Ben has become quite the little imitator, which I guess is how kids learn words. When he hands me things, he now says dadoo (thank you) to me, and especially loves giving me random things when I'm feeding Finn. He says down (we go downstairs) and die for both light and cry. Usually it's quite clear which one he means. He says bottie for bottle. We were saying oh man this morning. That's close to amen, which he does with a southern accent-amayn. He will say all duh for all done and hand me his bowl when he's finished.
He is stealing spatulas out of the drawer. He just sticks his hand in and grabs, or off the counter if he strikes at supper time. He is currently sucking the trickling pop out of a can that he just damaged. He likes to pretend to drink out of things, but I thought he was making an unusual noise. Sure enough, the pop is very slowly seeping out. I guess I better take care of that instead of writing. He also has a couple cans on the swing. I guess it's nap time for them.
Ben has also decided he's big enough to go down the stairs like adults. He just puts his hand on the wall and starts going. He has tried going up that way with the railing, but he's just not tall enough. Like a good mom, I just turn my eyes and hope he doesn't fall. Should I be giving him a learning curve with stairs?
As for the little one, he is now sleeping pretty much through the night. He would probably sleep longer except for all the noise when the rest of us get up. Ben is usually concerned about baby when he gets up and has to see Finn, and he's certainly not quiet about it. Finn is trying to figure out his nap schedule during the day. I think he's transitioning to 2 naps, but it's a work in progress.
Since it's been a while, just a quick update for us. Jon started his last quarter this week. I think it was a bit odd for him not to have to worry about filling out forms and thinking about summer assignments and fall quarters. We're already making plans for graduation and after. Seminary has definitely gone fast and we got 2 kids and some good friends out of the deal.
I am still working in the mornings. Ben takes 1 afternoon nap, so I like to try to get something done or just relax. Lately it's been spending good quality time with Finn or trying to get him to sleep.
I need to get some food into Ben before he crashes. I'll try to get a few pictures posted this afternoon.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Monday, February 16, 2009
My Little Helper
Yesterday Jon went to take a nap. He put the gate up so Ben wouldn't go banging on the door as he is like to do. Ben needed a diaper change, so I changed him in the living room and set the diaper on the other side of the gate to put in the diaper pail later. When Jon got up, Ben went running over as Jon took the gate down. We were thinking he was excited to see Daddy, but we were wrong (or maybe only half wrong). Ben grabbed the diaper, went walking into our room, and put it in the diaper pail. Now if only he could change himself...
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Our Boys
The boys obviously have the same outfit on, but they were actually given by 2 different people. We just had to take pictures. Ben is 17-1/2 months and Finn is 2-1/2 months.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Who Has Time?
Last night I laid in bed thinking about the things I did (and did not get done) yesterday. I was thinking about the letter I finally wrote to my great aunt, who is 93, who is the only person I actually write letters to. With 2 kids, I really have not had time to do a whole lot and I've been thinking about this letter for a while now. It took me a whole half hour to fill up 1 piece of paper. Then I was done. I can usually ramble on for a couple of pages, but I just couldn't do any more what with one kid trying to take the pen out of my hand and another one crying. How did people ever have time to write letters way back when? I also used to write in a journal every day, and I was thinking about how therapeutic that was and would be for me now. I don't remember the last time I did that. It's a good thing I work on the computer, or I'm not sure I would ever check my email.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
More Things About Me
I was tagged in Facebook for 25 things about me. I just added on to my original 16. So here are 9 more things:
17. I love to organize. Cleaning is another matter. I have to be in the right mood for that.
18. Despite my frustration with my child, I love being a mom. I have always believed this is my calling.
19. I love to read and I love doing puzzles. When I was in college, mom and I would do a puzzle when I came home for Christmas, spring break, etc. I looked forward to that.
20. I like beef and chicken, but there's nothing like a good pork chop with a baked potato smothered in butter and sour cream (vegetables optional).
21. I'm not an outdoor person at all. I just hope I can enjoy being outside with my kids when they're older.
22. I really enjoy medical transcription. I wish I had come upon it sooner in my life.
23. I hear Ben say "Hey baby" about 100 times a day. No, he's not talking to me.
24. I'm really annoyed with commercials on TV.
25. I love how the simplest things make babies laugh.
17. I love to organize. Cleaning is another matter. I have to be in the right mood for that.
18. Despite my frustration with my child, I love being a mom. I have always believed this is my calling.
19. I love to read and I love doing puzzles. When I was in college, mom and I would do a puzzle when I came home for Christmas, spring break, etc. I looked forward to that.
