Lauren's Life

Here she is at 19.5 months!

2010-03-06T22:28:00.003-06:00

This is the little fashionista playing with some necklaces. She is such a sparkly little lady!

Lauren has really enjoying playing with some Weeble hand-me-downs from her big cousin's. She really likes sending the Weebles down the slide and we find them all over the house!

This was Lauren's first foray out in the snow. And the snow had already mostly melted. Our winter was long, cold and windy...not really condusive to going out to play. We made the most of this day, thought.

Bad Blogger

2010-03-06T22:27:00.002-06:00

I haven't blogged in a while...things have been so busy! I am going to be better at it!

Outside in Late November

2009-11-28T21:58:00.004-06:00

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!

2009-11-25T21:28:00.002-06:00

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

Sick

2009-11-08T20:20:00.002-06:00

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

2009-11-04T20:15:00.002-06:00

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

2009-10-28T21:21:00.002-05:00

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...

2009-10-23T19:42:00.002-05:00

...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

2009-10-04T18:41:00.003-05:00

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

2009-09-30T21:41:00.002-05:00

Here's some recent pics of the big girl!

What's been going on?

2009-09-09T21:45:00.002-05:00

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

2009-08-26T20:21:00.002-05:00

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

Had to share

2009-08-13T19:49:00.003-05:00

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!

2009-07-30T21:16:00.002-05:00

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

2009-07-25T14:40:00.005-05:00

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

2009-07-25T14:33:00.003-05:00

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

2009-07-18T21:33:00.002-05:00

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

2009-07-06T22:36:00.002-05:00

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

2009-07-06T08:26:00.003-05:00

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

2009-06-29T08:57:00.005-05:00

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!

2009-06-15T22:22:00.003-05:00

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!

2009-06-11T20:30:00.005-05:00

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

2009-05-29T10:39:00.002-05:00

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!

2009-05-20T21:54:00.002-05:00

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!

2009-05-17T21:08:00.004-05:00

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!

2009-05-15T20:37:00.002-05:00

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

2009-05-11T21:56:00.005-05:00

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

2009-05-03T21:25:00.002-05:00

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

2009-04-26T19:24:00.003-05:00

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!!!!!!!!

2009-04-22T22:26:00.002-05:00

We went outside and played! It was awesome!

9 Months

2009-04-20T21:22:00.002-05:00

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'

2009-04-19T12:56:00.004-05:00

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

2009-04-19T12:48:00.004-05:00

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

2009-04-19T09:52:00.004-05:00

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

2009-04-17T20:27:00.004-05:00

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'

2009-04-11T22:24:00.005-05:00

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

2009-03-28T20:51:00.002-05:00

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

2009-03-28T20:35:00.004-05:00

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!!!!!!!

2009-03-21T21:05:00.007-05:00

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!

8 Months Big!

2009-03-21T21:02:00.003-05:00

Oh, gosh! Where does the time go? It just keeps going faster, too, it seems. Lauren turned 8 months old on Friday! She's at just around 21 pounds...down a little from 7 months, but she hasn't been feeling good. She has her bottom two front teeth. Thursday night she was sitting in a little chair facing me in the rocking chair and she put her hands on my knees and just stood up. Just like that! She looked at me, smiled and plunked back down!

News about our buddy, Brayton!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-03-17T16:25:00.002-05:00

We are so excited to tell everyone that our little buddy, Brayton, gets to go home with his mommy and daddy on Tuesday, March 24!!!!!!!!!!!! His mommy and daddy are going to go to San Fran on Friday to visit and when they come home, Brayton will get to come with them!!!!!!! We are so excited!

Another Milestone

2009-03-14T14:08:00.002-05:00

We installed Lauren's "Big Girl Seat" in my car for the ride to Grandpa and Grandma T's on Friday to see how it went. Besides looking so small in it, I think she enjoyed.

Where do the weeks go?

