KELAN CARLYSLE

Day Out with Thomas

2011-08-04T11:51:00.000-07:00

Detailing

2011-06-27T08:09:00.000-07:00

Tidiness is in his genes (thank goodness).

Post-seasonal projects

2011-03-13T19:42:00.001-07:00

Who isn't inspired to construct a gingerbread house on a rainy day in March while listening to Depeche Mode?!?!

Three

2011-03-09T12:04:00.000-08:00

Kelan's Dinosaur Train themed party at Rolly Pollies was a success! Lots of bouncing, running, climbing and tumbling by toddlers everywhere -- the energy expenditure that afternoon was off the charts. SO fun, however...

the documentation of the party (by me) wasn't so much. If the picture wasn't blurry then all I captured was an eye or an ear or partial limb of a child. So embarrassing. I need lessons...

I think I asked him to say "cheese" and this is what I got. He looks like he's going to throw-up?!

Reduce, Reuse...

2011-02-18T06:24:00.001-08:00

Recycle! We are trying to teach Kelan and Riley the environmental benefits of recycling at an early age. Thus far, they are great at turning materials that would otherwise become waste into valuable resources; i.e. a morning of FUN swimming in a sea of plastic bags.

Spa treatment

2011-02-07T11:28:00.001-08:00

Recently, Kelan studiously watched me put on a masque. Once finished he said, "Momma, I want mud too," so I let him try it. He did a pretty decent job too although I helped just a wee bit...

Here Kelan is showing Otis his application technique.

White Christmas

2010-12-29T13:25:00.000-08:00

Lost a mitten and had to improvise with a Zutano bootie. Resourceful, no?

Snow on Christmas in Charlotte in 60 years - it's a big deal. Kelan made a 6 inch Frosty the Snowman -- he was so very sad when he melted later that day (another big deal...).

2010-12-14T19:28:00.000-08:00

Kelan is giving Santa the run-down of his wishes: Polar Express Train, Polar Express Train (not a repeat-- a reiteration) and the Polar Express Diorama. He got a bit flustered and forgot to mention the trestles, tunnels and bridges he wanted but thank goodness they are on his "Wish List" that's already headed to the North Pole.

Riley will sit anywhere except Santa's lap. Within seconds, she was trying to wriggle free. Perhaps he'll surprise her with a chair...

ALL Boy...

2010-12-08T16:52:00.000-08:00

Whether it be a tree, fence, kitchen pantry, refrigerator, bookcase, stair railing or dining room table it will not go unclimbed, by this little guy, for long.

HaPpY Halloween

2010-11-04T13:07:00.001-07:00

We kicked off the weekend with a Trunk or Treat at Kelan's school

followed by our highly anticipated neighborhood hayride while trick or treating. We wrapped the evening up with fun, food and a fire pit for roasting marshmallows at the end of our cul-de-sac. It was our *best* Halloween yet!!

Trash Day

2010-09-27T12:28:00.001-07:00

To say Kelan is obsessed with large machinery is an understatement. Every, and I mean EVERY, airplane, helicopter, school bus, cement truck, garbage truck, construction vehicle or piece of equipment he spots is immediately announced with great enthusiasm.

On this particular day instead of watching from the front door window, Thomas set up front row seats to watch the trash pick up. It was a very special day indeed. Thanks, Dad.

Best Friends

2010-08-31T06:52:00.000-07:00

Otis will actually watch "Milo and Otis" with Kelan. Said dog is truly our little man's best friend...

Lost

2010-08-23T10:31:00.001-07:00

without his lovey so much he's willing to keep vigil until it finishes drying. Oh my...

Three Musketeers

2010-07-28T07:12:00.000-07:00

New venue

2010-07-08T12:07:00.000-07:00

As I turned the corner of the kitchen island, I came upon this scene - Kelan setting up for nap time under the runner in front of the kitchen sink. The funniest thing is he was REALLY trying to get comfortable there because he put "silky and yellow" down by his feet. Carried around by day, on feet when he sleeps... this is a nap and bedtime law.

