Outside in Late November

For late November, in Iowa, it was an awesome day to be outside!!!! Lauren and I went out to take full advantage of the nice weather and get away from sicky grammy! Lauren would probably still be outside if I hadn't brought her in crying from a face plant! She was crawling on and off the trike, playing in the sandbox, going down the slide and yelling at the dogs. She has said both "puppy" and "woof" several times in the last two days. Finally, an animal that says something other than "MOO"!

Happy Turkey!

We are thankful for a happy, healthy family. Mike, Lauren and I would like to wish you a Happy Thanksgiving.

Sick

Lauren hasn't been herself since Friday. When I came home from work she had a 101.7 temp. Has been up and down all weekend. She's been clingy...doesn't want down....doesn't want to be held, etc. I learned this morning that a kid at daycare has H1N1 and that secondary things like ear infections make it worse...of course Lauren has been pulling at her right ear since last night.

We made a trip to urgent care just to be sure. No flu. Ear infection. The gave us antibiotics, but as most ear infections are viral, I am not sure what good it will do. Girl is sleeping - for now.

Mommy's Little Helper

Lauren decided to sweep the garage while I was making supper! Of course, the regular video camera wasn't handy, so I grabbed my regular camera. Unfortunately, it doesn't have any sounds.

The Cutest Cow in the World

We took Lauren to Great-Grandma Holm's this afternoon for a little Trick or Treating. We are going to be Trick or Treaing in Sioux Rapids, so we had to go see her! We were going to see the Walls', but Janelle was sick, so we stayed away!

If its not one thing...

...its another.

Lauren has been handling getting her new teeth fairly well. We only have the dreaded "I" teeth left and we'll be done for a while. She gets a little crabby and we give her some Motrin and she's good.

She had some sinus issues for a while...nothing a little Sudafed couldn't fix.

But now, we are having sleep issues...for like the second time ever. I will not complain too loudly because I have friends (love ya Julie) whose baby's have had sleep issues pretty much since the beginning. And I know I am making it bigger in my head that it really is. It just worries me.

Lauren had become a night owl...being ready for bed between 9 and 10. She'd sleep all night and get up around 8 or when I had to wake her about 6:15 for daycare. Then, for 5-6 nights in a row she was an absolute bear to get to sleep. Kicking, screaming, etc. and it resorted in many car rides to finally get her to sleep. I knew this was a habit that I didn't want to get too deep into.

After consulting many knowledgable mommies, including the Daycare Goddess, Kathy, I tried putting Lauren to bed way early - like 7 - thinking that she was getting overly tired. I have tried that for 2 nights now. The first resulting in us being awake at 3:30 and the second at 4.

Tonight, we are meeting in the middle and going to bed at 8...I won't be far behind her!

Race for the Cure

Lauren and I, along with our friends, Brenda and Morgan participated in Omaha's Race for the Cure on today. At place where we started from it didn't look like there was a horde of people there, but as soon as we came up over the hill and could see 20,000 people it was inspiring. A great big lump came to my throat to see it! It was amazing to run into people we knew along the route - coworkers, friends and coworkers that are friends. The most amazing part was thinking about the 22,000 people that paid a minimum of $25 bucks to be there and how far that can go to finding a cure.

I walked in honor of my friend, Julie, who is currently kickin' cancer's a$$! I also had in my head Johnylyn Williams, who is the art teacher at our school and my friend Becky's mom (whose name is escaping my head right now) who are both survivors. I also thought about the friends and family who were walking "In Memory" of their loved ones who lost the battle, but are not forgotten.

Lauren Lately

Here's some recent pics of the big girl!

What's been going on?

Good question...we have been so busy!

School is back in full swing, which Lauren loves because she loves hanging out with the kids at daycare. I think that little Liam and George are responsible for Lauren's increase desire to give the walking thing a try...hey...she's gotta keep up with the boys to show them who is boss! She is up to take 4-5 steps at a time and is determined to stand up in the middle of the room. She is being elusive to getting both of these new things caught on tape or film.