2009-03-11T20:22:00.003-05:00

Things have been ultra busy around here that the weeks are zooming by! Lauren and I spotted a robin out her bedroom window Saturday morning. She's so excited that that means that spring is coming. She knows we are going to be outside more and more. We walked down to see our neighbor's horses on Friday night and she was very interested in them. Then she heard the train whistle blow and got that "OHHHHHHH" look on her face and was busy trying to find it!

She spend the night with Grandma and Grandpa Holm Saturday night so mommy could get a lot of her grad school work done. One chapter left to go! Graduation is May 17th!!! Only 1.5 class days left! I can't wait. She had fun at Grandma and Grandpa's.

Sleeping has been an adventure this week. We don't know if its the time change, the weather, teeth, tummy, ears, the temp in her room. We have decided that we are just a part of a big science experiment! Last night we got a 4 hour stretch w/ the ceiling fan on, so we think she may be too warm. She's always been a warm body!

Our next to last aquatot class was tonight. She thought she was a big girl tonight because she used her skills to blow bubbles. She thought was really funny until she gulped some water, but after a sec she didn't mind that so much either. At the end we were having play time and she stood up all by herself! We will be sad when class is over next week! One of the bonuses is that we get to spend some time with our friends Kelli and Kamryn!

We are going to Grammy and Grampy T's this weekend! We are excited because Cousin Cole has a dance recital Friday night and his Boy Scouts pinewood derby on Saturday. Then Mike and I are going to go out for supper and maybe a movie to celebrate our anniversary! Plus I don't have to go to work on Friday!

And I wonder why the weeks go so fast...

What a Week!

2009-02-27T19:34:00.002-06:00

I feel horrible that I haven't posted for the week, but its been one of those fast and short weeks. Lauren and I were at Grammy and Grampy's from Friday until Tuesday helping Grampy heal from his surgery and making Grammy's life easier. Lauren had an upper respiratory infection and tonsilitis whilw we were there. When we got back, it was immediately back to the grind. Wednesday was Mike's birthday and our traditional pilgrimage to Denny's! Thursday was Survivor with my "Y" girls. Tonight we are taking a 1/2 hour bath and hoping going to bed peacefully so I can complete my assignments for class on Sunday (only three left!!!!!!!!) Before class on Sunday, however, my sister and some of her friends are coming down for Mardi Gras on the Western Iowa wine trail on Saturday! I am so excited!

Kissing Linda

2009-02-21T21:14:00.003-06:00

Lauren sure misses her Great Aunt Linda while she is in San Fran for the winter. They were video chatting this morning and Lauren thought she needed to give Linda lots and lots of kisses!

We had a great day at grammy and grampy's. Grampy is getting around pretty good on his new hip. He has to sleep in the lounger because the bed isn't comfy yet. Tony and Tina brought over yummy enchilada's for supper. Of course, there were some cards played! Nyle, Tina and Amy beat Lou, Ruth and Tony in a down to the wire squeaker!

7 Months Old!

2009-02-20T22:55:00.002-06:00

Here's a pic of the big girl today on her 7 month birthday! She weighed in at 22lbs. 5 oz. and measured 26.5 inches. We are going to have to switch to her convertible car seat next week! She is pulling up to stand if you hold her hand, has perfected the front to back roll - finally, and can feed herself a whole bottle without making too big of mess. Kathy (daycare goddess) says crawling is close on the horizon!

Pics from Aquatots

2009-02-19T18:10:00.002-06:00

Mike was able to go to aquatots class with us last night and got some pics taken.

Prayers for Grampy

2009-02-15T20:19:00.001-06:00

Grampy John is having a hip replacement surgery on February 16. Please say a little prayer for a speedy recovery. Lauren is going to stay with Aunt Lou and the boys for the day. I'll hang out with mom and Julie as long as I can before we have to head south. I am going to work this week as normal and then take some days off next week to help mom out once dad comes home!

We have a CHOMPER!!!

