Nursery!

We took Kate to the nursery at church for the 1st time on Sunday.  She did ok!  She was pretty teary when we came to get her after the service, but they didn't call us to come get her in the middle of it, so we consider her first visit a success!  :)  When we went to drop her off, she smiled at the nice lady and somewhat hesitantly reached out for her and went to her!  When we walked off she was playing in the floor.  By the time we came to pick her up, they had her in the stroller wheeling her around outside the classroom.  They told us she was definitely happier outside the classroom!  Which I must say doesn't surprise me.  The church service is at a rough time...it actually cuts right into nap time.  And when Kate gets tired, she gets fussy (like most babies I guess) and likes to be busy doing something other than just playing with toys in the floor.  But....at least we accomplished our first nursery visit!
We got home and put her straight down for her nap.  This is what she woke up looking like:

Guess all that playtime wore her out!  And woo!  Some serious bedhead....

Grammy was here visiting all last week to just spend some fun time hanging out with Kate and also so that I could hopefully get some chores done around the house.  I managed to get through all Kate's baby clothes from this first year and store things away.  Thankful for that great work day at home, Grammy!  Kate sure does love you and we look forward to the next visit!

Kate and Grammy practicing crawling and reading a book

Casey is really driving us nuts lately.  Not only is the shedding crazy out of control particularly in the summertime, but her barking has continued to get progressively and undeniably worse.  I mean, I appreciate her "protectiveness" and all, but really, do you have to bark at EVERY little bump, Casey?!  Friday afternoon I took her outside and decided I was going to "Furminate" and scrub her til all that dead hair came off her.  I think we were successful, because I have noticed the shedding has been a little better this week, and she even seems like she feels better.  Anyways, when we're in the floor playing with Kate she is right in our faces.  Can't get close enough.  And it's not like you can just stick her outside because, unlike all other labs I've ever known, she absolutely DESPISES being outside.  The stray cats lurking outside our house are NOT helping the cause this summer.  She is CONSTANTLY underfoot:

Helping me read to Kate (maybe she enjoys the books, too?!)

Helping Kate and Joe practice crawling

These are just TWO very, very small examples.  Don't get me wrong...I LOVE this little dog more than life itself.  But really, Casey, do you think you could tone it down just a scoach?  We've got it under control.  Really.

Bubby has been over playing a good bit this week.  He came to play with us Sunday afternoon, Monday and Tuesday evenings!  He is starting to walk really well and is all over the place!

Nana, Kate, Papa, and Will hanging out on the back porch

New words the past few days:  "Cup" "Duck" "Quack, quack!" "Dog"

Newborn Kate, only a few days old

Almost-a-year-old Kate

This is such a fun little age and I'm loving every minute of it!  Starting to wish I was home even more...but at the same time still appreciating the balance of part-time work.  Kate was officially 11 months old on Sunday!  Hard to believe it has been almost a full year.  My, how it has gone so fast!!!  Her 1st Birthday Party invitations are here and we are starting to plan her little party.  So fun!