Erkel Family

Aissa Turns 3!

2012-01-29T08:17:00.000-08:00

Trying on the 3 year-old hat on for size...

She requested a Carousel Cake this year

A local place called DeLux Bakery made a perfect horse

Her first babysitter, Jillian, surprised her all the way from Omaha for her big day. We love you Jillian!

The neighbor kids were on hand to help celebrate

She was stuck to Jilly all day!

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-31T18:56:00.000-07:00

Carving the pumpkin with Daddy

At the pumpkin patch at Honey Creek Acres... a perfect Autumn day in Iowa

Our little pumpkin!

Off to fight for the Empire

Or...at least to have a drink with the guys!

Aissa's first Halloween Trick or Treating!

Mommy's little cupcake

Fall is Here

2011-10-16T07:35:00.000-07:00

We ran into Aissa's first babysitter, Jillian downtown a few weeks ago. Needless to say, she misses her!

We love you, Jilly!

Sara and I had a "Midwest Meet-Up" in Chicago last month and had a great time!

Getting ready to go out and about on a beautiful fall morning...

I love this photo...but, then again, I'm biased....but look at those braids

Daddy and Aissa making breakfast

She just graduated from the high chair to a real chair at the table

And, of course, our outings in the fall include Hawkeye Football Games! Iowa v. Northwestern was the Black and Gold Game...everyone got the memo!

The crowd also did a few "card stunts" for the America Needs Farmers Campaign. It looked awesome!

GO HAWKS!

It's beginning to look a lot like...Football Season in Iowa City!

2011-09-11T19:00:00.000-07:00

Getting ready for Football!

Family Day at Kinnick Stadium

Kyle's nephew and grandniece...a family of Hawkeye fans

Checking out the 2011 Hawkeye Football Team at the fall scrimmage with Daddy.

What's that" you say? A hard-boiled egg on a stick! Only at the Iowa State Fair!

It's a Cow. Made of butter.

The famous Iowa State Fair Butter Cow

And this year...Deep Fried Butter! We couldn't bring ourselves to try it, but we did watch others. Ewwwww.

The end of summer has brought some perfect afternoons for the Ped Mall downtown.

She was so proud of herself for mastering the "big ladder"!

Yes, that's a Big Ten Football preview magazine...we start 'em young around here! She turns each page, points to a football player and says, "Hawkeyes!"

Catching Up!

2011-07-24T06:50:00.000-07:00

On a recent trip to Iowa, my dad reminded me that it had been months since I updated the family blog. Ok, so that was in May and it's now July...The Erkel family has been busy! Here's what Aissa has been up to. Yes, I know that's really who you all want to see!

Aunt Sara knit this gorgeous "newsboy" hat for Aissa's 2nd birthday and she wore it everywhere this winter. You can order your very own at Sally HP Knits!

Spring cleaning and Aissa was in charge, with the help of Daddy's old drill sergeant hat!

Finally, the snow melted and she could try out her birthday present on the open road..

Bye bye crib, hello freedom...what were we thinking?

Oral hygiene: Live it, love it.

Topless Easter egg coloring

Aunt Tam came to visit in May and showed Aissa her latest toy...and then had to share!

Granny and Papa showered Aissa with love and undivided attention for two weeks in May!

Wood chips? No...confetti!

Finger-turned-body-painting. Or, as I like to call it: 30 minutes of distraction so I can make dinner.

What is this magical, sweet, fizzy liquid in the chilly can? Soda!

Don't be fooled by the pose into thinking she is potty trained...

Like mother, like daughter, this girl loves to bake

Chillin' at the Zoo with mom and dad

Braving the carousel for the first time, with Daddy by her side.

Building Blocks!

2011-02-06T07:52:00.000-08:00

Granny and Grandpa sent Aissa a set of wooden blocks for her birthday--she started building right away!

Papa watched over as she built and re-built

We are all amazed at how patient and steady she is when building a tower!

