Ok, so mom has been a little lax on getting any photos or updates on here! :( Sorry for all of you that keep checking. :(

Anyways, here''s a quick update on the kids:

JAREN UPDATE....................................
* Is in Tae Kwon Do and loves it (he wants to be a ninja!)
* Is into logging. He "logs" at the cabin and at my parent''s house. He says to everyone (holding up his hands) - "I''ve got woggin'' (logging) hands!". He can spend hours out in the trees cutting them down and piling them up.
* Still loves farming and spending time with the "boys" (daddy, papa and uncles)
* Loved swimming lessons - and he passed his class and is not on to Beginner III...he can''t wait for nana and papa''s pool to be open for the summer!
* Is into inviting everyone over for supper or to play without asking mom and dad first
* Wants to go to the cabin every weekend to log and go hunting
* Has a few weeks of preschool left...then on to kindergarten next year (already!!)
* Has his first "proclaimed" girlfriend - Grace!
* Loves to ride his Razor Scooter (thanks Sophia!)...always asks to ride in the street (makes mom nervous!)
* Has pretty much stopped sucking his thumb (we had to paint it with that nasty tasting stuff) for the most part (although i did catch it in his mouth this morning) - it''s hard to tell though because he only does it while sleeping
* Loves movies, iPod and the wii
* Rides his four wheeler as often as he can - he even whips doughnuts and laughs :-P He pretends he''s mowing the grass when he drives around (or is working the fields)
* Loves to work in the garden - he''s great at picking weeds and raking in between rows
* We did a lot of ice fishing this year and jaren couldn''t get enough! He went on a lot of trips to lake of the woods (riding snowmobile, staying at the hotel and swimming, playing with the fish and minnows in the fish house, playing out in the snow!)

ASHLYN UPDATE..................................
* Has to EVERYTHING herself! if you try and do something for her - she''ll put it back like it was and do it HERSELF! very independent!
* Gets dressed by herself and puts her own shoes on
* Still doesn''t like to wear too many clothes...now that''s its warm - she likes to run around in a diaper only outside (still working on potty training)
* When she does wear clothes - they have to be a "twirl" - she loves tu-tu''s (thanks auntie jess) and dresses/skirts. She can be so girly one moment and such a tom-boy the next!
* She loves to play with worms and toads outside.
* Is finally getting her eye teeth (they are barely poking through) - she has been so slow at getting teeth
* Adores her brother and is sad when he''s not around
* Still has a nuk (or a nukkers as we call it)
* Loves movies, iPod and the wii too!
* She can''t wait to go "sweeming" (swimming) in nana and papa''s pool
* Her hair has gotten so long (and curls at the bottom)...it still goes up in a high pony or piggies most everyday. She has had one hair cut, and am waiting for the next one as soon as her sides grow out a little more
* She loves to ride her bike
* She plays a "game" with me every morning and climbs in the suburban (in the way back) and puts her seatbelt on and won''t get out until i get really mad or bribe her with something...stinker!
* She''s obsessed with seatbelts. She has figured out how to take her five-point harness off while driving and tries to put on the adult belt. I''ve had to pull over several times to re-hook her in and try and explain to her that she has a special seatbelt...but she gets so mad because it''s not the one that everyone else has.
* She still weighs about 25-27 lbs...such a peanut!
* Wants to be outside all the time!

I''m going to post a few pics I''ve taken lately with my phone (they aren''t the best quality, but should satisfy a few people until I can more posted from my real camera). :)

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Ashlyn Update:
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* She''s hit the "terrible twos" - she''s bossy, throws tantrums hourly, draws on everything - including herself with a permanent marker (see photos) - it took us a half bottle of eye makeup remover and a half hour soaking in the tub to get rid of most of it (it was kind of funny). Now all the "naughty markers" are put away where she will not find them.
* Loves to do EVERYTHING herself and will cry and hit until you let her try ..."me do it!" she screams
* Had a great 2nd birthday. On Thanksgiving Day we had a mini family birthday with family and friends and then got the grandparents together last night at Happy Joes for pizza and cake and more presents! She got a lot of neat stuff - Leapster Junior Tag Learning System, Dolls, Dress up shoes, Leapster texting and drawing games, Dora Bathtoy, Puma Track Suit, Shopping Cart full of play food, WASHABLE markers, fingerpaints and crayons, and PJ''s :) Thank you to everyone that gave her gifts! Even Auntie Jess and Uncle Mike from Portland sent her a giftcard to amazon.com...so we''ll have fun picking something out for her.
* Got two H1N1 shots! The second round wasn''t as bad as the first one :)
* Went to the cabin last weekend and went hunting and lots of fourwheeler rides. She saw and held her first grouse and snowshoe rabbits - she loved it!
* She is very clutzy! She''s constantly falling - off furniture, beds, chairs, toys. She''s such a climber and a mover and shaker when on things. These traits have led to numerous injuries in the last few weeks, from a very bad split lower lip (thought she might need stitches, but it healed wonderfully), to head bruises and scrapes, cheek bruises, and tounge bites. It doesn''t phase her though - she just cries a bit and goes back to doing what she was doing.
* We have to watch her like a hawk because of these injuries and her naughty marker streak!

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Jaren Update:
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* LOVES the cabin and hunting...can''t get enough of it! He and daddy can spend hours together going hunting - deer, grouse, rabbits and other small game!
* He wears CAMO EVERYDAY...it''s a fight to get him to wear anything else.
* Loves to play his Cabela''s Hunting games on the wii and other hunting games on the iPod Touch
* Is doing well in pre-school. Had parent-teacher conferences and is well on his way to Kindergarten next year!
* Says lots of funny things

October 2009 Update
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Ashlyn
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* She''s getting more teeth...thank goodness!
* She went grouse hunting for the first time (didn''t shoot anything though) :)
* Got lots of candy at the UMC Homecoming Parade
* Rode in beet lifter and big four-wheel drive with daddy and wouldn''t stop asking "what''s that?"
* Helped mom and Nana Lori make supper for the guys (including Jaren) most nights and bring it out to the field
* Loves Toy Story 1 & 2, Monsters vs. Aliens and Nemo
* Is all about doing EVERYTHING herself!
* Loves the iPod (Touch)
* Loves to copy everything Jaren does
* Caught on to trick or treating really fast - as soon as she saw how you rang the doorbell and someone gave you candy...it was an instant no brainer! she, from then on, said "trick or treat" very clearly :)
* Had probable H1N1 (not confirmed)...it was really mild though

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Jaren
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* Has been grouse hunting several times, including weekends with Papa and Stacy
* Has spent many hours in the field with Papa Gary and Daddy - beet harvest (when it wasn''t raining)...he loves to bring his "lunch" out there and eat it in the tractor/combine (it doesn''t taste the same at the kitchen table
* Also loves the iPod and wii - such a little gamer!
* Would wear camo 24/7
* Loves pre-school with Ms. Luckow...still has a hard time going to sunday school (Ms. Luckow isn''t the teacher)
* Couldn''t wait to dress up for halloween and put his camo paint on (wore his costume for about 2 weeks before halloween)
* We are trying harder to get him to stop sucking him thumb
* Is sleeping better in his own bed (thank goodness)
* Loves to be outside
* Had probable H1N1 (not confirmed)...it was really mild though

It''s been a long time since I''ve updated the site (sorry to those that have been checking for updates) :( I''m planning at least a monthly update from here on out....wish me luck!

