Carson & Emma

2012-02-03T12:22:00.000-08:00

2012-01-31T12:41:00.000-08:00

Some yards have snowmen..... our yard has Mt. Rainier. :)

2012-01-28T18:33:00.001-08:00

The Forest

2012-01-13T11:13:00.000-08:00

This is our Forest:

It's only two scrawny pine trees at the back of our yard. But to Carson, it's our Forest. The kids collect small twigs for their campfire, have branches they use as brooms to sweep the floor and only allow you to enter if you ring the correct doorbell (branch). Once we found a dead bird in our Forest. Carson found it and solemnly said, "I think he died because he didn't finish his dinner when his mommy told him to." (Jesse once told Carson that if we don't eat, we'll die..... oh, how I love the things kids say!). We buried the bird under some leaves, but the next time we came out it was gone. Emma still checks every time to see if it came back yet. One day in our Forest we came upon a squirrel trying to carry a huge apple up the tree. He dropped the apple and it landed right at the kids' feet. They were so tickled to see the little teeth marks in the apple. We watched the squirrel run away. Carson still talks about that poor squirrel that never got to bring his yummy apple home for dinner and instead had to eat dull leftover acorns.

We have many great adventures under our two little trees!

Walking around the neighborhood:

Attacking a suspicious tree with their sticks:

As you can see..... we're easily entertained!

Further proof of that point:

Yesterday it snowed a good six inches or more.

Today we plan to bundle up and go exploring in our Forest!

pink boots and pigtails

2012-01-11T08:16:00.000-08:00

Middle of January and still no snow.... we're loving it!!

2012-01-03T19:30:00.000-08:00

I love to take pictures of my babies sleeping.

Our Christmas

2012-01-01T18:32:00.001-08:00

December 2011

Daddy's iphone has been a huge hit with the kids:

Christmas cookies:

A relaxing Christmas morning at home:

Christmas afternoon and dinner with the Langes:

We love the Mississippi River Aquarium and Daddy home all week!!

Carson's special lunch with Daddy:

Playing at the gym:

Poor little Emma's black eye.... from a fall at the aquarium:

New Years day in jammies... and a box house:

Lots of exciting things coming up in 2012:

Sarah (Jesse's brother's wife) is expecting a baby the end of this month!

Jody (my sister) is expecting a baby in June!

Hannah (Jesse's sister) is expecting a baby in July!

Mandy (my sister) and Ben Sellick are engaged and planning a summer wedding!

2011-12-14T11:10:00.000-08:00

We're keeping busy indoors now that the weather has turned cold...

The kids playing with a little kitchen (borrowed as a "toy swap"):

Having friends over (Carson and Royal):

Building forts:

Feeding baby and "Tan Doggie":

I left the room for about 7 minutes..... and Carson barricaded himself in the kitchen with all his toys:

You should have seen what the two kids did to the Christmas tree when I left the room the other day! I'm still finding random toys in the branches that were launched from across the room. Never a dull moment! :)

2011-12-01T19:41:00.000-08:00

A couple more.... :)

2011-12-01T11:15:00.000-08:00

November pictures and videos:

The first snow of winter....

All the snow melted within a couple days, but it was a good motivator to get the kids' winter snow clothes figured out. Carson is in a hat that's too small and Emma's PINK boots. Emma is in Carson's boots from last year. :) Ah well... they had fun!

A puddle turned out to be far more entertaining then the yard full of snow:

Emma's first experience with chocolate:

"Trust and Obey" (Carson's current favorite):

Carson and his trains... checking out the Black Friday adds:

This isn't the best picture, but I love it because it's a memory. Emma LOVES to wrap up her baby dolls in blankets. She carries them around the house while rocking and humming them to sleep. One day she found her sippy cup, wrapped it in a little blanket and carried it around like her baby. She made a little bed for it and put it to sleep with some rocking and kisses. Some days I'll peek around the corner to find her putting a doll's hat on one of Carson's cars and snuggling the car in a blanket.... such a little mommy.

Showing me her "baby" all wrapped up:

Many evenings include wrestling with Daddy and running laps in the hall before bedtime:

Thanksgiving

(making gingerbread houses):

I LOVE having a Christmas tree!!!!!!!!

Maybe I'll keep one up all winter. :)

Happy Thanksgiving...

2011-11-24T12:12:00.000-08:00

...from Carson and Emma Kate!!

