baby trees

Right before Kate was born, Peter's dad (Grandpa Sam) planted new baby almond trees in the orchard around their home. These trees (as well as the entire farm) are important to our family. We thought it would be fun to document Kate's growth and milestones along with the growth of the trees.

Kate - three months
Trees - five months

She was not really into smiling for the camera this particular day. (funny how they learn how to avoid taking pictures so early...)
But I think the pictures are cute anyway!

first mothers day

I really only had one request for my first Mothers Day. All I asked of Peter was to watch the baby in the morning so I could make breakfast. I wanted to try out a new recipe, uninterrupted. (This one. But with strawberries. Because they are far superior to blueberries. And they are all I had)
(p.s. It was really good)

When I got out of the shower, the table was already set and coffee was already made. So sweet.

And waiting for me in the box was a Kate necklace. (from Lisa Leonard. Love her stuff.)
So very sweet of Peter. I love it so much.

The rest of the day was spent at church, lunch with family, and a quiet afternoon at home - complete with a nap for this mama.

Note to self....when wanting to take a picture with the baby, do not wait till mid afternoon. She will no longer be in a picture taking mood and she will flat out refuse to be happy and look at the camera.

This is literally the best picture of the day.

The other 15 look more like this...

I am so very thankful for my Kate. No matter how our family grows over the years, she will always be the one who made me a mother.

three little girls

Being pregnant with three close friend was so fun! (and no, we did not plan it)

Of course, we were all curious about the genders of the growing babies.
Little did we know that we would all have precious little girls!

Kate is lucky to already have two best girlfriends, Ruby and Sandy. It will be fun to watch their personalities develop and grow over the years.


Kate meeting Ruby the day she came home from the hospital. Ruby was not so sure about this new girl.

Angie (with Sandy in her tummy) holding the babies

Dads and their girls

Kate visiting Sandy when she came home from the hospital

I thought this picture was hilarious and accurately portrayed their moods that night. Ruby, calm and chill. Kate, cranky and unable to be still. Sandy, sleeping in the fetal position. :)

One day we will get a picture where no one is crying. Although three moms with cameras in your face is a scary thing. So I understand.

Being blessed with a great group of girlfriends myself, I hope that the bond between these baby girls keeps growing!

two months

And because I couldn't pick just one....

She makes so many silly faces!

We love our Kate girl!

beach trip

Also known as, the trip that saved our lives.

Every year, after the craziness of tax season, we head over to the beach house for a few days. This year was no exception.
And it couldn't have been more necessary.

Having a baby, your first baby, during your husband's busiest time at work is NOT recommended. After only two days at home with Kate and I, Peter headed back to work. And I am not talking 8-5 here people. He was leaving around 6:30 in the morning and there were some nights he wouldn't be home till around 10. He worked weekends too. Needless to say, this was a very difficult time for all of us. Peter hated being gone so much and I hated feeling so alone. We were counting down the days till April 17th.

I love going to the beach this time of year. Perfect weather and no crowds. We spent our time walking to morning coffee (7-11 on Grand. Its seriously the best), walking on the beach, eating out, ordering in, shopping with friends, and just being together. Finally. As a family of three.

Not too many pictures. And the ocean was like white noise for Kate - instantly asleep.
(which is no easy feat for our alert little girl)

She was so smiley! Even Kate needed a little vacation to lounge around on old quilts in her jammies all day.

 
                                    



p.s. For those of you who read my blog (all three of you) and brought us meals, gifts, or simply stopped by and visited- THANK YOU. A million times. Thank you. I needed the help, encouragement, and company. And you came through in a big way. (Especially Grammy and Grandma!)