Home Is Where the Heart Is

We couldn't stop her from turning 1!

2011-12-29T15:49:00.001+01:00

We tried.

(sort of.)

It was bittersweet, as are most (all?) milestones. Excited to watch her continued development, sad to see the dependent baby begin to slip away.

She still is a baby, but we watch everyday as she comprehends new things, communicates more and generally kicks butt.

Here she is the morning of her birthday, enjoying her birthday cupcake. She was a fan!

She was the star of the show at her party and I am pretty sure she knew it!

She got into unwrapping presents :)

Blaise got into it, too!

At one year she was standing and taking some practice steps.

I made butterfly cupcakes to go along with our theme.

The aftermath:

Kate has been an unbelieveable addition to our lives. She has become a pretty spunky little girl and a joy to be around.

The Gift

2011-11-19T00:16:00.000+01:00

Jan and his sister lost their father much too young. Jan was only 13 and his sister 16. They never had the opportunity to have an adult relationship with him or chat about their favorite sports team over a beer (or two!).

Now that we have kids, I think Jan misses his dad in a new way. In a how-I-wish-you-knew-my-baby way.

Last weekend we found this picture at his sister's house:

That baby looks shockingly similar to this one:

No one has mentioned before that Kate might look like her aunt, but clearly at this age there is an eery resemblence.

I keep having to remind myself when I look at the old picture that is actually NOT a picture of Kate. Blaise is convinced it is. He keeps saying "KayKay" when he sees it. I hope this picture of Kate does the resemblence justice.

Now Jan has a picture of his dad holding his baby. It's really special.

St. Martin Parade

2011-11-13T21:24:00.000+01:00

The Feast of St. Martin on November 11 is celebrated in style in parts of Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Italy and The Netherlands. The legend is that Martin was a Roman Soldier and while riding home he saw a beggar on the side of road. Playing the part of the Good Samaritian, he gave the beggar his warm red cloak.

There are many organized parades (though, I guess it is more like a procession) where the children have a lantern and walk behind St. Martin on his horse singing the traditional St. Martin songs. Luckily we go to music class, so Blaise and I learned the songs this year and he sang along! We walked through our town and ended at the newly opened town square with an address from the mayor and a sweet bread roll for all the kids. Another fun fall tradition :)

Blaise showing off his lantern:

Kate didn't want to ride in the buggy anymore, ugh:

Our lovely lighted procession:

The Bear and The Cat

2011-10-30T14:49:00.000+01:00

I stupidly overlooked getting a picture of the Bear with the Cat...so the single shots will have to suffice.

We participated in a Trunk-or-Treat Saturday preceeding Halloween. It was a nice gathering of ex-pats looking for a Halloween outlet. Blaise grasped the concept of trick-or-treating pretty quickly, although no one must have told him that you only visit each car ONCE. Whoops.

Here you can see her whiskers a little better...and her fistful of gummi bears!

Happy Halloween!!

Buddies with Apples

2011-10-19T23:35:00.000+02:00

This post has way too many pictures, but I couldn't help it. Anyone who has known me for longer than five minutes, knows my love of all that is fall and apple picking is quintessential fall! I can't get enough of the backdrop, or these two:

For some reason Blaise had some fasciation with Kate's ears:

hmmmm, what's in here?

Weirdest Blaise face ever!

Kate's apple looks pretty good...

I think I'll take a bite...

It was good, but I'll give it back to her...

On second thought, that was pretty tasty...

Love this Kate look!

Don't worry, she got it back.

I tried to get a picture of them in front of the sign, but all I got was Blaise trying to keep Kate from dive bombing off the bench. It's a full time job.

Love this little monkey!

And this big one!

Egg Allergy?

2011-10-09T22:03:00.001+02:00

As it turns out I really love this picture. I took it to show Jan her little face breakout after I fed her eggs. Egg allergy?? Really?? I don't know, I haven't retried yet, to see if it really was the eggs. At least it went away quickly.

Wine and More

2011-10-08T22:37:00.000+02:00

My favorite festival in Mainz (and let me assure you, there are plenty!) is the Wine Festival (Weinmarkt), which takes place in the Volkspark every year in late August. It is a beautifully lit festival which offers wine, games and lazy afternoons.

Blaise loved riding the carousel (over and over and over again)!

Kate had to watch this year, but next year she'll surely be a happy little firewoman!

Another thing that makes this festival so special is the comfortable seating. Wine boxes with cushions are placed all over the park so you can relax with your preferred wine.

There were a lot of activities for kids - including painting, which Blaise enjoys! He painted a shield and a dinosaur.

There are a few stages with live music, but here is a funny little parade that caught Blaise's attention.

And now we come to the part where my heart swells. I am amazed on a daily basis by these people I call my children. On this day Blaise amazed me by joining the party and playing his little heart out. These (quite a bit older) kids were playing with a boomerang and Blaise crashed their party and ran and ran and ran. He just wanted to be part of it all.

At one point he even got his hands on it and the kids had to negotiate with him.

Assuming position...

This next shot is my favorite - I can just hear him saying, "got it!"

I think he had fun...

hmmmm...

now what?

"You stand there"

He got to throw it!

I have to say, these kids were very tolerant and it was so much fun to watch Blaise try to be a big kid. Finally they took off for greener pastures and Blaise followed with even looking back. Jan had to go get him.

Don't grow up too fast, Buddy!

KayKay at 9 1/2 Months

2011-10-07T22:33:00.000+02:00

We call her a lot of things depending on the level of stress of the situation, here is a sampling:

Kate

KayKay

Kate MARIE!! (usually when she is heading up the stairs)

KayKay Monkey

KayKay Maus

KayKay Schatz

Crazy Baby

Stink Stink (not so much anymore :( )

I actually think the list is a lot longer, but it is late. I will have to add some more when I think of them because if I can't remember them now, I surely won't in 20 years!

Playing at the Waterpark

2011-10-07T22:22:00.002+02:00

These are from mid-ish August at the Volkspark Waterpark. We had a pretty cool and wet summer and as you can see the morning we were there was pretty empty. It was nice for taking pictures!

Blaise was working very hard conducting the water here and there...

They've Changed So Much Already!