Thank you, Granny and Grandpa!

Snow Day Fairy Tales

2011-02-06T07:45:00.000-08:00

Daddy took advantage of the snow day by reading fairy tales to Aissa (aka a brochure for a Mercedes-Benz SUV!)

Blizzard of 2011

2011-02-02T10:08:00.000-08:00

Iowa City got 16" of snow last night, along with a blizzard to mix it up!

The university closed, and Kyle couldn't get out of the driveway for work...Snow Day!

Still waiting for the snow removal service and city plows...good thing we have groceries and coffee in the house!

2!

2011-02-02T06:33:00.000-08:00

Aissa is Two!

Complete with a #2 cake of course

Over the moon for his big girl

Jillian (on the right) is Aissa's babysitter and part of the family! Her sister, Jamie, is on the left

Sara, you were right: Kids don't need organized activities--they just played!

Her new magic wand from the neighbor kids

Pink Schwinn Roadster Trike

Mommy's birthday girl, sporting her first dress-up costume

Guest of honor...so he thinks.

Christmas!

2010-12-25T09:53:00.001-08:00

Christmas began last week with a present from her babysitter--a Sit N Spin!

Next came Christmas joy from Granny and Grandpa Edvalson and the Fisher Price Barn!

Santa brought a tea set made of recycled milk jugs...

...and the look of surprise that is the first of many Christmas mornings to come.

It was so fun to see her surprise at the present she found when she woke up!

She immediately commenced pouring a cup of "tea" and eating a chocolate Santa. Breakfast of Champions

Jessie: Having a Good Day!

2010-10-09T17:40:00.001-07:00

We got permission to host Jessie's roommate from rehab for an overnight pass at our house. We rented movies and made popcorn, but not before enjoying some beautiful Autumn weather in Iowa City!

Window shopping as only teenage girls can do...

Enjoying time on the Ped Mall

Watching Jessie walk down the street with a friend, laughing, made the last months all worth it...

Of course, Aissa heard the word "sleepover" and had to jump in with Kayla!

Jessie's Graduation!

2010-10-07T13:38:00.001-07:00

Jessie on her 108th Day: Graduation!

Her "home away from home" for the past four months

When a client graduates, they decorate one of the bricks on the wall in the rec roon. Jessie's included Mt. Emily

Amy, her counselor, Jessie, and Cheri, the Director who answered our call that day in June and made a spot for Jessie. These women are amazing!

Phil, a staff counselor, who was one of Jessie's favorites. He said she was like a granddaughter to him.

Amy with Jessie "on the outside"

Kayla, Jessie's roommate and "sister." She is an amazing 16-year old who graduated with Jessie.

Jessie and Kayla didn't want to say goodbye...so Aunt Sherri got permission from ASAC to bring Kayla home tomorrow night for a sleepover!

After the graduation, teary-eyed and proud!

Kenny came running outside when we were ready to go for one last hug. We love Kenny!

Granny and Grandpa Visit Iowa

2010-10-07T06:27:00.000-07:00

Granny and Aissa played, and played...

And Grandpa read books over and over...

and again, some more!

Aissa was treated like a princess for two weeks!

It didn't take long to warm up to Grandpa...

...and Granny too! We miss you already, Granny and Grandpa!

A 100 Day Journey

2010-10-03T18:13:00.000-07:00

I have taken photographs of my niece Jessie over the past four months as she completes a 106-day drug and alcohol rehabilitation program. I am struck by the change she has undergone! She graduates from rehab on Thursday and then I will pass the baton back to the family in Oregon.

June 5, 2010: Day One, "coming down"

June 27th: First visit with Jessie in rehab

Aissa missed cousin Jessie already...

July 14: 21 Days at ASAC

57 Days Clean: Celebrating at Olive Garden

August 15th: 72 Days clean and celebrating her 17th Birthday

Almost 90 days clean and doing "normal, sober stuff" with the family

96 Days

Day 100: Learning to find joy in the little things again

Day 101: Ready to go home

Child Labor and My Little "Puppy"

2010-09-01T09:23:00.000-07:00

Oh yes she did...

