Here are some pictures from the zoo. We can't wait to do it again sometime real soon!
Monday, July 26, 2010
Old McDonald's Farm
Last Friday Reagan and I took a road trip and spent the day with Dustin, Beth, Josh, Lauren and Ella! I had thought about going down to Cedar Rapids for the day but was so excited to hear that they weren't busy and could join us for a trip to Beaver Park's petting zoo. I haven't been there for several years and I guess the memories that I from there are obviously from when I was Josh's age. Even though it wasn't a "petting" zoo the kids enjoyed seeing the farm animals and I enjoyed catching up with Dustin and Beth!!
Here are some pictures from the zoo. We can't wait to do it again sometime real soon!
Here are some pictures from the zoo. We can't wait to do it again sometime real soon!
Water Fun!
We have spent a great deal of time outside this summer. She loves being outside and wants to be just about every minute that she is awake! We do a lot of play time outdoors in the morning and in the evening. The heat and humidity have started to bother me for about the last month but this is hard to explain to a 17 month old! Some days she will go to the garage door and bang on it saying she wants outside!!
To help keep cool on the hottest of days we fill up her little pool (not too much water though) and her water table. She even tested out the sprinkler with daddy last week when he was watering the lawn, I couldn't believe she actually let that cold water touch her!
Notice the bubbles in the picture below...she thought it was pretty funny that I would add her bath time bubbles to her pool water! It kept her interest longer!
To help keep cool on the hottest of days we fill up her little pool (not too much water though) and her water table. She even tested out the sprinkler with daddy last week when he was watering the lawn, I couldn't believe she actually let that cold water touch her!
Notice the bubbles in the picture below...she thought it was pretty funny that I would add her bath time bubbles to her pool water! It kept her interest longer!
Testing out the New Ride!
One of our newest purchases was a double stroller. We weren't going to buy one initially but when running into Kohl's a couple of weeks ago I saw my life fast forward by a couple of weeks. There was a mom with a little one I am guessing Reagan's age in one hand and she was trying to carry a carseat with the other. After seeing that I decided that if I/we were going to go anywhere in the near future we would need a double stroller! Reagan was very excited to test it out once Adam got it put together.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
True Iowan Summer
We were feeling a little adventurist with tonight's dinner. Reagan had her first taste of a true Iowan summer! She had corn on the cob and watermelon right off the rind! She loved both of them!!
Monday, July 12, 2010
Day trip to Ames
This past Saturday we headed to Ames to visit with Adam's family. His grandma from AZ is visiting for the summer so Matt and Tammi and their family came over as well. It was a beautiful day which allowed us to spend a ton of time outside! We brought Reagan's "bouncy house" along to help keep the kiddos entertained! I would have to say there was fun had by all!
After lots of laughs and a great dinner we headed home. It was great to see everyone again, especially Adam's grandma!
After lots of laughs and a great dinner we headed home. It was great to see everyone again, especially Adam's grandma!
Baking with Mom
We had a grill out to go to last week and I said that I would bring cupcakes. Don't laugh at me but I believe this is the first time I have made cupcakes! Reagan and I set up shop on the kitchen counter and had fun baking together. She actually had more fun playing in the sink but that kept her occupied while I did the mixing!
4th of July Weekend
Sorry about the delay in getting this post made...we finally found our camera after our weekend trip!
We headed to Cedar Rapids for the 4th this year. We had a busy two days but it was great to see my parents after their return from Mayo and we got to cheer on Beth as she finished her first 5K!
Saturday afternoon we braved the heat and humidity for a little bit and went to Knolridge Park to feed the ducks. Reagan loves to pick out ducks in books but in all the books they color them in yellow so when we got tot he park I think she was a little confused! She thought it was pretty cool though and so did Adam and I! A couple of them would eat the bread right out of your hand. Reagan also thought that she needed a little afternoon snack and had a couple bites herself.
This is defiantly something we will do again when we are in town. They had a really neat playground just behind the pond, we skipped it this day because of the heat but are excited to take Reagan soon!
