Young Einsteins

Lately our family has been into "competitions." You get to be the judge of this contest: who has the biggest hair? Eva on a 79 degree humid day
Uncle Ryan, "the Godfather"

(The resemblence is scary)

Tuesday's Delights

A friend gave us her old boppy. I haven't gotten a lot of use out of it, but Frank seems to think it is very comfortable.

I am enjoying my days at home with Eva so much! Although working full time has worked out fine this year, I don't realize all of the small moments that I miss during the day. Here are a couple from yesterday-

I went up to Eva's room when I heard her begin to fuss after her naps. I usually find her swaddled up, laying on her back looking up. But today, she was flipped over onto her belly, pushing up and givng me the biggest smile when I came in. I think its time we lowered the crib! She has learned that she can play in move when she wakes up.

Then, last night, another cute moment during bath time. Somehow, she managed to get some bath water in her mouth, and she decided she liked it. She kept taking her right hand, (to her mother's disappointment...I thought we had a lefty) "grabbing" fistfuls of water, and bringing it to her mouth. This went on for some time. Each time, her fist moved faster towards her mouth. I think she learned another life lesson: water is too slippery to hold on to.

Easter Egg Hunt!

Our neighborhood put on an Easter Egg hunt this morning at the park across the street from our house. Many families with kids of all ages came to enjoy the fun. Eva was one of the littlest "hunters" there. She had more fun watching all the kids then searching for eggs. She did find 2 and even shared her candy with Mom and Dad! After the hunt, we spent some time swinging and watching the kids play on the equipment. Mom and Eva collect her first egg!
All smiles after her first Easter egg hunt

Morning Playtime

Which one should I play with?
Old duck is always a favorite!

Mom is very happy today. Today is her first day of spring break! No school for 9 days. She is very excited about the chance to spend it with Eva! We started it off with some quiet playtime this morning while Dad caught some ZZZ's. She was just TOO cute with her toys. I had to snap some quick pictures.

Grandpa Ron's Party!!

Grandpa Ron recently reached 30 years with Farm Credit Services. His company threw a party Saturday night in his honor. 70 people gathered to celebrate with him. Eva was the youngest party-goer but one of the most recognized. She happily rode around in Grandpa's arms, meeting and smiling at all of the people. Grandma, Grandpa, and Eva pose with special friend, Eileen White.

Chicken Dance!

Following dinner, some coworkers shared wonderful praise and memorable stories in a short program. The highlight included a visit from a chicken.

Apparently, during a visit to the Gold n' Plump poultry operation, Grandpa Ron visited a building that housed 75,000 day old chics. The men were reminded to talk softly and to "shuffle" their feet rather than lift them. Well, when this advice was forgotten, one chic's life came to an unfortunate end. For the past 15 years, he has been taunted by chickens. It was only fitting that celebrated a great career by doing the chicken dance with this feathered friend.

8 Month Developments

Check out our sweetheart!

The past two weeks have been big ones for Eva! She seems to be transitioning from a baby into a little girl. After 8 months of relying on a pacifier, she suddenly wants nothing to do with one. She would much rather sing, make chewing motions, or put anything nearby into her mouth.

Then, much to her parents excitement, she has begun to sleep through the night!! After her bout with bronchitis, she began waking several times for awhile. It was a tough road for us for a while but we got her back to once a night feedings. The last two nights she has slept for 11 hours without so much as a peep. (I hope I'm not knocking on wood by saying this.)



When she was first born, she was a very mellow baby...I guessed she took after her dad. But recently, her true personality has really started to shine. She is full of emotion! When she is happy, (which is most of the time) she takes delight in making people laugh and smile. However, when she is displeased, she is sure to let us know about it (and not so quietly either.)

Eating our way through Iowa

Our family took a little road trip on Saturday. In 13 hours, we visited 10 people, in 3 cities, and ate lots of food!

Our first stop was Grand Mound, Iowa: to visit Dave and Meg's family and meet the new baby! We ate Taco Pizza from Happy Joe's and watched some March Madness hoops. Eva and Natalie are buds already!
Baby Nathan Ronald Butler...12 days old

Next, we headed to Bettendorf, to visit Beth and Tony. We went for a walk to enjoy the beautiful weather. And, of course, stopped for ice cream at Whitey's.

Then, it was off to Davenport for dinner with the Hollingsworth crew at the Machine Shed. Eva enjoyed sitting at the table with everyone.