Jessie helped us stain our deck this weekend--she did a great job!

Birthdays and Bouncy Pools!

2010-08-16T09:42:00.001-07:00

Miss Jessie turned 17 on August 14th!

I made rainbow cupcakes for the occasion...enough for the whole "class"

Of course I made her pose for all the family back home!

And of course Aissa was the official taste-tester.

Our neighbor Lauren and her kids always invite Aissa to come play when they blow up the big bouncy pool. She loves it and it's great to have such a fun family across the street!

More Summer...

2010-08-07T14:14:00.000-07:00

Jessie enjoying a fancy lemonade at her trip to Olive Garden!

Showing some of her new clothes, thanks to the family!

I know, I know, you're thinking, "Are those new? They are full of holes!" Trust me, they're cool (so says the 16-year-old wearing them).

Aissa's first attempt to feed herself....mmmmm....pudding!

First haircut at a salon. She was so good!

She "reads" everywhere and anywhere...

Story time with Cooper

In her new mini-Adirondack chair from Nana and Papa

Summer Snapshots

2010-07-10T04:25:00.001-07:00

It's been an eventful Summer at the Erkel house!

Aissa gets outside and enjoys some sun in her swimwear, splashing (and taking drinks from) her pool

Then she takes time to just lounge on the patio...it is Summer vacation, after all!

We took a day trip to the Field of Dreams movie site in June. For Iowans, this is a sort of "Mecca" where you have to take your kids and play a game of catch!

The corn was just starting to grow...

First piggy-back ride in the Field of Dreams with Daddy

Aissa also discovered that you can not only eat with food, but also use it as a hair accessory. Bananas!

She is also fascinated by Cooper's mealtimes. You can imagine how thrilled he is to have company for dinner...

Sara sent Aissa a couple of beautiful Italian linen summer outfits from a friend whose girls outgrew them...Bello!

Cousin Jessie is in Iowa and was kind enough to share her iPod with Aissa for car rides around town!

We also celebrated Kyle's big 4-0 in June

I threw a party with friends and family, complete with a Jamake's Cake (same baker that made our wedding cupcakes). YUM!

We visit Jessie and Aissa lifts her spirits, I'm sure....

She's always happy after devouring whatever treats we bring along!

Spring has Sprung!

2010-05-22T13:25:00.001-07:00

Feeling domestic one afternoon, I decided to hang a spring wreath on our front door...

Apparently, someone else was feeling domestic too...namely, a Robin who decided to make my wreath her home!

We heard tapping on our front door for a few days and couldn't figure out what it was and then one night I came home through the front door and found this new home! Sadly, we had to take it down because Mama Bird got spooked every time we opened the door.

Kyle's turn on the early shift with Aissa..."Big Erk" is not a morning person!

One of her favorite pastimes is getting out every book she owns and then laying on the floor reading (and also watching Nick Jr.)

Waiting in the Dr.'s office for her 15 month check-up

Like mother, like daughter...

Ahhhh.....

Noodles!

Cooper has reached what we call the "acceptance" stage of living with a toddler.

Aissa's newest obsession is scarves...never too young to accessorize! She goes straight to Grandma Joyce's dresser when she goes downstairs and comes up adorned with the latest fashion!

Saturday in Iowa City

2010-04-10T18:18:00.001-07:00

Daddy was a "spotter" on the playground at the Ped Mall today. It was a beautiful Saturday!

Big Hawkeye...Little Hawkeye

"Mom, Dad, you guys go on ahead...I'll take the bus home!"

Passing the time on the car ride downtown

What's not to smile about when you're 1?

Our friend Tammy is out of control when it comes to buying cute things for Aissa...and this "Welcome Spring" floral headband was no exception!

Easter!

2010-04-06T09:26:00.001-07:00

"You'd be smiling too if you just tried on your first pair of sandals!"

