The Mandrake

This is what Matt and I refer to as the "mandrake face." This is what I think the mandrakes in Harry Potter would look like:

9 Days Old...

Going back to work.

Well, here we are. I'm off to bed to get some zzz's before going back to the grind tomorrow. It's been a pretty amazing week packed full of so many amazing new experiences. I've been able to witness the miracle of birth, the growth of my wife's character in what seems like mere moments, the fullfilling sensation when my daughter looks me in the eyes and then......proceeds to pee in my hand while I change her diaper. Wow. I will miss so much while at work. I'm almost in tears! Ha. Here's a few new pics. There will be more to come I'm sure. Hope all is well with everyone! Matt

In the words of Borat: "I will give you television and remote control"

Click Your Heels and Say....

There's no place like home. Today we arrived home from the hospital. We got home around 12:30 pm. You always here people talk about not having a manual for kids or being shocked the hospital allows you to leave with the baby. Finally, I can attest that it is a little weird taking her home. It's great. It's just different. It's going to be quite a ride getting the hang of this I'm sure. However I'm greatly thankful for the opportunity. Here are a few more pics. Matt

Baby Kate is here!

So, here we are. One minute we're a couple and the next moment we're a family. Pretty amazing. Can't wait for you all to meet Kate. Lori did an unbelievable job during delivery, clocking in under six hours and with no drugs at all. As for me, this is still quite surreal. I'm sure over the next few days it will sink in while getting little to no sleep and changing diapers. But I'm very stoked and looking forward to seeing her develop into whatever God in store. Thank you all for your thoughts, prayers, and encouraging words. We'll post more pics soon! Matt

The Nursery

Here are some pictures of the nursery. For the most part it is finished (I do plan on swapping out the "restoration hardware" paper in the frames for the initials K F). I'll also have to clear off the top of the changing table...

Light at the end of the tunnel

Saturday is my official last day at work. I am very excited about it!! Actually, my excitement about quitting my job almost rivals the excitement of having a baby. I'm getting to the point where I'm distracted and scatterbrained while I'm working and also very tired by the end of the day (not to mention I have cankles and elephant feet). Here is a picture of my stomach from last week, complete with stretch marks and double chin.

Here is my "I'm neurotic" story for the week. The closer I get to having this baby, the crazier I get. Yesterday it was supposed to be snowy and icy on our way to work (for those who don't know, Matt and I always ride to work together). I have convinced myself that since I'm due in mid February, I will inevitably go into labor during a snow or ice storm. So, I was convinced that we would slide off the interstate on the way to work and I would go into labor in a ditch (and if it was icy, an ambulance may not be able to get to us). So I packed a bag with a blanket, a nasal aspirator (in case I needed to suction the baby), a bottle of Purell, dental floss (to tie off the umbilical cord), scissors (to cut it), bottled water and granola bars. I'm pretty sure Matt thought I was crazy, but he humored me and let me bring my bag with me with only a "you're going to leave that in the car once we get to work aren't you?"