Sunday, February 26, 2012

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

1 Year Old!

Kate by the Numbers:

 9,125 ounces of formula/breast milk

2,500 kisses

2,190 diapers changed

365 days

19 pacifiers

7 teeth

4 tubs of outgrown clothes

2 wobbly little legs

1 trip to the ER

One Whole Year!


One year ago, Kate was scheduled to be "evicted" on February 22.  She decided she'd be happy to make her entrance then, but not because someone was making her, it would be on her own time.  That kind of attitude has proven to be her norm, she'll do it when she's ready.

It has been amazing to watch Kate grow this year.  She is persistent and independent.  She is quick to smile and loves being around people.  Her emotions are written all over her face.  She will tell you loud and clear when she is mad.  She is an explorer and curious, into everything and rarely sitting still.  For as much trouble as we had getting her to sleep in the beginning, she has turned into a sleeping star, asleep by 7 and up at 6 with two solid naps.  She adores her dad.  Rain, snow or sun, she always prefers to be outside.  She is a mamas girl, has been from the start.  She loves her Brownie.  She would rather climb in the dishwasher or rummage in the freezer than play with any of her toys.  She is happiest at home.

Kate, we love you more than you could ever imagine and we are so proud to be your parents.

 Kate's birthday balloon surprise

 First hug as a 1 year old

Kate looks a little skeptical about this big change...

There is also bitter on this overwhelmingly sweet day.  While we have had one wonderful year with Kate, it also marks a year without Grandma.  Those of you that knew Grandma know that she would be quite irritated with me for even mentioning her in this post;)  So, I will do what I know Grandma would want me to do today.  I will have a cup of coffee for her, share some classic Grandma stories and then love, snuggle and celebrate the heck out of her 1 year-old great-granddaughter. 


Monday, February 20, 2012

Naked Nelly

We're not sure if Kate is feeling liberated about almost being 1 or trying to tell us to turn down the thermostat, but she loves having her clothes off!




Sunday, February 12, 2012

Getting Big!

Ok, this growing up thing is tough...On Parents!!  Our little lady is done with formula, bottles and walking is undoubtedly her main source of transportation.  Kate couldn't be happier while Drew and I need Kleenex! 






Sunday, February 5, 2012

We are proud of you, Uncle Mike!

Drew, Kate and I made a trip to scenic Wenona, IL yesterday to cheer on Michael and his 7th grade boys basketball team in the Elite-8!  Although the Shabbona Braves were not victorious, it was a great game and experience.  Kate enjoyed the game and was excited to be a part of Michael's big cheering section!  Being a die-hard Cub's fan, Mike knows as well as anyone that there is always next year.



Wednesday, February 1, 2012

Wacky Weather

Exactly one year ago today we were in the midst of the Blizzard of 2011.  38 weeks pregnant with Kate, we were afraid that, if needed, we might not be able to make it to the hospital under 22 inches of snow...

February 1, 2012 - We hardly need a coat!