Aissa had three opportunities to hunt eggs this spring...first time was a bit overwhelming (and cold!) but she won a free ice cream cone!

Next, some other moms from our street and I had an impromptu hunt at Happy Hollow Park. The two kids to her left and the three to her right all live on our block. Peyton, the oldest standing with her pink headband, is the "informer" and keeps all the moms apprised of what's happening on the jungle gym!

Checking on her stash

Making a game plan with the neighbors

Yeah, she was "that kid" who spent more time with the bucket on her head than hunting for eggs. That's my girl!

Finally, on Easter morning, she got the hang of it in our front yard

"Um, Daddy, Mommy would prefer if you wait for her to be in her Easter finest--not her pajamas--before snapping photos!"

Cooper checks out Aissa's loot

Aaaaand, no matter what holiday we celebrate, her favorite book is still "Reindeer Run," a present from Aunt Mandy!

Spring Fever!

2010-03-17T13:55:00.001-07:00

Getting ready for spring in Iowa City with a first trip to the Ped Mall Playground!

She loved running around like a big girl!

Wreaking havoc after "Book Babies" at the Public Library

"I'm so tired, but if I put down this toy, mom will make me go home and take a nap..."

Aissa has also really taken to books and always carries books to whoever is sitting in the living room and plops them on our laps!

First chopsticks at Oyama, our favorite Japanese restaurant. She loved the sweet potato tempura!

One Year Plus One Month!

2010-02-27T16:51:00.000-08:00

My friend Ashley called today, looking for subjects to test her new camera and we happily obliged! Aissa also happens to be 13 months old today.

She loves books and already has favorites that she makes us read over, and over, aaaaand over...

Daddy surprised Aissa with this rocking horse, complete with sounds and the William Tell Overture

And, that's a wrap, folks!

Out and About!

2010-02-04T13:05:00.000-08:00

Here's a random assortment of "out and about" photos with Aissa

Aissa at the Train Table at Barnes and Noble bookstore

On her way to 1-year check-up with Daddy

Wearing her new "big girl" coat!

She doesn't realize she's standing on her own!

Baby's got a new pair of shoes!

Aissa's First Birthday

2010-01-28T12:01:00.001-08:00

It's my Birthday! Our friend Ashley offered to take photos and they turned out awesome as always--Thanks Ashley!

Puzzle Answer Key

2009-12-27T07:54:00.001-08:00

Friends and family have received (or will soon receive) our holiday greeting. As promised, here is the answer key:

Answer Key
ACROSS
1. Geico
2. Joy
5. Aruba
6. Aissa
10. Preemie
11. Thornbury
12. Hawkeyes
13. Job
14. Tree
16. Anne
17. Teeth
18. Letter
19. Gratitude

DOWN
1. Graduate
3. Grandparents
4. Dissertation
7. Flip
8. Bachelor
9. Oregon
15. Yard

Some New Favorites

2009-12-25T08:31:00.000-08:00

Baking is one of the best parts of any holiday, and Christmas is no exception! There are family favorites, like my mom's sugar cookies, Martha Stewart's ginger crinkles, and Grandma Ivy's refrigerator rolls for Christmas dinner. And then there is the joy of throwing new things into the mix. My mom and dad sent me a set of Le Creuset silicone spatulas in my favorite color red and a new set of measuring cups and spoons, complete with the "smidgen" and "dash" measurements. Yes, I am a complete food-y geek for thinking that is so cool. All those in my household are weary of me showing them the little teeny "smidgen" spoon and I've only had them one day! But seriously, these gifts felt like the grown-up version of the red Huffy ten-speed I received from Santa in the fourth grade. Just what I wanted and I will use them every day!

My friend Christian gave me the following pancake recipe. Mary's Oatmeal pancakes comes from the Northwest Best Places cookbook. They are light and fluffy while still offering some fiber goodness with the chunky applesauce served alongside. If you go overboard today, make a batch of these tomorrow and you'll be back on track!