2009-02-11T20:36:00.003-06:00

Tonight when we took a break during Aquatots to warm up, my mommy discovered that I have a tooth that has come all of the way through!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have a chomper!!!! It makes me feel like such a big girl. What my mommy thinks is funny is how my runny nose and cough disappeared today. Its funny how those things can be affected by little things like teeth! Its crazy! I seem to be doing ok...I was a little crabby during swimming lessons, but the water was kinda cold, too. I slept all of the way home and let mommy get everything ready for tomorrow's adventures. Then she gave me some medicine to help me feel good and I chugged a bottle and went to sleep! I hope that I sleep all night because mommy has been getting up with me a lot and she is really tired.

I also need to ask everyone to pray for my grammpy...he is going to have surgery soon!
Love,
Lauren

0 to 60!!!!

2009-02-06T20:20:00.003-06:00

Monday it was zero and today it was sixty...that's Iowa for ya! I hustled buns to get home from work in time for a quick walk with Lauren. It was the first time she had ridden big girl style in her stroller. Previousily, all other rides were in the infant seat attached to the stroller. She liked it a lot, although I have to figure out how to make it sit up a little more. We attached some toys (including a book) with her linky doos and off we went. We got almost to town and the sun started going down and it started to cool off really fast, so we had to head home. The sun was just setting as we pulled in the drive and I snapped this pic.

AQUATOTS!!!!

2009-02-04T20:13:00.002-06:00

Tonight was the first meeting of the Aquatots class at the Lied Center in Bellevue. Our friend, Kamryn, and her mommy, Kelli, asked us to sign up and go with them. Mommy and Kelli teach school together. Our friend, Chase, and his mommy, Casey, were there too! Our teacher's name is Laurie and one her kids was in Janelle's class a few years ago.

We had a great time kicking, front floating and back floating! We even "jumped" in off the side at Humpty Dumpty time! It was awesome and we can wait to go back next week! And we really can't wait to tear it up at the local pools this summer! At Grammy's, too!

Kelli's husband took some pics, so I hope to post some later!

...and My Heart Melted

2009-01-29T20:53:00.002-06:00

Tonight I had the first night of this semester's round of Parent-Teacher Conferences. If you think you hate going to them - just imagine sitting through 25 of them.

Of course, because its how life works, Mike had to work tonight. Fortunately we are lucky enough to have great friends like Kristen, Jay, Kate and Wil to play with Lauren until I could pick her up. I walked in the living room and she was excited to see me - as usual. She got a big smile - as usual and started flapping her arms - as usual. But, when I picked her up, she leaned in for a kiss and then laid her head on my shoulder and snuggled in...and then my heart melted.

PS - Thanks Kristen, Jay, Kate and Wil! You guys rock!

Prayers for our friend, Brayton

2009-01-21T22:24:00.000-06:00

Our friend Cooper and his mommy, Julie, posted this on their BLOG about our friend Brayton. Lauren and I decided to put it on our BLOG so we can have as many people praying as possible. This is what our friend Julie wrote:

There's a special baby boy, Brayton, who is 6.5 months old and has never left the hospital since he was born. He was born with a defect in his esophagus where it was not connected to his stomach (along with related complications) and he has been in the NICU/PICU since the day he was born (6/30). I know this baby's mom, Aimee, through an online support group I belong to.
Brayton had surgery on Thursday to attempt to repair and connect the necessary parts. This was a long awaited procedure that would eventually allow him to finally go home. However, there have been complications that are quite dangerous and worrisome and little Brayton needs all the prayers and positive thoughts he can get right now.
Please join me in praying for little Brayton. Thank you!

6 months BIG

2009-01-20T17:55:00.000-06:00

Truly - where did a half a year go? Lauren celebrated her six month birthday by sharing her big day with President Obama (did anyone else get goosebumps?) and having a "poo"fest at daycare. I just can't believe how big she is getting. Before I know it, I'll be on here telling everyone what our plans are for her birthday!!!! I am scared!

No big plans for the evening. Daddy is working. Mommy is having a salad for supper and Lauren is having carrots. Then it will be bath, books, bottle, bed - the 4 B's! Kisses to all!

