New Stuff!

Summer news:

Aug 25th FIRST BOTTLE.  Mommy couldn't believe how long it took to pump it and how quickly Summer scarfed it down!  Daddy enjoyed feeding Summer!

Aug 27th FIRST DIAPER EXPLOSION Mommy was at a grandma shower with ladies from Grandma Kirkwood's church.  Summer wanted to make sure she was the center of attention and pooped through her diaper, through her outfit, and all over mommy's pants!  Grandma helped clean up the mess!

Aug 28th FIRST THEATER To celebrate Auntie Kristin's birthday, we went to a musical.  Summer got dressed up for the occasion even though she slept through most of it!

Aug 31st 4 WEEK OLD PHOTO SHOOT Mommy had fun with this!  Tucker even got his face in a few pictures! See pictures

Sept 3rd FIRST ROAD TRIP Over Labor Day weekend we went to Grandma and Grandpa Tommerdahl's house.  Summer did great in the car and slept the whole way there!

Sept 5th FIRST BOAT RIDE Grandpa Tommerdahl took Summer on her first boat ride.  She was unsure about the life jacket, but once we got going she enjoyed the motion and the sound of the motor.

 Sept 5th SLEPT 6 HOURS IN A ROW!

Sept 9th FIRST VIKINGS GAME Daddy was especially excited about sharing this moment with Summer!

Sept 9th FIRST FULL NIGHT IN THE CRIB After a rocky first few weeks with Summer being very "burpy" after eating, she did not do well on her back right after a feeding, so we had her sleep in her bouncer chair to keep her head above her stomach.  Over the last few days Summer has enjoyed more playtime on her back and Mommy and Daddy felt it was time she learned to sleep on her back.  It was a rough night, but she made it! 

And a few more random pics :)

We're Home!

Well, we made it!  Now let the fun begin! 

Leaving the Hospital

We arrived home from the hospital roughly 24 hours ago.  Summer has been introduced to her new nursery, as well as her brother (Tucker the Dog) and many other fun things.  For the most part, however, it's a pattern of sleep, eat, awake (repeat). 

Summer and Mommy with Summer's "Going-Home" Outfit

Kel has done a lot of research and had conversations with many moms (thanks, especially Julie Gott!) and is already establishing a schedule for Summer.  One of our main resources has been the book Babywise - it has already proven its worth!

Tucker and Summer have done great - he's always concerned when she cries, he's always interested in her, and is always gentle.  He especially has enjoyed licking her feet while she sits on Mommy's lap.  He's also enjoyed some "guy" time as Daddy and Tucker went for a nice, long walk this morning to help release a bit of Tucker's never-ending energy.

Tucker and Summer in one of their "bonding" sessions :) (No, she's not screaming - just yawning!)

Mom is holding up really well, especially considering she hasn't had a ton of sleep (she's currently sneaking in a nap between feedings while Summer is sleeping on my lap as I type - multi-purposing at its best!).  Daddy is also doing well - only two trips to the store so far today! :)  Daddy and Summer have enjoyed their cuddling time - Summer has proven it by passing a lot of gas in Daddy's arms...thanks, baby!

Thanks to everyone for the well-wishes and such - it's been fun to share this with everyone and we can't wait for everyone to meet our little sweetheart of a daughter! 

3 Weeks!!

As of yesterday, Kelly is 37 weeks along!!  Our doctor has indicated that if our baby were to be born today, she would be considered full-term (and not premature)! 

I think we are both rather anxious to meet our little girl - she's been very active lately, which has been a lot of fun.  I remember trying to feel her move toward the beginning of the pregnancy..."was that it???" , "I think I felt something!", etc.  There is no guessing these days!  For a while now, you've actually been able to SEE her moving around in there!

Thanks to my wife, we're pretty well set for baby's impending arrival!  The nursery is finished, I've put together the play yard, swing, crib, strollers, etc.  We've got cases of diapers (of different sizes, nonetheless).  Tucker cleaned up his toys.  I think we're set!

In the mean time, we've been keeping busy.  This past weekend, Jordan had a soccer tournament in Eden Prairie.  They only get to the Twin Cities a few times per year to play, so we try to make it to any games that they do have in our vicinity.  While it didn't turn out as well as they hoped (they could have won each of their games, but struggled to find the back of the net), it was still a lot of fun to see them play! 

Jordan Taking a Shot

 Dallas Challenging the Goalkeeper

On Sunday, after the tournament, the family (including Ty and Sarah) packed into our living room to watch the 2010 World Cup Final (made even more fun with a lunch of grilled BBQ chicken, corn-on-the-cob, fruit, and many other goodies).  


If you missed it...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hd1gny9LBUU

We were also able to run Tucker over to the dog park after the family headed home.  As always, he had a great time chasing and being chased (and "marking" his territory ever 10 feet...)

As you'll see below, Tucker likes to play chase.  This time, it was with an Old English Sheepdog - except the Sheepdog knew Tucker wouldn't follow him into the deeper water...

Heaven on Earth - To Tucker, Anyway...

While the morning started out a little damp (we were supposed to have an outdoor service with No Longer Music leading worship - needless to say we moved inside - still a very powerful service with one of the most unique evangelical missions groups of all time!), the rest of the day was (has been) beautiful!  Who probably enjoyed it the most?  Tucker.

Not only were we able to hit up the Apple Valley parade this afternoon (where Tucker scored a dog treat from the Maytag repairman, as well as few pieces of Von Hanson's meat), but we also made it over to Tucker's dream world - the Aligmagnet Dog Park (just a few minutes away from our house).  As you'll see in the pictures, below, Tucker had a blast.  We've yet to find a dog that can match him in energy or speed (Domino is close - I'll try to get a picture of them rough-housing at another visit).  Anyway, all dogs and owners had a great time!

Tucker Enjoying the Go-Karts