Tall and thin...just like her mother!!

I need to post about Bentley's 6 month appointment before I forget all the details!! Remember Bentley, the child I birthed a few months ago, I know it has been a while since I posted so I thought I would just remind you of who I am talking about. Brade and I took her to the doctor yesterday for her six month routine check up. It was anything but routine!
She has been a dream lately, but started to act really grumpy on Sunday and made me a little worried... I found out why.
When I picked her up from the sitter yesterday to take her, she was doing the "sniffle". You know that one that says "Mom, I would like to rip on the heartstrings and let you know I have been crying solid for the last two hours." That one. She was miserable. I felt so bad!
We got her calmed down by the time we got into the office, just in time for her to be stripped from my hands and placed on the ICE COLD scale! (little exaggeration) She starts screaming again. Heaven forbid they want to measure her head...wow you would have thought they decapitated her with that little measuring band. OK, the MA is finished and we once again get her calmed down, sleeping soundly in my arms...snot dripping of the cap sleeve of my new black shirt...the same one I was supposed to be wearing to my afternoon sales presentation...no biggie.
Dr. Ann (the best pediatrician out there) walks in and starts speaking jovially, as she usually does..Bentley awakens. We discuss some details about Bentley with her...the constant need for mmmmmmm....how do I put this....bowel assistance by her parents, our growing concern about the shape of her head, Bent's runny nose the last few days and how grumpy she has been etc. etc. etc. We are now talking twenty decibels above normal to overpower Bentley's now raging cries. Dr. Ann decides to start at the ears. My child produces enough wax in her ears to feed a small nation, always has. Dr. Ann has told me not to try and clean them, so I just let it be. If any of you have ever had to hold down a child while they get the large chunks of ear goodness cleaned out of their ears...you feel my pain, or Bentley's pain. Come to find out, her poor little ears are FILLED to the rafters in an infected mess!! I felt like the world's worst mother. Every time my child gets a cold, it goes straight to her ears. ENT here we come and tubes it is.
So we get that done and she decides she needs to feel her stomach because of her belly issues...yep, folks, you guessed it, rock hard abs. I am pretty sure this isn't the rock hard abs a six month old should have. We are now giving Bent a "special diet" of prunes, apple juice, dark Karo syrup and Mucilax..or something like that.
Meanwhile, Bentley cries so hard she vomits all over my skirt, in my shoes and down Brade's leg!!
Dr. Ann takes precise measurements of her head in order to assess, in one month from now, the rate of change with her skull before she decides to order a CT scan. Bentley continues to cry...or should we say...scream!
I am sweating, Bent is gagging and crying, Brade is a nervous wreck and Dr. Ann again keeps her cool...love her. Brade gets her calmed down with a bottle while Dr. Ann goes over some dietary and developmental guidelines.
All is well on the home front...oh wait, she is six months old...she needs four shots!!!
WOW, that about sums it up, except for the title of this post:
Bentley J. Ketcham
6 Months
Height: 27 3/4" 95th percentile
Weight: 15 lbs. 25th percentile
Head: 17 1/2" 75th percentile

Aside from this last couple of days, Bentley is a very happy baby that is content to do most anything. She sleeps nearly thirteen hours a night and takes two to three naps a day. We are so lucky!!
She rolls as soon as she is placed on her back and LOVES to grab at all toys and faces. She especially loves her dad's scruffy face. She is happiest when she is lying on her back, eating her feet. She smiles at anyone that talks to her, but it takes a certain "charm" to get her to full belly laugh. She loves her thumb. She takes it with her wherever she goes and it accompanies her to bed and nap time daily.
She love, loves her dad and gets so excited when he walks in the room and smiles at her. She sits if she is assisted and loves her bouncer chair.
She has the most AMAZING little sitter, Mel. I found her through my best friend, Stac. It is her sister in law and I tell you, this has been an answer to our prayers. Mel and I were in the hospital together. Her little boy was born the day after Bent and is so DARLING! Mel has gone through several classes at WSU on childcare and is SO thorough with everything she does. I can not say enough great things about she and her husband, Cody!!
On a sentimental side note, I can not believe how much our lives and hearts have changed over this last six months. Bentley is the best thing that ever came into our lives. She makes everything in this world seem so significant, yet so insignificant. She is what matters and what makes our hearts melt daily. She has shown Brade and I what love is and why the love a parent feels is something no one can ever explain. WE LOVE HER MORE TODAY THAN WE DID YESTERDAY AND THIS LOVE CAN ONLY GROW!!

