KITTY!

Kate is so fond of the kitties. Especially Tinker (pictured below), because Tinker will actually let Kate pet her. We are teaching Kate to "pet nicely", which basically means don't grab handfuls of fur, ear, or tail. The petting is more a kin to spazzy light hitting, but Tinker tolerates it. I think it's because she is an older cat, is VERY patient, and willing to train the wee ones in correct cat etiquette.
This picture almost captures the sound Kate makes when she sees Tinker. It's a unique squeal of happiness, only heard when she is around the cat. Kate also says, "Kee-ee" to the cat. But in all honesty, she'll call the fridge "kee-ee" too.

Finally, I notice in looking at the pictures that Tinker is holding very still, facing the couch pillow. I think she's pouting, just barely tolerating the fact that we let Kate pet her. What Tinker is actually thinking, "Sure, I could get up and move. But I was here first, darn it! I was here first!"

Sun Hat

Two days ago, it was SOOO nice out. I donned the shorts and tank top. Strapped Kate into the front carrier (for which I am sure she is too big now). Got an M's floppy hat on her, and toured around the yard, looking at the trees, plants, and grass.

But before heading outdoors, we needed to get our picture taken!

Opening Day 2009

Okay. A little delayed, but here are a couple of pictures from last Tuesday's opening day for the Mariners. Kate did well. A little squirmy, but had fun. In this first picture, she'd cheering for the M's. She'd just wave and wave her arms in a little windmill when she got excited. Self portrait!

Easter Goodies

Kate got a variety of fun to play with goodies to celebrate the Easter holiday. Mom and dad had fun playing with them, too. AKA, what can we put on Kate's head and what will she do with it!

Here, the sock bunny from a previous blog entry makes an appearance.

Now I just need to catch her with the dolly from Grandma Terry!

Spring blooms

It's exciting to see the fruits of our efforts begining to bloom.

Apple blossom, on one of the older trees that came with the house. And a tree that we FINALLY got pruned a couple of months ago.

Pear blossom; tree planted last year

Apricot blossom; tree planted last year.

Walla-walla-bing-bang

In this video, you'll catch a glimpse of what Kate found to be much funnier when the camera wasn't running. And you'll hear my oh-so-lovely strep throat singing voice. (But I'm feeling much better now, due to the miracles of antibiotics!)

How many hands do I have?

I love watching Kate move from one play thing to another. And seeing her thought process as to what will stay in her hands, and what needs to be left behind for something new. At this moment, she's working with stacking cups, a 'lawn mower', and the noise maker on the lawn mower.

Sock Bunny

Kate received an adorable bunny made out of a sock from her Auntie Suzi. She loves playing with it - and sticking it in her mouth! (But then again, what doesn't go in her mouth these days?) You'll also note in this picture that Kate's mommy needed to do laundry. Purple polka dot socks match purple pants. Purple pants "go with" pink-striped shirt. Striped shirt and polka dot socks, not so much.

Fun with dad.

Kate really enjoys feeling Doug's hair. And playing with his head in general.

Crib time

Here's a look at Kate when she has woken up and is eagerly awaiting someone to set her free from her crib. I love the bed-head look she can create while she sleeps. One of the many sleeping positions of Kate.

Look, Ma. No Hands!

Kate's balance is getting better and better each day. Bruise on the forehead that she earned today not withstanding. Here she is standing tall, while leaning on a chair. Now, as she's reaching for mom. And the camera!

But at last, here she is standing on her own. And I caught it on camera. She can stand for anywhere from a 5 to a 20 count.

And now, she's done.

10-month self-portrait

Hi. My name is Kate. Holding still for a self-portrait is not a strength of mine today. But I can offer a bit of a smile. And show you my top two teeth. I worked really hard for them.

Hey, we are both looking at the camera!