Month Two

Dear Kaitlyn,

I wish I could make the clocks slow down. Time is flying by, and you're growing and changing with each passing day. I'm excited to watch as more of your personality starts to show, but I know this stage of infancy passes so quickly.

This month:

• You've started smiling once and a while. Your dad is usually the one to get your smiling.
  
• You're getting a little bit of a bald spot on the back of your head from rubbing your head against the mattress in your sleep.
• Your dad and I realized that we're much more laid back with you than we were with Skylie. We were more rigid and structured with Skylie. Be thankful you're not our guinea pig child. :)
• You wore cloth diapers most of the time.
• You met your grandparents when they came out for your baby blessing. They loved you!
• After your dad blessed you at church, your Papa Pitcher told me that during the blessing he looked down at you and couldn't help but think what a pretty baby you are. I agree! I love your full cheeks, baby blue eyes, and delicate features.
• You sleep six or seven hours straight at night.
• You still seem pretty laid back and easy-going, which I'm thankful for. Skylie sometimes tries to shove your binkie in your mouth or smother you with hugs and kisses. You don't seem to mind too much. Thank you!

We love you so much, Kaitlyn, and I feel fortunate to have you as a daughter.

Love,
Mom

Kaitlyn's Blessing

On Sunday, September 18 Kaitlyn was blessed by her Dad. Her Grandpa Zane, Papa Pitcher, Uncle Lee, Cousin Dave Pitcher, and Bishop Daniel Wentzel also participated in the blessing.

Kaitlyn Elise Pitcher

Back: Lee Bray, Dave Pitcher, Harry Zane, Shirley Zane, Lorry Pitcher, Skylie Pitcher
Middle: Jared, Joey, Meg, Sadie, Patti, and Jenny Pitcher
Front: Erin, Matt, Kaitlyn, and Bethany Pitcher

Skylie, Erin, Kaitlyn, and Matt Pitcher

Matt gave Kaitlyn a beautiful blessing and in it she was blessed that she'll:

• Feel the gratitude we have to have her as part of our family
• Have physical strength and a keen intellect
• Desire to serve and be a blessing to others
• Be a righteous example to those around her
• Be married in the temple and sealed to a worthy young man
• Know she's loved by her parents and sister
  

During the blessing I felt overcome with emotion and sensed that this baby girl is especially valiant and is treasured by her Heavenly Father. I'm sure that all mothers feel the same way, but that doesn't make it any less meaningful to me because Kaitlyn's my baby.

From the Mouth of My Babe

At one point last weekend I was holding Kaitlyn and Matt had lifted the cranky and tired Skylie into his arms because she was crying that she wanted to be "held too!" In a wail, followed by cries Skylie hollered, "Daddy hold the baby!"

I take that as proof that sometimes Dad isn't as good as Mom.

A few days later both girls woke from their afternoon nap at about the same time. I got Skylie out of her crib then went to get Kaitlyn. When I set Skylie down to pick up Kaitlyn, Skylie began crying and stomping her feet (in classic two-year-old style) and shouting, "Baby go bed! Baby go bed!" (Usually Skylie is happy to see Kaitlyn, but apparently that day she wanted nothing to do with her sister.) The outburst lasted for a good 15 minutes.

The novelty of a new baby seems to be wearing off and a little jealously may be creeping in.

To be fair to Skylie, she is normally happy and says really funny stuff such as this:

While waiting to pick Matt up from work late Friday night Skylie told me all about how she wanted to go to the park and swim with her friends. But when Matt jumped in the car she commented, "Daddy's a doctor. He's checkin'."

I believe the books, "The Berenstain Bears Visit the Doctor", and "Doctor Dora" deserve the credit for Skylie's accurate reference.

Today she saw a picture of a pumpkin which led her to ramble about one of her favorite subjects, "Halloween, costumes, and witches". Since her grandparents visit last week (and their spoiling her with treats) she's added "Nana candy" and "Grandma candy" to her list of words related to Halloween. Very fitting, I think.

Embarking on New Endeavors

1. Cloth diapers
I wish I could say that my decision to opt for cloth with Kaitlyn is spurred by my wholesome desires to save the environment. But it's not. I'm just looking to save a buck (so I can get my wish list sooner). My sister used cloth diapers with her son from the time he was six months old--pretty impressive if you ask me. I'm not sure if I'm really up for the challenge, but I figure I'll give it a good two weeks (which is how long it'll take to compensate for the $25 investment).

2. Potty Training
While we're on this awesome topic...Skylie seems ready to start potty training. Last week I bought her this swanky seat, but I haven't been mentally prepared to take on the task quite yet. For now Sky has been setting her teddy bear on it--then shoving the teddy bear down into the bowl. Nice one. It's a start though, right?! ;)

3. Healthier Eating
I guess I'm going a little more green. I've started trying to cut out processed foods, not buy snack foods, and load up a lot more on fruits and veggies. I refuse though, to kiss chocolate goodbye. Speaking of food, I love Trader Joe's. I hardly ever frequent the store, but when I do I always think, "I should shop here more".



4. Budgeting via Mint.com
A friend told me about an online budgeting computer program, ineedabudget.com which led me to mint.com. I love this site! I'm able to track our spending in our various accounts, set up a budget and savings goals, and receive reminders and suggestions on finances. Call me a nerd, but it was the most exciting part of my day last Friday. Back when I worked and had a lot of free time sitting at a computer, I'd track our spending the old school way using an Excel spreadsheet, but this program is nine million times better. Below is a screen shot I found online of the site.