2011-10-07T22:07:00.002+02:00

Other cute July pictures, while I try and catch up...

Way Back When My Baby Turned 8 Months! (in July!!)

2011-10-07T21:50:00.000+02:00

little bit behind, over here, but she's cute anyway (and cheeky as ever!)!!

The Ordinary Day

2011-09-15T14:44:00.001+02:00

I was inspired by this Baby Rabies Blog Post to take part in a "Day in the Life" blog post. It goes like this: I schlepped my camera around all day yesterday and set my phone to ring every hour and then I took a picture of what we were doing.

The two dimensional pictures make it all seem very peaceful, but that isn't always true! It was a fun project and I am glad I documented our daily life. I will try and do this again in a few months when our daily routine surely will have changed.

Our morning always starts pretty early, but luckily this morning wasn't too early. This picture was taken at 6:44am and it was still so dark outside that I had to use the flash. Kate and I were in the kitchen getting breakfast made and the dishwasher emptied. Blaise was still snorning.

About an hour later, at 7:48am we took this picture after Blaise woke up. Usually Kate is always there in the morning when he wakes up and they are excited to see each other. After their initial hello's Blaise wasn't too thrilled to see her chewing on one of his toys.

At 8:49 it was time for Kate to take her morning nap, so as the routine goes, Blaise gets to watch Little Einsteins (or some other DVRed cartoon of choice) while I go back and fight with Kate. This morning nap is usually pretty easy to get her to take, though. Here he is telling me about the violin that Quincy is playing. He has shown some real interest in the violin so we are planning on getting him one for Christmas/Birthday this year when he's 3.

Just after 10am we had gotten dressed and ready for our day and we both brushed teeth while we waited for Kate to wake up so we could leave for our Playgroup.

We finally made it to play group, though it was a pretty small group today. There were some younger kids there but we ended being the only ones for about an hour :(

An hour later we were still at Playgroup and Kate had watched a baby who knew his way around this place, so I was chasing her every five minutes so she didn't fall down the stairs.

By 12:49pm we were home after a short trip to the drug store and Kate was getting ready to eat her parsnip apple lunch. She looks a little sceptical, but I promise, she likes it! I haven't made nearly as much of her food as I did for Blaise. Not exactly sure why, but I guess I am missing the time and energy. We just recently signed up for a farm box delivery, so we receive local organic fruit and veggies once a week. The apples and pears are usually gone after one day and by the end of the week we are trying to make sure we use everything before it goes bad - hence the yummy parsnip and apple combo. I am glad that she is getting more fresh food now that we have the farm box!

An hour later Kate was slumbering and Blaise and I were in the guest room reading books and resting. He was paci-free for a long time but at my parents he started stealing one from Kate and taking a time out in living room on the couch. We let him since he wasn't napping and we knew he needed some rest. This continued when we got home, so we made the guest room the paci-allowed zone. We spend the majority of Kate's afternoon nap after lunch reading books and resting with a pacifier or Kay-Kay BaBa as Blaise calls it. As a bonus he will occasionally sleep. No bonus today.

An hour later Kate was up and Blaise was driving her to the airport so they could "zoom back Grandma house Grandpa house."

Then we were off to music class. We go to Musikgarten once a week, it used to be Monday mornings, but it just recently changed to Wednesday afternoons at 4pm. Normally I don't have two things planned in one day, but twice a month we have playgroup and music class both in one day. This wouldn't be such an issue if someone would take a nap.

Kate was already in her carseat, so I took this picture to show a half full car. I am really honing my negotiating skills getting Blaise into the car. Once I lose my patience I count to three and if he isn't in his seat (or at least clearly on his way) then he is forceably put in. He usually chooses to do it "self." Usually.

I had to add this picture in the same time slot, because I knew when I took the picture of Kate alone in the car, I was going to blog about the get-in-the-car-fights that I have with Blaise. I felt bad, because then he came with no problem. That happens sometimes, too.

Our music class was over here (it's only 30 minutes) and Kate LOVED the bells and sticks! She was stalking the bins that they are kept in.

Here we are arriving home at 5:46pm after music class and a quick run to the supermarket for jam and cream cheese (but I didn't get the kind I wanted, boo!). Blaise decided he didn't want to come inside with me, so I was back to using my ultra-sharp negotiating techniques. I didn't really like this shot, but I luckily didn't have a chance to take another because he got into gear and headed inside.

Jan came home shortly after us and we had a quick dinner and got the monkeys into their pjs. They played a little in Blaise's room before Mommy put Kate to bed and Daddy put Blaisey to bed. They really do a great job of interacting and playing together. One of my greatest wishes for them is that they remain friends and always have each other.

An hour and 20 minutes after the kids went to bed (and shortly before Kate's first complaint) I was sitting on the couch working and Jan had run to the store to get the right cream cheese. No success!!

An hour later at just after 9pm I was still sitting in the same spot on the couch working and Jan was watching CSI.

I didn't bother taking a picture an hour later because I was on my way to bed.

If you didn't click on the Baby Rabies link, make sure to at least watch this video:

Hope you enjoyed our Ordinary Day! These next few days will be anything but ordinary as we are moving this weekend! Yes, we just moved last summer, we are just that crazy, but are very much looking forward to our big new backyard!

What does your ordinary day look like?

His New Look

2011-09-13T08:44:00.000+02:00

Blaise got his first little boy haircut last week. He's had haircuts, but we were always careful to say "not to short!!!" This time I didn't really say anything and this is what happened!

I have to say we really like it, but I am also looking forward to it growing out again! Every time I turn around he seems like he's gotten a little more mature.

We are currently packing for our upcoming move this weekend and Blaise found the Easter box. He opened it up to find plastic Easter eggs and Easter egg drink bottles. It was so colorful that he wanted something out of the box. I told him he could have one thing. He took out two drink bottles and said, "One Blaisey, one Jonah." Jonah is his good buddy. Pretty tricky, right?

Our last few hours

2011-09-10T23:30:00.000+02:00

My final post from our summer trip!! I need to get caught up so I can post the Beginning of Fall pictures.

We spent the afternoon of the 4th packing and digging in the sandbox. The morning we left was spent horsing around.