EBC Thanksgiving Dinner

2011-11-17T07:25:00.000-08:00

Carson waiting for the feast:

When was the last time YOU played with an etch-a-sketch? :)

Emma Kate: on the move as usual

Good Morning

2011-11-09T05:28:00.000-08:00

Our first snow!

Ready-Set-Go

2011-11-07T10:28:00.000-08:00

Earrings

2011-11-07T09:39:00.000-08:00

I took Emma in to get her ears pierced last Friday. I love seeing little girls with pierced ears, but we debated back and forth if it was worth putting Emma through pain. After talking with a number of moms who had gotten their daughter's ears done, I decided to go for it. The actual piercing was easy-peasy! They did both her ears at the same time. It was super quick and Emma barely had time to notice it had hurt before she was completely distracted by her bag of crackers. She never grabs or scratches at them. Most of the time she doesn't remember they're in her ears. The only hard part has been cleaning them 3x each day. We're becoming pros at distracting her and now that they don't hurt as much it's gotten easier. I will admit that the first day we both had a part of us that didn't like seeing our precious, perfect baby girl with a foreign object in her ears. But now we're used to it, are glad we did it and think she's SO CUTE!! (I really love the feminine touch that earrings add.)

And... we got a new roof last week. Thankful for hail damage!

A Fall Update

2011-11-01T07:38:00.000-07:00

Visiting the Farmer's Market and some pumpkins with Grandpa and Grannie Nannie:

Emma is officially a one-nap-a-day girl!

It took a few days of putting her down later/earlier in the morning before we discovered 10:30am is her "sleep window". Now she goes to sleep easier and sleeps longer. AND if I can get Carson down by about 11am, both kids sleep at the SAME TIME!! Here are some pictures of when I was trying to put her down for naps at 12pm.... she just couldn't make it most days:

A family at church passed along a large train set for Carson to enjoy:

And he wants you to see his Elmo:

I have so many pictures of Emma where she is already halfway out of the picture or is a total blur. Our girl loves to be moving:

Yes!! She's actually sitting still. :)

The kids love putting stickers on the windows! It's a bit more exciting then putting them on paper and it comes off easily with windex.

The window is also our look-out over the neighborhood. The kids are only allowed to SIT up here, but Emma regularly checks to see if that's still the rule:

Pumpkin carving:

Carson was loving it...

...until Daddy says, "just reach in and grab it out with your hands."

He couldn't handle the sliminess:

Sweet little Emma:

I was pulling the kids around on a sled (practicing for winter, of course). Later I zoomed in on some of the pictures and was laughing at Carson's expressions.

Here are a couple:

A stroll along the Mississippi:

Playing around outside on a frosty morning:

Carson was trying to teach Emma how to catch the football. Even if she could catch, the puffy jacket makes it quite impossible for her to move her arms anywhere but up and down. At least it provides warmth and plenty of extra padding!

August 19

2011-10-31T09:13:00.001-07:00

Here are some pictures from Emma Kate's 1st birthday waaaaaaaay back in August. Sorry there aren't many. On her actual birthday she opened her gift from Uncle Ben and Aunt Des... her baby doll! We had a little party for her with Lange family a week later. She had fun smashing her pink cupcake! Now she's already almost 15 months. Where did the time go??!!!! There is also a video below of the day we brought Emma home from the hospital. 18 month old Carson gets his first look at his little sister.

2011-10-10T11:17:00.000-07:00

Our computer was having issues a couple months ago and has since been in and out of repair. This posting will be a catch-up with more pictures from summer. Enjoy!

Carson learning to shuck delicious Iowa sweet corn:

An evening walking along the Mississippi:

Carson zooming past the Dubuque shot tower:

This is a playground that is near our house:

This sign is right next to the playground. I thought it was odd and snapped a picture... remind me not to bring the kids here during hunting season!:

The last project left to be finished since excavating last summer was this area next to our deck. We tossed around ideas for replacing the patio, using the space for a vegetable garden or expanding the deck. In the end we decided to convert the area to more grass. For most of the summer it became our kids' main outdoor entertainment... MUD!! They loved it!:

Sorry about the lack of clothing... it gets really hot here. :)

A truck load of dirt made for even more fun:

The finished product!:

All cleaned up and snuggling with Daddy for stories:

Emma's hair getting longer:

My silly cuties:

Carson - happy, affectionate, bright-eyed, decisive, social:

Emma Kate - sweet, curious, independent, sensitive, brave:

There was a brunch at church to introduce the various ladies ministries this Fall. We ran a "coffee bar" during the brunch with a couple espresso machines and lots of great help!

