Thursday, December 30, 2010

Happy First Birthday, Kaitlyn

This year, Kaitlyn's first birthday fell on a Wednesday. Paul and I both requested the day off and hadn't really planned too much. We were hoping for a "low key" day. Mom and Papa bought Katie a new playground set for the backyard for her birthday, and Rainbow was coming bright and early to install everything.


We are too cool to sit down for pictures this month...

We ended up having a sort of "impromptu" birthday party at our house that evening. Meghan is in town visiting for the week, Grandma and Grandpa and Jon came over with Mom and Papa, Paul's dad spent the day with us and then in the evening, Noemi and Isabella came over to wish Katie a happy birthday. Mom and Grandma made a quick run to find us some yummy cupcakes, and we had cupcake and ice cream and watched Katie open her presents. While that was probably the highlight of her day, I think the rest of us had a blast playing on her new toy!



Katie's new Playground
Grandpa and Paul having fun already!

Grandpa going down the slide
Katie swinging with Daddy

Katie decides to test the slide since Grandpa said it was safe

Climbing up the ramp

Playing in the fort
Katie sliding with Aunt Meghan
Grandpa Paul, Katie and her Daddy

Kaitlyn and Grandma

Aunt Meghan got Katie The Ladybug Girl and a Pillow Pet

Getting better at opening these boxes!

She doesn't look amused

New Lamb Rocker from Grandma and Grandpa

Woohoo!!!
Singing Happy Birthday to Katie!

"What is this???"

Sugar is GOOD! Why didn't y'all tell me?!?

Want some?

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Kaitlyn: Month Twelve

Katie Bug,


This month's letter is going to be a bit different than before. Your daddy and I both handwrote you letters and placed them in your baby book for you to read later, but I still wanted to post some updates of what you have been up to this month.

You continue to amaze us with how quickly you are growing and changing. Your personality is so cute, and I love that you are communicating more and more.


Sleeping: Usually from 9pm to 7am, followed by another 1.5 to 2 hours more sleep after a bottle. Takes 1-2 naps for 1 hour each (if we are lucky)

Clothing: You are about to move on up to 12-18 month clothing and are now in size 4 shoes. Medium Diapers.

Mealtime: 16oz of milk in four bottles. Sometimes you take an extra two ounces of milk before bedtime. You eat lots of "regular" food now and you have tried so many things. (Kiwi, Pineapple, Apple, Banana, Grapes-your favorite, Strawberries, Melon, Cantaloupe, Raspberries, Blueberries, Cherries, Broccoli, Spinach, Carrots, Sweet Potatoe, Brussell Sprouts, Peas, Beans, Corn, Butternut Squash, Mashed Potatoes, Ham, Turkey, Chicken, a very small amount of beef, pasta, toast…)


Developments:
-Plays "Peek-A-Boo" and "Chase"
-Waves "hi" and "bye" when people talk to you (most of the time)
-picks up the cell phone and attempts a bad version of "hi!" This is too cute
-Stands up from sitting and climbs without help (December 4th)
-Top Left Incisor (December 12th), Top Right Incisor (December 22nd)
-Indicates wants with gestures, imitates some activities (You brought Grandma your bib this week when you wanted to eat)
-Bending over to pick up objects
-Enjoys gazing at her reflection (You love to smile at the baby in the mirror)
-Holds out an arm or leg to help you dress her (You are really good at getting clothes off)
-Eats with fingers


We love you so much baby girl and can't tell you how much you have made our lives more complete. We wish you a wonderful birthday full of fun and can't wait to see all that you learn next year.

Love Always,
Mommy

Sunday, December 26, 2010

SeaWorld Christmas

December has been such a fun and busy month for our family. My dad had surgery on his right arm and right foot at the beginning of the month, and he is home with us for three weeks on Convalescent Leave. He has to return to duty January 4th, and we are so excited that he has been here to hang out with us. My grandparents also came down for the holidays and they will be here the 22nd to the 3rd of January. We have been having a great time watching movies, eating out, and most recently visiting Sea World!

Grandma and Grandpa Murray

Shoulder Ride!

ho, Ho, HO...Merry Christmas Y'all!

Gotta make sure we have good luck!

Our Family

Getting Ready for the Christmas Show

Cookie Monster!!!!

So much fun!
Katie had such a fun time looking at everything around her and watching the Sesame Street Christmas!

Saturday, December 25, 2010

Merry Christmas 2010

Christmas this year was probably the most special one that I have had to date. I was off for a few days before and after Christmas and it really felt good to just get away from work and spend some time with the ones I love.
Christmas Tree 2010
 For Christmas Eve, Paul invited a few people over to our house. His best friend, dad, my parents, brother and grandparents came over to spend some time with Katie, Paul and myself. Everyone, sans Jason, returned Christmas morning to open presents with us and eat Christmas Lunch. Paul woke Kaitlyn up very early so that he could show her all the presents that Santa had left. She wasn't quite sure what to think at first, but she started catching on after awhile (with a few naps spread throughout). Before lunch, Paul's mom and step dad stopped by briefly to exchange gifts before continuing on to Paul's grandparents house.

Visiting in the Kitchen

Best Friends

"Gam Gam" and Katie
Milk and Cookies for Santa

Katie opening her stocking
Learn and Play Puppy from Uncle Jason

Daddy and Katie opening gifts Christmas Morning

Santa present for Kaitlyn

Daddy sharing his XBOX games with Katie

Best present of all
Four Generations
Our Family

Grandma and Grandpa with Katie

Katie and Uncle Jon

Grandma and Grandpa Murray with Katie

Grandma and Grandpa Gauna with Katie
Katie got a lot of presents!!

Reading Katie her Christmas Card

 
Intermission for Katie



New doll from Grandma and Grandpa
Jon got a new mybook from mom and papa




Kinect for Paul!


Kindle for Grandpa
Cooler for Dad
Kindle for Grandma, as well!
Duvet cover for mom and papa

iPad from mom and papa
Katie with Grandpa Paul
Grandma and Mom helped me make a delicious dinner of ham, turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, stuffing, green been casserole, corn, rolls, cranberry sauce, deviled eggs, "the green stuff" (a Murray Family tradition), and lots of yummy desserts. Katie loved all the new food! She even ate a whole tamale!
This is yummy, Grandma!!