We had a busy, but wonderful weekend. I was able to spend Saturday afternoon at the spa with a good friend. We had massages and pedicures and it was so nice to be pampered. Then Saturday evening our house was overrun with Schmitt's. We were finally (we have been planning this since before AJ's birth) able to ask Mike and Jessica to be the baby's Godparents and they accepted. Then Schmitt girls headed out for a nice dinner together leaving the big boys to watch the little boys! AJ and Benjamin had a blast together! We had an amazing meal at a place in Minneapolis called Solera. We are already talking about going back, the food was the best. Then the girls told me we were headed to the Hyatt to have drinks with Jessica' s parents, but to my delight my WONDERFUL sisters-in-law surprised me with a baby shower! They had the room decorated with baby clothes, balloons and streamers. Had my favorite snacks and drinks and Joe had even packed me an overnight bag. It was wonderful! Little Schmitt received some cute clothes and it was so nice to spend a whole evening with the girls! We do not get enough quality time together!
Then Sunday afternoon we headed back to our place where we brought lunch back for the boys. Hung out for a little while longer and then said goodbye to the Schmitt clan. Unfortunately, AJ ended up with some breathing problems, so he and I headed to urgent care while Joe worked on a paper. We knew everything would be fine, this has happened before, but we just wanted to be safe. He was given an oral steroid and we were sent home. We then spent the better part of the evening just relaxing in front of the TV so that AJ's asthma wouldn't be aggravated. By Monday morning he was feeling so much better and you would have never know anything was wrong the day before.
Today I am heading for a third ultrasound. They are worried I am carrying a giant and that the baby hasn't turned yet. I will update the blog later this week with whatever news I find out. Keep your fingers crossed that I don't have a giant floating around inside of me!
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Time for an update
I thought I would put in a little update before the newest Schmitt member arrives, as I don't know when I will have time afterwards. We haven't had too many exciting things going on, just the day to day things.
I have about 5 weeks before this little one is set to arrive, but then again, who knows what kind of schedule he or she will be on! AJ is getting excited and we have his room almost finished (it's about time).
AJ is doing well. He loves school and playing with his diggers and he is really into board games right now. He still loves to sing and dance and spending time with Daddy is one of his favorite past times. The took a trip up to Duluth for the day and spent an amazing day at the train depot and the Children's Museum. AJ had SOOOO much fun looking at all of the trains and pretending to be an engineer. Here is a great picture of the two of them at the Children's Museum.
We had a visitor here for a few days in February, Benjamin stayed with us while his parents were in Hawaii. The boys had a blast and Joe took some great photos of them in the bath and with their Superhero Jammie's on. Here is my favorite.
We also have watched Gage a few times because Jess' daycare needed a few days off. AJ had a lot of fun helping out with Gage and showing him how to play with his toys. I took this great picture of the two of them in AJ's bed.
AJ turned 3 in April and we celebrated the Saturday before with a family party. All of his cousins were here (all 10 of them) to help him celebrate and he LOVED it! He was in seventh heaven to be the center of all the attention and really loved eating his blueberry pie his Daddy baked special for him!
Other then that, we are just anxiously awaiting our new arrival. I have my 35 week check up this week to see how things are going. I am getting really uncomfortable and my feet and legs are very swollen, but the end result will be totally worth it all. We will keep you all posted and let you know as soon as we know anything. I have updated our pictures and videos, so please check out the links at the right.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Wow, it has been a while!
It has been months since my last post, I REALLY need to get better about posting. I can just never seem to find the time to sit down and just post.
Christmas was a blast this year! AJ finally understood what all the fuse was about this year. And we even started teaching him about the true meaning, Jesus' birthday. They had a birthday party at school for him and he wished baby Jesus a Happy Birthday on Christmas morning! He had fun laying out milk and cookies for Santa the night before. And Santa has allergies just like AJ (at least that's what he thinks, makes him feel special to share his allergies with someone so important), so they were allergy free cookies and rice milk. Santa was good to all of us. AJ received the Geotrax train he asked for and mommy received a Kitchen Aid food processor and daddy received an MP3 player. We we able to see all three sides of our family and it was wonderful!
We spent a quiet evening at home for New Year's and I think Joe and I were even in bed before midnight! But the rest of the year has gone well. Our new niece Eva Jane arrived on January 10Th and shares her birthday with her cousin Lexi who turned 4 this year. Eva is so beautiful and it makes me even more excited for our new little one! We decided not to find out what we are having, but AJ is positive it's a baby brother (mommy is pretty sure he is right). We have names picked out for either gender, so we are all set. My first ultrasound looked great! We got some great pictures from it and AJ loves looking at them. He is getting really excited. I have another ultrasound next week, as they couldn't see a few things they wanted, the baby wasn't' cooperating!
AJ and I have both been pretty sick since Christmas, but I now think we are both finally past it (knock on wood). He is growing like crazy and learning even faster! I can't believe in a little over a month our little man is going to be 3. Where has the time gone? We have been keeping busy with school and play dates and just being buddies. We spend as much time with all the grandparents as possible and see the aunts and uncles and cousins as much as we can as well.
We are having a house guest for the next few days, Benjamin is coming to stay with us! Lucky Mike and Jessica are heading off to Hawaii on Thursday for 10 sun filled days. We are very jealous, but AJ is looking forward to having his best buddy here! Well I will try to update all our pictures and videos after Benjamin leaves, I am sure we will have some good ones of the two of them playing! That's all for now.
Christmas was a blast this year! AJ finally understood what all the fuse was about this year. And we even started teaching him about the true meaning, Jesus' birthday. They had a birthday party at school for him and he wished baby Jesus a Happy Birthday on Christmas morning! He had fun laying out milk and cookies for Santa the night before. And Santa has allergies just like AJ (at least that's what he thinks, makes him feel special to share his allergies with someone so important), so they were allergy free cookies and rice milk. Santa was good to all of us. AJ received the Geotrax train he asked for and mommy received a Kitchen Aid food processor and daddy received an MP3 player. We we able to see all three sides of our family and it was wonderful!
