4 Month Doctor's Appointment

Camille has officially weighed in at 13.09 lbs and has grown to 25 inches long! We got shots today. Mom cried more than baby did.

News for this week is that Steve is NOT out of town! Yay! For the last week Steve had been in Brazil visiting coffee farms while I worked and Camille stayed with a variety of family, friends and neighbors. Our daycare or nanny search is still on and we can wait to have something finalized. Just a quick thank you to everyone who has been so supportive. I am sure we will need you again, so if any of you need anything at all, please let us know.

Fall is in the air! Pictured here: Camille 16 weeks. Please note the white hoodie in the top photo. This was mine when I was small. Thanks Mom. Try to ignore Jacks behind in the bottom photo....

Baby's First Trip to the Way Down South

In the last week of August Steve, Camille, Grandma Kay and I went to visit the family in Louisiana. Steve flew with Camille and Kay and I made the drive down. We had the most amazing time meeting everyone. All of little Camille's cousins, aunts and uncles were quick to lend a hand with snuggling Camille. Bubbles and Memaw kept us very well fed while all of the little ones kept us entertained. After our initial destination of Alexandria, we drove just north a spell and visited Mamaw and Papaw in Monroe where we went to church and met a lot of new fans of Camille. Steve and I enjoyed having some time for each other and our little one enjoyed being cuddled by all of her loving family. We miss you all and hope we can visit again soon!! If it gets too hot, don't forget you've got friends in cool places! Camille pictured here at 15 weeks.

Week 7 and 9

Week 7 - Camilles is only as big as her toy Sock Monkey! (*note my t-shirt says "Mom in Training" Thats an understatement...there is no training I learned)

Week 9 - Family picture at Stone Creek Coffee in Bay View

July 6 - 6 weeks 3 days

July was a very eventful month. As Camille became more predictable, Steve and I got out with her even more. In this picture is Tuesday night's Chill on the Hill - live music outdoors in Bay View. In July Camille attended her first birthday party, fireworks, parade(s) and even a rock show courtesy of Pabst Blue Ribbon! Other baby events include me getting pooped on, Camille's first sounds that weren't cries and her baby hair falling out to form a little rat tail. On July 20, at 8 weeks 3 days Camille weighed in at 11lbs 4.5oz and out grew her newborn diapers. July 22 Nanita (my mom) came for a visit to love on baby. Camille is a very easy to please little baby. She loves to look out on her surroundings, and dislikes an environment where she can't see whats going on. She especially likes playing in her chair with Nanita, listening to Grandma Kay's songs and laughing at Grand Dad Robert's funny faces. Most of all Camille loves swaying with Daddy.

June 28 - 5 weeks 2 days

At five weeks we are starting to understand little Camille even better. Steve discovered that she could be lulled to sleep by dancing to CCR on the turntable, and I learned that there are alternate ways to tote a baby ... as seen in photos above. Also on this day our stove caught flame and Camille took her first trip to Stone Creek Coffee in Whitefish Bay (where mom works) where sheas greeted by many many adoring fans. Camille is weighing in at 9 lbs 2oz!

From 4 days to 11 weeks - Time Flies

Our little Camille is growing so fast. I hope that this blog is helping to tell her story. In these images are 4 day old Camille at the doctor and 11 week old Camille in her bonnet and cute vintage swim suit at our friend Owen's birthday party. Camille isn't the only one growing... I can't help but notice Steve's demeanor. His face from picture to picture really describes what its like to go from brand new parents to slightly more experienced parents of an infant. Isn't it grand?!

Today is mine and Steve's first anniversary. What an amazing year we have had. Thank you to everyone for making our lives and the new life of Camille's so rich and wonderful. To another year full of surprises!

Hello all, its been awhile! Steve, Camille and I have been getting to know each other and bonding everyday. Maternity leave has been divine. Steve returns to work full time this week and next week its my turn to get back in the coffee groove. Camille has had many many "firsts" this past holiday weekend including a birthday party, a street festival (thrown by Pabst Blue Ribbon, how appropriate), a parade and fireworks! She basically slept through all of them, but Steve and I had a great time. Camille continues to grow and develop right before our eyes. She is so special and we are so grateful to have such a wonderful little family. We look forward to visiting everyone this summer, so if you are in the neighborhood don't be a stranger!

Pictured here is Camille at her first photo shoot with Courtney/Elle Photography. The second photo is when she first began smiling. She began smiling sporadically about 2 weeks ago, now her cute smiles are seen everyday.

Camille comes home. All is well in the Hawthorne household as we get to know Camille more and more everyday. She makes the funniest faces!

First pictures of Camille, just minutes after delivery.

Camille - Coming Home

We've been home for almost a whole week and it's been great getting to know Camille. We've continued to have visitors here and there and took our first trip to Grandpa Robert and Grandma Kay's house today.

We spend our days staring at Camille and marveling at how in a matter of hours we went from a family of two to a family of three. It gets a bit difficult to want to look away from her and hop online to update the blog, but we'll do our best to keep updated with photos and stories. Feel free to call anytime or stop by if you're in the area...we'd love to see all of our family and friends!

