{Breathe in, Breathe out... Breathe in, Breathe out...}

I've been meaning to post this for about 3 weeks now, but I am pretty much terrified. I don't know why. I have started off this year with a new faith and trust in God, and I know that he has plans for me just as he says in Jeremiah 29:11. (For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.)

I have always had a huge passion for taking pictures. I especially love taking pictures of kids. Why? Well, besides my love for being around kids, there is just something about their innocence. They don't have any hangups about being in front of the camera (for the most part) like adults do. They play and smile and laugh just like they would any other time of the day.

We adults are way too aware of the world and its distorted view of beauty. We are way too self-conscious about what we look like, and if our imperfections are showing. The truth is, God made us each specifically and perfectly the way we are. I sometimes find that when I take pictures of adults, we are stiff and obviously uncomfortable.

So, get to the point, Kate. Alright. Well, I decided, with the love and support of many of my friends and husband (especially him!), to start a photography business. I feel like God is putting this on my heart for a reason, and I am not quite sure why.

{my hot hubby!}

I have never had the confidence in my own picture-taking... Part of that is my own perfectionist nature, but I have really learned and come a long way in the past couple of months. And I know, if this is God's plan for me, that I will get better, and I will find my way (with his help).

If you follow me on Facebook, you may have noticed that I have been practicing quite a bit on Caroline. Besides wanting to capture her scrumptious little personality on camera as her Momma, I have been trying to learn how to use my camera.
So, friends... Here I go! With a leap of faith, and deep breath in, I am ready to go! Please pray for me on my new journey!

Confession...

I have a shameful obsession. shameful. And I don't have a clue how it came about. Maybe because my Mom never bought these for us? Who knows... All I know is that I can unwrap and down a fruit roll-up before you can say, "Hello- you're going to Belize next month. Tone it down."
Anyone else have a shameful obsession, food or otherwise? Please don't let me bask in the glory alone.

Have you ever wondered?

Most of you who read this have known me longer than 5 years... And I still get comments all the time about this, so I am just going to air it all out!

Have you ever wondered why I go by Kate? I went by Katy for 23 years...why change? And my real name is Kathryn... Complicated, huh?

Ok, well- here's the scoop.

I am not afraid of change. I actually love change. It's hard sometimes, but it shows me how much I am not in control of my life, and helps me to be okay with it. And usually, things end up turning out better than I ever expected in the first place!

I know this because I was always re-inventing things as a kid... I would draw out diagrams of my bedroom and try to figure out new ways to rearrange my furniture (nerd-alert!). I would go through the pantry and try to re-invent new recipes (Gladly, I haven't made that a career choice, because it would have been a bad one! Crackers with cheese, mayo, and dill pickles? Peanut Butter mixed with Slim Fast powder? Yes, I did.) I even changed the spelling of the name Katie into Katy because I was tired of being one of ten Katies in my classes... so I could be different if I spelled with a Y!

From as long as I can remember, I would watch movies and always see the name Kate come up as one of the characters. I thought it was such an endearing name, and sounded so grown up. I wanted to grow up to be sophistocated, so I made the decision. When I got to college, I was going to go by Kate. (I guess I figured that was when I would become an adult? ha!)

Before the explanation gets too long, I was dating a guy name Nate at the time when I had always thought I would make the change. Who wants to rhyme names with the person you are dating? So, I gave up. Well, we broke up, and I found myself going back to the name Kate.

Right before graduating college, I was talking to Zach about it and he finally said,"Look. You are about to start a job. If you are going to do it, you've got to do it now, or just forget about it!"

And that's it. It was really hard to get going. And I felt a bit dorky for doing it. I got lots of weird reactions (And still do. You people really want to hang on to Katy!) But, 5 years later, I still go by Kate and I am so glad I did! I feel like it fits who I am.

At least until I decide to re-invent myself again. Maybe I'll go by......

;)

28 wonderful years

Today I have 28 wonderful years to be thankful for.

God has made me into a woman I am proud to be today, and I know he's still not finished with me yet... I feel so lucky to have the family and friends I am blessed with, and can't wait to see what he has planned for my next 28!

Wedded Bliss

One of my best friends from high school got married this past weekend... and what a wonderful weekend it was! She was so happy (although she always is!) and it was just gorgeous! I loved getting to spend time with her. I also got to meet a few of her friends from Chicago/college, and I have to say... isn't it weird, when you meet friends of friends, and find out you have so much in common? A friend of Ashley's is definitely a friend of mine! What a blast! Enjoy the pictures...

