Pumpkin Patch 2010

I have never been really big on Halloween, as most of you know, but I am so excited to show you guys Katie's Halloween costume. This year, her dad and her uncle picked her costume. It came about from her absolute favorite song. Seriously, she will stop crying when she hears this song and listen....



So without further adieu....Katie's 2010 Halloween Costume!



Our Little Bumble Bee




At Northwest Methodist Church Pumpkin Patch




Katie with her Great Grandparents




Our Family



Kaitlyn: Month Ten

My Precious Boo Bear,

Today you are ten months old! And you think that you are quite the big girl. You are so independent and like to do everything yourself, especially feed yourself. You take the bottle out of our hands when we try to feed you, you reach for the spoon when you are eating in your high chair, and you shovel down your puffs or pasta like it is going to disappear any moment. I can’t believe your first birthday is only a couple of months away.

Katie Eating Lunch

You are making more progress towards walking, too, and becoming even more independent. You are such a fast crawler and you are into everything. You are off and exploring in the blink of an eye. You love to cruise around the furniture and have gotten rather fast at that, too. You haven’t taken more than two or three steps in a row together, but we think you are going to get brave and take off any day now! Aunt Nomi said you were trying to go after Isabella when you took a few steps away from the couch on your own (October 14th).

Big Girl Walking

Your bottom teeth have broken through, as well. FINALLY! Your left bottom tooth came through first on October 15th. The right bottom tooth was about a week later to break through on October 21st. You aren’t drooling as much and you aren’t as fussy since they aren’t bothering you, which is nice. You were working on cutting those teeth for several months. And boy are those teeth sharp, too! It’s like you have little razors in there. Needless to say, you don’t get to chew on our fingers nearly as much as you used to.



Katie and Mommy eating lunch

This month, Mommy and Daddy took their first trip without you. It was mommy’s first time away from you, as well, and it was very hard on all of us. We went to Kaua’i for five nights and you got to stay with Grandma and Great-Grandma. I hear that you had a great time and were such a good girl until about Wednesday; I guess you thought we needed to come home as much as we did because that was about the time we decided we were gone long enough (4 nights). Next time you will get to come along, too, or we will only stay for three or four nights.

Katie sending us off

More Ten Month News:

Sleeping: You are still touch and go. You normally sleep ten or eleven hours in a row. If we have been working a lot or have been away, you seem to wake up around 3am for some snuggles, though. You are still taking two naps for 1-2 hour or several cat naps whenever you "decide" to sleep.

Clothing: 6-12 month or 9-12 month, size three and a half shoes, medium diapers

Mealtime: 16oz of milk in four bottles (although you seem to be combining the last two for bedtime) and 2-3 jars of 4.5oz baby food. You enjoy lots of puffs and the occasional table food when Grandpa sneaks it in.

Grandpa's Girl

Developments:

-Waves “bye bye” sometimes after we already leave or “hi”

-Picks up things with your pincher grasp

-Crawls well (too well)

-Indicates wants with gestures

-Stands alone for a couple of seconds

-Cruises (11 month skill)

-Plays “Peek-a-Boo” (11 month skill)

-Understands “no” and simple instructions (sometimes) (11 month skill)

-Stoops from a standing position (But only while holding on)


Grandma and Katie

We love you so much Kaitlyn Marie; I hope you have wonderful Ten Month Birthday!

Love Always,

Mommy

The Beginning of the End

Of pumping at work, that is. Today is the first day that I did not pump at work. I have been pumping for nine months and twenty-six days...

While we were on vacation, I was only pumping twice a day, and I found if I pumped three times a day, I didn't get any more milk. I am now able to pump before and after work. No more lugging my bag and supplies back and forth to and from work and disinfecting everything multiple times a day.

I find this change bittersweet. I like that I am able to get my work completed in a more relaxed fashion. I love that I can socialize with my colleges and have time to visit with my patients rather than just rushing all day long.  But then, I miss the quiet 30 minute breaks where I can clear my mind and de-stress. And I think most of all, I know that the end of breastfeeding is near. I am pumping anywhere from 10 to 20% of the amount I was able to produce at six months. Katie isn't eating as much now as she was then, either, so I don't necessarily have to produce like I was. But I am not able to keep up with her demand. Last month was the first month she drank more than I could make.

