First Christmas

Our Christmas Setup

Not only was this McKinley's first Christmas, it was also Nik and my first Christmas as a married couple. All of the Kosach's were in town and we worked hard to make the rounds to all the family with McKinley in tow. By the end of the long holiday weekend we were exhausted. We know McKinley was too, because on Christmas night she slept a full 8 hours, in a row, for the first time!!

McKinley's Cousin, Connor, pushing his shopping cart around

1st Christmas Family photo

Jedo and Baba

Look at McKinley fixated on Connor's present opening

Gigi and Grumpy

Our furry daughter of mischief, Emmie

Wanda hiding in the wrapping paper

Aunt Susie and Aunt Keri

Dinner at the Kosach's. Gigi wearing the crown that came in the poppers

We had a wonderful Christmas, probably one of the best ones yet. All the wonderful family, incredible food (Mom's yummy brunch and Gail's delicious lamb dinner), the many laughs and a snow storm to top off the day. We had a white Christmas and we couldn't have been happier.

1 Month Old

I am one month old today and life is good!

Much love to you all and Merry Christmas!!!

Getting Out and About

I have to admit it hasn't been easy having a newborn and joining the rest of the world again. I have definitely had to rebuild my confidence with going out in public. There are so many things to worry about (is she going to wake up, is she hungry, her safety and anything else I can think of at the time). I feel I have quickly gotten over this though, last week I went to the Poinsettia Luncheon with my Mom. This is the Junior League annual holiday luncheon and there are thousands of ladies (the who's who from Reno) there. It was a lot of fun to see many of my moms friends and Gail (my mother in-law) was there as well. Both Gigi (Mom) and Baba (Gail) seemed so proud to show off their new Grand Baby. Luckily, McKinley slept through the entire 3 hours.

This weekend Nik and I went to Napa for his company retreat. His entire team and significant others spent the day wine tasting. I didn't taste much, because I am breastfeeding, but still had a blast. McKinley spent most of the day in the Bjorn either on Nik's chest or my own. She did wonderful and slept most of the day. Just taking her out like this made me feel so much more confident getting her out and about. That night we paid the price though. She was up all night, maybe because we were in an unfamiliar place or maybe because she slept all day. Or, it could have been both or something else. Regardless Nik and I started Sunday off as zombies.

On Sunday, we still had to drive to Berkeley for Conner's 1st Birthday (our nephew). Even though we were tired we were so glad we did, because it was great to see family and enjoy the beautiful weather the Bay was having. Afterwards we made the trek home. McKinley did fantastic in the car. When we got home she just seemed happier and she slept the best she has since her arrival to this world.

Nik's Baba  holding McKinley for the first time

New things happening with McKinley:
          - She is 3 weeks old on the 11th
          - She has gotten Baby Acne. I feel bad for her, but understand it doesn't bother her and it goes                       away with time
          - Sleeping in the crib in her room. We have made it a total of 3 night in the crib. We will see if this is for real or just a fluke.

15 days old

McKinley is showing us how quickly she can grow. In 15 days she has grown 2 inches and gained 1 pound. Already she has grown out of her newborn clothing and everyday I feel like she changes more and more. She is smiling more, she is sleeping better and she is starting to observe her surrounding with more and more interest. She also already lifts her head and she is sleeping in her crib. Everyday Nik and I fall deeper in love with our little one. 

Nik giving McKinley one of her first bottles

Our hospital photo taken on McKinley's second day of life. She already looks so different.  

Love the smile

I think she is in love too

With Christmas just around the corner we managed to set up a Christmas tree. Nik and I had a great time decorating it, while McKinley got acquainted with her play yard. 

McKinley Jean Kosach

Welcome to the world Miss McKinley. She was born on Tuesday 11/20/2012 at 1:36 pm. She weighed in at 8 lbs 14.9 oz and was 19.5 inches long. Momma had quite a long labor. It started around 7 pm on Monday night after going to an acupuncture appointment to induce the labor. By 2am it was time to go to the hospital. 

