Bless the creative people

After our first photo shoot with Tonya Joy, I knew I had to document Kate's first year in monthly sessions. Tonya has such a unique, stylish creative eye. I can't believe how amazing Kate's "first month" pictures came out. You can see them on her blog. Thank you Tonya!

4-weeks old!

I can't believe it but little baby Kate is now 4-weeks old! She is staying awake more, eating more and crying more! More is just fine by us. Happy Birthday, Kate Marie.

The happiest place

Guess who had their first trip to Disneyland today? That's right! Kate Marie! It was pretty comical trying to get pictures of a sleeping baby at DL. We kind of felt like we were participating in the Flat Stanley Project.

Of course this experience was more for the benefit of mom and dad rather than Kate. We walked the entire park and then went to CA Adventure and realized we didn't dress properly for how cold it had gotten and went home. Next time, we will spend more time at the "ugly, red-headed step-child" park.

I've been waiting to take Kate to DL since I found out I was pregnant! It was so much fun walking around with our little baby and using the amazing "mother's room" at the park. I am pretty sure she was the youngest patron there that day.

Someday she will see the castle

The youngest wannabe of Club 33

A special sticker from a cast member

Our little ghoul

What's this place again?

A walk in the park

The last couple of days we have gone on some leisurely neighborhood walks. The first time I went by myself while Brett was running errands and it was a terrifying experience. To start I suddenly lost the ability to put Kate in the stroller and was frantically trying to figure out all the straps as she screamed her head off. Once I resolved that matter I set out on our own street. Even though I had walked our street many times in the past, now every neighbor seemed to have a vicious dog in their yard that was just bound to get past the gate and come at us. My palms were sweaty as I had a death-grip on the handle bars. When I was walking down the hill in my wise footwear choice of flip-flops I was convinced I would trip over my feet, lose the stroller and Kate would go flying down the street. Luckily we survived to the next block. Then, with my increased confidence I decided to cross the street. I never realized how horribly fast those cars come barreling down the road. It took a while for my heart rate to get to normal.

The next day, Dad came with us and we walked to the local park. It was a much more pleasant experience now that the responsibility was shared. Here are some pictures of our day and the gorgeous view we are so lucky to see (most days).

In da hood

Waz up hommie! You be straight tripin' if yous think you can chill in my crib, ay'ate!

Bright eyes

Who is the cutest baby with her eyes open?

Happy Birthday Mom!

Today is my mommy's birthday. I really can't put to words what a wonderful person and mother my mom is. She is the most tender, loving and selfless person that I know! I am so blessed to have her as a mom. She always made every thing we did a special memory full of fun. I can think back to Christmastime growing up on LeRoy Ave. in Arcadia. I would come home from school and the house would be warm, holiday music would be playing, the house was decorated like Santa did it himself. And there was mom in a holiday apron baking some sort of delicious sweet. This is just one example of how she made every holiday an experience.

I respect my mom because she is completely dedicated to her church, is committed to being positive and always wants to do the right thing. But I have to admit (even though she won't) that she is also hilarious and little naughty sometimes too!! Probably the most defining aspect of my mom is how much she loves and adores my dad.

My mom loves children so you can imagine what a joy it has been for her to have a granddaughter. It also gives me the unique perspective of now knowing the unbelievable love my mom had for me when I was born.

Happy Birthday Mom, you're the best and I love you very much! (Brett loves you too. And Kate.)

This is mom and grandma Frances getting ready to go to the hospital because she is in labor with me!

Check-up

Our attempt at exclusive breastfeeding didn't work. Kate didn't gain enough weight so the doctor advised us to supplement again with formula. She was only 8.10 lbs at our last check so she only gained 1 oz in 3 days whereas she should gain 1 oz per day to be healthy and thriving.

So, I've been pumping and giving her breast milk and then following up with formula if she is not satisfied. I would say she is getting 70% from me and 30% formula. Today we had a recheck and she now weighs 9.2 lbs! The doctor told me I can continue with the breast milk/formula until she is 6 weeks and then go totally formula. By that time she should have gained the benefits of her mommy's milk.

I have to say that I am really depressed that we couldn't breastfeed. I so wanted it to work out but it didn't. Everyone has told me not to feel guilty but I can't help it. How you feed your baby is a personal choice and I think there is nothing wrong at all with formula it is just that I wanted so badly for breastfeeding to work out. I will admit it will be much easier to go to formula once and for all but I do feel like I am letting Kate down on a good start. However, I must trust that the doc and books are right and the amount of time she has/will get breastfed will still give her some of the benefits against allergies, etc.