On the actual 4th we headed downtown to cheer on Beth (my sister-in-law) as she ran her first 5K! The weather was perfect for her first race! She did great! We also cheered on a lot of youngsters run the one mile fun run and half a mile fun run. And then to the main event that all the kids were waiting for the kids parade!! Josh and Lauren had their bags ready and were ready to get candy! Reagan got a sucker that her mean mom and dad took away from her after she had a few licks through the wrapper!
Beth as she passed us at the start of the race.
Waiting for the parade to start!
Reagan's first taste of a sucker, she wasn't happy when we took it from her!
A quick picture with Grandma and Grandpa before taking off. I love this picture!
After the parade we headed home for a quick nap and loaded the car up to go home. Before leaving Cedar Rapids we made a stop over at Matt and Tammi's (Adam's brother's) house. They were having a grill out with Tammi's family and we just joined in. We hadn't seen them since February so it was good to catch up a little bit.
No fireworks for us this year. Cedar Falls' actually got canceled two nights in a row. They ended up calling them off all together on Monday night and sold them back to the dealer. We wouldn't have gone to watch them anyways but learned from last year that if you stand in the far corner of our yard you can see them going off. I guess there's always next year!!
We headed to Cedar Rapids for the 4th this year. We had a busy two days but it was great to see my parents after their return from Mayo and we got to cheer on Beth as she finished her first 5K!
Saturday afternoon we braved the heat and humidity for a little bit and went to Knolridge Park to feed the ducks. Reagan loves to pick out ducks in books but in all the books they color them in yellow so when we got tot he park I think she was a little confused! She thought it was pretty cool though and so did Adam and I! A couple of them would eat the bread right out of your hand. Reagan also thought that she needed a little afternoon snack and had a couple bites herself.
This is defiantly something we will do again when we are in town. They had a really neat playground just behind the pond, we skipped it this day because of the heat but are excited to take Reagan soon!
On the actual 4th we headed downtown to cheer on Beth (my sister-in-law) as she ran her first 5K! The weather was perfect for her first race! She did great! We also cheered on a lot of youngsters run the one mile fun run and half a mile fun run. And then to the main event that all the kids were waiting for the kids parade!! Josh and Lauren had their bags ready and were ready to get candy! Reagan got a sucker that her mean mom and dad took away from her after she had a few licks through the wrapper!
Beth as she passed us at the start of the race.
Waiting for the parade to start!
Reagan's first taste of a sucker, she wasn't happy when we took it from her!
A quick picture with Grandma and Grandpa before taking off. I love this picture!
After the parade we headed home for a quick nap and loaded the car up to go home. Before leaving Cedar Rapids we made a stop over at Matt and Tammi's (Adam's brother's) house. They were having a grill out with Tammi's family and we just joined in. We hadn't seen them since February so it was good to catch up a little bit.
No fireworks for us this year. Cedar Falls' actually got canceled two nights in a row. They ended up calling them off all together on Monday night and sold them back to the dealer. We wouldn't have gone to watch them anyways but learned from last year that if you stand in the far corner of our yard you can see them going off. I guess there's always next year!!
Friday, July 2, 2010
Baby Update
I have to admit I haven't been very good about updating everyone on the progress and development of Baby Lewis. To be honest I haven't been near as good at reading the updates each week as I was with Reagan. Shoot, I just bought my first thing of diapers last week!! With Reagan we were buying diapers my entire pregnancy. We still don't have the nursery put together but I do have an outfit bought for both sexes to bring the baby home in. We also continue to debate names...as you can see we have a lot to do before this little one arrives in a few weeks!!
Anyway, I had my 34 week check up today. I am a little puzzled with this one. For the last couple of months the heart rate was in the 130's or low 140's. Today it was very active but was in the 150's. I have kind of felt that it was a girl for the longest time but within the last month I am starting to think boy. Adam says I did the same thing with Reagan. At my appointment today I asked my doctor if I was measuring big (because I feel huge!). His exact words were "ugh yeah!" with that said, we will start seeing him once a week. I have had contractions here and there for the last month or two. So he wants to make sure I won't be going early.
I'll let you know what he says next week! And hopefully I have some pictures to post of a nursery!
