1 Month

I can't believe it's already been a month! Kate is the world's nicest baby. She is very mellow and just hangs out when she's awake. So far she is a great sleeper- she usually sleeps 6 hours stretches at night. I'm beyond grateful for that! She has been smiling and cooing for a little while and there is nothing sweeter in the world than that. I love the stage she's just entering when she is starting to engage you. I was holding her yesterday and looked down to find her smiling just waiting for me to say something. Nothing makes a moms heart melt faster than that "hey! I've been waiting for you" recognition. I forgot how special mornings with a well rested and just fed baby are! They don't last as long as I wish they could but so far we are just loving having a few moments of alone time. She's a trooper when it comes to taking in all the "love" that Evan has for her. In between the "close calls" of affection, he really does love her! We are so happy to have her!

Bored on a Saturday night?

What do you do on a beautiful Saturday evening when you live in SoCal? Head to Sea World! We took a little trip to see Shamu and play last weekend. These are the days when you really appreciate living where we live!
Kate's first trip to SeaWorld.
When Evan saw this fish he told me "that fitch is sad". How cute is that? He kind of does look sad.

Arizona

We went to Arizona to watch this guy play ball.
Our nephew Zach is quite the baller! He came to Arizona to show off for some scouts so we made the trek out to watch hime play. It was fun to hang with the fam and Evan had so much fun that he literally slept the following week away to make up for the party.
Three kids stuffed in the backseat! Evan, Riley (my neice), and baby Kate comatose after a day of making forts, swimming, and a ton of running.
Paul's parents just moved into a new house and Evan discovered the doggy door. He would not use the real door the entire trip! It was the dog door or bust. After my initial panic about germs, dirt, and dog junk, I finally just had to let it go. He's still alive, right?!

Is this what they call "regressing"?
Bundled up on a walk.
Evan was "sharing" the CD's. I heard him keep saying "here" and "gook at this". He chooses to share with her when she is in her swing or laying on the floor. She's been intruduced to trains, books, his falling apart blanket, fruit snacks (which he actually slid into her mouth) and all sorts of toys. It sounds like I never watch them! I swear I do!
One night Evan was playing in the garage and came inside to tell me about riding his scooter. I thought he was actually riding the scooter, but instead he was giving it a ride! I think my little dude is so cute! It was pretty creative!

Halloween 2009

We had a couple of opportunities to celebrate Halloween this year. Evan liked getting candy, looking at decororations, and running from house to house, but he did not like being dressed up! So this is one of two pictures that I was able to take in the three seconds he left his costume on. I thought going with a Thomas costume would be a sure thing, shows you what I know. My baby girl was psuedo dressed up as a ballerina. She looks so cute! It's little Paul Frank outfit and it says "small Paul" on the shirt. Truer words were never spoken!

She's FINALLY here!!!!

October 16, 2009
2:30 p.m.
8 lbs. 6 oz.
She was a week late, but little Katherine Joyce made her way to us! I was induced on Friday and she came soon thereafter. It was so great to finally meet her! So far she is a sweet baby girl who likes to eat and is a quiet observer. She will lay awake and just check everything out. She is super mellow! It's been fun getting her dressed,putting in bows, and trying to figure out what she's going to wear that day. I have forgotten how sweet babies are and the things that I love about this short stage. I love when they recognize your voice, I love teasing her with kisses and having her little bird mouth chase me for food, I love the balled up baby legs, and I love how tiny she is when she lays next to you. I am just trying to recouperate, be a mom to Evan, and enjoy this short sweet time before its gone! I'm already exhausted, but happily exhausted.

Life with big brother!

Everyone has warned me about the jealousy of the older sibling when bringing a new baby home. It hasn't been too bad so far, but I'm sure we are just beginning the transition from the one and only to one of two. Evan is very interested in Kate, and this morning he woke her up by singing a rousing rendition of "Kwinkle, Kwinkle little star" in her face. She didn't cry, but it did wake her. I think his real problem with her is that she is always sleeping. I can't tell you how many times I've heard him telling her to "gake up". He enjoys pushing her in the swing (which is kind of scary!), and yesterday he was sharing his toys with her when she was laying on the floor. So far, he's doing a great job of being a big brother.
What a helper! Here he is trying to put her binky back in her mouth. Be scared!
Evan wearing his big brother jammies laying next to Kate. He was resisting getting his picture taken and this is the only shot I have of him with his eyes open.