Decorating For Fall

I love decorating our house for all of the seasons, and putting up the Fall/Halloween decorations has been on my to-do list for awhile now. Had I not gone into labor and had Grace on Friday, September 17, our fall decorations would have been up on Saturday, September 18.

Decorating the house has not been quite a top priority since Grace arrived, falling down far on the list under taking care of our daughter, feeding Grace, changing diapers, getting out of the house at least once a day, and trying to shower a few times a week. But because Halloween is this weekend, and because I'm slightly compulsive (I can't start my day until I've made the bed), I had to get the decorations up for it to truly feel like Fall. Grace cooperated and hung out in the Baby Bjorn while I got to work. Here is everything up and looking festive, except for the pumpkins, which I'll post later.

Happy Fall and Happy Halloween!!! Now I can finally check this off my list!

My Baby, The Model

Not to brag or anything, but Grace got her first modeling request at a month old. She will be featured in the sales merchandise catalog for Old American Insurance Company.

You might be asking, "Katie, isn't this part of Kansas City Life Insurance Company where you work?"

Yes, yes it is, but they totally had their pick of baby models and went with Grace.

Well, not really. She was the only infant that they had access to, but she did a great job with what she had to work with. I mean she really made this 6 month onesie work, even when she can barely fit in 0-3 month clothing. That is a true skill!!

Here are some of the test shots for the catalog. The company's symbol is the eagle, hence the baby version on the onesie.

Crazy Hair

Grace has a lot of hair. And it is the first thing people notice about her anywhere we go. "Oh let me see the baby. Wow she has a lot of hair!" I should be putting bows and headbands on her, but the bows fall out and the headbands just look silly (I'll post some shots soon).

Any who, on to the photos I took after a bath one night when it gets especially crazy.

Let's see it from the side.

It is like I hair sprayed it to stick straight up (which I didn't! I promise!).

Peek-a-boo!

Who's over there? Oscar, is it you?

Love the smiles!!

See you next time!

Favorite Photo

This was our "KU" outfit that we wore for the KU vs. K-State game the other night. We can't quite fit into our KU cheerleader outfit yet so I had to improvise with the crimson and blue. We were just lounging watching the Jayhawks lose really badly, so we turned off the game and watched DVRd shows instead. Maybe next year Grace!

P.S. Greg was happy about the outcome of the game.

One Month Old!

It is hard for me to believe, but Gracie's first month in this world has already come and gone. She turned one month old on Sunday, October 17.

This month has been an eventful one full of firsts and fun milestones. Grace weighs about 9 pounds now, and the newborn clothes are starting to get a little snug (sad!).

She can focus on my face and we are getting lots of cute smiles when she is awake.Nursing is going well and she took a bottle from Greg last weekend. She is so strong and showcases her strength by busting out of my swaddles and holding her head up during tummy time.

She likes her binky and loves being swaddled and then rocked really fast. Bath time is getting easier mainly because I'm getting quicker. She loves to be sung to, even my crazy made up songs.

And Grace loves loves loves to fall asleep on my chest (and that is my favorite too!).


Here are a few of my photos to mark the occasion.

Favorite Photo

Grace with a headlock on her Pacimal. Whoever invented this thing is a genius. There is also something similar called the Wubbanub, same concept of a pacifier on a stuffed animal. We are loving this!

Maternity Photo Shoot Favorites

Here are the long overdue photos from our maternity photo shoot from the end of August. Now that Grace is here, I'm starting to forget what it felt like to be pregnant. I'm so glad I have these special photos to remember what I looked like though.

A Tale of Two Graces

A week and a half ago, Grace had her first playdate with another little baby named Grace. These two beautiful baby girls are just two days apart and are destined to be in the same pledge class at Kappa at KU in 2028.

Grace Katherine is the daughter of my good friend Allison, and the niece of Rebecca, one of my best friends. Rebecca is in Australia for six months for work and was recently back in the states for two weeks. Although the girls slept through the playdate, at least they have met and we can look forward to more fun visits in the future.

Grace Katherine and Grace Sally

Aunt Rebecca in a Grace sandwich.

We miss you already Rebecca!!

Three Weeks Old!

October 8th marked Grace's third week in this world. She makes the funniest faces and again is getting sick of the photo shoots, but I just can't help myself. I got the idea from one of my sister's friends, but I thought it would be fun to do the photo shoots in Grace's green polka dot chair from PB Kids to show how she'll grow throughout this year.

Our photo sessions somehow always end in tears, maybe I should take the hint. :)

Two Weeks Old!

Grace Sally was two weeks old on October 1, which happens to be the one year anniversary of the passing of my Mom (Grandma Sally). Mom put up the most courageous and difficult fight against a disease that still was not diagnosed at the time of her death. After 14 long years, Mom drifted off to sleep in peace and I know that she looks over us from heaven every day. She is my angel and is Grace's angel too. Grace was definitely named after a special woman and I will do everything I can to help her know her grandmother and how amazing she was. Her memory lives on in me and I will pass it on to my daughter.

Here are a few photos from our two week photo shoot. Gracie wasn't super happy in a few of these, and I'm pretty sure she is getting sick of Mom with the camera.

Please Mom, no more photos!