All Smiles

Kate has finally started smiling. It is so precious. She is really starting to take in the world around her.

Smiling baby

We had an action packed week. Noah and Courtney came to visit. Aunt Courtney sure knows how to make Kate smile. She says the silliest things and Kate just eats it up. Noah is very interested in little Kate. He is always looking at her and trying to touch her hand. He even wanted to give her little footsie a taste. Court and I took the babies to the park. Kate slept but Noah got to enjoy the swings and the slide. Later that day, Kate got a tour of Northampton Elementary. I finally brought her up to the school where Susie and I taught. It was so fun showing her off to all our friends there. She slept the whole time and I had a chance to catch up with some of the teachers.

All ready to go to the park!

Friday Erik and I actually had a date night. Of course, we went to Chuy's. Then we headed to the HEB. So romantic!! Thanks Mimi and Grandpa for babysitting.

I love the weekends for so many reasons. Erik is home and we can spend some quality time as a family of 3. I also love the weekends because Erik has night duty. I am so very thankful that he is such a hands on Dad and for the rest I get on the weekends! This is how they feel asleep on Friday night--too cute.

Such a big yawn for such a little baby!

Worn out!

Sunday afternoon was spent with Erik's family. Our sister in law Traci is having a baby boy in March and we all got together for her baby shower. It was a girls only event so poor Erik had to stay at home and watch football!! I am glad Kate got to see everyone. She has changed so much since they had seen her last. It was a very nice shower and we can't wait to meet baby Tripp in little over a month.

Before the baby shower.
The bow is out of control I know!

This is one of my all time favorite pictures of Kate

Kate with Mimi and Grandpa

We hope you had a great weekend. Thanks for reading.

Kristen

Our big girl

This is how I spent my Sunday afternoon while Kate and her Daddy were watching football...

My little baby is already outgrowing her clothes. It was time to put away the newborn gowns and the 3 month pj's. It made me a little sad, but we are loving her developing personality! By personality I mean this...


Kate spent her first night in her crib last night. What a big night for Kate! She is slowly adjusting and so is mommy :)

Notice her arms up. This is for some strange reason her favorite way to sleep. Check it out!

We hope you are having a good Monday. We are off to take a walk and enjoy this great weather.

Thanks for reading,

Kristen

1st Play Group

We had such a fun morning! Kate had a few of her friends come over and play. Gavin, Hadley, Carter and even cousin Noah made it over. It was very amusing to see the boys interact with each other and play with the toys. I think Hadley and Kate are still a little young for this, but it was fun for us momma's to sit and chat!! Here are some of the pictures.

They really did have a good time--I promise!!

The boys with Gavin the ring leader :)

Noah is saying come on Kate you can play too!!

Kate was asleep for most of the get together. A little later in the day she decided to give her activity mat a try. She loves looking at the blinking lights.

What a funny face!

Thanks for reading!
Kristen

Can you believe....

Baby Kate is 2 months old today, January 12th---we can't! Where does the time go?

We went to the Dr. today for her 2 month check up. She now weighs 12 pounds and 2 ounces and measures 23 1/2 inches long. Our baby is getting BIG!! She had to get two shots and her screams about raised the roof--the poor baby. Thank goodness Mimi was able to go with us. I do not think I could have handled the shots alone.

Kate loves loves loves her paci and bouncy chair! She is eating about 4 ounces and is doing great with the bottle.

We are still waking up throughout the night. Usually it is around 3:30ish. Trust me, there is no good TV on at 3:30am only paid programming. Thank goodness for DVRed episodes of "How I Met Your Mother"!

We have been to the Dr. quite a bit this month. Three times to be exact. (I'm sure you are thinking I have a case of new mom syndrome--but the little girl has been sick!) Poor little Kate cannot shake this pesky cold that has been bothering her. It probably doesn't help that her Daddy had strep throat this week.

Here are some things that Kate loves to look at...
-her Daddy (so precious)
-the fan
-the blinds
-the Christmas tree (Can't you leave it up all year?)
-the snow globe that plays "Jesus Loves Me"
-out the window on car trips
-Praise Baby Dvd's
-her reflection in the mirror during bath time

Bundled up in the stroller- we are ready for some warmer weather!

Here are some things we love about Kate...
-her chubby little cheeks
-her sweet smile (we have seen it a couple of times)
-hearing her make all her little noises
-that she loves watching football college & pro (that was Erik's contribution)
-she does not mind wearing bows :)
-when she cuddles up on your shoulder

Look at those cheeks!

Watching the Aggies with her Daddy---so focused on the game!

I might be losing my hair!

See I do smile!

We have noticed so many changes in her this past month. She is very alert now. I swear she recognizes my voice. (She probably hears it enough.)

We are so in love with our baby girl. We thank God for blessing us with such a miracle.

Enjoy the pictures!

Kristen

Cousin Visit

Cousin Erik and Kate

Kate and Noah got to meet their second cousin Erik this past weekend. He flew in all the way from Michigan. It was so great to see him. He not only got to meet the two newest members of the family, but he got to watch the Michigan State Spartans play in the Alamo Bowl. My dad is a Spartan and thought it would be fun to take a boys trip to San Antonio to watch the game. So, my dad, cousin Erik and husband Erik were decked out in their Spartan Green and made the 3 hour drive west on 1-10. (Yes, both Eriks end in a k--confusing I know!)

Before the road trip to watch the Spartans play Texas Tech

While the boys were having their fun me and Kater had a slumber party at Mimi's. Kate really loved staying up all night. (We are still not sleeping through the night!) I think we wore out the Mimi!!

Court, Kev and Noah came to Spring to hang out with cousin Erik as well. It was neat to have our little family together. We were bundled up by an outside fire and cousin Erik was in a t-shirt! We swore it felt like a Michigan spring day!! Hopefully he will be back again soon. Maybe next time his brother Kurt can join him!

Bundled up by the fire with Kevin and Noah

Not a Detroit Red Wing Fan! (Sorry Uncle Todd and Aunt Kaye)

Thanks for reading!
Kristen

2010

Happy New Year! We hope your 2010 is your best year yet. We rang in the new year with some of our friends from Small Group. Yes, we made it until midnight--Can you believe it?! We played some games, shot some fireworks, talked about babies, and ate some delicious soup--Thanks Laura and David! Kate was such a good sport. It was a big night for her as well! (Check out the picture below to see what I mean!!)

Getting ready for the party!

Having some fun

Brett & Jennifer

Laura & David

Laura & Scott

Love the guys posing for the camera

The guys idea of fun

Looks like it is midnight.
Kate and Carter bringing in the New Year!

Happy New Year!
Kristen