September 2011

We have lots of proof that Judah went through a growth spurt this month. At his 6 month check-up with the ENT doctor, Judah weighed in at 24 pounds as he had been at 22 pounds for so long. The extra weight also showed up in his height at 34 inches. As a result, he finally moved into some smaller 24 month clothes and size 5/6 shoe, meaning new clothes and shoes for fall. Even his hair grew, marveling us once again how much hair the lady took off at his haircut.

Judah has matured into a little boy from the toddler he used to be. He now almost always sits (rather stands) at the table to eat his meals. He uses the stairs at his leisure going up and down to play on his own. He does the playground equipment all by himself, climbing up and going down the big slides. He even manages the climbing bars on his own to mom's dismay. He also has started expressing more interest in helping with chores as he particularly likes to help sweep the kitchen floors with the broom. His independence has grown too as he often expresses his wishes. For example, he has really decided that he likes to take off his socks and shoes wherever he goes.

Judah continues to be a little chatter box. His sentences have become longer and more complete. He has discovered past tense words. Curiosity has constantly permits him to ask, "What is that?" And he also says, "No, I not," expressing his preferences and dislikes toward something. His sense of humor allows him to say funny things quite often too. He even walks around and tells people he is five now (including strangers). He frequently talks about activities we did, remembering and relating more and more details as he describes things. He learns new words like atmosphere and then applies them later in the right context. One night we had gone out to dinner on a Friday evening. We stayed long enough to hear the live jazz music. Naturally the restaurant turned the lights down low and Tim explained the meaning of "atmosphere." When we went to the ultrasound a week or so later, Judah noticed the lights were turned down low and told us it was atmosphere.

He has really learned how to play by himself this month. In fact he sets up his train tracks now by himself, running the trains along the track. He especially enjoys playing with his tractors and implements setting them up and talking about who is driving them (often family members) and what they are doing.

We finally got into our Fall routine this month. Monday mornings we still host playgroup although we have been exploring different places as a group. Tuesday mornings we enrolled for music class again. Wednesday mornings we have the option of going to toddler story time at the downtown library. And Thursday mornings have become chore days. Fridays are left open for whatever like crafts or walks to the park. In addition, we have been spending time with our neighbors often eating meals together.


Saturdays have become more family outings day. Several weekends this month we went on a special outing together as a family. On Saturday, September 17 we saw Thomas the Tank Engine at our Day out with Thomas. Traveling up to the Boone Scenic Railroad, we spent the morning riding the train, seeing Sir Tophan Hatt, and doing all sorts of activities. Judah especially talks about his trip to see Thomas at the station. He enjoyed every minute riding the train, playing in the hay bale maze, jumping in the inflatable, listening to music, and enjoying a magic show. By the end of morning, after we stopped at Pizza Ranch for lunch, we headed home where fatigue wiped us out from the cold, but fun adventure.








The following weekend, we used our free tickets to see the Living History Farms. Judah had fun exploring the animals at the 1900 century farmstead, chasing the chickens. Next, he toured the village with daddy, sneaking in a pickle for a snack. Judah's idea of looking at the village was to run along the little path back and forth between the buildings.





At home we have been trying to celebrate the season a number of ways. Judah and mommy did a number of pumpkin crafts, often getting out the paints and glue. Our house suddenly became decorated with orange. And after watching his tractor video about harvesting pumpkins, Judah requested to go to the pumpkin patch....he knew it was that time of year.


Mommy has started feeling better this month, eating more variety of foods especially cheese and chicken. Also, mommy has gained some much needed energy which helps as Judah continues to take less and less naps . Mommy's tummy has grown to make her look very pregnant as she turns to getting out all the maternity clothes. Judah even has started to adjust to sitting to the side of the belly. We had the opportunity to hear the heartbeat on September 28 of the baby. Then at 15 weeks (September 30) our new doctor did an ultrasound revealing the sex of a baby girl. Since Judah's nick name is Boo, baby is now referred to as Baby Boolina, only Judah pronounces it Balloona. Thankfully everything continues to look healthy.