I have plenty of reserves for her, and I should be able to come close to my 12 month goal. I just can't believe our little girl is going to be a toddler soon.

Katie, Our Musician

Post Partum Anxiety and Depression Awareness Week

Did you know that 1 in 8 women suffer from Postpartum Depression? Did you know that "women of every culture, age, income level and race can develop perinatal mood and anxiety disorders?" Did you know that symptoms can appear up to 12 months after child birth? Did you know postpartum disorders can be temporary and treated?

Did you know that you didn't

have to suffer in silence?

Are you feeling sad or depressed?

Do you feel more irritable or angry with those around you?

Are you having difficulty bonding with your baby?

Are you having problems with eating or sleeping?

Do you feel anxious or panicky?

Are you having upsetting thoughts that you can't get out of your mind?

Do you feel as if you are out of control or "going crazy"?

Do you feel like you never should have become a mother?

Are you worried that you might hurt your baby or yourself?

You don't have to have every symptoms, and not every woman will, but there is help out there. It can and will get better.  Making the adjustment of bringing a new baby into your home is hard. You will cry and wonder what the heck you were thinking the first few weeks, but that should be it. After a few weeks, it is no longer just the "baby blues." If you feel like you may be suffering from any of the above symptoms, please talk to someone...anyone. You do not have to suffer alone. Perhaps its just the baby blues that will pass, but it could be something more. There is no shame in asking for help.

Resources:

Mayo Clinic on Postpartum Depression

Postpartum Progress

Post Partum Support International

PPD Support Group

Kaitlyn: Month Nine

Our Dearest Kaitlyn,

Today you are nine months old! I have to say, this month, you are a DADDY'S GIRL! You really haven't wanted much to do with your mama until the past couple of days. If daddy is home, you cry and fuss unless he picks you up to play or snuggle with you. Also, daddy is the only one who can put your to bed, lately, and it makes him feel really special. (Of note: You have VERY bad separation anxiety, lately.)

Snuggling with Grandpa

 You have continued to grow and amaze us this month. I love to watch you play; you are so content playing by yourself and you find such enjoyment out of things I wouldn't imagine, like a water bottle and your Uncle Jon's "30th" over sized beads. Those two are your favorite toys. You have the cutest soft laugh and your eyes twinkle when you smile. You are very expressive with your emotions be they happy or sad.

Mommy gave me pigtails!

This month, you took for you first steps. The first time was at your Aunt Tara's house on September 6th and again last night for daddy. You also learned how to wave today, for the first time. You are so cute, too! You swing your whole arm up and down to wave, not just your wrist and hand. You have been doing all these new things with your left arm and foot, so we are curious to see if you are gonna be a lefty like your uncle.

Katie and Aunt Tara

You got your first boo boo this month. Mommy and you were at the new JW Marriott Resort to swim with Grandma and Grandpa, and we fell down when mommy's ankle gave out. Luckily you fell on the grass while I fell on the concrete, but you got a little bruise on your chin. I felt so badly and cried that you got hurt, but as soon as I calmed down, you stopped crying and forgot what happened. Unfortunately, mommy has very bad ankles, so I hope that doesn't happen anymore. It was quite scary.

Grandma and Grandpa Day!

 More Nine Month News:

Sleeping: You have been touch and go this month. We try to have you asleep by 8:30 or 9pm and you wake at 7:30 to 8am. We are pretty much down to two naps for 1-2 hour or several cat naps whenever you "decide" to sleep. Sleep has been such a challenge this month

Clothing: 6-12 month close, size three shoes, medium diapers

Mealtime: 16-18 oz of milk in four bottles and 2-3 jars of 4.5oz baby food. You LOVE apple or veggie puffs this month! You have progressed very well in trying to feed yourself.

Katie eating lunch with Aunt Nomi and Uncle Brian

Developments:

-Standing while holding on to something
-Cruising around furniture without our help
-Jabbering, you have a lot of sounds!
-Understands object permanence (You love to look for things when you drop them or they go "missing")
-Eats with fingers
-Bangs objects together (oh yes!)
-Waves
-Picks up things with pincer grasp
-Indicates wants with gestures (you do "gimme" with your hands, too"
-Stands alone for a couple of seconds (you did this when you were taking your first steps)

Slumber Party with Grandma!

