Kate's Dedication....

Yesterday (Sunday), we had Kate dedicated at our church. It's the time where we, as Kate's parents, make a public dedication of Kate to our Lord. It's the time where we, as Kate's parents, pledge to teach her about God in our home. It's the time where we, as Kate's parents, pledge to raise her in a Godly manner. It's the time where members of our local church body pledge to be a part in teaching Kate about God. (There were four other children being dedicated during this service. We were called up first; therefore, we're on the left of the stage -- from the audience's perspective. Our camera hasn't been working so hot. My mom took these photos with her phone from her seat). And, before I post any pics, if you want to read about Luke's dedication over 4 years ago, click HERE.

When each child was called up (one at a time), Pastor Steve read a bit about the child (which we submitted), and there was a picture up on the screen behind us.

This next pic is VERY important to me because we have very few pics of just Kate and me. I'm usually the one taking the pics. So, even though there's a burp rag which fell off of my shoulder onto Kate's head in the pic, I truthfully don't care. First, it's a pic. Second, it's completely representative of Kate's life right now -- spitty-uppy :)

Here's what we submitted about Kate -- which was read aloud during the service....While Kate has only been a part of our family for 5 months, it seems like she has always been a part. Kate has been the instrument God has used to teach us about gratitude as her birth story is something we will always be grateful for. Kate was born VERY fast a month before her due date. Kate was stressed as a result of a complication of Sarah. Some very attentive medical personnel acted quickly, and Kate was born healthy and safe. Therefore, a very important verse for Kate is “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. Psalm 106:1” Kate’s older brother, Luke, absolutely loves her, and we know that, as Kate gets older, Luke will take an active role in teaching her about Jesus and life. The name “Kate” (meaning “pure”) was suggested to us by a member of our Community Life Group, and her middle name, “Christine,” is one she shares with Sarah – which was also encouraged by our Community Life Group.

You Think They're Siblings?

I realize I haven't posted in awhile. SO, here's a short post because it's late, and I'm tired. This afternoon, I bundled up Kate, and we went for a nice 4-mile walk. During the walk, she, of course, fell asleep. I stopped to snap a pic on my phone. The instant I looked at her, I instantaneously thought of a pic of Luke we have. These two kiddos of our's look so much alike. Many of you tell me that, and I have certainly noticed. BUT today, I really saw it. I looked up the pic of Luke, and the two kiddos are within a week of being the same age. Let me know what you think....Here's Luke -- one week before he was 5 months old.

AND, here's Kate -- today -- about 1 1/2 weeks before she is 5 months old....

Just for fun....Here's a pic of Luke, yesterday, eating a cookie. Luke likes to lean against the counter when he eats a cookie. That would be because that's "just how Daddy eats his cookie." For those of you who know Marc, do you think that I might just possibly have a little Marc here?

A Few Newborn Pics AND Our Weekly Meal Plan....

Here's this week's meal plan for our household. In between each day, you'll find some of Kate's newborn pics -- actually taken when she was 7 weeks old. Shannon of THIS PLACE did the pics....I think they turned out quite well!

Monday, September 17, 2012: Tortilla Roll-Ups

Tuesday, September 18, 2012: Meatballs in tomato sauce (using THIS SPICE), rolls, salad

Wednesday, September 19, 2012: Tater Tot Casserole with Green Beans

Thursday, September 20, 2012: Taco Lasagna, Corn on the Cob

Friday, September 21, 2012: Antonio's Pork Chops & Red Sauce (using THIS SPICE)

Saturday, September 22, 2012: Lunch: Rummage -- Supper: Pizza

Sunday, September 23, 2012: Lunch: Rummage -- Supper: Quesadilla Casserole (make cookies for our small group guys' meeting)

On the Kansas State Fair....

Last Saturday, the NOW four of us made our annual pilgrimage to the Kansas State Fair (Kate's first of many). Usually we go with my parents; however, their schedule didn't mesh with our schedule. So, the four of us simply went. (But, because Luke really wants to go with my dad -- Luke, Kate, my dad, and I will be returning to the fair later this week during a weekday...ssshhhh...Luke doesn't know this for sure yet -- though he's had a hint of information about it). Had it not been for the fact that we absolutely promised Luke a year ago that we'd go back (he had a GREAT time last year), I don't know if we would have tackled it this year with a 3-month old and all. But alas, we did it. This past Saturday had GORGEOUS weather; therefore, the fair was crowded. We parked A LONG ways off....We battled many crowds....But, it was a family memory that Marc and I will carry with us for the rest of our lives, I'm sure :) Here are a bunch of pics (and keep in mind that this was a very "Luke-Centered" trip to the fair; henceforth, there are MANY pics of Luke on some sort of equipment -- Luke's going to have a bit of a change in a few years when his little sister has an opinion. For the time being, however, Kate was simply along for the ride).