August 2011

We made a family affair out of the 2011 Republican Presidential Straw Poll held on August 13, in Ames, Iowa. We made it up to the 2011 Republican Presidential Straw Poll this year to cast our vote for Governor Tim Pawlenty. Meeting up with Gigi, we registered, got our t-shirts, and went to vote. Afterwards, we enjoyed eating Famous Daves at the T-Paw tent. Then we spent the afternoon walking the Iowa State University grounds around Hilton exploring all the vendors and playing with the kids crafts at the Ron Paul tent. Finally, we made it back to the T-Paw tent in time to hear Sonic Flood where Gigi and Aunt Sandy joined us. Even though we were so tired from all the excitement of a long day, we went out to Village Inn for dinner and a quick visit back to campus to see Aunt Rachel.


Later in the month we visited the Iowa State Fair. Judah went around posing (in his excitement) with the painted ceramic cows across the fairgrounds in celebration of the 100 years butter cow exhibit. He also had to pose by the giant pumpkins in front of the horticulture building. He enjoyed eating his peanut butter and jelly (with grapes) on a stick. He saw the train building with Aunt Rachel and went through the "Hall of Breeds" with daddy and Uncle Philip. After going home for a nap, we returned in the evening for some more fair food of ice cream and fries, some oldies music, and a tour of the food building in which Judah referred to the decorated cakes as Happy Birthday Cakes.

Judah was the first to share our big family news as he sported his new, "Big Brothers Rule" plaid outfit. This was our first opportunity to share with family (since all the Kreis family was going to be together) that child number two was on the way. We met up Papa Ed and Nana and Uncle Philip in the horticulture building where Nana was eating her strawberry shortcake when they discovered the shirt. Later in the day we met up with Uncle David, Aunt Rachel, and Uncle Charlie as they were in line at the Beef Producers. David was the first to discover the shirt and even though Nana had guessed from mom being sick all were pretty excited. We even ran into some church friends later in the day who asked about the shirt after a second glance.



The last weekend in August, we trekked north to the Rittgers farm. Once again, Judah sported his new "Big Brothers Rule" shirt for our arrival to Papa's and Gigi's house. Gigi was pretty excited when we came through the door and she saw the shirt but it took Papa a little bit to notice before he understood the meaning. On Sunday, we put the shirt back on again for Aunt Amy and Uncle Andrew and Lee and Sandy. Again, all were pretty excited about the news.



Daddy went back to Des Moines for work while Judah and mommy spent the rest of the week on the farm for some extra help as mommy had not been feeling well. Twice we enjoyed a picnic and campfire out at the new pavilion down at the pond, roasting hot dogs and smores. We did some shopping and Judah did a lot of playing with his cousin Jacob as well as visited Jacob's preschool.



This month, Judah has proved he is no longer a baby in any way but 100% boy through and through. Judah has practically given up the high chair, now sitting (more like standing) at the table instead. He also has shied away from sippy cups using real cups now without lids. He is more rough, climbs much more, and likes to run. He often runs ahead (if not picking up rocks) now when taking walks. And finally, Judah mastered the somersault.

In addition this month, Judah has stopped napping entirely (probably due to getting his two year molars). The timing for mom was horrible since she was extra tired and sick. So even though he did not fall asleep, he sat in the crib with his pile of books for quiet time so that mom could rest. If mom cannot rest, he has some extra video time, watching a lot more videos lately getting into Veggie Tales and Richard Scary's Busy Town as well as his John Deere videos. He talks about them often quoting them.


Judah has really learned to play by himself this month. He entertains himself with his toys becoming more and more creative and imaginative at play finding more uses for them, interacting with his toys, and combining toys together. He has really started to set up his own train tracks and then adds his blocks for cities and cars. You will find him improvising and pretending with his toys. He talks about what his toys are doing. For example, one day he wanted a blue blanket laid out across the floor. He then took a string informing us he was fishing in the pond. He even pretended to put minnows on the end of the string and then reel in the pole. He also helped with his new toy box with daddy pretending to screw it together.


Judah also continues his love for music by singing. You will often find him walking (or playing) striking up a chorus. Sometimes he will run around singing Ring around the Rosy. Other times he will sing about the B-I-B-L-E or Who Built the Ark. The most funny is when he sees the letters (NO Parking) on the yellow curb in our complex front entrance and he stops to sing the alphabet song pointing to the letters.

