Fields Benjamin: 10 Months

Fieldsy,

Oh sweet boy. You were 10 months on July 13th, and we love this age. Pulling up to stand and crawling all over, you are on many new adventures. You eat everything we do, just in baby bites. Recently you've been a drool monster, getting some major teeth, with lots of tears and fevers. I think all of your back teeth are coming at once. (wishful thinking) On our recent vacation you swam in the lake and napped in the boat. We like introducing you to new things. You and Daddy have your own language, making noises back and forth.

I love it when you get dirt in your toes, because you are playing along with the big kids. You sleep with your gray donkey in a cozy sleep sack. We love it when you laugh out loud, usually with Tegegne tickling you. Daddy has enjoyed extra time with you, since he's on summer break.

We love you Baby Fields. Starting to think about your first birthday!

XO,

Mommy

Quality Time: Quality Coffee

Spending some quality time, (at Quay Coffee in the River Market) working on a set of drawings for a remodel in Prairie Village. (Working with a contractor to turn a Cape Cod into a Colonial!) This quality time deserved quality coffee...pour over coffee, that is. A Finca Las Lajas, Coasta Rican blend with sweet molassas, a nutty, yada, yada...good quality stuff. I am being more honest with myself these days. Coffee has made a fine appearance in our city. It tastes good, and as a working mother, I kind of like this little morning pick-me-up. I've always prided myself in not being "a daily" coffee drinker, like one of those people who needs my coffee before I can be friendly. Well, I'm not there yet...but ask me about it ten years and it will most likely be a different story. (Because I'm guessing that having my children between ages 12 and 18 will keep me up just as much as ages zero to five...ahhhh!)

Love,

Kristyn

photo.

House: Potential Buyers + My Game

So we've had some recent interest in our home. One individual would like the refrigerator in the kitchen, and a 2 car garage. So here was my response! "Yes ma'am, let's put that refrigerator in the kitchen...here's where it'll go! And go ahead and do that 2 car garage, lovely. I'm totally with you on that!" (Note: She didn't ask us to do these things, but these were her concerns...and our realtor replied on my behalf.) 

Then there are some other folks that must sell their condo first. 

Then there's me, over here, playing this game that Michael loves...

"Honey, what about a simple house like this...can't you see it...

This...

Could become this...(with a definite imagination...pop random windows into upstairs bedrooms...open 1st floor with windows/doors across kitchen and dining...deck across entire house and terrace big steps down into yard...)

This...

Could become this...

This...

Could be a symmetrical version of this...(or be asymmetrical if we build it out slightly into the dining room, also remove both windows, beams, paint woodwork or remove (yes, I said it.)...)

This...

Could house this...



I mean, isn't this game so much fun? For the low price of $19.99 each of the photos above could be turned into the photo that follows. I wish. But really though, we are either looking at bigger houses where wires have been pulled and plumbing is missing, or way ugly, slightly smaller, finished houses like this one...with wires and plumbing and HVAC, just lots of aesthetic remodeling to be done.

Thanks, Michael, for appeasing me by playing along in this exciting game.

Love,

Kristyn

Light: Bright and Good

God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. 

1 John 1:5

I am embarking on a busy couple of weeks of designing. I get a fast heartbeat and overwhelmed state when I try to think of the big picture. In order to trump that feeling, I will recite this verse in my mind. Simple, but so profound. And I will continually be encouraged by my dear husband, who is so helpful and present to me.

Conversations: With Our Big Boy

Mom: Tell me all about school. 
Tegegne: I was very nervous at first (Michael had to leave you in the cafeteria with all of kids and their parents who waited to walk them to their classroom.). Then more people came and I was less nervous...Recess was pretty good...played soccer, but I didn't see Kade. I didn't like that I had to wait so long for lunch. (That's my fault, son...we usually eat at 11am at home!) But we got to take a snack to recess! And I did see Kade at art...

Dad: What are your friends names?
T: Macy...and I forgot...Oh, and Towns!
D: I had Town's sister in summer school last year...he's cool!

