Yes, Katiedoodle (and I) have been keeping a little secret … but one that’s now … impossible … to hide. Yes: Kate and her husband Jim are preparing to welcome their first child into their family. Kate’s due date is now just weeks away.
And in the wake of this WONDERFUL news, there’s blog-news too: Kate’s last day working for Retro Renovation is this Friday. After that, she’ll be at home with the new weebit full-time — although she tells me that, time permitting, she hopes to be able to continue working with me on a freelance basis now and then. No pressure, though, Kate! I am SO HAPPY for you — my last ‘assignment’ for you is to: Enjoy every millisecond of this life-changing new chapter in your life! That said, I will miss working with you daily so madly and deeply — it’s been four years of a working partnership — and friendship — that for me, has been good as it could possibly get!
(Note, dear readers, you’ll continue to see Kate’s byline, because there are a stash of stories she’s completed still in the pipeline for publication. And how will I proceed? For now, I will go back to being a solo blogger and see how that goes.)
Kate’s friend Nicole Johnson, a photographer from the Pittsburgh area, visited Kate and Jim recently, and took these precious photos.
Is the baby a girl or a boy, you ask? It’s a girl! Come back tomorrow to see how Kate has prepared the nursery. You can be sure it’s retro and colorful and delightful as can be!
And, all this week: We’ll be spotlighting Kate’s four years of contributions to the blog. What a talented and hard-working and creative Managing Editor she has been! She’s an amazing artist and decorator and graphic designer! And, while I’m the one who’s constantly tossing ideas all over the place, she’s super-organized and keeps me focused. I am sooooooo crying in my Mai Tai to see her go… but soooooooo happy for the reason so!
mimi says
I will miss you, Kate. Lovely pictures, wonderful news! Here’s my take on parenthood: love that child with all your heart, unconditionally but with high expectations. Give her the gifts of full truth, eager learning, caring heart, family first, and always let her know failure is part of success. Make sure she knows her whole family history, and all her relatives. Seriously, no cell phone til high school! Very best wishes!
Kate says
I refuse to get my kid a cell phone until she is driving! 🙂 Great advice Mimi!
Jay says
Congrats!
RR has been very interesting since you came aboard. Always blown away by your DIY skills. I see many “crafty” days ahead when your youngster is old enough to wield an Exacto knife. Best wishes!
Kate says
I’m sure there will be lots of crafting and DIY lessons Jay. 🙂
Kathy in San Leandro says
Congratulations, Kate and Jim! We will miss you very much in our household. I have enjoyed your stories and your whimsy, but my daughter will miss you even more. She’s 11 now and has been inspired by many of your projects. Just last week she searched the site for all the dollhouse stories again. I hope your child inherits the DIY gene!
Jenny A. says
Congratulations, Jim and Kate!! I am very happy for you. I was reading your blog before you became part of the RetroRenovation team and, through the power of the internet, feel like I ‘know’ you. You two will make terrific parents, I’m sure. My baby turned 18 earlier this month and I swear I just had her yesterday. My dad used to talk about how fast it goes and when I was neck-deep in diapers and two year old tantrums it seemed like every day just crawled by. Then I blinked and now have two kids in high school. As usual, Dad was right! Enjoy your sweet baby and savor the days. It really does go fast.
Kate says
Aww thanks Jenny A., We are both so excited to become parents. 🙂
Vickie Williams says
Greetings Kate & Jim & baby Battle (Betty?)
Prepare to be amazed!! You have created LIFE!! Enjoy your sweet bundle of joy & make sure you nap when she does!! Lastly, don’t blink…she’ll be grown and out the door before you can say Bob’s your Uncle (or rather, Grandpa!)
Kate says
Thanks Vickie. Nope, ‘Betty’ is not the name we have chosen, as lovely and retro as it is. 🙂
vintigchik says
We’ll miss you. Congrats! !
Elle Marie says
Many congratulations! I’m sure Kate already has nursery furniture sorted by now but for others on the hunt – the BabyMod cribs at Walmart are well-made and have some very affordable options with a midcentury feel. We wound up finding one we liked that coordinated with the vintage walnut dresser that serves as changing station/clothes storage in our little one’s room.
Erika Tugas says
Congratulations Kate and Jim! 🙂
vegebrarian says
Congratulations, Kate and Jim! I will miss your truly inspirational DIY projects!
Mr. Vegebrarian and I welcomed a little girl last year – nothing compares to the joy you will feel holding your little one. It’s been said before, but I’ll say it again – sleep when the baby sleeps!
I can’t wait to see the nursery. We did a 60s inspired room with elements from all of my great grandparents’ homes. When you were doing your IKEA story, did you see the Blames high chair? It has a MCM feel.
Bette Jean says
Beautiful photos. Congratulations and enjoy every minute. They change so much in the first year.