Ashlyn Update:
* What doesn''t she say or do?!
* She''s a monkey! Loves to climb and hang on everything!
* She likes to do everything "self" (herself)
* Doesn''t ever sleep in (consistently up around 6:45 am), but sleeps all night, when she wakes up she rarely cries, but yells for one of us to come and get her "now!", she''s easy to put to bed
* Her hair is getting so long and curly! I haven''t cut it yet, but am planning to even it out around Christmas - we''ll see (her baby mullet is kinda cute ;))
* She''s sassy! She''s bossy! "She''s her mother" - as Daddy says!
* She loves to do whatever Jaren does - hunting, wrestling, fishing, boxing, cars/trucks
* She''s a girl too - loves to get her hair done in her usual pig tails on the top of her head or pony tail, loves to get her nails painted and play with dolls, loves to give kisses and hugs and flirt with boys!
* She loved being in the water/pool this summer and work in the garden
* She loves TV and movies - will sit in front of one for as long as you''d let her
* Still a peanut (around 20 pounds) but of average height
* Has got more teeth, 4 in the front and two on bottom, just noticed her molars finally coming in
* Lately, she has really enjoyed playing with the neighborhood kids

Jaren Update:
* Getting so grown up (as grown up as a 5 year old can be) - is getting more helpful and listens better (easier to reason with)
* Loves pre-school at Our Saviors with Mrs. Luckow and Cathy. He brought a sugarbeet the other day, which he was so proud of! (We are working on getting him to stay in sunday school - not the same teacher as school)
* Says the funniest things - such as when I was buckling him in the other day in his carset and he looks at my face and told me "Mom you need to mow your eyebrows"...I busted out laughing.
* He asks questions about everything - why, why, why??!!! Wants to know how everything works
* He shot his first grouse with Papa Jerry today (at the cabin)!
* Went Goose hunting with Daddy and boys a few weekends ago.
* Spends all the time he can at the farm and in the combine/beet lifter
* Passed his first set of swimming lessons this summer (loved it!); swims all the time now at Nana and Papas - loves to dive under the water and get toys from the bottom of the pool
* Didn''t like soccer, but loved t-ball too (especially his coach Ashley)
* He''s signed up for Hockey (which was hard for mom and dad to do since he comes from a basketball family). We''ll see how it goes - not holding my breath. He''ll be able to try basketball next year (doesn''t start until kindergarten).
* Always wears camoflauge and dresses himself for the most part (unless he''s over tired or acting helpless)
* Still doesn''t like to go to bed at night, although the new bunkbeds have been a great addition that keeps him in it all night. He falls asleep in our bed, then we move him...I guess that works...
* Began to ride a bike more (still has training wheels)
* Loves games - wii or the ipod
* Can''t wait for Halloween and wants to be something different everyday (I hope we can narrow it down soon!)

Wow - it''s been a little while since I''ve updated anyone on our kids. :-S Sorry to those who do check the site.

Ashlyn Update:
* Her hair is getting curlier and curlier (especially in the back). It''s almost getting long enough to put in some barrettes and headbands - now the fun begins! It''s funny how more and more people keep commenting how it has a red tint too!
* She''s picking up words left and right (some of her favorite words are: "mine", "momm-EEE", "dada", "papa", "nana", "auntie", "puppy", "hunto", "no"). She follows directions very well too. She picked up a bad habit from her brother - growling....great...
* Started tantrums - if she doesn''t get her way, she''ll throw things or herself on the floor...and she has some lungs on her still.
* She loves baths, books, feeding Hunter, putting on clothing and shoes that are too big for her, playing with dolls and jaren''s hunting/nerf guns, talking on the real/play phones, going to school with Jaren to drop him off (she gets to play with all the toys in his classroom for about 5 minutes), being with people (she likes to show off and act silly), place objects on the floor to get in high up areas (she''s a climber), wave bye-bye and say "hi" to get your attention.
* She only has her two bottom teeth - which finally came in late December/January. I hope she has a few more in that mouth of hers. It sure doesn''t stop her though from eating just about anything. She does quite well with those gums. She''s a pretty good eater, but you wouldn''t be able to tell that by her size.


Jaren Update:
* He still loves pre-school and Ms. Luckow.
* He went downhill skiing for the first time in January. We''ve taken him one time since. He says "I just want to go fast!" - so we had to put him on ski leashes. :) He does quite well, but still doesn''t get the concept of "snow plowing".
* He loves to drive his snowmobile. He got a new orange z120 Arctic Cat for Christmas.
* He loves to play outside on the snow drifts (there are plenty of them in our neighborhood), but I think he''s ready for the snow to be gone. I even took him sledding at the park this year. It was great fun! We took some diggers together and challenged ourselves to stay on to go even further and further. Jaren would get to the bottom of the hill and look at how far we went and say - "mom that''s too far to walk"...but we made it up everytime with out too much complaining.
* We''ve also taken him out ice fishing a few times this winter. He loves it and actually sits patiently (for the most part) for hours on end. He wants to catch that "lunker".
* Still loves hunting and fishing. The moment he comes home he has to change out of his regular clothes into the same camo outfit (he throws a fit when I make him wash it - he cries for a good 15 minutes or so).
* We keep debating on whether to put him in hockey next year or not (we aren''t hockey parents...at least as of yet ;)). We don''t want him to miss an opportunity, so I asked him the other day what he''d like to do - does he want to play hockey or basketball...he shook his head and said "I just want to work at the farm". lol!
* He still never wants to go to bed at night. We struggle with him sometimes until 10:30 pm to fall asleep (his sister on the other hand goes down between 7:45 - 8:30 pm -- I really hope she stays that way. :)) He also sleeps on our floor every night (for about the last 1.5 years - it wears on mom and dad ...at least we know he probably won''t be there when he''s 15 ;))
* He is still very good with his sister - he watches over her pretty good (don''t get me wrong - he''ll mow her over or play rough sometimes).
* He likes to help and play with Daddy - his best friend right now. Jason wrestles with him, plays hide-and-seek and hunting games with him. They also like to watch the outdoor/hunting channels on TV and watch "boy" movies (like Transformers, Superman, Batman and X-men - great movies for a four year old right?)
* We also struggle with him at supper time. Unless it''s mac-n-cheese, hot-ham-n-cheese, chx nuggets, corn dog, fish sticks, mcdonalds or pizza that the pizza guy dropped off - he probably won''t eat it. You set his food down in front of him - and he immediately says "I want something else"...frustrating. The only other option he gets in a PB & J - so hopefully he''ll get sick of those and want to try the other food.

ASHLYN UPDATE:
* she''s had her first few ''bouts with Thrush...not bad, but I think it might be coming from some of her nuks. I just went to the store and purchased some new ones...so hopefully that will take care of the problem.

* She walking so good now (has been for a few weeks). No more crawling for this girl! She can get moving pretty fast, but still has problems with balance from hard to soft things or if her brother or the dog knock her over ;) She''s good for a few bruises on her head ;)

* She still has NO TEETH! Not sure what''s up with that - oh well the old wives tale says that the longer they take to come in the the healthier - we''ll see if that''s the case or not.

* She likes to get up in the middle of the night again about 3/4am. She wakes up screaming - not sure what the problem is. We comfort her the first time, but try and let her scream/cry it out after that. Jason and I try to sleep through it but sometimes it can last for 15 minutes or more...hopefully it''s a stage that will pass.

* She is not taking a bottle much anymore and is in the process of switching to whole milk and way more finger and regular table foods.

* She starting to talk a little too. We know she can say "hi/hey", "baby", "momma" and "dadda" (not super consistant), but we also think she is either saying "auntie" or "huntie" (for Hunter).

* She has also started picking up some of Jaren''s play guns and walks around with/pointing them going "poosh poosh" (acting like she''s shooting them). She also loves Jaren''s grunt call (for deer) - she blows on that and laughs. Daddy says "it''s in the blood!" Mom shakes her head wondering what next?!

* She''s also a button pusher (phones, remotes, tv, dishwasher you name it!) and loves to dig in cupboards, suck on everything and put it back in the cupboard(or just carry it around - so if you see jello boxes or chow mein noodles scattered through out our house - you''ll understand why).

* She also loves baths still - the moment you start running the water, she drops whatever she''s doing, happy screams, and toddles over to the tub and tries to climb in clothes, diaper and all - one of these days she will get in there by herself. :-S

* We are anticipating her first birthday on Thanksgiving day! Should be a good time with family that will be at my parents house and we will celebrate with other family and friends a few days after.