(me, Melissa Meyer, Amy Hernandez, Sheri Popp, Anna Hertz, Nancy Lange, Mandi Padgett)

The stage of life I'm in... two in diapers, teething, keeping quiet for sleeping babies, figuring out how to teach obedience and kindness, messes, crying, forever needing more patience,

dented furniture, and muddy fingures:

But I'll take every one of the hard things, for the joy of moments like these!:

Fall has come:

Our house:

From Carson

2011-10-07T19:48:00.000-07:00

Some cute things Carson has said recently....

Daddy: "Carson, I'm going to get work clothes so we can go outside and i'll get yours too."

Carson: "I'm not a man, Daddy, I don't need work clothes. I need play clothes."

Carson: "What's this animal cracker?"

Mommy: "I think it's a monkey."

Carson: "No, it's a shoe and a sock."

Mommy: "Carson, why aren't you eating your popcicle?"

Carson: "It's really cold. I'm waiting for it to warm up. Can Daddy put it in the microwave?"

Mommy: "Carson, can you use your ruler to measure how long your crocks are... how many inches?"

Carson: "It's six thirty of twenty days long."

Emma and I go in to get Carson up from a nap and he exclaims: "I love you Emma! I love you Mommy! I'm so happy guys!!!"

Colorado Trip

2011-10-07T18:13:00.000-07:00

Our family took a road trip to Colorado last week. We were able to see some family and also spend time vacationing up in Estes Park. The two day drive took us through all of Iowa and Nebraska, into Colorado and up to the mountains. All I can say is..... How in the world did parents survive road trips before portable DVD players?!

Making a stop on the way through Iowa:

Jesse arrived back into his homeland and got right to fishing:

Our first stop was Loveland, CO to visit Ben, Desiree and Daniel.

We got to watch Daniel at football practice one afternoon:

Emma with Uncle Ben:

Carson watching the action with Aunt Des:

Stopping at Lake Loveland afterwards:

Estes Park, CO:

My little explorers:

Carson wacked Emma's finger as I was snapping the picture... poor baby!:

We happened to be in Estes during "Elk Fest" and had fun walking around with the kids checking out all things elk. Furs, tools made from bones, chandeliers made from antlers, pictures, carvings, jewelry and so much more. Although, I'll admit we headed out before the "elk bugling" competitions started.

The next day we drove up to Rocky Mountain National Park to find some real elk:

Carson catching his first fish:

More exploring:

Snuggling with Daddy... Emma's favorite!:

All packed up for the drive home:

I grabbed some unused cups at the hotel on the way out.... who knew they'd keep Emma entertained in the car for so long?! She thought they made great shoes:

Now, what the lovely pictures don't show are the sick kids (we all caught colds), Emma waking up LOTS every night due to cutting two molars, Carson's total melt-downs in public places because his routine was all out-of-wack, exhausted Mommy, champion Daddy watching the kids so sick Mommy could sleep and Emma throwing up all over herself in the car. We did have some super fun times too, but in the end we decided to head home a couple days early. Family comes first.... even before vacations!!! After a couple nights home the kids are SO much better! We decided to continue the vacation at home with grilled steak out on the deck, roasting s'mores, a morning walking through shops in Galena and lots of afternoons outside enjoying Fall. Not quite the vacation we expected, but we made some neat memories and we're thankful for time together as a family!

2011-09-09T09:28:00.000-07:00

Carson was playing with his tools...

Carson: "Emma, say 'wrench'."

Emma: "diddida Dada"

Carson: "Wow, good job Emma! You're a good talker!!"

I walk into Carson's room where he's playing with his jumbo legos...

Carson: "Mommy, there's a teeny-tiny Arboretum in my room (points the space behind his door). I'm going there right now to bat some legos."

I love the imagination!!

Emma is walking!!

2011-09-01T20:42:00.000-07:00

Seattle Trip

2011-08-04T13:24:00.000-07:00

We had a wonderful trip in Seattle! Be prepared for LOTS of pictures.
The flights went really well... much better then I had expected. Bringing on a carseat for when the kids napped, a dvd player, snacks and a big bag of dollar store toys and books made all the difference. It was so good to see family again! All my brothers and sisters were home at one time or another. Carson and Emma LOVED seeing Grandpa Mac, Grandma Mindy and all their aunts and uncles.

