The Kate Box

I don't have anything monumental to say, but I just want to make sure this season is well documented. As I type, the laptop is here comfortably on my lap on the couch with the video monitor right next to me. Reese's eyes open then close periodically, and we are trying to figure out how to keep the pacifier in her mouth. It's kind of fun to just watch her from another room. She's still pretty much the cutest baby girl ever.

Friday was our first major outing just the two of us. I was used to having someone sit in the back seat next to Reese to keep her company. However, RHS Homecoming was Friday, and several of my girls were on court and in the parade. What an ordeal it is to prepare for a 4 hour adventure. During Reese's first nap, I showered, got ready, and vacuumed. During her second nap, I got her diaper bag ready and ate a bite of lunch. Then it was time. We loaded up and headed to the pep rally. I still think it's a bit crazy that her first outing was to a high school pep rally and parade. She stayed rather snug and sleepy in the ERGO carrier, but every time the band played or applause erupted, her little arms shook and those eyes looked around to see what in the world was happening. She was a rockstar. We made it to the homecoming parade afterwards, and again, she was fabulous. My girls were beautiful and did such a great job in the parade. What a proud Bible study leader I am. I LOVE these girls so much.

Mopsy and Popsy headed up for the night, and Reese was so worn out from her adventure that while Wes and I enjoyed a wonderful dinner date at Table Mesa, Mopsy and Popsy just watched her snooze in her infant seat the entire time. Farmers Market and Target were on the to-do list yesterday while Wes and Dad went to the Razorback game. Reese loves staying busy...and she loves staying right next to my chest in the ERGO. This was such a great recommendation from the pediatrician in order to keep her away from lots of people these first couple of months while we are still being extra careful not to let this baby get sick again. I mean, who is going to come touch a baby's face that's all cuddled up at my chest? Perfect plan.

Okay, I've rambled enough. And by the way, it takes a lot longer to post now. I think I started this at noon, and it's now 7:20 p.m...oh, now it's 8:42. I must post a couple of pictures, so here you go...

Just showing off her upper body strength last weekend.

And enjoying a nice walk with Daddy one afternoon.

Reese is one month old today?! That's just crazy talk. However, it's for real. This girl turns one month old at 4:26 this afternoon. Today also marks my first day as an official stay-at-home-mom. Wes got up this morning, went for a jog, showered, and then got ready for work. He left after our morning feeding while little girl was smiling and showing off her cute one month outfit. I quickly learned that my daily goal before Wes comes home for lunch will be to brush my teeth, put "real" clothes on which really only means something other than pajamas, and eat breakfast. This post has taken all day to type, and at this moment, I'm just waiting for Reese to realize that she's gone more than 10 minutes without waking up from her nap. Regardless of the new crazy life at home, I think I'm in love with this new career path. I miss my old co-workers from school like you wouldn't believe, and I miss seeing the outside of my home, but I know that soon enough I'll be able to get Reese out to visit these people, and one day, we will even run errands and meet friends out and about town. What a wonderful thought! Until then, we keep snapping pictures of ourselves and loving on each other. Here are Reese's 1 month pictures and "updates" as many of my friends have done with their little ones.

**Yes, she appears to look a bit "elfish" in these photos, but that hat is just a tad too big, and I may have pulled it down a bit too far on those ears. Oops.

Has the ability to melt your heart with her big, deep blue eyes that are so alert during wake time.

I am totally a wannabe photographer. I just got 172 pictures developed yesterday, and that was after I weeded through the hundreds if not thousands of photos taken in the past few weeks. And just get ready for the upcoming holiday season...it could get wild. With the purchase of the new camera for my birthday, I decided to host my own newborn photo session the other day. I want to take a class next semester, but until then, I just do what I know to do, and that's just click the big button on the top. I was pretty satisfied with the results because I had just about the cutest subject in the world. You may see one of these in an upcoming birth announcement if I can get on top of things and get them ordered. With the departure of my mother and the arrival of mastitis, it hasn't been the easiest transition to what this new life will be like. I'm impressed we have gotten two loads of laundry done, kept the house picked up, and stayed "rested" during this first day home just the three of us. Regardless, Wes and I are having the time of our lives figuring out how to best love this little girl.

We are here...and today marks our one week anniversary of being here--our home sweet home. Reese has made the transition with much pizazz. So much is here for her to see that she just doesn't want to fall asleep. I don't blame her. We brought her home at the same time she started waking up out of the newborn trance. She is now a healthy 8 lbs. 5 oz. and has added 1/4 inch to her length. This girl is one healthy baby. Yes, she has some gas issues and possibly some other things we are trying to figure out, but she is okay. Praise God.

Mopsy has so much love for her Reese.

1st doctor's appointment...she was INCREDIBLE.

The daily afternoon sanity saver...taking a walk in the ERGO carrier. She loves it and actually falls asleep without a fight.

Some of the greatest friends on the planet. I am way beyond blessed to have you all.

And last Thursday before our ride home from the hospital. 12 days in the NICU, and we were all so happy to come home.