Katie's first plane ride

I flew with Katie two weeks ago to visit family in Utah and Idaho.  I was nervous but everything went well other than being dropped off at the wrong terminal.  I was happy that I could go through security in the stroller line and skip ahead of about 40 people.  I rode the air train over to the right terminal and had just enough time to change Katie's diaper and only had to wait a few minutes to board the plane.  She did great on the flights there and back, smiling at anyone who smiled at her first, eating, and sleeping most of the time.  Everyone around me told me how amazed they were at how good she was.  I know she doesn't look very happy in this picture but she was.    

Katie's 4 months old!

Katie had her four-month checkup on June 13.  Here are her new stats:

Weight: 13 lbs 8 oz (50%)

Height:  25" (75-90%)

Head:  16 1/4"

She did great at her appointment but did get a slight fever that night.  Katie started rolling from her back to her tummy about three weeks ago.  Now she just needs to figure out how to roll back since she usually cries for someone to rescue her when she's on her tummy.  She gives big smiles to everyone that talks sweetly to her or smiles at her, and she's been cooing, giggling, and making lots of noises discovering her voice.  We are enjoying every day with her since she changes so quickly.  We sure love our baby girl!

Happy Early Father's Day, Jacob!

We celebrated Father's Day for Jacob yesterday since I am going out of town this week.  I'm sad that we won't be with Jacob on Father's Day, but at least I'll be with my own dad since our family reunion starts next Sunday. 

Jacob's big gift was this new suit.  I just love this picture of the two of them. 

I also gave Jacob some of his favorite snacks and treats:  salt and pepper chips, skittles, beef jerky, diet rootbeer, a giant kit kat, tropical trail mix, and lifesaver mints.  He loves anything to do with superheroes so I thought these fun labels were perfect. 

My little sweetie and me :)

Jacob was nice and even took his turn feeding Katie while I made dinner. 

One of my favorite things about feeding Katie is that she holds onto our fingers while she eats.  It's so sweet! 

One more picture of a happy daddy and daughter.  She sure loves her dad! 

I'm so thankful for Jacob and the hard work he does to provide for us.  It is a joy to watch him with Katie.  I definitely feel that I have the best husband. :)  Katie & I love him so much!

Homemaking

I finally have made whole-wheat bread a few times and succeeded!  I don't know what I was so afraid of, it really was pretty easy. 

And it tastes good too, especially when it's still hot from the oven and slathered with butter.  Mmm...  I want to try out more bread recipes now.  Anyone have a good one to share? 

We were going to put in a garden this year, but Katie was born right around planting time (yes, it's early down here in Texas).  So we have a little patio garden instead.  We were going to use big containers, but discovered these garden bags at Home Depot and decided to try them.  Have you ever seen these before?  So far, so good.  We have tomatoes, basil, rosemary, cilantro, and thyme. 

We have been harvesting tomatoes for the last few weeks.  It's also been great to use fresh herbs when I cook.  I hope we'll be able to have a large garden next year and grow even more vegetables. 

We went to a preparedness fair about a month ago and it was a good reminder of what areas we need to improve on.  I learned about sprouting and decided to try it with lentils.  I forgot to take pictures, but it was so easy.  I poured a half cup of lentils into a mason jar, soaked them in water overnight, then poured off the water.  For the next three days I rinsed them with water twice a day and watched the sprouts grow.  (Keep them stored in the fridge after that.)  We ate them plain and on sandwiches and salads.  They tasted like sugar snap peas to me.  Yum! 

We also ordered a solar oven which should be here soon.  I'm excited to try it out!  Anyone else ever cooked in one?