Mary's Oatmeal Pancakes

2 c. rolled oats

3 c. buttermilk

1/2 c. all-purpose flour

1 t. baking soda

1 t. baking powder

1/4 t. salt

2 eggs, lightly beaten

1/4 c. vegetable oil

Chunky Applesauce

3-4 golden delicious or other cooking apples, peeled, cored, and sliced

1/3 c. water

1/4 sugar

1/2 t. cinnamon

THE NIGHT BEFORE making the pancakes, combine the oats and buttermilk in a bowl, stir to mix, cover, and refrigerate overnight.

FOR THE APPLESAUCE, combine the apples and water in a medium saucepan and cook over low heat until the apples are soft but still holding together, 12-15 minutes. Stir in sugar and cinnamon to taste; set aside.

JUST BEFORE SERVING, combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. In another bowl, stir together the eggs and vegetable oil. Add the egg mixture to the flour mixture, followed by the oatmeal mixture. Stir gently to mix well. Cook the pancakes on a lightly oiled hot griddle until golden brown, about two minutes per side. Serve hot with maple syrup and the applesauce on the side.

And then, for the Christmas feast, I searched for an alternative to the traditional pumpkin, pecan, or apple pie. Oh, I still made a pumpkin pie, but you can never have too much pie. So, this year I also made Ellie Krieger's Double Chocolate Pudding Pie from Eating Healthy in 2009.* Chocolate pie can be as easy as stirring instant chocolate pudding and pouring into a ready-made pie crust. But I say there is nothing quite so chocolate-y good as making your own pudding over the stove. And this was no exception. I should know--I licked the spoon!

Note to the novice: If you are making pudding for the first time, you really do need to whisk the mixture for ten minutes on the stove, until it comes to a boil and gets thick. You will be standing there, six minutes in, your wrist aching, saying to yourself, "It's never going to thicken!" and then, magically around the 8-minute mark, it starts to cling to the whisk and by ten minutes you have chocolate pudding magic. Or chemistry, but whatev...

*I did substitute a ready-made graham cracker crust because Keebler now makes a slightly larger crust, which works great for homemade fillings.

Baby's First Christmas

2009-12-25T08:03:00.001-08:00

Aissa met Santa for the first time on a trip to the Amana Colonies.

One of my presents was a complete new set of measuring spoons and cups from my parents--love them! I set to work immediately making pies and rolls. And Aissa thought they made a fine toy.

New outfits from Granny and Grandpa Edvalson

And Santa got her a zylophone crocodile. What was he thinking, getting a toy that makes all that noise? Grandpa Pat gave her a music lesson.

Holiday Party

2009-12-16T08:36:00.001-08:00

We held our first holiday party last Sunday, inviting all of our neighbors and friends

The kids had fun decorating sugar cookie trees--Granny Nancy's secret recipe was a hit!

My new neighbor Lauren and her daughter Reese--she is a super-mom, complete with matching outfits!

My friend and colleague in the PhD program, Megan, showed up with her boyfriend in their "ugly holiday sweaters." Aissa was enthralled with the sparkles.

Holiday Preview

2009-11-26T13:05:00.000-08:00

I think my "mom" gene has fully developed now, because this week I had the uncontrollable urge to buy Aissa a holiday dress and haul her to the Sear's Portrait Studio. I know, I know, I'm probably biased, but ISN'T SHE SO BEAUTIFUL?

"Toddlers and Tiaras" audition shot

This old thing? Yeah, it's red corduroy with bows and buttons!

Who, me? Oh, I'm just going sledding in my pretty, pretty holiday dress...

Apparently I am a rookie portrait mom because A. I didn't have more than one outfit for scene changes and B. I didn't buy shoes. I thought it was pretty good that I got it together in time to have holiday photos!

Spaghetti!

2009-11-22T12:29:00.001-08:00

Aissa had her first spaghetti dinner last night.