We had a wonderful trip and it was so fun watching Blaise solidify important relationships and increase his language skills.

Revolution Day

2011-09-10T22:31:00.000+02:00

We had somewhat of a harried 4th of July. We had a nice visit at my Godfather's in Wisconsin, but considering we were flying home on the 5th, we didn't have a lot of time for fireworks, hot dogs and sweet corn. We did manage to make it to the Main Square Festival in Highland - an old stomping ground of mine, and as I've mentioned I enjoyed taking Blaise to such hallowed grounds. It seemed smaller than it used to be, funny how that happens...

The New Generation

2011-09-10T21:30:00.000+02:00

While visiting my parents we were able to reconnect with some old friends. It was amazing catching up on 10+ years and what was even more unbelieveable was watching our kids bond over a battery powered latern during a blackout. Seriously how cute are these guys?

She's on Her Way

2011-08-29T18:56:00.001+02:00

These pictures were taken on June 30th when Kate was a week shy of 8 months. There will be no stopping her and I kinda like it that way.

Taste of Chicago

2011-08-29T15:36:00.000+02:00

We met up with my friend, Abbi, at the Taste of Chicago one (very hot) afternoon. I had only been one other time and this was the first time for Jan and my Dad so we enjoyed exploring the booths and trying to get as much out of our tickets and stomach space. :) The best thing I tried all afternoon was a fish taco (unfortunately I don't remember from which establishment).

This first picture is a little overexposed :(

Alligaters, Bunnies and Scorpions!

2011-08-29T10:00:00.000+02:00

We participated in another lovely library event when Alligator Andrew (what that his name?) came to visit. He was quite the entertainer and brought interesting animals and stories for the children to be awed by. The library was so full that I am glad we got there early to get a spot along the wall. We waited a long time, but Blaise was quite patient and was thrilled to pet the alligator and bunny at the end.

Region Festivals - St. Thomas Moore

2011-08-29T09:42:00.000+02:00

We spent some time trying to take advantage of what the Region had to offer this summer so we found ourselves at some summer festivals, including this one at St. Thomas Moore in Munster. I don't think I frequented this one so much as a kid, but Blaise had fun on the train and fishing just the same. Michelle "Shell" joined in the fun, too! :)

Highland Farmer's Market

2011-08-28T21:05:00.000+02:00

Readers are Leaders...

2011-08-27T13:39:00.000+02:00

that's what my Dad always ~~used to tell~~ tells me. I enjoy reading and Blaise has also cultivated a love for his books. During our stay in the US I was eager to take advantage of the summer library programs at the Lake County Public Library (both Highland and Munster branches). We found ourselves more often at Highland but that had to do with nostalgic as well as practical reasons, for one we often went after our Playgroup at Lincoln Center in Highland, only a hop, skip and jump away from the library. But, for two, I would be lying if I said it didn't mean much to me to take my son to the library that I frequented as a child. It has changed a lot in the last thirty years, but it still has the book smell.

Here we are at the Tremendous 2's and 3's class (I think). We really enjoyed this librarian, she really knew what she was doing with these kids.

Out on the Town

2011-08-27T11:14:00.002+02:00

We went out to eat in Chicago (or in "town" as Blaise says) while Grandma and Grandpa hit the Children's Museum at Navy Pier with Blaise. Kate enjoyed her trip out with the big kids. She even got her own ribs to enjoy.

Then we hit Binny's, that made her feel like a big girl!

I am trying to figure out photoshop and this is one of my first first attempts. The left image is the original and the right one has been edited. My ISO was so high that I had a hard time reducing the noise to an acceptable level (eh, like none), but she is hopefully a little sharper and brighter. The noise factor isn't as disturbing in this smaller image, but anything larger and it is pretty obnoxious.

Apa and Blaise

2011-07-21T20:04:00.000+02:00

Apa and Blaise enjoyed their time together. Here they are one morning looking for bunnies in the backyard and listening for cardinals.

Kate is (was) 7 months!

2011-07-21T19:55:00.000+02:00

Kate turned 7 months while we were in the US. She began scooting around about a week before and was gaining independence daily. She is a happy baby and quite giggly. She has added another dimension to our lives. We love having her cheeky self around!

Bookworm

2011-07-21T19:50:00.000+02:00

I can't remember a time when I didn't love books and I really hope that carries over to my children. We have worked hard (though you can hardly call it "work") to install a love for books in Blaise. What a wonderful way to have new adventures and learn about far away places as well as places in your own backyard. Grandma Rose is introducing him to an Elmo record (plastic disc?) book which he loved singing along with (or listening to Grandma sing!). It's one of those "little things."

Blaise's First US Birthday Party and Avery turns 8!

2011-07-21T10:13:00.000+02:00

Blaise attended his first US Birthday Party this summer when my cousin, Avery, turned 8! She had a great campsite party strategically located next to a playground. Blaise had a great time playing with his cousins and learning some new customs.

This is a juice box, Blaise.

This is how you put the straw in,

take a sip,

see if you like it,

and enjoy!

I think it is safe to say that he liked his first juice box experience.

Kate had a fun time hanging at the campsite, too - as long as she was being fed!

The next custom we needed to work on was NOT blowing out the birthday girl's candles. Not an easy task, Blaise was pretty eager to get some cake on his plate.

YUMMY!

The birthday girl!

Xander's sweet smile!

The big kids enjoyed cake, too.

Blaise had a fun time playing inside their camper.

My sweet baby's face

Four generations...

The Little Things

2011-07-20T20:13:00.000+02:00

We did a lot of fun things while visiting "In-wu-ya" (Blaise speak for Indiana), like seeing Elmo Live, visiting Shedd Aquarium, and "camping" in Brown County among other things. But, one some of the best things we did were the little things Like introducing Blaise to sidewalk chalk and watching him draw pictures with Gma and Apa of trees, sharks and octopuses. He really really really enjoyed these moments - see for yourself!

Thanks for all the "little things!"

Cow Milk

2011-07-17T22:12:00.000+02:00

We took a field trip to the Fair Oaks Dairy Farm which is an amazingly large operation where you visit the milking facility and they guarantee a live calf birth every day!! Here are the cows lined up to be milked in orderly fashion.

