Jack is walking!

Last Saturday Jack took his first steps and on Monday he started walking!  Love his proud smile as he walks back and forth between Ryan and me!  Related or not, I'm not sure, but after only 4 days with tubes, Jack has been talking more, happier and more content little guy and now he's walking!  Go Jack!

The other big accomplishment on Monday night at our house was that Madelyn wrote her name, all by herself!  Since starting preschool she loves tracing letters and now she has started writing the letters free hand.  So fun to watch her learn and be so excited about it!

Jack's 1 year pictures

We had Jack's 1 year pictures taken by bc fotos on Feb 1st.  Beth does a fabulous job and we love working with her!  She has taken our pictures since Madelyn was a baby.  Jack wasn't as smiley and happy as he usually is but she still captured some great moments and photos!

My sweethearts!

Our family!

Being silly!

Our 1 year old!

Hanging out

Getting so close to walking by himself!

Ready, Set…...

Jack being so serious

My happy babies!

My beautiful baby girl!

Looking so grown up!

Sweet and Innocent

Daddy is so fun!

Madelyn can always make him laugh!

Most likely staring up at mommy and daddy as we
make crazy faces trying to make them smile! :)

These 3 are my everything!

Mommy & Daddy with the birthday boy!

Love this picture

The girls!

Daddy Daughter bond!

Beautiful smiles

Basketball Fun!

Gooseneck for Papa!

We went to the Gustavus - St Kate's game yesterday as I am a mentor for one of the Gustavus Women's Basketball players.  We were excited (and a little nervous) to take the kids.  I knew they would enjoy it but it was just a matter of how long the excitement would last!  We ended up getting to the game with only a couple minutes left in the 1st half (this was planned but it felt weird since we are always at games BEFORE they start!).  The kids watched for a little bit and then we got to run around at halftime.

The most exciting part about halftime was that Jack took his 1st steps all by himself!  He was standing between my legs and was watching all the action and all of a sudden I didn't feel him leaning on me and we looked down and he took 2 steps.  Good thing I was paying attention or we would have missed it!

Then it was time to head back to the game.  It went so well!  We all enjoyed it and had a blast!  Madelyn watched the game and then would go up and down a few stairs but she really liked watching the game.  She kept asking when she could go out there.  Jack watched and played around in the bleachers as well.  The lady sitting next to me said we have the quietest children - I told her it's deceiving because we're in a loud arena!  Come over at night and she might have a different opinion :)

The Gusties won by 20+ which was awesome and my mentee did great!  Fun game to watch!  After the game Madelyn ran around on the floor and Jack was enthralled by all the people coming and going.  Then the kids played in the bleachers.  Everyone was happy so we hung out for awhile.  We were the last ones to leave the gym!  

Madelyn has been asking to go to more 'basket games' since.  I can't wait to take the kids again next year!  I'm sure it will be a different dynamic with Jack walking/running but I think they will both get into it!

She loved running on the court!

Jack's Tubes

Yesterday we braved the horrible driving conditions to have Jack's tubes put in.  It was some of the worst weather we have driven in.  We thought the worst part would be getting out of driveway and caul-de-sac.  We had so much snow but it wasn't a match for Ryan's Trailblazer.  What we didn't expect was the glare ice that we encountered on 494.  My stomach was in knots the whole way but Ryan did awesome and got us to the Minnetonka day surgery center safe and sound!

I knew if we didn't go yesterday we would likely have to wait another 4-6 weeks to reschedule as our surgeon is booked so far in advance.  If we had to wait that would mean at least 1, if not 2, more ear infection for baby Jack.  Jack had an awesome week at daycare and at home and I didn't want to set him back with another infection.  Thankfully it all worked out and he has his tubes!

We had planned on dropping Madelyn off at daycare on our way but daycare was delayed in opening until 8:30 due to the weather.  That was fine as we ended up taking Madelyn with us.  She did great, which I knew she would.  She got a sticker, freezing pop and lots of love from the nursing staff!

Jack did great considering he couldn't eat or drink in the morning.  Usually Jack guzzles a cup of water first thing but he ended up sleeping most of the way to the surgery center.