Trying to get a picture with the four cousins (Gabe,Emma,Carson,Jackson):

Then trying to get a picture of Grandpa and Grandma with the kiddos:

Heading outside to enjoy the beautiful SUNNY weather:

My good friend, Jill, came by for a visit with cute little Ellie:

Jesse and I took walks down to the Marina and enjoyed the sunset..... by ourselves..... without kids...... it was lovely:

Grandpa and Carson out in the sandbox:

Walking down to the beach with Carson to hunt for crabs:

Mandy arrived after spending a week up at camp:

Watching a parade down the street from my parents'. Carson was not a huge fan of the loud "tooting tow trucks saying BEEP BEEP":

On Sunday, a bunch of family came over for an open house type get together. Lots of great food, Sauerlenders, Eernisses, Sherrards, Duchesnes and Moores, good friends, sunshine and cute kiddos running around:

A visit to the Seattle Aquarium:

Jesse and I made sure to eat as much seafood, clam chowder and fresh berries as possible. :) These were delicious salmon crepes we had while out on a little lunch date one day:

Another very good friend of mine, Nicole, came by to visit and we got to meet sweet little Georgiana:

More time with the cousins:

Ah man, where has all my frosting gone??!:

Having fun with the piano:

On the flight home: Carson putting scotch tape all over himself, the tray, the seat, Daddy..... but it all came off super easy and kept him entertained for a chunk of time.

Emma snoozing away:

A lovely, relaxing vacation!
And now, home, sweet home!!!

2011-07-19T09:38:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow we fly to Seattle!!

A picture of the marina in Des Moines, WA where my parents live:

"Jesus Loves Me"

2011-07-14T13:05:00.000-07:00

Sorry I had to cut it short..... Emma needed rescuing.

2011-07-14T12:21:00.000-07:00

Grannie Nannie and Grandpa,

two little gardeners enjoyed your yard yesterday. We found a two raspberries, three blueberries, yellow squash, zucchini, celery and peppers. Carson smelled all your flowers (by blowing with his mouth) and Emma really liked the little stone girl. Thanks!

Everyday Life

2011-07-14T08:14:00.000-07:00

I gave Carson a dish of milk so he could dip his graham crackers. All went well until I left the kitchen to get Emma up from her nap......

we returned to milk EVERYWHERE!!:

A regular team activity for the kiddos.... emptying the laundry basket:army-green eyes today:Carson likes to climb into the exersaucer but then can't get out by himself. I'll admit, occasionally it's rather nice. Emma likes it too. :)

Stories before bed:All Carson's bed buddies one night:

2011-07-13T05:01:00.000-07:00

Check out this link to see more of Hannah's wedding pictures on Ryan Thompson's website... SO beautiful! He did a great job!!

2011-07-07T08:39:00.000-07:00

More pictures from the wedding:

(pictures stollen from Des and Faith on Facebook)

2011-07-05T13:27:00.000-07:00

Hannah and Kevin's wedding day!!

Unfortunately I didn't get many pictures, but here are a few. Emma snacking between family pictures and the wedding (as you can see we kept her dress away from smashed peas, carrots, pears and cheerios):

Jesse was a groomsman and Carson (along with his cousin Daniel) was a ring bearer. Carson did a wonderful job walking all the way down the isle and loved being a part of Aunt Hannah's wedding!:

Sleepy Emma taking a nap in the shade during the reception:

Enjoying time with lots of family in town!!:

4th of July

Lunch together with family, naps, an evening at the playground, ice cream cones!:

2011-06-29T13:20:00.000-07:00

Yesssss.... BOTH kids looking at the camera!!!!

2011-06-29T06:46:00.000-07:00

From Father's Day:

Someone found the kleenex box:
Nutella and croissant for breakfast:

Mmmmm.... mud:

We're still deciding how to finish off this area in our yard. Currently it's Carson's favorite outdoor entertainment..... mud making.

Who needs a swing set?!!Daddy and his little girl exploring in the grass:

This weekend is Hannah's (Jesse's sister) wedding!!! We can't wait! There will be lots of family in town and we're so excited to see everyone!!

2011-06-20T13:50:00.000-07:00

Daddy and Emma Kate :)

2011-06-20T08:09:00.000-07:00

Videos of the kiddos for far away family...

My goofies playing in the hall:

Some serious bouncing:

Emma is inspired by some yogurt snacks and bursts into song:

Carson using his "quiet voice" while looking at books before bed:

A few recent pictures...

