Growing up

Sam is growing up fast.  He's in the process of getting all of his eye teeth and his first set of molars.  His mouth looks pretty good now but boy a couple weeks ago it was sore.  His gums were swollen, red and sometimes bleeding.  Poor kid.

He's also decided to give up the bottle.  Thank Goodness!!  He hasn't taken a bottle at night for a very long time but he really wanted it during the day.  It had gotten to the point where is was comical.  When Sam wants something to drink he always goes to the kitchen, stands by the sink and reaches up.  I'd get a sippy cup ready for him and he'd have an all out melt down.  He'd throw the cup, bow his head and stand there and cry.  Sometimes he'd even lay on the floor and cry.  All this attention for his bottle made me think it was time for it to go.  The process was a lot easier than I expected.  I made sure they were out of sight, he spent the day at Grandma Linda's without it and I just didn't give one to him that night.  I figured if it worked one day it could work another.  It's been a week now and he's doing great.  I don't think he drinks as much as he did when he took the bottle but that's probably OK.

He's still now saying any words - it bugs me a little because he uses variations of grunts for everything.  He's climbing on top of everything and getting into whatever he can.  He's a HUGE Mama's boy however and most of the day he spends trailing me around the house and begging me to carry him.  He still loves to cuddle which is awesome and makes me forgive him for all the other frustration.  I started Sam and Ben at Pam's daycare one day a week so we can each have a little 'alone' time.

The Big Move

Our basement project is very near completion and we have slowly been 'moving in'.  Of course the TV was the first thing to go back up, then the new surround sound, then new furniture and Ben's new bed.  We had a small Super Bowl party, which proved to be perfect timing because they all helped carry and setup.  It was great.

Tonight was the first night that we had time to move Jake's bunk beds downstairs.  He's a little hesitant about sleeping down there but said he'd give it a try tonight.  Ben's been ready since we put his bed up but wanted to wait for Jake to be there with him.  Curt is going to spend the night down there too.  It's going to be a little different for me with them downstairs - I'm used to having them right across the hallway.  I have to admit it makes me a little nervous but it is time to get Sam out of our bedroom, making the move a necessity.

Now we have to clean out the boys' old bedroom and get it ready for Sam.  It shouldn't take too much, a pail of soap and water will go a long way.  We are setting up a queen bed with the hope that Sam will sleep better in a big bed than he does in his crib.  I told Jake we'd leave the crib up for a while in case he still wants to sleep upstairs, that however means that Ben would want to too and they'll have to sleep together in the same bed.  I think it will only take a couple nights of that and Jake will want his own bed.  Those two fight a lot and I can only imagine how they would be in their sleep!

I'll add pictures of the new rooms soon.  The paint colors are pretty bold but the boys love them.

Winter Wonderland in MN

It has been literally MONTHS since I updated so once again I'll do a review in pictures. It's been an amazing few months with lots of fun at home, away from home and in the everlasting abundance of snow we seem to have this year.

Jake and Ben playing in the snow drift that settled in front of our garage.

Sam sporting a Santa hat - getting ready for the Christmas season.  Cute, isn't he?

Sam watching his brothers play outside.  I know, it isn't fair but snow boot and snow pants are not kind to a 1 year old.  Most days it just isn't worth the frustration.

Ben helping to trim the tree.  Jake and Ben did most of the tree trimming this year, well Sam helped too but he mostly took ornaments off the tree.  The first attempt the tree was decorated only around the belly (where Jake and Ben could reach) - with a little adjustment we had the entire tree decorated only to day by day pick up the Sam ornaments and place them higher on the tree.  Soon we had a tree decorated only on the top two thirds.

Cutie pie.

St. Nick bringing a box of gifts for all the kids.  He was a little busy this year so he couldn't stay and sing with us.  You can see Jake checking to see where St. Nick might have taken off to.

Opening his bag from St. Nick - he got Skip Bo junior and we've had lots of fun playing it.

Ben got a bulldozer - he was pretty excited.  This year Santa also brought him a big one - he'd like a REAL one but that wasn't in Santa's budget and I don't think it would fit in the sleigh.

Aunt Heidi helping Sam with his goodies.

Jake with his classmates on their Christmas concert.  They did of great job and everyone could hear Jake sing.  Pretty fun.

Sitting as still as possible for the last song.

Once in a while we manage to get cleaned up and get out of the house...

Indoor play at the the Feldewerd house.  The boys are constantly playing trucks, tractors and the like.  On this day they were using oatmeal as their choice product.

Jake and Cousin Brent enjoying a cup of hot chocolate after playing outside.  These two have become pretty good friends this year and have enjoyed many days playing together on our enormous pile of snow.

Jake and Sam playing together.  Sam loves it.

This seems to be a popular look these days - mostly for the camera thank goodness.

Jake was very excited for Christmas this year and really wanted to open gifts so we opened a few a couple days early.  I can say Jake seemed a bit disappointed with BOOTS but I think this mama did OK - the minute he put them on he loved them and continues to.  He's even told me how nice they are.

Ben opening his boots - his were Spiderman and Jake's had dragons on them.  Oh how I wish I would have bought them at the beginning of the season - we haven't had wet feet or boots on the boot dryer since!  Plus they will be awesome when my boys are out trampling through the ice cold puddles in the spring.