Ashley and Mario's Wedding

Mamacita Kate's Must Haves

First off, I am going to say one of the best things I have heard and read:

Every.Baby.Is.Different.

Every.Baby.Is.Different.

Every.Baby.Is.Different.

It's as simple as that. What has worked for me and Caroline may not work for you or anyone else for that matter. I read that Babies are like "snowflakes"... each one unique in their own ways. So true!

There have been some things that I have found are life-changing...and some things I have kinda been disappointed in. So, without further ado, here are some of my Baby Recommendations:

MUST HAVES: (for the first 3 months at least....)

1.) Books. I know what you're probably thinking. Just bear with me.

The Secrets of the Baby Whisperer by Tracy Hogg
This is a must-read, and an easy-read. I would highly recommend reading it while pregnant instead of a couple of weeks in while you are struggling to stay awake :) It goes through feeding (whether breast-feeding or bottle-feeding) and setting a sleep schedule. Highly important!

On Becoming Babywise by Gary Ezzo
This is very similar in theory to the Baby Whisperer book, although this one is more theory/research-based and Tracy's book is more anecdotal. Both are incredible and both are highly recommended by many! Also, there is a blog that goes along with this book--written by a mom who helps you learn how to implement their philosophies. IN-credible. Seriously. Just go visit it once and tell me you don't get sucked in reading. OK, well, I did. I digress...

**NOTE: If I had actually read either of the above books BEFORE I had my daughter, it would have saved me a lot of anxiety, worry, and tears. I attribute the fact that Caroline is sleeping 11-12 hours per night at 3 months to these books. And God's grace. Period.**

Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child by Mark Weissbluth
I am still in the process of reading this, but this is one of those "life-changing" books... I don't know if I could think of anything more important than how to make sure your child gets the most/optimum amount of rest at any given age.

Baby Bargains by Denise and Alan Fields
This book is seriously amazing for when you are pregnant. I bought this before I started registering and it saved me a LOT of time and energy researching products. Little do you know before you have a kid HOW many products you will need... And the ratings...and certifications...and recalls... oh my! I was able to figure out which crib to buy, which alone, made the $12 price tag worth every penny. It also helps you figure out what products you can save on, and what products are "you get what you pay for"...

2.) Carseat: Graco Snugride Infant Carseat--up to 22 lbs.
I chose this carseat, not only because it has some of the highest crash test ratings, but because it is the lightest carseat on the market. Without a baby inside, it weighs something like 7lbs. Your arms will thank you. Promise. **It also is able to "snap" into most stroller systems if you don't want to get the plastic stroller/travel system that goes with all of their carseats.

3.) Stroller: Baby Jogger City Mini
We weren't able to get a big jogging stroller (like the BOB, (highly recommended by many) which we're going to save up for :) However, I didn't want to get a travel system from Graco because I am not a fan of the plasticky looking strollers. That's just my own personal preference, though. I digress.... The City Mini (and most of the other Baby Jogger brand-which are all awesome!) folds up very easily... no-ridiculously easily... Watch here

I was also able to purchase a bar that clicks into the stroller so my carseat can fit right on top... Which allowed us to only have to purchase one stroller at this point so we didn't have to wait until she could hold her head up.

4.) Nap Nanny
This is an infant sleep-aid/positioner that allows babies to sleep at a 30 degree incline. This is extremely important when they have Reflux (and Caroline has a monster case of it) or even for when they have colds--you can keep their heads up to help with congestion. A wonderful, wonderful friend recommended and allowed us to borrow hers, but I think we'll probably buy one before we have our next kiddo. It is a bit pricey, but it was so worth it for us.

5.) Crib: Graco
Most people go to furniture stores and buy a whole set of baby furniture...which is great. However, cribs and baby furniture are very tricky because of the ratings. Many of the same brands go by their own name, but it's really the same crib from the same manufacturer. If that makes sense... My first thought was that I would get our crib from Pottery Barn Kids- thinking this would be a "you get what you pay for" type of deal... Not. At. All. Pottery Barn Kids and Restoration Hardware (two of my favorite stores) both got C-ratings on their cribs. Not quite what I was hoping for.

Graco cribs are made by La Jobi (Who also makes Babi Italia and Bona Vita cribs) and the Graco line is not only cost-effective, but is certified and A-rated. Our crib was a mere $160! Crazy, huh? If you just search Graco crib in Amazon or Google, you will see they have many to choose from. They are all made of wood and are definitely good quality. We chose the Graco Lauren in espresso.