2011-06-17T11:15:00.000-07:00

Carson Quotes

2011-06-17T07:21:00.000-07:00

Coloring a picture of a dog... colors the dog's bone pink... "Wow, that's a Mommy bone."
Me: "Carson are you ready to go to the car?" Carson: "Ummmm, no thanks, not yet."
Me: "Carson, off the table." Carson: "Carson not climbing on the table... Carson leaning on the table, Momma."
From the other room.... Carson: "Emma, don't cry. I'm right here."
Carson: "Bye-bye, Momma, I'm going to the store." Me: "What are you getting at the store?" Carson: "Some doggies and some little footballs."
At lunch one day... "Oh hi Emma. I missed you in the car!"
Me: "Carson, do you want Mommy or Daddy to put you to bed tonight?" Carson: "Dump truck put me to bed tonight?!"

Warm Summer Days!!

2011-06-01T18:55:00.000-07:00

(Emma's crawling!)

(humidity+sunblock=crazy hair boy!)

(poor Carson.... having to put up with his adoring fan club)

2011-05-10T11:02:00.000-07:00

A morning at the playground:

We have two identical car seats in our minivan, two of the same highchairs in our kitchen, two cribs, a double stroller, stacks of diapers all in the same size (it's actually much easier having both in the same size now!)...... if only these two cuties could NAP at the same time!!!

Little Miss Emma

2011-05-06T15:45:00.001-07:00

Emma cut her first two teeth... lots of chewing and drooling going on around here!! I can't wait for her hair to be a bit longer. We're so curious to see if it will be blond or brown, strait or curly. I love Emma's smiley eyes, little red lips and cuddles (often reserved for Mommy:)!!

Carson Faces

2011-05-06T15:18:00.001-07:00

I took these during lunch today while we watched the birds and lawnmower out our window. I love this little boy!!! Some of the last few had me laughing and laughing. He was "doing his eyebrows."

2011-04-24T17:54:00.000-07:00

We were home with sick, coughing kids today.... Bummer! But it was a beautiful day that we were able to enjoy as a family. Here are some pictures of Carson playing outdoors during Emma's nap. Fresh air, a fire (this years Christmas tree), tossing the football, rocks and worms.

2011-04-24T06:28:00.000-07:00

Little Emma was big enough to sit up in the cart at Sam's Club yesterday.

She's so proud of herself!

Dad and Mom's Visit

2011-04-19T17:57:00.000-07:00

My parents were here for a week long visit. We loved having them here! Enjoy the pictures...

Eagle Point Park:

All tired out from a hard day of playing with Grandpa:

River Museum/Aquarium:

Jesse and I booked a night in a local hotel. Mom and Dad watched Carson so we could have a little get-away. We all enjoyed the pool first though!:div>

Carson's favorite part of our hotel room was watching the trucks below:

Emma and Grandma:

Grandpa and Carson:

We already miss you!!!

2011-04-12T12:40:00.000-07:00

Grandpa Mac and Grandma Mindy will be here in a couple hours...

we're so excited!!

Fresh Air!!

2011-04-07T10:16:00.000-07:00

Spring, is that you??

"Here, Emma, this is how you catch a football."

Emma loves her Daddy!!

It's amazing! Spend a couple hours in the fresh air and suddenly they become amazing nappers. Even if they're in the stroller the whole time, it still does wonders. Went out for a walk this morning before naps. Emma slept for two hours. If only she would sleep that well at nights!! We are currently trying to coax her to sleep through the night. Maybe I need to start going for evening walks too!

A soundly sleeping Carson:

Blue and Pink

2011-04-07T10:04:00.000-07:00

Carson LOVES watching construction trucks. A nearby building has become an important stop on our walks the last couple of days. Cement mixers, bulldozers, cranes.... what could be better??

Emma is only slightly amused. :)

2011-04-05T13:27:00.000-07:00

Indoor bike riding: Story time with Daddy:

Yep, that's right.... no jackets!! We had weather in the high 60s on Sunday!:

Our lovely day ended with hail the size of golf balls:

2011-03-28T12:21:00.000-07:00

2011-03-28T10:52:00.000-07:00

These two kiddos are 18 months apart and becoming best buddies:

Watch out Carson... this persistent girl is going to give you a run for your money!:

Emma is starting to sit up:

Still tipping over when she tries to reach too far:

Doesn't seem to mind:

The silly grin:

Needing to get started on dinner...

"Carson, come follow this string and see where it goes": The past few weeks Emma has been teething and getting over an ear infection:Combined with Carson's teething:

And figuring out that he can't run the show around here:It's made for some rough days and sleepless nights. Thankfully, Emma is past the sickness. And Carson is doing better in the nights since we put a night light in his room. As for the two year old behavior.... bring on the parenting books and advice!!

