Being 3 is rough!

Ethan turned 3 one week ago, and he's had a really rough week! He's been super sick. Finally, today, he is seeming to be making a recovery. He woke up from his afternoon nap in much better spirits than I've seen him for a long time! Since Wed. he has had a high fever, very runny nose, bad cough, and stomach ache. He hadn't been eating at all. Finally, he has started eating and drinking again and his . . . digestive system . . . has been working again! Thank goodness! Hopefully the rest of his year being 3 is more fun!

Happy Birthday, Ethan!

The birthday festivities began this morning at the crack of dawn! Opening presents took precedence over getting dressed!
Here's the birthday boy with his favorite new toy from Daddy - his red tractor!
Grandma and Grandpa stopped over just in time for cupcakes!
And they brought a new Lego garbage truck! Ethan loved it!
"Happy birthday, big brother!!"

Macie is excited to be 11 months old!

• She has 7 teeth!
• She's starting to drink from a cup and eat a few more finger foods and crackers
  
• She's so close to walking! She takes about 2 steps on her own
• She loves to laugh and play with her brother
• She loves her "hammer away" toy that she got for Christmas, as well as her dolls, and books
• She is a JOY!
  

Ethan got a hair cut! He is so handsome!

Daddy's birthday pictures

Happy Birthday, Daddy!

Oh my poor, poor blog. You have been so neglected. I apologize to anyone who still checks for updates. I'll post some pictures later . . . .

Yesterday was Trav's birthday. On Sunday the kids and I had a little party for him. Ethan and I baked a cake, we got a pizza from Papa Murphy's and we gave daddy a couple gifts. Ethan was very excited the entire day to eat the cake, but once the time came, he complained of a tummy ache :(. Daddy was excited to get his gift from the kids - 2 tickets to meet some players from the '96 Packers team, have a steak dinner, and get autographs! I'm actually excited to go with him. The '96 season of the Packers was the last season my dad was alive, and he was a HUGE Packer fan. It will be a special night for Trav and I to share!
The kids have been enjoying going to daycare, spending time with Grandma a couple days a week, and just enjoying life. Macie is really close to walking, and she is imitating lots of sounds. She's happy, and also very spunky. When she wants something, she goes for it! Ethan has been cuddling with mommy, reading his books, and watching Clifford a lot. *(There may be some hope that we are phasing out of Barney!!!)* He will turn 3 on Sunday! Where has the time gone??

Good-Bye, Great Grandma Betty

We love you and will miss you!

A Very "Gonwa" Christmas . . .

Yesterday we traveled to the Milwaukee area to celebrate Christmas with Grandma Mary's side of the family. It was a blast!
Above, Macie and her Great Uncle Bob share a laugh . . .
Below, my cousin Mimi and the newest member of the Gonwa clan . . .Natalie!
Above - My Aunt Cathi and Cousin Lizzy :)
Below - Me and my cousin Amy from St. Louis - such a treat to see her and her little guy, Parker, who is just a few months older than Ethan.

In the above picture, Ethan and his cousins were having a blast playing with a sheet that was hanging up in the basement.
Below, Victor and Macie are sharing a moment.
The Gonwa clan . . . all together . . . and laughing, as usual :)
Macie got lots of time to hang out with relatives. Here she is with Great Uncle Bill and Great Aunt Lit.
Our family Christmas picture. . . . it was the best we could do . . .