Her mouth is filling up. 6 teeth completely through - one molar poked through and the other has her bottom gum so swollen that my teeth hurt! There are two more molars on the other side that are close, too! I think her "I" teeth are starting their trip because she has been really nasal!

The words are starting to flow as well. She is starting to really realize that she is communicating her needs and wants by pointing and grunting. My mom and I both swear the other day when she was eating that she said "All done, mom" - but alas, its hasn't been said again...she loves to say "moo" to Kathy's cows and "Bow" to grampy's dogs.

But my absolute new favorite thing that she has started to do is HUGGING! Seriousily - how can something as simple as a hug set the world right. She throws her arms around your neck and squeezes. It is even better when she is whispering "mom, mom, mom" over and over again in your ear!

Busy Girl

What can be said other than she is really busy....

Had to share

We've been so busy with vacation and me going back to school that it has been awhile since we've updated, but I had to share this video with everyone! I got it on our regular video cam, but I don't know how to upload from there. So I grabbed my regular digital cam and caught it on there - didn't think about having it turned funny - but its still so cute!

VACATION!

We are currently mid-pack for our annual vacation to Minnesota! I think we have gone every year since I was 5 or 6. Even though we don't go to our old resort, it is still a good time. Grammy and Grampy, Aunt Julie and Uncle Ryan, the three crazy cousins, Great Aunt LouAnn and Great Uncle Nyle and the Rydstrom family all go with us! We play lots of cards, swim, fish, tube, boat, sit around, shop and perhaps drink some beer. The day after we get back is our family reunion in Marathon! Then I start school! Craziness!

The 12 Month Version

It has been an amazing process to take this picture of Lauren every month on her birthday! The changes are immeasurable! At her one year appointment, she weighed 24 pounds 1 ounce and is 29.25 inches tall. Her head is off the charts big thanks to Mommy and Daddy! She isn't walking, yet, but she is a great cruiser and is talking a lot -"Uh oh" to quote Lauren herself. She has 4 teeth on top and 2 on the bottom and 3 are lurking below the surface!

The Birthday Party

It's been almost a week, but here are pics from Lauren birthday party! We had a great time! Grandma and Grandma Holm, Great-Grandma Holm, Grammy and Grampy T, The Siebrechts, The Harringtons, The Walls, The Burns - including Kendall and Dylan, The Rydstroms - including Lexi and The Kirwans all helped us celebrate. It was a great afternoon, unusually cool and not humid for July in Iowa. We got to hang out in the garage and play outside! Lauren thought it was BIG fun to get messy in her cake and she was a little leary of the presents until they got open! She got a lot of music makers, which is right up our Dancing Queen's little alley!

Here are some pics!

Tomorrow

Sunday is technically Lauren's last day of being a baby! On Monday she'll be one....where does the time go?

A year ago today we were at home, between hospital stays for the attempted and eventually failed induction. I remember being so tired from the night in the hospital, but yet feeling so peaceful because I knew that my baby was going to be here soon. It took another two days and some theatrics, but she got here safe and sound!

Now, the house is quiet - except for the roar of the tractor pulls at the fairgrounds. Mike and Lauren are sleeping and I am reflecting on the last year. It has been simply magical. Lauren was the ideal baby...need an example, the first night Mike went back to work after she was born was the first time she slept through the night. I find myself sitting just watching her. I like to watch her squat when she is playing...for some reason that just seems like such a big girl thing to do. I like to watch her watch things and drop things on purpose just so she can say "UH, OH"

The house is also clean and awaiting our friends and family that will be here tomorrow to help us celebrate. All the items are crossed of my list. I know that I forgot something...but if I did - who cares. Tomorrow is all about celebrating the life of my baby - Lauren Kathryne - who won't be a baby any more...

PS - there may be tears!!!

In the Fridge

I know, I know....2 posts in one day...but I caught Lauren in the act of standing in the fridge and had to share it with everyone!