In order to keep everything clean and disease free, you ride around on this dairy bus for the tour and never come into contact with the air around the cows.

Unfortunately we didn't see a live birth, but there were two mommy cows in the birthing barn with the newborn calves when we arrived.

There was a train. Blaise was all about the train, but man was it hot!

Blaise sat for quite some time and watched the construction machines - quite the varied experience we had at the dairy farm!

All in all the farm was worth the trip. I really think it drilled into Blaise's brain where (conventional) milk comes from. He started asking for "cow milk" after this trip :) Jan said they had the best ice cream he has ever had in the US, now if that isn't worth the trip, I don't know what is!

Science and Industry

2011-07-17T21:15:00.000+02:00

We took a day that looked like rain (it turned out to be lovely) and drove into "town" or "ca-go," as Blaise says, to visit The Museum of Science and Industry. I had oddly enough never been there, so I was interested in what they had to offer. I was quite impressed with the vastness of the museum and the number of interesting exhibits. Blaise had a great time exploring trains, planes and U-Boots (submarines). I would definitely recommend a visit!

There was a very impressive model train exhibit - Blaise didn't know where to look first!

Watching lumberjacks in the Pacific NW cut down trees - "Timber!"

A tornado in the middle of the museum:

A real movie was playing at the Cinema on Main St., USA

The John Deere was a big hit!

This real German U-Boot (submarine) was captured by the Allies in June of 1944 off the coast of West Africa. It is now on display and you can take an informative tour of the inside (for an extra fee, but very worth it!). The history wrapped inside this U-Boot is very moving, though it is difficult to imagine how these men survived in such conditions and so confined for such a long time.

Kate's Baptism and Double Confirmation

2011-06-29T04:29:00.000+02:00

Kate was baptised at St. Nicholas Byzantine Catholic Church and in keeping with their tradition, she was confirmed at the same time, as was I as a newborn. Blaise was also given the sacrament, so he shared in her day as well.

My cousin and her family

My Godmother and Grandmother:

Poor Kate (and Auntie Michelle K) didn't take her morning nap and was pretty unhappy at 10am.

She got dipped three times.

Sleeping baby

Great Aunt Marge looking on at the newest generation

My girlfriend Abbi and her beautiful daughter

Kate's Godmother, Auntie Michelle K

Michelle has been a friend of mine since our Our Lady of Grace days when we would walk to school together. We moved on to high school together and then on to college. We have been through many significant moments together, but it was always the everyday, I know she is there moments, that meant so much. Michelle has grown into a strong and independent women - qualities which I hope Kate emulates. I also hope for her that she has such wonderful girlfriends throughout her lifetime, to share those everyday moments with.

Too Hot For Comfort

2011-06-29T04:00:00.000+02:00

One afternoon it got so hot that we put some water in the sandbox and loaded up these two monkeys.

Needless to say, they loved it!

Some Friends Are Silver, But These Are Gold

2011-06-29T03:54:00.001+02:00

My IU girlfriends and I get together somewhat annually with our families. We met up at Pokagon State Park which offers a lot of actitivies for the kiddos. This year we hung out at the beach and had a yummy picnic. Each time we get together we add new little ones, like these three here.

Aren't they cute?

Eleanor got some sand in her hair...

Blaise had a great time at the playground,

with beautiful Carolyn,

and digging at the beach with beautiful Eleanor.

Blaise somehow convinced the girls to fetch him water to fill into his hole. He must be a sweet-talker (which is ironic, since he doesn't say that many words!) :)

I unfortunately didn't get any other pictures, but there was fun to be had by all 11 kids!

Adults had fun after the kiddos went to sleep with some cold beverages and old stories. I love seeing you all, I just wish it could be more often!

Brown County

2011-06-21T02:56:00.000+02:00

We spent four days in Brown County State Park over Memorial Day weekend. I found we didn't take so many pictures while we were there, so I stole some from Trip Advisor. We stayed at one of their family cabins which we found to be a good compromise between hotel and camping. Blaise enjoyed the water park, riding ponies, having a campfire (in 90 degree heat!) and we coerced him into taking a trail. Blaise was excited about the possibility of seeing a "ratoon," but the only ones we saw were after he went to bed one night (luckily he saw some about a week later). For me it was a great experience taking my kids back to a place where I spent so much happy time as a child.

This photo of Abe Martin Lodge is courtesy of TripAdvisor

This photo of Abe Martin Lodge is courtesy of TripAdvisor

We got Pigbeared!

2011-06-21T01:56:00.000+02:00

About two years ago when Blaise was six months old Jan convinced me (after some time) that we needed a DSLR camera. It turns out Jan wasn't just blowing smoke. I have to say, I am really glad I finally listened to him!

Once we got our new DSLR I went about trying to learn how to use it. I'm not where I hoped to be two years later, but that isn't the point of this post. I found a few websites that I inhaled, one of which I am still a faithful reader of: The Pigbear. My new found internet photography guru is a Kindergarden teacher turned stay-at-home turned (amazing) professional photographer. Browse her photography blog for examples of her work.

When I heard she was going to be in Louisville the same weekend we were heading to Brown County (a mere two hours away) I knew I had to get my kids in front of her camera! I live in Germany and she is based out of Huntsville, AL - I might never get this close to her again!

Jan made fun of me as we pulled up because I was noticeably nervous. I hoped that after all our efforts my two year old would cooperate. I shouldn't have worried - that is why Erin is so great, she literally had him at hello. They were fast friends!

Here are some of the beautiful pictures that we got from Erin that day, I can't wait for them to be hanging on my wall!

See what I mean? Thanks so much, Erin! It was great meeting you and getting "Pigbeared"! :)

Blond Locks

2011-06-21T00:41:00.000+02:00

We really love Blaise's hair a little long and curly. It had gotten pretty long though and he was having a hard time seeing. :) Since it was (slowly) becoming warmer here we thought it was time to trim his wooly mane - but not too much. I got a good recommendation for a place in Dyer that specializes in children's haircuts, Pigtails and Crewcuts. The place had amazing accomodations; lots of activities for while you wait (and did we wait!) and your own special mode of transpertation chair and choice of DVD. These people know what they are doing.

