Kirsten tries rice cereal!

Kirsten had an excellent review at her 4 month check-up. The doctor said she is doing great! She grew another 2 inches putting her at 25.5 inches long (91st percentile) and 13 lbs (39th percentile). Kirsten tried rice cereal for the first time last weekend and we thought these pictures were too cute--I had to share! She also rolled over for the first time a few weeks ago; Gordon and I were lucky enough to get it on video!

Drake and Kirsten

Drake loves being a big brother to Kirsten! He is so sweet to her and is such a big help to us. Drake picked out the outfit Kirsten is wearing below; he was careful to match the hair bow to the pink in her shirt and he really liked the flower. He asked what her shirt read, I responded with "adorable". Drake said, "actually, that's perfect!" ("Actually" is his new word that he loves to say every chance he can get) He is such a sweet little boy, Kirsten is lucky to have a big brother like Drake!

Valentines Day 2010

Gordon has done it again! He planned the perfect Valentines celebration; I am so lucky to have such a romantic husband. We officially celebrated V-day last weekend while we still had a babysitter (my Mom). Gordon took me to a fabulous restaurant and gifted me with Tiffany's earrings to match the bracelet he gave me for Christmas. Then on Friday, I received a beautiful bouquet of Orchids (my favorite flower). Needless to say, I am a very blessed and lucky lady!

Here are some photos of Kirsten in a dress from her great-grammy:

Thank you Meme!

My Mom went back home today; I am very sad to see her go and I have been fighting back the tears all afternoon. Both Gordon and I are so grateful that she was able to spend 7 weeks with us, helping take care of Kirsten. I've been back to work for one month now and it was an easier transition knowing Kirsten was at home with my Mom (Meme). Tomorrow is Kirsten's first day at daycare, wish us both luck! :)

Thank you for everything Meme!! I love you Mom!

Little Kirsten Bella

Here are more pictures of our little Kirsten Bella! Below are some adorable pics of her in the hand knit sweater Gordon's Mom (Nana) made for her; as you can see she is all smiles!!!

Kirsten's eyes are becoming more blue by the day; here are some photos that capture how pretty they are...and she hasn't lost any of her hair, too!

Meme and Kirsten - 2010

Gordon and I have been so thankful and feel so blessed that my Mom has been able to spend the past 5 weeks with us helping to watch Kirsten. Plus, we still get another 3 more weeks of help!

I "officially" went back to work on 1/11... I use it in quotes because I actually went back earlier (not by choice), but my "official" date back was to be 1/11. A BIG thank you to my Mom for being there to watch Kirsten. It is always hard for a Mom to go back to work and leave their little one, but knowing she was with my Mom (or Meme) made it SO much better... and easier. I don't think a daycare provider would appreciate the "just checking-in" phone calls throughout the day. Plus, Gordon and I have the best of all worlds! What "Nanny" would cook, clean, do laundry, watch your child, and pay for the groceries???

Kirsten has taken to her Meme so well; attached are some photos of her looking at her Meme while in her swing--notice the BIG smiles!!

Meme is the Best!!





Meme and Kirsten!

Update!

Sorry it has been so long since my last post! I officially started back to work and I've been trying to balance home and work life. My Mom has been here to help since mid-December and we are SO thankful. It has been such a BIG help to have her with us and she loves every moment she gets to spend with Kirsten!

Kirsten is already 9 weeks old and I can't believe how fast the time has gone by~ She had her 2 month check-up and got an A+ report. Actually, the doctor was surprised by her height/length; she grew 4 inches in 8 weeks to make her official length at 23.75 inches (91st percentile)!! She weighed in at 10 lbs, which is average for her gender and age (55th percentile).

Here are some photos!!

Holiday Photos 2009

We had some Holiday photos taken of the family a few weeks back. Our friend Lisa is a professional photographer and took them of us~ We think she did a great job, especially working with a newborn and a 4 year old. (http://www.lisacowartphotography.com/)

Thanksgiving in Minocqua, WI

Nana and Papa got to see their newest grand baby over the Thanksgiving holiday. We all drove from Des Moines to Gordon's hometown of Minocqua, WI with success! We weren't sure how the little one would do, but she slept the entire way with one stop for lunch. Kirsten met her big brother Drake and we celebrated his 4th birthday, too. Drake is so good to his little sister and such a big help to me. He always wants to hold her, or her hand, touch her hair, and give her kisses. He is very proud to be Kirsten's big brother! We took some pictures with Santa while we were there, too. Kirsten is only 3 weeks old, but Santa was very comfortable holding her and Drake for the photo!

More photos of our little angel!

Kirsten is 2 weeks old today and we are in heaven :) She is such a good little girl with a sweet disposition. She is a healthy eater and has taken to nursing very well. Kirsten had her days and nights confused and would sleep longer during the day and be up every hour at nighttime, but these past few nights it appears she has gotten better!
We are heading up north to Gordon's hometown of Minocqua, WI for Thanksgiving. Kirsten will be able to meet Nana, Papa and her big brother Drake. We will also be celebrating Drake's 4th birthday! Drake will be coming back with us to Iowa to stay for the week; we are getting Holiday photos of Drake and Kirsten on 12/1/09. We are so excited! I will post more photos and stories after the Thanksgiving holiday!!