Brooding

2010-05-27T12:29:00.000-07:00

Family Playtime

2010-05-04T11:08:00.000-07:00

Unless it's raining, every night of the week we go to our local school playground. It's the best time of our day - I wouldn't know what to do without it...

Happiness in a cone

2010-04-16T12:06:00.000-07:00

Carolina Cones -- Kelan's favorite place on earth.

BFF's

2010-03-29T18:28:00.000-07:00

Determined

2010-03-24T16:58:00.001-07:00

See's candies are my ultimate favorite chocolates - nothing, I repeat, NOTHING compares (sorry Godiva) -- and Kelan agrees. We've had these Molasses Chips in the fridge since Thanksgiving and every time we open it he blurts "chok-it, pees, Mommy, peeeees!!!" Despite his emphatic requests, I've resisted often enough for them to last till now. However, with his new found strength he can open the fridge, and this was his first must-have item...

Publish Post

Pockets

2010-03-17T03:21:00.001-07:00

Turning TWO

2010-03-16T12:55:00.000-07:00

Life is good on the island of Sodor...

Smooches

2010-02-14T17:31:00.000-08:00

Valentine's Day wouldn't be happy without Daddy. We are crazy for you -- the size of the lips don't lie... It's big time!

Special delivery

2010-02-14T10:09:00.000-08:00

Knee deep into winter, we're experiencing cabin-fever to its fullest and finding fun things to do indoors all day long a major challenge. When this box arrived it provided so much more than its contents. First, it was a train table, then a stage, a fort, a "kittydaw" (an Aunty Christi childhood reference -- i.e., a giant nest of blankets and pillows) ultimately becoming a home theater once we cut a window in it for unobstructed viewing of our "Thomas & Friends" movie marathon.

I LOVED this box...

Celebrate

2010-01-26T08:14:00.000-08:00

Just a quick birthday flashback from earlier this month -- we LOVE you, Thomas (and...the cupcakes and the balloons). Kelan's perma-smile says it all!

Note: for as long as the balloons stayed inflated KC carried one at all times along with his blankie, lovey, silky, chickie and sippy cup. Thank goodness his thumb is attached, right?

Brotherly love

2010-01-18T06:45:00.000-08:00

Merry little meltdown

2010-01-06T23:35:00.000-08:00

With the whole family sick for all of December, Christmas spirit was occasionally hard to come by. Ah, what fun the Christmas Card photo shoot was...

Mirror, Mirror on the wall

2009-12-17T12:42:00.000-08:00

who's the fairest of them all? Hmm, ME!

Sick Day

2009-12-09T05:39:00.000-08:00

Let the Baby Einstein video marathon begin...

Caution: HOT

2009-12-02T06:03:00.000-08:00

To say Kelan is crazy for fire trucks is an understatement. So with fire boots on and toy fire truck in hand, we took a trip to our local fire station. It was a very exciting day!

Bitter, Party of One

2009-11-23T11:58:00.001-08:00

your table is ready. Jeez, happy now?! The high-chair has been retired.

School Day

2009-11-20T12:16:00.000-08:00

I scream, you scream, we all scream...

2009-09-07T12:35:00.000-07:00

for ICE CREAM!!

At Carolina Cones, our favorite ice cream shop, not only did KC get to ride the carousel, see the "choo choo" chugging around inside the shop but he got his first very own mint & chip cone. I mean, now that he's 1 1/2 years old it's clearly time to graduate from boring ol' strawberry frozen yogurt in a cup, right?

I think he was thrilled.

Morning Coffee

2009-08-26T07:38:00.000-07:00

I asked Kelan to "help" me make my favorite morning beverage. He was very eager to fetch my k-cup, but I think he went above and beyond the call of duty, don't you?

My Buddy

2009-08-24T11:12:00.000-07:00

Zoo

2009-08-14T04:01:00.000-07:00

Excited to see his favorite animal up close, Kelan demonstrates how an elephant trumpets with his trunk.

