To Grandmas

We are headed out to Utah tomorrow for two weeks! We are really, really excited. So are the grandmas. What the grandma's don't know is that SLC is merely a layover and we are abandoning our child with them for two weeks while Nate and I head to Bermuda for Christmas. We haven't given them a warning yet but there are probably a few things they should know about her latest developments...

Kenna can be induced into a coma-like state by being placed in the 'ng' (swing). Even when it is thirty degrees and windy outside she will still ask to get in the 'ng'. She'll want to have her 'nai-nai' (nite-nites aka silkies) and 'beekee' (binky) with her when she gets in the swing. The silkies serve as an excellent scarf to keep the biting wind off of her while you stand there freezing.


Kenna has to have a bath everyday. Although, since she has a staff infection again you will have to scrub the tub and all of her toys with Lysol after each bath. When she bathes she gets as much water as she wants. If she decides she wants to sit in the bath for an hour and forty five minutes (like she did last Monday), you must drain the water and refill the tub so the water stays warm. Also, if she decides she wants to lay on her stomach for a while and splash the water with her feet you have to drain some of the water and then refill it when she is ready to sit up. If you don't she will say 'ya ya' (water) over and over again until it makes you crazy. Also, Kenna has learned to "achoo" you. She gets water on her hands (or worse, fills up a cup) and flings it at you, to which you must laugh hysterically. We have found it best to put a beach towel along the bottom of the tub to try to keep the floor dry. Also good luck washing her. Haha.


After the bath Kenna will scream and fight you when you try to lotion, diaper, and clothe her like it is some new torture you are imposing on her. She will scream 'neeewwwwww, neeeewwwww' (no, no) over and over and grasp for anything to keep her from this routine. Oh, and once you do get the diaper on, it is probably best to give her a little break to run around before you clothe her.

Kenna loves Santa Clause. She doesn't freak out like most normal kids do. This is possibly because I have been brain washing her for a month by showing her 'ho, ho, ho' (anything related to Christmas). So, take her to see Santa. She will willingly sit on his lap, though she may pretend to be shy at first. Also, she can eat her candy cane as long as you put a bib on her and intermittently wipe her hands and mouth.

It recently snowed here in Richmond (even though everyone says it never snows here). Kenna thinks this is the greatest thing ever, though she isn't quite willing to touch it yet. Be prepared to be confused because her word for snow is 'no,' so when I take her outside I am never quite sure if she is saying 'no' as in "Oh, look at the snow!" or 'no' as in "No!! I hate it here take me inside now!" Good luck with that.

Kenna loves Jenna. Probably a little more than Jenna loves Kenna right now. Kenna is constantly trying to kiss and hug her. You will have to make sure they see plenty of each other.

And finally, after a long day, Kenna likes to relax in her custom baby-sized lazy boy. She puts her arms behind her head and chills...ah, life is good.

Good luck Grandmas. We'll see you tomorrow!

Oh, and Wednesday was our five year anniversary. I realize people would rather read about Kenna than our mushy love life but let me just tell everyone out there that Nate is the most fantastic husband and father around. He does nothing for himself until Kenna is in bed at night and even then he will occasionally help me scrub the kitchen floor on his hands and knees or clean the bathtub. Kenna adores him and I don't know what I'd do without him.