I love this face:

Blaise choose the Mercedes SL "Rennauto" (race car):

The finished product:

Children's Museum in Chicago

2011-06-19T02:55:00.000+02:00

We spent a day in Chicago at the Children's Museum at Navy Pier. It was a great day for all of us! We found the much coveted Garrett's Popcorn and a cute hat for Kate. I was really impressed with the museum. I have heard it isn't as good as the Indianapolis Children's Museum, but I was there so long ago that I can't compare, I can just say if that is true, then Indy must be extrarodinary! There were so many different exhibits and Blaise loved exploring them all, but we have a ton of pictures, so be forewarned.

The first one we explored was Fire Safety. Blaise climbed in a fire truck, slid down the pole and put out fires.

Blaise wore the Chicago's firemen's outfit for about half a second

He loved these cars

He drove and rode the CTA

There was a kitchen and market

Quite the intent little man

Blaise the Builder

There was an archaeology dig, where you could clean off dinosaur bones with a brush.

Blaise saving Jan from the dinosaur head

There were also some baby areas for the littlest museum goers.

Oops

This was a cool contraption to test if the plane you built could fly

And then we went back to some of our favorite things once things quieted down and before moving on to new things:

Mommy, too!

Okay, Blaise, Mommy too - Kate was snoozing in the ergo

Blaise the plumber

The next section was the wilderness area. Blaise and Jan went fishing in the brook.

Climbing into the treehouse

Enjoying fresh vegetables from the garden outside the log cabin

The final area we spent time in was really for older kids, but Blaise really enjoyed the construction zone. He sorted screws and carried around 2 x 4s.

I very much recommend the Chicago Children's Museum for your next trip to the Windy City!

Playgroup

2011-06-18T16:53:00.001+02:00

Before we arrived I looked around at the Munster and Highland Parks Departments' websites trying to find a summer program for Blaise. We were going to be here for about two months, so I wanted to take advantage of this extended visit with some English speaking kids groups. I found a Playgroup, "Wiggles and Giggles" in Highland at Lincoln Center - a community center that I used to go to as a child! Since I don't have many opportunities to watch my kids enjoy the places I did as a child, I really appreciate the times I do ever so much. It is nice program every Monday for two months. The morning begins with some songs, playing and counting with the parachute, listening to a story, doing a craft and some free play. Blaise hasn't really interacted with the other children so much, but the teacher is very nice and he seems to respond to her.

Sitting in a circle waiting to sing some songs

Kate was there, too

Reuniting with Friends

2011-06-18T16:34:00.001+02:00

One thing I enjoy so much on our trips home is reconnecting with old friends. I am so lucky to have wonderful friends from my childhood, high school and college that I am still close to. These are not friends that I see every day or even every month, sometimes more than a year separates our meetings. And yet, it is as if no time has passed...except for the growing number of kids!

Our first weekend here I got together with some of my girlfriends from college. It was a real girls weekend, since we took Kate with us. Blaise stayed home with the boys and enjoyed some indoor playground fun at Bellaboos. Here is a picture of us that I stole from my friend Kristy's blog.

The following weekend two more of my college friends stopped at my parents each with their pretty little girl. The "big" kids had fun playing together and cooing over Kate.

She's sooo pretty!

This girl is a riot!

Blaise sharing his blueberries with his new friends

Tyler's Tender

2011-06-18T04:54:00.001+02:00

There is a train themed restaurant not far from my parent's house, Tyler's Tender, which was a great rainy day activity with Blaise. Not only do they have model trains, but also a little train that you can ride (in addition to an arcade). Blaise really enjoyed himself and the idea is nice - the kids can play while the adults eat. I thought the food was fair at best, but the concept was great for kids. There was also a little train bringing orders to those sitting at the bar.

My friend Michelle with Kate checking out the trains

Shark Attack

2011-06-18T04:21:00.000+02:00

We took a day and went to the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago with our fish-lover, Blaise. He ran around from tank to tank excited to see what the next exhibit would bring. We saw the dolphin show, otters, beluga whales, but I think the big hit of the day was the sea lion. The sea lion was huge and barked a few times for us. Blaise was a bit startled at first, but then he thought it was funny and kept barking like the sea lion himself. I didn't have my camera that day, so here are some pictures I stole from the internet of things we liked followed by Blaise in his Shedd t-shirt.

Feeling at Home

2011-06-16T05:14:00.000+02:00

Blaise and Apa have a fun game of building towers and knocking them down. It is great fun.

We saw Elmo!

2011-06-16T05:06:00.000+02:00

Elmo and friends were visiting in Chicago a few days after we arrived. We had only been in the US for one full day before going to see Elmo live at the Rosemont Theater. Blaise really loves Elmo, so we had to go see him in person. We prepped him a little bit, but I think I was more excited than he was. I love going to the theater and I hope that this was one of many productions that Blaise enjoys. And enjoy he did.

Giving Daddy some love before the show as he takes it all in

I love the way Elmo is peeking around corner

Love this!

First Day at Gma's and Apa's

2011-06-16T04:43:00.000+02:00

It's hard to remember exactly what we did so long ago (6 weeks is a long time when you travel with two kids!), but I think we spent the first day relaxing, playing with our new toys and saying hi to Grandma Sco.

These pictures were taken with my ISO up too high, hence the noise :(

We're here! and Kate is 6 months!

2011-06-16T04:12:00.000+02:00

We left for the US on Kate's half birthday. It was a long day, but all in all they mastered it pretty well. We were prepared with snacks, toys and the iphone. Kate did a good job of napping in the Ergo carrier and we kept Blaise entertained, so much so that he didn't sleep. When we arrived in Chicago it was after 10pm in Germany and he hadn't slept all day! Of course he nodded off in the car on the way back to my parent's house and then woke up cranky. Once we arrived here all that was forgotten as he explored his new digs, which included a new room, bed and toys! My mom had some of my old toys ready for him as well as some new toys. It was hard to convince him to go bed.

For as well as Kate did on the plane, she had had it once we were in the car. We arrived to 90 degree weather in Chicago which probably didn't help the situation. She tucked in pretty quickly in her new pack-n-play which we strategically placed in the bathroom with no windows!

