and hard.  Even when we have meltdowns over nap time and battles of will over using the potty.  Even when all you'll eat are gummies and mac & cheese for breakfast....you bring us so much joy.  You sing and dance around the house without a care in the world.  You tell us about your great days at school and make us laugh with your imaginative spirit.  You demand that we chase you, tickle you, and sit with you on the couch.  When you tell us that you love us, or wrap our legs in a surprise hug, it is as if the world swells in order to hold all of the blessing that you are in our lives.  In those moments the rest of adulthood melts away and there is only you in your perfect innocence.


As we close this chapter of your life (year two was not so terrible) and move into being three I am thankful for our recent adventures.

• You've adjusted to a new preschool and bonded with your teachers and new friends.  You've loved music, soccer shots, and bricks for kids after school.  
• You've enjoyed fun days at the cabin in North Carolina and embraced special time with your family in the last few weeks.  
• You've spent hours at the playground as the days have grown longer and warmer, and even enjoyed some time in your kiddie pool.  
• You've had your first encounter with giraffes and other wildlife at the Safari Park, a fun adventure for us to celebrate your birthday.  

Thank you for being such a great kid.  Thank you for forgiving us on our worst days, when tempers are short.  Thank you for reminding us of the simple beauty in the world; where bugs, flowers, and bubbles reign supreme.  Thank you for inviting us to play, whether it be Paw Patrol or racing cars, you make life fun.    We love you so very much, as you know. 

Love, 

Mommy

Almost Three

Son,


A month away and your "threenager" is already showing.  I've watched my wise and wonderful Hollins mama's reach three before me....and I've been waiting to witness firsthand just what they have meant by having a threenager.  I suspect that it is your age and development combined with the adjustments to your new preschool and schedule that have quite honestly made you beastly on many occasions the last few weeks.  We've had to put you in time out far more than we'd like, and Daddy and I had a long conversation last weekend so that we would be on the same page about where we thought you were and how we wanted to handle it when situations arose that needed addressing.  In simple terms, you aren't listening very well and defiance has reared its ugly head.  I imagine you reading this blog when you are older, maybe when you turn 18...and the descriptions I am giving you of selective hearing and defiance, as well as our attempts to get through to you, will sound eerily familiar.

Despite these challenges, we've had a pretty good month of adventures.  You are enjoying your new preschool and making new friends.  I've been told that you just fit right in and are a great participant in class activities.  It has been fun to watch you interact with others and get excited about music, crafts, and after school activities.  We have you doing Soccer Shots and Bricks 4 Kidz after school two days a week.  You really enjoy these opportunities.  You had a great surprise when the first teacher you remember from Montessori school, Ms. Becca, came to lead your Bricks 4 Kidz activities. It warmed my heart after the first week to hear you say, "I like my new school Mommy, I not scared anymore."  Little did we know that the following week you would be absolutely terrified of the Easter bunny!  I mean full on red-faced sobbing and shaking.  It never occurred to me that the Easter Bunny's presence at your school egg hunt would be an issue.  Another nice thing about being right there in the building-I had come down to go with you for your egg hunt but instead we went upstairs and you accompanied me to staff meeting until things returned to normal downstairs.  You did well going back to class the next day, but we have heard a lot about the Easter bunny since then.  Of course, you had no problem getting Easter treats and baskets anyway.

Early on in the month you had some major Boys Club with Daddy. I had to be away one night for work so you guys did the manly bonding.  It sounded like you had so much fun playing in the yard and racing cars all around the house.  You also rocked your beanie that Grams made for you, one just like Daddy's.

We've had some fun exploring the Roanoke Valley too.  Over Easter weekend Daddy went to help Papa Bass and Grams at their cabin and we had to stay home for Mommy to work on Sunday.  We visited two different playgrounds in the area and had a breakfast treat at Krispy Kreme.  You tackled big slides and new equipment with great zeal.  We also had dinner with Papa, Beba, Great Jane & Great Tom, and cousins Jason, Heather and Taylen.  It was nice to spend a little time with our extended family.  All of these adventures made the time pass quickly while Daddy was away.  We also went to a playground with Dalton over spring break and had a picnic. You were so happy to see one another and played well together.

We've had two opportunities to visit the new cabin your grandparents own in North Carolina.  The car rides aren't easy for you but I think you quickly forget that when you arrive.  It is a beautiful setting in the mountains, a fun place where you can ride your tricycle in laps on the wrap around porch, throw stones in the creek, and play on a cool tree-house like playground. On our most recent trip you were obsessed with the new ping pong table (you're pretty good at hitting the ball, and chasing them around the room).  You were also fascinated by the popcorn machine.  You seem to get dirtier there, but also sleep harder in your big bunk-bed, complete with a huge stuffed bear which perfectly matches the bear theme of your room.  Last weekend we got to stay with Papa and Grams and also see Aunt Meredith, Uncle Nick, and Great Ray.  At the end of the trip when I asked you your favorite thing about the cabin you said, "Aunt Meredith and Uncle Nick came."  Again, melt my heart.  

I am looking forward to more adventures to come for us this spring and summer as we adjust to a new normal with preschool and summer schedules. I am especially excited about Friday morning, your preschool is hosting a "Donuts For Dad" day at school so you will get to show Daddy your new classroom.   I am praying for lots of fun times ahead as you continue to learn and grow every day.  We absolutely adore you.  You are our pride and joy.

