Growing up...

Everyone says that watching your baby grow up happens too fast, and even when you know it's true...it just catches me off guard sometimes. She's doing so many new things lately, I decided to combine them into one big post.

The other day, I set Kate down on her hands & knees and the way I set her she ended up a little off balance, but then somehow sat up! She definitely didn't mean to, but since she did it, I decided to see if she could do it again.

At first she needed a little more help, but check out what she can do now!!!

Kate has entered the mimicking phase. Sometimes it's a noise she'll repeat after us, but this new one seems to be her favorite these days. I'll tilt my head over & not long after she'll do the same. She smiles so big each time...so cute!!!

Last night before we put Kate in bed, I had her sitting up in bed to play peek-a-boo with her. David does this often, and it is so cute to watch her peek over the edge to try to see him.

After I got this video, David and I were watching it on the camera...

...when we looked up and this is what we saw...

I'd say it's time to lower the crib...wouldn't you???

Crafty Mommy

If you have a new baby/have ever had a new baby, and have gone from two incomes to one (well, two to 1 1/2), you understand the need to get crafty to save some money!

I have really had a lot of fun trying some new things, so I thought I'd share them with you!

Bibs

Kate is a DROOOOLER!! Since about 2 months old, the waterfall started, and I don't think it's a teething thing with her. She got her first teeth around 5 months, and is not cutting teeth now, but the flow still comes. So in a time of feeling frustrated with how often I had to wash her bibs (sometimes I would do an entire load of them - the kid goes through 3-4 a day!), I decided to get out some fabric and make her some! I also used some of the fabric to make a few extra burp cloths/spit rags...

Bows

When Kate hit about 5 months, her cheeks had outgrown all of her little bows, and I was convinced I could make some instead of spending more money! So, my friend Janette came over and we taught ourselves how to make bows for our little girls! (Yes, Kate's is enormous in this picture...but she's grown into it now!)

Here's Kate in one my favorite bows I made with her Aunt Kristin...

...and another favorite...

Food

When we started thinking about feeding Kate solid food, I remembered that my friend Ashley had made baby food for her little girl, Kendall. I called and asked her some questions about it, because I was a little hesitant. I was concerned about how much trouble it would be. I was mostly interested about saving money, because let's be honest, I'm not organic. I enjoy processed food with the best of them. The more I talked to her, the more interested I became. It is SO EASY! I spent one day boiling & pureeing fruits & veggies, then froze them all in ice cube trays & I've got enough baby food for MONTHS in my freezer!

I am so glad I did this. So easy - and most importantly to me - so cheap!!!

And, even though it wasn't the reason I did it, I do feel good about giving Kate food that is good for her!

Those are the things I've tried...any ideas from you other mom's out there???

Love these people...

Friday night, the Dane family came to visit. David & I went to A&M with Randy & Ashley, and they were some of my very best friends while in college. We spent many hours (most in the late night/early morning) laughing, playing, & having so much fun. We ate together, did Bible study, prayed together, worked out together - just lived life together. I love these people!

Every year, we get together for a reunion with the whole group, but since they had not had the chance to meet baby Kate, so they decided to make a quick trip up from Lake Jackson to visit us. We are so glad they did!!! We can't wait to see them (and everyone else! at the end of July!!)

Their little girl, Kendall, is 16 months old & too, too fun! She's talking so much, and just toddles around being so happy. Kate loved having her here to visit.

On Friday, they got here mid-afternoon & while the girls each took 3-hour naps (yay!), the grown ups got a chance to catch-up on life before we went to dinner.

Kendall reading to Kate

The girls eating their dinner

They had so much fun playing together - they can't wait to play with you Madison!

On Saturday, we went swimming over at David's parent's house. It was too fun. Kendall LOVES the water! She went under like it was nothing...and had a blast on the slide. I really enjoyed taking pictures while they played...here are some of my favorites.

Happy Father's Day, David!

David,

There are many reasons I have been thankful for you over the years. Watching you be a Father has given me many new reasons...

I am thankful because you are helpful -changing diapers, feeding Kate
I am thankful because you are thoughtful - watching Kate while I run errands, doing dishes while I'm busy with Kate
I am thankful you are fun - getting down on the floor to play, making silly faces just to get a smile or a laugh
I am thankful you are involved - wanting to know about schedules, feedings, etc.
I am thankful you are encouraging - telling me you think I'm doing a good job
I am thankful you are our leader - praying for and with us, seeking after God with a passion that few have

I could not ask for a better partner in this journey of parenting. I hope today you know how much you are appreciated and loved!!!

We Love you David!!

Love,

Amy & Kate