little hands

It's hard for me to believe, but Anna Kate has been pretty coordinated at grabbing her toys for a while now. It took Trip much longer to learn this skill, so it feels like she is growing up too fast!

AK is doing so much better these days. Shortly after my post about how difficult things had been, she miraculously started feeling better. I still don't know if she just outgrew whatever was causing her so much pain, or if her reflux medicine just took a few weeks to kick in. She is still on the medicine (because I am too afraid to take her off of it), but I hope she won't have to take it for long.

Thank you for everyone who has been praying for her and offering words of wisdom. Praise the Lord for a baby that feels better and for little hands learning to grab!

bless you!

"popsittle"

(After washing up with the garden hose)

Trip and I have a new after-nap ritual.

Anna Kate is typically still sleeping, so we go outside and enjoy a strawberry Popsicle. This is the messiest ritual! So, we follow it up by playing with the garden hose. I usually end up getting as soaked as Trip, but it sure is fun!

I love how having kids gives you an excuse to act like a kid again! I love Summer time, Popsicles, and playing in the water!

trett's graduation

We made our first big trip as a family of four last weekend to Missouri for my brother Trett's graduation. This was quite the undertaking with two kids. We drove 16 hours both ways, and I am happy to report that both kids did really well. Anna Kate slept most of the time and Trip only lost patience at the very end of the drive (at which point we couldn't really blame him).

It was fun to be able to introduce Anna Kate to the family that hadn't met her yet. We only wish we could have stayed longer than 2 days! Although no matter how much time we get with family, it is never enough.

Trett graduated from the University of Missouri's business school and is off to China for a year. We are all proud of him, and can't believe that the next time we see him Anna Kate will be one and Trip will be three! We love you Trett - Congratulations!

Missouri Morning

Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.

Lamentations 3:22-23

(May 2009)

(May 2011)

We traveled to Missouri last weekend for my brother Trett's graduation from the University of Missouri (more pictures to come). We also went up to Missouri when Trip was around 2 months old. I love the picture of Trip above and wanted to get a matching one of Anna Kate in the same outfit.

These were taken in the living area of my parents' house shortly after sunrise. There are two-story windows that look out onto the backyard full of trees. The light coming through the trees seems to mesmerize little ones. It also provides some great light for taking pictures.

The "Kathleen's"

Last Sunday we were able to have a wonderful lunch with J's family in San Antonio. His cousin, Katie, is also named after their grandmother. So, I took the opportunity to snap a few pictures of the 3 Kathleen's.

Anna Kathleen seems to be taking after her cousin and great-grandmother with her blond hair.

She was totally at peace while Mimi was holding her.

Trip & Anna Kate 2-month comparisson

Height: 23 inches (75th percentile)

Weight: 12 lbs. 3 oz. (75th percentile)

Height: 22 inches (50th percentile)

Weight: 12 lbs. 12 oz. (75th percentile)