Daily Changes

You would think with all the time I have off (haha) during the summer that I would be updating our blog more...but the time just seems to slip away every day. I think it is because I spend so much time marvelling in all the new things that Lauren is doing every day! It seems like every day a new thing is going on. Since we have been back from Ohio we have been very busy. Here's a list of things Lauren has done since then:

1) Standing up in the crib and playing and jumping like crazy...she just realized that you don't have to love flat on your back in the crib!
2) Saying dad and dadda - Mike can finally stop complaining!
3) Saying Hi - she paired it with mom this morning for "Hi Mom" - ESPN here she comes
4) Climbing - this morning she pulled herself up on the first ledge of the refridgerator by using the handle on the veggie drawer. The fridge is her fave place to play
5) Taking steps with a toy or sliding the chair across the floor!Eating Lucky Charms for breakfast - she actually ate the grain parts and only played with the marshmallows. They get very sticky (BTW) and we went directly to the bath tub after this one!

Now that the crib isn't just for laying down, this is how she fell asleep for her nap the other day!

Playing in the fridge and trying to step up on the ledge (mastered that this morning)! Blue ring fits between the top drawer and the bottom one - so glad I didn't spend 6 hours tearing the house apart looking for blue ring before I discovered that! I don't know if you can see it or not, but her "cerchunka" (aka thunder thighs) are also on display in the pic!!!

11 Month Update

We missed Lauren's official 11 month birthday because we were on our wonderful trip to see family in Ohio. We took the picture as soon as we got back on Sunday. She weighed in at 27 pounds! She changed so much this month. She now has 6 teeth - 4 on top and 2 on the bottom - and has two more bottom ones working through! She is completely mobile and into everything! She isn't walking unassisted, yet, but can with a toy or your hands! She is talking more and more. Lots of "momma" or "mommom" - whether she is referencing me or Julie. She also has "mamma" down pretty well to reference grammy! I have also heard things that sound like grandpa, please, thank you and up. Hope every one who is able to can join us at her birthday party on the 19th!

First Haircut!

With two snips of the scissors, Lauren took another step toward big girldom. She had two pieces of hair that were constantly in her face, so while we were at Christy's getting my haircut today we took care of Lauren's, too!

Look what I did at school today!

This week I have been taking a multimedia class. One of our projects was to complete a photostory. Of course, I chose to encapsulate Lauren's first year of life. Needless to say, its a work in progress and I envision myself frantically adding photos on the morning of her birthday!



Here it is:

Prayers for my friend

Many of you have heard me talk about my wonderful friend, Julie and all she has been through in the past 18 months or so. First of all, she survived being on bedrest for most of her pregnancy to bring her healthy little Cooper the Pooper to the world. Then, Cooper decided to make himself even more memorable and have Acid Reflux and Colic. This allowed Julie to survive for about 9 months getting sleep for 45 minutes at a time while still maintaining friendships around the country, a job and being an amazing wife to Bob.

This week she found out she has Breast Cancer. A friend of hers caused her to get a mammogram and they found some things. She is now in the process of finding out the best course of treatment and where to get started at. To me, where to start is easy - knowing that she has all the support, friendship and prayers that one person could ever need!

I would really appreciate you adding her to your prayers in which ever form that you do them!

The 10 Month Girl!

Okay, so I took the picture last night...but Lauren was off to grammy and grampy's this morning and I didn't know if she would be up before I left. I was also a bad mommy and forgot to weigh and measure her! But here is the ten month girl!

Big Weekend!

Holy moly! What a weekend! I am in a happy state of total exhaustion right now, thanks to being up most of Saturday night w/ Lauren and her upset tummy.

We had a beautiful day at the zoo! It was a bit cool, but very tolerable. Everyone was tired, but enjoyed a great supper at Kobe Steakhouse.

Today was graduation at the beautiful outdoor amphitheater at Doane College. I have posted an album on facebook if you want to check more out. It was an honor for me to have Mike and Lauren, my mom, my sister and the boys and Mike's parent's, Kathy and Larry, there to share with me!