JAREN UPDATE:
* He loves preschool at Our Saviors! He loves his teacher and all the activities he''s doing. We had a little problem with "self-control" for a couple of weeks, but since have implemented a "naughty at school = consequences at home" (no movies, no fireboots, no wii, etc.). It has seemed to work pretty good so far - he''s doing really well. As soon as I pick him up from school - he immediately tells me that he was good and asks if he can have his candy and be able to do this or that. Now we look like we''re "bribers" but ....what else can you do. We also recently had our first parent/teacher conferences (weird feeling) and he was doing very good in all the areas (other than the self-control piece ;)).

* We have also implemented a better bed-time routine for him (and Ashlyn)...something that has been needed for a LONG time. It''s going pretty good so far, but he still does not want to stay in his bed and takes him FOREVER to fall asleep. We have also separated Jaren and Ashlyn from being in the same room - that was just NOT working. Jaren is now downstairs in the new bedroom (all decked out in hunting stuff) - so we are working on keeping him down there (our bedroom is upstairs)...but lately he''s been coming up to our room in the middle of the night and sleeping between us or on the floor....again...whatever works to get some shut eye. :)

* He also went Hunting with Jason this year. He is just so pumped for that sort of thing...and when Jason left him home a few days...you could''ve seen one depressed little boy (I felt bad for him). He got to watch a deer being gutted for the first time, and was so proud when he got some blood on his work boots (gross! i know). Such a boy!

* He''s so excited for Christmas - circling items in catlogs, telling us that he wants everything advertised on tv, loves xmas movies (Grinch, Charlie Brown, etc), and decorations/lights/trees and the musical snowman that plays over and over in our house (Ashlyn now knows where the button is).

* Also we got a gamer on our hands. He had recently learned to play (even turn on/off) the wii himself. His favorite games right now are "Tanks" (which he asks us to play over and over and over) and the Cabela''s hunting game. We are setting a limit on his time playing....otherwise he''d be down there all day/evening long!

Jaren Update:
* Jaren (and Ashlyn) attended his first spookhouse at the community halloween party. He had no idea of what he was getting himself into, but he walked through the first time with wide eyes and stiff legs. He then wanted to go a second time with his second cousin Katelyn (Mom had to go again too) - and that time he got in a ways and wanted Mom to carry him. This spookhouse was for 4th grade and under, but Mom even got scared a few times (loud screaming, shoveling slapping the concrete floor and people grabbing at you through the walls. :) He got home and all he could talk about was the "speakhouse" ;) No nightmares yet.
* Jaren also has loved watching "Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown" - he now walks around saying "good grief" and "if you don''t watch it, i''ll pound you"....goodie ;)
* Jaren also went hunting with dad last week and they shot some grouse. Daddy said it was his most fun hunting day ever - it was so cute to see how excited Jaren got about "blasting" (as Jaren describes it) those grouse. Dad said he is better than any hunting dog - he''s spots them quickly and after it''s shot he runs and retrieves it.
* Jaren has a new favorite word "nesterday" (known to most of us a "yesterday"). In his mind "nesterday" is anything that happened 10 minutes to a few months ago. It''s funny to listen to him tell stories about "nesterday I did this or that". :)

Ashlyn Update:
* She continues to walk more and become steadier everyday.
* Still no teeth (we don''t even see a sign of them yet)
* Her hair is coming in nicely and is beginning to curl a little in the back. Taking after Papa Truck and Auntie Jess.
* She no longer is in a baby carrier (her weight wasn''t there yet, but she was getting too long), so we put her in a cute pink/brown swirley "big girl" backwards facing carseat yesterday. We''re in trouble now, because we can''t keep her confined to a seat when we''re out and about.

Ashlyn is now walking more than 3 steps by herself (this started on Saturday)!!!! She''s so proud and so are mom and dad!!! We''re in trouble now.... ;)

Ashlyn Update:
*She climbs on everything! Including the baby gate, chairs, etc.
*She points like crazy - and let''s us know what she wants.
*She can hold a sippy cup by herself (she feeds herself finger foods too)
*She holds her hands up to help you put her shirts on.
*She now standing by herself for long periods at a time and even takes a step before going into a fast crawl

Jaren Update:
*He officially has spent more than one night away from us (it was 3 nights). He spend the weekend at the cabin with Papa and Stacy...and had a wonderful time (photos coming soon)!
*He loves pre-school and his teacher. He doing ok in Sunday School - still wants me in the room.
*He tries to spend every moment in the tractors or combine. He likes to "work".

Jaren Update:
* Started pre-school today! He did a great job - didn''t even cry when Mom left (had friends already in the class and found some tractors, wheat in a sand box tub and firetrucks to play with) and didn''t really want to leave. His teacher said he was a very good listener and helped pick up all the toys. What a relief...I hope he continues to like school :)
* His birthday was fun. We went to Happy Joes with a few friends and cousins on his actual birthday (last Monday) and had another party last night with the rest of the famil since they just all finished in the field.

Ashlyn Update:
* She can stand by herself for about 10 seconds.
* She is crawling up on everything from the baby gate at the top of the steps, to her crib and the Kangroo Climber in the basement.
* She can eat just about anything now...I share all my food with her. She really likes mac n cheese! No teeth yet though.
* She is now saying "ma ma" :) Yippee!
* She has her 9 month appointment tomorrow, so I''m sure I''ll have a few more updates.

Ooops - Mom slipped on updating the website. A few catch-me-ups...

Ashlyn Update:
*Last Sunday we got her ears pierced! Daddy and Jaren couldn''t watch. They did both ears at the same time, she cried a bit, then things were cool. :) She looks adorable! (see August 2008 photo album for pictures)
*She is walking around furniture and other objects (not real great balance on her own, but has figured out how to walk behind her walking toy)
*She eats pretty much anything baby or adult food that is soft (other than the usual no-no''s of egg white, peanut butter, etc)
*She has quite the little personality - she laughs so cute, grunts when she wants your attention, claps her hands and gives high fives, and snorts to make others laugh

Jaren Update:
*Loves the pool - can go under water, not afraid of jumping in or going way under, and has started swimming on his own without a life jacket (supervision still required)
*Will be starting pre-school this fall (we will also try sunday school too again)
*Still is very into firefighting (Fireman Sam on PBS Sprout), farming and hunting (hence he has the whole neighborhood gang running around with toy riffles, bow/arrows and pistols from Cabelas)
*Is getting really independent and loves to play with "his friends"

Jaren and Ashlyn Have New Pictures to Show!!!

http://picasaweb.google.com/DanaWidmanDesigns/JarenAshlyn

Dana Widman is a Fabulous Photographer!! We took them last night at Dana''s parent''s house.

Ashlyn Update:
* Can''t believe she''s 6 months already
* She now sits up by herself
* Rolls all over the floor - need to put the gate up
* Wants to touch everything, doesn''t want to sit or lay down too long - busy girl!
* Has started to eat more cereal and beginning fruits and veggies (so far so good); Wants table food - reaches for plate and watches your fork go to your mouth while smacking her lips
* Very smile-y, loves to be around people; although starting stranger and separation anxiety (with Mom)
* Sleeping through the night!!!! What a welcome relief!!!
* Has made her first trip to the Hunting Cabin; had a swimming suit on the first time to go swimming in Auntie Autumn''s pool; Great traveler
* Jumps in her "jumperoo" and loves her exersaucer
* Loves to splash in the bathtub and giggle when Mom gets wet

Jaren Update:
* Knows how to play the Wii (Bowling, Baseball, & Golf are his favorites)
* Can now drive his own four-wheeler (has helmet and chest plate)
* Picking up new words and phrases he shouldn''t ;)
* Loves to play outside all the time!
* Brought a baby painted turtle home from the cabin - so now he has a Beta fish named Richard ("Dick the fish")and turtle yet to be named, besides his dog Hunter

Ashlyn Update:
I forgot to write in my last entry that she has finally come down with her first cold :( She''s had her first runny nose and cough. She does ok with breathing/coughing at night - thank goodness or we''d be up even more ;). I''m sure it will pass soon, just hate seeing them get sick for the first time :(

Ashlyn Update:
* Had her 4 month Dr Appt - did well (except the shots :( ...not much fat on those thighs to absorb the pain). She''s now shy of 13 lbs and has grown another inch.
* She now rolls over both ways!! She started this yesterday afternoon, and since then as soon as you lay her on her back she flips right over, pushes up on her hands/elbows and smiles (she looks like she says "I did it!")
* She''s sleeping a little better at night, but Mom and Dad are still very overtired. It can only get better from here :)
* She now eats cereal - hopefully that will start to keep her more satified at night.
* She smiles and laughs! It''s so cute when she smiles at you with those flirty eyes and giggles when you tickle her or make a funny face.

