Growing as big as a pumpkin!

As october is winding down, we've noticed Katy getting bigger and stronger every day. We want to make sure she reaches all her milestones, so we got one of the smaller play mats online. Nothing fancy, we just wanted a designated tummy time area where we could hang up toys for her to interact with. She definitely enjoys it! We got one toy from Auntie Em that we like to call "monster". Katy adores monster. She will stare at him for a long time and also, she will try to reach out and punch him repeatedly.

The dogs seem to be slightly confused/jealous of the play mat. Here is a large collection of toys that they're not allowed to touch that's reserved exclusively for the tiny bald puppy.

Zoe tries to do a toy trade with Katy every so often.

Today, we realized that halloween is just around the corner, so we went to a local church and picked out a pumpkin.

 Our pumpkin is bigger than she is! Not for long though...

A week ago, we went to visit Grampa Bob and Gramma Patty. Mommy had an interview in Atlanta, so it was our first trip out of Augusta. It was a bit of a big trip for such a small baby. Mommy wasn't sure what she should or shouldn't bring with her, so we ended up packing enough stuff to last us a week, even though it was only a one-night trip. Katy did really well, though. She enjoyed spending time with Grandma :) She definitely enjoyed skyping with Daddy at night and getting to meet Auntie Sam (a really close friend of Mommy's).

As of October 17th, Katy is no longer the youngest person in her family! Claire Sylvia Hart was born on Friday, the 17th! She is absolutely beautiful and her mommy and daddy couldn't be happier. We can't wait to meet Baby Claire in person!

Love from Augusta,
John, Liz, Katy, Xander, Zoe and Duke

Uncle Nate's White Coat Ceremony!

Last weekend, Uncle Nate had his white coat ceremony, so some of Katy's family were in town. Grandma Patty and Grandpa Bob came in with Great-Grandma Irene. It was the first time G.G. Irene had met miss Katy, so it was a very special day indeed!

Uncle Nate looks great in his new white coat!

It was cold in that restaurant!

The Napolitanos were there, too!

The heat has broken in Augusta, so we've been spending some time outside, running errands and walking. We've also been doing a lot more tummy time, because Katy is starting to hold her head up more and more every day!

The dogs are not allowed on the blankets we use for tummy time. This is the result.

No matter how much we try to keep them off the blanket, they have to have a paw touching it!

Hello there!

Zoe isn't so sure about this newcomer getting so much attention...

Recently, I've been learning to sew more complicated things like dresses and clothes for Katy. Hopefully my skills will grow as she does...

One Month!

Today marks Katy's first full month of life! Hurrah! She's doing very well. We had our four week visit with Dr. S on Wednesday, and he says she's right on target for growth in all sectors.

Katy's had an exciting few days. We went to the medical illustration department a few days ago (no pictures from that visit, unfortunately) and we got to spend some time with Daddy on campus!

Daddy and mommy have been doing well. They are starting to settle into the groove of taking care of a newborn. She's definitely loved by all the puppies here.

Not only is she a month old, but Katy has been holding her head up more and more!

3 Weeks!

Yesterday marked Katy's third week of life. We celebrated by sleeping. She's starting to keep her eyes open more and more every day, so Daddy has been reading to her. We think she likes it. We were very fortunate to have an amazing friend of ours buy every single book we listed on our baby registry for Katherine, so she already has an extensive library. John wants to try to read to her as much as he can.

A few days ago, mom broke out the nice camera and took some photos of Katy while she lay on a quilt that Ms. Diana, a good friend of ours, had made for her. It's got frogs and turtles and dragonflies all over it. It's definitely a work of art!

Detail of the quilt.

The quilt in whole. It's too beautiful for pictures! Also, there may be a Duke in the way...

Yesterday, Katy went with me to Women's Bible Study. All the ladies there were so excited to meet her. She got a lot of cuddles.

Right now, little Katy-did is 9 lbs! Of course, we are using our bathroom scale, so it probably doesn't have the accuracy of the one at the doctor's office, but she's definitely getting bigger and chubbier :) Right now she's got a bit of baby acne, which hopefully will clear up in the next few weeks. Mom and Dad can't wait to see what new surprises those weeks will bring!


Love from Augusta,
John, Liz, Katy, Zoe, Duke and Xander