Memories and Meerkats

Dad says: Here is a pic of us at the Phoenix Zoo. When we were there in 2001, it was 900 degrees out so the animals were hiding. This time we saw nearly every exhibit. You'll notice the endangered John Deere tractor that was displayed by the petting zoo. Definitely awe-inspiring. A really cool picture would have been the meerkat with the three of us on the John Deere tractor.

Mom's Little Helper

Eva and I are enjoying our last week together at home. I am getting much better at getting things done around the house while keeping her entertained. Here she is helping me with the laundry!

Splish, Splash

Happy Baby Wet Dad

Eva's bathtub has a hammock that we have used to support her during bath time. Last night, Les decided to take it out and let her sit in the water. Little did he know the adventure he was in for.... Eva loved being immersed in water and had a blast kicking her legs and splashing the water everywhere! The floor, counters, and Dad were very wet by the end of bath time.

14 Weeks!

Eva is fourteen weeks today! She is getting stronger and developing so much. Here are some of her new tricks:

• lift her head while lying on her stomach
• laugh out loud
• follow objects with her eyes
• hold her head steady when sitting upright
• say "ah-goo" and make a "razzing" sound

Her mom and dad are very proud of our little bug!

Only in Wisconsin...

We returned from our trip to Arizona just in time for ... snow! This is a strange picture taken of our back yard. One tree still looks like summer, one is changing for fall, and surrounding them both on the ground is snow. It is hard to believe that just a week ago we were worrying that Eva was too warm in the hot Arizona weather.

Only in Wisconsin...

Family Vacation!

Mark and Jackie with their "boys"
Janet and Cade at Abuelo's
Carla with Prancer and Vixen (Dasher not shown)

Our family took advantage of my maternity leave and traveled to Phoenix for nearly a week. We had three priorities while we were there: visit the friends and family we miss so much, enjoy the BEAUTIFUL weather, and eat Mexican food. We managed to do it all, but the week went so fast.

It was wonderful having both Les and I free of any responsibilities. We took turns staying with Eva so that the other could go out and do things they enjoy. Les spent some time on the golf courses. I took advantage of time with my girlfriends: lunch with the Brinton 3rd grade team, a spa night with Janet, shopping with Jackie, and lunch with Carla.

Our trip sparked a lot of memories of the wonderful life we had there. We both hope to keep in touch with friends and visit when we can.

Welcome Fall!

Our family has been enjoying the change of seasons. Eva enjoys being a Wisconsin baby and bundles up for our walks. Mom and Eva baked an apple crisp using apples from Grandpa Ron's orchard.

Field Trip!

Eva and I joined her daycare group for a field trip to a pumpkin patch. We visited the animals at the petting zoo and picked out her second pumpkin ever! (Her first one was grown for her at Grandpa Ron's farm.

Here are her new friends from daycare: Molly, Kate, and Jack. Liz is pictured with baby Max. Although I would love to stay home with her, Eva is very lucky to get to spend her days with such a great bunch!

Eva's World

Eva has met many people and seen many new places in her 12 weeks. But, these are the people and places she knows best: our family, our home, and her room.