Adios August....

I can not believe it is nearly September and my last real post was in JUNE, on Joanne's birthday, in fact!!
I said I was going to post a little catch up when I got home from Florida, well Las Vegas, San Diego, Texas and the Uintahs have since passed and I still have not updated.
Bentley is nearly a grown woman, I traveled from sea to shining sea in a matter of weeks, I came home from my last trip to a little surprise from my darling husband...some much needed landscaping and Brade, well, he is just Brade...darling, wonderful husband that has been home with Bentley by himself for 16 of the last 21 days, and just plain lovable!
OK this is NOT my most proud month as a mother, to say the least. We are just packing for one more trip this weekend and then I have really set a goal to get my blog updated from the last two months!!

Alive and Rolling!

No, I have not given up on the blogger world. I am still what you would call an avid blogger on sabbatical.
From Fourth of July to Flu Virus...two a.m. office closures to TOO many IKEA boxes to even count...outdoor summer concerts to outdoor fun in the Uintahs...boating at Pineview to basking in Florida, we are still here!
It has been one crazy month, but I will give a little summary, mostly for my own journal reasons, when I arrive back in town on Wednesday!!
Welcome to Blogsville Nate and Keepic!!

Fashion Friday-ish!

Brade has been out of town this weekend and...when the boys are away, the girls will play. Bent and I have not been home all weekend so Fashion Friday comes a bit delayed. (I really should have picked a less busy day of the week, but what do you do?)


Last week I promised...jeans/pants for every size and occasion!


A good pair of jeans is ESSENTIAL for every gals wardrobe. When I say GOOD I don't mean expensive, just one that fits well and is comfortable.


First, a few basic rules when shopping for jeans.


Take a real objective look at your body type.


If you are stick thin and a bit of a boyish figure-we all hate you, but that is another story! No, really, you look great in almost anything you wear. To accentuate your bottom or to create a bit more of a curvy look, opt for some dramatic back pockets. This will create the illusion of a more drastic shape. This year's skinny jeans look great on a boyish figure. Pair them with a great ballet flat for day or a black strappy sandal for evening!!

This pair is a little pricey at $69.95, but a great investment. This is the BKE Sierra from the Buckle. It has a great wash, a little bit of stretch and great pocket detail.

If you are bit vertically challenged, like myself, opt for a wide leg capri that does not taper and falls just below the knee or right above the ankle. This will give the illusion of height and will not accentuate a large bottom or thighs.

This is great linen pair from the Gap. Notice that the hip width is the same as the leg opening, giving the illusion of less curve. This is the only style of capri I wear!! Love them!

This is perfect pair from Target. They are Isaac Mizrahi tie waist cropped pant.

This same concept is true for pants as well. Do not choose a pant/jean style that tapers at the leg opening if you want to draw the focus away from your hip/thigh area. Pair a wide leg DARK jean with bright colored shirt to draw attention upward. Do not try the opposite. A light colored jean and a dark shirt will automatically dry the eye to the brightest part of your body, the lower half! Opt for flat front and cuff free to give the illusion of longer legs!

I just picked up this pair at the local JCPenney I love them. They have a wide band at the waist to keep in the "unmentionables". They have just enough stretch to make them ultra comfy. They have a sewn in seam to give a bit of a more formal look. They are wide leg and they are a dark wash! Just exactly what I like. Yah, the model looks stick thin in the photo, but I promise, they will flatter any body shape! Go check them out!



One last bit of advice-do not wear pants that look like you have been poured into them! Nobody wants to see every little fold and crease of your skin underneath your skin tight pants. I don't know how else to put it. Wear something comfortable, a bit loose fitting and flattering. Opt for a pant that minimizes the dreaded "muffin top" while in a seated position. i realize no one is immune from this problem, but just choose something that minimizes, rather than accentuates!

