We are so lucky to have such a wonderful family. Kate went for a visit and everyone was so excited to see her. It was great, and I know not everyone has what we have, so I feel very blessed.
HARDWORKING
And chat
Uncle Brady and Auntie Em came for a visit
Pursuing Dreams
2 years ago
Wednesday, September 03, 2008
G. NANA IS GREAT
My grandmother is an amazing woman. She is 87 years old and as sharp as ever. She was a captain in the army and a director of nursing at a hospital. She still provides care to those around her; it's one of the ways she shows love. Here's a picture of her brushing Kate's hair with a brush she received at HER baby shower for my dad from her Aunt. She gave it to me to take care of Kate. Caring for people is loving them, and it's one of my grandma's many gifts. 
I also love this picture of Kate telling her a joke....
THE GRAYSONS
Our college friend Pete (Brett's old roommate) got married this month to Amelia. We had so much fun at the wedding; my parents came to Michigan and watched Kate. This was our first time meeting Amelia - she met Pete in NYC where they both now live. Pete's brother said it well in his toast - while we don't know Amelia well, we know Pete is happier with her, so she's alright by us.
Staying in touch is hard, but we need to do better. Frankly, it's hard even with people in Cincinnati. Brett and I are both bad at pursuing people in friendships. We must get better at getting together with people - our friends are too important to us.
I'D RECOMMEND...
My friend Dora, pictured here, does not have children yet and she has decided she is going to be an "apprentice" with moms she knows and respects. What a great idea - learn about the job before you actually do it. She has asked me to write down things that are important so I don't forget them. So, as I think of it, I'll share things I think are important related to Motherhood.
This is not in order of importance, but in this post I'll share a few "must have" items (in my opinion, of course) -
1.) Specially made swaddling blankets, specifically "Halo" for newborns and "Miracle blanket" for ~6 weeks until swaddling is no longer needed. WHY is this important? Swaddling is when you wrap a baby up tight, replicating the womb. It helps them calm down and go to SLEEP. More on sleep in future posts - this is one of my hobbies and core values, so of course I'm instilling this in my daughter.
Specifically these blankets make swaddling easier. The Halo blanket (pictured here) is great when the baby is first born and needs to get in and out of the blanket often (since newborns sleep most of the day and night.) This blanket has a zipper so you can swaddle without waking the baby. When they are bigger and can wiggle their way out of the swaddle, the miracle blanket is great. Once the baby can wiggle out of the miracle blanket, I think it's time to call it quits on the swaddle (which for us was somewhere around 10 weeks I think.) But until that time, it was THE BEST!!
2. Decorative car seat cover. Sure, it might not seem that important, but for those who appreciate beauty, consider this an accessory you will have everyday. I get compliments on this thing everywhere I go. http://www.mylittlechild.com/ has lots of options for $50-$100. I value beauty - it makes me feel good. I know God values it too - consider sunsets for a moment. Invest in this.
3. An infant bath tub. This cost $10 and was so worth it. See how much fun she's having (versus the toddler tub below which was supposed to work for infants but doesn't.) Key issue with the one she's screaming in - you couldn't fill it with water so she's freezing. That's no fun. This blue one is on an incline so she sits in water and only needs to be steadied. Do it.
4. Bouncer Seat. Period - this is the best toy. This one from Fisher Price was $30 and has a more subdued pattern than the rainforest design. But no matter what is looks like, it is the BEST. She loves talking to her pals Leroy, Jethro, and Bob (green elephant, giraffe, and blue elephant respectively. Kate told my dad their names.) You must have one of these.
Other things to consider - 
My friend Dora, pictured here, does not have children yet and she has decided she is going to be an "apprentice" with moms she knows and respects. What a great idea - learn about the job before you actually do it. She has asked me to write down things that are important so I don't forget them. So, as I think of it, I'll share things I think are important related to Motherhood.
This is not in order of importance, but in this post I'll share a few "must have" items (in my opinion, of course) -
1.) Specially made swaddling blankets, specifically "Halo" for newborns and "Miracle blanket" for ~6 weeks until swaddling is no longer needed. WHY is this important? Swaddling is when you wrap a baby up tight, replicating the womb. It helps them calm down and go to SLEEP. More on sleep in future posts - this is one of my hobbies and core values, so of course I'm instilling this in my daughter.
