Family Hike

Last weekend was gorgeous here in southern Texas--70 degrees and sunny--what better way to enjoy the weather than with our first family hike. We packed up the car with both people and dogs and headed across town to Eisenhower Park. Greta is not quite big enough for the Baby Bjorn yet so we stuck to the paved trails so we could use the jogging stroller.  When we got to the top of the trail we took her out of the stroller and headed to the top of the wooden outlook to enjoy our picnic lunch. We got to check out the awesome views while enjoying some great family time. The dogs as always had a blast and wondered why we couldn't go farther or explore more trails--someday Madison and Bailey, someday. Enjoy the pictures of our hike below.

The Nursery--A Work in Progress

Well since our little darling decided to make an early debut the nursery was not done when she came. We are finding out that it is much more difficult to complete a nursery after the occupant has arrived,  but slowly we are getting things set. I thought I would include some photos of the nursery right now with more to follow once all the wall hangings and such are up.

Tiny fingers, tiny toes

Patrick and Katherine are planning to try a DIY at-home newborn photo shoot with Greta this weekend. In preparation, Katherine was playing around with her relatively new Nikon D5100 and captured these shots of tiny fingers and toes. Enjoy!

This is Greta's first performance with the Travis Park UMC choir!  Singing (or sleeping) with the choir at 8 days old.  She is in the green carrier on Mom. 

Here's a two minute video compilation from the birth.  She looks much different now after a few days of life- more like a human and less like a gooey alien.  She's beautiful.

She's been doing well, but likes to keep us up all night long.  She also tends to take her time when feeding.

Greta Elizabeth Hayes is Born!

7:45 pm on Saturday, 11/17/12 at San Antonio Military Medical  Center in San Antonio, TX

She weighed 6 lbs and 9 oz and is 20 inches long.

She is absolutely beautiful and the light of both Katherine and Patrick's lives.

Here are pics and videos of the baby, right after birth!

We appreciate all your messages and phone calls!

Working on the nursery....  The furniture has arrived and is looking very good.  Katherine also got her new car this weekend.  The Subaru Outback will have enough room for our growing family!

A Nice Visit

Katherine enjoyed her first week of vacation since March last week. It was great fun to have both grandmas to be with us in San Antonio for a whole week. We did some preparation for Baby Hayes to arrive but the furniture company thwarted many of our well laid plans by having a delay in delivery. We did wash lots of diapers though, no furniture required. While the grandmas were here we also enjoyed some great sightseeing in San Antonio and the surrounding area. We were able to travel to Austin to see the State History Museum as well as Johnson City for the LBJ National Historic Park. While in San Antonio we enjoyed the Botanic Gardens, the San Antonio Art Museum, McAllister Park and lots of time around home. Katherine was able to bake to her heart's content which she has not had the time to do recently. Unfortunately, Patrick had to work all week, but he did enjoy Katherine's cooking and spending the evenings and weekends with everyone. Below is a picture of Katherine's baby bump as not many people have gotten to see Katherine during the pregnancy.

December is just around the corner...

Well, how time has flown this summer and fall. Before we know it kids will be dressed in costumes, families will be giving thanks and Baby Hayes will be here. I am slowly learning about this blog business so that once Baby Hayes arrives I can keep this up to date with milestones and pictures galore. Check back in the coming weeks to see the progress on the nursery and other preparations for the baby.

Katherine and I are super excited about having a new one on the way.  We'll use this site to update everyone on the baby!