Enjoy!
-Kendra, Steve and Camille

Camille - The First Day

Camille was born at 11:26pm the evening on a Saturday and we stayed in the hospital until late Monday morning. Our day or so in the hospital was full of bonding with our daughter and plenty of family visitors.

I'd like to very publicly thank my boss and friend, Eric for the Sunday morning coffee delivery. Needless to say, the hospital coffee left plenty to be desired, and Eric dropped off a delicious Stone Creek Americano for me to enjoy...thank you!

Enjoy a few photos from our first day in the hospital!

-Steve

Camille - The Waiting Room

Well the day finally arrived! Camille Bea Hawthorne was born on May 22, 2010 at 11:26pm. She arrived to the world weighing 9 pounds 1 ounce and measured 21 inches long.

We had a nice long labor and our families waited patiently in the hospital waiting room for news of Camille's arrival. Here are some snapshots taken by my brother, Ben in the waiting room.

Enjoy!
-Steve

Counting Down

Hello...Steve here contributing my first post to the baby blog. Now that we're counting down the hours until we finally get to meet this little girl, I figured I would hop on and post something.

A few weeks ago, our amazing photographer friend Courtney came over to snap some maternity shots of Kendra. (If you need a photographer for anything, I would highly recommend her! http://ellephotography08.blogspot.com/) I uploaded them to my Flickr account to share...enjoy the show and hopefully we'll be posting more news soon! Enjoy your weekend.

News You Can Shake A Stick At

Greetings all!

Little Bit Hawthorne is now scheduled for some hormonal encouragement this Sunday! Steve and I spoke with our doctor and before 42 weeks is imminent, we have elected a very safe and gradual procedure starting Saturday night and lasting through Sunday. This method encourages labor step by step until the labor activity gets rolling all on its own. Finally, some news that sticks to the ribs. There is some hope that labor will begin on its own here in the next 24 hours, but in the event it does not -there is a back up plan. We are ready to meet this baby!

Steve aka "stonecreeksteve" will likely keep everyone up to date with play by play commentary via Twitter. If you are not following Steve on Twitter, now would be a great time to sign up.

One more big, giant thank you to everyone who is keeping our family in their thoughts.

We'll be seeing all of you soon! Much Love, Steve, Kendra and Baby (and Jack)

Silhouette

I found this silhouette opportunity and thought of pictures mom and I have taken before. I thought I would share.

Steve and I celebrated our little family's first Mother's Day on Sunday with some time together and some time with Steve's family. It was a lovely day.

Baby's original due date (we had 3 dates given to us 5/9, 5/11 and...) is on May 15th! Maybe some action soon? We will be sure to keep you all as posted as possible. Thank you for all of your thoughts, calls, visits etc. We can't wait to see all of you soon!

Steve Assembles Stroller

Steve is so great at putting these things together. He also installed the bucket component in the car. We are officially all set. A huge thanks and hugs to Grandma Shirley and Grandpa Jay for the great gift!! And a big ol smooch to Steve for claiming the master-assembler job in our household.

On Maternity Leave

At first it was little uncomfortable to sleep in and just relax. Clearly, I have settled in to more ideal time-off activities- in this picture: tea, non-baby-related book, sunblock and no shoes. Other activities include swimming at the Y (I can't believe I haven't been doing this the whole time), cooking/ baking, shopping and walking that crumby old dog. Yesterday I had a pedicure at the Aveda institute. It was pretty nice.

Steve took a half day today. We will be researching local lunch buffets and waiting for baby. This Thursday our doctor had me schedule another week's appointment since not much is going on... not what I wanted to here. On a nicer note, I received my very first Mother's Day card from Memaw and Bubbles. So sweet.

Week 39 Weekend

Steve and I had a wonderful weekend. On Friday we were certified in CPR together. On Saturday we got up early to the most beautiful spring day and got some coffee at our local Stone Creek Coffee in Bay View where we were surprised to meet our friends Mandy and Pollux. After a nice visit with them we made a picnic and ate out on out porch in the sun. Later, Steve and I went "out for drinks" (Steve: PBR tallboy, Kendra: iced tea) and then to a dinner and gelato date with Mandy, Eugene and Mr. P. Steve and I both had Carmel Sea Salt gelato... unbelievable.

On Sunday we worked a little, cleaned and relaxed. Steve went on a 2.5 mile walk with the dog and got a good start on his farmer's tan. I vacuumed for about 4 hours. I love my new vacuum cleaner, but it sure can be a "time-suck." Thanks Mom! Now we wait and look for signs of early labor.

I am off work for the summer and looking forward to spending it with my darling family.

Steve Practices with Dog

Steve set up our rocker with a light to accommodate late night feedings and baby snuggle time etc and decided to try it out by using the dog like a baby. There are other images where Jack is just a black and white blur squirming to get out of Steve's cradle hold. It looked a lot more like channel 18's WWF than a sweet father-daughter scene.