Dad and Eva enjoy dinner together

Would you believe that these guys can put away some meat and potatoes?

And, we returned home to find that our Verona house has sold. Another chapter, already??

Catch me if you can!

Eva hasn't figured out how to crawl yet, but she is very mobile. She has learned to turn her body in the direction that she wants to go and roll. Here she is...rolling away from Dad who was attempting to get her dressed this morning. We nickname our goofy baby "Baby Einstein." Check out all of that wild hair!

Kalahari Fun!

Our family took a little vacation up to the Kalahari Resort. We enjoyed playing at the indoor waterpark. Eva got to show her dad her "stuff." She swims like a little fish at 7 months! Liz even watched the little one for a while so Mom and Dad could try out the Master Blaster and the Toilet Bowl. It'll be a few years before Eva tries those rides. Check out our fun pics!"This is fine for babies...but I'm ready for some real fun."
Look at this "BIG KAHUNA!"

Dad takes his first (and last) surf lesson!

Our little fish

Whirlwind!

Lots of excitement here at the Hollingsworth House! I knew this past week would be a busy one, but I didn't know quite how much excitement we were in for (and not the good kind either.)

Les started his new job as Marketing Director for UWP's Distance Learning program. It seems to be a good change and he is really enjoying his position. Our house went up for sale on the 12th. We've already had 7 couples check it out and a handful more realtors out scouting it. We did locate a cute little house that we liked and put an offer in on it. It sounds like we are the "back up buyers" if for some reason something goes wrong with their accepted offer. Eva and I started swimming lessons on Wednesday. She is the youngest in her class of 8 babies. She definately got noticed! Her little arms and legs didn't stop moving from the time she hit the water until we got out. I started taking a reading class that took up my free time on Friday night and Saturday. But, its a great class and I am taking it with a friend which makes it even more fun.

So, that in a nutshell, was the business we expected for the week. Eva added another spin on it. What appeared to be a cold on Friday night quickly got more severe. By Sunday her breathing was very rattly and she coughed and vomitted all day. This got very scary for Mom and Dad and we took her to Urgent Care. When we got there she had a 100 degree fever. They did some terrible tests on her to find out what was going on. Baby was not happy and even Dad had tears in his eyes from her pain. Although my instinct was to bat away the nurse who was jamming swabs and tubes up Eva's nose, I kept telling myself it would be over quick. Final diagnosis: bronchitis. So, Eva and I have spent the last two days at home getting better. This was our first big obstacle with her, and it was a scary one. But, we're on the road to recovery and hoping to make our little vacation up to the Dell's on Thursday, health permitting.

I promise...more Eva pictures next time.

St. Barbara's Ball

Les and I attended his military ball this past Saturday while Eva spent the night with Grandma and Grandpa. My month of worrying about this arrangement went to waste. Eva was a happy baby and had a great time. Despite the freezing cold weather, Les and I also enjoyed the chance to dress up and spend a night out on the town.

These are a couple of shots from the night: the two of us, and Les with the other forward observer instructors.

Happy Birthday!

Jenny and I celebrated our birthdays together with the old neighborhood gang plus a few extras. Les braved the cold weather and manned the grill. We played some heated games of Apples to Apples and Battle of the Sexes.

Not pictured: James (left early) and Eva (asleep in her crib)

6 Month Portraits

Eva's 6 month portraits...courtesy of JCPenney.

Fun After Bathtime!

Other possible titles for this picture:

-Who needs toys when you've got toes?

-And my mom thinks SHE is the yoga queen in our house

-Baby Eva - Human Pretzel

-Another lefty: prefers to use left hand and left leg

6 months!

Eva celebrated her first half-year of life on Wednesday. She is such a delightful happy girl!

We can't get enough of her.

SNOW!

It sure took it's time getting here, but finally we have snow! We bundled Eva up this afternoon and took her for a spin around the yard in her penguin sled, a gift from Uncle Randy and Aunt Sue. A few more outings like this and she'll be ready to brave the mountains of Colorado!

A Day of "Wondrous W Words"

Welcoming winter into Wisconsin

Is such a wondrous sight

Light snow softly falling

Willingly made our day trip so bright

Whisking north to Wyttenbachs

and Wollersheim, there we be

Mom and Dad and Eva,

Our party numbered three

Lunch at the quaint Blue Spoon

we were told was an absolute must

Then we bought some meat and wine

And away back home with us!