Our midwife, Lynn Anderson, did a fantastic job and Nik was the most amazing coach ever. He was there every step of the way. After 18 hours of labor 3.5 hours of pushing, we welcomed into the world our little Miss McKinley. 

We couldn't be happier, she is the most beautiful and precious thing we have ever laid eyes on and we are completely and utterly in love. This Thanksgiving we have so many wonderful things to be thankful for, but most importantly we are the proud parents of a healthy baby girl. It was also Nik's birthday on Thanksgiving this year, so we had a lot of celebrating to do this past weekend. Happy Birthday poppa!!

Nik opening his birthday presents with his favorite gift on his shoulder.

McKinley taking in her new world.

Due date has come and gone

Yes, I am now 40 weeks and 4 days pregnant. Friday morning I started feeling contractions spaced anywhere from 10-20 minutes apart. Nik and I were prepared to go to the hospital, we were just waiting for the contractions to get down to about 5 minutes apart and for them to come on stronger. Unfortunately, the other happened. After about 12 hours of contractions they died off. To our disappointment it was not time to go to the hospital, it was a false alarm, or what many doctors refer to as prelabor. So, no baby yet. She is still happy as can be curled up inside my belly. I am trying to keep a positive attitude, knowing that she will come when ready, but it is hard to not be impatient. We will let everyone know as soon we know more. Until then, more walks, spicy food, sleeping and quality time together.

Giants win the World Series

The last time the Giants won the World Series, Nik and I had just moved in together and he had recently proposed to me. That was a fantastic year and I feel the same way about this year. Of course, the Giants winning is a huge excitement to both of us, but we both agree that having a baby girl any day now is a little bit more of an excitement. We can only hope that any year we are having a fantastic year the Giants will win the World Series. How's that for superstitious? Here's to many more fantastic years and many more Giants wins as Champions of the World. 

Happy 31st Birthday to ME!!

That's right 31 years old, but also 36.5 weeks pregnant. This year I found myself not even thinking about my birthday, but counting my weeks to becoming a parent. The 36.5 seemed to me to be much more important than the number of years I have been alive. Even though I wasn't too excited everyone else made sure to help me celebrate.

Birthday breakfast made by Natalie O'Neil

36.5 weeks along

The Giants were also battling it out to become the NLCS champions so we went to dinner with my Mom and Ben at Campo and watched the game. It was yummy and entertaining!! Thanks everyone one for the great birthday.

Reno Baby Shower

While we were in Reno my sisters and my Mom were sweet enough to through me a baby shower. They did a wonderful job of putting it together. Beautiful decorations, great food and wonderful company. At one point Sarah even got Nik on Facetime on the TV to answer some questions about labor, delivery and being a new parent. He was so cute answering the questions and he did a great job. All the ladies loved it!!! It was a great event and I felt honored to be the center of attention. Thanks Mom, Sarah and Addie for helping out.

While in town that weekend, we also were able to spend time with the rest of the Latham's, my Dad and Sherri and the Kosach clan. The weather was great, so we enjoyed lunches, patio time and anything we could do to stay outside. It was great!!

The Latham and Lyle crew

Dax and Zach giggling away

Steve and Connor

My belly trick of balancing a huge cake;-)

Steve Sr. Retirement Party

We have had a lot going on in the past few weeks and it has been really hard to update the blog. Things have settled (until the baby arrives) so I will be updating frequently.

Enjoying our dinner up on the stage

We drove down to Reno, because Nik's Dad was celebrating his 22 years on the bench as a District Court Judge. Keri, Nik's sister, was in charge of putting this whole thing together and it was not a small feat. It was held at the Silver Legacy and about 600 people attended. It was a beautiful setting with incredible food and even better speeches. Every member of Nik's family gave a speech along with family friends, another Judge and a few of his clerks over the years. It was a fantastic evening and such an honor to be included in the event. Keri did a great job and I know Steve couldn't have been more honored to have this event as a closing to such a substantial career.

Keri gave a fantastic speech

Steve speaking to the crowd

Steve giving a present to his secretary (Kathy) of 22 years

It was a wonderful evening. Both sets of my parents were able to attend and we enjoyed seeing and meeting many people that have been a huge part of Steve's life.