Happy Holidays!

The holidays meant so much more this year with our little girl. It was so fun to buy Kallie her first Christmas dress, a stocking with her name on it (Coho got one too of course), her first Christmas book, lots of presents and of course she had no idea it was even Christmas! HA!

We spent Christmas Eve with Eric's family. We started with lunch at the Nicholson's house to give the kiddos their gifts then it was off to Aunt Terri and Uncle Jim's house for the annual caroling (no we don't leave the house).

Christmas morning was so special this year since we have our own family now. Eric was up bright and early (5:30am to be exactly) b/c he gets so excited for presents! Kallie and I decided to sleep in until 7:30 and make him wait. He had made coffee and started a fire. We opened gifts and enjoyed our morning as a family.

After our relaxing morning we headed to my parents house to open presents and for Christmas dinner. We had a great time and of course Kallie was spoiled at ever stop along the way.

I feel so blessed to have a beautiful daughter, an amazing husband and of course the best yellow lab in town! Having a family has been my dream since I was a little girl and I feel so lucky that my dream came true!

Kallie 4 month photo shoot

My friend Bradie was very sweet to take Kallie's 4 month old photos. My goal was 3, 9 and 12 month photos but I seem to be a bit behind. Regardless, I love the photos Bradie took and Kallie was so great during the shoot. Here are a few of my favorite photos . . .


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Pictures with Santa Clause!

On Sunday we took Kallie to see Santa. Kallie was all dressed up in her new Christmas dress and ready to go. I am not sure if she even looked at Santa but regardless we had fun!

The Perfect Tree

This year is the perfect time to start new family traditions. So we decided to cut down our tre at a tree farm out in Carnation. Who knew finding the "right" tree would be so hard. After walking around for a bit we did find the perfect tree for Kallie's first Christmas. Here are a few pictures from our adventure.

4 Months Old

Kallie is 4 months old today. I truly can't believe it, the time has gone way too fast! She is now 12lbs 14 oz (28%) and 23.5in long (19%). The Dr. said Kallie is doing great!

Kallie - It seems like yesterday when we brought you home and your dad and I just looked at each other wondering what to do. Now you are such a big girl you even sleep in your own room. I had a hard time the first night, your dad made fun of me because I cried. I miss having my little bug next to me in our room but I know we will both sleep so much better now. You are such a joy and we love watching you learn and grow. You have started to grab your toys but then you freak out b/c you don't know how to let go, you love mommy to rock you to sleep, you always smile when your daddy holds you, you giggle and you love to make loud noises b/c you are just finding your voice. Your dad and I love you more than words can explain.

Kallie your dad and I love you more than you will ever know . . . you have brought so much love to our family and we feel so blessed to have you in our lives. Your dad and I look forward to watching you grow each day . . . WE LOVE YOU!

A week old. . .


4 months old . . .

Hawaii Family Vacation

We flew to Kauai with my entire family the day after Thanksgiving for a wedding. Literally my entire family was on the same flight. Kallie was an angel on the plane and pretty much the entire trip. She slept well and was such a happy girl. I think she is going to love the warm/sunshine just like her mom :) Oh yeah and my friends were right when they all told me traveling with an infant is the best time to travel . . . I was a bit hesitant since I was just about 5 months pregnant when we booked the trip!!

Most of our trip was spent on the beach but we did do a bit of sightseeing too. We drove to Waimae Canyon and Waime Falls, both were beautiful but not sure the drive was worth the 5 minute visit (just my opinion! We even managed to go to a nice dinner at The Tidepools with my parents. It was a gorgeous restaurant literally built on top of the tidepools (Kallie slept the entire meal).

I would say our vacation was close to perfect. Being with my entire family in Hawaii was so much fun. We have not been on a family vacation in years. This was our first "Bates" family vacation with Kallie and I look forward to many more!