Wednesday, May 24, 2017

ONE

Almost two weeks ago, our little baby turned one.

We celebrated the day as a family going to brunch and then exploring the Wildlife Safari Park. Of course, the day ended with some cake.



Just a few days later, we had a party for family. The theme was "One in a melon" because I couldn't resist. I was determined to make beautiful watermelon sugar cookies, and it was a hot minute away from disaster. Thankfully, everything turned out pretty ok.




It's hard to imagine that it's been one year since we met this little life. I have loved getting to know her, and I look forward to watching her grow into an amazing little person. Her spirit shines through with every smile and laugh.

Favorite food: cheese, banana
Least favorite food: broccoli
Favorite show: Wheel of Fortune
Bedtime: 7 PM
Loves: kitties, climbing, reading books, drinking water
Favorite toy: baby doll


I love you, Cora.

Thursday, May 18, 2017

THEODORE ROOSEVELT


The mustache is real. The cause is deserving.

Without hesitation, Andrew decided to once again participate in Mustaches for Kids. He has been growing (his stache is named Theodore Roosevelt National Park) and raising money for a couple of weeks, and he is doing really well!

This year's Mustaches for Kids campaign is raising money for Ronald McDonald Charities of Omaha. Andrew set a lofty goal of raising $1,500 before the first check-in. Friends and family generously helped him surpass that goal in record time, so he upped the ante! He has prizes, business cards with his face, and even a special pint night fundraiser at The Casual Pint.

I'm so proud of how well he is doing and how passionate he is about supporting a local nonprofit.

If you would like to support the stache, donate here!

Wednesday, April 19, 2017

CORA'S 1ST EASTER

Although we didn't get around to taking Cora to see the Easter bunny, or to an Easter egg hunt, and I forgot to get treats to put in the Easter eggs in her basket, I think Cora really enjoyed her first Easter.


She was a little restless during church (also her regular nap time), but she loved watching the kids play the bells. She also couldn't eat any of the candy, but I guess there was more for me! Annnnnd she is still too little to find Easter eggs with her cousins, but a ride on her uncle's shoulders is just as good.


After spending the day at my mom's house, that little girl slept like a rock - and so did Irvin after getting plenty of play time with Axel.


Hope you all had a joyous day!


Monday, February 27, 2017

FEBRUARY


Reading: I feel like I have been abandoning books left and right. I'm currently reading Imagine Heaven by John Burke, and I'm not jazzed about it. I really love hearing about the experiences people have during their near death experiences, but this book is just all over the place. I already have another book at hold on at the library. What to do...?

Watching: Well Andrew and I zipped through The OA on Netflix - a show about a women who's story revolves around near death experiences. Are you sensing a theme here? We are also sooooo far behind on The Walking Dead. I just feel like we have no time for tv - at least when we are together. 

Listening to: Andrew and I are going to the Johnnyswim concert later this week, and they have been on repeat lately. 

Thinking about: I've been trying to have a new experience each month. In January, I got a chemical peel (it was just okay). In February, I took a calligraphy class (way harder than I thought it would be). I'm excited to try something new each month, and I'm excited to see where the year takes me!

Loving: I have been working hard to finish Cora's quilt. I really, really want to have it done before her first birthday. There is still so much to do, but I keep thinking about how this can be something she can keep for years to come! So with each finished block, I love it a little bit more. 

Looking forward to: Fish fry is right around the corner! I'm excited to take Cora to her first one. I'm even going to have a shirt made for her! Oh, I can't wait. 

Making me happy: Cora is learning something new all of the time! She is growing up so fast, and while it makes me happy to see her grow, it also makes each moment a little bit sweeter. Don't get me wrong, we have our struggles. There are days and nights where I need a break, and she just doesn't want to cooperate. But I find myself taking small snapshots of the sleepy snuggles and goofy antics.

Monday, January 30, 2017

WEEKEND RECAP: JANUARY 27-29

This weekend, Andrew's parents came to town for a last minute visit. It had been almost a month since we saw them in Dubuque for Christmas, and they were excited to see Cora again.

+ Our first stop after their arrival was at The Casual Pint to show them where Andrew spends a couple of nights each week
 - Andrew broke about three glasses at The Casual Pint. Luckily, they were pretty cool about it, but I told them to take it out of his paycheck.


+ On Saturday, we headed to Lauritzen Gardens to check out the latest LEGO sculptures. Andrew had never been before, and I am always amazed with the work that goes into them.
+ We grabbed some lunch at Farnam House before scoring some pretty great deals in the Bargain Cave at Cabella's
+ I had dinner in the slow cooker at home and we headed back so Cora could have some down time.
- After Cora woke up from her nap, she had a low grade temp and no appetite...
+ After putting her to bed, we introduced Jim and Steph to our current favorite board games Ticket to Ride and Exploding Kittens
- We had plans to go to brunch on Sunday morning, but Cora's temp had spiked to 102F overnight.


+ Although Sunday because a lazy day because Cora was sick, I was so glad for the extra cuddles.
+ Thankfully, by Monday morning she was feeling much better. We kept her home, just to play it safe and I think she had fun hanging with dad all day!

Sick babies make for an exhausting weekend, and I'm so glad she is on the mend! What fun things did you do?