Jaren Update:
* Questions, Questions, Questions, Repeat, Repeat, Repeat. ;) Need I say more?
* Loves playing outside in the Spring puddles (so does Hunter). He can''t wait to get home and get his yellow rubber boots on and go and play in the sandbox and the water puddles in the back yard. He''s excited the snow is FINALLY going away. :)

Ashlyn Update:
* She rolled over for the first time yesterday! Tummy to Back! She is so close from going from her back to her tummy :) She is also talking a lot and is more content being by herself - looking at books, playing/batting at toys.
* She is sleeping a little better now...she''s still up quite a few times, but not every hour.

Jaren Update:
* His imagination is taking off! He now refers to himself as a snake, a deer, a firefighter, and a farmer - depending on his imaginary world. It''s so fun to see the creative things he comes up with :)

Ashlyn Update:
It''s been a few weeks now and Ashlyn''s eye is 100% better! Between the drops and Daddy''s tear duct massaging - we think it''s now opened up! :) Time will tell.

Ashlyn has been enjoying daycare and has established a routine (something to be desired at home). She recently has decided she will NOT sleep at night anymore unless she is lying right next to Mommy :-S If she''s not in our bed - she is up virtually every hour crying to have someone put her ''Nuk'' (pacifer) back in. Mom and Dad were walking zombies last week --- it was really stressful trying to function at work with little or no sleep. Finally last Thursday night, Mom and Dad threw up the "white flag of surrender" and allow her to sleep with them. They are worried that they could possibly roll over on her or pillows/blankets suffocating her...so much to say...Mom gets a little more sleep but not much more since she waking up every so often to make sure she''s ok. We might try and buy one of those co-sleepers that are put right in the bed (but we are fearful that she''ll be too big) or get out the pack-n-play and put that in our room to see if that helps...not sure what to do at this moment.

On a lighter note she is doing well otherwise. She''s increasing the amount of formula/breastmilk she takes, she is trying to roll over, she pushes up while on her tummy, her eyes lock on to objects and people far away (loves the TV) -- according to our Doctor she already has the "6 month stare" -- plus she''s wore off the little bit of hair she has on the back of her head because she can''t stop looking at everything around her, holds her head up with no problem, beginning to laugh, getting cute thick/rolly thighs, loves to stand up - can do it by herself with balance, wants to sit up all the time (still needs a little help with balance) - no more laying down for this girl!, and can grab and bat at objects - loves to hold books and small toys.

Jaren Update:
- says cute things like "Daddy, your princess is crying" (Daddy calls Ashlyn his princess); "I love you" and gives someone a hug and kiss
- doesn''t forget ANYTHING (no tricking this kid!)
- sounds like a broken record until he gets what he wants
- asks tons and tons of questions (and repeats those questions ALOT)
- his imagination has taken off, he now has a cabin in the playroom that he hunts, fishes, cooks and farms around...has a great imagination!!!
- loves to play outside - especially shovel snow, but can''t wait for it to melt so he can play in his sandbox again - he sometimes cries when it snows saying "it''s not melting" :(
- plays well with new friends (was kind of possesive before) but is open to new people
- went to the Dentist and did a much better job at sitting still than the last time (6 months ago) - he only hissed and growled a couple of times ;)
- he loves video games -- see him play his leapster or the hunting game with ease (amazing) he even hooks them up to the TV himself and knows how to use the remote (something he helps Grandma Jennifer out with on a regular basis :) )

Ashlyn''s eye wasn''t any better today - woke up completely matted shut :(. Dad took her in to see our regular Dr this afternoon and he suggested we hold off on any surgery until 9 months (whewww!). He gave her some anti-bacterial drops we can use to clear up the eye boogers :) Yeah!

--Thanks Mandy for the comment :) We hope that Will gets through the blocked duct problems too - it''s no fun :(

We ended up taking Ashlyn to the Dr this morning because her right eye tear duct still hasn''t opened up (which isn''t totally unusual for babies) and for the past few days it''s been worse than normal - real watery/goobery. The Dr said that if things aren''t better by tomorrow afternoon that they may have to refer us to another Dr to get it pierced :( I hope things are better tomorrow...

Ashlyn Update:
- She had her 2 month checkup at the end of January and things were great. She''s growing like a cute little weed :) She got her first set of four shots, poor little honey (she didn''t know what hit her and now mom knows for surely what her pain cry is).
- Her first long car ride was to Fargo to visit Great Grandma Happy (Ardella) in the hospital (which ended up in a few mild heart attacks, but to make a long story short she is doing well now and we pray for her to continue to do so). This was also her first time meeting Daddy''s extended side of the family - Rusty, Sherry, Kendra, Austin and JR.
- She had her first "girls weekend" in the Cities with Mom and Nana Lori. We went down to visit Auntie Autumn for her birthday and had a great time, she was a great little traveler!
- Mom has now officially went back to work so her first day of daycare was yesterday. Mom did well leaving her (she knew she was in good hands and her big brother was there to protect her), but when she went to pick her up the first thing Debbie said was "Does she sleep?" :) I guess she only slept an 1/2 hour in the morning and about an hour in the afternoon...not much sleep for an almost 3 month old. I guess she was a bit fussy too, but that can be expected since it''s her first full day without Mom and she had a lot of stimulation with all the other kids around. Other than that things went well - she ate good (Mom is still nursing - which she''s getting used to pumping at work...and she hopes to continue for a while..but we''ll see)and was "bright eyed" as Debbie says. Mom suggested to Debbie to maybe get a swing - that helps her sleep (and she is getting one tomorrow):) I hope things go well today.

Family Update:
- To top off yesterday''s first day back to work for Mom and first day of daycare for Ashlyn - Daddy ended up in the ER at the end of the work day because she smashed and literally almost cut off the end of this right middle finger with a hydraulic press :-S Mom was soo worried about him losing the tip of his finger - but so far the Dr''s were able to sew it back on and he can not bump or get it wet for about a week. He''s been in a lot of pain for the past 16 hours (there are a ton of nerve endings your fingers which makes the pain more intense). Jaren asked "what happend Daddy?" - and Daddy''s reply was that "I wasn''t paying attention...see Jaren you always have to pay attention"...("paying attention" is Daddy''s new life lesson/discipline phrase for Jaren several times a day).
- Since Daddy is in bad shape, Mom had her first morning of getting everyone ready for the day and off to daycare...well she got to work on time but arrived to her desk sweaty from trying to get everything done on time ;)

Jaren Update:
- He continues to watch over his little sister and always lets Mom know when she''s crying...he is soooo good with her it''s awesome!
- He had his first "school screening" which didn''t go so great. When he''s in uncomfortable situations with Mom (and sometimes Dad) around he gets naughty and mouthy. When he was asked to do some tests, he refused most of them or wouldn''t answer questions we knew he knew. The day ended up with a score that "ok" - but the teachers said that it''s typical for most kids to do that and that if he would''ve completed all the tests that he would''ve excelled (which Mom and Dad were happy about). Mom didn''t want to take him to the screening this year (wanted to wait until next year), but the school wanted him tested early in case there was anything wrong and they could help correct things early. All in all he should be just fine once he attends school. By next fall, Mom and Dad need to decide which preschool to send him to (we have about 4 options) and we will more than likely put him in preschool the following year again because he has a late birthday (August) so he''ll end up being one the older kids in his class (which isn''t so bad for a boy) :)
- He continues to love fire fighting! He can''t get enough of that show "Fireman Sam". He has also got back in the farming scene. He now says "I''m going to be a farmer and a fire fighter" (something ironically Papa Tractor/Gary wanted to be)...we''ll see what the future holds :)

Last night was the first night mom and dad had their room to themselves - well...for most of the night ;) Ashlyn slept in her crib for the very first time. We put her down at around 10:30 pm and she watched her aquarium night light for a few minutes and instantly fell asleep. Mom and Dad are always worried about putting babies in their own cribs in their own rooms initially - but once we all sleep better they get over it quick ;). We were especially a bit worried with both of them sharing a room - hoping Jaren won''t crawl in with her or throw a blanket or toy and hit her. To make a long story short - it went well having Ashlyn in her crib in her room for the most part, other than it was a bit more work for mom to get up and go to their room to get her to nurse or put her nuk-y back in every few hours.

