Who does Kate look like?

Kate is on top (4 days old) and Grace on the bottom (2 days old)

So, it looks like Kate may have the bigger cheeks but I think they look a lot alike :). Now here is Jack and Kate...

Kate on the top (4 days old) and Jack on the bottom (1 week old)

The bus ride went well but Grace doesn't want to do it ever again because it was too crowded for her. What a princess :). Last night she woke up crying and couldn't tell us why...it was very sad. I think she is very tired after her first full week of school. She said she loves school so I don't think anything happened there. This morning she didn't want to walk in by herself (or with Jack) so I parked the van and put Kate in the stroller and walked in with her and she was just fine...she even ran ahead of me most of the way. I am looking forward to this weekend so we can all just relax and they can catch up on some sleep.

The big bus trip :)

Grace really wanted to take the bus and Jack promised to stay with her and show her where to go when they got to school. So, on Tuesday I watched my little princess climb the stairs of the big bus and drive away to school. It was kind of nice not having to get dressed and take them :).

Kate & I had a very busy day with mommy getting adjusted, Kate having her Dr appointment, and then going to school so Kate could be the kids show and tell. We were ready for a nap when we got home! The dr appointment went ok. She lost about 7 ounces (now at 9 lbs 10 oz) so we get to go back next week and do it over. The show and tell went great and Jack wanted to show every classroom his new sister. Grace's teacher said she is delightful and Jacks teacher said he is the most respectful and sweet boy....that makes a mom feel good :)....and Kate is hunting and pecking again so I am off to feed the little piggy....here is one more recent picture of her doing what she does best....

Are we having fun?

Kate continues to be a joy in our house and we all just watch her many faces and laugh. She is eating well and sleeping well so we feel blessed. I took the kids to school for the first time today and Grace just jumps out of the van and runs to the school with Jack. When Jack was in Kindergarten I would walk him to his classroom everyday for months. Grace wants to ride the bus by herself and needs no ones help (including Jacks). Today the kids get to bring Kate in for Show and Tell. They both told me not to be late :). Gotta go check on sleeping beauty who decided to be awake from 2:30-5:30 this morning and is still sleeping at 8:30...wish I was!

Soooo tired....

Kate is a wonderful sleeper and eater. She loves to wake up around 11 pm and just lays there kicking her feet and looking around. We feel so blessed to have her home and healthy. The kids are doing great with her and Honey doesn't know what to think. Jared loves to just lay and snuggle with her, and Kate is very happy to let him :).

Jack and Grace LOVE LOVE LOVE their little sister!

Introducing the newest, shortest member of the family....

Kate Louise Holthe

Stats:

Sept 3rd, 4:51 a.m.

Weight: 10 pounds 1 oz

Height: 20 inches

Cheeks: XXL

Quick birth story:

Got to the hospital at midnight. Water broke at around 3ish I think and she was born at 4:51 a.m. after 1 hour of pushing. She wasn't breathing due to her cord around her neck, over her shoulder and around her tummy....what a monkey! Her heartrate was good the whole time and within 30 seconds she was pink and breathing. We just got home and have been enjoying every minute looking at her huge chipmunk cheeks. The kids LOVE her and were amazed when they saw her open her eyes! Grace was also quite giggly to see me nursing her...who knows what she is telling the kids at school today :). I will post more later...I have to get back to my princess in training :) Have a great day and thank you for all your prayers.

Today may be the day....

Say HUGE prayers that today is the day we meet our princess. I have had contractions that hurt horribly all night and they are still going strong. So far they aren't close enough together to leave for the hospital but the midwife said she will probably see me this evening :)....keep watching for updates. Now we are off to the kids school orientation...this should be interesting in labor!

Isn't this labor day?

Say a prayer that today is a true LABOR DAY...I am really hoping we don't have to force this little princess out on Thursday!
Last night we went to a wonderful party on LakeWisconsin (thanks Dave and Marie!). They decided a week ago to have a salsa competition. I told them the only salsa I make is a after a trip to Laredos :). I did bring desert though.....yummy peanut butter cup bars. I figured if all the salsa didn't get labor going the 90 steps you have to take from their house down to the lake (and then back up) to get onto the pontoon would do it...NOPE. She is very happy in there. Jack only got hurt twice during the party...once falling between the boat and the dock and once running (and falling) full speed on gravel in the dark. He is fine but said he isn't going to any more church parties (the last one he got a horse shoe on the bare foot). Today is back to "normal". Grace ran and ran and ran until we went in the boat and then she swam and swam and swam :). She slept this morning until almost 9.
Our stair/dock project is finished and wonderful....Jared screwed some chairs to the dock so they don't blow away and we can just sit and watch the kids on the pedal boat or fish off the dock. It is very peaceful. I will post pictures soon...the camera is upstairs and I am not walking up there right now :).
I am just waiting for something to start so we can be holding and snuggling this baby...any suggestions? I think we have tried EVERYTHING! Have a great day.......