Jake's First Christmas

Jake had a wonderful Christmas! I am not sure he really understood what all the presents were about, but he loved seeing all sorts of family and friends. We were able to celebrate a little bit early with Grandma and Grandpa Bien, Dan, and Amber. This was Jake's first taste at opening presents. I'll post a video when I get a chance. The camera is in Jake's room and he is sleeping right now =)

Jake received some toys, books, clothes, and a Radio Flyer wagon. I am so excited to be able to use it this spring and summer. Thanks Grandma and Grandpa Bien!

On Christmas Eve, we went to Joe's grandparents (on his mom's side). We all scrunched into their new townhouse. It was quite cozy. Jake had a lot of fun playing with his second cousins (maybe first cousins once-removed...) Joseph and Jayden. He had a fun time opening presents, but it got to be a late night. I also forgot to put the formula in the diaper bag, so we could not give him a bottle. Poor guy =(

Here is a picture of Jake with his Great-Grandparents and Joseph and Jayden. Nobody looked at our camera!

We woke up at our house on Christmas morning and Jake was able to see what Santa put into his stocking. He also had a few presents to open up from Mommy and Daddy. We took a video of that, so I'll post that later. We went over to Grandma and Grandpa Knutson's house for breakfast and more presents! Jake had another stocking there and lots of gifts. Many of them make a lot of noise (Thanks!) It was fun to see Paige, Hailey, and Jake playing together. Again, most of this was on the video camera.

Later on in the day, we went over to Joe's aunt and uncle's house to celebrate with the Deters side of the family. Jake had a fun time showing off his walking with Daddy!

He got some really neat animal board books from Ben and Haley, and two stuffed animals from Uncle Dan. We learned that both Joe and his dad have been saying Snuffleupagus wrong for most of their lives. They thought it was Snuffleufagus. Somehow, Dad knew how to say it correctly!

Jake has had so much fun playing with all his new toys. We need a bigger house!

Jake is on the move!

Well, it has been a long time since I added a post. We have been busy around here. We had an exciting Thanksgiving, as Jake crawled for the first time Thanksgiving morning! We knew he would be able to do it by Christmas. Life is way different with a mobile child. I spent the Sunday after Thanksgiving baby-proofing the house. On Thanksgiving, we went to Grandma and Papa Knutson's house. Jake had a fun time with Paige.

Auntie Jamie even tried to color with Jake. He did not really do a good job. Paige was much better! We'll have to work on things before Kindergarten!

We took Jake to his first Wild game at the beginning of December. Joe's mom and step-dad let us use their tickets. We played Vancouver. Unfortunately, it was not a good game for Minnesota. Jake had a fun time. He was tired from a busy day at Cheryl's, so he did end up sleeping through most of the third period. He is a good sport, though!

We put the tree up in the basement this year. Last year, it was in Jake's room, so we had to find a new spot. The ceiling is too low for us to put a star on top. I am on a mission to get it up there! So far, Jake has not seemed too interested in the tree. At daycare, he did rip a little bit of paper off a present. We hope to get to see Santa next weekend!

Busy few weeks

We had a busy end of October and start to November. Halloween went by without too much excitement. I took Jake to have his picture taken at a local studio that took free pictures of kids in their Halloween costumes. As we were leaving, Jake spit up all over his costume. It was a good thing we were not going to be taking him around the neighborhood. Joe ended up working late and Jake went to bed pretty early. We only had a few trick-or-treaters this year, which has been the case every year. Here are some pictures I took of Jake during the week of Halloween. He turned 7 months on the 29th. Getting so old!

The Sunday after Halloween Paige, Jake's cousin, had her baptism. She wasn't very happy during it, but it was super cute. Hailey, Matt, and Katie (Casper, too) stayed at our house for the night. We all went out to eat Saturday night. Hailey wanted to sit next to Jake and play with him. I think she had more fun than he did! When we woke up, Jake had someone to play with. He also experienced what Hailey is like when she is watching cartoons. She can completely tune out everything!

