Random

Monday I had a dentist appointment in Clinton so I took the day off of babysitting. Amy and Emma watched Kaylin and then after I picked her up we headed to Kim and Michael's for Kaylin and Drew's weekly "playdate".



Drew in the outfit we got him
(relax Cubs fans, Michael is a Yankees fan)

Tuesday Kaylin had her 9 month check-up. She
weighs 17 lbs. and is 27 1/2". The doctor said she
is in perfect health!!!!

The Weekend

This weekend, Chad was the best man in his friend Brad's wedding in Des Moines. The reception was at the Hilton Garden it, so we got a room there for Friday and Saturday night. Brittany, Jenna, and Courtney went with the babysit and they were life savers. Lindsey came with also to be my "date" for the wedding. Kaylin had to be taken out half way through the wedding because she has a temper when she doesn't get want she wants and she got very mad when I wouldn't let her have my necklace. After the wedding we headed back to the hotel, so Kaylin could eat and catch a cat nap. I went up to the room 3 times during the reception to get her (even more than that throughout the evening to check on her) and she was asleep all 3 times, so needless to say she did not get to make her grand entrance.


Jenna and Kaylin


Courtney, Kaylin, Lindsey, Brittany and Jenna
after the wedding


Kaylin and Mommy

9 months

My baby is now 9 months old. I can't get over how big she is getting. She has skipped crawling and scoots around on her butt, she looks like a little monkey. She is babbling everyday and FINALLY said da-da. She pulled herself up. She is such a joy and we love her so much



Pretty, pretty princess

Jackson County Parade

On Wednesday July 23 was the Jackson County parade. It has been a tradition in my family since I was little to attend, and it works so well know that we live a house away from the parade route. We had a cookout first and then headed to our neighbors to sit in their yard. Most of the family made it. The parade was long, but the kids got lots of candy and Kaylin loved it.

Emma, Amy, Kaylin, Danica


Brittany and Jenna

Ann's Baby Shower/Emma's Birthday Party

Sorry I have not updated in a while. It has been a busy month. July 20 we had my cousin Ann's baby shower in Clinton. She is due to have a baby boy in August. Kim, Drew, Kaylin and I all piled in Kim's car to get there, it was quite crowded with 2 car seats, but we made it. At the shower we played a couple of games, watched Ann open gifts and sat around chatting and catching up. After the shower we had Emma's fourth birthday party. I can't believe she is four, time flies by.


Kaylin with our cousin Kathleen




Kaylin was really interested in Kim's bubble, as you
can see she tried to eat it.


Colleen, Me, Drew, Ann, Kim and Kaylin


Colleen and Kaylin


Emma opening her gift from us

The Birthday Baby Alive



Jim, Laurie, Amy, Kim, Michael, Emma and Drew

The Fourth of July Weekend

The Fourth of July weekend kicked off at my Mom and Dad's for my Dad's 67th Birthday. We had a BIG bash for him. Many relatives and friends showed up, which made my dad's night. We had karoake, which is always a lot of fun, especially since not one of us can carry a tune. It was a VERY late night, and so unfortunately on the fourth, Chad, Kaylin and I were exhausted so we stayed home. On Saturday we went out to dinner with my parents, Jeannine, Brittany, Courtney and Dawson, and then went home and watched a movie, for the first time in forever. We did have a pretty quiet weekend, but sometimes those weekends are the best.

My dad is doing pretty good, still doing chemo to try to slow everything down, he has had a few bouts of getting sick, but so far he seems to be in good spirits. He is a trooper and probably the bravest person I have ever met. We of course continue to pull together as a family, and we are willing to do anything Dad needs us to do. Please continue to keep him in your thoughts and prayers!

These photos are a little dark, but I still wanted to share them!

THE WHOLE SPARKS CLAN (we just keep getting bigger and bigger)


All the Grandkids

First Tooth

Kaylin FINALLY had, not one, but 2 teeth break through. She now has two little stubs on the bottom front. She has not been cranky at all, so hopefully she continues to be a happy baby through getting the rest!!!!