We spent a quiet evening at home for New Year's and I think Joe and I were even in bed before midnight! But the rest of the year has gone well. Our new niece Eva Jane arrived on January 10Th and shares her birthday with her cousin Lexi who turned 4 this year. Eva is so beautiful and it makes me even more excited for our new little one! We decided not to find out what we are having, but AJ is positive it's a baby brother (mommy is pretty sure he is right). We have names picked out for either gender, so we are all set. My first ultrasound looked great! We got some great pictures from it and AJ loves looking at them. He is getting really excited. I have another ultrasound next week, as they couldn't see a few things they wanted, the baby wasn't' cooperating!
AJ and I have both been pretty sick since Christmas, but I now think we are both finally past it (knock on wood). He is growing like crazy and learning even faster! I can't believe in a little over a month our little man is going to be 3. Where has the time gone? We have been keeping busy with school and play dates and just being buddies. We spend as much time with all the grandparents as possible and see the aunts and uncles and cousins as much as we can as well.
We are having a house guest for the next few days, Benjamin is coming to stay with us! Lucky Mike and Jessica are heading off to Hawaii on Thursday for 10 sun filled days. We are very jealous, but AJ is looking forward to having his best buddy here! Well I will try to update all our pictures and videos after Benjamin leaves, I am sure we will have some good ones of the two of them playing! That's all for now.
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Last couple of months
In October we went to Iowa for my Grandparents 60Th wedding anniversary and AJ got to do something very special. His Great Uncle Jim took him to his work site and he got to sit in a Front End Loader and they even turned it on and he got to move the bucket up and down. He was in HEAVEN! Then Uncle took him on the train they use to move things around at the job and he got to be the engineer. Here is a short video.
We have had some fun activities going on the past month or two. Halloween was a lot of fun this year. AJ really got into it and even picked out his own costume (after telling him he could NOT be Bobba Fett like daddy told him). He decided he wanted to be a turtle. We went Trunk or Treating at church this year and it was a blast. Everyone decorated their car trunks and handed out candy. And inside they had games and dinner. It was fun. Then after we got home we went to about 5 houses on our block so AJ could actually experience trick or treating. He did great, even remembered to say trick or treat (with some help). He couldn't eat much of the candy, but the grandparents stocked him up with treats he could have, so he didn't even know the difference. We also had a Halloween party the weekend before and all of the pictures are posted on your picture site. We had a small turn out but a lot of fun. We had some great costumes show up and my favorite were Dan and Katie as two characters from The Breakfast Club. Here AJ is in his costume.
We have had some fun activities going on the past month or two. Halloween was a lot of fun this year. AJ really got into it and even picked out his own costume (after telling him he could NOT be Bobba Fett like daddy told him). He decided he wanted to be a turtle. We went Trunk or Treating at church this year and it was a blast. Everyone decorated their car trunks and handed out candy. And inside they had games and dinner. It was fun. Then after we got home we went to about 5 houses on our block so AJ could actually experience trick or treating. He did great, even remembered to say trick or treat (with some help). He couldn't eat much of the candy, but the grandparents stocked him up with treats he could have, so he didn't even know the difference. We also had a Halloween party the weekend before and all of the pictures are posted on your picture site. We had a small turn out but a lot of fun. We had some great costumes show up and my favorite were Dan and Katie as two characters from The Breakfast Club. Here AJ is in his costume.
Then in November we continued our annual tradition of the 8Th Floor Auditorium Show at Macy's. This year it was the Nutcracker Suite and the boys had a good time. It was the first year they really enjoyed seeing the display. We even tried to visit Santa this year, no crying but the boys had to sit on Dad's lap in order to see Santa.
We have spent some much needed time with Mike, Jessica and Benjamin the last few weekends. The boys have such a good time together. We even watched Benjamin for a night so Jessica and Mike could go out for her birthday. Here is a picture of the boys having a picnic and drinking coffee together.
We had AJ's first school conferences this week. It went well. She said he is a easy child to have in class. She said his vocabulary is amazing and the only thing he needs to work on is sharing (go figure a child with no siblings having problems sharing). But that it's common at this age. In the spring we will have his main conference were they will test his knowledge of shapes, colors, numbers and letters as well as a few other things, so I am looking forward to seeing how is doing.
We are spending Thanksgiving with the Schmitt's at Katie's parents house (Danny's fiance). Joe has been asked to bring a dessert, otherwise no cooking! It should be a wonderful time. And then Christmas will be here before we know it! I can't believe it is a little over a month a way. The year has gone so fast! Before we know it, AJ will be 3 and the new baby will be here. I guess I better get cracking on AJ's new room! Well, we hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving and have much to be thankful for, we know we do!!
Monday, October 29, 2007
Have you heard the news?
I think by now most everyone has heard the news, but if not here it is...we are expecting again! That's right, we will be a adding a new Schmitt member to the family around May 29, 2008. AJ is very excited to be a big brother and changes his mind daily as to whether he wants a sister or a brother. We haven't decided whether we are going to find out or not, but we have some time until we have to decide for sure. I have my first appointment next week, but as of right now, I am 9 weeks along. Things have been going fairly well, I am trying not to complain too much. This pregnancy is totally different then the last. I am nauseous all the time and very tired. But maybe that has to do with the fact that I am chasing a 2 1/2 year old around all day. But we are so blessed to be pregnant, I am going to enjoy every minute of it! Other then that, I don't have much else to report. I will post later this week after Halloween!
Thursday, September 06, 2007
Where did summer go?
Boy, the summer has sure flown by, but we had fun with our family and friends. Went to a cabin in Hayward, WI with Joe's parents and had a blast despite rainy weather. Have been on a lot of play dates with friends this summer and Joe enjoyed a canoeing and camping trip. Spent some time at the pool and just had fun being outside!