20. I like beef and chicken, but there's nothing like a good pork chop with a baked potato smothered in butter and sour cream (vegetables optional).
21. I'm not an outdoor person at all. I just hope I can enjoy being outside with my kids when they're older.
22. I really enjoy medical transcription. I wish I had come upon it sooner in my life.
23. I hear Ben say "Hey baby" about 100 times a day. No, he's not talking to me.
24. I'm really annoyed with commercials on TV.
25. I love how the simplest things make babies laugh.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Friday, January 16, 2009
17 Things about Me (Jon)
Okay I accept the challenge of Keri and will do her one better. Hence here is 17 (16 +1) things about me.
1. My favorite TV show is the Simpsons, followed closely by the Sopranos
2. I am a fan of random documentaries. This past year I have watched documentary series on the History of Soccer, Christianity, and the National Parks.
3. As a kid, my favorite activity in church was to fill in all the "o" in the bulletin with my pen. I then would count how many zeros or letter O's I had filled in each line. The most I ever had in one line was 17.
4. My second favorite activity in church was to count how many "1's" there are on a one-dollar-bill. As a kid growning up in the 1900's, there was always at least 10 ones on a dollar. The most I ever had on a bill was 24. It is still a habit I do to this day.
5. My favorite place in the world is the State Fairgrounds during the Minnesota State Fair. It kills me that it has been 4 years since I was last at the fair. You have to realize I practically grew up there as my family would show sheep and cattle at the fair for at least 4 days each summer. I along with my brothers probably know those grounds like we do our backyard. My younger brother Nathaniel and I as 12 and 10 year olds spent 9 days up there with 3 of those days completely unsupervised as Mom and Dad took sheep to the South Dakota State Fair. IT WAS AWESOME. Two young boys. 100 dollars for food and entertainment for three days while caring for one sheep. We spent more in the Arcades then what we spent on food, which considering food costs at the State Fair is pretty remarkable. Nathaniel saved up his meal money for one day in order to buy a big bucket of "Sweet Martha's Cookies", the best cookies ever. I believe he got sick from it. At one point we were so tired from running around the fair that we took naps in the air-conditioned comfort of the Minnesota DNR theater while watching Nature Survivial films from the 1970's (from these films, I basically learned that if you are a long-haired hippy whose dune buggy overtuned in the desert, you will DIE from the cold when nightfall comes; oh, and NEVER hike in the woods; blizzards are only seconds away). Can't wait to take my boys there someday(the state fair; not the woods, brrrr).
6. I love people's reaction when I tell them that I was a Meat Judging Coach in Grad School. The puzzled looks are priceless. In order to explain it, I am going to start telling people that basically Meat Judging is like the "American Idol" of Beef and I taught college students to find their inner Steak-judging Simon Cowell. (somehow I don't think Paula would have cut it).
7. My Thesis research primarily had me standing in a foot-deep pool of cattle blood eight hours a day for 5 different days. Good times. I always came out of the blood pit looking like I was in a horror film. Needless to say, my clothes had a certain odor afterward. By the way my Thesis project was titled, "Using serum chemistry profiles to predict beef tenderness for the purpose of on-line instrument grading." Catchy!
8. Once a year I play the Super Nintendo and pass the Legend of Zelda: Link to the Past game. It massages my inner geek.
9. I have debates about whether to even let my children become Vikings fans. Why would I saddle someone I love with this grief, this burden?
10. Still my favorite thing in the world is to get Keri to laugh. Believe me, it is too easy when she is tired. Which given we have two boys under 2, is alot lately.
11. I also believe Netflix Rules.
12. Hebrew was easier for me to learn than Spanish. Bless Mrs. Schoone-Jongen for trying.
13. I have never seen the "Sound of Music" all the way through. I was even in the Sound of Music play in High School and still could not tell you what happens in the first half of the play. (my small part was in the second half).