Unfortunately, for his first zoo experience it was such a hot day (95 degrees, yikes!) all the other animals we hoped to see were napping in the shade. So...we quickly retreated to the car with full A/C capacity. Ahhh!

New-found friend

2009-07-27T08:14:00.000-07:00

Kelan finally got to meet my dear friend, Laura -- he agrees, she's absolutely LOVEABLE!

Generations of friends

2009-07-13T13:15:00.000-07:00

Finally we made a road trip to Wilmington for some quality time with the Minnecis. It was a whirlwind of a visit with all the commotion 3 boys can stir up but worth every tiring second. Wished you all lived closer - miss you!!

Cracks me up that Fisher, Jackson and Kelan have hardly a moment to spare for a quick picture.

28 weeks pregnant and counting...

Suddenly storytime

2009-06-08T04:40:00.000-07:00

Even the kitchen floor is an ideal spot for a quick book.

Gardening

2009-05-26T07:33:00.001-07:00

To witness the unbridled joy of a little boy unleashed in a nursery to splash in water, run through a rainforest of plants and hand out muddy wet rocks to patrons was priceless...

'Round the hood...

2009-05-07T06:43:00.000-07:00

He's known as "Cool Breeze" Lewis

Adding to his rock collection in the "trunk" of his truck.

Happy trails, y'all...

Jammin'

2009-04-30T07:52:00.000-07:00

What, no more naked toast?! Kelan enjoys his first foray into the sweet goodness of black raspberry jam. Mmm, breakfast has never been so good...

Happy Easter

2009-04-21T18:25:00.000-07:00

I'm eatin' chocolate. How you derhin'?

The Mayor of Lewistown

2009-03-27T06:41:00.001-07:00

With lovey in hand, Kelan declares order to his audience, Belle and Otis, with a stern "SIT" before making his speech.

The Big ONE

2009-02-22T16:32:00.000-08:00

Gearin' up for March Madness

2009-02-13T06:53:00.001-08:00

Winter Wonderland

2009-02-04T06:16:00.001-08:00

KC's first snowy experience. He liked it for all of 10 minutes until his fingers froze, but once inside and warm again he kept peering out the window...

Peek-a-boo

2009-01-19T16:55:00.001-08:00

Totally hip...

2009-01-17T18:04:00.000-08:00

Heading out to our favorite sushi restaurant, Eez, Kelan steps out in style (thanks, Auntie Christie for the cool shirt that got him 3 compliments from patrons - no joke!)

Wet 'n Wild

2009-01-16T16:27:00.000-08:00

Sweet Tooth

2009-01-15T16:20:00.000-08:00

Like father like son - a sweet tooth is most definitely shared between the two...

Happy Birthday, Da-da-duh!

2009-01-06T11:26:00.000-08:00

Can't wait to celebrate tonight -- we love you like crazy!

It's Kelf!

2008-12-31T05:04:00.000-08:00

Thank you Auntie KK for the tasty Christmas tale about...ME!

Holly Jolly Christmas

2008-12-16T16:17:00.001-08:00

The magic of Christmas eluded Kelan this year. His first encounter with Santa resulted in a Rudolph-red face and a desperate desire to get away fast. We're hoping next year he'll want to play reindeer games...

Impromptu

2008-12-15T18:09:00.001-08:00

After waking from a very sweaty afternoon nap (note: super stringy hair), "Dad-duh" (KC's actual pronunciation) captured his antics on the kitchen floor.

His cheeks are so yummy I think we may need to insure them....

Farmville Veterans Memorial

2008-12-08T06:42:00.000-08:00

We have so much to be grateful for that it was fitting to visit the memorial during Thanksgiving to honor those who have served our country.

Contemplative

2008-11-14T11:59:00.000-08:00

Fall foliage

2008-11-06T05:27:00.000-08:00

With the peak of the season upon us, a scenic trip to NC's wine country was in store. We spent the afternoon wine tasting and roaming the grounds at Raffaldini Vineyards -- it was quite simply a perfect day.

