Everyday Life

Life is wonderful here in Denver, CO! We have not been doing anything particularly "exciting," but we are adjusting to life with two little kiddos. They are both growing and developing like weeds! Catherine will be 7 weeks tomorrow (Sunday). The past several weeks have just flown by.

Jonathan is doing well. He has started climbing up on chairs, using his own utensils for eating and walking up and down stairs. He is a good big brother and really tries to be a help around the house. The other day (this has actually happened a couple of times) he spilled some of his milk, so he ran over to grab the kitchen towel, came back to the spilled mik and wiped it up THEN hung the towel back up! He also LOVES to help with Catherine. He knows that when she is crying the pacifer can be of some assistance, so when she starts fussing he grabs the pacifer and brings it over to us- and often times will try to put it in her mouth. It is REALLY cute.

So, here are some pictures of our "everyday life:"

Me and Catherine just hanging out on the couch.

Jonathan sure loves his little sister!

Catherine is now one month old

Jonathan is a big boy now, and can walk up and down the stairs by himself!

Most nights we try to take a walk with the kiddos... and usually end up at nearby park for Jonathan to play on for a few minutes. The cool summer evenings here in Colorado have been wonderful to enjoy!

Grandma Mary and Grandpa Dave

We were elated to host Chris's parents for several days last week! It was great to intoduce them to Catherine and spend so much time with them! Grandma and Grandpa had so much fun with Jonathan and were so excited to hold Catherine. Jonathan, too, had a lot of fun playing with Grandma and Grandpa... he is now bored around the house without them (Mom isn't as fun. he he)

We had a lot of great times last week, from hiking to going to the park to playing wild games of Scrabble to just hanging out around the house. Thanks, Mary and Dave to a wonderful week. We miss you already!

Hiking in Elderado Canyon. Yes, the entire family went! We purchased an outdoor stroller before Catherine arrived.... and it did marvelous on the hike. (And so did the kiddos)

Fun with Grandpa Dave at the park.

Swimming at our neighborhood pool.

Grandma Mary was always excited to hold little Catherine... even when Catherine wasn't so happy.

Catherine's Baptism

Last Saturday, July 28th, we had Catherine baptized! It was a great ceremony, in which my dad, who is a Deacon, presided and my brother and sister-in-law stood up as her godparents. We were also blessed with the attendance of Chris's parents and many friends. After the ceremony we had a little party with an ice cream bar and sweets at our home. It was a wonderful day celebrating and welcoming Catherine Ann into the church!

The proud parents and granddaddy (who was also the Deacon) of Catherine after she had been baptized.

Catherine being baptized.

Just after being baptized, with Brent and Quinn- her godparents.

Catherine slept the entire ceremony!

Our family immediately following the ceremony.

Sleeping Beauty

Just a couple more pictures of our sleeping beauty!

More pictures of Catherine- and our new life

The first week of having Catherine home with us, has been great! We are a little sleep deprived, but everything is fantastic!! Jonathan loves his little sister and is very thoughtful to her. He loves to share his sippy cup and toys with her. Catherine is eating and sleeping GREAT! We have been very blessed to have her here with us.

We were also greatly blessed with my mom's help last week and Chris will be home some this week helping out around the house. Then, we are awaiting the arrival of Chris's parents the week after next. We can't wait!!

Here are some pictures of this past week:

Here she is at exactly 1 week old!

Jonthan "holding" Catherine in the hospital.

Mom and Catherine

Dad and Catherine

I just had to throw in a picture of Jonathan... we can't forget him! he he

World, meet Catherine Ann. Catherine Ann, World.

Yesterday morning at 1:00 am Catherine began to let me know she was ready to meet the world. After many hours, most of them bearable, I was ready for the big, scary finish...and bam! Catherine was born after one push of less than three minutes! It was a real blessing and made seeing her for the first time even more amazing. The nurses say she looks like Chris, but compared to Jonathan, there is almost no resemblance. :) We are hoping to head home today, though we'll have to get the nurses working to complete all of the mandatory tests. We look forward to introducing her to each of you as soon as possible!

Here are the quick facts:

Time of Arrival: Sunday, July 6th, 4:15pm
Weight: 6lbs 3oz
Length: 19.5 inches
Health: Mom and baby are doing well.

In God's Grace,
Elizabeth

More outside fun

Who knew that a hose and some running water could be so fun??