Specifically these blankets make swaddling easier. The Halo blanket (pictured here) is great when the baby is first born and needs to get in and out of the blanket often (since newborns sleep most of the day and night.) This blanket has a zipper so you can swaddle without waking the baby. When they are bigger and can wiggle their way out of the swaddle, the miracle blanket is great. Once the baby can wiggle out of the miracle blanket, I think it's time to call it quits on the swaddle (which for us was somewhere around 10 weeks I think.) But until that time, it was THE BEST!!
2. Decorative car seat cover. Sure, it might not seem that important, but for those who appreciate beauty, consider this an accessory you will have everyday. I get compliments on this thing everywhere I go. http://www.mylittlechild.com/ has lots of options for $50-$100. I value beauty - it makes me feel good. I know God values it too - consider sunsets for a moment. Invest in this.
3. An infant bath tub. This cost $10 and was so worth it. See how much fun she's having (versus the toddler tub below which was supposed to work for infants but doesn't.) Key issue with the one she's screaming in - you couldn't fill it with water so she's freezing. That's no fun. This blue one is on an incline so she sits in water and only needs to be steadied. Do it.
4. Bouncer Seat. Period - this is the best toy. This one from Fisher Price was $30 and has a more subdued pattern than the rainforest design. But no matter what is looks like, it is the BEST. She loves talking to her pals Leroy, Jethro, and Bob (green elephant, giraffe, and blue elephant respectively. Kate told my dad their names.) You must have one of these.
Other things to consider - Bumbo. Good for neck muscles. Isn't she funny and mature in this little chair?
An activity mat. Kate and her good friend Cana are enjoying the Gymini Tiny Love Activity Mat. Here's why this is great - Brett and I think it's fun, so WE want to play with it so we spend more time playing with Kate. I'd recommend this for all toys - get ones that look like fun to you!
Tuesday, September 02, 2008
FIRST VACATION - ONE MONTH
What cuties!
I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a little nervous about taking a one month old on a boat. But I don't believe in living in fear. So, I bought Kate a life jacket and off we went. She really only wore it as a comfy baby bed, but isn't it adorable!
Andrew taught Brett about fly fishing - go Brett with a score on his first time out!
Lake Norris is gorgeous. An athlete I am not, but I love being out on the water and wake boarding is the best!
Kate went on her first vacation to Lake Norris in Tennessee with her friend Baby Cana Peters, who is 3 weeks older than she.
What cuties!
I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a little nervous about taking a one month old on a boat. But I don't believe in living in fear. So, I bought Kate a life jacket and off we went. She really only wore it as a comfy baby bed, but isn't it adorable!
Andrew taught Brett about fly fishing - go Brett with a score on his first time out! Lake Norris is gorgeous. An athlete I am not, but I love being out on the water and wake boarding is the best!
WEEK 2 - MIRACLE
This whole thing is a miracle. God, thank you for making me a mom. Thank you for this miraculous gift.
Going on her first walk with mom, dad, and aunt nikki - her future's so bright....
Hangin with Grandma, Nikki and Andrew 
First bath - I mean really, is she too cute or what!
Off to her first party, Kate is sporting her "Little Lady" outfit, bought for her by the Millers who are moving to Texas (boo! we'll miss you!) 
Kate loves to snuggle with her Grandma.
This whole thing is a miracle. God, thank you for making me a mom. Thank you for this miraculous gift.
They say babies don't smile until 2 months, but this looks like a smile to me.
Kate has been expressive right from the start. She has a lot to say.
Going on her first walk with mom, dad, and aunt nikki - her future's so bright....
Hangin with Grandma, Nikki and AndrewFirst bath - I mean really, is she too cute or what!
Kate's first of many manicures
Off to her first party, Kate is sporting her "Little Lady" outfit, bought for her by the Millers who are moving to Texas (boo! we'll miss you!)Kate loves to snuggle with her Grandma.
This is what Joy looks like.
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