Awesome parents

In case I wasn't already super thankful for my parents, they caused me to take Kate to Panera this morning and hang out for several hours. Why? Because for my first Mother's Day, my parents gave us a house cleaning. They spent 2 hours just on the upstairs- and we do not have a huge house! They cleaned windows, bathrooms, base boards, ceiling fans, etc. We have since returned home and they are still hard at work on the downstairs. And I feel like I'm sitting in someone else's house!! It is BEAUTIFUL!!! My parents have been amazing since Kate was born. They are always doing something to serve us and help us out. I've never felt more blessed in my life. We are so grateful for you, Mom and Dad!!

Father's Day

Every girl thinks that her husband is the best dad in the world. I'm definitely one of those gals. And Kate thinks her dad is the best dad in the world. In honor of Father's Day, she slept through the night!! Midnight 'til 6:30 counts, doesn't it??

Happy Father's Day to the sweetest man I know!

Cleaning and smiles

Is nesting supposed to end once you have had the baby? Because I had the baby 6 weeks ago, and I think that the desire to clean and organize is greater now than it was before!! I wanted a clean house while I was pregnant, but lacked the energy to actually make it that way. I think I secretly hoped that someone else would take care of that for me. Now, Kate is here and I desperately want a clean home. I just don't have the time to do it now! I think she has "Mom's doing something important" radar, and she knows that whatever was so important before will be trumped by her wail for some snuggle time. And then there's the dad factor. I don't want to clean when Jon is home either. I'd much rather waste time watching The Office on DVD (I suppose this can't really be considered "wasting time"). But Jon is gone until Tuesday night on the first part of the youth choir tour in DC. And I am home with our girl. She napped like a champ this afternoon and evening, and I beasted the downstairs. I feel like I could go ahead and tackle upstairs!!! As I finished down here, the princess woke up and announced that it was time to eat once more before bed. I started talking to her before I got into the room, and as soon as I got close to her, here is what I found...

Her hair isn't actually that ridiculous looking, but the smile was too much to pass up! Plus, I can't ever get it captured in a picture. This pic on my cell phone was the best I could do!

Alas, I am not off to clean the upstairs... That will have to wait until tomorrow. I have put the sweet girl in bed, which means it's time to run and jump in mine. Because when will I be awakened? Your guess is as good as mine!

Naptime

Places that are apparently not sufficient for a nap today:
crib
swing
pack n play
bouncy seat

The ONLY place suitable for a nap today:
sling or in Mom's arms

New Beginnings...

It's not a wise idea to go for this long without blogging. By the time you get back into it, too much has happened and playing catch up is rather difficult. Here's somewhat of a recap...
At our appointment during the first week of April, we learned that Babe was upside down (or is it right side up??). We figured that she understood the way of humans. People don't move around on their heads, so why should she?? So, we scheduled a C section at the following appointment. The last few weeks were stressful and exciting. I felt great (probably because she was pleasantly reclined and not putting pressure on me) but I was really upset about having a C section. Something about never having surgery before and things not going as I had planned them. I was scared and I cried a lot. Probably more than was necessary... But, I knew that it was the only way my precious one could enter this world safely, so my feelings were utlimately cast aside. On April 30, all fears and anxiety disappeared at about 8:00 am. God was totally in control of this birth, and my plans were not to get in the way! He truly is the peace that passes all understanding. Really. I can't tell you how upset I was about having a C section. Words cannot describe my anxiety and disappointment. Kate blessed us with her presence at 8:25 that morning and we have been rockin' and rollin' since then!!
The next few weeks were packed with visitors and sleepless nights. More visitors than completely sleepless nights, though! I had written over 100 thank you notes before Kate was born, and the list has begun again. Between gifts and meals since she's been born, I think I'm back up to 40 or so. And yes. I'm very far behind on those all over again. I have baby help from my entire family while Jon is at work, and Gretchen even comes to town almost once a week to visit!! Kate weighed in at 10 pounds even at her 5 week appointment this past week, putting her in the 50th percentile (and making her Mom and Dad VERY proud!!). Our biggest victory so far is last night's champion sleeping: she didn't wake up until 5:15!! Here are some more pics to mark our last few weeks at home...

Week 1




Week 2



Week 3


Week 4

What happened??

What happened to time? My last post was on April 14... 16 days before my lady bug was born. And my ticker at the top of the page suggested (until about 10 minutes ago) that I am 43 weeks pregnant. Can you even imagine if that were true?!?! What IS true, though, is that time flies once new life enters the world. I can't believe that I've been a mom for over a little over a month now. I can't believe that I don't remember my life before my little girl was born. I can't believe that it's possible to love such a tiny thing so much. And of course, by the time I finally get ready to post again, the little lady is calling to me from her crib and telling me that it's time for dinner. So, my blogging changes because my life changed. In a huge way. Until later!

Kathryn Grace (Kate)
born April 30, 2009
7 lbs. 8 oz.
20 inches