M: And your helper teacher...what is her name?
T: Madam Prisca. She's chocolate like me. 
M: She's very pretty.
T: Yeah, she is.
D: Aren't there several chocolate kids in your class?
T: Just two. 

(Pointing at your first school worksheet of the alphabet...)
T: I colored these red and blue for the Jayhawks, and these are black and purple for the Cats.  
D: Cool, who told you that?
T: Macy. She sits at my table!

T: Towns was splashing me so much in the pool that my eyes turned red. I splashed him back. 

T: Mom, why do you want two hugs...cooome on! I've already given you one.

Then for tuck in after the second day of school I asked you the best and hardest parts of the day. The best part was playing soccer and the worst part was when the big kid pushed you because you weren't playing the game right.  I got Daddy because he has lots of experience with "bullies" on the playground. You two had a good conversation, and you know that your teacher is there to help.

We are so proud of you. A highlight for all of us in this new phase of your life, is that you get special time with Dad to and from school. So far that's involved donuts and a trip to the toy store. You two are thriving with this extra time together, and it's so neat to watch. Dad is extra excited to hear you speaking French, and overall we feel content. One of the few things your Birth Mama told us is that she wanted you to have an education. Her wish is coming true. You are witty, can converse with adults, and are at a school where people know and look after you. She would be so proud, Son.  Let's look to the stars tonight and say a prayer that she would somehow know that her wish for you is coming true. 

Love, love, love you,

Mama (You and Hensley have been calling me Mama, since that's what Fields says!)

A Mother: A Blessed Soul

Mother and Son

Hi there. It's a pony tail kind of day, or week for that matter. I've been busy with a design project, which has included many daytime phone calls, a site visit with 3 kids in tow, and many daytime hours in front of my computer. Sorry kids. I don't like being this distracted. I have battled being short with you, and reaching with all my might for patience and intentional time with you. A friend sent me this blog post about a mom who was overworked and yelled at her kids, and I cried. I notice when I am stressed with other things, I am much less patient with you. 

The week took a turn for the better thanks to two really wonderful times at church. They are doing Summer Institutes...classes that range from study of the bible, to African culture, to running club, to dancing. Michael and I are doing a study on 1 John lead by our pastor. It was so so refreshing to open the bible and study. It had been way too long. 

The other class I went to this morning was for Mothers. It was good for my soul. I sat down in the class, and Jessi, our teacher started speaking to us with her words of wisdom and I teared up. Motherhood, what a cherished and challenging job. She started our time by asking...who got others dressed besides yourselves, and fed others, and changed another's diaper this morning...she asked who helped someone in crisis. Most of us had our hands up most of the time. She noted Philippians 2:5-7 and pointed out that Jesus emptied himself. That is what mother's do. Emptying self all day, often into the night for the sake of their family.  In order to give, we must receive. Receive help from God. Jesus was able to empty himself because he was constantly with God.

She then had us share our birth and adoption and fertility stories in small groups. After that she shared more scripture and said that the bible is full of references to Mother's, she noted how God is like a Mother. Then she gave us a half hour to be by ourselves and reflect, journal, pray, walk, or whatever we pleased. It was such a wonderful morning. 

I, the Lord, made you, Kristyn.
I will help you.
Do not fear, Kristyn, whom I have chosen. 
I will pour out My Spirit on your offspring. 
And they will spring up among the grass.

Tegegne will say, "I am the Lords"
And Hensley will call on the name of Jacob;
And Fields will write on his hand, "Belonging to the Lord..."

Rephrased these things and reflected from Isaiah 44:1-5. 

More photos of you, my beloved children, with your Mother...

Tegegne, I love laughing with you.

A new mother holding you tight.

Brand New Baby Fields with his Peaceful Mother.  

Hensley, you love to eat, just like your Mother.

I spy Baby Fields!

 

My 2nd Day as a New Mother

We were so worried about you, Baby Tegegne! (Well, you were 2 and 4 months, but seemed closer to 18 months.)

Brand new Baby Hensley and Tired Laboring Mother

Motherhood, an exhausting and beautiful and life giving journey. 

