Happy 1st Birthday, Liliana Claire!

Happy First Birthday Lily! It's really hard to believe that you came into our lives only a year ago today. You have become such a huge part of our lives that, while I can't always remember which name to call you, I can't imagine my life without you. I have been so blessed by being able to have you with me every day of this first precious year. As I watch you grow, I marvel at all the little things, your smiles, your dimples, your ticklishness, your chunky little thighs, the way you quiet down when Cassidy sings "Hi Lily" to you and every little thing you say. You are the most wonderful gift and every day I thank God for the miracle of you!

Happy Birthday Liliana Claire Birks-Kilman! We love you!

Mom, Dad, Ali, Erin, Katie and Cassidy

She had her cake...

...and she ate it too! I found out that our high chair comes apart in all sorts of new and different ways. She's a cutie...even with an amazing amount of chocolate icing all over her!

Choo Choo!

It's official: Cassidy is on the Potty Train!

It really only took 1 day, new panties and a couple of accidents to get Cassidy fully potty trained!!! We couldn't be happier. While it was a long time in comin', it's finally complete. She's telling us when she needs to go, on the road or in the house, she's making it and we're done with daytime diapers & pull ups!!! She's still wet overnight, but we can deal with that!

She and I went together to Target to pick out some new big girl panties...she picked Dora the Explorer (big surprise there) and Elmo/Sesame Street ones. She's so proud of them, she told the girl at the check out, "These are MY big girl panties! You see them?" She looks forward to a new pair every day!

Whoo Hoo! Only one more to go!

Camping!!!

The Girl Scout Troops from Trinity Lutheran

What a weekend!!! I could tell some stories about the fun I had this weekend...unfortunately the blog would take until next Thursday to read...so I'll post pictures and give a summary!



Friday night, Alison and Erin went camping with their Junior Girl Scout troop. Under the superb leadership of two wonderful leaders, Monica Folk and Shelly Hartwig, the girls built campfires, cooked dinner, set up tents, dug primitive bathroom pits and prepared to host their little sister Brownie troop (which actually includes their little sister)! Saturday, I arrived with Katie and the rest of the troop (along with my fearless co-leader, Christine). We had a great day and evening, playing games, eating, singing songs, eating, taking hikes, eating, stargazing, and did I mention, eating??? Fun was had by all!!! But, don't take my word for it...check out the pictures on the side!!!!!

Cassidy might be on the Potty Train!!!!

Boy, it looks as though we might have finally figured out this girl's currency. After a near success (but not quite) last week, Cassidy wistfully stares out the car window and says very quietly, "I want panties like Miley". Miley being apparently a successful potty trained friend at school.

We've been frustrated with her lack of success or caring or something...ever since I jinxed myself with the flippant comment, "I never had to potty train my kids, they all did it themselves".

Alas, with any luck, we might have found the golden ticket. Dora the Explorer big girl panties!

After changing a yucky diaper tonight, I asked her if she really wanted panties like Miley. She said, "oh yes". I told her she needed to go potty on the potty seat. She promptly went and peed! She picked a pair of brand new panties and (oh so cute) put them on! She was so big and proud! In the next 2 hours, she must have peed 6 times! All in the potty!

Choo choo! The Potty Train is at least in the station!!!!

Can it have been SO LONG!?!?!?!

It's April already??? March just flew by!!!

There is probably too much to update on with the blog, but I'll give some current/just past events!

Spring Break! I got a much needed break when I went down to visit my aunt and uncle in Jupiter (the city, not the planet). I only had Lily with me, so it was truly a much less busy time! I was pampered with 2 massages, a pedicure, and a manicure. I tell you, I could get used to that! Erin, Katie and Cassidy came down initially with me, Ryan flew down Friday night and then they all flew home Sunday night after 2 fun field trips to Wannado City and Lion Country Safari. The kids had a great time, but wanted to stay...I said no way! While I was being pampered, they had a good time at Camp Discovery (Erin and Katie) and daycare (Cassidy).

This week started recurrent swim lessons for Cassidy and first timers for Lily! They are both doing tremendously well. Seeing as we have a pool, and seeing as how we love our girls, we really want them to know how to survive if they fall in the water. I always feel so sad and upset to hear of a child drowning in a pool, pond or lake around here and will do my best to make sure my kids never show up as a tragic statistic. All of the other girls have been through this particular program and I really love what it teaches. Anyone who is interested can check it out at: http://www.infantswim.com/ I can't say enough about the program. Jane Simmons has been our instructor for the last 3 years and we couldn't adore her more!!! She's so good with the girls and Cassidy was so eager to get back in the water with her this year!!!! I'll post some pictures later today.

Thanks for checking in with the BKSeven!!!!