Viva Italiano!

The Welcome Committee

2009-11-22T12:15:00.000-08:00

Every morning, Cooper and Aissa wait for Grandma and Grandpa to come upstairs....of course Cooper insists on first dibs at petting!

Aissa loves Cooper

And Cooper is learning to tolerate Aissa

First Haircut

2009-11-15T09:00:00.001-08:00

Aissa's babysitter Jillian is also a hairstylist, so she did the honors of giving her the first haircut!

She loves Jillian and we are so lucky to have her help out!

How do you like my face-framing layers?

Bath Time Milestone

2009-11-15T08:56:00.001-08:00

Sometimes it's the little things...Aissa has found a new reason to love bath time--sitting up and playing with her rubber ducky!

Happy Halloween!

2009-10-31T17:33:00.000-07:00

Our Little Pumpkin

2009-10-24T18:02:00.000-07:00

We went to Honey Creek Farms this afternoon to pick out Aissa's first pumpkin. It was a perfect fall day.

She was fascinated with her pumpkin and wouldn't take her eyes off of it!

So...the funny part is that this is actually a bean-bag toss board, not one of those cool picture things. Good thing we figured it out before a game of bean bag toss commenced! Rookie parent move.

Happy Halloween!

Mommy's little pumpkin

The Pumpkin Patch

Out and About

2009-10-24T09:00:00.000-07:00

Taking advantage of the fall afternoons for walks in the dog park....and taking advantage of a growing girl who gets to help us at the grocery store!

Ice Cream!

2009-10-16T07:57:00.000-07:00

Aissa is a true Edvalson, sharing some Dairy Queen with Grandma and Grandpa!

Spoiled, spoiled, spoiled...

Long Time, No See!

2009-10-10T09:22:00.001-07:00

My mom has not posted in a long time and I have some milestones to share!

I eat with a spoon

...and with my fingers!

I learned to sit up,

and crawl,

and I chase Cooper!

I even help around the house, cleaning the floor and doing laundry.

My latest trick is standing up!

Mom and Dad have been busy too:

We moved to a new house in August, right around the corner from our first one.

Living room

Entry

Kitchen (mom's favorite thing is the GE Double Oven...Thanksgiving Dinner, anyone?)

We added a tile backsplash for color and maple hardwood floors

Dining Room

Office/Guest Room

We had to give up a real guest room to make way for "Dissertation Central," but we bought the cadillac of air mattresses for guests--come visit!

Aissa's Room

Raggedy Anne, my teddy bear from Aunt Tam, and a handmade quilt from Granny make it feel like home

And yesterday, we had our first snow...in October!

That didn't stop Mom and Dad from cheering on the Hawks. I stayed inside with Grandma and Grandpa, but nothing could keep them from their football date night.

Even the tubas have Hawkeye spirit

It was "Blackout" in Hawkeye Nation and we beat Michigan 30-28 (and that was the temperature range too!)

That's One Happy Baby!

2009-06-11T20:59:00.001-07:00

Don't you just want to eat those chubby little hands?

See my dimples!

Family Weekend!

2009-05-28T12:25:00.000-07:00

This weekend marked one of our first long weekends together with no work or homework!

We took advantage of beautiful downtown Iowa City and the great May weather that comes with it. Really, it was just a chance to show off Aissa's newest accessory--the floppy sun hat!

And we also went to Build-A-Bear and Kyle turned into a big pile of Daddy mush as he made a birth certificate for Aissa's newly-stuffed bunny. This has to rank right up there with the list of things he never thought he'd do!

Mother's Day

2009-05-13T10:33:00.000-07:00

I had a wonderful first Mother's Day--brunch in the morning, shoe shopping, a trip to Starbucks, and sushi for dinner. Oh, and no housework or cooking all day! Thanks Aissa and Daddy!

...and with a face like that to love, who wouldn't be a happy mama?

