Kamalee's Monkey Birthday

Two weeks ago, we celebrated Kam's birthday, with a Monkey Party. The original plan was for the park but the wonderful SD wind changed the venue to our jungle. I decorated while she napped and when she woke up and saw it, she immediately pointed and signed monkey. It was adorable.

The Gifts:
Her new shades.

Blowing out the candles!

The Decor:
Lime and Pink Mod Monkey! LOVE IT!

The Cake:
Made by me, a replica of the monkey on her decorations.

The Morning After:

WHAT A DAY!

She was exhausted! :)

Happy Birthday!

She's 2 Today!!!! I can't believe she is two already, but she is. My baby is a toddler. I have been wanting to write her birth story for awhile now, but haven't sat to do it. I will share that with you all a little later!

Last day...

Today is Justin's last day of work at Watertown Ford!!!!! I baked 4 dozen cupcakes last night and gave my hand at a cupcake pullapart. I think it turned out ok, for a quick put together...

If you haven't already heard, he accepted a position at Lake Area Tech as the new Diesel CAT Instructor. He will be doing training in Aberdeen tomorrow and Wed. Then, he officially starts next Monday. Good Luck Justin!

Our Weekend

It's funny how you notice how life changes from when you were a kid. I was 17 and living on my own before I experienced my first concert. Kamalee, not even 2, got to see her first, three! Saturday we went to the annual summer celebration at the Redlin Center. We had never gone before, but it was great. I think we will have to go again. We only went for the evening as Justin worked (His LAST saturday, btw :). But we saw a triple threat concert of Restless Heart, Blackhawk and Little Texas. Wow, it was fun. Older music that I remember loving when I was a kid...brought back old memories. Kamalee had a BLAST and was the life of the party for anyone in viewing distance. She didn't stop dancing and so enjoyed when everyone clapped. She also got to play with a glow stick for the first time. OOHH...AAAWW! She loved them and waved it about with all her might. She passed out in my arms during one of the last slow songs. Woke at the end long enough to applaud one more time and right back to sleep. They had a fireworks display at the end that was really pretty. Unfortunately, Kamalee missed them once again. So still no firework experience for her.... But she loved the rest.

Sica Hollow

Whew! Time sure keeps passing by in between my blog posts. I am starting to wonder how my life got so busy! Most recently, pain went through my house. I started the week out in the clinic with an unsure result of severe pain in my rib and back. After 4 hours, blood work, x-ray, ua, gi cocktail (omg...YUCKY), demoral and and IV I was sent home to rest. If after sleeping I was to return that night by 7 for admittance to the hospital. Well, I slept for 17 hours, instead of the 3 I expected! My hubby kept checking on me but I would only wake enough to say I was ok and go on sleeping. I spent most of the next day sleeping as well. Then, Wednesday rolled in and I took an overdue visit to have my wisdom teeth pulled. (Which had caused a 4 day migraine the week before) OUCH! I am finally in very little pain today and am eating normally. Thank goodness. That was a tough 5 days. Meanwhile, I got another year older. Not feeling the best, I was still able to celebrate. My husband, Kam and I went to Sica Hollow. (Pics are from our day trip) I had never been there before but always wanted to. It was so pretty. I would love to go back when the leaves are changing (and hopefully when I am in better shape. got tired fast :) Next time, I think we HAVE to do the horseback riding.

Happy 4th of July

Hope you all had a really great 4th. We were very busy and it completely tired Kamalee out. She fell asleep in the highchair today :)

Friday, Justin had the day off so we went to the zoo. We also took 5 of my nieces. It was a good time. I think all of the kids enjoyed it. Then we did July birthdays. So that itself was a long day. Saturday, we were up early to go to the infamous Kranzburg Parade. Justin and I had never gone before. But it was pretty fun. We spent some time with Justin's Grandparents and then relaxed at home. Sunday, we had a shrimp boil at the lake with Justin's family. YUMMY!!!!!! Kamalee had her first boat ride of the year and fell asleep! :) She zonked out and didn't move until this morning! So Justin and I got to go back out and jump off. Our first lake swim of the summer...and it's July! Where did the time go!?!?!


