Jack and Kate

Jack Singing To Kate

The Gates Family has been busy the last two weeks, especially Jack! Jack got to go on his first "school bus" field trip to the Fire Station, Library, Carl's Jr., and Albertson's. He had a great time! He also had Open House at school last Thursday. Kate stayed home with Memere and Papa that night while we went to see Jack's classroom. First, his class did a performance, which Jack loved! Then he proudly showed us all of the hard work that he has been working on like his writing book, ABC book, and science journal. Finally, we visited with friends and I got to see many of my students. We had a great time.

Kate has also been busy...growing that is! She is now 7 weeks old and doing great. She saw the cardiologist yesterday and things are looking good. We don't have to visit again until July. Next week she goes in for her two-month check up and immunizations. Last week, Kate finally had the opportunity to meet our good friend Jenn, her cousins Cade and Tyler, and her Uncle Gabe.

Mike and I are doing well too, but Jack and Kate's lives are so much more exciting.

Kate Meets Her Cousin Cade

I'm 7 Weeks Old!

All Smiles

Jack's Trip To The Firehouse!

Jack's Open House Performance

Sitting At His Desk

Jack & His Teacher Mrs. Soto

5 Weeks Old

Hi Everyone,
Here's a quick update on our girl Kate and the family. She has seen the pediatrician and cardiologist since the last update. Kate is doing well. Her incision is healing and she is happily gaining weight. Today she weighed in at 9 lbs. 4 oz.--My little "Chunky Monkey." We are all settling into our new life with a baby at home. Jack loves to sing to his sister and looks forward to seeing her each morning when he wakes up. Mike and I are doing great. Okay, maybe a little tired, but so relieved to have the worst behind us.
We would like to thank everyone who helped us, supported us, and sent positive thoughts and prayers our way while Kate was at the hospital. We felt very loved and I know it helped our little girl, and us, get through some very tough days. It was so nice to get your messages each day. Thanks to Jessica, (who created and updated our blog) we were able to stay in touch with family and friends all over the world!
Much love and appreciation,
The Gates Family

Kate's First Photo Session

It's been almost a week since Kate has been home and it is wonderful to say she is doing great! Kate met her regular pediatrician on Monday and she checked out just fine. She also had an appointment with her surgeon and had her stitches removed. It is amazing that in less than 2 weeks she had open heart surgery, went home, and had the stitches out. All that is left now is a few pieces of tape and of course a little reminder of all that she and her family have gone through. She's now 3 weeks old and looking as cute as can be.

Here are a few pictures taken on Wednesday. She had her first photo shoot at home. It's sure to be just one of many. They aren't professional pictures but she's cute no matter who is taking the picture!

My what big eyes you have!

Sleepytime

Look at those long fingers.

Yea! She's awake again...playtime!

BREAKING NEWS! MYSTERY BLOGGER REVEALED!

Auntie Jessica finally got to meet Baby Kate in person!

She's too cute to put down!

To all the loyal blog readers who have been checking in on Baby Kate and the rest of the Gates Family, I have had the privilege of being in charge of updates. For those of you who don't know me, I met Cheryl 12 years ago when I first started student teaching at Jamacha. We have had many great times together writing our Master's Thesis, getting Cheryl married, buying houses, moving each other into our houses, having kids, and countless other things. It has been my pleasure to help out during this busy time and hopefully taking a little of the pressure off Cheryl and Mike so they could focus on what Kate needed at the hospital. I hope you've enjoyed following their journey so far and that you continue to check in to see how they are all growing together! One day Cheryl will take over blogging about her family but for now you are stuck with me...I'm running out of adjectives to describe Kate! Thanks for reading!

Jessica