This past weekend, we took Jake to his second Gopher game. He did so much better this time around. He did not get scared when the Gophers scored, which was great since they scored a lot! He was not happy when we put his jacket on at the end of the game. Grandma and Papa bought him a new hat to wear to the games. He looks so cute! He also had his picture taken with Goldie. He wasn't scared when he saw him. He just didn't look at the camera.

Jake loves pickles. I arrived at my mom's house to pick Jake up and this is what I saw! His Auntie Jamie gave him this. Surprise, surprise!

Nick-or-Treat, Birthday Party, and Gopher Game

We had a busy MEA (I know it is not called this anymore, but I will always refer to this weeend as MEA) weekend. Jake had his 6 month appointment. It was a good visit. He did a good job, even when he had his shots. I went into school for a bit on Thursday, so Jake spent some time at Grandma's with his cousin, Paige. I had an eye doctor's appointment on Friday, so Jake went to Cheryl's for a little while. It was nice for him to have some consistency. We gave Jake some meat (Sweet Potatoes and Turkey) on Thursday night. He LOVED it! He is done with the boring rice cereal! On Friday night, we all met my side of the family at the Mall of America. Nickelodeon Universe has an indoors Halloween event for kids. Jake's two cousins were there in their costumes. His aunts and uncles on mom's side were there, along with Grandma and Papa. It was a late night, but he was a good sport. He did not mind his lion costume, either. He was just too cute!

On Saturday, Jake had his first friend birthday party. Kamryn turned 2 last week, but her mom is a teacher, too, so MEA weekend worked out quite well. Jake goes to daycare with Kam and her sister, Jenna. The Allen boys (Jacob and Bryson) were there, too. It was fun for Jake to see familiar faces. We were only able to stay a little while, but Jake loved the inflatable monkeys that Michelle used to decorate.

Later that night, we took Jake to his first, of many, Gopher hockey game. We had him dressed in maroon and gold. We have been working on spelling Minnesota, too. We need some more practice. Jake was a bit, okay VERY scared of the yelling when the Gophers scored. Needless to say, we took turns hanging out on top for the rest of the game. Joe was able to get him to fall asleep in the second period. We brought him back down to the seats in the third period. We were nervous when there was another two goals scored (they took one away, though). Jake slept through both of them. He did wake up when Goldy was close to our seats. We hope to have a picture taken with him next time. It was another late night, but a fun one!

Here was a picture from last weekend at Joe's grandparents' house. Jake is with his dad, his grandpa, and his great grandpa.

Haircut!

On Sunday, we broke down and cut Jake's hair. It was just too crazy to deal with. Plus, people kept asking if he was a girl. Joe held Jake while I did the trimming. I was very nervous as to what it was going to look like. Joe reminded me it was just hair and, yes, it will grow back! We were happy to see the finished product. He looks so different! I miss his long hair, but love that he looks like a boy!!

6 Months Old

Video of Jake Eating

Okay, here is my second attempt!

First month back

Well, it has been a busy month back at work. We are all adjusting to our new schedules. Each day seems to be getting a little bit better. Jake was able to get over his cold after a few days...and then it returned. It came back at the same time we started him on cereal and fruits and veggies. He did not want to eat much when he wasn't feeling so well. He started waking up again in the middle of the night, which is something he has not done since June. It was hard for both Joe and I to return to interrupted nights. It is getting a little bit better. We have learned that Jake does not like applesauce, carrots, or peas. He does love his cereal and squash. We'll see what he likes next. Jake is having a good time at daycare and is excited to see his cousin, Paige, tomorrow at Grandma's. Here are some pictures of Jake eating.

I will try uploading a video later. The first attempt failed!

A week of firsts...

Well, we made it through the first week of daycare. Jake had a fun time each day with the kids at Cheryl's. He had a group of girls that just adored him. It definitely made it easy for me to drop him off there, knowing he was in good hands. Workshop week went by smoothly for me, just VERY busy! It was nice to meet more teachers in the building. Everyone has been really helpful. I look forward to getting to know them better.

Jake had his first overnight with his Grandma and Grandpa Bien at their house. Mom and Dad went to John's for a BBQ. Jake had a fun time with his grandparents!

