Abby's Baptism

On Saturday Abby was baptized! We were honored to have my dad perform another baptism for another one of our children. As in the past, he did a wonderful job! My sister, Anna, and her husband, Justin, accepted the role of being her godparents, and flew in from Saint Louis for the occasion. After the ceremony we had a party, there at the church, with family and friends. It was a joyful day! Anna and Abby waiting for the festivities to begin

The baptism ceremonychrism oil being annointed on Abby's head The newly baptized! She was GREAT during the entire ceremony... not one little peep

After the baptism- Chris and I with Abby, my dad, Anna and Justin

The Kuetemeyer fam with Deacon Dad

We had to take another picture to include my mom, of course. If you look closely, you can see that Catherine has not one but TWO fingers up her nose. he he And, Abby is screaming at this point. he he

Rosie and Terry, Jonathan's godparents, drove all the way from Colorado Springs to celebrate with us. They have yet to miss a Kuetemeyer or Waller baptism!

Jonathan's Birthday Night

After playing at the park and taking a good nap, Jonathan decided to watch another movie, Cars. Then, the rest of the fam arrived for a birthday dinner, cake and gift opening. We celebrated with meatballs and little smokies.As requested by the birthday boy, an orange cake with dinosaursGetting ready to blow out candlesPadriac, my nephew, also wanted to blowout some candles. So, we relit the cake and he was able to partake in the fun too!

Aunt Quinny and little Lando (a.k.a. Landon) waiting for some orange cake

Jonathan's 4th Birthday Day

It's true, Jonathan turned 4 years old on Friday! He had been looking forward to his birthday for well over a month. Everyday he asked how many days left until his birthday... my mom was brillant and suggested (and made) a countdown sheet.

The day began with multiple options of sugared cereals (you know those little boxes of Cococa Puffs and Frosted Flakes?!) and some of his birthday presents. After that he chose to watch Toy Story 3- compliments of Aunt Amy (which was a real treat, as I don't normally let them watch movies during the week nor tv in the mornings). After the movie, we picked up some chick-fil-a chicken nuggets and headed to the park. It was a bit brisk (a mere 45 degrees) but the sun was shining. We had a "picnic" and played at the park for quite some time. I think everyone had a grand time!Morning gift openingGrandma Mary and Grandpa Dave sent a cool monkey card... it makes monkey sounds when you open it up. HUGE hit! Grammy and Jonathan climbing together

The birthday boy!

Catherine playing in the sandbox

More climbing at the park

More playing with Grammy

A true servant

Last week my mom was truly gracious and came up to stay with us for a week! I was thankful for the ABUNDANCE of help she gave. Not only did she make some wonderful meals, wash laundy, help with the kiddos but had a TON of fun with Jonathan and Catherine. Everyday she had something fun and exciting up her sleeve...

The first day here, she made swords, shields and head garb, if you will. Jonathan loves the story of Joshua and the wall of Jericho. In the morning they made all the gear...Later that morning she made a tent downstairs for them to prepare for battle in. Then, they made several walls to march around and make fall down. It was hilarious that whenever Catherine exited the tent her hair looked like this.

On another day they made crowns

They also made a "train"with a few chairs and boxes in the basement. The kids took turns who the conductor was.

There is always the classic play-dough too. Monsters were the main build for the day.

She was also able to sit down and relax with Baby Abby on several occasions. It's nice holding a sleeping or peaceful baby.

Thank you, Mom, for being such an incredible servant to me and our family!! We love you!

2 weeks under our belt!

We have survived the first two weeks of transitioning from a family of 4 to a family of 5! Luckily, Abby has continued to sleep and eat well. It is also a blessing that Jonathan and Catherine really seem to like her, too! Please keep us in thought and prayer as "real life" sets in. Chris was able to stay home from work the first week, then my mom came up the second week to help. Next week will be my first time all by myself- and I won't be able to give as much attention to Jonathan and Catherine as they have been getting. So, we shall see...

It's true that Abby is now two weeks old! She maintains her position within the 50th percentile with weight at 8lb 4oz; and in the 75th percentile with height at 21in. It's great to finally have a child that's on the chart (Jonathan and Catherine have either been off the chart (skinny) or in the 2nd-5th percentiles).

I've been a happy camper with her sleeping at least one 4 hour stint each night!

Too cute! A quick cat nap in the boppy.Hanging out in the bouncy seat. (Abby is a bit like Jonathan was at this age... very difficult to get a decent picture of.)The other day Abby was fussing a bit, and Jonathan immediately went over and started rubbing her tummy. Abby stopped crying and fell asleep. It was cute!

Proud Grammy and Grandaddy with the three Colorado Kuetemeyer's:

The first few days...

I was able to get some pictures in the first week of being at home... it appears in SOME pictures that Abby might have a reddish tint to her hair. We shall see as she continues to grow and her hair comes in better. (Chris's mom would be thrilled with red hair- as it runs in her side of the family and no other family member has inherited as of yet. he he) Abby loves the swing- unlike her older sister when she was her age!

Abby has truly been a content and easy baby thus far. She is eating great and sleeping fantastically! Ever since we have been home from the hospital (13 days now) she has been giving me at least one 4 hour stretch (sometimes two) every night!! What a true blessing.

Jonathan and Catherine absolutely adore Abby. Catherine wants to hold her all the time and help out in anyway that she can. It's cute!

Introducing Abigail Ruth

On January 21, 2001 at 4:33pm Abigail (Abby) Ruth Kuetemeyer entered into the world. Weighing in at 8lb 1oz (our heaviest baby yet) and meausring 20 1/4 inches. Labor and delivery were to be expected- not too long, not too short and a bit of pain but aided by the wonderful epidural!

Jonathan and Catherine are overjoyed at having a baby sister and have been SO CUTE with her. They give her lots of kisses and hugs!

It looks like that we will be discharged from the hospital on Sunday afternoon, and look forward to adjusting to "real" life outside of the hospital. All of your thoughts and prayers during labor, delivery and postpardum were/are much apreciated. I look forward to continuing to update you on her development our family's transition from 4 to 5.

Abigail Ruth Kuetemeyer:
Right after delivery with the doctor:Grammy and Abby:Proud Grandaddy:The Kuetemeyer family of 5: Abby with the gift that Jonathan picked out for her right before he met her for the first time:

Right after delivery: