Happy Birthday, Isaac and Lily!

Yesterday, Mama and Ethan went to the twins' 1st birthday party! It was a very fun time! Here is Lily and her mom opening the gift from Ethan . . .

Isaac loved playing with the tissue paper!
And here they are with their cupcakes!
Unfortunately, Ethan missed out on most of the party because he was napping the entire time. He is still under the weather with a cold. Mom caught his cold too, and is home sick today. It's nice to spend time at home, but I have to say that I am so sick of being sick! I hope spring comes soon, although looking out our window at all the white stuff coming down, it doesn't appear too promising!

Lunch with Aunt Pam and Lauren

After a short nap for Ethan, it was off for a late lunch with Aunt Pam and Cousin Lauren at Olive Garden. It was so great for Mom and Grandma Mary to catch up with Pam, as we haven't seen her in a very long time. She brought Ethan the cutest fuzzy chick stuffed animal for Easter, and a really cool picture of Grandma Steve for mom.

What a fun Saturday!

At the Lamb Farm

It was a beautiful (if a little chilly) spring day today, so the family decided to head to the lamb farm to see lots of adorable baby animals.

Here is Grandma Mary, Ethan (saying "so big"), Aunt Jenny and Oliver, and Aunt Michelle and Victor. We had a very fun time! The barn was very crowded - it was a very popular place to be today, but we maneuvered around and saw lots of fun things!
Here is Cousin Ben holding a baby chick.

Although Ethan was a bit rough when holding the chicks, he was mesmerized by watching them all.
Here is Ethan and mom holding a baby lamb. Awwww. I enjoy how the lamb is covering mama's face, and Ethan looks ticked off. He was on this little adventure with no nap, so he was definitely ready to go when it was over.

On the mend

Well, things have been a little rough around our home.

Yesterday was probably one of the worst days we've had in a long time.

1.) In the morning, mom was running late (as usual - I just CANNOT get out of bed in the morning) and so we were rushing around. Long story short, I made a bowl of oatmeal and ended up spilling the entire thing all over my outfit (NOT good when you are already running late!). I changed my sweater, but left on my skirt and tights, thinking I had done an OK job cleaning them off - only to find out later that there were definitely signs of something gone wrong all over my skirt the entire day.

2.) I had to go to the dentist and found out I have major dental issues. I have a huge cavity, and my tooth needs to be PULLED! Yikes. So . . . . I am in major pain, and was prescribed pain medication which today made me . . . very SICK . . . all afternoon. I think I'm on the mend though.

3.) Ethan had some battle wounds from daycare. They definitely didn't bother him as much as they did me. I'm not upset at daycare, but not particularly thrilled with the little guy who bit and scratched him!!

So, although Ethan and mom have been under the weather, we had fun playing tonight. It was great to see him laugh again after he hasn't been feeling well.

We have a fun weekend planned, so we'll post some fun pictures soon!

Sick Baby

Ethan was very sick last night. It is so hard for a mom to see her baby like that. He was very feverish, and threw up this morning at 4 am. He was so scared, and we put him in the tub to wash him off, and he whimpered the whole time. Poor little guy! Grandma Mary was with him today and took extra-special care of him so he is feeling much better. He went down at 5:30 tonight, and hopefully he will get a good night sleep and feel better in the morning.

How ironic it was that after a whole week of being home with him, Ethan picked the night before mom had to go back to work to get sick and be up during the night. Needless to say, mom was super tired at work today, but was also glad to be back at school.

Happy Easter!

Here is Ethan in silly bunny ears this year . . . .(Feeling very sick - he has a bad cold and a high fever! And yes, we still made him put these ears on for a photo opp.)

And here is Ethan in silly bunny ears last year . . . not amused either time!