We love you baby girl! You are the light of our lives!

Love,
Mommy

Tickle with Mommy!!

Laughter

First Steps

While Paul and I were out of town visiting Katie's godmother, she took her very first step (September 5, 2010). Tara and Katie were playing on the floor, and Tara let go of her waist, and Katie balanced by herself for a few seconds. She stepped forward with her left foot very steadily until Tara and I both screamed with disbelief. We were only just talking about how she'd be walking soon moments before!! Startled, Katie Bug sat back down and has not taken steps unassisted since. She has, however, been cruising all around the house while hanging on....

Kaitlyn: Month Eight

Katie Bug,

 

My precious baby girl, you are making more and more advancements towards being a toddler. I told your daddy a couple of days ago that you seem so different this week than last week, even. You are able to express more emotions, you are constantly on the go, and your features are changing. Everyone always tells us to cherish this time; that you will grow up so fast, and you are! I am trying to take everything in, remember as much as possible, and live in the moment, but it is going by too fast!

I love seeing your personality grow and develop. You are such a happy baby and you love to learn new things. You enjoy looking at shiny objects, new faces (as long as they aren't holding you), objects with lights, fast music (like Country Songs or Top 40s), banging objects together, "petting" the puppy, jumping, and "walking" (with help, of course). I think you understand what puppy means, too. When we mention "puppy" you always turn to look for Kalli, Buddy or Jasmine. You love to talk to yourself and you are making so many new sounds this month. You love to say "Bah!" and it almost sounds like your about to say "Mama." When you are really upset and want me to pick you up, you say "MAAAAAAAAHHHHH!" loudly. You are much more aware of who is who, and when you want our attention, you follow us around the house and cry louder if you think we are ignoring you.

You are definitely a mama's girl this month. You love for me to hold you all of the time. If I am around you and someone else is holding you, you will reach out for me as I walk by and cry when I leave the room. When I have been working several days in a row, you are very upset my first day off and cry and fuss unless I am with you the entire time. By the second day, you are back to your independent self, exploring the house and tipping over the puppy's water bowl.  I know it won't be long until you are running away to play with your friends, though, so I am trying to enjoy your attention while it lasts. :o) 

This past month, your great grandma and great grandpa were able to come up and stay with Grandma and Grandpa for two and a half weeks! You were so excited to see them and acted as though they had always been there. You gave GamGam lots of smiles and hugs and she helped mommy take care of you when I had to work. (and when I was off and needed to run errands, too!) PawPaw even gave you lots of smiles and hugs and played with you, as well!

This month you started staying with your Aunt Nomi while we are at work. I hear that you really enjoy playing with Miss Isabella. She is such a good helper and will teach you lots of cool "big girl" things, I am sure. Nomi tells me that you are very good for her!

More Eight Month Developments:

Sleeping/Naps: Bedtime at 8:30-9:30pm and sleep to 07:30. You usually take 2-3 naps 1-2 hours long.
Clothing: Still wearing 6-9 months or 6-12 months with size three shoes, Medium Diapers
Mealtime: 1 to 2-4.5oz jars of baby food, stage 2 and 19-22 ounces of milk in 5 bottles

New Skills:
  -Passes objects from one hand to the next
  -Standing while holding onto something, you let go with one hand even
  -Taking a couple of steps sideways while holding on (to the coffee table, etc.)
  -Lowering yourself back down to the ground rather than falling
  -Picking up things with your pincher grasp
  -Opening and Closing things repeatedly
  -Understands object permanence
  -Feeding yourself one to two Apple Puffs

We love you so much doodlebug; more and more each day!

Love,
Mommy

Katie and Carmen

March 16, 2010 (10weeks, 7weeks)

April 29, 2010 (4months, 3months)

April 30, 2010 (3months, 4months)

June 7, 2010 (4months, 5months)

August 26, 2010 (8months, 7months)

I love my Great-Grandmas!

Kaitlyn had a really good time with GamGam while she was here visiting!

Kaitlyn met her other great-grandma for the first time (August 24, 2010)

Santa Rosa Reunion

While I was on leave, I got a flyer in the mail that Santa Rosa was having a Health Symposium and was inviting all babies born in their first year of service to attend for a "Baby Reunion." Mom, Grandma and I went with Katie to have our picture taken and see all of the other babies born that year.