So much love,
Mommy

P.S. Stop giving away all your sugars to Grams, it makes it hard for me to get any kisses! ;)

Biggest Challenge: Potty training-peeing on cheerios is the new incentive at home.
Biggest Success: Going into your class with no tears.
New Favorite Thing: Paw Patrol, Cookie Monster & Cookie Tree Book
Biggest Aversion: The Easter Bunny
Favorite Foods: Still strong on Mac & Cheese, Cheesy Toast, Apple Juice
New Thing to Say: "Hey, hey, hey Mommy/Daddy, Look at this!"

Mighty Rushing Wind

Kemper,

I am not entirely sure where the month of March has gone.  I keep waiting for that big winter snow but Spring is here, it was here a month ago! You have enjoyed learning the Star Spangled Banner at school and we have loved hearing you sing it. You have "grown out of paci."  This may have taken some deception on our part...but it is done!  Also, you've learned your full name- William Kemper Mitchell-and are proud to say so.  Now you ask me what everyone's full name is in the family.    You're still in pull-ups and not entirely sold on using the potty at home yet.  We keep working, trying different things.

One big shift for you was transitioning to a big boy bed!  For the first few nights you rolled out of bed onto a strategically placed body pillow, but since then you have been fine!  In fact, you are really good at going to bed and staying in it, even when you wake up in the morning.  I hope I won't jinx our luck by saying so.



We've had fun times at the playground, church dinners, and playing in the backyard with daddy.  You've spent some time with both grandparents.  A few weeks ago you went bowling with Papa Bass and Grams for the first time. You really enjoyed it, you stole everyone else's turn!  Every once in a while you will say, "I miss bowling."  You spent last weekend at Papa and Beba's house. You got to meet the new puppy, Becca, and I think you two hit it off.  We are so very blessed to have our family close by.   We haven't really tried to explain it to you yet, but Papa Bass and Grams will be moving to Harrisonburg this summer for Papa Bass to work in a new church. It isn't terribly far away, but after two years of having them just across town, this will be a big change.  They have also bought a mountain house in NC for the family.  We know you will love it and look forward to taking you there soon.  

Other big changes are coming your way.   Next week you will begin attending Covenant Presbyterian Preschool.  This was a big decision for us--one that I have thought over multiple times but this time it seemed like the right move to make.  I am looking forward to having you right in the building with me.  I think you will enjoy being in a class with only children your same age and having more creative play and craft time. You will also have some fun after school activities to do, like Soccer Shots and Bricks 4 Kids.  I hope having more afternoon time at home will make the move easier.   I know this will be another difficult transition to you to make; especially since you are finally adjusting to the new classroom with older children at your current school.  We are committed to maintaining your relationships with the closest friends you've made. I think separating you from them is the hardest part for me.

Tonight I caught a glimpse of the man I believe you will grow up to be.  We were at the playground and you insisted that we walk around the 2 x 4 beams that circle the perimeter of the playground.  You love to walk along and balance on them.  I was supposed to walk behind you.  When you came to part of the wood where it was splintered away, you turned and held my hand to help me step over the broken part, "Here you go, Mommy."  May you always be so kindhearted, thoughtful, and compassionate.   Not only to me (but yes, Lord, please to me) but to every person you encounter.  

Love you so much,

Mommy

70 degrees in February

Kempy,

The last month or so has been filled with both trials and triumphs.  You've been adjusting to a new classroom at school. While most mornings are tearful at drop off they have improved a little bit each day.  When you get picked up from school you always say, "I had a great day!" You like having a few friends from your previous class who have also moved up into the older group, but you very much miss your closest friends, Maya and Dalton.  You are getting better at putting your own shoes on and enjoy visiting the class pet, a lizard named Captain Pickles.   You also continue to go potty at school regularly, but you've fallen behind a bit on that at home.  The big boy undies didn't last very long this morning.  I trust you won't go to high school in pull ups :)

You were able to have a play date with Dalton a few weeks ago. So much to explore at Dalton's house! I am glad you have made such sweet friends at school.  Over Valentine's day you exchanged valentines with your friends, and Maya sent you a plush love bug, so precious.  You were also given a tiny little Paw Patrol Puzzle, which is all you played with for two days.  It is now getting worn out and we will likely have find you another puzzle.

Last weekend you had boys club with Daddy while I was away at Presbytery meeting.  It seems like lots of fun was had playing out in the yard and pulling all of your toys out into the living room.  It doesn't look that much different today!


The weather has been beautiful.  Completely opposite from this time two years ago when we were snowed in, it is has been in the 70s this week.  Trees and flowers are blooming! We've had some fun outdoors and at the playground. A little bit of sunshine goes a long way in the winter months.

You seem to talk more every day! I think you are growing taller by the minute.  We took away your high chair, but you may need a booster seat, you like getting up at meals a bit too much.

You've said some funny things, so I'll leave you with those.

Thanks for keeping us laughing, kid.  We love you.

Mommy

Me: Kemper...(warning tone)
K: sorry mommy, I just gotta run!

In the car, K pretending his truck can fly.
K: it's pastor man!
Me: You mean like super man?
K: yeah, it's pastor man!
Me; I'll take it.