Here is Ethan with his Easter basket this year . . .
And here he was a year ago (About 3 months old). Notice the sweater vest in both photos - I think this is going to be an Easter tradition!
We had a wonderful time with daddy's side of the family yesterday. They all came over to Ethan's house and we made a delicious ham! Grandma and Grandpa even brought ice cream cake, although Ethan did not get to sample any . . . Here he is with his cousins, Camryn and Andrew.Today we went to Grandma and Grandpa's house on Mom's side of the family. It was fun hanging out with all of his cousins, aunts and uncles. Here is Grandma with Cousin Victor.
Cousin Ben was being so silly!
Poor Ethan did not feel much like celebrating today. He had a bad cough and a high fever. At Grandma and Grandpa's house, he took a 3 hour nap and therefore missed most of the festivities. He was pretty good in church this morning! We got to listen to daddy play his trombone along with the hymns, which was very beautiful.

All in all, it was a wonderful Easter filled with loving family and lots of food!

Helping Mom Bake

Although it is supposed to be SPRING, we are getting a downpour of snow here, so Ethan and mom had to entertain ourselves indoors. As mom was cleaning out the cupboards this morning, she noticed some Easter cookie cutters and sprinkles. So, we decided to make some fun Easter treats for our guests coming for dinner tomorrow.
Ethan was interested in the dough and he sat very quietly while mom worked in the kitchen. He was very interested in the cookie making process, although he was frightened by the electric mixer, of course.
After making cookies, we also dyed Easter eggs, but Ethan refused to pose for a picture with the colored eggs . . .

Play Date!

Theresa and Jennifer, two of mom's really good friends from high school came over with their kids today for a big play date! Jennifer has Sofia, 3, and Miriam, 10 months. Theresa has Isaac and Lily, almost 1 year!
The kids played really well together, and us girls got a chance to catch up. It was refreshing for mama to see some pink in the house!

Ethan had to show the other kids how much fun it is to walk around with a duck in your mouth!
Little Miriam was so cute playing with Ethan's toys . . .
And Sofia is so adorable! Here she is riding Ethan's Bulldozer, with her shades on!

Later, Kyra came over and she and mom took care of Ethan and the twins while Theresa went out and did some shopping. We had fun going on a long walk in the puddles! Here is Kyra with Lily.

A Fun Day at Isaac and Lily's House!

Mama and Ethan headed up to the North Woods to visit Isaac, Lily, and their mama today! We all had a super fun day! It was literally IMPOSSIBLE to get a picture of all 3 of the kids together, so we'll have to settle for these . . .

I can't believe Isaac and Lily are almost 1 year old already! They are such nice friends for "EJC" as their mom calls him.
Ethan found the screen on the window that makes a fun noise when you tap on it!
Ethan and Isaac revisited their childhood for a brief time while spending some quality time in the duel exersaucers. Isaac got a fun whisk to play with, and Ethan found some interesting toys to keep him occupied also. The two mommies needed a few minutes to eat supper without chasing after their active boys!
What a fun day together with friends! We are so lucky to have Isaac, Lily, and their parents in our lives!

Update

So . . . after discussing Ethan's situation at "Kidz Klub" today with daddy, I got a new perspective. Wise daddy said that Ethan was just finding his own space, and that it's good for him to be self-sufficient, which is totally true! Trav said this is what he always does in a social situation . . . carve out a space for himself. I guess our two different perspectives on this situation really highlight the difference in mommy and daddy's personalities! I think it's good for Ethan to have both mommy - an extrovert, and daddy - an introvert - in his life!

Overprotective Mama??

I had my first (of many, I'm sure) feeling of being overprotective today. I brought Ethan to the Kidz Klub at my gym, and was excited for him to play there, because of all the new toys and all the kids! There were probably about 15 kids there, and 3 workers, so I was sure he'd have lots of fun.

After about 45 minutes of working out, we needed to get home for nap time, and I entered the room to see all the kiddos - except mine! There are 2 parts to the daycare room, and all the little kids were in the first part. I ventured to the next room, and there I saw little Ethan sitting all by himself on the far side of the room!!! He seemed content and all, but my heart felt sad for him . . .why weren't these workers "stimulating" him with play and language? Why weren't the other babies flocking to him to play, since he is obviously the most fun, adorable baby there? Who knows what was happening minutes before I entered - perhaps he was having a rip-roaring time, but I just know that when I saw him alone, I felt sad.