AJ has started school! We have a preschool at our church, Lake Area Discovery Center (http://www.ladcfamilies.org/), that AJ is attending. We went last year to Families First at LADC, a parent/child class, but this year he started Terrific Two's. Every Thursday for 2 1/2 hours I drop him off and he attends school- BY HIMSELF! It wasn't hard to leave him, but when I got home, I was a little sad. He had his first school pictures taken and they turned out great. He participated in his first Bike-A-Thon to raise money for LADC and he even asked for pledges on his own (well, maybe with a little help from mom). He did a wonderful job riding, although he doesn't quite get the peddling part, he just pushes off with his feet. He even went on a pony ride at the event as well! We also are continuing our music class and swimming lessons at the YMCA on Fridays, so we will be busier now! He is just getting too big.
Speaking of big, my nephew Gage is growing like a weed and getting more adorable by the day. He is now 4 months old and I am a very proud Godmother! And since my last post, I found out I am going to be an Auntie again. My brother John and his wife are expecting in January 08. We are very excited to meet our new little niece!
More exciting news for us, Joe is no longer an employee at IBM. He accepted a job at US Bank leading the network configuration team. It is a big step for him, he has been with IBM for 8 years, but it's a great opportunity for him and it means I can quit my morning hours at the YMCA! It is an office job, so no more working from home, but now AJ and I can visit him at work and take him out for lunch! It will be hard not having him here to "bail" me out when I need it, but we are so excited and PROUD of him!
And still more exciting news, we are so proud to officially welcome Katie into our ever growing family! Joe's brother Dan proposed last weekend and they are planning a Fall 08 wedding! We couldn't be happier, Katie is a wonderful person and AJ loves her bunches and is already calling her Auntie Katie.
Joe also rode in his first Century Ride (100 miles to clarify) on the 22ND of September (our 6 year anniversary) from Park Rapids to Itasca State Park and back. He has been training for a while and and it paid off, he finished in 7 hours and 40 minutes (even after a little detour, he is a little directionally challenged)! I think he is enjoying this even more then he did running and it's definitely easier on his body.
I am really enjoying not getting up at 3:30 am anymore. I have had more energy and we have been doing a lot more fun stuff! We meet the Jankowski/Taufen side out at the apple orchard for some fun and are meeting them again in a few weeks for pumpkin picking. We are heading this weekend to Iowa for my grandparents 60Th wedding anniversary. My Aunt and her kids are flying in from CA and everyone else should be there too. It should be a lot of fun seeing everyone!
AJ has started school! We have a preschool at our church, Lake Area Discovery Center (http://www.ladcfamilies.org/), that AJ is attending. We went last year to Families First at LADC, a parent/child class, but this year he started Terrific Two's. Every Thursday for 2 1/2 hours I drop him off and he attends school- BY HIMSELF! It wasn't hard to leave him, but when I got home, I was a little sad. He had his first school pictures taken and they turned out great. He participated in his first Bike-A-Thon to raise money for LADC and he even asked for pledges on his own (well, maybe with a little help from mom). He did a wonderful job riding, although he doesn't quite get the peddling part, he just pushes off with his feet. He even went on a pony ride at the event as well! We also are continuing our music class and swimming lessons at the YMCA on Fridays, so we will be busier now! He is just getting too big.
Speaking of big, my nephew Gage is growing like a weed and getting more adorable by the day. He is now 4 months old and I am a very proud Godmother! And since my last post, I found out I am going to be an Auntie again. My brother John and his wife are expecting in January 08. We are very excited to meet our new little niece!
More exciting news for us, Joe is no longer an employee at IBM. He accepted a job at US Bank leading the network configuration team. It is a big step for him, he has been with IBM for 8 years, but it's a great opportunity for him and it means I can quit my morning hours at the YMCA! It is an office job, so no more working from home, but now AJ and I can visit him at work and take him out for lunch! It will be hard not having him here to "bail" me out when I need it, but we are so excited and PROUD of him!
And still more exciting news, we are so proud to officially welcome Katie into our ever growing family! Joe's brother Dan proposed last weekend and they are planning a Fall 08 wedding! We couldn't be happier, Katie is a wonderful person and AJ loves her bunches and is already calling her Auntie Katie.
Joe also rode in his first Century Ride (100 miles to clarify) on the 22ND of September (our 6 year anniversary) from Park Rapids to Itasca State Park and back. He has been training for a while and and it paid off, he finished in 7 hours and 40 minutes (even after a little detour, he is a little directionally challenged)! I think he is enjoying this even more then he did running and it's definitely easier on his body.
I am really enjoying not getting up at 3:30 am anymore. I have had more energy and we have been doing a lot more fun stuff! We meet the Jankowski/Taufen side out at the apple orchard for some fun and are meeting them again in a few weeks for pumpkin picking. We are heading this weekend to Iowa for my grandparents 60Th wedding anniversary. My Aunt and her kids are flying in from CA and everyone else should be there too. It should be a lot of fun seeing everyone!
Well, that is probably enough for now, I will try and be a better blogger now that I have more free time in front of the computer!
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
What's up with the Schmitt's?
It has been awhile since my last post and we have had quite a bit going on.
In May we had my Dad's surprise 60th Birthday party and boy was he surprised. We had a great turn out and he had a wonderful time catching up with everyone. I was finally able to take a picture that I have been trying to get for the last 2 years- AJ with all 6 of his grandparents! It turned out great!
Then I threw Jess' baby shower towards the end of May and that was a wonderful time. We had it at the restaurant she used to work at, Confluence, and the food was AMAZING! Mark (the owner and chef) did a wonderful job and Jess was very happy. Baby Brunkhorst received many wonderful gifts. About 10 days after the shower, HE decided to make his appearance a little earlier then planned. About 5 1/2 weeks early to be exact. Gage Jankowski Brunkhorst arrived on May 30 weighing 5lbs 3oz and 18 1/4 inches long. He was early but he was a tough little guy, he only spent a week in the hospital and is now home with Mom, Dad and Izzy. He is doing amazing- gaining weight like a champ- and he is SO beautiful, I mean handsome. Jess and Jake asked Mandy (Jake's sister) and I to be Godmothers and of course we gladly accepted. My little peanut has kept me busy and his cousin AJ loves giving him kisses and telling him, "Baby Gage, I love you!" I am totally in love with this little man, really makes me want another one of my own...
