It's That Time of Year

It's a well known fact that I'm a huge fan of my house and where I live when the weather gets nicer. I'm of course showing Leo what's what for the finer things of our little locale. He's much more fun this summer!! Attention - there are a lot of pictures ahead! And further attention - my mom is addicted to Instagram. 

Chillin' in the grass with his tool belt, 

taking a break from helping Dad

This is my cardinal. I will probably tell you it's my favorite bird. 

And then, I will tell you my favorite color is blue. 

He scales over the pavers like a champ.

I guess he does not want to be bothered with 

holding his milk while he explores.

He can play with me this year!

Just washing my ride.

Off we go! We are biking fools. Or riding fools, I guess. I try 

to swipe my brother's shark bike helmet, but have not yet won that battle.

Don't mind Leo, he kind of likes the wagon. And Uli likes Leo.

We also like to dine "al fresco" - yes, this is another term I use.

Hop on Pop, anyone? 

And the parks? Oh, the parks!

This is my Dad's favorite. I kind of look like Lucy from Charlie

Brown here. I don't know what that means, but I hear I have

her same personality. Hmmm.

Off to conquer the slide.

He's quite the wild man in the pool.

And again, we all know these two are chums if

there ever was a pair.

I'm a fan of the big river by my house. Mom lets me throw rocks and

feed ducks. What more could a girl want?

Cookies and the Future Dentist

I'm a weird kid. I really don't like cookies very much. I guess that's a good thing, because I attached a video to show you what I plan to be when I grow up. Pay special attention of who I want to be like and your heart will I am sure, melt. However, my brother likes cookies. Again, see evidence. At least we've started brushing his teeth. 

Bounce

Yes, we all know my brother loves his dog. And we are very glad Uli is a good sport. Getting your head jumped on is tough work.

Leo and the Noodles

There is a new restaurant in town and wow oh wow, it is good. And the people there called me, "bella!" I'm a fan.
Me? Spaghetti. Leo - oh yes, he likes spaghetti, too. I think he's fully recovered from surgery!

Living in a small town with not the best restaurant selection compared to where Mom and Dad lived before - well, they get a little excited about good food.

Well That Happened...

So, we have had quite the two weeks. As you all know, my little brother had a pretty big surgery on April 25th. He stayed over night at the hospital and had his palate repaired (mom tells me that's the roof of his mouth) so that he can eat and talk better. I was a great little girl for my Grammy, who came to stay and take care of me. And when Poppy came, my oh my, the fun we had! I also was a great big sister when Leo came home. Mom and Dad say he was a trooper in the surgery, but the transition home was tough. Leo was in a lot of pain and it didn't help the sanity of our house that the rest of us got the flu! But we are all recovered, and most importantly Leo is doing great. He's happy and eating and drinking like his old self. And the drool, oh, the drool! He could get a little better about waking a little later than 5:30am, but hey - he's happy. So are we. Mom and Dad say this was one of the hardest things they have had to do - hand a baby over for major surgery and see him in pain after. We couldn't have made it through the week without all of our wonderful friends and family. The visits at the hospital, hospitality, hugs, sentiments that "it will be OK," cards, notes, calls, and cheers in support of our little family will never go unappreciated. We love you all and invite you to come and see my little brother and his fancy new mouth. :) 

Waiting to go in for surgery

A few hours after surgery, recovering with some Grammy love

About 6 hours after surgery and he's smiling!

24 hours after surgery - amazing!

A week after being home - happy boy!

"Problems eating, who me? Nah."

Leo's new favorite place to sit - I think it is so he can keep an eye on me

My Mom and Dad Day

So my sweet Aunt Mary watched my brother today so I could have a Mom and Dad day before Leo's surgery next week. Mom and Dad asked me what I wanted to do and I promptly replied, "I want to go on the train to the city and go to the museum." So, they asked which museum I'd like and I said, "Well, the one with the paintings, of course," And that is what we did. And it was fun.

Mom is getting a kick out of "Instagram" these days - she loves this picture

 My dad showed me VanGogh - I kind of already knew who he was. 