Sad Day

2009-01-18T16:00:00.000-06:00

Oh what a sad day...we put Lauren's swing away. To say that she spent time in the swing would be putting it lightly. If it weren't for her swing, she probably wouldn't have taken a nap between a month and 5 months old. It was taking up a lot of room in our living/dining room. Our living room has been taken over by Punky's toys. She has two exersaucers (although one is now in our bedroom), her pink rocking chair, crawling tunnel and various little toys. Its amazing how a little thing like her can have so much stuff!

The fun part is that we finally got out her "Johnny Jumper", I don't know if that's the technical name for it, but that's what I think its called. She had a ball in it and spent about 20 minutes in it, which I think is pretty good for the first time. She is really developing her leg muscles and was showing us her "jumper" as Uncle Ryan would say.

Our little girl is really growing up!

Fully Recovered

2009-01-15T21:06:00.001-06:00

After 5 days of mommy and daddy having the flu and Lauren fighting a cough everything seems back to normal. Daddy has been working the past two nights in the cold. Lauren and mommy have been visiting the Walls' and playing with all the toys in the living room in front of the warm fireplace. Lauren is starting to work on crawling...she gets her butt way up in the air and really wants the blocks that mommy puts in front of her! She also discovered a new love, laying on her back in the bathtub and kicking and splashing. We are also starting swimming lessons in a couple of weeks. Hopefully sleeping through the night will come back pretty soon - although mommy and daddy won't complain because they are spoiled by Lauren!!!!

Here's some of Lauren's current faves:
Veggie - squash
Book - "Bear Wants More"
Hat - pink camo
Body Part - toes
Toy - Exersaucer

Back to the Salt Mines

2009-01-04T21:47:00.000-06:00

After 2 week plus vacation, it is time to go back to work on Monday! I am glad that Mike didn't work tonight, so he'll be home in the morning. That means Lauren will be hanging out with him, so I don't have to get her to daycare. We didn't have school the last day before vacation because of the weather, so I have some work to get done that I was going to do that day!

It is hard to believe how much Lauren has changed in the two weeks! I was just writing a note to Kathy (Daycare Goddess) so Mike didn't have to fill her in on all the details. She sits up, she rolls, she eats veggies, she takes prunes with her oatmeal and she has moved to bathtime in the bath tub instead of sink. Even her looks have changed. Her eyes are this amazing blue. Most of her dark brown baby hair is gone and is filling in with light blonde hair. The spot on her head that the dr. was worried about has really fixed itself and she is grabbing everything in sight! She especially likes computers - I wonder where she gets that from :-).

Didn't quite get the living room back together, although all of the Christmas stuff is packed and put away. I am sure I forgot something, somewhere as it seems you always do. I'll have to work tomorrow night on getting things back together. We are taking the coffee table out of the living room to allow for more playroom. I am looking forward to a little rearranging tomorrow night! It is amazing the things I can get done when Mike isn't here....although I have to give him big credit for taking Lauren on errands with him Saturday for six hours so I could unpack from our trip and start getting things organized! They spent some time with Grandpa and Grandma Holm!!!!

Hope everyone's new year is off to a great start.

3 for 1 Trade

2008-12-31T12:03:00.001-06:00

I don't know if its good business or not, but I have traded one girl for three boys. Lauren is hanging out today with Aunt Julie and Cole, Caleb and Cody are hangin' out with Aunt T! The three boys are super busy little men, but they don't require quite as much attention as the Little Miss. I think I made a fair trade:-)

Cole, Caleb and I are going to be heading to Spencer this afternoon to go see The Tales of Despereaux and do a little shopping at Wal-Mart. The Little Miss is out of wipes and almost out of dipes, so its time to go. It should be a fun afternoon. Cody is going to stay with his mom to help with Lauren. He thinks they need to take a bath!

We'll let you know what we think of the movie!

The Start of Lauren's Blog

2008-12-30T09:32:00.000-06:00

Today, I finally got two minutes to set down and get a blog started to share Lauren's Life with the world. It will probably take me another 5 and a half months to get it where I want it to be, but we'll get there! We look forward to hearing from all of our friends!