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!
Hannah says
I’ve been away from the blog for awhile, so I’m glad I caught this exciting news before your last day!! Congratulations on this new chapter of your life- I’ll miss reading your contributions, but I *hope* that once you settle into a groove with your lil gal, you’ll share your sure-to-be adorable retro kiddo projects 😉 As a mother of 5, with the last 3 ages 4yrs, 2 yrs, and 1 yr old, following RR has been a bit of a dreamy, child-free guilty pleasure of mine. I’ve observed that most of your featured renovators tend to be child-free or have already raised their kids…but there’s gotta be a few other nuts out there like myself, tackling the ReStore with toddlers and hanging vintage wallpaper after the kids conk out for the night 🙂
Retroski says
There are! Try laying cork flooring and painting with 3 under age 5. Your last 3 are very similar to mine. All I can say, thank goodness for grandparents to babysit and husbands to tag team the DIY work with
Hannah says
Ha! I had to reply, cuz just as we’ve wrapped up the kitchen, the hub (who, incidentally, only does demo, I do ALL the rebuilding) ripped out all the ancient carpet from the garage-turned-rumpus room, and this month guess who’s painting and then laying cork flooring? sigh…thanks for the camaraderie!
Ali says
Congrats Kate!! I’m so excited for you!
I have three myself, 14, 10, and 8. My advice to you is to trust your instincts, and practice this phrase: “thank you so much, that’s good advice!” Or something like that, and then promptly ignore it and do what you feel is right.
Enjoy the good times, babies grow up faster than you realize. But don’t feel bad about hating the hard parts because we all do.
Oh– and this really is good advice: along with all the millions of pictures, write down the funny and cute things she says. You forget those so fast, and it’s so fun to go back and read them. Also take videos of her sweet little voice.
Jeanne says
Congrats Kate! Will miss you on the blog (I’m sure Pam will miss you more!). I can’t believe it’s been four years on the blog! I read your own personal blog before that. As a mother of two boys, I don’t really have any advice accept trust your instincts! You are smart and clever, so I’m sure you’ll do fine. Just find the humor and enjoy the small moments. My best times with my boys were driving them to their hockey games…alone in the car was some good mother/son time. 🙂 I’m an empty nester, but looking forward to grandkids.
Lynn says
Congratulations Kate and Jim! I can see from your pictures that you are elated! I am super happy for you too! I have a feeling that you will be great parents, so no advice here. Best wishes!!!
Carol says
The first photo of you is a stunner Kate. Congratulations to you and Jim on your new grand adventure. I will truly miss your contributions here and your oh-so-cute-face. My mother was the best parent I could have possibly asked for. She was kind, respectful, fair, strict, and expected us to be successful in our childhood endeavors to the best of our abilities. Thank God I still have her! I grew up very sheltered and was taught to “do no harm” to another person in any way. When Mom expected a certain behavior of me, she would sit me down and explain why. She would also add that she would be very disappointed in me if I did not comply. She gave me the no bully talk in 1969 before I started first grade and she explained to me why I should never be a bully. I’m 52 and have NEVER picked on another person in my life. Mom’s are very powerful creatures! Always think in terms of how to teach a lesson and make it stick. My mother was thinking of us as potential adults with everything she did, and for that I’m so grateful. If you have any doubts ask your parents, because from where I sit and what few observations I have of you, I would say they did a fabulous job parenting you. Can we see pics of the baby? I know you are a celeb and all that, but I can’t see us as kidnappers for ransom…..LOL. I would love to see nursery pics too. I hope she has red hair!
J D Log says
Congratulations and best wishes Kate and Jim
Frank says
Yay! Congrats!
Kelly Wittenauer says
Congratulations, Kate & Jim! Time to add a crib & mini Daughter to the dollhouse. Hope you will be back to visit here on RR from time to time, as we will all miss your amazing DIY skills & crafts. Enjoy the adventure of parenthood!
Ellen says
Congratulations! What wonderful news!
Sally Weber says
Kate, parenting is hard work but try to find joy in the moments – it goes by so incredibly quickly!!