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!
Madeline says
Congratulations Kate!!!
I know how a new parent can get bombarded with so much advice, so I’ll keep mine simple: Don’t be afraid to trust your own gut instincts and ignore advice, including this! 😉
Quiet time with a little one can be the perfect chance to study something new. Maybe think of taking up something you’ve always wanted to learn or a new hobby? I got back to studying fashion pattern drafting when my daughter was born 9 months ago. She loves to join in!
(She loves watching Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. I still enjoy watching it myself!)
Madeline says
Of course it goes without saying we are all so very happy for you!
Your beautiful new baby will be a magical experience, I promise!!!
Camille says
Enjoy and cherish seeing life through the eyes of a child
Kathy says
Congratulations, and blessings to your family at this happy time! I have truly learned to love the house I am in thanks to your work at this site…who knows how many time capsules and faithful remodels have gone forward with your encouragement? MAYBE the house your daughter will someday buy is being carefully preserved with Retro Renovation inspiration right now!
Kind regards,
Joe Felice says
I knew the baby was coming, but not that Kate would be leaving our “community.” That is our loss, but so happy for her and Jim. She is such-a-great retrorenovationalist. I LOVE her style, and greatly respect any young person who appreciates the finer aspects of American living.
Victoria Howard says
Mazel Tov, and remember: kids don’t come with instructions. Like all of our folks, we did the best we can with what we have. Don’t beat yourself up, and remember to laugh! I’m so happy for you both!
Elizabeth from Texas says
I’m so happy for you!! And I couldn’t be more proud that you are going to devote yourself to actually raising your baby full-time! May God richly bless your family!! (And I must add, how delightfully retro!!! I have two daughters and a daughter-in-law who are college-educated full-time moms. My grandbabies are so lucky that they don’t have to be left somewhere, and so is yours!!). Xoxo
Amy Weinholtz says
Jackie Kennedy once said, “You only get one chance to raise your children.” Simple yet profound. So go for it, give it all you’ve got! Congratulations to you both!
Shambie says
Congratulations, Kate and Jim! LOVE the nursery! Take care of Momma, or no one will be happy <3
Rene says
Respect the nap! When its nap time, be home to nap. Baby needs it, and you do, too. Happy babies are well rested babies and a
joy to be around.
It is a grand ride and the best and sweetest experience you will ever have.
Enjoy!
TappanTrailerTami says
Congratulations Kate, Jim! How exciting – and your photos are beautiful!
You will be missed here…..so at least comment once in a while 🙂
My only baby advice (to take or leave as you wish):
1. A bottle a day………dad gets a little bonding time that way, and more importantly, baby doesn’t become adamantly opposed to artificial nipples (as happened to my neighbor…..who then could not leave her 6 month old longer than 2-3 hours tops). I did this with both of mine, and they turned out happy with either food source.
2. Hospital Grade nose aspirator is a must …. I think someone mentioned NoseFrida above. Back when I had my kids, there was no internet. You were literally stuck with the crappy Evenflo brand if you didn’t take the lovely hospital green one home with you.
3. Most important – have faith that every lesson taught and learned early will carry you through the teen years…..even if the aliens take over your teenager! Just on the other side of that now, as my youngest is turning 21, and is an ultra responsible, hard working and tax paying adult – in spite of the aliens from 14-17, LOL.
BEST to all of you, can’t wait to see pictures and read the name!