Powering up with coffee at the airport

Blaise and Daddy waiting to board

Snacking on his apple on the plane

Looking SO big with his earphones and iphone

Chowing on a candy bar from the flight attendant

We didn't really let her eat it

And She's Off

2011-06-16T02:52:00.000+02:00

Okay, Kate wasn't really taking off in Apirl, but she was prepping for it! Here she is on April 26th at 5.5 months.

Notice the butt.

Stop watching me, Mommy!

Cousins

2011-06-16T02:45:00.000+02:00

Not long before we were to leave for our two month stint in the States, we visited with Jan's sister and her family. When Blaise was a baby, Adrian (3.5 years his senior) was anxious for him to be able to play. Then I think Adrian went through a period of ambivilance, since Blaise was unable to play with him.

Now the situation is different. Adrian is blooming in his older cousin role as he shows Blaise the ropes and teaches him new tricks (oh boy!).

Think this guy looks up to his older cousin?

He has starting saying his name as well, which is so sweet. It comes out like: Ad-e-an. One day he'll pronounce it right and I'll be sad.

For now I'll just enjoy these guys.

At the Park

2011-06-16T02:30:00.000+02:00

I have some mega catching up to do with you all and my blog. I had some minor technical difficulties which aren't completely rectified, but we're working on it.

Here are some pictures of Blaise at a playground near our house. We have a little yard area behind our building, but we haven't really taken advantage of that all that much. It is convenient to have a play area about five minutes away, though!

Easter Weekend

2011-05-01T11:17:00.002+02:00

We had a very busy and fun Easter weekend. It started Thursday afternoon with an Easter Egg Hunt together with Blaise's buddy Jonah. They had a great time running around looking for eggs. Thanks to my mom for sending us fillable eggs. :)

Blaise spent time playing with his new Winnie the Pooh legos, making breakfast with Daddy and coloring eggs.

Check little sis's brother's first Easter pictures here. :)

Kate's Easter morning photo shoot:

Happy Easter

2011-04-24T13:36:00.002+02:00

Happy Easter!

(more to come, I promise)

Five Months!!

2011-04-10T20:09:00.000+02:00

Kate has such a wonderful personality. She has to be sweetest baby ever. There is so much I should be saying about her, I am just at a loss as to where to start. She is becoming quite vocal and she is getting really good at rolling both back to belly and belly to back. She really loves to play and be active - she must be involved in what is happening or she isn't happy. She had been sleeping 5-6-7-even 8 hour stretches, getting up only once at night for a feeding, but she has recently gone through a growth spurt (thank God, she plateaued at 12lbs for about 2 months) and is now nursing 2-3 times a night. I feel more tired now that I did when she was two months old. She loves cuddling and reading books, but I think what she loves the most is Blaise. She always smiles and laughs at him and the feeling is mutual, he really adores his little sister. I'm not sure how I got so lucky to have such amazing children.

Four Months!!

2011-03-10T15:45:00.000+01:00

Three Months!

2011-02-13T21:03:00.000+01:00

Scary Blaise

2011-01-13T13:37:00.000+01:00

The night before my Dad left Blaise had a good time "scaring" him before going to bed.

2 Months!

2011-01-10T22:40:00.001+01:00

The Unveiling

2011-01-09T14:02:00.004+01:00

My Mom has always enjoyed baking and making my birthday (and wedding!) cakes. We have given her the honor of baking Blaise's two birthday cakes. Last year's was a fish based on his love of swimmy fish and this year's was Elmo based on his new found love of the little red monster. She is very methodical in her ways and it shows in the outcome.

Those of you interested in children's birthday cakes in Germany, I can highly recommend the online service of Backformenladen. Not that it is impossible to find cake pans here, but the selection leaves something to be desired. Backformenladen has (at least what seems like) hundreds of pans for many occasions available for rent (also some to purchase). The price is fair and I liked the idea of renting so that I don't end up with 40 pans by the time my kids move out (less stuff!). I found them very easy to deal with and accommodating. They ship cake paraphernalia (food coloring, icing, baking soda, etc.) along with the pan and you pay for whatever you use. We actually didn't use this service, but it was good backup should we have run out of something (which we almost did - Elmo's fur needed a lot of coloring!).

Birthday Tunes

2011-01-09T13:43:00.002+01:00

Clarification

2011-01-08T22:53:00.000+01:00

There seems to be some confusion about the new photography project that I started. The deal is that I am committing to posting one photo a day on a new blog. In order to make it more straightforward I added a button - the "One a Day" button - funny? All you need to do is click that button and it will take you there. Hope you enjoy!!

Birthday Cupcake

2011-01-07T22:40:00.001+01:00

My mom made cupcakes so that we could sing happy birthday to Blaise the morning of his actual birthday. We practiced a few times how to blow out the candle so that he is ready for the big party on Saturday. I think he's got it down now - he kept pointing to the candle and saying "mo'".

How is he two years old already?

Have some cupcake, Kate

Blaise imitating his sister - "Baby ääh" he says

Blaise's Words at 2 years

2011-01-07T13:34:00.004+01:00

in random order, possibly incomplete - german words in red

He can sometimes repeat words, like "normal," but these are the words he uses independently.

Mommy/Mama
Daddy/Papa
auto
no
nein
paw
hi
owl
elbow
arm
eye
hammer
Babi
two
ball
eine
more
baby
down
up
po
poo
knee
ein
pumpkin
corn
Elmo
bye
Hai
snow
yummy
cow

A Shelving We Will Go

2011-01-06T13:11:00.000+01:00

Those of you who have known me long enough might remember the shelves in my bedroom in my parents' house. My Dad built the shelves when I was quite small and I enjoyed them throughout my childhood. Since my parents were going to be visiting for a chunk of time, we asked my Dad to build some shelves for Blaise. Just before Christmas Jan and my Dad spent an afternoon planning and measuring and buying wood and drilling and re-measuring and admiring. Blaise had a great time moving pieces of wood around, hammering the work-in-progress and just helping in general.