5. Keeping a gratitude journal
I try to make an effort to be happy with what I have and not get caught up with having lots and lots of things that I want. But since becoming homeowners my wish list has grown exponentially, and I've found myself spending too much time thinking about the things I don't have but want. Cars, couches, fences, lighting, furniture, decorations, swing sets... I want it all. :) I'm not committing to throw out my list (and there really is a written list that Matt and I meticulously keep), but to bring a little balance I've started keeping a gratitude journal. My friend read a study about gratitude journals. Those who kept a diary of things they were grateful for were said to be more content with their lives. She's started the habit and has inspired me to do the same. It's day two and I'm loving it.
My gratitude journal doesn't compare in any way to this Martha Stewart-esk one. It's just a private blog. Today I'm grateful that I've found my dream stroller on Craigslist, and it looks like I'm going to get it tomorrow for much less than I'd anticipated. Mint.com will love me! Tomorrow, on the first full day of cloth diapers, I may be grateful for a handy little invention called disposable diapers.

Here's to new beginnings!

Update and Kid Stats

Kaitlyn and Skylie had their one month and two year doctor appointments yesterday. Both are doing great.

Skylie's Stats:
Length: 34 5/8th inches; 75th percentile
Weight: 23 pounds, 0 ounces; 5th-10th percentile
Head Circumference: 18 1/8 inches; 25th percentile

Kaitlyn's Stats:
Length: 20 1/8th inches; 10th-25th percentile
Weight: 7 pounds 0 ounces; 5th percentile
Head Circumference: 13 1/2 inches; 5th percentile

Whenever I take Matt to work I usually take the kids on a walk by the canal. The canal walk is one of my favorite aspects of Indianapolis. The walk near Matt's work takes us past cool museums, and Skylie loves seeing the fountains and waterfalls. Kaitlyn has yet to seem too amused! Here's the two kiddos yesterday.

Thanks for all the suggestions regarding strollers. We are currently sporting a Combi Twin stroller. I'm not positive it's the right fit for us, so I'm keeping my eye out, still. Unfortunately the stroller of my dreams had already been sold when I inquired about it, and good strollers on Craigslist are hard to come by. :( On the up side though, I sold my old stroller for as much as I bought if for almost two years ago. It was a sad parting.

On Saturday, August 20 a nearby church was hosting a party of sorts--complete with bounce houses, a petting farm, dunking booth, indoor games, and free lunch.



A few pictures we took before heading to the party:

The girls went to church in matching dresses my mom bought them. Our attempts to get cute pictures of them together didn't pan out too well. These are the best we got. I don't blame them (or more accurately, Skylie) though--after three hours of church a squirmy two year old is understandable, right?!

The one picture I got where Skylie wasn't mauling Kaitlyn. Nice one.

Lately Skylie has been saying and doing the funniest things. For example:

• When Kaitlyn goes to the bathroom (which is always loud) Skylie laughs and announces, "Baby Potty!".
• She's cooked her toy cat in her play kitchen. First she put it on the stove then in the microwave. Finally she pretended to eat it.
• She covers her eyes whenever she's scared or is acting shy. Every week when we walk into church she covers her eyes in the foyer to hide from the missionaries.
  
• She's watched a Disney sing-a-long DVD a few times. The last song is Jimeny Cricket singing "When you Wish Upon a Star" from Pinocchio, and Skylie's terrified of it! The first time she saw the Pinocchio clip she put her hands up by her eyes, but was too captivated to actually cover her eyes. In subsequent viewings, she's began telling me "No like it. Turn it off." and "All done." when Jimeny begins his serenade.

And last but not least, this is how Kaitlyn has been spending most of her time:
I love my girls!

Month One

Dear Kaitlyn,

You're been a part of our family for one month now, and I can't imagine life without you. You are calm and easy-going. Thanks to your good-natured temperament, you've made the adjustment of caring for two kids a breeze. We all adore you, and Skylie is especially mesmerized by you.

At one month:

- You hardly ever get a bottle, but when you do, you take it well.
- You rip not-so-ladylike noises in church. Thanks for only doing that when your dad is holding you.
- You love being swaddled and in your swing.
- You spit up a lot after feedings and are fussy until you get all your burps out.
- You usually only cry when you need something. You seem pretty calm and mellow.
- You can now hold your head up for a few seconds.
- You’re barely fitting into a few 0-3 month clothes. (At birth preemie clothes drenched you.)
- You don't mind bath time but usually try to roll over onto your side so your face gets all wet.
- You like to be a night owl and usually aren't ready to sleep until 11 or 12 at night. I shouldn't be surprised, though. When I was expecting you your kicks often kept me awake late at night, too.
- You’ve taken a pacifier well from day one.
- You’ve been called all sorts of names but Baby Kaitlyn is the most popular.

During your first month:
- Skylie adored you and tried to wrap you in blankets, give you your pacifier, and push you in the swing.
- Whenever we took you on outings, strangers remarked how petite and delicate you looked.
- I felt thankful that you were such an easy, content baby.

We love you, Kaitlyn!

Love,
Mom