(pics are not loading, will try to post them later)

Wild Water West

Two weeks ago, we got to spend a day at Wild Water West! It was beautiful. I got very burnt but had a great time. Kamalee loved the water but wasn't ready to go play with all those people around. She hung out pretty much by my side all day.

Then we met a friend, with matching scars. I can't remember her name, but she was a doll!

ah, poop!

Kamalee pooped and peed in the potty!!!!

I am just so very excited about this. The second attempt to put her on today and we made it in time!!! Earlier it ended up on the floor. =) ok, so I know we are a long way off from potty training but it was still exciting. Took pictures of her after and she was so proud and huge grins...but she was just getting into pajamas and so she was naked...guess I won't share! lol.

Camping

She loves her new little chair. A good buy.

We have made it out camping 2 times so far this year. Kamalee loves being outside so it usually goes well...except it like to rain when we camp. bummer. But we still enjoy it and really hope to find a few more weekends to go out. Here is a few pics from our first outing this year. Kamalee got to play in sand for the first time. She did great for about 5 minutes, then got too excited and put her hand over her mouth in awe...but grabbed a mouthful of sand instead. Then she didn't like it too much! :)

Quick update...

Just a quick update on some of Kamalee's doings! I hope to get caught up with pictures and things soon.

Today, she had her first home visit with Early Headstart. WOW! Alot of info came at me today. She just played. I think this is going to be really helpful for her. I didn't realize how many small skills there are that I haven't even tried showing her. I don't really know if she can do them because I have never even thought to try. She will be coming once a week for an hour and a half. She is gonna be so smart, in no time. =)

She has really been doing good in OT lately and with signs. She has done/does about 10 different signs. Plus she is getting really good at imitating hand songs (patty cake, itsy bitsy spider), winking and waving bye. We still aren't quite walking alone yet. But she has been concentrating on other areas lately.

The summer is going by fast already and Kamalee loves being outside.

;) wink!

Designer Genes

Designer Genes is still going great....I have just been very busy with a wedding. Researching new things and looking for new products.

Please check out my new blog here. I hope to keep this updated with images. I have only a few on of my last wedding right now as they haven't got them yet. Check it out, pass it on and let me know what you think!

Stacking

with all the busyness lately, Kamalee being sick and us being out of town...we have really been slacking on our learning skills lately. BUT Kam didn't miss a bit. She stepped right back in the swing of things and picked up right where we left off. First attempt, she stacked her stacking blocks! In the past she has had no interest. She usually likes to put them inside one another, not on top. It's been awhile since we have tried again...apparently she was ready now. It's so cute.

Don't mind the pause in the middle. I turned mute on the tv but not off so she was distracted! :)

In other news, K got a new tooth. 10 now! Also, we registered for early headstart. I guess Hamlin County doesn't offer a center base for any of their headstart so it is all done in the home. So, they actually have an 'early headstart' that can begin as early as pregnancy!!!! Guess we could have signed up long ago...oh well. If there is an opening, she could be enrolled as soon as next month. Otherwise, starting September....she should be a 'school girl'!!!! (sigh) she seems to0 little. But at least she will be able to do it at home with me for 2 years before going off on her own to school! PTL!

Everyone have a beautiful Memorial Day weekend. Thank a soldier.

Bubbles is 60!

My mom had a big birthday yesterday!
I was blamed for writing all over her store windows and making signs for people to honk...which I did not do bubbles. The culprit is still unknown. (to her at least ;) Sad part is she had it all washed off before I got to see. Stinker you!

Grandma and her sisters brought cake and ice cream to the store. Then some of us kids went for supper. 4 granddaughters performed their version of the birthday song for her....

Left to Right... Desiree, Kiara, Stacia, Chelsey


This weekend, all of us daughters and some aunts, cousins are taking Mom to Sioux City to go to a river boat casino, shopping and spend the night. Will post pictures of our trip when we return.

Neglect of the blog...

...means busy days for the Ulschmids.