Joe just got back from his annual canoe trip with his buddy Scott, so AJ and I spent the weekend with my Mom and Dan and Joe's parents. We are VERY thankful to have our family so close and that they are willing to take us in!! We went to Sommerfest at the German house on Summit Ave with the Schmitt clan - minus Joe. Sat in the grass, listened to some German music, watched German dancers, ate German food and spent time with family. A perfect way to spend a Sunday afternoon if you ask me! We then took Mom and Dad out for dinner for their 35th Wedding Anniversary. AJ and Benjamin had a blast playing and dancing at the German festival together. They are so fun to watch and always have a great time together.
We have a pretty busy summer planned. A few camping trips (will be AJ's first time), and stay at a cabin with Grammy and Grandpa Schmitt in August. Joe and I are getting away for the weekend to do a night of camping and then a stay at a B&B courtesy of Mom and Dad Schmitt. We will be spending at least one weekend up north at Mom and Dan's cabin on Duck Lake and heading up to Grandpa and Grandma Jankowski's cabin in Grantsburg and down to Des Moines to stay with Great Auntie and Great Uncle. I am planning a trip to CA with my Mom in September for 5 days with no little one in sight!! I need a vacation and Joe thinks so too. I am sure more things will come up as the summer gets going! We hope you all have a wonderful summer and we hope to see as many of you as possible!!
My Godson
In May we had my Dad's surprise 60th Birthday party and boy was he surprised. We had a great turn out and he had a wonderful time catching up with everyone. I was finally able to take a picture that I have been trying to get for the last 2 years- AJ with all 6 of his grandparents! It turned out great!
Then I threw Jess' baby shower towards the end of May and that was a wonderful time. We had it at the restaurant she used to work at, Confluence, and the food was AMAZING! Mark (the owner and chef) did a wonderful job and Jess was very happy. Baby Brunkhorst received many wonderful gifts. About 10 days after the shower, HE decided to make his appearance a little earlier then planned. About 5 1/2 weeks early to be exact. Gage Jankowski Brunkhorst arrived on May 30 weighing 5lbs 3oz and 18 1/4 inches long. He was early but he was a tough little guy, he only spent a week in the hospital and is now home with Mom, Dad and Izzy. He is doing amazing- gaining weight like a champ- and he is SO beautiful, I mean handsome. Jess and Jake asked Mandy (Jake's sister) and I to be Godmothers and of course we gladly accepted. My little peanut has kept me busy and his cousin AJ loves giving him kisses and telling him, "Baby Gage, I love you!" I am totally in love with this little man, really makes me want another one of my own...
Joe just got back from his annual canoe trip with his buddy Scott, so AJ and I spent the weekend with my Mom and Dan and Joe's parents. We are VERY thankful to have our family so close and that they are willing to take us in!! We went to Sommerfest at the German house on Summit Ave with the Schmitt clan - minus Joe. Sat in the grass, listened to some German music, watched German dancers, ate German food and spent time with family. A perfect way to spend a Sunday afternoon if you ask me! We then took Mom and Dad out for dinner for their 35th Wedding Anniversary. AJ and Benjamin had a blast playing and dancing at the German festival together. They are so fun to watch and always have a great time together.
We have a pretty busy summer planned. A few camping trips (will be AJ's first time), and stay at a cabin with Grammy and Grandpa Schmitt in August. Joe and I are getting away for the weekend to do a night of camping and then a stay at a B&B courtesy of Mom and Dad Schmitt. We will be spending at least one weekend up north at Mom and Dan's cabin on Duck Lake and heading up to Grandpa and Grandma Jankowski's cabin in Grantsburg and down to Des Moines to stay with Great Auntie and Great Uncle. I am planning a trip to CA with my Mom in September for 5 days with no little one in sight!! I need a vacation and Joe thinks so too. I am sure more things will come up as the summer gets going! We hope you all have a wonderful summer and we hope to see as many of you as possible!!
My Godson
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Bad, bad, blogger!
I have been TERRIBLE about updating this blog! We have had a lot going on since my last post.
Our first bit of news was amazing! We found out that we are going to be an Aunt and Uncle again in July of 07! Jess (Jen's sister) and her husband Jake are expecting their first bundle of joy! I could not be more excited, this little peanut (as I am calling him/her) is such a blessing! AJ is VERY excited about meeting his new cousin!
Christmas came and went faster then we would have liked. AJ had a great time opening presents this year and even is starting to understand the concept of Santa Claus. He is also really starting to grasp the concept of God and loved seeing the Baby Jesus in the manager statue at Church. He is now 22 months old. I can't believe in less then 2 months he is going to be 2!! Where has the time gone. We are amazed every day at how smart he is. He learns more and more each day, he is just a sponge. His favorite things right now are cars and trucks, his books and as always his DIGGERS. He doesn't ever get tired of those and Grandpa and Grandma Jankowski gave him a "working" digger for Christmas and he hasn't put it down (although Mom had to hide it for a while because he WOULDN'T put it down). Here is a recent picture of him, he is such a little man!
Joe and I just got back from a much needed vacation. We spent 4 wonderful days in Freeport, Bahamas! It was just wonderful to get away from it all and have a little adult alone time, not to mention some warm, sunny weather! We didn't do a whole lot, just mainly relaxed. Joe was able to go sailing twice on a small catamaran. What an experience for him, sailing on the ocean all by himself. We also spent one afternoon in town shopping and had an amazing lunch at a local restaurant (the food at the resort was only OK). I had steamed conch (a local favorite) and Joe had jerk chicken. We had both been craving these since our last trip to Nassau, Bahamas for our honeymoon 5 years ago and they didn't disappoint. Joe also tried something new, driving on the opposite side of the road! He did great and no problems, but he had a great co-pilot. After this trip, we may have to make a winter vacation to a sunny destination a yearly activity!
AJ spent those 4 days while we were gone playing with his cousin Benjamin and he had a blast! Mike (Joe's brother) and his wife Jessica were kind enough to take AJ in so that Joe and I could go. I knew he was going to be in good hands and from the sound of it, he didn't even miss us! And his Auntie Jessica did me a huge favor in breaking him of his pacifier habit. By the time we got back, no more pacifier.