On Saturday, we went to Joe's aunt and uncle's house in Deephaven. It had been a long time since we saw that side of the family. Jake was able to see his Grandma and Grandpa Deters, along with Uncle Dan, Uncle Ben, and Auntie Haley. His second cousins, Ian, Alex, and Emma, were there, too. We spent the day hanging out by the pool. Jake was kind of fussy (we learned out why later) all day. He showed everyone how he could play in his Exersaucer. He loved being held, too. Jake went on his first boat ride. We went out on the Youngstedt's boat on Lake Minnetonka. It was mom's first time on their boat, too. Jake had so much fun...he fell asleep! His cousins, aunt, and uncles enjoyed playing with him on the boat. Dad jumped into the lake...it was too cold for mom!

Emma, Haley, Jake, Laura, Ben

Hanging out with Nancy!

Jake caught his first cold this weekend! I think it was starting at the end of the week, but was pretty bad starting Saturday night. We felt so bad for him. He was so tired but was not able to sleep. None of us slept very well that night, except for Dan (he slept in the basement). Sunday was a LONG day with an unhappy baby. Thankfully, Jamie came over to help us! Dad went golfing for the day. Sunday night was not a good night of sleep, either. We ended up doing the split shift. I went to bed first and got up around 5:30 and then Joe went to sleep. Jake and I fell asleep on the couch in the basement for a little while, which felt really good. By lunchtime, Jake was doing better. Jake and I went to Grandma and Papa Knutson's house. He even slept for an hour and a half! Dad stayed home to get work done around the house. It was a good day for all of us!

Auntie Jamie and Jake by the pool

Well, it is the first day of school tonight. You would think, being the 9th time doing this, I would be used to it!! Not at all. Wish me luck!

Back to Work

Last week I was working in my classroom (on my own time) getting things unpacked and settled into my new room. It is slowly coming along. Jake was with me Monday, Tuesday, and Friday for a few hours each day. Thankfully, Jamie came to get him on Wednesday and brought him to my parents' house. Her friend Christina came to watch Jake for the whole day on Thursday. I was so happy that day! It was a lot of work bringing him and his stuff up to the 3rd floor. You should have seen me! I am glad our stroller has a lot of room at the bottom. We were loaded down, Exersaucer and all! The elevator was working all the days, except for Friday. A nice custodian helped carry the stroller up the stairs for me to my room. When I left, I was all on my own lugging it all to the car. Jake was strapped into the Baby Bjorn while I made three trips up and down the stairs. The hardest load was the stroller. My arm muscles got their workout! My back is still sore. I have decided that I am going to get a babysitter next time. It is too hard on both of us to be there in the hot building. Poor Jake had to take a nap on the uncomfortable floor of my room. I could get a few things done when he was content, but it did not last too long.

I go back to work tomorrow morning. I have workshops all week. Jake is going to Cheryl's for daycare each day. My parents are on their annual trip to Hilton Head, that is why Jake is not heading to their house on Monday and Friday (as he would normally). I know he is ready to go, but I don't think I am! Wish us luck!

Johnsons visit and Girls' night out!

My friend Haley and her family were in town at the end of last week. I had not seen Haley since our wedding two years ago. She and her husband live in Bessemer, Michigan. It is quite the trek for both of us to make. We keep talking about meeting up in Duluth (where we met at UMD) but it has not happened in over three years. So, I was very excited when she called to tell me her family was coming into town. She has two children. Cade is 3 and is full of energy! I had not seen him since the wedding either, so he looked quite different. I love the hair! Cade gave Jake a ton of his old clothes, which we are very happy about.

Cade and Jake outside Olive Garden

Jake and I met Haley, Mark, Cade, Calli, and Mark's parents at Olive Garden on Thursday night. Calli was born a month after Jake. She is just a peanut! She has a lot of hair just like Jake, except she is not missing as much in the back. Both babies were tired and fussy. Cade was so cute with "Baby Jake". I am sure he was excited for another boy at the table. He loved to touch Jake's feet (his parents kept telling him to not touch Jake's face). On Friday, we met them at Nickelodeon Universe at the Mall of America. We had a fun time watching Cade go on the rides. All the kids hit the wall at one point or another while we were there. Too many people, too many noises, etc. We had lunch at the food court. Here is a picture of Calli!