Right now its off to bed! 5 more days of school!

We're goin' to the zoo tomorrow!

There is a Raffi song out there that says, "We're goin' to the zoo tomorrow, zoo tomorrow, zoo tomorrow. We're going to the zoo, zoo, zoo you can come too, too, too!"

I am excited that my mom, Julie, Cole, Caleb and Cody are coming tomorrow and we are heading to the zoo. This will be my mom and Cody's first trip and Mike's first trip with Lauren. I am really excited!

Then we are heading to Kobe Japanese Steakhouse for supper...I can taste the shrimp already. The boys are going to think the show is so much fun!

Graduation on Sunday!

Happy Mother's Day

We had a great Mother's Day!!! I had breakfast in bed of my favorite cream cheese coffee cake made by a local baker/barista! All four grandparents and Great Grandma Holm joined at church because our church has a tradition called "Cradle Roll" where they recognize the small children that they are looking after. I really like our church and was excited to have all of my family visiting.

Then we came to our house and grilled hamburgers and hot dogs for lunch. I am usually the grillmaster, but Mike stepped in, as I had lots to do inside. Lauren entertained Great Grandma by showing off her big girl eating skills - no more baby food here! We enjoyed a fantastic lunch.

Then Lauren got really grouchy and we realized that she hadn't pooed for a couple of days. We had to take some interventions and spend some time cuddling in the chair. Things "worked out" and we even got some picture time in. Lauren and I had some girl bonding as Mike went to supper with an old friend. But he brought me home Thai Chicken pizza!!!! YUMMY!

Graduation this weekend!

9 days of school left!

Life is good!

Another Great Weekend

On Friday, I headed to my mom and dad's to meet Lauren who had been there since Wednesday! It was the start of a fantastic weekend! After catching up with Lauren and getting her tucked into bed, my sister and I headed out for supper and some drinks. We ended up rememberin (and reliving) some old times.

On Saturday, Mom, Lauren and I went to Storm Lake to deliver puppies, get groceries and went to the Villager for lunch. Then we had a farm afternoon! Linda, Joe and Lexi came to visit. We grilled pork chops for supper and then had a bonfire in the driveway - first S'mores of the summer!

After hanging out for a little bit Sunday morning, Lauren and I headed for home because she hadn't seen her daddy for a week because he was out of town! After Mike got caught up on his smooches (for both of us) we headed to Omaha for supper with Grandpa and Grandma Holm and Great-Grandma Holm to celebrate Grandpa Holm's birthday. Then just some chill time before Mike left for work!

Cadre XVI

Today was the last official day of class for Cadre XVI of Doane College. We have been working together (and I do mean together) to earn our Master's Degrees in Educational Leadership since June of 2007. Since then, nine (almost half) of us have added a baby to our families and two people are getting married this summer...not to each other, though! Our group has been simply amazing and we wouldn't have made it through without eachother.

We celebrated today by sharing our School Improvement Projects (a version of a thesis), quotes and summaries of our learning and sharing memories of our two years and things we were proud of. The tears started early, thanks to Amber, and continued through the end. There was even some "Man Mist" involved from the guys. Then we moved venues to LaMesa and continued our celebration with some cervasas and marjaritas! It was a fantastic day despite the torrential rain!

I am amazed by these people everyday. So thanks to Sarah Schau (my carpool), Justin Haberman, Jessie Kent, Sara Holland, John Deeney, Diane Beninato, Brandi Uher, Amber Johnson, Ryan Broshar, Rob Mason, Brent Schade, Shelley Schmitz, Deb Garrison, Dade McDonald, Mike Sortino, Amy Murray, Rhonda Martin, Liz Flynn, Britnie Cox and Amber Johnson for a great two years!

It was 80 today!!!!!!!!

We went outside and played! It was awesome!