On a photography note, I have been disturbed by the red tones in the pictures I've taken in the evenings. I'd read something about white balance, but didn't really understand what that meant so I ignored it. After looking at pictures from this evening, Jan mentioned the white balance. It took me less than five minutes to google and change the setting on my camera. Not trying to give the impression I actually understand the whole concept now, but there is a definite improvement in the coloring with the auto white balance setting. Next step is figuring out how to set it manually, for which I'll need a grey card. Recommendations, anyone?

Witness red toned pictures:

Blaise hammered Daddy on the head!

Witness the not so red toned pictures (admittedly taken the next morning):

Finished product taken with my point and shoot because I don't have a wide enough lens on the DSLR

Thanks for the shelves, Grandpa! Blaise loves them! (and so do we!)

One a Day

2011-01-04T21:08:00.000+01:00

I've started a new photography project for 2011 - One a Day. My goal is to take one picture a day to document the small, but beautiful, things in our life.

Merry Gigglement

2011-01-03T21:35:00.000+01:00

Blaise got some Lego Duplo "fire" for Christmas and our friend Jörg kept "burning" his finger on the campfire. Blaise then found it necessary for all of us to burn ourselves. :) Thanks to Christian for this clip!

Boxing Day

2011-01-02T11:05:00.001+01:00

Okay, so we don't really have "Boxing Day," but it sounds good. We do celebrate the day after Christmas, known as the "2nd Christmas Day" - meaning the 2nd day after the 24th.

We celebrated at Jan's sister's with the extended family. The matriarch of their family was there, Noemi's oldest sister, visiting from Prague along with good friends. It was a merry time.

Adrian at almost 5 1/2

Blaise liked the "auto" ornament

Taking apart the tree

Vroom, Vroom

Hmm, some of these have to be for me!

Blaise enjoyed playing with the nativity

Lady Kate

Blaise really enjoyed playing with his new girlfriend

He kept taking her hand and leading her over to the nativity

B with other new girlfriend - soon to become new babysitter

Christmas Day

2010-12-31T17:58:00.000+01:00

Christmas Morning we leisurely spent at home. The advantage to being multicultural is that you receive a visit from the Christkind AND Santa Claus :) Santa Claus knew that Blaise would enjoy his own play kitchen since he likes to mimic Daddy. My mom stocked the kitchen with new finds as well as many of my old supplies. Keeping with Scofield Santa tradition, we didn't wrap these presents. It is easier for us and we use less wrapping paper this way!

Before

Checking out his first class kitchen

Kate hanging out in her favorite spot

Delivering stockings

I liked this shot of Kate - so happy!

Blaise immediately started creating his menu

Cheers!

Grandma and Grandpa enjoying Blaise's enthusiasm

After

We spent the evening at Jan's mom's where Blaise was once again happy to unwrap more gifts.

Sitting down to a delicious meal

Lego Duplo was a big hit this year

Christmas Eve

2010-12-30T12:40:00.001+01:00

The six of us celebrated Christmas Eve at home with our friends Jörg, Kathy and Christian - with their baby Simon. It was a relaxing evening filled with fun, laughter, good food and presents. We visited a children's Mass in the afternoon which was perfectly timed for Blaise. The start of the evening brought a visit from the Christkind. Blaise was playing in his room with Grandma, Grandpa and Jörg and the Christkind rang her bell indicating she had delivered her packages and was on her way. Then we had a lovely dinner and sent Blaise to bed after the first course. The babies played along for awhile, but they added life to the party ;)

Jörg brought a book for Blaise

Grandpa and Kate hanging out

The workers

He heard the bell!

He's coming!

What was that? (I love the adults peeking around the corner!)

Presents?

Now he is getting into it!

A puppy puppet!

An underexposed picture of Kathy and Christian with the babies

Storytime - Blaise loves books :)

Playing with his puzzle train

How to Say "I Love You"

2010-12-23T16:01:00.002+01:00

Playing and Working Hard

2010-12-22T23:07:00.000+01:00

Adventures in Baking

2010-12-21T08:50:00.000+01:00

(Like the Halloween PJs Jan has him in to bake Christmas cookies? ;) )

Quality Time

2010-12-20T07:56:00.000+01:00

Ingelheim Christmas Market

2010-12-19T14:36:00.001+01:00

Christmas Tree

2010-12-18T21:26:00.001+01:00

Happy Lady

2010-12-10T14:35:00.000+01:00

St. Nicholas Day

2010-12-10T14:31:00.000+01:00

So as not to break with Tradition...

2010-12-03T20:51:00.001+01:00

...Kate felt compelled to spend her time in the Children's hospital. In all my nightmares about ending up there again, never did I really think it would happen, and yet...

We were home not quite a week when I noticed one night she had the beginnings of a stuffy nose. The following day she got progressively worse until we decided to take her to the ER. It was a Friday night of course. We were immediately admitted and she was put on IV fluids. She had a viral infection in her nose, thankfully it never went to her lungs. The problem was that because of the stuffy nose she could not eat and she was having some problems breathing. By Saturday night they had her off the IV and we went home Monday evening. Three nights. If I have to be honest Friday and Saturday were really hard on me - I felt like I was living what I feared the most. To make matters worse, Blaise wasn't allowed to visit, so I didn't see him for those three days either. I knew she did not have a serious problem and I knew we were in the right place, I just. could. not. believe. that we were there again.

Once again we have reason to be thankful to the medical staff of the Children's hospital at the University in Mainz.

Tired Mommy

Our room

Wearing my coat everywhere - I came home sick

Thank you to the Children's hospital, you have served us well!

Thank you for making me a Mommy

2010-12-03T12:08:00.000+01:00

Before I launch into all our adventures and mishaps with Baby Kate and Big Brother Blaise, I wanted to take a minute and say:

Blaise, thank you for making me a Mommy. It all started with you. I didn't know how much I was going to love you until you were here. Adding Kate to our lives has just enriched my love for you as I see how sweet you are with her. You and I had some great times as "Mommy and Blaise" - I am looking forward to more great times.

Introducing Kate Marie

2010-12-02T12:40:00.000+01:00

For all our worries we were rewarded. On November 10, 2010 our daughter, Kate Marie was born. She came into this world healthy and sturdy - we couldn't be happier.

