5 Months

Wow.  I can't believe Landon is 5 months already!  It has gone by way too fast!  As you can see he is incredibly smiley and generally happy.  He takes 5 bottles a day, is starting to get on a nap schedule and has had his first taste of cereal.  He is super ticklish and has been kinda spitty lately (right Jessie!?!).  He likes bath time, playing with Alaina and getting into everything.  Oh...and did I mention he is kinda smiley? What a ham! =)

Today

I just felt compelled to type up a quick little post over my lunch hour today about a colleague of mine and about life in general...so here I am :).

A very kind and beautiful 43 year old mother, wife, sister, friend, etc that is a vital team member in our holding company passed on yesterday...after suffering from a massive stroke Monday evening.  It was such a shock to us all.  It is a sad day today, as Krista's father was one of the founders of MSB...she has been around for a long time and has established deep relationships with so many of my coworkers.  My heart breaks for Krista's family (especially her husband and daughter) and I am reminded of how precious our life here is.  It puts everything into perspective.  Sometimes we get so caught up in 'life' (and momentary troubles) that we forget about the bigger picture! I'm happy that I have a husband to fight with....a baby to wake me up in the middle of the night....two jobs to wear me out...etc! Our time is limited and I want to be certain to make the most of every day that I have.  Making a difference every day in the life of those I love and those that I don't even know.  Enjoying every day and making the most of every situation.  Being thankful for all that I have (even the hard times...because the hard times make us who we are and prepare us for what is to come)!  Making a difference in the lives of those around her was also very important to Krista.  And I'm sure that she is happy to know that she continues to do that!  I'm living today differently and wholeheartedly because of her!  I'm thankful for today and for today's troubles.  And I'm thankful for you.

Summer Days

We have spent the last few days with our windows wide open and as much time soaking in the beautiful weather as possible!  On Sunday we took a little walk to the Church where they were having an outdoor concert / summer barbecue.  It was so nice!  The kids hung out, took in the sun and were just happy to be outside!

We should have spent more of our summer days like this...

And a fun side note....

Do you remember this picture of Alaina reading to her newborn brother?

Well...not much has changed

(Yeah right.  Who am I kidding!?!  Look how much older they BOTH look!)

Quasqui

Last weekend we participated in Cylinder's Quasquicentennial celebration and Andy's Grandma's 88th Birthday.  It was so much fun and I am so happy that we were able to spend some time with our families!  Andy's Grandma was the Grand Marshall of the parade and I think she felt quite honored!  It was so awesome to see all of the family brought together...all because of her!   Here is a picture of Grandma Kane with her great grandkids. 

And a picture of Alaina and Matthew on one of the rides, courtesy of Grandma Duhn!

a tractor ride....

a real live kitty!

fun with the cousins

AND a new baby!  What more could we ask for in one weekend?!?

For those of you wondering, this is Shelle and Josh and their 5 day old son, Jackson.  He is seriously ADORABLE!  I would have brought him home with me if I could have :).  

 It was so nice to see everyone! If only we could have stayed longer...

We'll that's all for now.  Hope you have a fabulous weekend! 

XOXO

4 Month Stats

Just wanted to document Landon's 4 month stats for myself!

 Weight: 16 pounds 5 ounces -  90th percentile

Height: 26 1/4 inches - 90th percentile

Head: 43 cm - 75th percentile

Landon got Pediarix, Hib, Prevnar and Rotavirus vaccines and did pretty good.  Was a little fussier than last time, but all in all, he did pretty good.

At four months, Landon could roll all over...and is constantly rolling from one room to the other.  He is VERY smiley and loves to 'play' with Alaina.  He coos and caas, has good neck mobility and has outgrown his infant carrier (too long).  He sleeps on his tummy, takes 5 bottles a day and is not really on a napping schedule (my bad!).  He loves to cuddle and chew on his snuggly and any thing else he can get in his mouth.  He has had 6 ear infections, two respiratory infections and two hospitalizations.  He is very strong and active for his age...and he brings lots of joy and smiles to us!

We're Back...

Warning:  LOTS of pictures and randomness!  

 Yes...I took a little blogging break with all the chaos...but I missed blogging and wanted to be sure to continue documenting what has been going on so we'll remember these days when they are long gone!  So...what have we been up to?

Landon won himself a one night stay at Mercy Medical Center - Pediatrics floor in the beginning of July.  He was once again hospitalized with respiratory issues with rapid progression (accompanied by a severe double ear infection).  In 24 hours, he went from perfectly happy and healthy baby Landon to miserable, lethargic, weak and difficult to breathe Landon.  Fortunately he recovered quickly and is no longer on nebs!

We got rid of our beloved Kina (for several reasons - including Landon's allergy induced asthmatic symptoms...which I am hoping he doesn't develop despite family history :-) ).  And I'm not going to lie...it was hard...much harder than we had anticipated.  A lot of tears were shed that week..and it took us everything we had not to get her back! 

We spent an evening at our friends cabin.  It was AWESOME.  I have always loved being on the lake...and I didn't want to leave!  We grilled out, pigged out and hung out all nite.  The guys went four wheeling on trails, while us girls hung out on the dock, played cards and relaxed.  It was so much fun!!! 

Alaina has been having lots of fun too....

playing with one of her best friends - Emma

playing in the backyard pool and water slide

(Even though it seemed a little scary at first, so Daddy went down to show us how fun it was!  (Yes, Andy will probably kill me for posting this picture...so I hope you all enjoy it!) )

We celebrated Andy's birthday with a delicious chocolate cake (after my dear friend Ashley baked it for me, since our oven's baking element went out right before I put the cake in).  Yummm!  (Side note: the oven is now fixed as of last nite - thanks to our oven warranty and Andy's handywork).

We've played outside...A LOT!

Maquoketa experienced record flooding.  For those of you who remember Alaina's two year pictures...this is where those pictures were taken.  I don't think we'll be taking her 3 year pictures there this year!

We got free passes into the local fair from my supervisor...and Alaina got to ride a 'pink pony'!  She was so excited and we all had fun (even Landon enjoyed himself)! 

Both of our cars have been up to a lot lately too. Needing new batteries, ABS sensors, cracked coil springs,  new breaks, and a new side mirror (since I just knocked it off this week)...one after the other.  I'm hoping this madness is coming to an end! =).  Oh well...we're not going to let these little things get us down!  Fortunately, there are lots of smiles, giggles and hugs that are abundantly available for the taking in this house!  Even the picture above makes me laugh out loud! Haha.  I have no idea how I captured this on camera....Andy giving Alaina the "stink eye" ... Landon giving Alaina the "stink eye" and Alaina trying to give me the "stink eye".  Too funny!

I also made my first tutu the other day!  It was fun...and turned out super cute!  I just might have to make some more!  Oh...and Landon had his four month old check up recently too!  I will post about that soon!

Whew....that was one LONG post! Sorry about that! Hope you all have a great day!