Meet Kate

She's cute. She's soft. She's black. Her nose is wet. Her paws are huge. Her teeth are sharp. Her breath stinks. Meet Kate…

Kate's first day at her new home.



The first pics we got of her.



Her full name is Y'all Better Katie Bar The Door, aka, Kate. Born November 30, 2011. They are 2 weeks apart.



The girls and I. Kate 5 1/2 weeks. Charlee Kaye 7 weeks. New Year's Eve.



The girls hanging out on their respective areas!



Everyone asks what Charlee Kaye thinks of Kate. Well basically she has no clue Kate is even around. Nor does Kate know. They both think they're the princess, but little do they know I'm the queen.



Kate's favorite place is as close to Alan's feet as possible…or the next best thing, his boots.


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Bring on 2012

As 2011 closes and 2012 is facing the Bickford Bunch, I can't help but reminisce of the ups and downs of 2011. God definitely brought our family through some trials, but ultimately His blessings were unconditional. The beginning of 2011, I was without a job. A new degree, a new career, but unsure of the path. We struggled to have a baby and were sick to know the thousands of dollars it would take. It was hard to see what God's plan was. Yet, we kept trudging on. In February, our sweet Josie went to Doggy Heaven. That was rough. We were already down, very down, and then our best friend was taken from us. God's plan was even more foggy. Then things started happening…
I started my new career on March 14 and 10 days later a HUGE surprise was revealed to us…the ultimate blessing…I was going to be a MOM. Isn't God's timing perfect? In June, we were blessed with the opportunity to buy into Alan's company. In November, we were blessed with our baby girl, Charlee Kaye. Enough said right there. We were blessed financially to tackle some debt. And lastly on the last day of 2011, we were blessed with little Kate, our new puppy. It's funny to think how much things can change in a year. I am constantly reminded that we are the sheep and the Shepherd will take care of us. It's a constant reminder to place my faith in Him. God always has control of the situation and knows what is best for us.

God knows the plans for us. Not to harm. But to prosper and give us a hope and a future. And He did just that.

Can't wait to see what 2012- the future- has for the Bickford Bunch!


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6 Week Check-Up

Wednesday, Charlee Kaye had her 6 week check-up and immunizations.
12/28/11.
Weight: 9lbs 3oz. 40% percentile
Length: 20 3/4 in. 20% percentile
Head Circumference: 14 3/4 in.

Dr. Ahart said she is growing just perfectly and looks great. She will see her again at 4 months!

Before her shots. Happy!



And after. She had 3 shots and 1 oral immunization. :( She cried for about 3-4 seconds. And she has been a trooper since then. She wasn't fussy at all! She slept well that night too! What a big girl!




Thursday we went to the park for a short stroll. It was so sunny outside, but after about 2 laps around the park, I decided it was too chilly. The fresh air was nice!











Stylin' in her new Gap shirt, jeggings, and furry boots.



Daddy and Charlee Kaye discussing current events.



Friday we went on a trip to Mack's with daddy. Daddy thought Charlee Kaye was a little over-dressed, but all the men had a fit over her. I love to watch people's expressions when they see her. Something about grown men melting when they see a little baby.







Daddy bought Charlee Kaye her first Mack's shirt a few weeks ago. It will be perfect for summer.




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Merry Christmas!!

Merry Christmas from Alan, Amanda, and Charlee Kaye!



Christmas morning! Happy from Santa's visit!



Santa brought a Radio Flyer red wagon!




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Happy 6 weeks!

Charlee Kaye is 6 weeks today! These past few weeks have been so fun. We survived our Christmas rush yesterday. Grandma Tommie and Papa George for lunch and Papa Don and Mennie for dinner! We even had a visit from Santa last night!

Who is rocking who to sleep?


We popped by the clinic Thursday to say hey to the girls and get a quick weight check. I figured everyone would be asking how much she weighs during the Christmas gatherings. 8 pounds 15 ounces! Almost 9 pounds! What a big girl!

Not sure what to think of bathtime. Sometimes she likes it, sometimes not.


Bath-time at 6 weeks! Getting all ready for Christmas!



Much happier!



Merry Christmas Eve and Happy 6 weeks Charlee Kaye!

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Christmas Eve Eve

Someone is excited about Christmas! Charlee Kaye woke up in such a happy mood this morning! She must know it's a special occasion!



Heading shopping with Nanna Kaye. "Grandma's Little Sweetie"



First of many trips to Chic Fil A. This was Charlee Kaye's first trip outside the womb. There were many while I was pregnant!





Heading to Christmas at Grandma Tommie and Papa George's house!

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Wal-Mart Christmas trip

Charlee Kaye and I had to take a trip to Wal-Mart to buy stocking stuffers, baking goods, and a few other things. She was such a help holding my grocery list! She was definitely a hit! She received lots of compliments on how pretty she was! I hope to not visit Wal-Mart until after Christmas!



Alan took a quick picture this evening of Charlee Kaye lying on Mommy's pillow. She was hanging out waiting for bedtime.


This is how I normally catch her sleeping. She shoves her face up to the side of the bassinet. I don't know why but she certainly likes to sleep that way.




Sweet dreams!


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