Although it was a struggle to get Jaren to stay in his room initially since he had been camping out on the floor on Daddy''s side of the bed. We told him that he was a big boy and had to "protect his sister"...guess that worked until about 2:00 am - when he came in wanting to sleep with us. I was nursing Ashlyn at that time and Daddy was completely passed out - so I gave in and told him to sleep on the floor next to Daddy. Over this next week we will slowly get him to stay there all night long. We''ll see how that goes.

Also - we have officially taken the "little potty" away from Jaren. He now will use the "big potty" for all his little needs ;) (Mom and Dad were sick of cleaning out the little potty all the time - especially when it came to #2).

Ashlyn Update:
* She''s a great communicator - typical female ;). If any of you have been around her when she is hungry - she has this specific cry - and it''s hilarious! She stands up-right, arches her back and tilts her head way back and has this really pitiful cry (sounds like a cat). I did get it on video - so hopefully I can get that up there so you can all see it.
* She has started to settle in a little more - not crying as much through out the entire day. She has her "fussy" time in the evening when she is the most hungry because she is now pretty much sleeping through the night (for about a week now) - from about 10:30/11:00 pm - 6:30/7:00 am (sometimes needing to nurse around 3:30/4:00 am). What a relief that she has began to sleep through the night for mom - since she pretty much has been exclusively nursing :)
* She now likes her car seat (even though we haven''t been out too much since it''s been so bitterly cold) and to take a bath - which both of those things in the first few weeks were a struggle to get her to do.
* She has started to smile and coo/goo :) It''s so fun when they start to respond to you!
* She was baptized on Sunday, January 6th. Angie and Nate are her god-parents. It was a short and sweet time with the service at 9:00 am and then we went for brunch afterwards until about 12:00. Thanks to Papa Truck (and Stacy) for footing the food bill for everyone! ;)
* She is doing very well nursing but also takes a bottle of formula (usually one bottle a day) very good too - which is a relief since she''ll be going to daycare in about a month when mommy goes back to work.
* She loves her "nuk-y" (pacifer) and to look at everyone''s face, colorful books, pillows and the TV.


Jaren Update:
* Can we call him "fire Jaren"? He just loves fire fighting!! He has fallen in love with this Britsh claymation called "Fireman Sam" - that is found on Sprout On-Demand. He can''t get enough of that show. When ever the fire alarm goes off on the show he runs to find his red plastic fireman''s hat that Nanna bought, then runs to the nearest light switch to turn it on and off and runs back to the TV (when he runs he looks like the claymation figures - kicking his legs to the sides and swinging his arms like a monkey - it''s sooo funny - I''m hoping to get it on video soon). He also has 3 fire trucks that he plays with constantly - and a couple at Nanna and Papa''s and Grandma Jennifer''s house.
* He recently attended the Monster Truck races with Papa Truck and Stacy. He thought that was lots of fun. He now runs around the kitchen island and growls in a really low-loud voice like the sound the monster trucks made.
* A funny thing he said lately was when we were traveling home the other night and it was a bit blustery - he said "mom, we are in a snow tornado!".
* He loves to make "nests" everywhere in our house. He grabs all the blankets, pillows and toys he can find and makes these "nests" as he calls them. (they are so fun to pick up all the time ;))
* He still has a huge issue with going to bed on-time. We put him to bed around 8:30 pm (trying to establish more of a bed-time routine) but every night we are unsuccessful to actually get him to sleep until 10:30 pm or so. It''s very frustrating. Mom and Dad have tried to take advice from the SuperNanny, grandparents and others but he''s so stubborn. Mom put together a reward chart but for all of last week he got one sticker on his "I go to bed on-time" row - that was when Grandma Jennifer was here and she is pretty good at getting him to sleep on time. We are also using this chart to make sure he''s good at daycare, helps with Ashlyn and Hunter, brushes his teeth and listen''s to mom and dad.
* He continues to be very good with Ashlyn - he''s a good helper and is very gentle with her :)
* He also loves video games - whether he is playing the Wii with Daddy (favorites are Bowling and Tanks), his Smart Cycle that he got from Grandma Jennifer for xmas or his Leapster. It''s funny that at age 3 he knows how to control a Wii remote, a electric bicycle and pen for the leapster.
* He also loves to play outside in the snow - either helping daddy clear the driveway or drive his snowmobile (kitty kat).
* Potty training is complete - he hasn''t regressed after Ashlyn was born - thank goodness!

Mom and Dad Update:
* We are surviving the reign of two children :)
* Still exhausted and are very glad that so many family and friends come to our rescue! A big thanks to Grandma Jennifer - she has been a saint in helping us keep our home clean and organized!
* We are trying to make more "date nights" - that has helped our relationship sanity ;)

Wow - what an exhausting and exciting first two weeks. Mom and Dad are adjusting to having two kids in the house - it''s a bit trying when both are crying at the same time. Sometimes Dad and I just have to look at each other and laugh :)

Birth Story:
I went in to be induced at 7:00 am on Tuesday, November 27th. I thought for sure I would have her by noon or so, since Jaren''s birth happened by 2:47 in the afternoon...well I was wrong. I was having some mild contractions before they hooked me up to the pitocin and continued to have these mild contractions through out the day. I walked and bounced on the ball forever..but still nothing siginficant was happening. My biggest fear was that the induction wasn''t going to work and I would be sent home without a baby in my arms...I was so ready for her to be here. About 5 pm in the afternoon Dr. Kanten came to check on things and told me that I was progessing but not as fast as he would like. He was going to go the hockey game and if nothing really has changed by 9 pm he would look at having me come back later in that week or the following Monday. I almost wanted to cry...I was determined not to go home ;) Not long after he left, my contractions started to get stronger and stronger and when he did come back from the game I was ready for any drugs they would give me ;) My water finally broke about 10 pm and after about 11 minutes of pushing she arrived at 11:48 pm!!!! It was a long day for mom, dad, Nana Lori and Auntie Jess. Immediately after she was born, I got to hold her and Dad got to cut her cord (which wasn''t the case with Jaren - mom and Jaren both needed oxygen - that was a much harder labor). Her AGSPAR score was extremely high and she was so alert. We are so excited she was finally here!

We spent the next few days in the hospital - having lots of visitors and phone calls. On Friday, November 30th morning we got to go home. Daddy loaded us up in the truck and mom was amazed at how cold it had turned and how much snow we had since she initially went in on that previous Tuesday morning. The moment we arrived home we were excitedly greeted by Jaren and Hunter. Lots of hugs and kisses were exchanged. Jaren couldn''t wait to hold his baby sister. Grandma Jennifer was also there..and she had been at our home the entire time we were in the hospital taking care of Jaren and household cleaning and cooking (you are a saint Jennifer!!! We all can''t thank you enough!!!). We continued to get settled in at home and accepted many visits and phone calls from family and friends. Even Auntie Autumn made it home for the weekend to see her new niece.