The Most Beautiful Bassinet

Yes, this beautiful bassinet is ours to borrow for the few sweet months that we will have baby near us in our room. Our friends, Melissa and Eric were so kind to pass this family bassinet on to us. Thank you to everyone who has thought of us, brought us cards, gifts and advice. We love you all and cannot wait to share this wonderful time in our lives with you.

37 weeks

At 37 weeks Steve and I are getting all set for baby. We have been out and about or taking it easy. Cooking dinner in and finishing all the laundry. Steve took this picture of me in one of the only shirts that still fit that do not have coffee stains down the front! I like to have the dog in the pictures with the baby belly. I feel like its good for a size comparison....

April 11 Baby Belly

Okay, just another few weeks until the big day. Steve and I have been resting and trying to get out and about with the warm weather before baby. Yesterday I attended the South Shore Park half marathon to cheer on friends with a friend. The sun was out so Steve and I went to the Milwaukee Zoo and out for ice cream. After that naps and then barbeque.

The baby, still to be named, is moving around a lot. Our doctor says that she is as long as she is going to get and as this point will just be putting on the poundage until she is born. Today I have adopted a former skirt as a shirt after finding that it is roomier than even a maternity-designed shirt.

This Friday is Steve's birthday. We are planning a celebration at the house with friends and family. Fingers are crossed for more beautiful weather. Happy Birthday little darlin.

7th Inning Stretch

Referrencing the 4.5 weeks left until baby is said to arrive.

Kendra, Jack and Baby

Steve and I have been enjoying a lot of time together at the house. Jack has been snuggling the baby and I have found a new love for lime Popsicles. They almost taste like Steve's magical summer time mojitos. Today Steve was exercising his nesting instinct by scraping, sanding, washing, taping, priming and getting ready to paint all of our screen windows just in time for warmer weather. I was inside addressing all of the baby shower Thank Yous and, get this -- PRE-addressing the announcement envelopes. I might just be getting better at mailing things.

Steve with little girl's clothes

He's a natural.

Photo By Courtney Fisk - Elle Photography

More to come! Here is one of the beautiful photos that photographer Coutney Fisk created with us last Sunday. Thank you Courtney! We are taking guesses for the record we are listening to... tell us whsat you think!

Kay - Game Coordinator Expert!

Kay coordinated games for the shower. This one got the guys involved before they split for the pub down the street. 4oz. bottles of PBR. Jason and Steve race to the finish. Jason was the champ here. Other games included identifying various food items in the lining of diapers - Kim was the winner by guessing Baby Ruth and strained peas. For the first hour of the shower no one was allowed to say the word "baby" and those caught saying the word would have to give up a clothes pin that had been distributed upon their arrival to the shower. Briana won this challenge. I lost when I was reminding myself out loud NOT to say the word baby. Go figure.

Baby Shower Set Up

Donita, Briana and the Steves get crafty with thrift store found decorations.

Daylight Savings belly

We skipped any belly pictures in Feb, so here is the first one from March. Our internet updates say she weighs as much as 4 navel oranges. She feels like 10 or 12. I have officially out grown my jeans and stick to skirts and dresses. We start baby classes tomorrow, March 15.

Incredible find

Steve and I found this super sweet high chair at St. Vincent yesterday. It has a folding action that converts it into a small table and chair! We are amazed by this engineering design.

Baby's room, almost done.

Baby room painted juniper green by Briana and Donita. Crib assembled by Steve Hood and Donita over coffee on a Sunday morning. Many thanks again.

Our family

A drawing for Steve who was in Guatemala on Valentine's Day.

Steve Out, Mom In!

Steve leaves for Guatemala/ El Salvador on Jan 31. Mom comes to Milwaukee for a visit on Feb 12! She and Briana can be seen here getting the baby room all painted up. We also bought the crib and Mom and Steve Hood put it together. Thank you family!

January 23

First trip to a baby store. We are much more thrifty than USA Baby is designed for. We'll stick with second hand.

The Big Visit

January 13th the doctor wrote the baby's gender on an index card and sealed it until Steve got to open it at home and reveal that ITS A GIRL! Its a whole new ball game knowing the sex of the baby.

New Year belly profile

January is 6 months already. Expecting a baby in winter makes the days go by much faster. Our internet baby updates say that the baby is the length of a spaghetti squash. I made a special effort to note the location of spaghetti squash in the grocery store.

Rewind to September

Rewinding... I found out about the baby in September while Steve was in California hamming it up with some sustainability committee folks. I kept it a secret until he returned home where he unwrapped his "welcome home" gift, a book called "The Guys Guide to Pregnancy and Childbirth." After the inital shock wore off, he called his mom, as seen in the second photo.

Jack's Opinion on baby

We've asked Jack to describe how he feels about a new baby. He is at a loss for words.

Special Delivery

Baby's first postal delivery to "Little Bit Hawthorne" from Memaw and Bubbles.

More belly, more fun

A month later, in December!

A good start

In November, a sign of a good start.