Smile Time

Kate has started smiling, so trying to capture one on film has become a new sport around our house. I remember this being a difficult task with Ben as well. As soon as the camera is in their face the smiles usually stop. Here are a few attempts.

I've included a few more pictures from the past week, including an actual picture of Mommy!

Mommy & the little ones

We borrowed this swing from Elise and Kate really likes it. Therefore we really like it and send a big "thanks" to Elise, Nini and Cockles for letting us use it.

Ben likes to push her in the swing. He says "fast" and pushes her way too fast for my liking. This activity has led to a few time out sessions.

Baby Kate in her carseat getting ready to go to the park.

Here's our big baby in the carseat as well. I can't believe he used to fit in the seat - he's getting so big!

5 Weeks

Kate is now 5 weeks old. At her one month appointment she weighed in at 9 lbs. 4 ounces (50th percentile) and was 22" long (85th percentile). We've gotten a few little smiles out of her and getting the positive feedback makes all the hard work a little easier! She is still a pretty good sleeper - even though every night seems a little bit different. She loves to eat, although doesn't like it so much when Mommy eats garlic.

On a different note, Ben is talking all the time and it's so cute and funny (most of the time!). When he doesn't want something he says "no please (peez)" and when he does want something (usually when he's asking for a train) he says "i want that please." Thomas is pronounced "Pahdas" (oddly, this is also the word he uses for hummus). He lately has been saying "oh brother (bruva)" and "great caesar's ghost", which is something he heard on The Backyardigans. I won't even attempt to write how that is pronounced. The other night he fell in love with a Bush's baked beans commercial where the dog dresses as a ghost. He kept saying "puppy - boo boo choo choo" (Boo Boo Choo Choo is one of his favorite Thomas songs - where trains encounter spooky things). We had to rewind it several times until Daddy and Mommy were both tired of watching a commercial about baked beans!

Here are some pictures from the past few weeks. I'm a little behind adding pictures!

So far this my favorite picture of Kate.

After her first tub bath. Her hair gets really curly when it's wet - just like her Mommy's.

Spending time on the Baby Einsten mat. Ben always wants her on the mat and says "Kate mat!"

It'll be interesting to see how her hair grows in as she gets older. She has two major cowlicks - one in the front and the other in the back. The back of her hair looks like the eye of a hurricane!

Ben "talking" to Kate through her monitor. "Kaaaaaate!"

Wondering why she's not responding...

When Ben asks to hold Kate it usually lasts about 5 seconds and then "no hold please."

3 Weeks

I can't believe it, but Kate is 3 weeks old. These past 3 weeks have gone by so quickly. Here are a few pictures from her 3-week birthday.

Kate and Ben doing some cuddling. This picture was taken right after lunch so disregard the peanut butter on the side of his mouth!

4th of July & Elise's 2nd Birthday

We didn't really participate in any 4th of July festivities around here, but Kate enjoyed her first holiday nonetheless. Some of the holiday weekend highlights included a visit from Aunt Anne, Kate taking her first stroll through the neighborhood and going to Elise's 2nd birthday party. Here are some pictures from Kate's second week.

Ben admiring his little sister.

Sharing trains with Kate - true love indeed!

Elise came by for a visit and they had fun with a pink ribbon.

Helping Poppie do some painting.

Enjoying a walk around the neighborhood.

All dressed up for Elise's party.

Did somebody say "cake"? Margaret, Bennett, Elise & Ben waiting for a slice.

Clapping enthusiastically after singing Happy Birthday to Elise.

Kate's First Week

Kate is one week old today. She is such a great baby. I think I may have a child who has adopted my sleep habits instead of Jeff's because she sleeps all the time. [knock on wood that this continues] I don't know if I have just forgotten how much infants sleep or if I never experienced it with Ben because he has never required a ton of sleep. Regardless, I'll take it!

We are enjoying having Jeff's mom (Babbie) here to help us this week and are looking forward to Anne and Poppie arriving in the next few days. Then my mom (Grammy) will come for a week, followed by my dad (Pops) and Brenda. I'm fortunate to have so many helpers! I definitely need it!

Not much on the agenda for the 4th of July except for Elise Mae's second birthday party. We're excited to celebrate her big day.

Ben & Kate enjoying some quality time together on the Baby Einsten mat.

Catching some zzz's

Getting some rest and doing some leg lifts at the same time.

Snoozing during dinner time.

Welcome Katherine Anne!

Katherine Anne Fritsche joined our family last Wednesday, June 24th at 10:02 p.m. I had a scheduled c-section on Thursday morning, June 25th, but she decided she wanted to come a little early. My water broke around 6:30 p.m. on the 24th and after throwing things into a bag for the hospital (I wasn't packed yet!), Jeff and I headed to the hospital. Before we left we snapped a few pictures - one with Ben and me and another of my belly. The lighting in these pictures is sort of weird as Jeff was the photographer. :)

We met Kate for the first time at 10:02 p.m. She weighed 8 pounds, 1 ounce and measured 21 1/2" long. She had a head full of light brown hair.

Here are some pictures of our stay in the hospital.

First picture of Baby Kate - I think she's getting a bath.

Kate & Pops

Kate & Babbie

Kate with Daddy and big brother Ben. She brought him a Thomas train named Donald so he was quickly smitten with her.

Kate & Uncle Cockles

Kate with Aunt Nini. We think Cockles is thinking "gee, I'd like to have another baby."

Daddy, Mommy & Kate

Daddy & Kate catching up on all the Michael Jackson news coverage. Everyone keeps asking if Daddy kicked me out of my hospital bed. I was up voluntarily and was tired of sitting in it!

Getting Kate ready to leave the hospital.

Her going home outfit.

All set to see my new home!