14. I long to find someone to play Trivial Pursuit with that will give me a good game, (I am not trying to be boastful, but my family and friends no longer will play with me :(
15. My favorite "dumb" film is Rocky IV. It is cheesy; It is improbable; Its conclusion is ludicrous; But boy is it entertaining. If it is on TV, I have to stop what I am doing and watch it.
16. What I miss about Meat Judging as a coach is the team camaraderie and the feeling of waking into an Awards Banquet knowing that your team is one of the favorites to win. It is a feeling that was just as good as winning.
17. I grew in the only county of Minnesota not to have a natural lake, nor did we have an ice rink in Pipestone county. Thus I never really learned to skate nor play hockey. I think the Canadians at Seminary believe I am lying about growing up in Minnesota.
Well I hope this list was affirming to you, and not the least bit disturbing (except perhaps for the cow blood part).
Jon
1. My favorite TV show is the Simpsons, followed closely by the Sopranos
2. I am a fan of random documentaries. This past year I have watched documentary series on the History of Soccer, Christianity, and the National Parks.
3. As a kid, my favorite activity in church was to fill in all the "o" in the bulletin with my pen. I then would count how many zeros or letter O's I had filled in each line. The most I ever had in one line was 17.
4. My second favorite activity in church was to count how many "1's" there are on a one-dollar-bill. As a kid growning up in the 1900's, there was always at least 10 ones on a dollar. The most I ever had on a bill was 24. It is still a habit I do to this day.
5. My favorite place in the world is the State Fairgrounds during the Minnesota State Fair. It kills me that it has been 4 years since I was last at the fair. You have to realize I practically grew up there as my family would show sheep and cattle at the fair for at least 4 days each summer. I along with my brothers probably know those grounds like we do our backyard. My younger brother Nathaniel and I as 12 and 10 year olds spent 9 days up there with 3 of those days completely unsupervised as Mom and Dad took sheep to the South Dakota State Fair. IT WAS AWESOME. Two young boys. 100 dollars for food and entertainment for three days while caring for one sheep. We spent more in the Arcades then what we spent on food, which considering food costs at the State Fair is pretty remarkable. Nathaniel saved up his meal money for one day in order to buy a big bucket of "Sweet Martha's Cookies", the best cookies ever. I believe he got sick from it. At one point we were so tired from running around the fair that we took naps in the air-conditioned comfort of the Minnesota DNR theater while watching Nature Survivial films from the 1970's (from these films, I basically learned that if you are a long-haired hippy whose dune buggy overtuned in the desert, you will DIE from the cold when nightfall comes; oh, and NEVER hike in the woods; blizzards are only seconds away). Can't wait to take my boys there someday(the state fair; not the woods, brrrr).
6. I love people's reaction when I tell them that I was a Meat Judging Coach in Grad School. The puzzled looks are priceless. In order to explain it, I am going to start telling people that basically Meat Judging is like the "American Idol" of Beef and I taught college students to find their inner Steak-judging Simon Cowell. (somehow I don't think Paula would have cut it).
7. My Thesis research primarily had me standing in a foot-deep pool of cattle blood eight hours a day for 5 different days. Good times. I always came out of the blood pit looking like I was in a horror film. Needless to say, my clothes had a certain odor afterward. By the way my Thesis project was titled, "Using serum chemistry profiles to predict beef tenderness for the purpose of on-line instrument grading." Catchy!
8. Once a year I play the Super Nintendo and pass the Legend of Zelda: Link to the Past game. It massages my inner geek.
9. I have debates about whether to even let my children become Vikings fans. Why would I saddle someone I love with this grief, this burden?
10. Still my favorite thing in the world is to get Keri to laugh. Believe me, it is too easy when she is tired. Which given we have two boys under 2, is alot lately.
11. I also believe Netflix Rules.
12. Hebrew was easier for me to learn than Spanish. Bless Mrs. Schoone-Jongen for trying.
13. I have never seen the "Sound of Music" all the way through. I was even in the Sound of Music play in High School and still could not tell you what happens in the first half of the play. (my small part was in the second half).
14. I long to find someone to play Trivial Pursuit with that will give me a good game, (I am not trying to be boastful, but my family and friends no longer will play with me :(
15. My favorite "dumb" film is Rocky IV. It is cheesy; It is improbable; Its conclusion is ludicrous; But boy is it entertaining. If it is on TV, I have to stop what I am doing and watch it.