Our "one-week old" dr visit went great other than Dr. Kanten was a little concerned about how yellow she looked. He thought we better run a blood test to see how high her bilirueben count was. An hour later we found out that it was way too high 22.8 (he likes to see it under 14). So we were re-admitted into the hospital for the next 2 1/2 days for her to lay under the "bili-lights". It was hard to see her go through this treatment as she was in an incubator with eye-patches on. Mom learned that Jaundice was not that big of deal as long as it''s caught early and it''s an easy treatment and there are no problems associated it with it later on in life...that made mom (and dad) feel much better. Ashlyn was able to come out of her little "spa treatment" as we called it, every so often to nurse and be bottle fed (we needed to keep fluids going through her in order to flush out the extra bilirueben). Mom had a relaxing time watching TV, catching up on her magazines and writing in her baby book. Upon discharge this past Friday morning, her count was down to 13.7 - so that was great news.

Since then things have been going great - as great as nursing and no sleep can go. She is a strong, fiesty little girl. She knows when she''s hungry and knows that she does not like to be naked (taking baths, changing diapers or clothing - huge struggle). She has been a good nap taker and sleeps about 3 hours at a time at night. She also has the cutest little hic-cups - high pitched and squeaky. We have seen a couple of smiles and noticed a cute dimple in her left cheek. Overall, she is a beautiful, content little girl - we are so lucky!!!

We have had only one outing as a family so far (it''s been so cold/snowy to take her out). We went to shopping at Cabelas and out to eat. Mom and dad have to get used to the extra time it takes to get from place to place and divy up tasks. It''s just going to take some time. :)

Jaren has been extremely good with her. He doesn''t really call her Ashly get, but always calls her "sister" or "baby"..it''s cute. He loves to hold her and hold her hand. He is very helpful - trying to get her to stop crying, changing her diaper, giving her "nuk-y" (pacifer) to her if needed. We do need to remind him to quiet down at times, not run so fast, don''t push her in the swing too high, etc.

Baby Update:
If all goes well Baby Girl should be here TOMORROW! I''m going into the hospital at 7:00 am to be induced. Today''s appointment went very well - heartbeat was right on target, measuring good. My blood pressure was up slightly, but nothing to worry about. We are very excited to have her in our arms hopefully by this time tomorrow afternoon. Keep checking back for more updates, pictures and video.

Baby Update:
Another Dr appointment today. Everything continues to look good. Her heartbeat was around 140 beats/min, my blood pressure was good and I''m measuring at 39 weeks (right where I should be - but the dr made a comment that "boy, there''s not much room left in there ;)"). He told me that if I did not go in before next Monday that he would see me then and we can make some decisions. :) How exciting - the time is getting so close. Auntie Autumn and Jess are requesting that I go in on Friday so they have the rest of the weekend to see/be with her.

Jaren Update:
Jaren loves his new racing helmet and chest plate (see pictures). He had to wear the chest plate to daycare two days in a row (I wouldn''t let him bring his helmet for other kids safety reasons ;)). Thanks Papa Truck for bring that by - now we can''t get him out of that attire ;)

He also has been making some cute comments, for example:

"Look at my arms! (he holds him arms up high) Look at my legs! (he points down) Look at my toes! (he wiggles them) I''m getting big!"

"I''m not happy" or "I''m not happy with you guys" (saying that to mom and dad and nanna and papa tractor the other night)

"When is sister (or baby) coming out? I want to give her a bath, feed her, hold her and tickle her."

"I want it to snow cause Daddy got me a snowmobile - go real fast - rrrmmm rrmmm."

"I want some cartoons" (meaning crutons from our salads)

He continues to do well with potty training. He even climbs up on the bathroom counter, takes his toothbrush out, puts toothpaste on it and brushes his own teeth. He also helps me with laundry, getting off the couch/out of bed, cleaning up...although his listening skills still need to be sharpened at times (which is normal for kids his age). He is becoming a "big boy" until he starts whining ;)

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Baby Update:
Another Dr appt today. Nothing has changed much - other than I''m no longer enjoying (long) car rides (too bumpy at times) and am getting some mild/sharp lower abdominal pains here and there --nothing consistant yet. My blood pressure is still good and her heartbeat is right on track (150-160). I''m also measuring 1 week ahead (I think I was also measuring one week ahead last week too) - whether or not that means anything. The Dr said he''ll see me next Monday again...if not sooner ;) I''m still counting on her being a week or so late - can''t get your hopes up for an early deliver - that would be setting myself up for disappointment. The later she comes, the more I can get done before she gets here ;)

Baby Update:
Had another appointment yesterday. Nothing exciting is happening quite yet - mom is just getting bigger and more uncomfortable (but that is expected). Her heart tones were still good and mom''s blood pressure is also staying down (which was a problem with Jaren''s pregnancy). The Dr did not check mom this time - so she doesn''t know if she''s dialated anymore, but she''ll go back in a week and depending on if she''s had any changes (contractions, etc) he might check things out then. ...22 days to go...:)

Jaren Update:
Jaren continues to do really well with potty training. I guess when they decide, they decide. He''s also been waking up dry every morning. Mom and dad are very impressed.

Halloween was fun. Jaren went as a monkey (Curious George). Dad took him around the neighborhood and then we went to few more relative and friend''s houses. He did pretty good until the last house - by then he was getting tired. He loved to ring people''s doorbells and say "trick or treat"...he asks if we can do it again.

I think I might need to change the theme of his website to "Firefighter Jaren". He just loves firefighting. His winter jacket is a firecoat, his hiking boots are his "fire boots" and he wears this red plastic firehat that Nanna Lori bought him everywhere he goes (including daycare, the grocery store, etc.) Last night we were at Nanna and Papa''s house and he had to go potty. He told Nanna she had to leave, turn the fan on for him and shut the door. When he was finished he came out saying "the firefighter is done!". He then walks into daycare this morning and says "the firefighter is here!". He also loves to play with the two firetrucks he has - he especially likes the really loud and (to mom annoying) siren - "here that?!" he says with a huge smile!

Jaren was also very excited to see Daddy today. We picked him up from daycare early since he hasn''t had much time with him lately (between harvest and hunting). So they are both home now taking a snooze on the couch watching "American Tale". Jaren was excited to hear that Daddy shot a doe (even though Daddy wanted a his buck, but beggers can''t be choosy). Maybe Papa Truck will tell him about the 10 pointer he shot ;)

Baby Update:
Had another Dr appt yesterday. Things are still going well :) Heartbeat was about 150 (ranges between 140 and 160) and I was dialed to 1 cm (nothing significant). I''m no longer measuring ahead on weeks - so things should be on track for November 28th :) Daddy and Jaren are getting anxious for her to get here. Daddy because he isn''t sure how much he should be gone hunting, and Jaren keeps asking when she''s going to come out because he wants to hold her, give her a bath and feed her (not to mention he wants to wrestle/fight her - cause that''s what he does with Daddy every night...but I had to explain we don''t fight babies). Everyone is expecting me to go early - but I don''t think that will happen...watch she''ll be 2 weeks late ;)

Jaren Update:
He continues to do very well with potty training. He is even waking up dry :) A funny thing he said yesterday after going #2 - he yells for me --- "Mommy Mommy Mommy come here! Look it''s a big one....it''s a Hippo Poop!" All I could do was laugh - "hippo poop" where did that come from?

Last night Daddy and Jaren also carved a pumpkin and they will do another one tonight. Jaren wasn''t sure about sticking his hand inside to pull out all the goo and seeds - but Daddy said "don''t be a girl" and right away he pulled it all out (boys!!?).

The candy for all the trick or treaters is driving Jaren nuts - he wants some constantly. I try and explain how we are going to other people''s homes to get their candy and in return people that come to ours to get candy - he thinks that''s a pretty good deal.

Baby Update:
Went in again this morning for another appointment. Everything looks good - heartbeat was at about 140. I''m now measuring 1 week ahead (not 2 like two weeks ago) - so we''ll see what that means ;)

Jaren Update:
Jaren is continually doing really well with potty training. He went to daycare 3 times last week with out an accident and he did really well over the weekend...we are so excited!!! We hope this continues even when the baby arrives.

This weekend we also spent time with Daddy in the beet field, went for a walk in the woods with Grandma Jennifer and played with his ''second'' cousins Megan and Katelyn. We had a fun weekend.