The surgeon said there was lots of think fluid in Jack's ears so yet another reassurance that we were doing the right thing.  Jack was more fussy coming out of surgery/anesthesia compared to Madelyn.  Madelyn just woke up and was quieter but Jack was crying and screaming…..almost inconsolable at times.  The nurses said that was completely normal.  After he woke up, had some food, a glass of water and a nap on the way home, he was back to his happy self!  In fact Jack was talking so much yesterday - felt like his tubes worked instantly and he could hear himself!  I hope the tubes work as well for Jack as they have for Madelyn!!

Jack and Mommy before surgery

Our sweet boy just hanging out

Madelyn coloring and Jack wanting to color!

Happy Camper Jack, rocking on the horsie after his tubes!

Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day from our little sweethearts…..thank you Nana for the outfits!

Sedona, Arizona

Ryan and I went to Arizona last week.  We had a great time!  It was the perfect get-away for just the two of us.  The kids stayed in Iowa with Grandma and Grandpa and had a great time!

Poor Jack ended up getting an ear infection while we were gone.  Thankfully with meds and extra TLC from Grandma, he was back to himself when we got home.  It confirms our decision to go ahead with tubes.

We stayed in Scottsdale the first night.  It was fun to walk around in shorts and a t-shirt and just explore.  We had a fabulous meal at a Mexican restaurant.  We enjoy the little things these days - eating a meal from start to finish while it's still hot and we can have a conversation from start to finish as well!

On Wednesday morning we took off for Sedona.  Wow, Sedona is beautiful!  We went for an amazing hike on Wed afternoon and we were in awe the whole time.  We ended up getting lost on the way back to our car (this seems to be par for the course for us when we are hiking!) so we hiked/walked about 3 miles further but we didn't care as it was so nice to be outside, enjoying our time together!

Thursday Ryan rented a mountain bike and I went to the spa.  We both enjoyed doing what we love to do :)

Friday morning Ryan went for a quick ride and I just rested and relaxed.  I used to go, go, go on vacations but now that I go, go, go every day with the kids, I've decided it's ok and much needed to just relax and take it all in on vacation!  We both came home refreshed and couldn't wait to see the kids!

The kids had a blast in Iowa.  Madelyn helped Uncle Chris celebrate his birthday.  They made homemade playdoh, read books, sang songs and entertained some of Grandma's friends.  Jack enjoyed the marble machine - it's his favorite thing on the farm!  It was a wonderful week for everyone! :)

Sedona

Hiking Selfie

We made it to the top of Devil's Ridge!

This is Devil's Ridge.  We ended up walking out on that ledge!
It's wider and safer than it looks but we weren't so sure at first!

Ryan's Mountain Biking Adventure

Perfect blue the sky

From Ryan's sunrise bike ride on Friday morning
Beautiful!

On our way to meet Grandpa and Grandma in Mankato

Jack trying out Grandpa hat

Even though Jack wasn't feeling great, he's always up for cake! :)

Madelyn helping Uncle Chris blow out his candles

Homemade playdoh with Grandpa

Getting ready to come home!

Happy 2nd Birthday Nora!

Happy Happy Birthday Sweet Nora!  Wow, you are 2 already!  So full of energy and always smiling!  You make me smile every time I see you!  You are one tough girl with a tender heart!  I love the sweet hugs I always get from you!  My favorite thing about your 2nd birthday party was when you were opening presents and saying "ooooh, aaahhhh" for every present - it felt like you were much older than 2 but then since you run around with your brother and cousin Madelyn you are much older than your age!  Madelyn was so sad to leave the party as she kept saying "I want to run around with Nora!!" :)  You are one fun girl!  Yet you always have a special place in your heart for baby Jack (as you call him, baby jackie - melts my heart!) and he is so lucky!  You always make time to give Jack hugs and extra love.  We hope you have a fabulous 2nd birthday!  We all love you so much sweet girl!!!  Here's Madelyn and Jack's special birthday message for Nora…….

Auntie snagging a picture with the beautiful birthday girl at her 2nd birthday party!

Best Buds…..Nora and Jack - Jan 2014

The girls in the tub - Nov 2013

Nora hugging Baby Jackie - Oct 2013

Nora, all smiles, sharing Nana's lap with Baby Jack! Oct 2013

The girls having so much fun together on the stairs - April 2013

 

One of my favorites with Nora and Great Grandma Marlys - May 2012
GG Marlys loved rocking Nora and Nora was equally as happy by her big smile! :)