Monkey business

2008-11-03T10:28:00.001-08:00

Curious Kelan's first Halloween was off to a good start.

Lot's of silliness and monkeying around with the dogs,

however, when it was over...it was O. V. E. R.

Getting into character

2008-11-03T10:02:00.000-08:00

Despite all the Halloween hype we dished out, he remained unconvinced until...

he got his paws on.

Now that he's goin' for it -- break out the costume!

Rubber Ducky... you're the one!

2008-10-28T09:51:00.000-07:00

He looks just like Ernie huh?!

Need I say more?

2008-10-26T16:31:00.001-07:00

Yes, Thomas has got some competition...

Sweet or Spooky?

2008-10-23T16:14:00.000-07:00

Uh, frightening?!

Pumpkin patch

2008-10-20T11:00:00.000-07:00

Typical boy - turns out he was more interested in the grass and dirt than picking out a pumpkin

"GRASS!"
(not fazed in the slightest by the giant pumpkins in his way)

C'mon, let's bounce!

2008-10-17T16:11:00.000-07:00

Any given Saturday...

2008-10-13T06:37:00.000-07:00

you'll find us rooting for our favorite team -- Go Heels!

Touchdown!

Take that, Notre Dame.

all-American boy

2008-10-08T08:48:00.000-07:00

Family resemblance

2008-09-25T06:41:00.001-07:00

A cousin sandwich courtesy of his adoring first cousins Maggie and Ellen...

Outer Banks vacation

2008-09-25T06:03:00.000-07:00

Windy much?

No excursion to OBX is complete without eating at Sam & Omies where KC sampled my crab bisque and liked it.

Our first beach vacation was such fun, albeit a windy one. Lazy days filled with walks on the beach, naps and plenty of digging in the sand (occasionally eating a handful or two). We're looking forward to making this a summer tradition.

Riveted

2008-09-11T07:55:00.001-07:00

Packing for a trip to the beach requires full concentration and plenty of freedom to zoom from room to room gathering up the 1001 items needed to travel with a baby.

All I can say is, "God bless, Baby Einstein and Laurie Berkner videos."

He's so entranced that his tongue is hanging out. Niiice.

Pucker up, Papa

2008-09-08T12:51:00.000-07:00

Rude awakening

2008-09-02T16:55:00.000-07:00

Yikes, won't do that again...

Cock-a-doodle-doo

2008-09-01T08:46:00.001-07:00

Utensils

2008-08-26T07:35:00.001-07:00

6 months old

2008-08-22T13:19:00.000-07:00

21.5 lbs.
28.75 inches

Beach vibe

2008-08-21T05:32:00.001-07:00

In anticipation of our Nags Head beach trip, Kelan had to try on his first pair of Quiksilver trunks (thank you Auntie Shelby!) to get into the groove.

Is this a beach-worthy bod or what?!

Slap happy

2008-08-19T09:01:00.000-07:00

Kelan has learned that with rapid-fire slapping
the lights, music and funny sounds never end...ever.

Bath time

2008-08-16T07:31:00.001-07:00

It's a family affair at the Lewis household! Once "bath time" has
been announced everyone scrambles to be first at the tub. Otis always
claims the premium seat - my lap - while Belle patiently paces awaiting a chance to kiss a wiggly wet baby.

This nightly ritual has become an anticipated event and we adore it...

Just monkeying around

2008-08-13T05:51:00.001-07:00

A day in the life of...

2008-08-12T05:06:00.001-07:00

Big smiles from a boy who loves being outdoors
and going on walks.

Now that he's mastered rolling over , he's
practicing a new skill -- sitting up!

KC enjoys storytime and sinks his (new) tooth into a favorite book.

Snuggle pug

2008-07-24T12:43:00.000-07:00

Otis adores his little boy...just a little bit.