Home from the Big-D...I do mean Dallas!

This last week we had the wonderful opportunity to swelter in 100 degree weather and a little 100% humidity to boot!!

I had a conference in the good ol' Lone Star State and I dragged Brade and Bent along with me! They were such troopers! The conference hotel was absolutely beautiful! We really lucked out on this one! They were out of "regular rooms" when we checked in so we were upgraded to a penthouse suite!




This was Bent's bed. Notice her tiny little body up in the corner!!



We had a blast while we were there. I did work, but we had some time to see the sights! We first headed to the "Grassy Knoll" and the Book Depository...where JFK was assassinated.

Brade is a huge history buff so was first on his list of things to see. It was my second time going and I am glad I went again. I learned a lot more the second time!! Highly recommended if you are ever in Dallas!

We then found this AWESOME little BBQ pit. Dinners on vacation are a little different now with the wee one!

Brade's coworker has an unhealthy passion for the Dallas Cowboys. His home is literally plastered in memorabilia. He was a little bit angry at Brade for taking a trip without him to his beloved "hometown." Brade says it wasn't, but I have a hunch it was to rub it in is face, we took a VIP tour of the stadium. Mind you, Brade is not and has never been a fan of the Cowboys, but he was giddy like a school girl the WHOLE time.

The view from the Suites that circle the top of the stadium. A mere 2 million for the season!!

Brade trying his hand at throwing a touchdown pass!

He had to call his coworker while standing in Terrel Owens locker. Really? It wasn't to rub it in?

The Fort Worth Stockyards!

They have the MOST enticing malls~ Bent was a trooper while her dad looked for that PERFECT golf outfit!!

She actually did Beautifully on the plane. She did scream for a minute when we landed in SLC, but other than that-just a little shut eye for both of us!

I don't know if I have ever mentioned how much I love my job!

We love you forever and forever!!

Three years ago today, Brady and I experienced the hardest thing we have ever had to deal with. Father's day of 2005 Brade's darling mom, Kathy, had a stroke. She began to lose her ability to speak for brief periods of time and Brade's dad, Jeff rushed her to the hospital where they ran several tests over the next two days. Tuesday, June 21st, 2005 they found a hole in her sick heart. They decided to rush her to open heart surgery. I got a call at work that day to come to the hospital immediately! I got there right as she was being wheeled into surgery. She held my hand, kissed me and whispered "I love you!"

After ten hours in surgery and many, many tearful prayers, they were not able to save her. The doctor had to deliver the news to over fifty family and close friends waiting in the ICU lobby.

I really did not know how we would go on without her. She was so young, so vibrant, so humble, so unselfish, so motherly, and a best friend to so many people!

Kathy was one in a million! She is one of those people you meet in your life that your heart will never let you forget. She had a heart bigger than herself. She has an unmatched love for children. They were drawn to her. They loved everything about her. She had the most amazing laugh, the most graceful way of wrapping her soul around yours and comforting your every fear or worry.

I wanted nothing more than for her to stay here on this earth. I wanted her to grow old as "Grandma Kathy." I wanted Brade to have his mom. I wanted Jeff to have his sweetheart. I wanted Jen to have her best friend and mom by her side. I wanted Tyler to have his mom there to walk him through his hard times. I just wanted her to stay.

Bentley's birth was so bitter sweet. I know Grandma "Kaffy" sent her to us, but I wanted her here so bad. We needed her. She would have been so proud to watch her son melt as he held his beautiful daughter for the first time. She would have gone head over heels for this perfect little grandchild of hers. She would have simply loved her.

She would have fallen completely in love with her beautiful grandson, Tanner. She would have spoiled him and laughed hysterically at his "boy" antics.

I miss Kathy every day. Brade misses her so much. Bentley will forever know the legacy of her grandma.

I know we will all be together again! For now, we mourn her, we celebrate her life, her love and her laugh. We cry over the wonderful memories we shared with her. We love her forever!

Tanner, Bentley, and soon, Grayson will know their grandma. We will never let them forget how much their grandma would have loved them!