Jaren Update:
Mom went to work sweaty and worried yesterday morning, only to come back to pick up Jaren and see that he was still wearing the original pants she sent him to daycare in!! Debbie said Jaren did a great job all day of telling her when he had to go potty - she is feeling a little more confident and now will allow him to come to daycare with underwear on. Woo hoo! Although Jaren had one accident when we got home - that wasn''t too bad for a first full day in underwear. We had went out after daycare to celebrate at Happy Joes - playing games, eating pizza and ice cream. But...it''s only day 1 - we now have started day 2. We''ll see what today holds...stay tuned...

Jaren Update:
We sent him to daycare with underwear on this morning :-S We are a bit nervous :-S Jaren said he wanted to wear underwear and no diapers today - and how can you deny him that? I really really hope he does well, especially with all the other kids around (he does well when he''s at home - but there aren''t too many other things distracting him). Hopefully tomorrow''s update will be encouraging...

Baby Update:
I had another appointment today. Her heartbeat was around 150 beats/min. She is head down - Dr. Kanten helped me feel where her head was (cause I asked how can you tell). He took my hands and helped me and said "feel that melon"? :) I''m also measuring about 33 weeks - and I''m in my 31st - so not sure if that means a big girl or what - time will only tell. Other than that things are going well :)

Jaren Update:
Sunday School went much better this week. Grandma Jennifer took him - and he was a great. I''ll try again next week :)

Potty training went a little better this weekend..we''ll just keep hoping for progress.

Baby Update:
Beginng to go to every other week Dr. Appt''s. Heartbeat is around 160 beats/min. Mom is starting to have trouble bending over, sleeping, etc - normal pregnancy symptoms ;) "Baby Girl" has been very busy in mom''s tummy - she can really kick. She hasn''t had any hiccups yet (not that mom has noticed) unlike her older brother who had them all the time. She loves to be rubbed - unlike Jaren who would hide as soon as you touched mom''s belly - she''s going to be just like her daddy (loves to be touched all the time ;)).

Jaren Update:
He''s been working on potty training more and more. We HOPE to have him pretty well trained in the next two months before his sister arrives...we''ll see. Mom and dad realize it will happen when he wants it to happen - not when mom and dad say it will. He is excited about his sister''s arrival - he keeps asking if the baby is bigger yet so she can come out.

He has a few cute new phrases like "you got to be kidding me"; "i know, i know, i know" (putting his hands up and shaking them); "just a second, i''m busy"; "silly goose".

Jaren has recently discovered how to answer the phone on his own. Each day he races mom to the phone to answer it first - and his phone mannerisms are getting better.

Jaren loves hunting I think as much as farming. We''ve spent a few weekends at the cabin this month - with Papa Truck/Stacy and dad hunting for rough grouse and sighting in his toy hunting "gun". You will be able to tell that from the September pictures. He even goes hunting in the neighborhood backyards with all of his friends - they are all dressed in camo and blaze orange - it''s pretty cute to watch.

Beet harvest starts tonight so we won''t be seeing Daddy too much. I''m sure Jaren will get a chance to ride in the lifter or beet truck a few times before harvest is over. He still loves to spend time with Papa Tractor in the combine harvesting beans.

He also loves to spend time with Grandma Jennifer (going for walks and playing in the sandbox) and Nana Lori (riding on the lawn mower and taking baths in the sink that he barely fits in and watching Nemo) - we see them on a regular basis :)

Jaren Update:
Jaren had a wonderful 3rd birthday. We had a green and yellow John Deere party with the extended family that he co-celebrated with his second-cousin Brandon (http://wagner.aboutmybaby.com) - he loves tractors too and was turning 2 years old about week after Jaren. The next day we partied again with the immediate family - we had Papa Gary/Nanna Lori, Grandma Jennifer, Uncle Mike/Auntie Jess, Papa Jerry and Stacy over. We ate lots of pizza, topped it off with cake and ice cream and opened gifts. Jaren got a lot of fun things for his birthday - a Leapster L-Max video game system (with games and carrying case); a hunting video game for the TV (which dad also enjoys greatly); a bug vaccum - bug cage - and bug magnifying glass (he''s really interested in insects/reptiles lately - he particularily likes spiders, crickets and toads); dinosauer car; "cars" racing track and magnetic book; a remote control John Deere utility truck, 2 new John Deere movies and play fishing rod; money and a few others. He thanks everyone for all the gifts and he plays with all of them daily :)

Today was his first day of Sunday School - which did NOT go well :( We''re not sure if he was overwhelmed, tired or just being naughty. Mom tried taking him the beginning of class where they sing, give offering, pray, etc - this did NOT go well. He wouldn''t listen, sit still, give his offering, growl during songs, tackle his "guy" friends during short breaks, etc. Mom finally had to take him out of class and give him a little "swat" and a talking to. Then Daddy had to take over...he was still a little defient at first, but then began to listen a little more. Jaren then began to ask for mom to come into the class - so she did. Again, as soon as mom came all hell broke loose (throwing temper tantrums, color crayons, and tackling his friends again). Maybe next week - Mom will put him in the class by himself and see how he does - because apparently he likes to be naughty around mom :-S If it doesn''t go well again - we may look at putting him into Sunday School next year. It was a very embarassing and frustrating morning. (Papa Gary called to say that sounded like him when he was little - so that made mom feel a little better; Grandma Jennifer said that Daddy also acted like that when he was little and it was "payback"). ;) We''ll just "pray" that it goes better next week.

Baby Update:
Nothing much has changed other than she''s moving alot lately - rolling, stretching, kicking. Mom is continuing to get bigger - and is starting to have more troubles getting up, bumping her belly into everything, spilling food on her chest/belly area, etc. Mom and Jaren have another Dr appt next Monday - so at that time we''ll find out more about the baby and Jaren''s progress in health and growth.

Mom should be posting more pictures and video shortly, so check back soon. Don''t forget to view Jaren''s 3rd year pictures from We Clik photography (that was also a hard day - Mom thought we would have to go back and have them re-taken - he wouldn''t participate - but after a while and tons of bribing - we got some cute ones ;).

Baby Update:
She has been very busy and mom is getting bigger. It''s fun to feel her move around and for Jaren to talk about her - like when he says "Mom when is coming out?".

Jaren Update:
Jaren was pretty busy in July/early August. We spent the day at the lake on a pontoon for Mom''s birthday with Grandma Jennfier, Nanna Lori, Papa Gary, Auntie Autumn, Daddy and even Hunter got to come along. We had fun fishing, lounging and swimming - only to top it off with a trip to Happy Joes for pizza, ice cream..and yes, even mom got the siren and horn ;)

Jaren has also had alot of fun with his water rocket showing it off to every kid in the neighborhood and having to bring it wherever we go. Thanks for showing us that neat toy Kendra!

He has also spent a few weekends at the cabin with Daddy, Mommy, Papa Truck and Stacy. We fish, ride fourwheeler, pick berries (blueberries/strawberries - Jaren can''t get enough of) and relax.

Jaren spent the afternoon with cousin Brandon a few weeks ago. He showed him how to drive Brandon''s gator, played in the pool, launched the water rocket and watched John Deere movies! I''m sure they are going to do that again soon - they had fun!

Jaren also went to swimming lessons again this year and had a huge improvement over last year. He can now swim by himself with a water noodle or life jacket and jump off the low diving board into his teachers arms. He has so much fun - he always asks to go the pool or go swimming now.

Harvest has begun again - Jaren spends almost every night with Papa Tractor and Daddy in the field. He just can''t get enough of the combine, trucks and tractors. He''s telling everyone what they need to (like hurry up, put the auger away, dump the combine, etc.) - bossy little guy ;) He also loves to eat out in the combine with Papa - he pretty much eats anything that is put in front of him (nice for mommy).

Everyone always asks him if he''s excited to have a baby sister - he typically says yes but then adds "later" (I want my sister later) ;)

Papa Truck and Stacy picked him up one Friday afternoon and took him to the races. He just loved it (but was a little loud according to Jaren - lucky Papa had ear plugs). He also spent the night at their house. Overall he had a great time and always asks if he can go back.