Katie is ready to go!

They had door prizes, speakers, entertainment and even food! Katie got to meet the Real Live Mister Coyote (Daddy bought her a "Katie-size" Mister Coyote several months ago) and saw several of the nurses that helped deliver her. We had a really great time and were flattered that so many of the nurses recognized us and were excited to see how big Katie was.

Katie with "Mister Coyote"

There was a pretty good turn-out, although this was not everyone by any means. They had over 150 deliveries by the end of September 2009 and they opened that July.

Santa Rosa Reunion

Kaitlyn: Month Seven

Our Precious Boo Bear,

I cannot believe how fast time has been passing by. It seems like we were just meeting you for the first time last week. You have grown and changed so much in this past month. Your personality is getting bigger by the day and you are definitely the sunshine in our lives.

This past month, we introduced you to solids, and what an adventure that has been. The first time, you cried when we put you in your high chair, and you spit almost all of your cereal back out at us. Now you are excited to eat, and actually open your mouth for more food. However, when you are all done, you lock your jaw and turn your mouth from side to side to avoid your spoon. I think your favorite food so far has been carrots, although I want to reintroduce more of the foods we gave you initially to see how you respond to them now.

You are now eating 20-24 ounces of breast milk a day. It is hard to say exactly how many times a day you are eating. Sometimes you drink half a bottle, other times you drink a bottle and a half or two bottles of milk at a time. We make you six 4 oz bottles for the day, and you usually have 1-2 oz left over at the end of the day. You are also eating about a jar to a jar and a half of baby food a day. You are still eating the baby's "first" foods, although I have a feeling you will be moving on to the "2's" soon. 

With all your eating and growing, you are now wearing bigger clothes. Some of your clothes are 6-9 months and some are 6-12 months, it just depends on the brand and their sizing. Your little thighs are getting so chunky and they are absolutely precious!! :o)

We also had to put you in your medium diapers (size 3 for disposable use) and adjust all of your one size diapers up a notch. Mommy is excited that she got to order more fluffy mail!! You have lots of cute new colors of diapers to wear, including polka dots, leopard print, and bold blues, pinks and purple!

We took our first out of town trip as a family this month, too. We went to Lake LBJ after the fourth of July to spend some time with your godfather, TJ, and Aunt Lindsay. You had so much fun being spoiled all weekend!! You did so well being on the boat; you loved the wind and water on you, but you weren't too sure about your life jacket unless you were being held. Uncle TJ even blew up the kid's pool for you and you had so much fun splashing at the Lake House. I can't wait to see you and Daddy tubing at the lake when you get bigger! 

You are still our little snuggle bunny, but only when you are asleep! You are now a baby on the move! Between rolling, sitting, standing up and crawling some, you are able to get almost any place that interests you. This is definitely keeping us (and daddy especially) on our toes. You tried to attack daddy's XBOX the other day and he almost had a heart attack. lol!

As usual, you are meeting (and exceeding!) all of your milestones. Some of the things that you are now able to do:

-Sit without support

-Drag objects near you

-Lung forward on your hands and knees and take a few steps crawling

-Jabber (you like to babble and screams excitement, although when you are learning something new, you focus very intently and do not make noise)

-Experience Stranger Anxiety (oh goodness, this has been interesting)

-Stand while holding onto something

-Bang objects together

-Pull self to standing (this is an 8 month skill)

We love you so very much, Kaitlyn, and are extremely proud to be your mommy and daddy. God has blessed us tremendously with you as a daughter and we cannot wait to see what you learn and accomplish in this next month.

Love,
Mommy

"How Old Are You?"

Preview of Seven Month Photoshoot

As the months go by, these are becoming more and more interesting. :o) Katie is able to "participate" much more than before. I will publish her seven month update tomorrow, but I had to take her pictures this evening because I am working tomorrow. Enjoy!

Kaitlyn Can Stand!!!

Eating Solids, It's been an adventure

I am sure most of you will have a hard time believing this, but our daughter is pretty stubborn. Feeding her has become quite the challenge and usually involves lots of silly faces and entertaining her enough until she opens her mouth and we can get some food in.