Otherwise, we have just spent most of our time with family and friends and just enjoying life. I have updated our picture website and am in the process of updating our videos, so check those out soon.
Our first bit of news was amazing! We found out that we are going to be an Aunt and Uncle again in July of 07! Jess (Jen's sister) and her husband Jake are expecting their first bundle of joy! I could not be more excited, this little peanut (as I am calling him/her) is such a blessing! AJ is VERY excited about meeting his new cousin!
Christmas came and went faster then we would have liked. AJ had a great time opening presents this year and even is starting to understand the concept of Santa Claus. He is also really starting to grasp the concept of God and loved seeing the Baby Jesus in the manager statue at Church. He is now 22 months old. I can't believe in less then 2 months he is going to be 2!! Where has the time gone. We are amazed every day at how smart he is. He learns more and more each day, he is just a sponge. His favorite things right now are cars and trucks, his books and as always his DIGGERS. He doesn't ever get tired of those and Grandpa and Grandma Jankowski gave him a "working" digger for Christmas and he hasn't put it down (although Mom had to hide it for a while because he WOULDN'T put it down). Here is a recent picture of him, he is such a little man!
Joe and I just got back from a much needed vacation. We spent 4 wonderful days in Freeport, Bahamas! It was just wonderful to get away from it all and have a little adult alone time, not to mention some warm, sunny weather! We didn't do a whole lot, just mainly relaxed. Joe was able to go sailing twice on a small catamaran. What an experience for him, sailing on the ocean all by himself. We also spent one afternoon in town shopping and had an amazing lunch at a local restaurant (the food at the resort was only OK). I had steamed conch (a local favorite) and Joe had jerk chicken. We had both been craving these since our last trip to Nassau, Bahamas for our honeymoon 5 years ago and they didn't disappoint. Joe also tried something new, driving on the opposite side of the road! He did great and no problems, but he had a great co-pilot. After this trip, we may have to make a winter vacation to a sunny destination a yearly activity!
AJ spent those 4 days while we were gone playing with his cousin Benjamin and he had a blast! Mike (Joe's brother) and his wife Jessica were kind enough to take AJ in so that Joe and I could go. I knew he was going to be in good hands and from the sound of it, he didn't even miss us! And his Auntie Jessica did me a huge favor in breaking him of his pacifier habit. By the time we got back, no more pacifier.
Otherwise, we have just spent most of our time with family and friends and just enjoying life. I have updated our picture website and am in the process of updating our videos, so check those out soon.
Friday, November 10, 2006
It has been a while
It has been a while since my last post. We have had a lot going on. I have had a chance to update our photos and videos as well, so check those out at the right. Alexander is just getting bigger by the minute. At his 18 month check he was in the 46% (32 1/4 inches) for height and 14% (24 1/4 lbs) for weight (which is great, at his 15 month he was only at 6%)! He is doing so well and I can't believe the vocabulary he has, he learns something new everyday. He has also started putting sentences together, not anything long but three or four words. He is running now and has learned how to play hide and seek (or hide as he calls it). The newest trick is telling us No! He must be getting closer to 2. It is amazing how fast they grow!
Turkey day is this week and Christmas is fast approaching. I can't believe the year is almost over! We are spending Thanksgiving with the Schmitt's, so AJ will have cousin Benjamin to play with. Christmas Eve with be spent with the Jankowski/Taufen side (Jen's dad and family). Then Christmas Day will be spent with the Wiederholt clan (Jen's mom and family). We will celebrate with the Schmitt's New Year weekend. We rotate every other year with the Wiederholt's and Schmitt's for Christmas Day. It's nice being able to spend a full day together celebrating.
We hope everything has a wonderful Thanksgiving and has many things to be thankful for this year!
Turkey day is this week and Christmas is fast approaching. I can't believe the year is almost over! We are spending Thanksgiving with the Schmitt's, so AJ will have cousin Benjamin to play with. Christmas Eve with be spent with the Jankowski/Taufen side (Jen's dad and family). Then Christmas Day will be spent with the Wiederholt clan (Jen's mom and family). We will celebrate with the Schmitt's New Year weekend. We rotate every other year with the Wiederholt's and Schmitt's for Christmas Day. It's nice being able to spend a full day together celebrating.
We hope everything has a wonderful Thanksgiving and has many things to be thankful for this year!
Saturday, September 02, 2006
What's new?
It has been a while since my last post and I have finally put the link to our videos at the right. I have a few of AJ's first time walking and one of him at the park with Oma and Opa (Jen's mom and stepdad). I have also updated our pictures too, so check those out as well.
He is just getting to be such a big boy. He says about 30 words, knows about 10 signs, can mimic about 10 animal noises and learns something new almost everyday. His favorite new word is No No. He is now starting to run and is very stable on his feet. He LOVES walking and is so proud of himself when he does it! We are feeling very good about his asthma. We seem to finally have it under control (knock on wood). So that is a big relief for us. He is just such a joy and are so blessed to have him!
We went to the State Fair yesterday with Oma, Opa, Auntie Katie, Uncle Todd, Cousin Lexi and meet Auntie Jessica, Uncle Mike and Cousin Benjamin out there. We had a blast. Oma took AJ and Lexi on the Sky Ride and they loved it. AJ also loved the animal barns, especially the horses. He learned to say moo when we were in the cow barn and said pig a few times too. It's just too bad that he can't have any cheese curds, but he will never know what he is missing.
Other then that we are just keeping busy with the usual everyday stuff. We hope every had a wonderful summer!
He is just getting to be such a big boy. He says about 30 words, knows about 10 signs, can mimic about 10 animal noises and learns something new almost everyday. His favorite new word is No No. He is now starting to run and is very stable on his feet. He LOVES walking and is so proud of himself when he does it! We are feeling very good about his asthma. We seem to finally have it under control (knock on wood). So that is a big relief for us. He is just such a joy and are so blessed to have him!
We went to the State Fair yesterday with Oma, Opa, Auntie Katie, Uncle Todd, Cousin Lexi and meet Auntie Jessica, Uncle Mike and Cousin Benjamin out there. We had a blast. Oma took AJ and Lexi on the Sky Ride and they loved it. AJ also loved the animal barns, especially the horses. He learned to say moo when we were in the cow barn and said pig a few times too. It's just too bad that he can't have any cheese curds, but he will never know what he is missing.
