Katie lately

Recently we discovered that it's time to start strapping Katie in to her bouncy chair and swing.  She has been arching her back and scooting down or sideways.  We looked over one day and she was like this:

These are two of her favorite places to sleep. 

Here's a few pictures of her in an outfit I thought was super cute. 

And I finally captured one of her big smiles that I get to see every day.  Aren't I lucky? :) 

3 months

Katie turned 3 months old last Monday.  According to our scale she weighs about 12 pounds.  She has been smiling a lot (although you can't tell from these pictures) and laughed for the first time on Sunday.  The last week or so she's been rolling onto her side and she's getting better at holding her head up while on her tummy.  She is such a joy to have in our home.  We love that she is awake more now so we can play. :)  She gives us a big smile when we sing "patty cake" and other nursery rhymes.  We love our sweet Katie Jane!    

Mother's Day Recap

Mother's Day was great this year.  Well, once I was finished giving my talk at church, that is. :)  I only spoke for about 10 minutes and Jacob talked for 20.  I cried more during his talk I think.  Who agrees that women shouldn't have to speak on Mother's Day?  It's just an emotional day for us.  When we got home from church Jacob made my favorite meal, shrimp fettuccine alfredo.  He took care of Katie for most of the day as well.  He gave me my favorite flowers and surprised and spoiled me with a Nook Color!!  He knows I like to read but never knows what book to get me, so he thought I would like an eReader.  Afterwards, he said he didn't realize how dangerous it would be to give it to me though, because it's like a bookstore in my hands, lol.  :)  Somehow I forgot to get a picture of Katie and me, but here's one of her.  

   

my beautiful tulips

the cute note Jacob, er, Katie, left me :)  I can't wait till I do get sweet notes from her. 

Nook Color

Jacob's sister Rachel was here over Mother's Day weekend for a job interview.  It was so fun having her visit.  Jacob and Rachel were best friends growing up and shared lots of mischevious adventures together.  We were happy she could come for a few days and meet Katie. 

Aunt Rachel and Katie

Thank you Jacob for making my first Mother's Day so special.  I feel so blessed to have such a sweet husband and daughter.  I'm also very thankful for my own mom and mother-in-law and the examples they are to me.  I love my mom so much and wish we lived closer to her, but I'm happy I can talk to her on the phone anytime I want.  I love you Mom!   

Friends visit Katie

I wanted to remember all the friends who have come to meet Katie over the last few months.  I didn't get pictures of everyone but here are most of them.  (If you really hate having your picture on here, let me know, and I'll take it off.) :)  Also, the lighting in our living room isn't the best for taking pictures at night, which created shadows in some of these. 

Matt & Haley

Jenni & Eric

Traci

Ben & Stacie

Lauren & Peter

Michelle

Cathryn

Scott & Amy

Seeing these again makes me smile.  We have the best friends!!

I am a {mother}

Today I celebrate my first Mother's Day as a mom.  When I was young and someone would ask me what I wanted to be when I grew up, I would always answer, "a mom".  Ever since I can remember, I wanted to get married and have lots of children.  As you can imagine, the past several Mother's Days have not been the easiest for me.  This year I am overjoyed to have my sweet Katherine to hold.  I will always be grateful to her birth mom for bringing Katie into this world and for placing her in ours. 

She is my dream come true.

My heart is full. 

Happy Birth Mother's Day!

Today is Birth Mother's Day and I can't let it go by without saying thank you again to Katie's sweet birth mom.  I am so happy there is a day to recognize all the wonderful women who have made the sacrifice to help other families like ours grow through adoption.  I am truly amazed by their courage and strength.  I cannot say thank you enough for what I have been given.

We love you M!!

Jacob's family meets Katie

A few days after my mom left, Jacob's mom, Angela, and his sister ShayNiel, arrived.  They stayed for a little less than a week, and we had a good time just hanging out at home.  After a couple of days, ShayNiel asked her mom if we were going to go do something.  Angela said, "Well, I've already done what I came to do, and that's hold the baby!"  :)  So here are some pictures of them holding Katie.   

They both helped out with Katie so much, and Angela got up with her in the night and let me sleep.  It was awesome. 

About two weeks after they left, Jacob's grandparents, Ted & Joyce Orchard, came to visit us.  (I told you we had a lot of visitors!)  They stayed for a couple of days before heading over to San Antonio to see Jacob's cousin and her new baby.  I am so happy Katie was able to meet some of her great-grandparents.  She is their 13th g-g child.  We enjoyed spending time with them hearing stories of Jacob as a little boy (he's their first grandchild) and about their lives growing up.   

The last weekend of March we drove to San Antonio to see Jacob's cousin's baby be blessed.  It was Katie's first road trip and she did really well in the car (about a 3 1/2 hour trip).  We stayed in a house with lots of Jacob's extended family and had fun talking, laughing, holding babies, and eating good food.   

Here's Katie with her great-aunt Marlys.  (How did I not get any pictures of the Bairds?!)

Lauryn and her baby Elijah, born exactly three weeks before Katie.  He's a sweetheart and looks just like his daddy. 

Josh, Lauryn, and Eli

We were happy we got to be there for Eli's blessing and spend time with our family.  Thanks everyone for coming to visit.  Hope you can come back soon!!