And I recognized a Georgia O'Keefe - yup, I sure did. 

I had to make sure I saw one of Grammy's favorites

And the bean! 

And of course I had to check up on Dad's work and give him tips.

Here We Go!

Well it's finally here. My brother is all set for his surgery. He's a strong little dude, we know he will do great. And he'll have Mommy, Daddy, Grammy, and Me to take care of him when he comes home. So mark your calendars for April 25 to think good thoughts for Leo. :)

1 Year Pictures

My talented Auntie took my brother's 1 year pictures - they are awesome! Contact my mommy if you would like to order any. We'll put some wallets in his birthday thank you cards. :)

LINK TO LEO'S 1 YEAR PICS

New Bike

My very sweet neighbors gave me a bike! I am pretty darn proud of myself! I am sure Uncle Will will forgive me for not having a Trek bike, but I am sure there will be plenty of those in my future!

He's on the Move!

Leo has been walking since a few days before his 1st Birthday. He's really getting around these days! Mom and Dad keep pretty busy keeping him out of things - especially those vents he likes to pull out of the floor. My oh my. 

My 2nd Ballet Recital

I had my ballet recital today for my Ballet Jazz class. I am quite the little dancer. But mom thinks it's time to move on to swimming class because my ballet outfit is too small!

Happy First Birthday, Leo!

Dear Leo, 

You are one amazing little guy. A year ago you were born and it was a very scary few days. But in no time, you showed us that we didn't need to be scared. You were a little fighter and have accomplished everything you set out to this year. In just one year, you have taught us to think positive, hold our heads up high, and that beating the odds is really possible. We couldn't be prouder of you and are all truly better people because you are in our lives. We love you. Happy Birthday!!!

Mom, Dad, Gracie (and your bud, Uli)

It's My Brother's Last Day as a Baby!

Pictures from Leo's First Birthday Party

Link to Gallery of Leo's First Birthday Pictures

Enjoy!

My First School Picture

I look like such a big kid!

11 Month Old Tornado

My brother is in his last month of babyhood. Holy moly is he moving everywhere. And he bangs on everything and screams so loud! He also has a new word, "ow." I can't promise that wasn't my fault! So now Leo says, "mama," "mine," "more," and "ow." I'd like to see him to catch up to my 

vocabulary collection!

Daddy Daughter Date Night

My daddy and I had a date for Valentine's Day. I got to go dancing and bring home a chocolate rose!

Just Another Day

Just another day at our house! Leo makes a mess and I dress up the dog.

Iowa

We went to Carroll, IA to wish my great grandpa a Happy Birthday! And on the way home, we saw my cousin Corrine at her "compartment" at Iowa State!

"MORE!"

And we have another new word. My brother was in his high chair screaming for food - can you guess what the word was? And, are we surprised? I think not.

Cousins and Snow

Soph came to make some snow Angels while Leo and Clara played with toys. They have become quite the pair!

Some Chatting

My brother is really trying out his voice these days. Here is a preview!

Why some of the videos are sideways, who knows - sorry! My mom is pretty good with the technology, but these were just giving her a hard time.

It's About Time!

So, I had the snow pants, the sleigh, the dog and the little brother to torture. Snow, hooray!

Helping Leo eat before we head outside

 She's happy as a snow dog in, well, snow!

Dad had his work cut out for him, no wonder Uli refuses

to pull us!!

It's Official: "MINE"

What a happy week for us! Well, for Mommy, Daddy and Leo. For me? I'll let you be the judge of that. Leo said his first word! And what was it? He was playing with me and I took a toy from him and out comes "Myyyyynnnnnu". After a few more times, yup, he clearly said "Mine." I'm in big trouble.

Another fun fact? My Auntie Ellen had the same first word. Leo HAD to know that.

Little DJ

Good Start to the New Year

He keeps adding to his lists of tricks! Leo now says "mama" directed at Mommy. He tells us he's "so big", he waves "bye bye", claps "yay!", and has a few Baby Signs. You won't be surprised, the signs are all related to food!