Sandy Springs

The kids have been enjoying the discovery of all the local parks. They love to play at Sandy Springs and we took them to Springbrook park a couple of weeks ago and they really liked playing there too. They also got to see where I lived and went to school and church. It's neat to be able to show them where I grew up. We are looking forward to seeing more parks and fun places to check out. This weekend we are looking forward to playing at the Splash Pad a Carl Cowen park with friends. =)

Fourth of July 2009

We hope everyone had a great fourth of July this year. We spent the holiday with both of our families - Doug's family early in the day and my half for the evening. We cooked up some hotdogs and hamburgers for dinner and let the kids play in the pool, bounce house and on the swingset. I love that we are finally able to spend our holidays surrounded by the people we love. We didn't attend a big fireworks show this year but I don't really think the kids missed it all that much. Alcoa did not put on their big show this year due to economic reasons so we just let the kids play until 9 or so at mom's house and then the Chris's headed back to our house to play some cards and let the girls spend the night. Good times.

First few days in Tennessee

These are a few pictures from the first couple of days we spent in Tennessee. Chris and Christina meeting Kate for the first time and the kids playing on mom's swingset. I have tons of pictures to share. More time = more pictures... Off to unpack some more boxes! More pics soon!

3 Months Old

I'm behind! I have lots and lots of pictures to share, but it's been crazy busy lately. I promise to get some of what we have been doing on here very soon!

Kate is three months old today and wow is she changing fast!! She is talking and cooing up a storm -- all you have to do is look at her, smile and talk to her and she'll talk right back. I don't remember either of the other two being so vocal this early... of course that could mean we're already in trouble! She loves laying on her play mats and is now reaching for and batting at the toys that hang from them. She loves music and will turn intently toward what ever may be playing a tune. She adores her daddy and will search for his and my voice. She also loves watching Noah and Rachel play. It's cute to see her look at Rachel as she sits and talks to her. Rachel is like a little mommy with her - it's so cute to see! She is still in size 1 diapers, wearing mostly 0-3 clothing, but has to wear 3-6 month sleepers because her legs are so long. She's getting to be quite the little chubbers. She nurses during the day about every 3 to 3.5 hours and will go all night now (Hurray!!) from about 9:30/10:00 until 5 in the morning. It's wonderful. =) We simply adore her!

13 Weeks Old

Weeks 10, 11, & 12

12 Weeks Old -- June 22, 2009

11 Weeks Old - June 15, 2009

10 Weeks Old -- June 8, 2009

We've missed a few weeks of posting due to moving (Yay!) and we have just gotten our Internet connected (finally -darn AT&T!). So, to catch up- Kate has changed so much just since our big move to Maryville! She is really filling out and is a sweet little chub-wub baby girl and we love it! She is really starting to coo and talk and she loves looking at her play mat toys.. She is starting to bat at and grab for the toys that hang close to her and loves to look at her light up star and her mobile in her crib. She's still in the pack n play bassinet in our room (I can't wait to have the cradle back!!) but is napping during the day in the crib in her room. She's smiling all the time now and especially has fallen in love with her daddy. =) I love to watch him talk to and play with her as she rewards him with the biggest smiles.

Happy Father's Day!

Hope all you Dad's out there had a great day today! We started our day with the kids giving Doug his gift - a new basketball and then we took him out to lunch. Afterwards we took the kids to the park and checked out a couple of houses we have our eye on. Later we joined Papa and Grammy for the afternoon and evening at their house for a cookout. It was a great day! Happy Father's Day!

2 Months Old - (9 Weeks)

2 Months old! Wow! Kate is really changing and doing well. She's found her hands and likes to watch them as she moves them around. She is noticing her toys on the bouncy seat bar and is starting to reach towards them. She can watch people moving about now and looks for whoever is talking. She loves to watch Noah and Rachel and have them talk to her. She's still working on holding her head up and is getting better everyday. She loves to be held and snuggled. She is wearing 0-3 month clothing and just today wore her last newborn diaper, and is now in size 1. She'll sleep through the night if she nurses at 10 or 11pm and will make it to 5 or 6 in the morning. Best of all she is smiling all the time now - I love that sweet little smile.

Kindergarten Graduate!

Dad, Mom and Rachel watching the show.

Grammy and Kate

Singing with his class at the ceremony.

Marching in for the song singing.

Our family after his graduation ceremony at the reception in his homeroom.

Noah and his homeroom teacher - Mrs.Futral.

The teacher's Aid - Mrs. 'Jackie' Hendrix

Noah and his best friend Hunter.

Noah graduated from Kindergarten!! I cannot believe he is a big first grader now! It is so amazing that he is six and has already finished his first year of school. The time is truely flying by. Noah had a great day. He was very excited to have his Grammy there also to watch him graduate. He recieved lots of awards at his graduation - His Graduation Certificate, Certificate of Language Arts Achievement, Certificate of Good Conduct, Art Achievement Certificate, Certificate of Good Attendance, All Star Reader Certificate, and a Certificate of Achievement for knowing all of his Sight Words. We are so very proud of him. He's growing up so very fast. We love you Noah!!!