3 Months!!

It's hard to believe our Baby Kate is 3 months old. She is forming a cute little personality and is such a happy baby. Along with eating and sleeping she enjoys playing with her Flora the Flutterbug toy and she loves when Daddy does his Georgie Porgie rhyme with her, complete with choreographed hand and leg movements.

The Barlow clan came to visit last weekend and Ben had a great time playing with Griffin (or "Riffin" as Ben calls him). They had a lot in common, including their love of trains and goldfish crackers. They (along with Elise) also enjoyed running laps around the house and chasing each other (or thinking they were being chased).

Sporting her curly do.

Relaxing with Daddy before bedtime.

Cheering on those Bengals.

With Lady Ashley of Fort Thomas

Two Men and a Little Lady

Jeff stealing a smooch from Elise. Ben and Griffin were not amused!

Fall is here!

The biggest development here is that school has started again and Ben is going three mornings a week. I was really worried about him being in a new classroom from last year with new friends and teachers, but so far he has really enjoyed it. Each time I've picked him up he hasn't wanted to leave. I don't know what that says about Kate and me, but I'm happy he enjoys school so much. Yesterday was red finger paint day and the month's activities will also include measuring and weighing, playing with playdough, making applesauce and more finger painting (next time with blue paint!).

Oh yeah, the Bengals season also started and Kate wore her first piece of Bengals attire and we taught Ben how to say "Who Dey." Unfortunately their spirit didn't help them win - neither did Daddy's "spirit", which mostly included lots of pacing and yelling at the television. At this point we can only hope that the Bengals go to the playoffs sometime before Ben leaves the house for college. Next week I hope to get a picture of the two of them in their Bengals gear, so stay tuned...

We've had many visitors lately, which has been great. First, Amy and Jackson came for a quick visit from Atlanta. Then Chris, Julie and Annie visited us over Labor Day weekend. Babbie came for a long visit and now we're excited to have the Barlow family coming this weekend.

Looking rather nonplussed about wearing his new backpack.

Babbie and Kate watching the Bengals game

Kate enjoying some time in her crib. Here are a few more pictures of her room:

Ben & Jackson


Annie

Ben teaching Annie all about Thomas

New haircut

Still trying to get a really great photo of the two of them.

10 Weeks

Here are some pictures of Miss Peanut at 10 weeks of age.

Miss Peanut & the Dudey Man

The nicknames have begun for Kate. She's usually referred to as "Baby Kate," "Baby Tate," "Peanut," or my personal favorite "Miss Peanut." Nothing too unusual or crazy, but she is rarely called Kate, except by Ben. Ben's main nickname is "Dudey Man," or "Dudey" or sometimes "Benner." I always use a stern "Ben Fritsche!" when he's in trouble. That serves two purposes - 1) he knows he's in trouble and 2) if we're in public or around other people, it allows them to figure out how to pronounce our last name.

Miss Peanut had her 2-month appointment yesterday and she's doing great. She weighed in at 10 pounds 14 1/2 ounces (50%) and is 23 1/4" long (80%). Here are some pics of our growing girl and our little man.

This would be a great pic if Kate's right eye were open!

Elise visits pretty frequently and Ben always looks forward to seeing her and causing mischief with her.

8 weeks

Kate turns 8 weeks old today and is getting so big and forming such a cute personality. She obviously takes after her mother. :) The past several nights she has slept through the night - a trend we hope continues for the next 18 years, but realize it could be more like two days. Ben is still filling the role as great big brother, although it seems he might be a little jealous for mommy's attention these days.

Here are some pictures from the past week or so.

Daddy & Daughter story time.

Ben enjoys playing the "hippity hippity hop" game with Aunt Anne (the ribbons are bunny ears)

Jeff Junior

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!