nutcracker 2010.

Today, Ethnie performed in the Nutcracker ballet at St. Cate's University. She was a baby mouse and had a small part in Act 1. She did great! She was so excited and wasn't nervous at all. I volunteered backstage so I got to be a part of all the action. After Ethnie's part was done she started crying because she didn't want to take off her costume. She said, "I want to be a mouse all day." She looked adorable and had a blast. Matt and I are very proud of her and can't wait to watch her in her next ballet!

santa babies.

This was the first year Ethnie would sit on Santa's lap and tell him what she wanted for Christmas. This happened to be the third Santa we saw this season so it took her a couple of times. She was still shy, but has definitely gotten better!

This year is Emmett's first Christmas. He sat on Santa's lap just fine and we got a professional photo taken for his baby book. I think it turned out pretty cute. We hope you all have a very merry Christmas!! Love!

snowpacalypse.

Last weekend we had a massive snow storm. Most of the metro area got 16+ inches of snow. Yeah, I know, awful. St. Paul schools were cancelled Monday and Tuesday because buses couldn't even drive down the side streets! And that's AFTER multiple plows. So Ethnie, being bored at home, attempted to play outside in the yard. She only lasted about 20 minutes. Not only was the snow up to her waist, but it was in the single digits as well. When she came inside she was frozen. Here are some pictures I took from inside watching her trying to walk through the snow. Stay warm everyone!

emmett turns 5 months old.

Emmett is getting bigger by the second! We can't believe he is 5 months old already. He really wants to sit by himself, but can't yet. He is grabbing at anything he can reach and smiles constantly. He really enjoys sitting in his entertainer and playing for longer periods of time.

thanksgiving at home.

So I turned 28 on Thanksgiving this year. Sigh. I'm still getting used to it... Anyway, we hosted Matt's family this year and I think for the most part it was a success. Everyone was able to make it (13 of us total) and we had a great meal. I didn't have to cook everything, but I was nervous about what I did make because it was for a lot of people and I used new recipes. The green bean casserole and potatoes I made turned out to be delicious. One can't really go wrong with marthastewart.com, right? I was also happy with how my table decor turned out. I went to the grocery store and got some bouquet fillers to put in vases and some fresh pears to use as place cards. I added some candles and Ethnie's artwork from school to the mix and - tah dah! Thanksgiving at home.
Among many desserts, our sister-in-law brought a birthday cake for me. It was a 'turkey' cake complete with mashed potatoes, carrots, beets and drumstick wrappers! I thought it was adorable and very appropriate for the occasion.
Ethnie was so excited to wear her new Christmas dress so we let her. She was the prettiest one of the party. It was Emmett's first Thanksgiving and we were so excited to have him join us. He loved all the company over too. Gobble gobble!

interested in free christmas cards? how about 50?!

Check this out!

is doing a Christmas promotion of their new 2010 holiday cards collection and giving away 50 free cards! I'd say that's a pretty sweet deal! It's also motivation to get your cards done and out on time.

Shutterfly has tons of adorable photo cards to choose from(803 to be exact), which makes it hard to pick because I want so many of them. A photo card is a great option because you can send someone you won't be able to see on Christmas an updated photo and holiday wishes all in one shot. I think most people not only want to know how you are, but also what you look like from year to year and a photo card gives you both. The styles and ideas Shutterfly provides are great! Here is the link to the photo cards: http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/holiday-cards. I really like this one because it's simple yet elegant:

I really like this one because it has that classic Christmas look:

and this one is my favorite because of the sparkle and it's all about the picture:

Shutterfly has many other products as well. This is the link to view their cute calendars: http://www.shutterfly.com/calendars. The features of these calendars are awesome because they incorporate photos to remind you of upcoming birthdays or other events! I like the wall calendars the best. Here is an example:

And how pretty are these?

Shutterfly also makes Christmas party invitations, which can be seen here: http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/christmas-invitations. I know people are always looking for good ideas for parties and get-togethers so check out theirs!
I hope many of you read this post so you can take advantage of a great deal.

Michelle

my big girl.

Yesterday morning, Ethnie rode the bus to preschool for the first time. Lucky for her, the bus stops right on our corner. We waited together for the bus and I could tell she was nervous. When the bus arrived, we both climbed on the bus and Ethnie stopped at the top of the steps. It was pretty loud in there so she got overwhelmed and looked up at me and said, "I don't know what to do." She then began to cry. I helped her to her seat and told her she only had to ride for four minutes. I had to hold back tears too! I felt bad that she was scared. I also told her how brave I thought she was and how proud I was of her. So, I had to leave her on the bus crying and thought about her the entire time she was at school. When I went to pick her up in the afternoon, she was all smiles and told me she liked riding the bus. Now she will ride the bus in the morning. I must say, it a luxury for a mother.

