More visitors and firsts!

-- Kate and Dad just hanging out --

-- Trying that four generation picture again...someone wasn't really cooperating --

-- Still trying to get that shot --

-- Much better --

-- Grandpa came to visit! --

-- And so did Uncle Pham (self named...of course!) --

-- Ready for a nap --

-- Copper enjoyed having some new playmates to run around with in the yard --

-- Someone is still very sleepy --

-- Actually, everyone is still very sleepy --

-- Trying out a new headband --

-- Prettiest baby on the block :-) --

-- Modeling my "Grandpa and Me" onesie --

-- Relaxing with Uncle Pat --

-- Buddies --

-- Giving my thumb a little taste --

-- First bath in the big girl bath tub --

-- She actually seemed to enjoy it! --

-- Holy cow, I'm cold! --

-- All wrapped up and dry --

Two and a Half Weeks Old...and Lots of Visitors Later!

In two days, Kate will be three weeks old.  I can't believe how quickly the time is going.  Brandon and I are amazed at how fast the days fly by and it seems that we don't do much of anything except for feed, change, comfort, and stare at Kate.  Despite this, we wouldn't change it for anything.

We've had so many changes, trials and triumphs since we got home from the hospital.  Of course, these are similar to what every first time parents go through, but to us they're special because it's our baby!  Speaking of our baby, we can't believe how big she is getting.  Her cord came off yesterday and I'll admit--I was a little sad!  After all, it kept us connected together for those 40 weeks she was baking in the oven.  Now she has a real human belly button and her transition to a little person is much more complete :-)

Kate and I struggled when we first got home with breastfeeding, but we seem to have gotten a better handle on what we're doing.  She nurses well and often, and the longer we do it, the better we get at it.  She is still sleeping pretty well, and we can usually get about four hours of sleep at a time at night.  We think we've got it down to a system, but who knows how long it will work.  She naps often, and is working on lifting her head during tummy time.  Every so often she gives us a pretty little smile, but it's usually followed by a giant toot or a big ol' dirty diaper (Mom and Dad haven't inspired that smile yet...it's still only a reaction to bodily functions).  Even so, we still like to see it.

Our house has been full of visitors--they Grandmas (as mentioned in our last posting), Aunt Vivian and Aunt Debbie, Grandpa and Uncle Pat, and some of our friends have all stopped by to meet Kate.  Here are some more pictures of the things we've been up to :-)

-- Kristin and Aberlee came to visit...and they brought gifts and a yummy dinner for Mom and Dad --

-- The Eastmans came to visit too --

-- Future BFFs --

-- Kate and Julianna's first time 'hanging out' together (I know, I know...NOT funny!) --

-- Bundled up to go on our first walk --

-- Success!  Long walk = sleepy baby --

-- Aunt Debbie and Aunt Vivian came to visit --

-- Getting bigger and bigger (but still a peanut!) --

-- Sleeping soundly --

Two Weeks Old!

-- Grandma Joey and Great-grandma Petey came to visit --

-- Four generations (and a little Copper face peaking in there too!)

-- We decided to take advantage of the nice weather and take Kate for a walk...Brandon and Copper are testing out the stroller frame --

-- Getting Kate ready to go --

-- Really excited about this new experience (it turned out fine and she LOVED being outside!) --

Our First Weeks at Home :-)

Cute Little Kiddo Gifts :-)

-- Cookies from the Notz Family --

 -- They looked so pretty and they tasted even better! --

-- Halloween diaper wreath --

-- Washcloth and socks cupcakes --

-- These were too cute to take apart!--

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Kate's First Bath

-- Getting ready for our first sponge bath at home...and not really sure how it's going to go... --

-- So far, so good --

-- Getting undressed --

-- Trying to keep warm --

-- This isn't so bad... --

-- Washing Kate's face --

-- Still pretty happy :-) --

-- And on to the bottom half --

-- I like this bath thing! --

-- Such a cute little baby bottom (and a very handsome Daddy too) --

-- Soaping up all of that hair --

-- Still no tears! --

-- Almost finished --

-- Annnd, time to wail a little....someone doesn't like being cold! --

-- All clean! --

-- Snuggly in the ducky towel --

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Halloween Fun

-- A visit with Uncle Josh....this little 6 lb baby looks so tiny against a guy who can lift 500 lbs! --

-- Rocking my Halloween outfit --

-- Little pumpkin head --

-- Daddy and Kate on Halloween --

-- Modeling my glow in the dark skeleton onesie from Grandma Joey --

-- Halloween tummy time -- 

-- Max picked out this lady bug outfit for Kate --

-- One cute little bug --

-- Our kiddos are all dressed up and ready for trick or treaters! --

-- Copper says "That'll move the chains! --