Afton's New House

So we've settled into the new house and since you've all been asking, here are some pictures. I've been hesitating to even post pictures because they don't do the house justice... you'll all just have to come and see us and YES, that is an indoor hot tub, and YES it will be -30 degrees wind chill on Thursday. ( I realize all you Minnesotans aren't impressed by this but that is RIDICULOUS). I shoveled the driveway for the first time in my life last Friday after I looked out the window and saw all my neighbors doing it...after 1 1/2 hours and my arm nearly falling off I was finished. Dustin said I did a good job (bless him) but the next day he shoveled it again in about 20 minutes. Well, I'm from Oklahoma people...it's 60 degrees there. Here in Chicago we're under a blizzard warning...perfect. Well, here are some pictures, and the one of Afton in front of the fire was when we first started it, it wasn't hot yet, and Dustin has his arms firmly around him so I don't want any calls from protective grandparents about the dangers of fires... :) Love you all, see you soon!

The Big Move

Well, after nearly a week, we're finally settled in the new house in Chicago. We started packing in Indy last Monday after driving from Minnesota following Christmas. We packed the largest U-Haul truck they have full to the brim and drove up to the windy city on New Year's Eve. I made arrangements to have the cable turned on this day so we could watch tv while unpacking and at least watch the ball drop...but to no avail. The ever un-reliable cable installers didn't bring the right equipment and couldn't install it until yesterday (Sunday). So, we unloaded the truck and drove 40 minutes into Wisconsin to spend New Year's Eve with our friends at an indoor waterpark and ski area. We had a good time, but Afton wasn't too psyched...apparently he requires that any water his feet touch need be at least the temperature of bath water...so no Lake Michigan swimming for him...ever.

We have everything unpacked and Afton's room is perfect, just like the last one. We're settled in as best as we can, but it will take a few weeks to feel like home. Thanks goodness we got a GPS for Christmas otherwise we wouldn't know how to get to the grocery store, so thanks Terry and Vicky! Dustin went back to work today and me on Wednesday so Afton will go to our friend's house instead of daycare which shouldn't be too traumatic for me! Hope to see everyone soon!

Sledding, Snowmobiling, and Santa

Merry Christmas Everyone!!!

6 Months!!!!

Afton turned six months old on the 12th and today he had his 6 month check up. He's had a bit of a cold for the past two days and wheezing a bit, which makes me nervous! Most of you probably know how severe my asthma is, so I'm a bit paranoid about it! The doctor thinks it's just an acute problem brought on by a virus, but still, he's never even had a fever! He has to take breathing treatments for a week, but he's such a trooper. He just sits there and doesn't even fight me! He really is the perfect little angel.


Afton weighs in at 17 pounds 9 oz. which is the 50th percentile for weight...so he's actually not as much of a bruiser as he appears!

His length is 27 1/4 inches which is in the 75th percentile.

His head is 43 cm diameter which is 30th percentile but, no, he doesn't have a pin head...it looks just right!

He rolls everywhere! We're about to need to 'baby proof' everything!

He is eating oatmeal cereal and apples, pears, sweet potatoes, peas, carrots, and bananas...but only about once a day.

He babbles all day and occasionally sings in his 'sweet voice' when he's going to bed.

He can take his pacifier out of his mouth and then put it back in by himself.

He puts EVERYTHING in his mouth including his feet, toys, blankets, my hair, nose, face, and he was gumming my (empty) beer bottle the other day...he is his father's son.

He can sit up by himself for short periods of time.

He laughs out loud and is very ticklish!

He LOVES girls and I have caught him making goo-goo eyes at everyone from my hair lady to the check out girl at Panera to his pediatrician...what a flirt!!!!

He claps his hands and pats Dustin and I all the time.

He plays in his activity saucer and can entertain himself for about 20- 30 minutes at a time.

He, like his cousin Greta, is addicted to the T.V. and cannot be bothered when his favorite shows are on...but no soap operas!

That's all I can think of for now, everyone have a Merry Christmas! We love you all!!!

Getting Ready For Christmas

So we made it back from Oklahoma November 30 and decided that it was time to go pick out our annual Christmas tree. We got Afton all bundled up and headed to the local nursery to pick out our tree. It was about 20 degrees, Afton didn't seem to into it so Aislinn and I picked one out. We got home and after all of the snow had melted onto our floor we started to decorate. Afton quickly rolled across the floor and found out that the green plant that had lights on it in our living room had prickly things on it that made his hand hurt. He likes to look at the lights, but for the most part keeps his distance. For Christmas this year we are headed up to the frozen tundra known as Minnesota. If it is anything like it has been in the past 100 years it will be well below zero and there will be mountains of snow to deal with. Afton is excited to see family, eat wrapping paper, and sit through a church service where he is required to be quiet for up to an hour. he is now eating fruits, vegetables, and or anything that will fit in his mouth. We had a great time in the great state of Oklahoma during the Thanksgiving holiday and would like to say thank you to all of our friends and family.

Thanksgiving Oklahoma City Style!!!!