Happy BIRTHday Ethan Charles!

Ethan may have missed his due date (Nov. 3), Martin Chemnitz (Nov. 9), Martin Luther (Nov. 10), and of course 11/11/11, but he didn't miss his birthday: 11/12/11. We are happy to announce the birth of our son Ethan Charles. He is a healthy 8lbs, 6oz, 20.75", born at 5:12AM. Big sister Olivia was excited to meet him at the hospital. Mommy is delighted and Daddy is proud as can be.

Happy Halloween

Our Halloween celebration this year included pumpkin carving, visiting a pumpkin patch, Trunk or Treat at Zion, a party at our house and Trick or Treating with Olivia in the neighborhood.  Quite an eventful month!  Of all the events the crowning jewel of the month was Olivia's costume made by yours truly.  Here she is in her debut as a Bunch of Grapes.

Julianna's Baby Shower

One of the celebrations in Wisconsin was a Baby Shower for Andy and Julianna.  Sarah, Cindy and I hosted a delightful little shower for Julianna's family.  We had a fantastic time.

I strung the streamers, I will be adding this to my post-teaching resume.

Rubber duck punch.

Rattle cupcakes.

Oliva approves of this event.

A bag game.

Sarah, Valerie, Julianna and Cindy.  Four fantastic friends.

Picture perfect and quite color coordinated.

Olivia and James in Wisconsin

At the beginning of July, Olivia and I traveled with the Jensen and Buescher family to Rosholt, Wisconsin, for our dear friends' weekend of celebrations.  Sadly, Dennis had to stay in Saint Louis due to a summer class. Olivia and James had a great time climbing on the bay window and crawling on an air mattress.

Join me!

Up and down, back and forth.

Tons of fun.

Julianna and Andy are expecting their first baby in the beginning of October.  Julianna is a kitchen diva and was happy to model her hot mamma apron!  We dined on wonderful food while in Wisconsin compliments of the Wedens.

Red pepper apron.

An Experiment

When it comes to Olivia's mealtimes the bottom line is...messy.  I usually put food on a tray that attaches to her booster chair.  The chair becomes a mess as does the tray, Olivia and the floor.  I took a risk and pushed her up to the table so her little tummy was touching the side and put her food on a princess plate.  The risk was that in one fell swoop the whole plate could be on the floor.  I decided to be brave and act casual.

The plate is ready.

Olivia is ready.

Messy table, no big deal.

Happy satisfied customer.

Clean floor!  Happy Mommy!

Fun Summer Day

Hanging out with Olivia has been lots of fun.  Sidewalk chalk and the park are a recipe for a great day.

Shapes and letters.

Up the stairs.

What fun!

Camera case.

Down goes Mommy's water.

Down goes Olivia.

Hurray!

Fourth of July Visit to the Zoo

On July 4, Olivia and I donned patriotic colors and walked to the zoo.  She strolled, I pushed.  

Ready for the zoo.

An elephant.

Olivia enjoyed watching the carousel.

Mommy and Olivia.

A bear, perhaps a relative of Bearnice?

Stretching her legs.

Hippos!