Her birth story:

Monday: On the 8th I had a pre-op appointment scheduled at the hospital in case the baby hadn't turned in time and I had to have a c-section. Luckily she had turned! I went to the appointment anyway and they did an ultrasound to confirm and make sure everything was looking good. Since she looked good, they sent me home and I was to call in the morning to get an appointment to come in the next day.

Tuesday: Because of the gestational diabetes they didn't want me to go longer than 40 weeks - which was Tuesday, Nov 9th. I was hoping to negotiate another day, but I lost. It is hard to argue with a team of doctors when they start listing the possible (however small) risks the baby has due to the diabetes, especially late in the pregnancy. I called Jan at work and said they were going to induce me. He left and got to the hospital around noon.

They gave me a fourth of a pill. In all the reading I have done never did I read about some labor inducing pill. But, that's what I got. It is actually heartburn medication that has the added side effect of inducing labor. Nice. Anyway, they gave me the pill and hooked me up to the baby monitoring machines. Nothing happened. I was allowed to walk around, go visit my sister-in-law and 2 day old nephew who were rooming across the hall and get something to eat. I went back four hours later for a half a pill (actually the full dosage), they hooked me up to baby monitoring machines. Nothin'. I started getting nervous that after all this nothing-ness I would be ending up with a c-section the next day. I had heard all these "I was induced and in labor for four days and in the end I had a c-section" horror stories. Talk about the worst of both worlds.

Tuesday evening I was visiting with my sister-in-law and then went back to my room about at about 10. Thirty minutes later I started having contractions. They came regularly all night and about 2am I went down to L&D for them to check me out. Since this was my second birth I was nervous things might start happening fast, but I didn't want to call Jan unless it was necessary. They examined me, but things were still in the beginning stages, so I went back to bed and didn't sleep.

Wednesday: I called Jan early in the morning to let him know that I was finally having contractions and we waited together while I was hooked up to the baby heart monitor machine. (not sure what it is called in English - CTG as well?) What I found somewhat frustrating was that my contractions were not registering on the contraction measuring machine. Like I had no proof of all this pain. They gave me another half dose of induction medicine and I was finally starting to dilate. At one point I was lying there and the midwife called for the doctor and started rushing around getting supplies. I was barely aware at first what was happening, but I noticed my doctor come in. She very calmly watched the heartbeat and said the baby must have been sitting/standing/dancing on the umbilical cord, which had made her heartbeat drop. During those 90 seconds I thought I was going to end up with the c-section after all.

We didn't do much that morning except wait. I was allowed to go back to my room and I was supposed to come back to L&D around noon. I went back down around 11:30 and they put me in a delivery room. Once we got there things progressed much quicker than I thought they were going to. I was having very strong contractions and since I pushed with Blaise for so long (1.5ish - 2ish hours) without meds I really wanted to avoid that again. I asked for the epi and I was only a few centimeters dilated. They called the anesthesiologist and he was there pretty quickly. This part took forever! The doctor was super nice and told me in between contractions that his son was born in Portland, Oregon. He tried doing the epi with me lying on my side because the baby wasn't liking me sitting. That didn't work, so we he did it quickly with me sitting. Poor guy got called back a million times because I could still feel those crazy contractions. Finally he offered me something else, but the midwife shook her head "no" and I was also sick of being stuck everywhere. After all this ta-do I was fully dilated and soon started pushing. I think I only pushed about 3 times and with the added help of them breaking my water and an episiotomy, and Kate was born at 1:50pm. If I had known how quickly it was going to be over I would have skipped the whole epidural, but I was finally nice and numb for them to sew me up!

There were some spots on the placenta that needed to be checked out. The doctor brought in a large syringe of milk and injected it into the cord and it filled the placenta. They were able to tell there weren't any holes in because none of the milk came out.

Kate's numbers were really good: 9/10/10 and she nursed right away (after she and I both got cleaned up). I was able to stay in the delivery room with her and sleep a little bit while Jan hurried home to get my Mom and Blaise. I was back in my room around 4 or 5 just before Blaise and Grandma Rose came in to see Kate for the first time.

Last time it was tonight

2010-11-07T20:10:00.000+01:00

During my pregnancy with Blaise tonight was the night that I woke up having cramps. They weren't too bad, but uncomfortable enough I couldn't sleep anymore. I labored at home all day, went to the hospital in the evening and Blaise was born at 2:30am the next morning. Nothing's happening yet - here's to waking up in the middle of the night...

Pregnancy Update 38w 4d

2010-10-30T13:32:00.001+02:00

This pregnancy has been a roller coaster. We've surely had more ups than downs, but nothing has remained static. When I went back to the doctor a week ago, the baby had turned again and was back in breech position. This was something I really thought we had left behind us, but here we were again dealing with the "what to do with a breech baby?" question. I had a follow-up appointment at the hospital this past Tuesday, still with a breech baby. We made and action plan and I (finally) left. As of yesterday (Friday) baby is back to starting position. I can now obsess about the possibility that Baby will turn yet again.

The current plan is that I will not be allowed to go over 40 weeks, which is November 9th according to my records (really November 10th if we want to get picky, but I don't think the doctors will grace me with one more day). I will be cut off at 40 weeks because of the gestational diabetes - which seems to have gotten much better recently. As long as baby is still head down then I will be induced on November 9th, if not I'll have to have a c-section. If I go into labor before 40 weeks (please, please, please) and the baby is head down - great! If the baby is again breech and the attending at the time is on board, we're going to try a natural birth. This baby is much smaller than Blaise at about 6.4lbs as opposed to over 9lbs, so the doctors feel there shouldn't be a problem getting out. Still hopin' to get this baby moving before 40 weeks and in the right position!

On a positive note, the baby looked healthy, which in the end is all that really matters.

Apple Picking - The Great American Fall Tradition

2010-10-22T22:31:00.000+02:00

Chicken Farm

2010-10-20T12:18:00.000+02:00

A few weeks ago we went to dinner at a chicken farm (this is a fairly loose translation) for Andrea's birthday. It was the last time we were out to dinner with Willi and he actually had a good appetite and enjoyed his time with the whole family. Blaise really enjoyed looking at the chickens and spent his non-eating time running around outside with anyone who would go with him.