Kate's blessing

Family photo shoot after the blessing.  Nice work Em on working the camera!  It was sad not having everyone there like we did with Brooke but grateful that Em and Trent were able to make it.  

Daddy-daughter shot of the newly blessed baby!

Mom and daughter shot

Dad and his little girls.

Brooke was loving all the leaves as it was a perfect fall day!

Kate Renee Whitney....donning the blessing dress.  She wears it well!

Another solo shot of baby girl Kate!

Leaf Peeping in New England

I had never heard the term Leaf Peeping until I moved to the East Coast.  And now we've finally done it!  Last weekend we flew up to Vermont and New Hampshire and enjoyed the fall foliage.  It was stunning.  I knew it was going to be beautiful, but it exceeded my expectations.  The colors were vivid, the landscape was beautiful, and towns were charming.

We packed a lot of sights into a very short weekend.  We caught a VERY early flight to New Hampshire Saturday morning, and then flew back Monday evening.  We saw a vast majority of New Hampshire and Vermont in that time period.  We spent a lot of time in the car, and the girls were great the entire time.  I rarely saw Kate awake, and Brooke read a lot of books.

I really loved New Hampshire.  The architecture is adorable, the scenery is phenomenal, and according to the Washington Post, it is the best state to live in.  We might be looking to move!

On a pier at Lake Winnipesaukee.  I can still hear Bob yelling "I'm sailing!"

Brooke loved the leaves as much as we did 

On the shores of Lake Champlain.  Right before Brooke tripped, and busted open her lip.  

At the Ben and Jerry's factory.  Despite the smiles on our faces, the factory tour disappointed 

This about sums up the trip. Kate asleep, and the adults focused on entertaining Brooke

Still loving those leaves

We try so hard to get sibling pictures.  This is as good as it gets

Love this sweater on Kate

Doesn't Brooke have a beautiful smile?

Probably the most unique cemetery in the country.  Hope cemetery had the most unique tombstones I've ever seen.  This was pretty.  There were tombstones shaped like Lazyboys, race cars, soccer balls, and anything you can think of!

Kate hits two months!

She hit two months, and she feels so grown up already!  She holds her head up really well, and is already so smily!

Happy One Month Kate

One month later, he we are.  Kate is looking good and climbing those weight ladders.  She's now heavier than Brooke was at two months.  Jenny thinks she's a better sleeper than Brooke but I may differ.  She's certainly a better eater and pooper than Brooke as those cheeks are starting to fill out.  It's been a fun first month and here's to another month!

Here is the lovely Kate Renee on her one month birthday.  Hard to believe that it has been one month since she was born.  She looks pretty good...and overall she's been a good baby and a good sleeper, most of the nights that is.

And here's Brooke at one month for a frame of reference.  

Kate v Brooke

Same outfit, same age.  They don't look anything alike!

Kate at 10 days

Brooke at two weeks

Kate's first two weeks

Bringing Kate home.  My mom decorated the whole house with balloons and signs.  Kate is wearing the same outfit home that Brooke did.  Now look at the size of Brooke!  

Love this picture.  What a great dad!

Brooke loved all the attention from Grandma Whitney.  She even got to go the pool.  Here she is, living it up Hollywood style

She loves her Grandma.  They were polka dot twinsies at church

Our new life with an awesome double stroller

Pool day with daddy

Our first attempt at a tandem bath.  Not as successful as I had hoped.  Brooke seemed to like it, but Kate was having none of it

Daddy-daughter matching outfits to chruch

Welcome to the world Kate Renee!

The second Whitney girl has finally joined our family.  She was two days past her due date, and six days past the day I wanted her to come.  But she's here, and we couldn't be more excited!  My water broke Monday afternoon at 4, and I was in the hospital by 5pm with an IV and antibiotics.  I wasn't going to make the same mistake that I made with Brooke.  There was no pitstop to Chipotle on our way to the hospital!  The birth was completely different than Brooke's.  Very calm and smooth.  Low stress, and much longer!  

She was finally born at 4 am.  It was a long, painful night.  I was shocked to see a head full of black hair!  She also was one inch longer than Brooke, and a full pound heavier.  20.5 inches, and 7 lbs 10 oz.

Brooke is struggling with the transition.  At some point I know she'll be happy that Kate has joined our family.  Until then, Tom and I will have to be happy for her!