Like I said, he wasn't upset about this - he was perfectly content - however, it gave me a new perspective on parenthood. How difficult it must be for parents to know that their children are being left out on the playground at school, or getting bullied by other kids. It is so apparent that we want only the best for our kids, and want them to be happy ALL THE TIME!

Give me some thoughts and comments on this, fellow parents . . .

Mom and Dad had an appointment at the bank today, so lucky for Ethan, Auntie Kyra happened to be in town, so she could baby-sit!!
They had lots of fun together!

Yesterday, mom decided it was time to get in shape, so she joined the local gym. Ethan got to go to "Kidz Klub" and hang out with a new friend while mom walked on the treadmill. The thing that lured mom to the gym was not totally the desire to get healthy for summer (although that's a huge part of it) but also that each treadmill has its own TV! And . . . . they get cable!! What could be better? So, after Ethan was in bed last night, mom checked the listings on the Internet and went at an optimal TV viewing time for some good shows on TLC and HGTV. It felt good to be back in the swing of things with the exercise, for sure, but also was good to see what's new in the cable world - Jon and Kate Plus 8 is definitely going to be a new favorite - how does that mom stay so patient with 8 little ones????

Weekend at Great Grandma and Grandpa's House

Ethan, mom, and Grandma Mary had a fun adventure this weekend! First, we went to Madison to visit Uncle Luke. Then, we continued down to spend a night with Great Grandma Betty and Great Grandpa Bob (Grandma Mary's parents). Ethan had a blast with them!

Here's Ethan trying on Great Grandpa's hat . . . .

We thought it would be fun to go on a little outing to the mall. Here, Great Grandma and Ethan are ready to race! Stroller vs. Scooter!
Of course, Great Grandma had to take Ethan to see the Easter Bunny! Don't let this picture deceive you . . .Ethan was a stinker, refusing to sit still for the picture. He didn't even tell the bunny what he wants in his basket this year! (p.s. notice the HUGE mitts on this bunny!!!)
I feel so blessed to have such an amazing family! To have all 4 of my grandparents still living and building a relationship with Ethan is so wonderful!

Spring is here!

It was a beautiful, 50 degree spring day here today, so as soon as mom got home from work, she and Ethan went outside to play! It was so fun watching him discover all the fun things about spring, like the mud and melting snow. He also had fun climbing up the deck steps and watching mom blow bubbles! It was awesome to get out into the sunshine!

As I look at the picture below, I realize that Ethan is probably wondering what mom was so excited about, since technically, it still looks like winter, with snow on the ground. But it is definitely melting, and there were lots of slushy puddles for Ethan to get into.
After our little outing outside, Ethan was soaked, but he really had a blast playing in the melting snow, so mom and he took a trip to Target for some rain boots! Mom found these super cute giraffe boots for next time we head out to play. Ethan seems mildly interested . . .
Looking at these pictures, I can't believe what a big boy Ethan is getting to be! He is definitely looking like a little guy and not a baby anymore (sniff, sniff). He is so fun, though! I am excited to watch him play and explore more outside as the weather gets nicer - everything is so new and exciting to him!

Peek-a-boo!!

Here's Ethan enjoying a quick game of peek-a-boo! He has discovered how to be the "hider" in the game now! Super fun! Notice how he gets camera shy as soon as he spots daddy with the camera - he squints, waiting for the flash! We have taken WAY too many pictures of that kid!

At The Children's Museum

Here are the pictures of Ethan having fun with his cousins at the Children's Museum . . .
Ethan is enjoying a boat ride . . .