Daddy's Girl

2009-05-07T05:50:00.000-07:00

She loves her dad! One of his favorite times is just after he feeds her and she is fat and happy!

And she loves bath time with him too...

Three Months: Mommy and Me

2009-05-01T20:44:00.001-07:00

Aissa is three months old this week. You heard it--we are no longer marking her age in weeks. Time flies when you're hanging out at the coffee shop with mom...

11 Weeks

2009-04-13T10:51:00.000-07:00

Even though she's too young to celebrate Easter, we thought it was a good time to debut her first dress!
Moments later, she learned that she did not get an Easter basket...
...needless to say, she was not happy. Take note, Mr. Bunny!

Her days of napping on the chair are numbered as she gets bigger and bigger. Cooper is always nearby...

Rocking the Baby and Conquering the Video World!

2009-04-06T15:58:00.000-07:00

Kyle has discovered that he is quite adept at this fatherhood thing, mastering the art of putting Aissa to sleep while fighting evil on XBox.

Notice how he has all the essentials around him: cell phones, coffee, game controller, pacifier...and meanwhile I'm upstairs taking a blissful few moments alone to shower!

All Smiles!

2009-04-01T20:30:00.001-07:00

Aissa started smiling "for real" this last week or so (read: not just when she has to poo). It is so fun to interact with her and to see those big dimples!
She weighs just over 11 pounds now--no more "preemie" for this one!

Kyle, being a good dad and partner, feeding Aissa while I finish my dinner on a family night out.

Granny and Grandpa's Visit

2009-03-16T19:57:00.001-07:00

Granny and Grandpa Edvalson came for two weeks to meet Aissa and spend some time with our new family. I've heard you can't spoil a baby, but they gave it their best shot! Kyle and I loved having them and appreciated all of their help. We miss you already...

Cooper didn't let Granny forget about him...

Week Three

2009-02-17T13:02:00.001-08:00

Aissa is three weeks old today! She weighs 7 1/2 pounds and is a champion bottle-gulper.
She loves laying on Daddy's chest in the mornings when I'm getting ready for school. It's the warmest spot in the house on a winter's morning...

Kyle's cousin Barbara gave us this bouncy seat and it is the best thing ever! She loves the vibrations and it gives mommy two free hands to work on homework when needed.

Cooper stands guard for Aissa and can usually be found lying nearby.
Kyle was reluctant to use the Boppy for fear that it would threaten his masculinity....until his arm fell asleep one too many times and he discovered the comfort and practicality of this magical pillow!

Aissa's First Party

2009-02-03T10:45:00.000-08:00

I think Aissa heard there was a party in her honor planned for February 1st and just didn't want to miss it! She came to her baby shower and was showered indeed! We had a great time and received so many gifts, we are overwhelmed with our friends' generosity. And Maura is one fantastic host!
Maura was the host and went over the top with decorations, a fabulous catered lunch, mimosas, fun handmade party favors ("Aissa" chocolate bars), and this cake, made by the same baker that made our wedding cakes. Yum!

All of the women in my program have been wonderful, showering our family with food, gifts, and support. Katie, Megan, and Tricia wait their turn for cake. Katie made the beautiful "Aissa" sign that hung in the doorway.
Kelly Vaughn gets her baby fix! Her husband Andrew works with Kyle and we are all good friends.

My friends Kathy, Lindsey, and Georgianna. Georgianna and Kathy are in the Student Affairs program and Lindsey's husband Mike is also in our program.

Ashley is my research partner for our program assistantship. She went on a shopping spree for Aissa's clothing!

Mommy's guest of honor.

Cooper rests on the spoils of the party! She received so many adorable outfits, blankets and toys--we are set!

Surprise Delivery!

