A Lot Can Happen in 5 Days

So... last post mentioned some big stuff: moving, illness, walking. Since then, we have some major updates.

First update, moving. Our house sold in less than 5 days. So it turns out all of that time spent watching "Sell This House" was worth it. We have had an exhausting week, cleaning, packing, de-cluttering, organizing. Our house looks better than it ever will again, LOL. But it paid off, since keeping the house clean just about killed us. I locked Shrek outside when the maid came and he overheated and threw up everywhere. We had a showing today, and Leila ripped the metal bins out of the wall, sprinkled pens throughout the house, took the kitchen dishtowels out from under the sink and dumped out all of our things in the bathroom, and then peed on the carpet while I was trying to change her diaper. Going through any more time doing THAT would have been horrific.

Second, illness. I am close to 100% better, still have a nagging cough/congestion while Leila has congestion. Somehow Patrick escaped it.

We are moving to Clear Lake and now have to find a home ASAP. So please keep us in your prayers since this is a MAJOR change and we have A LOT to do. Sadly, we just got our home exactly how we want it, and now we are leaving it! Since this is our first house, I am a little emotional about it, mostly over the nursery where I brought my 1st baby home. That and the fact I am leaving all of my friends behind since I have lived here since 1986. No, it is not like I am moving to a different state, but lets be honest, with a baby it is a big move since you can't just jump in the car anymore.

The good news is that Leila is walking better every day and falls less (which equals less injuries) so we are thankful for each new day! Today she learned how to "dance" so once I get it on video you will have some LOLs. She is also becoming increasingly verbal and opinionated. I am thankful for this as it increases our ability to understand one another. Other words she says are "ba" (bottle), "na" (banana), "mo" (more, also snack), and of course "mama," "dada," and "no," which were among the first. Words she signs include eat, sleep, more, please, friend, and a handful of others.

Here are some pics of our house that were on the internet.

McKinney Family Update

I haven't blogged in a while because we have a lot going on. The biggest news is that we are putting our home up for sale to move closer to Patrick's job. We will be very sad to leave Sienna Plantation and the friends we have made here. Sienna is, in my opinion, the best place to live in the Houston area. We have wonderful friends here and my closest friends live in Sugar Land. There is a group of us who all went through our first pregnancies together and their kids are some of Leila's best friends. But it will be a blessing to have Patrick's job nearby as sometimes Leila is already asleep by the time he gets home.

Other than packing madly, I have been really sick for almost 2 weeks. I caught a cold that developed into an upper respiratory infection that really drained me. Poor Leila has had more than 30 minutes of Baby Einstein a day while I was exhausted--and then when I shut my eyes for a minute she got really mad! She demands a lot of attention for someone so small! LOL

On top of that, poor Shrek has a severe foot infection that requires a lot of care. It does not seem to bother him at all though. If anyone is considering getting a Chinese Shar-Pei dog-DON'T. They are one of the most high-maintenance of all breeds. They have eye problems, ear problems, skin problems, and his foot problem all due to their wrinkles. We love him very much and he has tolerated all of my care very well. He is our #1 dog and Leila just adores him.

Patrick has had to go to Baton Rouge a lot for work and makes the trip in one day. So on top of packing and moving, he is on the road a lot. He also has an Engineering Consulting business that is taking up his time. Since he is so handy, he has been doing a lot of little house projects to make everything look perfect. Patrick knows how to do just about everything so we keep him busy.

Leila is now 14 months old. She is what some Southerners would call a "spitfire" since she is an adorable bundle of energy. Her walking improves every day. She is doing great in school and not only does she not cry when I leave but she actually reaches for her teachers to take her--a huge milestone. She is talking a lot--words include "dada, mama, do (dog), mum-mum (snack), baba (bottle), Ein-Ein (Baby Einstein), mo (more), bow, Nana, turtle," and more I can't think of right now. She is also still signing which is very helpful. Here are some new pictures.

Leila calls balloons "pa" for "pop," as in bubbles pop.

Our little Tiny Dancer--getting her costume ready.

Ready for the game.

They are not just stacking rings, they are her bracelets, LOL.

She loves to wear scarves and hats on her head.

Sweet Shrek, our first "baby." He also demands a lot of attention!