We still continue playgroup every Monday adding some outings with our friends instead of hosting at our home. One morning we went to the zoo. Another afternoon we went to the wading pool. Most often, our neighbor friend Soleil (and her mom Lindsay) car pool us to their own activities so that we can explore places such as nearby parks and the Capitol grounds. When we are not with friends, we fill our time with summer activities like play dough and the sprinkler.



This month, mommy has not been feeling so well being in the first trimester of pregnancy. This means that things at home remain simple. Mommy rests while Judah plays by himself. Then daddy comes home to do the household chores and cook supper. We did take some time to celebrate mommy's birthday though. At work, Tim been consumed with work as BGGCI ended their summer programming and prepare for their fall programming. In between he has hosted and run a regional Midwest training, a staff training, and conducted several interviews for new hires.


Judah has been mimicking mommy at not feeling well. He particularly likes to share my "boost (Ensure)" leaving chocolate mustaches on his face. He snacks when mommy does and he even has become particular in his food selection just like mommy. Tim has caught him plugging his nose and mouth like mommy does to keep from throwing up. Judah does it and tells that things are stinky. When mommy does throw up, Judah comes over alongside the sink and coughs pretending to cough just like mommy. Mommy has been craving a lot of diary like yogurt and cheese. Morning sickness hits worst in the evenings leaving Tim to care for Judah.

July 2011

July started out by picking up Uncle David at the airport from his officers training in the Air Force to celebrate the 4th of July with family. With the Kreis family at our home, we celebrated Nana's birthday as well as get Uncle David caught up on his laundry. On Saturday night we took Judah to his first baseball game to watch the Iowa Cubs. Judah sat through all nine innings making the rounds to each adult, listening to the music, and watching the sights. He especially liked the costume of the big hot dog running down the field. After the game we dawned our rain gear for a light rain while we watched fireworks before leaving the stadium.


On Sunday, we spent the morning seeing the sights and hearing the sounds of the Urbandale 4th of July day parade. On our way back to the car, we stopped at the Urbandale Fire Department to see the fire trucks. One fireman even let Judah sit inside the fire truck. Then we enjoyed the rest of our day at home, cooking up Nana some the last of the Walleye with some sweet corn for her birthday.


After the 4th of July, we made a trip up north to spend the following week in Waterloo and Cedar Falls. Traveling back with Nana (after seeing David back off to the Air force), we stopped at her place for a few days. Here Judah found Aunt Rachel's school markers and made some artwork all over the bedding. Then we came out to the farm for some additional fun outdoors on the 4-Wheeler and the swing. Judah also went fishing for the first time catching some fish out of Papa's pond. His first bluegill scared him a little and after much excitement, he went off to play in the sand with cousin Jacob a few minutes later. We also hit up some garage sales finding great bargains on toys for Canada.




We returned home for a week at home to unpack, do laundry, and repack to pack for Canada. Judah helped me and Miss Sarah make oatmeal raisin cookies for Canada. And he insisted on packing up his winter pajamas for the trip by emptying out his drawers and packing it into the bucket.


Judah grew again this month. His two year molars on the bottom were working their way in (July 5). One day mommy just happened to notice the left bottom one already in while the right side started peaking through. His hair also keeps growing darker and by middle of the month (July 11) Judah had to get his haircut with daddy. It never ceases to amaze us how much hair they cut off that little round head.

This month we spent some time outdoors enjoying the summer. Going to the pool a couple of times, we played in the water. At home we hit up the sand box or played in the sprinkler. When it rained, we did some puddle jumping. When it was too hot to go outdoors, we updated our wall with more giant finger paintings.


Judah especially played with his toy tractors this month. He would pretend loading, hauling, and plowing things around the house. Often, he would tell me in great detail what they were doing. He also played with his workshop building and fixing things around the house.

Judah's ability to think progressed this month in the areas of pretending and correlating things. He would pretend to carry a conversation on the phone. He practiced his matching skills. He expressed himself in what he wanted to wear such as winter pajamas and winter boots (even though it was 90's outside). In addition, he really started singing songs like his ABC's and Ring around the Rosy.