Love you children,

Your Mother

Kids: Get the Giggles

Tegegne, 5
Hensley, almost 2.5

Tegegne and Hensley, 
You two were having so much fun with a spray bottle tonight. Hens, we don't hear that good belly laugh often and it was awesome! Of course, as most things caught on video...this went on for at least 10 minutes before we decided we should video it. I love it when you kids get the giggles. Laughter makes the world go round.  

Love you so much,

Mom

Cool Stuff: Could Be Yours!!!

Must check out one of my brothers current online auctions...Super cool stuff, many current bids under $5!!!

Child Size!!! ($1, current bid!)

Awesome desk with drawer!

Bid HERE to buy it!!!

Large, Lovely Home: Historic Urban Neighborhood

New Reduced Price + New Central AC!!!

• NEW PRICE of $199,950, NEW 5TON EFFICIENT CENTRAL AIR CONDITIONING 
• 3250 Square Feet of Historical Charm with Modern Touches
• 4 Large Bedrooms, 3 Full Baths, Ample Living Space
• Nice Corner Lot on Wide Streets
• Solid Brick Home (3 Layers Thick!), Good Roof, Updated Windows 
• Fully remodeled Kitchen with Open Plan and Exposed Brick Walls
• New Back Deck, Back Fence with 2 Gates, Custom Fire Pit, and Sand Box
• Updated Lighting on Dimmers
• Large 2nd Floor Laundry Room with Deck Access
• Huge 3rd Floor Mother-In-Law Quarters with Full Bath, Full Kitchen, and Deck with Views (This space is a huge bonus!)
• Gorgeous woodwork throughout home with huge pocket doors
• 3 Beautiful Original Fireplaces
• Solid Stone Foundation, Large, Clean Basement (Never Damp!), New Water Softener,  New Radon Mitigation System Installed
• 300 AMP Electrical Service
• Large Efficient Furnace 10 Years Old, Recently Serviced and in Great Condition
• New 1st Floor Bathroom is a Must See
• Large Closets and Storage Space Throughout Home
• Playground right across the street
• Acres of Park, Trails, Frisbee Golf, and Rock Climbing 2 blocks North. (Cliff Drive)
• Amazing Local Bakery within walking distance. (Boulevard Bakery)
• Summer Farmers Market within walking distance. (New Roots for Refugees)
• Taco Trucks with the best food, Authentic Mexican Grocery Stores (Limes 5 cents, and Cilantro $1, and home made tortillas!!!)
• Bike Ride to River Market
• Quick Hwy Access to get Anywhere in the City
• And did I mention GREAT PRICE and oh yeah, BRAND NEW 5 TON AIR CONDITIONING!!!!!

This is what I call a lotta bang for your buck folks! No midtown home can compare for this price! Our neighborhood association is very active, a good group of folks. Our neighbors are nice, and our street is quiet. I'm here all day and keep my front and back door open over half of the time (on nice weather days)!  

So go ahead and send your Family Friends, Creative Colleagues, and Aunts from Atlanta on by...they won't wanna miss the opportunity to buy this home.

Why are we leaving this lovely home? We love design/build and are excited about a new project. We want to get closer to Michael and Tegegne's schools. 

Contact Eric B to schedule a showing. 816.529.7171

With Love and Anticipation,

Kristyn

Fields Benjamin: 8 Months

Clap, clap, clap, clap your hands! Hi Baby Fields. You are so cute. Dad noticed you've got my ears, Iman ears. Some say you look just like your dad, and more like Hensley as you grow. You are so much fun, easy going, and snuggly. You are kind of rough and tumble with Tegegne already. You love to stand, holding on tight. You sit very well and rock yourself to your tummy. Will be crawling very soon. You have waved a few times. Like to eat everything. Since you still have plenty of breast milk, I'll fill a bottle with almond milk if we are out and about. You have two bottom teeth, two top teeth, one of them is half way out and one all the way. A little snaggletooth.  Your baths are now with Hens and Tegegne. Your favorite toy is Moose, in the first and last picture. Daddy and Tegegne and you had some great boy time this weekend.

Love you, Bug.

Mama