We spent a ton of time with family and friends this weekend. It was fun, but it was busy. Kate spent some time on Friday playing at the park with her cousins who were in town. It was her first time to see what the swings were all about and she loved it. Just wanted to post this picture to share.

It's Really Really Me.

Who are we kidding. This is not "Jake and Crystal's" blog. It may be called "Team Freeman" but there is no team work involved in the writing and postings here. It is not "Jake and Crystal" posting like each is stamped. I figured I could take the time to figure out how to get the posts to read "posted by Crystal" since we all know that is what is going on here. Heck, You probably look at this blog more than Jake. So from now on you will see the correct name posted below each post, as well as when I leave comments. And in the rare occasion Jake posts- ( I can not actually ever envision him posting) you will see his name and not mine. Good Work Crystal!

Sweet Moments

I realize that being a stay at home mom is not for everyone. In fact, although it is what I hoped for all my life, when the opportunity came I was not quiet sure it was for me either. Then sweet moments occur like today and I can't imagine what else I would ever possibly want in life. Here are my sweet moments from today that I couldn't stand to miss.

1. Kate woke up from her afternoon nap. I could hear her- she let out her " mom I'm awake up here" shout. But before I could go and get her this shout turned into a bark- "ruugh, ruugh". When I went upstairs I could hear the neighbors dog barking. Each time it would bark Kate would answer with a "ruugh, ruugh".
2. I was lying on my back on the floor where Kate was playing. She came over to me, lifted my shirt and started to blow raspberries on to my tummy. We use to do this to Kate but probably haven't for over a month. I guess she misses this game and wanted to let me know. I was surprised she knew how to do it. She thought it was hilarious too.

A True Cookie Suprise

I have been a little sick this week and my mom was kind enough to watch kate for a few hours and bring over some food she though I might be able to keep down. One being fortune cookies. As I cracked open this Chinese treat I was surprised by what my cookie had to say. " Lo que buscas esta a tu alcance". Como? I thought fortune cookies were suppose to be in chinese, or in english at least. Is there really that large of a hispanic-chinese subculture that they have their own fortune cookies. I wouldn't have thought so. Here is to hoping "What you seek is within your grasp" or maybe next time a fortune cookie in a familiar tounge.

A Cousin for Kate

Kate's first cousin- on my side was born on April 13. We couldn't be more excited for Amy and Jeff and their new little Kaylie. Congratulations to the new threesome! Also remember how Amy looked like a model though she just gave birth. What is with that? I certainly did not. Just in case you have forgotten I included a picture of that too. Is there a family resemblance between the cousins? They technically are as genetically close as half siblings you know.
Amy, Jeff and Kaylie
Crystal, Jake and Kate- the cousins are four days and one year apart
Close up of the new Kaylie!

This post is a little different than my usual, but I am branching out. Bringing you something other than post made for grandparents. On Saturday I ventured with my sis Amy to Ikea (a favorite place to shop for the both of us) while the boys went golfing at Thanksgiving Point. Amy made fun of me because I was like a kid at a candy store. Hey I don't get out much. The walking around was good for her too, but I am sure she will post about why on her own blog soon. One of the things i saw was so simple but surely on the wish list. These mini casserole dishes. Wouldn't it be fun to have a dinner party and serve each guest there very own lasagna. Of course one of the best parts of making a casserole is that you don't have to cook the next day. But there are so cute and little I am not sure I will be able to pass them up next time I go.

Enough Birthday Already Right?

I added some pictures to the slide show below of Kate's little party we had this weekend. I had too much fun planning my first little party for a child-obviously. Kate loved all the attention, enjoyed showing off, understood opening presents and loved the frosting on her cake. Her favorite presents were these inexpensive little bath frogs from Aunt Amy- isn't that always how it is. At least she enjoyed her presents more than the ribbons and wrapping this time. I promise this is the last post about birthdays for a while.

More one year pictures

One Year Pictures

This blog may seem slightly Kate obsessed due to the 1 year olds birthday this week. We did our photo shoot this afternoon after she finally took a nap. I like how they turned out. I ended up putting her in some rainy day clothes instead of the spring stuff I had planned. I think the purple hat ones are my favorite. I tried some fun settings with umbrellas and such, but Kate was a little afraid of it. What I was able to shoot I really like. Here is one of my favorites.

Kate is One!

Happy Birthday dear Kate! I can't believe she is one year old today. Truth told it has not been the happiest of birthdays so far seeing as how she woke up around midnight last night and will not got back to sleep. Yes it is almost noon and she has only been asleep for about two hours since then. Though she is one, i can count the number of times she has slept till 5:00 am on my fingers. She is upstairs in her crib right now crying because I am trying to make her go to sleep. With two missed naps yesterday and no night sleep, both Kate and Mom are not enjoying this day at all. Plus it is snowing again. We are not really celebrating today, don't tell her. Because we are having a dinner party on Sunday to celebrate. I am sure she won't know the difference and hopefully we will all be happier than too.

I wanted to post a little about Kate at one.
height- 29 inches- 50%
weight- 18.3lbs -10%
head -47 cm- 80%
yes she is shorter and losing weight, but the Dr. says she is just coming down to what her true genetic potential is. We knew she wouldn't be above average forever, she is my daughter.

Record of steps taken in a row- 10
# of teeth- 1

Words she says in order of most common- yes she says duck more than mom.
Dad, Dog, Whats That, Over There,Oh, luv ya, Baby, Cat, Duck, Meme (mom)

Things Kate likes....
Books, Dogs, Mom and Dad, Walking from Dad to Mom, taking everything out of the cupboards, clapping, singing, dancing, watching kids play, pointing and saying "whats that", going outside, peek a boo, being chased around the couch, when the garage door opens, climbing stairs, hanging upside down, stuffed animals.

Things Kate doesn't like...
Eating, Sleeping, Being held, barking dogs, Changing clothes, wearing hats or socks, when mom leaves, getting teeth, drinking anything but water.

Happy Birthday Kate. We love you and are so grateful to have you in our lives.
I will post some one year pictures later.