Other then that we are just keeping busy with the usual everyday stuff. We hope every had a wonderful summer!
Thursday, July 20, 2006
Watch out, here he comes!
AJ has begun to walk! He took a few steps last week, but really begun moving today! He stood up in the middle of the room and took off. I have some good video of it that I have posted to a new video site (thanks for the idea Jessica) so check that out at the right.
We had his 15 month check up last week and he is doing well. He is only in the 6th % for weight, but considering he doesn't get to eat much, he is doing well. And the nurse measured his height wrong (he shrunk half an inch since last time according to her), but the doctor says he looks tall for his age.
He seems to be learning something new everyday! He says about 20 words and knows signs for book, more, banana and his own version of fan. He can point to the sun, moon, his nose, ears, belly and when you ask him his name he points to himself. He knows what sound a bear and lion make (rarrr), a car makes (bep, bep), an elephant (he puts his hand in the air imitating the trunk but doesn't make the noise and a cat (mew, mew). He is just amazing and I enjoy my time home with him! He loves his pool and his sandbox and always wants to go!
We have had a pretty busy summer. AJ and I spent a week at the cabin over the 4th with my family while Joe was canoeing with Scott. AJ loves boat rides we found out. We spend time at the outdoor pool at the YMCA where AJ is learning to really enjoy the water. We are going to IL in 2 weeks for a party and then staying at a cabin in WI with the Schmitt's, so that should be a lot of fun. I can't believe it is already almost the end of July, where does the summer go.
Hope you are all having a wonderful summer!
We had his 15 month check up last week and he is doing well. He is only in the 6th % for weight, but considering he doesn't get to eat much, he is doing well. And the nurse measured his height wrong (he shrunk half an inch since last time according to her), but the doctor says he looks tall for his age.
He seems to be learning something new everyday! He says about 20 words and knows signs for book, more, banana and his own version of fan. He can point to the sun, moon, his nose, ears, belly and when you ask him his name he points to himself. He knows what sound a bear and lion make (rarrr), a car makes (bep, bep), an elephant (he puts his hand in the air imitating the trunk but doesn't make the noise and a cat (mew, mew). He is just amazing and I enjoy my time home with him! He loves his pool and his sandbox and always wants to go!
We have had a pretty busy summer. AJ and I spent a week at the cabin over the 4th with my family while Joe was canoeing with Scott. AJ loves boat rides we found out. We spend time at the outdoor pool at the YMCA where AJ is learning to really enjoy the water. We are going to IL in 2 weeks for a party and then staying at a cabin in WI with the Schmitt's, so that should be a lot of fun. I can't believe it is already almost the end of July, where does the summer go.
Hope you are all having a wonderful summer!
Friday, June 23, 2006
We have been busy
I haven't been able to post for a while, things have been really busy around here. Two weekends ago we spent the night in Rochester at Mike, Jessica and Benjamin's house. It was a great time, but I unfortunately forgot my camera, but Jessica took some great pictures of the cousins playing together.
Then this weekend we had Joe's graduation party, which went great. And again like a dope, I forgot to take pictures. But we had a great time despite a little rain. Then on Sunday we celebrated Father's Day with the Schmitt's at Minnehaha Falls Park. Another beautiful day and I have a few pictures to prove it (althought the battery was low, so I couldn't take too many).
Also this last weekend on Friday, Alexander had his first big boy hair cut and boy does he look all grown up! It's amazing what a few inches of hair makes!
Then this weekend we had Joe's graduation party, which went great. And again like a dope, I forgot to take pictures. But we had a great time despite a little rain. Then on Sunday we celebrated Father's Day with the Schmitt's at Minnehaha Falls Park. Another beautiful day and I have a few pictures to prove it (althought the battery was low, so I couldn't take too many).
Also this last weekend on Friday, Alexander had his first big boy hair cut and boy does he look all grown up! It's amazing what a few inches of hair makes!
This weekend is another crazy weekend. We have a wedding on Friday night and our nephew Benjamin's First Birthday party in Rochester on Saturday. It should be another great weekend spent with family and friends!
Check out all of our new pictures at our photo site on the right and Mike and Jessica's as well if you want to see pictures of the cousins playing together!
Tuesday, June 06, 2006
Joe Graduates!
We had quite a weekend and are still recovering from it. Our good friends Chris and Amber were married this weekend. Friday night we had the rehearsal and groom's dinner. It was a beautiful night to be outside enjoying a BBQ and good friends. Then Saturday was the wedding. It was an all day affair so we are glad that AJ was able to stay with Oma and Opa(Jen's mom and stepdad) all day and overnight. He had a blast as did we! It was a wonderful wedding, but we were quite exhausted after all the festivities! Then Sunday we got up and had breakfast with the Schmitt clan. Jennifer's (Andy's girlfriend) mom and brother were in town, so we went to meet them. 
After that we were off to JOE'S GRADUATION! Joe received his Bachelor of Science degree in Business/Information Technology. It was a wonderful ceremony and we are so proud of him! After the ceremony we took some pictures and then headed to dinner with the Schmitt's. Joe wanted ribs, so we headed to Famous Daves and it was good. After dinner we headed home and just relaxed. It was a busy weekend but full of joyous occasions! I have added all of the pictures to our yahoo account, please check them out.
After that we were off to JOE'S GRADUATION! Joe received his Bachelor of Science degree in Business/Information Technology. It was a wonderful ceremony and we are so proud of him! After the ceremony we took some pictures and then headed to dinner with the Schmitt's. Joe wanted ribs, so we headed to Famous Daves and it was good. After dinner we headed home and just relaxed. It was a busy weekend but full of joyous occasions! I have added all of the pictures to our yahoo account, please check them out.
Thursday, June 01, 2006
Good news and bad news
It has been a while since I posted as we were waiting until we went to the doctor to let you all know what has been going on with Alexander. We saw the doctor 3 weeks ago after two urgent care visits in one week for his asthma and he suggested doing some allergy testing. He did the testing and it came back positive for dog, dust, dairy, egg, soy and peanut allergies. He then suggested seeing an allergist to try and get everything figured out.