Pretty common look for Sam - nuk and bottle!

The boys helping Dad open one of his Christmas presents.

Grandma Marilyn teaching Sam and Ben how to wash dishes.  The idea is great, when grandma is here,otherwise it proves to be a bit interesting.

Me and my girls.  We try to sneak off for a little shopping and treats now and then.

Aunt Judy, Kim and Kyle stopped by for a holiday visit. 

Sammers giving the shovel a try, everyone wants Mom's shovel. I sure hope that lasts and in 10 years I won't need to shovel!

Dancing in the kitchen!  We're all fabulous!

Sam doing his dance - he loves to dance.

Who in the world is that?  Ben has become a little photographer and enjoys taking pictures whenever possible.  I think this is one of his best.

Christmas at Bergmann's - Jake, Ben, Sam, Gabe and Will with Grandma Marilyn.

Guess it got a little hot at Christmas - Jake and Gabe.

Sam cuddling with his pillow pet.

Cousin Gabe - he REALLY wanted a bomber hat for Christmas and he got it!

Grandpa Ken reading his present from Grandma Marilyn - something to do with old time gossip moon shining, or something like that.

After Santa visited...

Bright and early - funny little story... Jake doesn't like to sleep in PJs anymore but I knew I wanted to take lots of pictures so I told him he had to put it on BEFORE he went to look if Santa came and he actually listened to me!!!  I was pretty surprised, he must have figured that Christmas Day of all days was a good day to show Santa he can behave.

Ben tearing into his new toys.

Looks like these two should have slept a little bit longer.  :) 

Pretty cute - He knew right away that this was for him, he went right for it.

Remember this face?

Jake really wanted snowshoes for Christmas and he was mad every night when I told him I forgot to add it to his Santa list.  I really didn't want Santa to bring them because he was getting them from us.  He was  pretty pumped when he got them and thought it was kind of funny that I was purposely not putting them on his list.

Christmas at Feldewerd's - pretty sure that Great Grandma thinks it is all CRAZY!!

Cory and Sam playing with Uncle Gary's cell phone.  They were having a pretty good time.

Ben likes Sam's new 4wheeler as much as Sam - this is the compromise!

The boys having some play time in the shop- Dad was gone hauling snow in the cities and the boys wanted to try out some new Christmas toys.  Everyone had something to remote control so all was well.

Trying out the new snowshoes - Jake did really well but Ben might be a little young yet.  He tried hard but kept walking on top of the other snowshoe.  Aunt Heidi has taken them out a few times and always pulls Ben in the sled so he can go along too.  Sure is awesome to have such great aunts!

Out enjoying a nice day - no snow pants required equals a happier toddler.

Brothers enjoying some play time in Mom's bed - what a cute crew.

Nothing better than baking cookies in your undies sitting on top of the counter.

Jake's birthday cake.  He really didn't want me to make one because he wanted a particular ice cream cake.  I just couldn't see having a birthday without a cake so I made him a special little cake with orange frosting - he was more than delighted.  Grandma and Grandpa Feldewerd came to visit and have cake with us.

Having Jake's birthday supper.

Jake with his special birthday cake.  He had mentioned that he wanted a crocodile cake and I found this design online.  It was fun to make and Jake thought it was awesome.

Grandma and Grandpa Bergmann came over to eat cake with us this time (it was the day after his birthday because I ran out of time to do this on his actual birthday - hence the small 'special' cake).

Ben anxiously awaiting his first day of swimming lessons.  He was so excited, he got right in, played around, got sad, got out and wouldn't go back in.  We went two more sessions and he still wouldn't get in.  Frustrating for me since I was sure he'd love swimming lessons because he loves the water - he jumps in, goes under, kicks around but won't do any of it at swimming lessons.  Now we are going after class so it is just him and the swimming instructor, good thing Bill is such a great sport.  Two weeks now he's gotten in and played around but still won't do anything that Bill asks, maybe a few more weeks will do the trick.

Our basement project...  Jake and Ben will each have a room downstairs and Sam will get their room upstairs.

Cousin Brent, Jake and Ben playing on the snow pile in our front yard.  I think Brent, and sometimes Carly, comes over about 3 days a week to play outside after school.  They've been having a great time.

The boys on the top of the pile - it's still growing!

Wrestling with Dad - I must say Dad is not as tough as he pretends to be.

Jake wanted to celebrate his birthday at the pool.  Here he is ready to go.

Ms Amiah enjoying some pool time.

Look at this cutie.  This is Will and his mother says he's always full of it but to me he looks like a little angel tuckered out after a good swim.

Sam thought the pool was awesome - he swam until he was cold and purple.

Being a little more adventurous since his little brother can jump in.  Flippers and a life jacket help to prevent too much head submersion.

Ben had a blast!

Yet ANOTHER birthday cake.

Grandpa with a tuckered out Sam.

Presents!! Always one of the highlights of a good party.

Beautiful Carmen came to celebrate too.

One of Jake's presents - I think you were supposed to blow up a balloon to hook on to the propeller but Jake discovered that blowing on it was just as fun.

The day after the party Sam was playing with the balloons.  Curt used a little static to stick the balloon to his head - a good time had by all.