Anyway, I had my 34 week check up today. I am a little puzzled with this one. For the last couple of months the heart rate was in the 130's or low 140's. Today it was very active but was in the 150's. I have kind of felt that it was a girl for the longest time but within the last month I am starting to think boy. Adam says I did the same thing with Reagan. At my appointment today I asked my doctor if I was measuring big (because I feel huge!). His exact words were "ugh yeah!" with that said, we will start seeing him once a week. I have had contractions here and there for the last month or two. So he wants to make sure I won't be going early.
I'll let you know what he says next week! And hopefully I have some pictures to post of a nursery!
16 Month Check Up
Reagan had her 16 month check up yesterday. Of course this included the fun shots, she is lucky because I opted to hold off on the Chicken Pox vacine for the time being. I figured we've all had them and they didn't hurt us!
Here are her stats:
Weight 21.7 lbs (25%) Looking back, she has only gained 1 pound since February!
Height 31 1/4 inches (50%)
Head 17 3/4 inches (10-25%)
They said she was a petite little lady!
She continues to learn new things everyday. She is saying more words but more than anything we are amazed by what she understands. Her new thing is rubbing her hands together to wash her hands before and after eating after which she will go dry her hands on the towel. She loves to carry things around the house and then we find them in the most random places. The other day I found a cup under the sink, a book in the tupperware drawer and a ball in with the pots and pans. She loves being outside and it is often a fight to bring her in. If we don't plan on playing outside when we get home from someplace we have to close the garage door and carry her into the house so she doesn't see her toys! The other night I took her for a wagon ride and the entire way she pointed out all the playsets around the neigborhood. She finally reached her limit and started throwing a tantrum when I wouldn't let her go on someone's. I carried her kicking and screaming the rest of the way home. It might be time to start looking for one on an end of the season sale for next summer!
Here are her stats:
Weight 21.7 lbs (25%) Looking back, she has only gained 1 pound since February!
Height 31 1/4 inches (50%)
Head 17 3/4 inches (10-25%)
They said she was a petite little lady!
She continues to learn new things everyday. She is saying more words but more than anything we are amazed by what she understands. Her new thing is rubbing her hands together to wash her hands before and after eating after which she will go dry her hands on the towel. She loves to carry things around the house and then we find them in the most random places. The other day I found a cup under the sink, a book in the tupperware drawer and a ball in with the pots and pans. She loves being outside and it is often a fight to bring her in. If we don't plan on playing outside when we get home from someplace we have to close the garage door and carry her into the house so she doesn't see her toys! The other night I took her for a wagon ride and the entire way she pointed out all the playsets around the neigborhood. She finally reached her limit and started throwing a tantrum when I wouldn't let her go on someone's. I carried her kicking and screaming the rest of the way home. It might be time to start looking for one on an end of the season sale for next summer!
Like Mother, Like Daughter
Many years ago I remember dropping out of swimming lessons because Dustin passed a level and I didn't. My parents took me to Westdale Mall and bought me one of those big pickles from AJ's Deli to help me feel better.
Well, as of this week Reagan is a swimming lessons drop out as well. We had a really good first lesson, she even went under water three times! I was super excited and thought this will be a good thing. No such luck. The second lesson was spent screaming her head off and us leaving after 20 minutes. The rest of the lessons were about the same. We finally decided to stop going this week when she started to scream, cry and cling to me when we tried to put her in the bathtub. So we have been doing sponge baths with her since last Tuesday. I talked to the doctor and he just said not to push it and she would come around again.
I guess it was a good idea that turned sour!
Well, as of this week Reagan is a swimming lessons drop out as well. We had a really good first lesson, she even went under water three times! I was super excited and thought this will be a good thing. No such luck. The second lesson was spent screaming her head off and us leaving after 20 minutes. The rest of the lessons were about the same. We finally decided to stop going this week when she started to scream, cry and cling to me when we tried to put her in the bathtub. So we have been doing sponge baths with her since last Tuesday. I talked to the doctor and he just said not to push it and she would come around again.
I guess it was a good idea that turned sour!
Chicago Trip
Last weekend we took our first family vacation!! It's funny but both Adam and I laughed as we looked back at the night before our family vacations and now realised why it was always a mad house until we left!
