Snow day!

Cookies with Santa

Luke spent the evening with Mrs. Claus and Santa. The hospital had an event that Mrs. Claus read cookies to the children while they ate cookies in their pajamas. Luke talked about Santa all day, but when it was time to meet him, he took to Mrs. Claus more. They read Frosty the Snowman and Rudolph the Red nosed Reindeer. His favorite part of the evening was getting a candy cane. He is so easy to please:)Luke with Mrs. Claus

Luke with Santa

Storytime with the kids.

Cooking Club

I have been doing freezer cooking for awhile now after a group of girls got together from church and started exchanging them. Since then, I have gotten together with another group and exchanging meals as well. We make one meal but make enough for each family to get a serving of 4. It is a great way to get new recipes and try something you normally wouldnt try. This freezer cooking group is a little different than the first as we all bring our kids and let them play together. They all range from age 2.5 to 3 weeks. It is very hectic, but it is so fun watching all the children interact. This last month we got a picture of them and most of them looking (what an accomplishment!)

Bowling!

Here are some pictures of our bowling fun that we had a couple weekends ago. Luke had been couped up in the house after being sick, and thought he would enjoy getting out of the house. He very much enjoyed his bowling experience, and almost beat me one game! Luke using his assistant bowler.

Very excited after knocking over a pin. I wish we all got excited like this, even if it isnt all the pins.

Daddy working on Luke's form

Luke's hospital visit

Luke had to go to the hospital 2 weeks ago with Pneumonia and Asthma. It came on very quickly, and as unenjoyable the hospital visit was for US, he enjoyed every little part. We got there with a warm greeting, and a room right across from the nursing station. They were excited to see such a perky little sick child. He was very cooperative to let them do all his vitals, and loved helping them with the stethoscope.

His first field trip was to the x-ray area. They pulled him in a wagon, as he greeted everyone like he was in a float, with a little wave and hi as he passed. He can be very shy at times, but really enjoyed this part. I was not allowed to go in since I am pregnant, and Keith hadn't got to the hospital yet, so he was very cooperative "getting his picture taken" and receiving a new stuffed animal. The x-ray tech said he said "cheese" at one point.

Luke ended up having to stay over night and most of the day on Tuesday, but he did great. The student nurses came in and played blocks, and he got to order all his favorite foods whenever he wanted. When he started feeling better, Luke would stand at the door of the room and look at the nursing station and say "Hey Guys" and wave to them.

He is recovered quickly, and is back to his normal self, but he does ask to go see "Nurse Francis" about every few days. Since he went to St. Francis, he must have thought they all had the same name because everytime he had a breathing treatment he would say "Tank you Francis" when they were done.

Sneak Peek of Baby Bartusek!

We had our 20 week ultrasound at the end of October, but things have been busy so I havent been downloading pictures like I should be. We did find out the gender but my dad likes to be surprised so I wont be sharing it on the blog unless I give a warning, but we do know and have a name picked out, so just ask!

Baby Bartusek looked very good and healthy, although they did a marking called an echogenic bowel so we were given a 3D ultrasound to check that out. I do not have pictures of this to scan, because apparently I was supposed to bring a dvd to record it, so when we go back December 7th, I will have more pictures. Our lab results came back normal, so hopefully the marking goes away on its own. The baby was measuring 1.5-2 weeks ahead in all areas, and was even sucking his thumb in a couple of the ultrasound shots.

Luke really enjoys calling baby by name, and trying to share snacks with baby through my belly button. Every once in a while, Luke will refer to baby as baseball or scooter, but at least he is acknowledging him at all times:)

Halloween 2010

Luke had a great time trick or treating this year. Last year, he was still a little wobbly on his feet, but this year he really made up for what he had missed. We started in our cul-de-sac where he was familiar with the people, and he was a little timid at first. After about five houses, he was saying "tick/teat" and "tank you" than running to the next house.

After the evening was over, he did not want to take his penguin outfit off, and has since worn the costume out to the mailbox in hopes of more candy. We have used the halloween candy for 'potty training treats" but more on that issue later:)

Apple Works

Yes...two posts in one day :) On Friday night, we went to Apple Works with our church group. It is always such a good time going down there. Luke enjoyed the train ride, petting zoo, and of course the hot dogs.

Luke and Ari after climbing to the top of the haystack!

Luke and I on the train ride!


Luke feeding the animals.

Tuttles Apple Orchard

This week we have been to two different Apple Orchards. Luke had a great time at both, and is very much enjoying apples now.

This morning, we went with a Mom's group to Tuttles Apple Orchard and enjoyed picking apples and playing on the haystacks, corn mazes, and the playground. Luke ended his morning with an apple slushie that he finished off very quickly.

A day at the park

Luke loves the park. It is amazing how much more of a climber he has become since we have started going to the park. His favorite activity is the swings, but as soon as one of his friends is ready to go on the slide, he is ready for the slide as well.

He is also very "tough" outside. Inside, he can trip over his feet and cry for 5-10 minutes. A couple days ago, we were practicing on the big swing and he let go and fell. Of course we werent going very high since we were just learning, but he stood up and said swing again, without even a hint of a tear.

More Indian Shore Pictures

Here are some more from Florida!

Indian Shores, Florida

We had a great time in Florida a couple weeks ago with my family! Keith had to stay home because of his MBA classes, but both sisters and their families along with my parents all had a great time! Luke loved the pool, and practiced blowing his bubbles like a big boy! He also liked the sand, although didnt care to keep his feet in too deep in the ocean and the sand. I will try and post more pictures a little later this week!

Luke and I outside our condo

Auntie Erin and Uncle Ken with Luke at breakfast.

Playing by the pool with all his toys

Auntie Erin on the boat ride

Luke playing in the sand

Childrens Museum

We went to the Children's Museum a couple of weeks ago one day when Keith was off work. I had been wanting to take Luke to see the Bob the Builder area since I had heard it advertised. Luke very much enjoyed himself, but I think his favorite part was the trains. He is very into setting up his railroad set at home and pushing the trains around. There was also an Egyptian area, that I thought was really neat. They had a market set up in that area and you could shop for fruits and vegetables and then when you were done shopping you checked them out. It was also a good activity to work on our clean up skills since you had to put them away when you were done. Luke really enjoyed purchasing the bananas.

Luke watching the trains through the tunnel.
Buying some canned beans at the market.

This was in the Bob the builder exhibit, although his favorite part of this exhibit is the map they gave us when we entered. HAHA.

Picking out some bananas from the market.

Driving his car at the Bob the Builder exhibit.

If you do have a chance to go, I highly recommend going. They have several free days a year (all federal holidays) and also the first Thursday of the month between 4-8 pm is free as well.

Luke's 1st Haircut

(after I took the picture I cut the straggler on the left as well)
Luke got his first haircut last night...by me. Now mind you, I was very nervous because I have never cut any hair, except my barbies when I was little and they did not move as much as our little wiggle worm. It looked really good while it was still wet, but now it is looking a little heavy on the sides still:) Oh well, at least his bangs are out of his eyes. Let's face it...who does he have to impress except the women in the nursery:)