Fluffy friend

2008-07-21T06:12:00.000-07:00

Kelan loves his super squishy and soft Elie the Elephant

and so does Otis
(notice O lurking very close by)

Quality time

2008-07-21T05:56:00.000-07:00

with Uncle Billy

Aunt Eva May

and Judgie!

We all enjoyed a house full of family and fun this weekend.

Puppy Love

2008-07-10T17:20:00.001-07:00

To say Belle is obsessed with her new little brother is an
understatement -- she'd kiss him all day long if I'd let her.
Kelan totally loves the attention, but eventually, enough is enough.

Food vs. Fabric

2008-07-07T09:18:00.000-07:00

He seems to have a penchant for... both.

Happy 4th of July!

2008-07-04T17:23:00.000-07:00

Celebrating 4th of July requires having a bar-b-que,
beer and watermelon, right?

Unfortunately, Kelan's not a fan of the tradition.

We'll try again next year...

Good Mornin' Sunshine

2008-07-01T10:31:00.000-07:00

The sweet sound of K in the morning as he chirps and chats away
(notice we dodged a FBF (full blown fuss)? Phew.)

New menu item

2008-06-30T07:22:00.001-07:00

Sticky and tasteless rice cereal. Yum. No wonder most of it ended
up on his face rather than in his tummy.
And, at the end of the meal, he wasn't the only one who looked
like this (ahem).

Horrific realization for an OCD mom -- Oh god, this s**t's like glue!

Say it, don't spray it

2008-06-30T07:12:00.001-07:00

KC showed off his newest talent...raspberries.
(thus, the ever-present bib)

It's all realitive(s)

2008-06-30T06:37:00.000-07:00

We traveled by plane (gulp) to Connecticut so KC could
meet the family -- four generations to be exact.
The weekend couldn't have been more fun!

Kelan lounged on Grandpa during lunch.

Emma-Hayes casually sat on her Aunty's lap and shared her
goldfish snacks with everyone.

Clearly a happy camper in his Great Aunty Margaret's arms.

E-H kicked back with the big folks in her Adirondack chair.

First (15 minute) boat ride

2008-06-13T19:54:00.000-07:00

Braving the waters of Lake Norman in his ultra
uncomfy life vest.

Needless to say, it was a very quick trip.

Summer attire?

2008-06-13T19:41:00.000-07:00

Of course. Who doesn't wear sweaters when it's scorching
hot in the south? G-ma Holland knitted this sweater -- unfortunately,
it'll be KC's first and last time wearing it before the appropriate season.

Claimed

2008-06-13T18:29:00.001-07:00

Innately, Kelan knows that, "once licked, it's all MINE."

And, if you suck it, there's no returning it...ever.

New kicks for the kids

2008-06-02T15:52:00.000-07:00

John Deere is Haute Coutre in the south.

We southerners know how to coordinate, right?

What's not to love -- seersucker and JD.

Belle embraces her inner cowgirl.

We're amused but Otis not so much.

Nekkid baby!

2008-06-02T15:43:00.000-07:00

Buns!! The irresistible pinch...

Family fun

2008-06-02T15:29:00.000-07:00

Everyone say "Cheese!" (Otis disobeys...again)

Life is good (despite the sleepness nights)

Hey, it's like hearing the ocean in a seashell. Kinda...

Auntie Christi visits the Rewis'

2008-06-02T15:14:00.000-07:00

Soul sistahs - 'nuf, said -- who can deny the resemblance.

Can't contain ourselves -- we had a

blast.

Visit to Wilmy-Wood! ( Wilmington, NC, that is...)

2008-06-02T14:56:00.000-07:00

Foot loose and fancy free mothers -- 1st evening with

a babysitter and dinner at the Bridgetender with Auntie KK.

Ahh, freedom!

One of a kind -- the first family portrait.

The Three Musketeers!

Sugar puss

2008-05-17T17:49:00.000-07:00

Looking into the mouth of the beast

2008-05-17T17:41:00.000-07:00