We set off for Chicago last Friday afternoon around Reagan's nap time. We were very happy that she spent the first two hours napping! After a 30 minute pit stop across the boarder to stretch our legs and use the bathroom we were settled back into the car and turned on the DVD player. Reagan was a big fan of The Mickey Mouse Club House, Adam on the other hand was ready to throw it out the window! We were making great time until we reached Chicago and then spent the next hour in a traffic jam and only moved 5 miles.
We arrived safely at my good friend Lisa's (or better known as Tall Lisa) apartment a little after 7. We did a little catching up and unloaded the car before setting off to find some dinner.
We had a lot on our agenda for the weekend and I think we hit just about everything!! We headed out on Saturday morning to meet up with my other good friend who is also named Lisa and went to The Navy Pier, that is after we sent the guys back because we forgot Reagan's blankie...I don't know how we left the house without it!! They have a really neat Children's Museum there. We only made it through about a third of it before calling it quiting time to eat some lunch.
Here are some of the pictures from the Children's Museum.
Blowing Bubbles
Playing in the water station...she loved this! Notice the raincoat that you put on to help stay dry.
One of Reagan's favorite room's was a room where they had this little play area with mats on the floor. She loved climbing on them and rolling around. They had these cute flowers where you could stick your face in them but she wasn't about to do that for me!
She finally conked out after lunch and a short trip through a stained glass window exhibit on the Pier.
Some pictures of the Pier.
We decided to head up to Michigan Ave to do a little shopping and to get some dinner before calling it a day. I have heard about this amazing American Girl Doll Store but haven't ever been to it. We dropped the guys off at an Apple store so they could play with the new I-Pad and whatever they found interesting and us girls headed off to the American Girl store. If you haven't been to one of these stores or if you don't have a little girl you may think it is a bit of an overkill but it was really pretty neat! I didn't go into it thinking we would buy Reagan a doll but I ended up splurging and bought her her first American Girl Baby Doll. I justified it with thinking she might want a baby when her little brother or sister arrives! I was lucky to have both Lisa's with me to help make a decision because there are so many dolls to pick from and then you have outfits to choose from. It was a tough decision to make! Reagan wasn't in love with her doll in Chicago but back here at home she pushes it around all over the place in her little baby stroller. I will try to get a picture of this and post it soon!
I didn't think to grab the camera from Adam so this is the only picture we have. Adam took it when they were looking for us. This picture doesn't do it any justice! There are two or three floors of doll after doll.
It was a fun day with a lot of walking!! I have no idea how many miles we put in but it sure felt like a lot for being 34 weeks pregnant!!
Sunday morning we headed out again. The guys took Reagan to a sporting goods store called REI and us ladies headed to a purse store called 1154 Lill Studio. I love this store, if you haven't been to one you need to go if you are ever in Chicago!! They have a ton of fabrics and styles of purses to choose from. You design your purse, they sew it up for you and then send it to you in the mail in about six weeks. I was in desperate need of finding a big enough purse that I could throw a diaper, snacks and a toy or two in it but didn't want a diaper bag! After picking out my fabrics and style I found just about the exact purse I was looking for already made so I could take it with me and not wait!
After a quick lunch at the Whole Foods Market (a grocery store and a client of Adam's) we headed to The Lincoln Park Zoo. This is a free zoo with great exhibits. Reagan loved looking at all the animals and did a great job of pointing things out when she saw them.
Some zoo pictures.
Our last day was spent at Shed Aquarium. We made sure to get there first thing in the morning to beat the lines. It was well worth it, we were able to hit all of the big exhibits before there were a ton of people to fight with. Reagan loved looking at all of the fish but loved the turtles the most!
A few pictures at the Aquarium.
After a little extra sight seeing aka we got lost we were on the road. The trip wouldn't be complete without stopping to get some fireworks and cheese before crossing over the boarder!
It was a great weekend and exactly what we were looking for! It was so good to see our friends Lisa and Curt and Lisa. It was a trip that was long over due! Thanks for all the great entertainment and hospitality! Can't wait to do it again but next time there will be two kids to chase around!
A few of my favorite pictures from the weekend.