16. What I miss about Meat Judging as a coach is the team camaraderie and the feeling of waking into an Awards Banquet knowing that your team is one of the favorites to win. It is a feeling that was just as good as winning.
17. I grew in the only county of Minnesota not to have a natural lake, nor did we have an ice rink in Pipestone county. Thus I never really learned to skate nor play hockey. I think the Canadians at Seminary believe I am lying about growing up in Minnesota.
Well I hope this list was affirming to you, and not the least bit disturbing (except perhaps for the cow blood part).
Jon
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Here We Go
I've been back to work for a bit here and I'm trying to keep the peace while I work in the mornings and Jon is off to school. Ben no longer takes morning naps and Finn's not yet on a feeding schedule during the day. It has been an interesting week so far. Monday things were going well. Finn was in his seat and Ben was happily trying to poke him in the head with something when I got my first job. As soon as it came up, Finn started screaming because he decided he was hungry. Ben walked over to the stairs and started yelling. As I struggled to hear my dictation, I could only laugh. Doesn't it figure? And isn't this the joy of parenthood? Two kids with very healthy lungs. Just when everything is going well...
As I write this, Ben is cruising his brother around the basement in his bouncy seat. A bit ago he brought Finn around the corner by the stairs where I couldn't see and left him there, then proceeded to come and sit on my lap.
I think Ben really loves his brother. He likes to try to share his cup and his toys. He also likes to help rock and burp Finn. He's such a big help, but just not in a very gentle manner.
It's exciting to see what the future will bring for these two. I think we're off on a great adventure!
As I write this, Ben is cruising his brother around the basement in his bouncy seat. A bit ago he brought Finn around the corner by the stairs where I couldn't see and left him there, then proceeded to come and sit on my lap.
I think Ben really loves his brother. He likes to try to share his cup and his toys. He also likes to help rock and burp Finn. He's such a big help, but just not in a very gentle manner.
It's exciting to see what the future will bring for these two. I think we're off on a great adventure!
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
A Good Pregnancy
To go along with the last post, here are some safe baby pregnancy tips. Please keep these in mind for a healthy pregnancy.
Friday, January 9, 2009
Just Good Parenting
I am taking this from the Huisvrouw's blog. Please read these safe baby handling tips. It's very informative and you will be a better parent for it.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
16 Things About Me
Here is something I did on Facebook, so I thought I'd just post it here. I'm not sure you'll get 100 things on my 100th post, so here ya go.
1. Ben is driving me nuts lately. The grandmas are both threatening to keep him and I'm seriously considering it.
2. I love doughnuts, particularly Dunkin Donuts' sour cream doughnuts. Mmmmmmmm.
3. One thing I have missed greatly is playing piano. Getting one is a definite must in the future.
4. I believe Netflix is one of the best ideas yet.
5. I collect pigs.
6. When I do things like this, I wonder if people are really interested in what I'm writing.
7. I love getting together with family because we always play games.
8. I have become addicted to HGTV in the last week (thank you grandparents). For many reasons, it's probably good that we don't have cable. And unfortunately, this will probably not make me a better decorator.
9. I got to see my 2 best girlfriends while home, and I enjoyed it very much.
10. I hate reality TV shows. I've watched The Biggest Loser, but that's where I draw the line. It's not all that real.
11. I did not care to bake or cook until I got married. Then I found myself wanting to! I guess something kicked in upstairs.
12. I dislike shopping for clothes. Just give me a pair of sweatpants and a t-shirt every day. Whatever is "in" is ugly to me.
13. I'm looking forward to having a house.
14. I absolutely hated art and doing crafts while growing up. My friend finished a lot of my art projects in grade school because she was always done before me.
15. I would like to learn to sew some day.
16. I wish I new more about cars. I would love to take classes or something and learn basic stuff so if I hear a funny noise, I may have some idea what it is.
1. Ben is driving me nuts lately. The grandmas are both threatening to keep him and I'm seriously considering it.
2. I love doughnuts, particularly Dunkin Donuts' sour cream doughnuts. Mmmmmmmm.
3. One thing I have missed greatly is playing piano. Getting one is a definite must in the future.
4. I believe Netflix is one of the best ideas yet.
5. I collect pigs.
6. When I do things like this, I wonder if people are really interested in what I'm writing.
7. I love getting together with family because we always play games.
8. I have become addicted to HGTV in the last week (thank you grandparents). For many reasons, it's probably good that we don't have cable. And unfortunately, this will probably not make me a better decorator.