-poem written with love by Mom and Dad

Ringing in the New Year

Happy New Year, 2007! Our family celebrated New Year's Eve with some of my friends from high school. Our wonderful "hosts with the most" put on a great party! Thanks Todd and Janna! We enjoyed great food and catching up with friends. Unfortunately, Eva got a little fussy so we called it a night before the real party got going.

Les and I continued our celebration at home, on the couch, in our pajamas.

Photo courtesy of Brandee and Scott. As usual, I managed to lose/forget my camera so I don't have access to my pictures.

First Christmas X 4

1st Christmas - Our family awoke early on the morning of the 23rd to open gifts at our house before making our Christmas road trip. We wanted to start our own little family tradition. Eva gave Dad a new hat complete with ears...just like hers!

4th Christmas (the pictures got a little scrambled) - We celebrated the holiday with the Hollingsworths on Christmas day. Here Eva poses with Grandma and aunt Laura. 3rd Christmas- Christmas Eve was spent at the Weier's. We attended an early church service, ate Grandpa Ron's homemade chicken soup, opened gifts, and played board games. Here is a 3 generation picture: Janis Kay, Lindsay Kay, and Eva Kay.
2nd Christmas - Grandma and Grandpa Weier hosted the Butler family Christmas at their house. To add a little spice, we made it an "Ugly Sweater" night. Here we are sporting our lovely clothes. Even Eva took part in the fun.
And that is the story of Eva's first Christmas x 4.

First solids! (Kind of)

Eva had her first meal tonight...rice cereal soaked in breast milk. Yum! Mom and Dad both shared in the fun of feeding her. She didn't seem to mind the food, but she didn't show signs of loving it either.

5 months old!

December 17 marked Eva's 5th month of life. Her day was filled with highs and lows. First, she joined us for an omelette breakfast (made by dad). Then, she helped dad read the paper! The weather continued to unseasonably warm so we all went for a long walk in the afternoon.That evening, she got to stay with Jade and Hillary while mom and dad went to see The Nutcracker. A night with two teenagers...sounds fun doesn't it? Not for Eva, she cried the whole time and mom and dad came home early. We felt sorrier for the girls than the baby, who was smiling and laughing as soon as we got home.

Turkey Day!

Eva got to celebrate yet another holiday...Thanksgiving! With our busy schedules recently, our family decided to stay pretty close to home and enjoy some time together. Although, we did travel to Platteville for a smaller Thanksgiving with mom's family. This year we shared cooking responsibilities and tried out some new recipes! It was a wonderful dinner. Eva decided to take a nap right as we were sitting down to eat, so she missed out on most of the fun.

Her mom and dad also had a big milestone...their first official date since Eva's arrival! Grandma and Grandpa babysat while we stole away to Dubuque for a little Christmas shopping and a nice dinner. Unfortunately, Eva didn't have such a nice night. She decided to be a little fussy while we were gone. Her Grandma assured us it was no problem, she just decided to have two glasses of wine instead of her usual one. :)

Once we returned home, we spent some time decorating the house for Christmas and getting our tree. The weather was unbelievably beautiful so we also spent time outside going for walks, and Dad got to go golfing.

4 months!

We continue to be amazed at the changes in our little bug. Each day she gets stronger, more alert, and is a lot of fun. Eva has discovered her hands and likes to grab and touch everything near her (that is when they are not in her mouth!) She is a smiley, happy girl who loves to laugh. First day in the exersaucer
Relaxing in Grandpa's chair

Visit from Grandma & Grandpa H

Eva's grandparents came up for a visit this weekend...just in time to enjoy our first snow and watch the Badgers shut down the Hawkeyes. (One of her parents is happier about that than the other.) Eva enjoyed the extra attention and we all had a nice weekend.

Aunt Jenny

Eva's Aunt Jenny has been very busy. She is completing rotations as a part of her final year of optometry school. She just finished up her second rotation and spent the last three months living with her dog, Gus, in a cabin on a lake in Michigan. She used the quiet nights to take up crocheting. She just finished her first project...a blanket for Eva. Eva loves her new blanket and sleeps with it every night.

Happy Halloween!

This year's Halloween was Eva's first holiday...ever! We really got into the spirit of the season. Our little caterpillar dressed up and entertained the trick-or-treaters that came to our house. I may have put her on the floor one too many times...it was just too much fun watching her wiggle in her costume...she looked like the real thing! Our little caterpillar

Eva's first pumpkin carving party