Dear Grandma "Kaffy",

We will continue to visit you. We will continue to blow dandelions in the in the grass. We will come here to show you our toys, our new hot wheels, our favorite golf club, our favorite princess dress or just come to talk to you about life. Grandma, we love you. we love that you raised such great parents for us. We will never forget!

Love,

Tanner, Bentley and Grayson!

Fashion Friday!

I have so many things to post about the last two weeks, but they will come tomorrow.

As I was roaming the streets of Ogden yesterday in my 5" stilettos cursing with every step, it came to me. Fashion Friday would be centered around SHOES!

I have a small obsession with them... small is a relative term. The right shoes are essential to any woman's wardrobe. No need to spend a lot of money, in fact, I don't recommend it. you can find GREAT shoes at any price. Check out TARGET, ROSS, Dillard's(the last three days of every month there are tons of shoes at 75% off) and Mervyn's!

I am very much vertically challenged. I was blessed with a lofty 5'2" frame, therefore, you will probably NEVER see me in flats! I own two pair and they are my running shoes and my ballet flats. A stiletto will dress up ANY outfit. The first thing to consider when looking for shoes this season is style. I believe there are four colors/styles this season that need to be in your closet: A cute pair of basic black peep toes. Nothing fancy, just something you can wear with EVERYTHING!



This is a pair I picked up at Nordstrom Rack.



Score these VERY trendy and comfortable wedges from TARGET!

When trying on a peephole shoe make sure the opening of the toe does not rub against your cuticle. You will not be a happy camper after twenty minutes. Notice in the picture above the big toe cuticle is completely covered! Comfort City!

The second pair every girl should have is a Metallic Pair of Gladiator Inspired Sandals!


This is the perfect flat for summer. You can find these beauties right now at Target!




I usually opt for a wedge in the summer. This way you won't aerate the grass at the neighborhood BBQ! I found these at Dillard's!

The third is a pair of ballet flats. Mind you, I do not wear flat shoes, but I know I am the exception and ballet flats are still huge this season. My sister turned me on to these beauties. Have you ever bought a pair of ballet's and two weeks later they are completely stretched out and formless? My fear! Leave it to trusty Target to take care of that! The elastic band keeps them looking new for months! They come in tan, black, and brown!


As most of the people that read my blog are mom's that get to chase after kids day after day at the park or the pool, I have found the PERFECT shoe for the summer!! I actually spotted a lady wearing these in the Dallas Airport this week and made a query as to where I could get some! THEY ARE WONDERFUL! They are lighter than air and SO comfortable. They still have a heel, some style and lend the perfect alternative to a traditional flip-flop! Where, you ask? I just bought them yesterday at Dillard's!


I know most of you cringe when you see a four inch heel! I have a few pointers to make the wear easier on your feet and your shoe.Practice walking in them. I am serious about this one!

Step one: Walk normally around the room or down the hall. Notice you will walk-heel, toe, heel, toe, heel, toe.

Step two: Now, walk TOE, HEEL, toe, heel, toe, heel. This is the best way to walk in stilettos.

Step Three- Now exaggerate your step. Walk like a velociraptor or a flamingo. Extend you knees far higher than you normally would. Point your toe and step heel, toe. This is better on your feet, your balance and the heel of your shoe.

Practice-I will wait.

Step Four- Repeat the above step and now turn your toes in slightly. This will force you to walk more feminine and in a straight line, just like the runway models, just not as exaggerated.
NEVER, EVER wear a stiletto with a cuffed pant. I have learned this the hard way several times. Never fails..you will step in your cuff and you will be humiliated. If a cuff is essential, wear a wedge or sew the cuff shut permanently!

Whenever I know I am going to be on my feet a lot, but still want that PERFECT 5" inch for a meeting or special event during the day, I will throw in my ballet flats to walk around the office in or down 25th street and then switch them out once I arrive at the meeting.

Please keep in mind, I am no expert and I am not claiming to be anything, but a gal expressing her passion for fashion! Next week look for "Finding the perfect pair of pants/jeans to accentuate the positive."