Michelle

yep. it's here.

This morning we woke up to a winter wonderland. Ethnie was thrilled. She wanted to go outside and play at 8:30 a.m., but I made her wait until 10:00. She got all bundled up and tried to shovel the walk and made snow angels. She said, "Mommy, this is my favorite day!" She lasted about 30 minutes then wanted to come in. The wind was pretty cold.

taz.

On Saturday, we picked up our first foster dog! He is a young chihuahua, named Taz. He was dropped off at the midwest animal rescue shelter and fit our needs, so we got the call. Getting a foster dog is a pretty painless process. All you have to do is fill out an application and have your home inspected. The shelter provides everything you need to care for the dog. Taz will be staying with us until someone wants to adopt him. That means he is AVAILABLE! Let us know if you are interested.

Taz is an extremely sweet, gentle dog. He is not hyper and loves being pet and sitting in your lap. He does not bark, even when you put him in his kennel. So far, he has only had a few accidents because he was nervous being here. Ethnie is in heaven with him! She is a great helper and is loving Taz to death. She will be pretty sad when he has to go, but we can always foster another one. So far, things are going great with him.

complete GMAT. check!

This morning from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., Matt took the GMAT. This is an exam he has to pass to complete grad school. He was very nervous last night and this morning, but now it's done! Of course, we're waiting on pins and needles for the results, but that won't be for awhile. So, out of sight, out of mind for now! Matt is a smart guy and we know he will do great. Now, he can just focus on his classes and doesn't have to do anymore double-duty studying. He was pretty fried after the exam so he just relaxed the rest of the day.

grateful to be a mom.

This past week I have been pondering what being a mom means to me. I am so grateful to be a mother to my two amazing children. I am so grateful to be able to bear children and, especially, to be able to stay home and raise them. With Emmett being so young, I feel very relieved to be able to take care of him at home. I felt a large weight lifted off my shoulders when I decided not to go back to work. I know for a fact this is what I am suppose to do at this time and it feels so right!
I am grateful to have a beautiful daughter like Ethnie. She is so smart and animated. She has so many interesting things to say and is very comfortable with her feelings. I know raising a girl has its challenges, but I feel honored to take on any challenge she has for me. She and I have a blast together; she's my little girlfriend!
I am also grateful to have the opportunity to raise a son. I have a feeling that I have no idea what I'm in for! I look at other little boys I know and - yikes! - they are constantly on the move and have no fear! I am used to cautious little Ethnie, so when Emmett walks right off the end of the dock instead of stopping to look at the water, I'd better have a life jacket in hand! So far, he has been the sweetest, cuddliest little man I could ask for.
I love my children. They bring so much joy to Matt and I. I feel so lucky to be their mother.

Michelle

happy birthday great grandpa marv

Matt's grandfather, Marv, had a birthday last week so all of his family and some of his extended family got together to celebrate. We made sure to get a picture of him with our kids! His grandmother passed in the spring so we make sure we make regular visits to great grandpa's house.

emmett turns 4 months.

At the end of October, Emmett turned 4 months old! At his well visit check up, he measured 25 inches long and weighs 17 pounds. He is still in the 90th percentile! He is our big boy and we couldn't be happier to have him. He brings so much joy to our lives. He is starting to reach for objects and is trying to roll over. Go Emmett!

halloween 2010.

zooboo at como zoo.

almost 4 months!

We can't believe Emmett is almost 4 months old already. Time is flying by! He is laughing, always smiling, exploring everything around him, and is even starting to recognize his name. We've started putting him in his excersaucer toy and he likes it, but only lasts about 5 minutes in it. Such a workout lifting that big head! He is finally starting to like tummy time and arches his back like he is trying to roll over. He has his 4-month check-up soon so we will let you know his height and weight.

last bit of summer

I thought I'd post a picture of these pretty flowers Ethnie picked on our blog because we won't be seeing anything like them for awhile with winter right around the corner. Sigh... Even though the weather has been absolutely gorgeous and I am so grateful for it, I am DREADING the freezing air right behind it. Winter is so hard for me and having an infant does not make it any easier.

With that in mind, we are going to care for and savor these flowers as long as possible!

Michelle

afton apple orchard

mn zoo trip

We had a family day and decided to go to the Zoo. We had a great time. We were able to see the dolphins being fed (Ethnie's favorite) and a female monkey nursing her baby! Emmett was calm and happy the entire time. The weather was pleasant so we were able to see most of the outdoor animals.