2009-01-29T19:23:00.001-08:00

Baby Aissa decided to arrive a month early! My water broke at 1:00 a.m. on Monday, and she was born at 1:18 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 27th. And so the adventures in parenting begin!
Pre-contractions, heading out for a walk...and later sitting in the whirlpool to distract myself from back labor. The smiles didn't last all day.
Ahhhhh....after my epidural was underway, we were both able to catch a few moments of sleep before the delivery. Kyle was an excellent labor coach and never left my side.
And here she is! Aissa Elizabeth Anne. Elizabeth Anne is my Aunt "Tam," Sr. Elizabeth Anne Swartz, an influential woman in my life and Aissa's namesake. She weighed 5 lbs. and was 19 inches long. She has lots of blonde hair, leading me to believe my husband once had blonde hair!

Because she was a "preemie," she spent some time in a warmer to get her temperature regulated and adjust to life on the outside.

One day old and already Daddy's Girl.

We headed home on Thursday with our healthy baby girl. Stay tuned...

The Nursery

2008-12-21T21:18:00.000-08:00

Salon Erkel

2008-12-14T08:43:00.000-08:00

I have reached the point in my pregnancy where I can barely see my toes, much less bend over to maintain a good pedicure. Kyle offered to help and gained a new-found appreciation for one of the many facets of female beauty maintenance.

Flip This House!

2008-12-08T16:41:00.000-08:00

This is a follow-up to an earlier post about our own year-long episode of "Flip This House." We bought this house with another couple and have been working weekends over the past year, in between our jobs, school, family commitments, making babies (what?) and life in general. The realtor held an open house on Sunday and now we cross our fingers for an offer! Good thing the economy is booming and real estate is flying off the market. Home for the holidays, anyone?

Too bad you don't have "smell-o-net" so you could get the full effect of 50 years of cigarette smoke and dog urine that was soaked into the green shag carpet!

Beautiful hard oak floors were hiding underneath the carpet!

Third Trimester!

2008-11-24T11:40:00.000-08:00

Here I am, 27 weeks' worth of belly!

Second Trimester

2008-10-05T21:16:00.001-07:00

This weekend marked the official end of pants with zippers and buttons. Bring on the maternity jeans with elasto-bands!

It's a Girl!

2008-09-17T18:17:00.000-07:00

Kyle and I got our first glimpse of our baby girl last Friday. She is healthy, very active, and, if I do say so myself, quite photogenic. Because I am of "advanced maternal age," we will have another ultrasound on October 17th, so be sure to save some of your "ooohs" and "aaaaahs" for the next round of photos!

Beat State!

2008-09-13T20:48:00.001-07:00

Just a couple Hawkeye fans watching the big game today. Iowa beat Iowa State 17-5 today in the state's biggest annual spectator event. Iowans of all species love their football!

Sweat Equity

2008-09-10T19:00:00.000-07:00

Some couples join bowling leagues or take swing dancing lessons to spend quality time together. Us? We bought a run-down piece of real-estate poo with another couple and have spent the last year demolishing, scraping, painting, cleaning, gutting, refinishing, sweating, cursing, and rebuilding a home. We are finally in the home stretch and put it on the market to sell today! I will post more before and after photos soon, but wanted you all to get a taste of the transformation. Oh, and to see where you might be visiting us if it doesn't sell and we end up living here (nervous laugh).

Touchdown!

2008-08-28T13:54:00.000-07:00

Well baby, I'd rather you heard it from me: You will be a gestational miracle--born just six months after mommy and daddy were married. It's like Grandpa Marvin always says, "The second baby takes nine months; the first one can come anytime!"

These are just a few proof shots from our wedding. They are actually "reject" shots from our photographer (people squinting, not so great lighting, etc), but I wanted to share the day as soon as possible. The actual photographs should be great!

Is That a Baby in Your Belly, or Did You Eat an Extra Sandwich?

2008-08-19T16:02:00.000-07:00

Here I am at 14 weeks. Baby is the size of a lemon and I'm barely showing, but still had to take the ceremonial "second trimester" kick-off photo. I did bust the button on these shorts last night, but I think it may have been too much wedding cake!

2008-08-01T07:46:00.000-07:00