Friday night was the second annual Girls' Night Out for the girls I teach with, or taught with, now that I am moving to the middle school =(. We went out for dinner and drinks in Uptown. It was a lot of fun to go out and catch up. I am so excited for Kasey, because she just accepted a new job teaching Kindergarten in Burnsville. I am going to miss working with her. We have a lot of funny stories from our Kindergarten group. I am going to miss Carrie, Michelle, and Anika, too. Luckily, we'll still be working in the same district, so hopefully we will see one another. All five of us promised to get together once a month.

Kasey and I

Kasey, Laura, Anika, Carrie, and Michelle

Rolling and Laughing

The past two days have been pretty exciting for Jake. Joe was able to get him to laugh (more than just a giggle). Joe made some goofy face and noise that Jake loved. It was cute. I have not been able to get him to laugh. Apparently, he does not think I am really funny. Just this morning Jake was able to roll from his back to his tummy (this skill has been mastered for some time) and ROLL back to his back. I was so excited for him and had to call Joe at work. Naps have been tricky because Jake will roll to his stomach and get stuck and cries. Maybe they will get better...who knows!

We had a busy weekend! Jake went to two parties! We all went up to Hugo to friends of Joe's from high school. It was their son's 6th birthday. Jake had a good time. He slept most of the time in the Baby Bjorn, which was nice. Jake was able to see his friend Oli at the party. Saturday night, we went to the Yungs for a BBQ. Jeff made amazing kabobs. Jake's friend Oli was there again! Chloe was also there, too. Lots of girls! Joe gave Jake a new toy to play with.

Starting Young!

Chloe Elizabeth Yung

I am enjoying the last few weeks before I need to go back to work. I am making a HUGE grade change. Kindergarten to sixth grade. I am trying to get excited about it, but it is not going so well. It will obviously be hard to drop Jake off at daycare on the 25th (for workshop week), but going back to something I am not excited about will be harder than usual. Jake went to meet his daycare provider, Cheryl this morning. He was very happy being there. Cheryl has a dog named Cookie. She is more Jake's size than Kirby is. I am sure she will be a lot of fun. Grandma and Joe met us there, so Jake was happy to see so many people he knew! We went to my new school and he met my principal, assistant principal, and secretary. He was not too excited to hang out in mom's room, so it was a short visit. He had lunch in the car before we went to my old school. It was hard to go back there, knowing I will not be returning there. I ran into a few friends and their kids, so it was a nice distraction. It was a long day, without all of the normal naps.

It was sad to hear about the stabbing of Todd Bachman and his wife in Beijing. My first friend in Bloomington was Leslie Bachman. Her dad, Paul, is a first cousin of Todd. I may have met Todd way back when, when I would go to work with Leslie to visit her dad. My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Bachman family as they deal with the loss of Todd and the recovery of Barbara.

Blueberry Muffins

Earlier this week, I decided to make some blueberry muffins. After making them, I ate one and had the rest sitting on the counter, in the muffin pan. Sure, I could have taken them out of the pan, but for some reason I did not. I ate one that night. When I got up in the morning, I noticed the muffins were all gone. I thought Joe took the remaining five muffins with him to work. I was not happy. I found out that he only took two with him. Well, guess who ate the other three muffins?? Yep, Kirby! There were no crumbs on the counter, floor, or in the pan. No sign of any muffin liners, either. I did notice Kirby was pretty lazy that morning. I am sure that was why. I would be tired, too! The story continues! Joe came home from work in the middle of the day. I took the advantage of an extra set of hands to watch Jake. I made myself a frozen waffle (something I had been craving for quite some time). The cover to the butter dish ended up getting butter on it, so I set it in the sink to wash later. I ate my lunch and Joe went back to work. I heard Kirby in the kitchen and thought he had put his paws up on the counter to try and look out the window to see where Joe went. After a while I went into the kitchen and noticed there was NO BUTTER left! Kirby licked the butter dish clean...completely! I could not believe it. I guess it was his way of telling me I was not giving him enough attention. Needless to say, Kirby spent some time outside to let things "move" through him. I refused to take him on a walk that day, or the next, because I did not want to be cleaning up after him.

