Kyrie is 1½ years old today. Time has sped by so quickly, and I’m feeling like the typical mother who wonders where her baby has gone. She is such a big girl, learning new things every day and becoming more independent (with a rebellious streak) and more lovable all the time. I’m not sure what she weighs or how tall she is; her well baby check isn’t for a couple more weeks (it was originally scheduled next Tuesday, but apparently pediatricians go on vacations so we had to reschedule). Here’s a list of the words she’s saying. I will most likely forget to include some, as it’s hard to keep track!

Amen
Jesus
Hola
Hello
Hi
Bye
Yeah
Yes
No
Mama
Papa
Puppy
Ball
Bubbles
Bellybutton
Kitty
Uh-oh
Please
Thank you
Cheese
Water
Balloon
Shoes
Fish
Nurse
Down
Peepee
Gentle
Pretzel
Raisin
Silly
Ni-night
Touch
Bird
More
All done
What’s that?
It’s a
Chip
Baby
Baby-doll
Book

I’ll add to the list if I remember any more. I think she’s doing pretty well, though the words she mostly uses are please, thank you, mama, papa, and baby/baby-doll. I hear those words constantly throughout the day.

We’re still nursing at 18 months. Before I had a child, I may have thought this was a bit old to continue nursing, but I now see the light and realize how healthy and natural it is. I’ll probably be cutting down on feedings over the next several months, but if I’m able, I’d love to nurse until she’s 2.

I have a sinus infection (again). I thought I had it bad a couple weeks ago, but nothing compares to this new one that’s brewing. I have been sick with various ailments for 3 weeks now. It’s miserable, I tell you. I’m on antibiotics, I use nasal spray like it’s going out of style, and tylenol is the only thing that keeps my head from pounding when I walk, or even when I move my head more than an inch. Thankfully, the pain reliever has kicked in for now, and I’m feeling slightly better…but I shudder to think of when it will wear off again and I’ll have to wait 2 hours for the next dose to kick in (I know it shouldn’t take that long, but it does for me).

BLAH.

If you’ve ever had to suffer through Dora the Explorer, you’ll have to watch last week’s parody of Dora on SNL: Maraka.

As I was on my work this morning, I happened to have some Christian music on. Then, a miracle happened. I heard two songs in a row that I liked. I did some research to find out the names of the songs. The first one was called Held by Natalie Grant made me think of Salem. I found it on myspace, though it sounded better on the radio.

The second song was called The Real Jesus. I couldn’t find the song online to hear it again, but I found the lyrics. I did find the band’s myspace page, and I really liked another song called Remember Me with eucharistic overtones.

Update: I found a corny video someone made that has the music of the song playing to it. You have to go here and scroll down til you see the video that goes with The Real Jesus. At points in the song, the vocal resemblance to Freddie Mercury and the early Queen songs is weird.

_____ I am a thief and a liar. I took part or all of my paper from the Internet. I thought you were stupid. I see the error of my ways. With all my heart, I repent of my actions. Since you are merciful to those who show up for class, I implore you to give me a second chance.

_____ Despite of all the bad things I have done in my life, I strive to be a basically good person. I did not steal from another person, and I did not lie to you. Since you believe in giving rewards to the faithful, I ask that you give me a reward. If I am lying to you yet again, I will settle for a zero, which will make me fail this class.

Kyrie falls asleep while eating pizza.

She skipped her nap today.

It’s so hot here.

And I want a creamslush from Sonic.

I can’t believe what Kyrie is capable of sometimes. Today was another gorgeous, sunny, warm day (much like a June day in Spokane) so I took Kyrie to the park by our house again. This time, we played on the swings a little bit, and then Kyrie discovered the slide. It’s not a huge slide, but it’s not a short one either. She climbed up the stairs all by herself and without hesitation, pretty much flew down the slide. I was there to catch her at the bottom, but I’m pretty sure she would’ve gone for it even if I wasn’t there. She’s such a daredevil. She did this about a gazillion times before getting tired of it and finally I persuaded her to walk home with me to get some “wa-qua” (that’s what she calls water). Now she smells like fresh air and sunshine. Ah, I love days like this.

Every once in awhile, you’ll get friend requests from musical artists trying to advertise their music by having you add them as a friend. Usually they’re okay or not good at all. But I got one this morning from an independent Australian artist by the name of Selena Cross. She has incredible vocals. You should seriously go listen to some of her music on her page. I especially like “I’m not lost” and “Do as the Angels Do.”

And don’t forget to watch the video!