I wasn't too concerned about the food allergies until I started trying to find things for him to eat! No more cottage cheese (his favorite) or milk and since he is allergic to soy as well, no soy milk either! But I did find some rice milk and he really seems to like it. And speaking of the soy, its in EVERYTHING, so that has been our real challenge. On the positive side though, Joe and I will be eating better as a result because we are doing more shopping in the health food section. It took a couple of weeks, but I think we finally have a handle on the things he can eat. The allergy we were really concerned about is the dog. He is such a part of our lives, we were really worried we would have to give him up. And it would have been hard on all of us, even AJ. He loves his doggie!
We saw the allergist on Wednesday and are as happy with the prognosis as we can be. The bad news, no dairy, soy, eggs or peanut products for at least 2 years, until we do more testing. The good news, we can keep the dog. The doctor feels the dog allergy is really mild and it was the food he was reacting too. He says he thinks his asthma will be much more manageable now that we know what he can't eat! And knock on wood, we haven't had an attack in a month!
Everyone asks, "Well what CAN he eat?" All the fruit and veggies he wants, meat and we found crackers that are safe and Joe is going to try making some bread with egg substitutes and rice milk, so hopefully that will be another to add. The rice milk has added calcium and eating the fruits and veggies will give him the rest of what he needs. We go back to the pediatrician in a month and will talk with him more about vitamins. We were also given an Epi Pen just in case he does come in contact with something he shouldn't. The allergist says that a lot of kids outgrow these allergies around 5 years old, so that is a possibly too. All and all not as bad as it could have been!
Other then that, he is doing amazing! He is really starting to talk up a storm. He can say about 15 words and is learning new ones very fast (Daddy has to learn to be careful of what he says around him). No walking yet, but boy can he crawl fast! He is such a joy and we are so lucky to have been blessed with a really good kid!
We have some big things going on in the next few weeks, the biggest being Joe graduates this Sunday! And his graduation party is on the 17th. We also have our nephew Benjamin's first birthday in a few weeks and will be spending some time in Rochester with them. Jen and AJ are headed to the cabin with her family to celebrate the 4th of July and Joe is off on his usual canoe trip that weekend. We hope you are doing well and enjoying this wonderful summer!
(I have also updated our pictures, so check that link out at the right)
I wasn't too concerned about the food allergies until I started trying to find things for him to eat! No more cottage cheese (his favorite) or milk and since he is allergic to soy as well, no soy milk either! But I did find some rice milk and he really seems to like it. And speaking of the soy, its in EVERYTHING, so that has been our real challenge. On the positive side though, Joe and I will be eating better as a result because we are doing more shopping in the health food section. It took a couple of weeks, but I think we finally have a handle on the things he can eat. The allergy we were really concerned about is the dog. He is such a part of our lives, we were really worried we would have to give him up. And it would have been hard on all of us, even AJ. He loves his doggie!
We saw the allergist on Wednesday and are as happy with the prognosis as we can be. The bad news, no dairy, soy, eggs or peanut products for at least 2 years, until we do more testing. The good news, we can keep the dog. The doctor feels the dog allergy is really mild and it was the food he was reacting too. He says he thinks his asthma will be much more manageable now that we know what he can't eat! And knock on wood, we haven't had an attack in a month!
Everyone asks, "Well what CAN he eat?" All the fruit and veggies he wants, meat and we found crackers that are safe and Joe is going to try making some bread with egg substitutes and rice milk, so hopefully that will be another to add. The rice milk has added calcium and eating the fruits and veggies will give him the rest of what he needs. We go back to the pediatrician in a month and will talk with him more about vitamins. We were also given an Epi Pen just in case he does come in contact with something he shouldn't. The allergist says that a lot of kids outgrow these allergies around 5 years old, so that is a possibly too. All and all not as bad as it could have been!
Other then that, he is doing amazing! He is really starting to talk up a storm. He can say about 15 words and is learning new ones very fast (Daddy has to learn to be careful of what he says around him). No walking yet, but boy can he crawl fast! He is such a joy and we are so lucky to have been blessed with a really good kid!
We have some big things going on in the next few weeks, the biggest being Joe graduates this Sunday! And his graduation party is on the 17th. We also have our nephew Benjamin's first birthday in a few weeks and will be spending some time in Rochester with them. Jen and AJ are headed to the cabin with her family to celebrate the 4th of July and Joe is off on his usual canoe trip that weekend. We hope you are doing well and enjoying this wonderful summer!
(I have also updated our pictures, so check that link out at the right)
Thursday, April 27, 2006
Congrats Joe!
Just wanted to let you all know, Joe is done with school, he will be a college graduate soon!! His actual gradaution date is June 4th, but he has no more classes, which makes us all VERY happy. We will be have a graduation celebration the 17th of June, but I will be sending out invitations later in the mail. I just thought you would all like to know and I thought Joe deserved his own post!
Lots of new stuff happening
I finally have some time to update our blog and add all of our pictures to our Yahoo site (see the link on the right). We have had some new and exciting stuff happening in the last few weeks, so I will give you all an update on that.
Alexander is all better! It didn't take him long once he was released from the hospital. While in the hospital, his Oma gave him a baby to help him recover faster and in doing so he learned to say baby. That means he has three words in his vocabulary now. We had a second 1st birthday for him on the 15th so he could enjoy his cake and open a few presents and boy did he enjoy his cake!
Alexander is all better! It didn't take him long once he was released from the hospital. While in the hospital, his Oma gave him a baby to help him recover faster and in doing so he learned to say baby. That means he has three words in his vocabulary now. We had a second 1st birthday for him on the 15th so he could enjoy his cake and open a few presents and boy did he enjoy his cake!
That's all that was left of the big piece we gave him. Then on the 16th, we spent Easter at my sister Rachel's with my dad's family. He was so good and even got to go on an Easter egg hunt and enjoy his first taste of real ham.
