With Christmas just behind us, Kate was excited for another opportunity to practice her present-opening skills. After breakfast, she opened some fun toys from Mia.
Tired of the same letters she's been playing with in the bath for months, Mia gives Kate some boats.
All the way from Atlanta, Grandma and Papa send their love in the form of a teddy bear.
Reading a 'love story' with Mommy before trying out her new boats in the bathtub.
In my effort to get caught up on the blog before we go to Paris - yes Stephen and I leave for Paris next Wednesday sans baby - here are some pictures from Kate's first trip to the beauty salon.
While her official first haircut happened with Jan clipped off her rat tail last summer, Mia and her hairdresser have been clamoring to give Kate an official 'do. Since she no longer allows bows in her hair, I started worrying whether the child would be able to see where she was going. So, I finally gave in and let them have their way with her hair. I was pretty sure Kate was not going to be too excited about the whole thing, and I was right :-)
Kate meets Selma and already giving her the evil eye.
Let the tears begin!
She finally stopped with the hysterics, but put on her most pitiful face.
All done, this was as close to a smile as we got. But at least she can see again!
Kate got to celebrate Christmas one more time when her cousins Tanner and Teagan arrived from Frisco. She was an old pro at this present thing the second time around.
Getting a little extra help from the cousins on opening this huge package.
Kate's first rocking horse. She was a natural!
It wasn't long before Kate realized this was the one toy that didn't make any sounds. Resourceful as always, she kept the lion nearby to provide some tunes for her riding.
Teagan shows off her new tutu - the must-have accessory for 2012!
Checking out the wildlife.
With the bedrooms full of grand kids, Mia was forced to sleep on the air matress. Teagan and Kate have a picnic on her bed.
No visit to Austin would be complete without a trip to Amy's and climbing on the cows.
Santa brought a late delivery to Kate. Once assembled, Teagan was ready to push Kate on her inaugural ride.
Hey! Who's driving this thing?
Not quite ready to say goodbye to the Christmas Season.
With the beatiful weather, we headed outdoors for a hike. This time Kate rode in back and had a great time.
The New Year's Eve celebration got underway with a fondue party.
Things got a little crazy when the lampshades came out.
Too bad Kate missed out on all the fun. She slept through the whole party, thankfully!
Nothing like the start of Spring to motivate me to update the blog. There has been quite a bit of backlash on my delay so without further ado, here is the first of several posts to get us up to date on the goings-on of Kate Brown.
Mia brought Kate back this fun Santa hat from one of the Christmas markets on her Rhine River cruise. Very festive!
Kate found time in the hectic holiday season to host a playgroup with some of her music class buddies.
Christmas Eve arrived and we headed over to Nana's house. Kate loved being the center of attention with all her second cousins. They taught her many things that night, however looking at the camera was not one of them.
Nana and her great-grandchildren
After the photos, the fun began. Kate wasn't sure quite what to make of all the mayhem but she loved being right in the middle of it all.
She quickly learned that good things come in envelopes from Nana.
The whole gang!
Christmas morning began with seeing what Santa left in Kate's stocking.
Then it was on to the presents which Kate quickly got the hang of opening.
Finally she has a bottle for her baby. She knew exactly what to do.
Looking at the photo album Grandma and Papa sent.
An oldie but a goodie - the popcorn pusher!
Nana came over to see all the fun toys Kate received.
I'll close this post with a video of one of Kate's favorite presents, a keyboard from her grandparents. She definitely gets her dance moves from her father!