9. I got to see my 2 best girlfriends while home, and I enjoyed it very much.
10. I hate reality TV shows. I've watched The Biggest Loser, but that's where I draw the line. It's not all that real.
11. I did not care to bake or cook until I got married. Then I found myself wanting to! I guess something kicked in upstairs.
12. I dislike shopping for clothes. Just give me a pair of sweatpants and a t-shirt every day. Whatever is "in" is ugly to me.
13. I'm looking forward to having a house.
14. I absolutely hated art and doing crafts while growing up. My friend finished a lot of my art projects in grade school because she was always done before me.
15. I would like to learn to sew some day.
16. I wish I new more about cars. I would love to take classes or something and learn basic stuff so if I hear a funny noise, I may have some idea what it is.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Our Christmas Break
So I find that since I'm not working, I spend very little time on the computer. Besides that, we have been spending the last week plus in Minnesota with family. I'm certainly not sitting here bored, especially with 2 kids. I'm supposed to be back to work this week, but due to technical difficulties, I'm still sitting here not working. It doesn't bother me a whole lot.
We were supposed to have baptism of Phineas Dec. 21 in Volga, SD, but due to the lovely Minnesota weather, i.e. blowing snow, below zero temps, we did not have it. We managed to schedule it for New Year's day in my parents' church, which we also did with Ben. Hopefully everything works out for that service. At least it's not much of a drive.
So we have just been eating, playing games, and watching various TV and movies. I am enjoying HGTV while I can. The grandparents are enjoying the boys.
So I have a few things to do and I will try to update when we get home next week.
We were supposed to have baptism of Phineas Dec. 21 in Volga, SD, but due to the lovely Minnesota weather, i.e. blowing snow, below zero temps, we did not have it. We managed to schedule it for New Year's day in my parents' church, which we also did with Ben. Hopefully everything works out for that service. At least it's not much of a drive.
So we have just been eating, playing games, and watching various TV and movies. I am enjoying HGTV while I can. The grandparents are enjoying the boys.
So I have a few things to do and I will try to update when we get home next week.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Ben Likes His Stairs
So Saturday Jon was downstairs on the computer. I went down to get some laundry and I heard Jon say hi to Ben. I thought Jon had gone to get him because I heard some thumping on the stairs. Jon thought I had brought him down with me. After some confusion and wondering, Jon brought Ben back upstairs. Sure enough, he started right back down. After this he proceeded to spend at least a half hour going up and down the stairs, practicing I suppose. He is enjoying his new freedom of going down the stairs. I put the gate up yesterday and he started crying.
We are doing well here. I hear the word "baby" a thousand times a day from Ben, many of them followed with a kiss if he has access. Ben is very concerned if Finn even makes a peep. It's very sweet.
We are heading to Minnesota on Friday to spend 2 weeks with our families. Jon will also be doing some preaching. Everyone will get to meet Finn and I'm sure they will enjoy Ben. He has changed so much since his aunts and uncles last saw him.
Sorry to make this short, but it's time to go to bed so I can get some shopping and packing in. Tomorrow may be a long day.
We are doing well here. I hear the word "baby" a thousand times a day from Ben, many of them followed with a kiss if he has access. Ben is very concerned if Finn even makes a peep. It's very sweet.
We are heading to Minnesota on Friday to spend 2 weeks with our families. Jon will also be doing some preaching. Everyone will get to meet Finn and I'm sure they will enjoy Ben. He has changed so much since his aunts and uncles last saw him.
Sorry to make this short, but it's time to go to bed so I can get some shopping and packing in. Tomorrow may be a long day.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Quick Update
So I have been home just over a week with all my boys. My parents have come and gone. Jon's mom is here right now for a few days. Things are going well so far. Ben is doing well. He has lots of kisses for his brother as well as a few hits. His little tantrums have gotten a bit worse but I'm sure they will get better soon. Finn is a very good baby. We're up a couple times a night. That's all I have right now. My brain isn't working well right now from lack of sleep.
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