We have now moved all food off the counter! Jake, Kirby, and I went on a walk yesterday and plan to today. I do feel bad for Kirby. But, muffins and butter? Really??

A long weekend!

We are back home after a long weekend in St. Cloud. It was a very fun weekend. We are all exhausted, even Kirby (who stayed in SLP with John...but he went on a little trip to John's neighbors Saturday night!)

Joe had a good time golfing on Friday. I heard that he did well on the first few holes. The guys all hit traffic coming up and barely made it on time to the rehearsal. I was glad Joe went to get his tux on Wednesday night, because some of the guys had to get theirs after sitting in traffic. Poor Seth had a shirt with very few buttons and his pants had a bit of a problem before the reception started. Jake joined mom and the girls for manicures and pedicures and lunch at the Olive Garden. He was a very good sport with all the "girly" things. The groom's dinner was at the Ferber's Cabin, which was a great place for the adults and little kids to relax. I had a hard time sleeping that night. I think I was just too excited! Both my mom and I were up from 3:00 to 5:00. Hailey-Bug was so tired! The boys slept very well, of course. It was fun to get my hair done and have a little time away from being a mommy. Hailey was so adorable getting pampered. Jamie painted her nails while she was having her hair done. She asked me to blow on her nails to get them to dry. I cannot wait to see the pictures of that!

The day was very warm, but not as hot as we had expected. It did get pretty warm in the church. Everyone made it through the ceremony. Many tears were shed by the big sister of the groom. Let's just say it was a very emotional weekend! At the end of the ceremony, after the couple kissed, Hailey joined both Matt and Katie and walked down the aisle with them. I thought this was a very special moment for all three of them.

It was great to see so many of Matt and Katie's friends and family at the reception. I had a good time catching up with my cousins, some old family friends, and of course Brittany! Matt and Katie's group of friends, mainly from Bemidji, is so much fun! They have a unique way of making you feel part of their group. Jake tried to make it until the first dance, but he wasn't able to stay awake. Grandma and Grandpa Bien to the rescue! I am sure they had more fun than either Joe and I did (well...maybe!). By the end of the reception, I was holding a very tired flower girl, who did not want to go to the hotel room to sleep. She had a busy weekend and did not want to miss out on any of the fun. It was so cute to see her dance with her daddy! I tried to hold her and dance with her as long as possible, but finally we just sat down and watch everyone else dance. She finally fell asleep and Papa carried her back to the room. I was finally able to sleep last night for a few hours, which felt so good. I had to listen to a lot of snoring though!

We are so happy for Matt and Katie as they begin a new chapter of their lives together. It is so fun to watch them laugh and smile together =). They are perfect for each other.

Well, after a weekend of many tears, my contacts are not wanting to stay in any longer. I think it is a sign telling me to go to bed!!

Matt and Katie's Wedding

New Adventure

Well, I thought I would be crazy and try blogging. So many people are doing it these days. I love catching a glimpse as to what they are doing, so I am going to give it a whirl.

We are getting ready to head to St. Cloud for the weekend for Matt and Katie's wedding (my brother). I have been so excited, that I have not been able to sleep for the past two nights! I have had so many things on my mind (like...am I remembering everything we need?). I know it will be a fun weekend, I just hope that Jake will not be too tired. It will be a hot one. I feel bad for Joe, along with the rest of the guys, for being in tuxes. It won't be fun for Katie and all of us girls, either.

I cannot believe that one year has passed since the 35W bridge collapse. I was out of town (just getting to Detroit Lakes for WeFest). I still can remember the faces of disbelief on the people in our group. I am thinking about all those people who were on the bridge and what this anniversary means to them. I am also thinking about the families who lost loved ones, too.

I will let you know how the festivities go this weekend!