12 month measurements

Kate's 12 month well-baby doctor appointment actually fell on her birthday this time around.

She wasn't a fan of sitting on the scale. And I mistakingly thought she was only getting one shot, but she got three. So I didn't give her Tylenol ahead of time. But she seems to be OK so far.

We also asked the doctor to fill out the medical forms for her little "preschool" that is starting up in less than a month! Boy - the summer is going by so quickly!!

Anyway, so here are her measurements. She's a healthy and happy baby girl overall!

weight = 23lbs 5oz (80th percentile)
height = 30-3/8" (85th percentile)
head = 18-1/4" (80th percentile)

One year ago today...at this very moment...

...Nick and I just came in from eating breakfast on the porch...and my water broke! And that was the only contribution that my body made towards delivering Kate all day. :)

She was born just before midnight:


Blowing out the candle at her birthday party:


Unimpressed with the texture of cake:


But enjoyed feeding it to Daddy:


LOVES to ride around on her little ladybug:


For more pics of her party click here.

And to see my fav pics from this first year click here. :D

I can easily say that this has been the best year of my life - so much more challenging, fun, and rewarding than I ever thought it could be. I'm still completely in love with my sweet little girl. We'll see how toddlerhood changes that... ;)

Happy Birthday Kate!!

8 months old (almost)

can't...stop...blowing raspberries...
Originally uploaded by Kristi & Nick

I can't believe that Kate is going to be EIGHT months old tomorrow! It's amazing / scary how fast time is flying... She currently loves to make funny faces and blow raspberries.

We got some quick stats at the doctor's office yesterday - a little questionable because Kate was squirming and the med student did the measuring...

21.1 lbs (~90th percentile)
27.5 in (~75th percentile)

So she is still growing after starting solids - yay. I've been a little worried that she hasn't been getting enough milk. And she should still theoretically fit into the infant car seat for our trip to Houston next week.

The good news is that her VSD (tiny hole in her heart) is smaller. It is still there (along with the murmur) though so we'll need another follow-up appt in a year from now. Hopefully it's completely closed then, but even if it's not the pediatric cardiologist said it's not a problem at all.

Kate's first word!

Kate shocked me one day after I finished feeding her breakfast - she started saying "mama"! At first she had some trouble getting it out but now she babbles it out continuously with no problem!! It is so cool to watch her experiment with new sounds!

Have patience...her best "mama" at the very end of the video...

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Time flies - March updates

March went by so quickly! Let's see what did we do...

We spent some time up in NJ and PA recently visiting family.

Celebrating March birthdays:


Grandma Jeanne & Maggie on the beach:


Kate & Grandma:


Easter card:


Kate & Emily during Spring Break:


Coloring Easter Eggs:


Camo Day:


Back in Virginia we have been busy too...

Going for hikes when the weather is nice:


Going to Easter Dinner:


Playing with bunny ears:


And going to our last Music Together class for a while (we're taking a break until Kate can walk):

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Houston, we have a TOOTH!!!!!

Kate's first TOOTH finally cut through!!!!!
Originally uploaded by Kristi & Nick

After a couple of weeks of better sleep (yaty), Kate had a really tough time sleeping last night. And it's not surprising because her first tooth cut through!!! A little Motrin and she was sleeping soundly.

It's still hard to see because it's so small, but it's easy to feel!!!!

Another shredder in the family!

another shredder
Originally uploaded by Kristi & Nick

We should start a paper shredding business! Both Maggie and Kate love to tear up as much paper as they can! I wonder what other similarities will develop...

Love Your Sister (but not too much)

oh - that's nice!
Originally uploaded by Kristi & Nick

Maggie and Kate have been very interested in each other recently. Actually Maggie has been very interested in Kate for a long time.....interested in licking her senseless that is. Fortunately Kate doesn't mind a mild tongue bath.

And lately she's been trying to reciprocate this affection by tighly grabbing Maggie's fur and giving her big smiles (and sticking out her tongue - her form of greeting). She thinks he older sister is just the coolest!

It's fun to see them interacting - and it's just going to get better as Kate becomes mobile!

Look out, Maggie!

Kate's curls

narrow strip of long curly hair
Originally uploaded by Kristi & Nick

Her little bald spot on the back has turned from rubbery & smooth to soft & fuzzy. All of her hair is getting a little longer, but there is a spot on the top of her head where it is much longer. And even if I brush & dry it straight, her little mohawk develops a very cute curl. I wonder if she'll have curly hair?

We're still battling colds & coughs...and hoping for a healthy stretch soon so we can get out of the house!

Oatmeal is messy!

Oatmeal is messy!
Originally uploaded by Kristi & Nick

Kate tried oatmeal for the first time this week. Not sure why but it was messier than the rice cereal. She was able to eat some of it - she tried to slurp some of it off of the spoon. But most of it ended up on her chin and bib. Next stop - sweet potatoes.

Both Nick and Kristi have come down with a cold / sore throat? Same bug that Kate had earlier in the week? Hopefully we'll all be better soon!

6 Months Old!!

6 Months Old!!
Originally uploaded by Kristi & Nick

Kate is growing up so quickly - we can't believe that she's already 6 months old! She is getting over a little cold and has been sleeping a lot more than normal including 2+ hour naps!

Today the pediatrician gave the go-ahead to start lots of other new foods and to also introduce a cup - very exciting. He also told us to baby-proof the house because she'll be mobile before we know it.

Kate handled her shots like a champ. Only very brief crying.

She continues to grow well (similar percentiles as her last appt):
weight = 19 lbs 4 oz (95th %)
height = 26-3/4 in (85th %)
head = 17-1/4 in (80th %)

Kate started solids!

Yesterday morning Kate tried her first "solid" food - rice cereal. It's kinda funny because it's really not solid at all. Anyway, she seemed to like it - she gobbled most of it up. Her little "chew" is so cute!!

First we mixed up the cereal (1 tsp) with some breastmilk (2 tbsp):


Then we gave her a tiny bit to try:


And everyone had a chance (Mom, Dad, Grandma Jeanne). Grandma Joanne is going to feed her later today.


It was the most photographed & videotaped event of the century!

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Maggie is looking forward to tastier foods in the future! :)

New Game

Kate has a new game that she loves - she sticks her tongue out and waits for you to stick yours out too - then she smiles & laughs. So cute!!

She also loves to touch EVERYTHING. She will dive out of our arms to grab something. We have to pat close attention because she'll knock things over, etc.

Time flies

Time flies with an active baby! Kate has started to do so many new things over the past couple of weeks...

She loves to play with her toes.


No teeth yet, but she keeps checking.


She has almost figured out the whole sitting thing - even without the boppy now!


She has a few new fun toys.




We also started a music class.


And we got the high chair out (probably will start rice cereal this weekend!).


Looking forward to her 6-month birthday and checkup next week!

Check out the super jumper in action!

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Foot Fun

Kate was so impressed that her friend, Julia, found her feet that she started searching for her own. She looked high and low and was surprised to find them at the bottom of her legs! Hey - how did they get there?!


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Welcome 2008!

We are excited for another new year! Overall 2007 was such a great year for us and we hope that 2008 is even half as good. :)

Maggie has finally started sleeping in her dog bed. Nick is relieved so he can finally stretch his legs out at night since they're not being used her pillows.

Kate has been growing so much and just is so curious about the world around her. She loves to look and touch everything she can. Preferably whatever Kristi is drinking - especially if it stains and is in a breakable glass. ;)

Kate also has been more mobile - she was kickboxing with the monkey on her play mat this morning - TKO.


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