10 Things You May Not Know About Me

Whether you've known me for years or just a few weeks, (and because I'm not exactly an open book right away), I thought it would be fun to share some things that you may not know about me!

1.  I used to want to be a marine biologist.  Mainly because I thought it was just the technical term for a dolphin trainer.  Then I went on a deep sea fishing trip and learned that I can't handle being on a small boat without losing my breakfast.  Sea life obviously wasn't for me.

2.  In elementary and middle school, I would develop crushes on really obscure fictional characters.  Not just in an "oh he's kinda cute" way.  Like I would get so sad that these people weren't real that it made me cry.  A few of these dream men were Tuxedo Mask from Sailor Moon, Dimitri from Anastasia, and a character from The Little Vampire named Rudolph.  

3.  My middle name is Kathleen, making my initials KKK. Now, before you start to feel bad for me for marrying into such a tragic grouping of letters, I must tell you that I was born into it.  Kristen Kathleen Kennedy got in trouble in 1st grade for signing her initials onto a piece of artwork and had no idea why.  Once my parents were questioned and sorted things out, it was fine.  

4. I love guacamole, but hate avocados.  It's a texture thing.  I also won't eat mushrooms or any boiled vegetable.  Basically anything squishy or slimy. 

5.  I will eat anything off the Taco Bell menu.  I love it all.

6.  I am an introvert and didn't discover this until college.  I had an assignment where I was supposed to go to a business fair and interview a few company representatives, but the thought of that literally made me nauseous.  So instead I looked up which companies would be there and found out the answers to the questions I was supposed to ask them on their company websites.  I still got an A and didn't have to talk to anyone.  Also, I choose doctors, hair salons, etc. based on whether or not they have an online appointment booking option.  I recognize that it's probably pretty unhealthy.

7.  I hate descriptive food words.  If something tastes good, just say that it tastes good.  There's no need to describe it as tender, moist, succulent, juicy, etc.  

8.  I actually really enjoy being outside when it's hot. And by hot I'm talking like 90+ degrees.  I would much rather be sweating like a pig than freezing my tail off in below freezing weather. 

9.  I don't like coffee.  I love the smell of it, but would much rather enjoy my caffeine cold and carbonated. 

10.  I took piano lessons for 10 years.  I'll probably make Maggie take them too.    

Letter to my daughter on her first birthday

My dear, sweet Maggie,

As I write this, I think about where I was one year ago at this very moment. Daddy and I had just eaten leftover fajitas in front of the tv. A pretty typical night. I had no idea that in less than 12 hours I would be seeing your sweet little face. That in less than 12 hours, my life would forever be changed. What a year it has been! It started out a little rough for us both. You didn't want to wake up to eat, and if I'm being honest, I didn't want to be around you that much. Now the complete opposite is true! You love to eat, and I can't get enough of you. You have brought more joy and happiness to my life than I ever thought was possible. Your smile lights up a room. You charm everyone you meet. You are the most beautiful baby I (and countless others) have ever seen. You are simply perfect. God exceeded every single one of my prayers when He gave me you. I love everything about you. I love the way your eyes get squinty and your nose gets crinkly when you smile. I love hearing your sweet little voice when you talk with such conviction like you know exactly what you're saying. I love the way your bottom lips sticks out when you're about to cry. I love the way you touch my eyelashes because you think they feel funny. I love the way you twirl your foot around like you're drawing circles in the air. I love the way you dance when you eat.  I love your little giggle. My sweet girl, I can't imagine my life without you, and I fervently pray that I never have to know what that's like. I am so thankful for you. Never doubt my love for you. Also never doubt God's love for you. My heart can only hold a fraction of the love that His can. I will do everything I can to point you to that love every day by the way I treat you. I am so excited to see the plans He has for you as you grow. Happy birthday, sweet girl. I love you! 

Love always, 

Mommy