**Side note: There was a Graco Crib recall back in April, but that was for drop-side cribs. Basically all drop-side cribs are being either recalled, or just plain phased out for potential safety hazards. We have a stationary crib.

6.) Sleep Sheep
Cloud B makes these little stuffed animals that play white noise/nature sounds. It's awesome! You can travel with it too...

7.) Oxy-Clean Spray
This spray works SO well on all of Caroline's burp cloths and clothes... I'm on my 2nd bottle in just 3 months... it's crazy how well it works though! I found ours at Target.

8.) Swaddlers
I should have put this at the very top, because this is SO important! I still keep Caroline swaddled, even at 3 months, and she sleeps great! I know that most of that can be contributed to swaddling her. Here are 2 must-haves:

Aden + Anais Swaddle Wraps- made of lightweight, breathable cotton muslin, they are so perfect for Texas. You can also continue to use them after the baby grows out of being swaddled. Plus, they have very cute prints! She has some great information on the website plus a video on how to swaddle.

The Miracle Blanket- This is a straight-jacket for babies, but that is why it works! I swear by it- I use it every day! If swaddling tightly works for your baby, I highly recommend purchasing at least 2. I only have one, and I wish I had bought a second one! They have more colors than just the natural colored one. I have a white with pink trim one. **Do not mistake other brands as the same thing... this is the only one that gets the swaddle this tight. It's a no-brainer for parents... you always get them perfectly tightened up.

9.) Dr. Brown's Bottles
These bottles are seriously the best. I have had several friends use them, and overheard many conversations in baby stores talking about how these bottles got rid of Colic. Now, I don't know if I would go that far, but they do make a HUGE difference as far as preventing bubbles in the milk, and therefore, bubbles in their tummies. They have a couple extra parts you have to keep track of/clean, but if I had to go back, I would still pick these.

10.) Ultimate Crib Sheet
This is a sheet you put over the top of the crib mattress, so when they have a blowout or pee through their clothes, you don't have to take the fitted sheet off the mattress. They are completely machine washable and dryable and you barely even notice them in the crib because they cover the entire mattress.

So, those are my must-haves for the first three months at least... I know there are more, and I'll add those over time when I think of them.

WAH, WAH, WAH...

Here are a couple of things that I thought were duds:
1.) Itsbeen Timer
In theory, it's great. Helps you keep track when you're nursing, their naps, changing, etc... But, it's not specific enough and it doesn't save data. So, it's only good since the last time you fed, changed, or napped... Also, if you have an iPhone, they have an app for that. :)

2.) Any swaddler other than Aden + Anais or The Miracle Blanket. Waste of money.

I know there were more duds, but I can't think of them off the top of my head... I'll add to them later if I can ever remember them! :)

4 more years! 4 more years!

Yesterday was our 4 year anniversary. I kept thinking about how fast the time has gone by, and how much has happened in such a short time. Crazy.

I feel so, so blessed to have been able to say "I do" to this wonderful guy... He is more than I could ever ask for in a husband and now is an amazing father to our sweet little girl.

I wrote this quote in Zach's card:
"Marriage is not a ritual or an end. It is a long, intricate, intimate dance together and nothing matters more than your own sense of balance and your choice of partner." (-Amy Bloom)

How lucky and blessed am I, getting to dance with such an amazing partner...

nest creative design

So, I'm not sure why I haven't posted about this earlier, but I guess I've been a little busy :)

Ever since I can remember using a computer (early 90's?), I have always had an interest in fonts. Yes, fonts. (nerd-alert)

So, that love of fonts has turned into love of graphic design.

Don't ask me why I didn't become a graphic designer... My answer would be, "I don't have a clue." I can only guess that I didn't realize what kind of degree I would need to get, and so I pursued other things.

Since college, I have been doing some design work on the side, mainly for friends or family. I haven't charged, thinking that I would build up my portfolio and then start my own business. Part of me thinks I've been too scared to pull the trigger since I haven't had any formal design training. (Which, by the way, I would love to do...at some point...)

However, I feel like I have a knack for it... and really do love it. It's my creative outlet.

I have decided to officially start it, now that I am staying home with Caroline.

So, If you happen to know anyone needing invitations, announcements, programs, newsletters, logo design, or even a photo montage (slideshow of pictures)... please contact me!

You can reach me at nestcreative@gmail.com