letting go (just a little)

We put Kate in the nursery at church for the first time last week! Ahhh! She no longer sleeps during church (she just catches a quick nap at home before we go), and she's getting more vocal and squirmy, so we knew it was time, I was just dreading actually having to do it.

It felt so strange to be in the sanctuary with no baby, but also kind of nice.  One reason I wanted to put her in the nursery is that I had such a hard time paying attention with her on my lap.  The only problem is that I was so nervous about her in the nursery that I hardly paid attention any way! All the other moms say this gets easier, so I'm hoping it does.  I didn't cry (yay me!), but I just kept thinking about her...wondering if she was crying...what she was doing...who was holding her...

So, during the offering, I ran back to check on her.  She was, of course, doing fine.  I was reminded of the promises we made during her baptism and the promises that the church made as well.  They promised to help teach her about God and to love her and care for her.  And I know they will, if I will let them.  So, I guess this is God letting me know it's time to let them start.  And that it's ok to give up a little control once in a while:)

6 month stats

Our little lady is a growing girl! We saw her pediatrician on Tuesday, and everything looks great.   Here are her stats:

Weight: 15 pounds (25%)
Height: 25.5 inches (36%)
Head Circumference: 42.5 cm (48%)

With the things Matt sees every day at the hospital, we are more acutely aware of how blessed we are to have a healthy baby.  We are so thankful!

helicopter hair

Kate got a bath right before bed on Saturday night and when she woke up Sunday morning, I couldn't help but think her hair looked like helicopter propellers.  She rocked the mohawk for a few months earlier in her life, but since her hair is getting so long now, it's been laying down better.  I still think she's a cutie, but seriously, look at that hair!

planting season

Kate and I worked on getting the garden ready and planted it this week.

My raised bed is 4 feet by 8 feet and I think I did a much better job of planning it this year.  Last year, my zucchini plants completely took over a few other things and my tomatoes were a big tangled mess because we didn't put cages on them.  This year, I have two zucchini plants, 5 tomato plants across the back, and two rows of green beans along the front.  I kept my herbs in pots on the deck this year, and did green onions in a pot too.  We're hoping to build another raised bed this weekend, and I'd like to plant peppers, asparagus, carrots, and a few lettuce varieties in that one.

6 Months!

Wow, time is going so fast!

I can't believe we celebrated six months with our little Kate on Monday.  She is so much fun right now...jibber jabbering all the time, rolling over, almost sitting up on her own, and becoming more interactive all the time.  She's getting really good at picking up toys and switching them between her hands.  Most things still end up in her mouth to be chewed on, but she hasn't had any teeth pop through yet.  She has some really hilarious faces, and she laughs and squeals now.  I could listen to her sweet, little laugh all day long:)

We're settling into a little bit more of a routine these days, but she is not a very predictable baby and is always changing.  That's ok, though, because she is growing and developing, and she's a happy, healthy little girl.  What more could you ask for? We see her pediatrician next week for her six month check-up and are planning to start solid foods after that.  Lots of changes these days!

Without further ado, here are her six month pictures:)

such a happy girl:)

big smiles and lots of laughs

tree pose (from yoga)

she literally sucks on her big toe - crazy kid! 

love those little feet

i'm flying!

sweet, sweet smile

she's sitting up! 

We also had professional pictures taken last Saturday, and I cannot wait to get them back.  Ashley Made Photography did SUCH a great job with Kate's newborn photos and I'm excited to see how these turn out.

Kathryn Jeanne, you bring us so much joy and we love you more than you will ever know!

(Great) Grandpa Dean

We spent most of Mother's Day weekend at the farm and got to spend some time with Grandpa Dean.  Kate really liked him and was so content to sit on his lap and just explore.

checking him out 

what's this tube?

hi again:)

i like your buttons, great grandpa!

holding his hand, holding her foot...so sweet!

oh, hi, grandma gloria!

hanging out with uncle bri

watching the tigers with grandpa

happy girl!

silly brothers

Happy Mother's Day!

I feel so lucky to be Kate's mom, and even luckier to have a day to celebrate that.  Matt (I mean Kate) brought home these beautiful tulips for me on Friday along with a very sweet card.

Here's Kate 'signing' her name (putting her handprint) on cards for her Grandma's

And, finally, a few pictures of me with my little munchkin...isn't she sweet?

I am thankful for mothers and grandmothers who loved me and taught me well.  Happy Mother's Day to all of you!