AND, the combines, tractors, lawnmowers, skid steers, and excavators....

AND, to prove Kate was still with us....

And, for you local readers....there was a bit of a local celebrity at the fair that day....Ross Janssen and his dog, Millie -- from Channel 12....For the second year in a row, Luke talked with Ross and petted Millie....

Marc & Luke rode the little train together while I sat on a bench and fed Kate (and consequently had a LOVELY conversation with an older woman -- LOVE when that happens)....

AND, we took a little stroll through some of the animal "barns."

While looking at cattle, I made the comment to Marc that I'd never seen such groomed cows (ready for showing). Marc simply made the statement that he was simply thinking about how good the cow would be on his plate....Marc -- always thinking about food :)

Was it crazy busy that day? YEP! Did it take some tactical planning to take a 3-month old and a 4 year-old to the crowded fair? YEP! Were Marc and I frustrated a time or two with Luke's whining? YEP! Was it worth it? YEP! FAMILY MEMORIES, I say! Will we be able to look back at that day fondly? I HOPE SO! (Actually, I already am now, and had it been that bad, I wouldn't be taking Luke and Kate back in a few days with my dad).

That previous pic was of our two strollers parked near some tractors. Yes, we could get a double stroller. Don't worry -- we will be -- most likely at Christmas! We're planning on purchasing a double jogging stroller. We'd purchase one that is compatible with infant carriers now, BUT our particular infant carrier is not compatible. Because Luke is 4 years old and often doesn't ride in a stroller anymore (the State Fair has A LOT of walking -- the stroller went for Luke), we're not planning on purchasing a double stroller that is NOT used for walking/running....(This entire last paragraph was to defend myself against any comments that might happen about us taking two separate strollers to the fair)....

Just a few pics to end this post....because I had them on my camera :)

Weekly Meal Plan AND Random Pics of Our Kiddos....

Only a day late, BUT still here, is the Friesen Family Weekly Meal Plan. Between each day's meal is a random pic of one of our kiddos from the last week....

Monday, September 10, 2012: Leftover Sloppy Joe Sandwiches from evening before

Tuesday, September 11, 2012: BBQ Meatballs, Cheesy Potatoes, Salad

Wednesday, September 12, 2012: Rummage

Thursday, September 13, 2012: Hot Dogs in crescent rolls (Pigs in a Blanket), Vegetable

Friday, September 14, 2012: Sarah's Spectacular Pasta

Saturday, September 15, 2012: Lunch -- Rummage -- Supper -- Pizza

Sunday, September 16, 2012: Lunch -- Rummage -- Supper -- Tortilla Roll-Ups....AND, I know that last pic wasn't of a kiddo....it was pic of an awesome sunflower field pic outside of our cozy little town. Since the sunflower is our state's flower, I thought I'd show it (added to the fact that a field of sunflowers is a pretty AWESOME part of God's creation)....

On Kate Being 3 Months....

The day that Luke started preschool, Kate turned a big ol' 3 months old! I say "big" because that's what she is (it sounds better than chunky though I have actually said that about my daughter). SO, here's the traditional pic in the chair.

AND, here is a pic of Luke and Kate that day....Luke LOVES his little sister (we'll see what he does once she starts getting into his things).

And, for memory's sake, here's a pic of Luke at 3 months....

Luke looks quite a bit smaller than Kate in that pic; however, it must have been the way that I took the picture. I found this picture -- taken of Luke the VERY next day. As you can see, he was a chunk as well....

AND, here is what Kate is doing at 3 months....1) Kate eats 6 times a day. I have her eating every 3 hours during the day. She is like clockwork. Generally, she's starting to act hungry around that time. If she is sleeping, yep, I'm one of "those moms" who wakes a sleeping baby to keep her on her schedule. My ultimate goal is to get enough full feedings in throughout the day to have her sleep at night. This Mama absolutely LOVES her sleep at night. Here's a pic of my mom with Kate just the other evening....

2) With sleep in mind, Kate sleeps around 10 hours per night. Nope, I don't get up with her anymore. She's done this for several weeks now. Yep, I'm loving the sleeping all night again. As I said before, though, she is like clockwork. She wakes up right around 7:00 each morning, almost on the dot, to eat. Here's a pic of Luke again -- at 3 months....I see MAJOR similarities between these siblings.

3) Kate talks A LOT -- must be the girl thing. I'd LOVE to know what she's thinking about, but I'm guessing it's not much right now. Kate is a absolute and complete "Mama's Girl." She seems to already have some stranger anxiety. SO ultimately, what I am saying is...if you try and hold her and she cries, don't think you're doing something wrong. She simply likes her Mama. Luke did this as well at this age, but Marc actually thinks that Kate is a bit "worse" about it. While it's good and sweet that she is comforted by her mother, sometimes it's a bit frustrating. Other people want to hold her (which I'm fine with), but I generally get her back crying.