Cousin Victor is playing with some blocks . . .
Cousin Oliver is going for a ride in the car!
Here is Ethan again, in a Native American camp . . .
Sorry, Ben, I somehow missed getting a picture of you! Ethan had a blast with his cousins, and of course Aunties Jenny and Michelle too!

Fun With Cousins . . .

I am sooo frustrated! For some reason, blogger will not let me upload pictures - I have been trying since yesterday . . . exasperating!

Anyway, when I am able, I will post pics of Ethan and his cousins at the Children's Museum yesterday - super fun!

Get to know 13 1/2 month old Ethan

As mom was filling out this "get to know your friends" e-mail yesterday, Ethan said he thought it would be fun to post the answers on his blog. So, in fear of being too cheesy, here is the survey filled out by Ethan!

1. What is your occupation?
Being a baby (playing, eating, sleeping, giggling) and keeping my parents on their toes

2. What color are your socks right now?
white (boring)

3. What are you listening to right now?
I'm sleeping, and I always listen to my humidifier when I sleep

4. What was the last thing that you ate?
supper - Gerber meat sticks, an orange, and some peas

5. Can you drive a stick shift?
Maybe someday!

6. If you were a crayon, what color would you be?
RED (I have a very bright personality, and I am getting a little temper on me as well!)

7. Last person you spoke to on the phone?
Grandma Mary

8. How old are you today?
13 1/2 months

10. Favorite drink?
warm milk - in a BOTTLE! If you try to give me it in a sippy cup, I will be TICKED OFF!

11. What is your favorite sport to watch?
E-S Cardinals at State!

12. Have you ever dyed your hair?
Heavens no, but I have had 2 haircuts!

13. Pets?
Nope -I'm holding out hope for a kitten or puppy someday . . .

14. Favorite food?
ORANGES!!!

15. Last movie you watched?
Baby Einstein

16. Favorite Day of the Year?
My 1st Birthday!

17. What do you do to vent anger?
Throw my toys, hit things, cry, yell gibberish

18. What was your favorite toy as a child?
I think I'd have to say my Palm Pilot, or my books

19. What is your favorite, fall or spring?
Well, I've only lived through each season once so far, so I guess the jury's still out . . .

20. Hugs or kisses?
big, open mouth kisses

21. Cherry or Blueberry?
I don't believe I've ever tried either . . .I prefer bananas and oranges

22. Living arrangements?
I live with my wonderful, loving, FUNNY, patient (ha!) parents

23. When was the last time you cried?
Tonight when I didn't get my BOTTLE quickly enough!

24. What is on the floor of your closet?
bins of clothes that are too small for me

25. Favorite smell?
It's a toss up between mom, dad, and oranges

26. What inspires you?
Thinking about all the things I want to accomplish before I'm two.

27. What are you afraid of?
Vacuum cleaner, dust buster, car wash - utterly terrifying

28. Plain, cheese or spicy hamburgers?
I'll take my meat sticks, please

29. Favorite car?
My little mini Tonka truck I got for my birthday from mom and dad

30. Favorite day of the week?
Saturday! Both mommy and daddy are home and available for playing with me!

31. How many states have you lived in?
Just one

32. How many countries have you been to?
Just the good ol' US of A!

Winter Fun

To get some fresh air today, mom, dad, and Ethan went outside in the snow. Daddy pulled Ethan in the sled up and down the driveway and down the road a little ways. He had so much fun! He looked so cute in his little sled!

Go Cards!

Mom had the day off of school today to watch the high school basketball team play at State! They won the game, which was super fun to watch. I got tears in my eyes a couple times because it's just so exciting! Also, their coach was my absolute favorite teacher in high school, so it was fun to watch him in action on TV!

Later this afternoon, grandma came over and gave Ethan a little hair cut. Thank goodness it turned out MUCH better than the one mom gave him when he was 9 months - she just took a little off the bangs. I didn't get a picture, because my job was to hold down his arms and sing to entertain him.