We have also totally weaned him off of formula and baby food, he now eats what we eat (well within reason, I don't think Daddy's espresso would be a good idea). His favorite things are applesauce, cottage cheese and bananas. He even likes broccoli, cauliflower and asparagus. We are still experimenting and figuring out what he likes and dislikes, but so far he has not been to picky!
Then this last weekend we took a trip to Des Moines for my cousins wedding and AJ got to spend the weekend with his Great Aunt Jackie and Great Uncle Jim. I even bought him a little tux type outfit from Once Upon a Child (for $8 I couldn't pass it up). He has also learned to say the word Go and has developed his own sign language for Fan (he sakes his arm back and forth trying to copy mom when she said a fan goes around and around and made a circle motion with her hand). Now every time he sees a fan he shakes his arm back and forth. No walking yet, but he does move around the furniture really well. The last new thing is he has two more teeth. The two top ones have a new tooth on each side now, so that makes 6! Other then that, not much else is new with us. Here's one last picture of him from the wedding, check out all of our other pictures on Yahoo.
Monday, April 10, 2006
Not the best 1st birthday
Our weekend started out pretty good, AJ's actual birthday was nice and we got the house ready for the party, Grandma Schmitt even came and helped. But then by Friday evening things started to go down hill. He woke up screaming and could not go back to bed. We called the after hours care line and they said to give him a double dose of Tylenol and then head to urgent care in the morning, another ear infection they thought. At urgent care the next morning he was diagnosed with a double ear infection. They sent him home with antibiotics and said he sounded good otherwise. But by the time everyone showed up for the party, he was having a really hard time breathing and had 3 nebulizer treatments in the matter of 4 hours (not good). Talked to the care line and they said to head right in to urgent care. Once at urgent care, we were told he needed to be taken to the ER at Children's via an ambulance (not what you want to hear as a parent)! Once at the ER they diagnosed his problem as pneumonia, not just restricted airway disease (or asthma) like we thought. So we spent Saturday and Sunday night in the hospital! He was such a trooper and did such a good job. It helps that he hag lots of great visitors to keep his spirits up. We headed home today about 11 am and he is doing amazing! You would never even know anything was wrong with him.
He didn't get to enjoy much of his birthday, but he will have a great story to tell later on- I got to ride in an ambulance on my 1st birthday. Thanks to everyone who came and visited us at the hospital, you helped keep our spirits up! And thanks to everyone who made it to the party, we are sorry the man of the hour was not feeling so well.
He didn't get to enjoy much of his birthday, but he will have a great story to tell later on- I got to ride in an ambulance on my 1st birthday. Thanks to everyone who came and visited us at the hospital, you helped keep our spirits up! And thanks to everyone who made it to the party, we are sorry the man of the hour was not feeling so well.
Tuesday, March 28, 2006
He speaks again!
AJ has said his second word, ball. This time it was with recognition, he knew what he was saying! And of course, since we praised him so much, he says it all the time now! We also think he is on the verge of saying dog, but one never knows for sure. Another thing he found out he could do this week is crawl UP the stairs. He can go all the way to the top pretty quickly (of course mom is always standing right behine him in case he needs any help). He thinks he is king of the world now. He has also started "reading" to himself. He will pick up one of his books (upside down mind you) and start jabbering away as he turns the pages, it's just adorable! We are also taking swimming lessons every Tuesday night and AJ seems to be having a pretty good time (although I think mom's having more fun)! He likes to splash and float on his belly and he is even starting to kick a little and getting more and more comfortable on his back. And he loves the toys! Another big moment this week was, he learned So Big. It's really cute and he gets quite a kick out of it. Seems like he is learning something new everyday.
He is just growing up so fast, I don't know where the time has gone. He will be 1 year next Friday and it feels as if we just found out we were pregnant! He has been such a joy, it has be an amazing year. We ask ourselves every day what we did without him. We are so blessed that he has not had many health problems, or last not any serious health problems. And that he is a happy kid. We just hope we get as lucky with the next one;)
I will post again in a couple of weeks, after we have the big party so everyone can see him covered in cake!!
He is just growing up so fast, I don't know where the time has gone. He will be 1 year next Friday and it feels as if we just found out we were pregnant! He has been such a joy, it has be an amazing year. We ask ourselves every day what we did without him. We are so blessed that he has not had many health problems, or last not any serious health problems. And that he is a happy kid. We just hope we get as lucky with the next one;)
I will post again in a couple of weeks, after we have the big party so everyone can see him covered in cake!!
Sunday, March 12, 2006
He speaks!
AJ has said his first word... Uh Oh (not sure if that really counts for a word, but we'll take it)! He was sitting in his highchair last week and I dropped something and said, "Uh Oh" and he repeated it. And now he says it all the time. He doesn't use it in the right context, but he is using it. We think he is saying Ma and Da too, but he uses those all the time too. And we have heard a boo a few times when he picks up his books, so that could be another one.
It's amazing how fast he can get around just by crawling. He has also been pulling himself up on things for a while, but is now starting to "walk" around while doing it. I am sure he will be walking soon (not sure mom is ready for that)! He is getting to be such an independent little boy and it makes me really sad! What happened to my little baby who needed me all the time. Oh well, we are just on to another phase of his life and I am sure it will be just as wonderful as the first year!
It's amazing how fast he can get around just by crawling. He has also been pulling himself up on things for a while, but is now starting to "walk" around while doing it. I am sure he will be walking soon (not sure mom is ready for that)! He is getting to be such an independent little boy and it makes me really sad! What happened to my little baby who needed me all the time. Oh well, we are just on to another phase of his life and I am sure it will be just as wonderful as the first year!
Tuesday, February 28, 2006
4 in 28 to go!
AJ has two more teeth! The two top ones popped out this last weekend. No wonder he has been fussy and not sleeping well!! He is also pulling himself up on everything. We think he can also say Hi, Ma and Da but we are not sure if they mean what we want them to mean or if he is still just babbling. But he is making progress. He had his check-up for his bronchial and ear infections and got a clean bill of health, something a mother always likes to hear! I can't believe in a little 6 weeks, he will be 1 year old! Where has the time all gone and I haven't even started his scrapbook yet!
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