Reasons we haven't been updating the blog

1. Derek is back to school working again.
2. I (Tina) have a new job that I start on February 7th.
3. We can't do the childcare swap we normally do because of #2 so we've been searching for childcare to start by Feb. 7. Yikes. I think we have found someone though.
4. Derek put a new/different photo editing software on our computer and I don't like it--thus no pictures on this post either. (though we do have weekly shots just waiting to be uploaded!)
5. It seems like at least one or more people in this house have been sickly constantly since Christmas so sleep is not the best (it's mainly been Hans and I).

Here's hoping that mid February brings a little less chaos than the last part of January! We'll get pictures posted one of these days. Stay tuned.

Weekly Pictures (30 and 31) and More

I (Derek) have enjoyed spending time with Henry and Hans over the last couple of weeks knowing that soon (Jan 25) I will be back at work. We also had a good time last week visiting with some friends who moved away. This weekend we are visiting friends and family which has given us a little trip out of town. Below you will find some pictures from our last few weeks.

Ahhh the light-bright.

 

Hans tempting fate (or the fat cat) and preparing to crawl.

Henry was given some 'scuplting foam' for Christmas. It's a lot of fun.

Friend Levi 'using the force'

 Week 30 picture(s)

 Henry made friends with my aunt and uncle's dog 'Sopie'

 Week 31 picture below. This was not taken at our house, we don't have a pink chair.

Happy Holidays!

As promised, here are a few pictures from our week out visiting the Wagler family in Kansas.  

Banjo indoctrination. Hans is actually quite the fan of the banjo. The first 30 seconds of track 1 of Red Wing from The Steel Wheels is sometimes the only thing to calm him down in the car.

 Henry and cousins playing an OLD soccer/hockey type game that my great grandfather had. I remember playing this as a kid.

 Slightly more modern game. Henry on the Wii Fit.

 ..Henry and cousin decorating the gingerbread house.

 ...father-daughter foreshadowing some future collaboration.

 Hans w/ oldest cousin Hallie.

 Hans w/ cousin Jonathan.

 Three stooges.

 Of course there were 4-wheeler rides...

 ...and Johnny Jumper rides...

 ...and prunes...

 ...and lots of standing and laughing (and eating) in the kitchen...

 ...and smiles with aunt Chris...

 ...and visits to the Kansas Cosmosphere to see the Apollo 13 module.

 ...and a moon rock.

Just another Christmas in Kansas.

Week 29

Here's Hans at week 29.

Week 28

Will try to post Christmas pics soon. Here's week 28.

Week 27

This is the first time in a few weeks when I'll actually post the weekly picture on the correct day. Anyway, it's been a good week. We've continued to enjoy the winter weather in addition to getting a kick out of Mr. Hans. He turned six months old this week and had his six month appointment where of course they poked him with three needles. He was 26.2" long and 17lbs 10oz for those who like numbers. This puts him at the same length I (Derek) was a six months but three pounds lighter. Yeah, I was a chunk. Hans is as the doctor described 'hyper-alert' (see here) always following the action and refusing to settle for naps if there is even the hint of something exciting going on. Unless of course you put him in some sort of baby carrier and walk around with him. Anyway, it's amazing that six months have passed and he is already sitting up and 'inch-worming' along on his belly (using his face to grip the floor). Here is his week 27 picture.

This week Henry and I put up a new ceiling fan in our living room. Here Henry and I are attaching the blades to some brackets (the hard hats were his idea).

Also, we decided to let Henry open his Christmas presents early since we're going to be out of town soon and we wanted him to have the opportunity to play with them before we left. So here are some pictures from our 'Christmas morn.'
Before Picture:

After Picture:

Henry scored so far with a couple of nice Playmobile toys (snow plow is pictured) plus some hotwheels track, a light bright and a Leapfrog 'Tag Reader.' With he exception of the last one it was a pleasingly low-tech Christmas. Happy Holidays!

Week 26

So we are still a week behind. Let's see if I can double post today. Winter is here. We've gone sledding, built a snowman and did some ice skating. It's been fun. Here are last weeks pics.

Hans riding in his winter-ready jogger.

If you spend any time around Hans you'll learn that these eyes are....intense.

Here's the week 26 picture. Yep, in pajamas again.

 

To finish up, a couple of pics of Henry playing in his 'dragster.' Complete with steering wheel and opening hood.