We set off for Chicago last Friday afternoon around Reagan's nap time. We were very happy that she spent the first two hours napping! After a 30 minute pit stop across the boarder to stretch our legs and use the bathroom we were settled back into the car and turned on the DVD player. Reagan was a big fan of The Mickey Mouse Club House, Adam on the other hand was ready to throw it out the window! We were making great time until we reached Chicago and then spent the next hour in a traffic jam and only moved 5 miles.
We arrived safely at my good friend Lisa's (or better known as Tall Lisa) apartment a little after 7. We did a little catching up and unloaded the car before setting off to find some dinner.
We had a lot on our agenda for the weekend and I think we hit just about everything!! We headed out on Saturday morning to meet up with my other good friend who is also named Lisa and went to The Navy Pier, that is after we sent the guys back because we forgot Reagan's blankie...I don't know how we left the house without it!! They have a really neat Children's Museum there. We only made it through about a third of it before calling it quiting time to eat some lunch.
Here are some of the pictures from the Children's Museum.
Blowing Bubbles
Playing in the water station...she loved this! Notice the raincoat that you put on to help stay dry.
One of Reagan's favorite room's was a room where they had this little play area with mats on the floor. She loved climbing on them and rolling around. They had these cute flowers where you could stick your face in them but she wasn't about to do that for me!
She finally conked out after lunch and a short trip through a stained glass window exhibit on the Pier.
Some pictures of the Pier.
We decided to head up to Michigan Ave to do a little shopping and to get some dinner before calling it a day. I have heard about this amazing American Girl Doll Store but haven't ever been to it. We dropped the guys off at an Apple store so they could play with the new I-Pad and whatever they found interesting and us girls headed off to the American Girl store. If you haven't been to one of these stores or if you don't have a little girl you may think it is a bit of an overkill but it was really pretty neat! I didn't go into it thinking we would buy Reagan a doll but I ended up splurging and bought her her first American Girl Baby Doll. I justified it with thinking she might want a baby when her little brother or sister arrives! I was lucky to have both Lisa's with me to help make a decision because there are so many dolls to pick from and then you have outfits to choose from. It was a tough decision to make! Reagan wasn't in love with her doll in Chicago but back here at home she pushes it around all over the place in her little baby stroller. I will try to get a picture of this and post it soon!
I didn't think to grab the camera from Adam so this is the only picture we have. Adam took it when they were looking for us. This picture doesn't do it any justice! There are two or three floors of doll after doll.
It was a fun day with a lot of walking!! I have no idea how many miles we put in but it sure felt like a lot for being 34 weeks pregnant!!
Sunday morning we headed out again. The guys took Reagan to a sporting goods store called REI and us ladies headed to a purse store called 1154 Lill Studio. I love this store, if you haven't been to one you need to go if you are ever in Chicago!! They have a ton of fabrics and styles of purses to choose from. You design your purse, they sew it up for you and then send it to you in the mail in about six weeks. I was in desperate need of finding a big enough purse that I could throw a diaper, snacks and a toy or two in it but didn't want a diaper bag! After picking out my fabrics and style I found just about the exact purse I was looking for already made so I could take it with me and not wait!
After a quick lunch at the Whole Foods Market (a grocery store and a client of Adam's) we headed to The Lincoln Park Zoo. This is a free zoo with great exhibits. Reagan loved looking at all the animals and did a great job of pointing things out when she saw them.
Some zoo pictures.
Our last day was spent at Shed Aquarium. We made sure to get there first thing in the morning to beat the lines. It was well worth it, we were able to hit all of the big exhibits before there were a ton of people to fight with. Reagan loved looking at all of the fish but loved the turtles the most!
A few pictures at the Aquarium.
After a little extra sight seeing aka we got lost we were on the road. The trip wouldn't be complete without stopping to get some fireworks and cheese before crossing over the boarder!
It was a great weekend and exactly what we were looking for! It was so good to see our friends Lisa and Curt and Lisa. It was a trip that was long over due! Thanks for all the great entertainment and hospitality! Can't wait to do it again but next time there will be two kids to chase around!
A few of my favorite pictures from the weekend.
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