He also loves to help Grandma Jennifer with anything she is doing. He loves to help her pick and make apple sauce, zucchinni bread, clean, play broom ball in the drive way, go to the park, etc.

A CLEAN TRADGEDY AT WAL-MART
Recently Wal-mart opened not far from our house. We (Mom, Jaren and Nanna Lori) were there the first day it opened and saw almost everyone we knew (small town). Towards the end of our trip we decided we better get some more bubble bath. Nanna was a few isles down and Jaren and Mom were smelling bubble bath, until Jaren decided to squeeze a bottle of it all over his face (mom laughed for a split second). Now when Jaren gets anything liquid on his face he freaks out - so with bubble slime all over he starts smashing it in his eyes, up his nose and in his mouth :-S. There was a walmart worker watching the whole thing and she came to grab him to bring him to the eye wash - just before mom was about to take her shirt off (which would''ve been scarey) but the bubble bath was stinging his eyes and she didn''t know what else to do. As the walmart employee was running down the front of the store - Nanna Lori spotted someone running with Jaren screaming bloody murder - her first thoughts were that someone was stealing him (she had no idea what just happend). With no hesitation and high heels on, she begins running after the ''kidnapper'', yelling "that''s my grandson!" and everyone in the store stopped, covered their mouths and I swear everything was quiet. Nanna finally got to him saw what was going on and took him to the bathroom only to try and wipe everything from his face. Well everyone knows what happends when you add water to bubble bath - more bubbles!!! He was foaming all over - his eyes were bloodshot and scratched underneath because he was batting at his eyes so bad. We finally got him cleaned up only to walk out of the bathroom to a bunch of people we knew making sure he was ok and to see what happend. He''s eyes cleared up after about a half hour and he still has some scratches underneath his left eye. Everytime we drive by walmart now - he says "I got soap in my eyes there". Funny story now...

Baby Update:
We had our first ultrasound today. The baby looks great - four chamber heart, toes, fingers, cute little button nose like Jaren''s and they believe it''s a GIRL!!! Jaren was right - he kept asking for a sister and they are pretty confident that''s what he''ll get :) We can''t wait to tell Jaren when we get home. The due date of November 28th is still the target - a little over 4 months to go :)

Baby Update:
Had another Dr Appt yesterday and heard the heartbeat again - very loud and clear. The beat rate was about the same as Jaren''s at that point - so not sure if that really means anything ;) Also everything seems to be going well and Mommy is scheduled for her first ultrasound in about a month - so at that time Mom and Dad have decided we will all find out if I''m having a baby sister or brother (since Daddy can''t wait - he''s too excited! ;)).

Jaren Update:
He continues to be quite a jabberbox and says words, phrases and sentences we never knew he knew like:
-"Oh Man!"
-"This is delicious"
-"Just wait a seconds"
-"I want to go dig the fields" or "I want to harvest"
-"Alright!" (pulls his fist down very excitedly)
-"I see mountains" (driving to the cities and seeing rolling hills)
-"Mommy is the baby sleeping?", "Are you going to take the baby with you?", "Can I tickle her?" (he keeps referring to the baby as a girl -intuition of a 2 year old -- not sure??)

Potty training isn''t going so hot again - he''s seemed to have lost interest a little. Although he thinks standing up and peeing is cool. I just hope he''s trained by the time we take him to pre-school at the end of August, otherwise we''re not sure what he''s going to do.

We''ve spent the last few weekends up north at the cabin at on the reservation visiting family - Great Grandma Happy (Ardella) and Great Auntie Sherry and cousin Kendra.

We had fun over Memorial Day weekend with Papa Truck (Jerry) and Stacey at the cabin - fourwheeling and fishing.

We then made a trip with Grandma Jennifer and Auntie Jess to the reservation - that was a fun weekend playing with all the cousins and seeing Auntie again. Great Auntie Sherry made some awesome fry bread tacos -- Jaren ate that right up!

Auntie Autumn finally came home from her 2 1/2 week trip to Europe - she brought us some good chocolate and toys! I hope she hangs around more this summer before she has to go back to school in the fall.

Last weekend, we spent another couple of days - but this time we brought his John Deere Gator to drive around instead of him asking every two minutes to ride the fourwheeler (scarey thing he knows how to start both of them as long as he can find the key). We also caught some big fish - Jaren was excited to help Mom and Dad reel those in.

Jaren also spends lots of time with Nanna Lori and Papa Tractor (Gary) - both have been a little busy lately - but Jaren loves to go to their house to drive his Gator, ride on the lawn mower and play with (I mean toture) Auntie Autumn''s cat - Oban ;)

We should be posting more pictures shortly...stay tuned!

Yes it''s true! Jaren would like to ANNOUNCE that a NEW BABY brother or sister (he is actually requesting a sister) will be on the way in LATE NOVEMBER!!! We heard the baby''s heartbeat at our appointment on Tuesday - which was a welcome relief. Mom is feeling pretty good - although she has her moments in early morning and in the evening (she''s ok for work - which is a blessing).

Dad and Papa Tractor have been very busy in the field - so we''ve been spending a lot of time with Nana and Grandma Jennifer. We even see Papa Truck every so often when we''re actually home.

Jaren loves to drive his gator (battery powered vehicle) - he drives in second gear now and can back up on his own...and now he thinks he can drive anything - which is scary!

Again, we are excited about the new addition coming our way and pray everything goes well between now and when he/she arrives (and thereafter).

Jaren is starting to hit a few more milestones.

Recently he has learned how to drive...the gator :) He no longer needs us by his side to turn the wheel for him or to back it up if he gets stuck - he does it all by himself now! He drives all over the place now.

Also, we are finally getting potty training down. As long as he wears "big boy underwear" - he stays dry and goes on the potty by himself :) He even learned how to pee on a tree (thanks to Daddy) - now we just can''t have him do that in public. Our next area to work on is when he''s at daycare - where he isn''t showing much interest (must be having too much fun).

Jaren is also loving the warm weather. He has already drug out all his sandbox toys (which Mom and Dad have bought a deck storage box to store them all) - and is having a great time with the neighborhood kids in the sandbox/playset. He is also liking the warm weather to ride on the four wheeler with daddy and go biking with mom.

Jaren''s vocabulary has grown by leaps and bounds in the past two months. He says new things everyday and copies alot of phrases people say. He finally now says "Grandma" - a long awaited word for Grandma Jennifer...wheww!

He also loves to color with his Crayola Wonder Paper Markers especially in his Cars coloring book. He also likes to play with playdough - and makes a bunch of "sss" (snakes).

Jaren is still not sleeping in his own room/bed very often. We still get up every few hours with him and bring him back to his own room - or if we''re exhausted...we just let him sleep where ever. We aren''t used to him not sleeping, because as a baby - he slept great. So for all you tired parents out there - I feel for you!

Just today I had to take Jaren into the doctor again. He woke up from a nap at daycare with a 103 temp - only to find out that he has his first sinus infection :( He''s had it pretty rough for illnesses this winter with a couple of colds, the stomach flu twice, two ear infections and now this. Hopefully this will be the last thing for quite some time.

Jaren has really enjoyed the recent snow we had, but was really sad to see it go - although he had a great time playing in the puddles and lakes in our backyard while I picked up Hunter''s winter droppings and Daddy blew out the ditches around the house with the snowblower (to get rid of the lakes). After that excursion, we came in to dry off and have some "hot" (hot chocoloate) as Jaren calls it. He also loves to ask Daddy to ride the "Rrrmm Rrrmm" (4 wheeler) when ever he can.

As for potty training - that goes good some days and others not. It''s still a hit and miss thing. He knows how to do it and when he has to go - but is just being stubborn. He knows how to ask during the church sermon or at a basketball game with a minute and 30 seconds left - but if he asks to go - we go...

I wasn''t able to capture too many February pictures as I had misplaced my camera - but now it''s found and I''ve been steadily catching up.

Take care!