9 Months

The big girl is 9 months today! She is gobbling the table food (chicken and honeydew among some faves) and getting up on all threes and is trying to crawl.

We go to the doctor tomorrow for our check up, so I will update with stats later.

Practicin'

With some down time (yeah!!!) on our hands, Lauren and I got to spend some quality time playing in the living room. We decided that we should work on the big girl skill of crawling. Lauren gets up on "all three" but just can't quite figure out how to get the "fourth" one in the right place.

The Easter Bunny brought her a "Stand and Go" so she could start practicing her walking. She wants nothing to do with that. If you hold her up to it, she hold her legs up and it looks like she is sitting down. However...she does like it in the "go" position and rides the little car. Of course, the only gear that it has is reverse as she hasn't discovered forward yet in her walker either!

Easter

We had a great time at Easter in Marathon with all of our family. Grandma and Grandpa Holm even drove all of the way to help us celebrate.

Caleb's Day at the Zoo

Caleb came down to stay with us over Spring Break. On 4/9, we braved the 45 degree weather and headed to the zoo. There is so much to do inside that we ended up having a great day. Lots of times when it is cooler out, the animals are more active and showing off for the crowd.

Sorry that it took me so long to get this posted, Bubby, the pics were on my camera and I kinda forgot about them!

Breakfast with Daddy

Thursday was Mike's day home with Lauren. This picture arrived on my email around 10:00.

It brightened my day to know what a good morning they were having!

Off Roadin'

Lauren and I went for an ATV ride this afternoon. She would have ridden forever, but it was a bit chilly with the wind blowing. It was awesome to be at my mom and dad's...Lauren came up on Thursday - after meeting Grandma in Denison. Mommy got one night of being home alone and then Mommy and Daddy went on date night Friday night (can you say Kobe Steakhouse - yummy). Cousin Caleb had been down earlier in the week (post coming, but the pic is at home), so we have had a busy Spring Break! We will be celebrating Easter tomorrow in Marathon with our family before heading home for one more day of vacation! Then Mommy has 29 more days of school left!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I love Blueberries

One of Lauren's new favorite things is to eat frozen fruit out of her mesh feeder. Its kinda like a pacifier that you has a mesh bag on the end and you can put food in it. Lauren really loves peaches and blueberries. The blueberries definitely require clean up!!!!

Brayton's First Day Out

It was the best week ever! Our buddy Brayton got to go home from the hospital for the first time ever!!!! Another member of our online group is a professional photographer and she was there to capture the day for them. And what's the first thing that any boy does when he gets out of the hospital...he goes to the beach! Here's Brayton's first trip out...with his mom and dad.

If you want to see more pics...check out

http://angiewarrenphotography.com/bs-big-day-angie-warren-san-francisco-photographer/comment-page-1/#comment-99

What a day!!!!!!!

My nephew, Cole, is visiting for the weekend. He is going to be nine in April and has always come to stay with me. He kinda got neglected during my pregnancy and since Lauren was born. We started to make up for that this weekend!

He signed up to take a class about sea turtles at the zoo this morning. I dropped him off and Lauren and I went to visit Brenda and Morgan. I had planned on just picking Cole up at the gate, but the building where his class was was in the middle of the zoo. So, we ended up spending a couple of hours at the zoo! It was awesome! We are so lucky to have the zoo in Omaha!

We had to stop at Kohl's to buy Cole a swimsuit b/c we were going to go swimming at the Y on the way home to relax, but it was closing in a half hour. We also had to stop by Target for a cruise down the toy aisle.

When we got home, we actually worked out in the garage for a little while. Cole entertained Lauren while I drug our old lawn mower out to the end of our driveway. It is broke, so we put a "free to a good home" sign on it. I was doing a little rearranging and cleaning in the garage and before I was done, someone was looking at the lawn mower. It was gone before bathtime!

Now Cole and I are enjoying popcorn, hot apple cider and Return of the Jedi! Tomorrow we are going to church and then meeting the rest of the Siebrecht's in Sioux City!