On the subject of haircuts, however, I do have this picture tucked away in my computer. It's the haircut Ethan got when he was 9 months, and I was too embarrassed to post it at the time. Now that a few months have passed, and his hair has grown back appropriately, I will post the atrocious hack-job I did a few months ago! It's always easier to laugh at ourselves after some time has passed!

Happy Birthday, Grandpa Steve!

Tomorrow, Ethan's Grandpa Steve would be 57 years old. So, to honor him, Ethan decided to wear his Packer sweatshirt today! Grandpa Steve was the best Packer Backer there was! As evidence, Daddy wears Grandpa's old Packer Zubas around the house. He insists that they are the most comfortable pants he's ever worn! (And mom insists he not wear them out of the house . . . )

Grandpa Steve would have absolutely loved playing with Ethan and watching him grow. However, we truly believe that he is watching him grow each and every day, and guiding us as parents as well. Often times I catch myself calling Ethan nicknames that my dad gave to me as a baby, such as "Monkey Shiner" and "Googer."

His legacy lives on in the love that we share for each other, our family's love of music, and of course, the love of the Packers!

"I Can't Take You Anywhere!"

It is getting very difficult to take Ethan places. Granted, we had good luck when we went out for Mexican food at a local restaurant on Saturday night. However, going shopping is getting difficult because he is not happy being restrained in his stroller. Having him at school was difficult because he just wanted to run down the open hallway. The same proved to be true when we went to visit Great Grandma Lue today at the swing nursing home, where she is recovering from her hospital stay. Ethan was very grumpy and just wanted to keep escaping from grandma's room and running down the hall (There were many nurses and patients who were NOT amused!) A nice elderly man saw us in the hall and said, "Would she like this balloon? We were going to throw it away anyway . . ." hmmm. . . even the cast-off balloon wouldn't keep E. entertained. Finally we took some of poor grandma's crackers and 1/2 cookie off her table and Ethan ate eagerly, saying "more" for the first time when he wanted another bite of cookie. Ah, small successes. He then whined on the 1/2 hour drive home, only to be appeased when mom repeatedly played "I'm a Little Teapot" for him from one of his CDs. (no other song would do) The sacrifices we make as parents . . . .

Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss!

To celebrate Dr. Seuss's Birthday (This is sooo not a big deal anywhere except in elementary schools!) Grandma and Ethan came to mom's classroom to read a story! Here is grandma looking festive in her Cat in the Hat hat. At school, Ethan was a WILD man! He was much too busy for pleasantries, including getting his picture taken. He even looked the part, as his hair was standing straight up from the static of his winter hat. He loved to open mama's classroom door all by himself and take off down the hall. Mom was sweating profusely trying to keep up with him. He was trying to put everything in his mouth, including an old boot we found in the middle of the hall!


BOTTOMLESS PIT!
Ethan must be going through a growth spurt, because he is RAVENOUS lately! He woke up from his afternoon nap super cranky, only to be appeased by a 4-course meal for supper. Now, he is finally happy and playing with daddy. That kid is seriously going to eat us out of house and home!! (tonight's supper consisted of: and entire jar of Gerber graduate meat sticks, a fruit cup, a jar of carrots, a rice cake, and some milk!)

Family Fun

We had a fun weekend at home. Ethan has mastered the skill of putting his rings ON his stick, which always gets big applause from mom and dad. On a side note, Mom had to put this picture in black and white because daddy dressed E. today, and he didn't match!

Later we went to the mall, just for a little outing, (in matching clothes) and Ethan got to play in the mall play area. However, it was crazy there, and E. kept escaping into the mall, so we had to call it quits and head home. All in all, we had a very relaxing weekend with lots of playing, reading books, and napping!

A Night Out For Mama!

Last night, mom had dinner out with a bunch of friends she used to work with at camp! What a group of quality women! Thanks for including me, gals! It was a blast!

Back: Lisa, Theresa, Jane, me Front: Kyra, Jane, Liz, Carrie
(Thanks, Jane! I stole this pic off your blog!)