Not sure even where to begin. This past weekend Amy photographed her first wedding for 2010. It was a little chilly but turned out great. Photos to be coming soon.

Then Saturday, we headed to Minneapolis with some friends to celebrate Justin's birthday. We shopped, ate and hot tubbed. Then, Sunday we got to see the new MN Twin's Stadium and watch the game. They lost, but it was exciting to see the new place.

This week we put up the swingset from my Dad. Kamalee loves swinging!!! Plus we got Duke's kennel up and have spent many days/nights outside playing.

Kamalee and I got our first sunburn yesterday. Very mild, but we have to watch her with that white skin she has!!!!!

Starting today, I am working at Billions answering phones for 12 days. They are having an offsite sale so I am helping out. We will see how this goes :)

In Kami news...she had a 6month review with her therapies and birth to three coordinator. Everything went well. Quick means good! All therapies are remaining the same. They all agreed that she is progressing really well and the therapies that we have are adequete. She surprises us everyday with her progression. She has now taken a total of 3 steps alone. She stood in the middle of the yard. (went from sitting to standing with no help) She is speaking: Momma, Dadda, all done, what's that and has occassionally said papa and more. (she babbles unknown words, all day :) She signs, more, eat, puppy and all done. Plus, she just recently learned to say moo for cow and rururur, for puppy. As for doctors...we don't need to see anyone special (except for cardiologist every 6 months, but that's for life). YAY! for a little normalcy.

Also, we contacted the InterLakes Community Action in our county see about getting her ready for schools. Turns out they actually offer an in-home service for headstart. It's broke into 2 secitions; with an eary headstar and regular. Early headstart can begin at pregnancy until 3 and then headstart from 3-5. It's income based; however, since Kamalee is on an IFSP she should be eligibile. So we are applying for this and if accepted she may begin right away. I am glad that it is home-based. For awhile there I thought she might be going to school at 3. But now she can stay with me until 4 like most other kids.

I have pictures too...but I am 'working' right now. Will update when I can!!!!

Easter

We had such a wonderful Easter. Blessed be the name of the LORD! Thank you Father for the love you have given us and washing away our sins. We were able to spend time with both of our families. The top picture is Kamalee hunting for her egss. (sorry about the blue lines under my text...not sure how this got here or how to get it off and I don't have the patience to try fix it =)

Justin's step-dad brought their miniature pony in....so Kamalee sat on a horse for the first time. She didn't mind it until he started to move. Then she was reaching for me as fast and far as she could.


Here she found her Easter basket and is showing off the goods.


Her Easter outfit. She wouldn't look of course.


Me and Kam.


Just found it. ( a little out of order, sorry)


Daddy and Kam.


Our little Family.


She was using her candy as a phone. Had to put this one up ... Justin thinks she resembles Grandma Bubbles in this picture.


Coloring eggs. Kamalee liked to bang hers on the table until there wasn't much egg left.

2nd Chance Prom

Last weekend we were able to attend the 2nd Chance Prom, benefiting Codington County Cares (the cancer center in town). I wasn't feeling all that great so I was pretty tired, but other than that it was a good time! We all got dressed up, ate, danced and got to spend some fun time together!


the whole group...oops the one and only on my camera my eyes were closed!me and the hubby

the girls (minus a couple)

the WEST bunch (minus 2)

Meet Duke

Tonight, as I was cooking supper, my husband popped up in the kitchen window displaying the newest member of the family!

Meet DUKE. He is our new puppy. He's a black lab/german short hairt mix. And a boy. That's about all we know.

Justin was working on a truck from MN today and saw a flyer inside about puppies. He has been searching KELO and craigslist for a few weeks now for a puppy but he wasn't finding one he liked that wasn't $200 (or much, much more). This little guy was the runt of the litter and they didn't expect him to make it. Lucky for us, he was just wanted J wanted and FREE!!!! I call him the clearance puppy (like from Marley&Me...the runt). Isn't he cute?!

He is pretty shy and is still getting adjusted to his new home.

We decided to take our first walk of the year since it was so gorgeous tonight. Kamalee got to ride her Dora jeep outside for the first time. She loved it!!!!