Sunday Afternoon

2011-03-06T14:05:00.000-08:00

Sunday Afternoon

2011-03-06T13:53:00.000-08:00

A hair cut:

Toasted cheese sandwiches ("Carson, smile."):

Birthday Boy

2011-03-06T12:32:00.000-08:00

We have a two year old!

February 13, 2011

February 2009

April 2009

June 2009

July 2009

"knee-high by the fourth of July"

August 2009

September 2009

October 2009

December 2009

February 2010

(1st birthday!)

March 2010

April 2010

May 2010

June 2010

October 2010

December 2010

(The wrapping paper tube is a snowblower, of course!)

January 2011

Time flies!!

2011-02-21T18:47:00.000-08:00

A smorgasbord of pictures from this winter. Lots of everyday life.

Trips to the River Museum/Aquarium with our year pass.

Carson LOVES the fish.... the rays are his favorite: Tummy Time:
Big smiles and giggles from this little sweetie:

Lots of story time.... so thankful that Carson will sit and enjoy stories: Love it!!:

Hanging out in the Bumbo:

So proud to be wearing Daddy's hat:

Mmmm.... those eyes... LOVE!:

Play-do:

Emma spends lots of time in her exersaucer... loves being able to watch Carson:

At the Museum/Aquarium again... they have a great kid's area:

Playing with buttons.... keeping the little man busy indoors:

More play-do.... learning how to say "cheeeeese":

Soaking up some morning sunshine before a bath:

A little pile of snow to play in.... love the enclosed deck!:

Emma decided to take up kick boxing:

Some cute things Carson has said recently:

Carson in the other room: "I love you so much, Doggy." (Me): "Carson, do you love Mommy?" (Carson): "Uuuuuuuuuuuum, sure."

While Jesse was putting on some ear warmers before going out: "Daddy's ear wax is black." Then when C got outside: "Carson's ear wax is cold."

(Me): "Carson let's come out of the bedroom... we're all out here." (Carson): "Momma's out here, Emma's out here, Carson's out here, wheat chex out here.... everybody." (We had eaten wheat chex for breakfast)

(Carson comes in wearing a kitchen towel on his head): "Carson have helmet on. Riding mingoosycho (motorcycle) at church."

2011-02-21T13:52:00.000-08:00

FINALLY getting around to posting a few Christmas pictures.

Sorry there aren't many.... wasn't motivated to upload a ton.... seeing as it's nearing the end of February.

Our Blizzard

2011-02-03T07:25:00.000-08:00

Here's a look at the blizzard that hit the Midwest. There was only about 15inches of snow fall, but all the wind made huge drifts of snow.

Our neighbors across the street:

Out our front door:

Jesse clearing the driveway and sidewalk:

Everyone out with their snowblowers:

Today it is supposed to be -30 with windchill. We will be bundled indoors!!

2011-01-07T08:18:00.000-08:00

Lots more pictures coming soon of Christmas and such....

but for now... one of cutie Emma from this morning.

Happy New Year's Eve!

2010-12-31T08:01:00.000-08:00

2010-12-21T15:42:00.000-08:00

I'm forever trying to get the perfect picture of the two kids.... resulting in about 60+ pictures of them in this pose from different days.

"Give it a rest, Mom!!!"

A tad blurry... Emma getting better at lifting her head:

Off to the mall for a playdate and out to lunch:

Hangin out with Daddy:

"Cheese!"

Christmas Letter

2010-12-20T20:20:00.000-08:00

This year we are trying out an email Christmas Update. You may be getting this in your email... but we thought we'd post it here as well. Sorry there aren't any pictures with this post. We couldn't figure out how to link a document here.

The Lange Family
CHRISTMAS NEWSLETTER

Dear friends and family,

Merry Christmas from the Lange family!

In January we learned Kelsy was expecting our second child, and in April we learned it was a girl—the first granddaughter for either of our parents. In May Jesse was recognized for ten years of service to Emmaus. In June, we celebrated our 6th anniversary with a family trip to Madison, Wisconsin. At the end of July, a series of storms dumped 12 inches of rainfall on our home within 48 hours, flooding our basement and resulting in a series of substantial repairs to our home that will hopefully be completed by the New Year. On August 18th, Jesse proudly submitted his final paper for his graduate program. To celebrate, we welcomed Emma Kate Lange into the world just four hours later by surprise! Jesse was awarded a Master of Business Administration degree on August 22. Kelsy organized a mother’s play group (called TimeOut) at our chapel for the second year, and made lots of visits to the Dubuque library and to pet stores with Carson. We greatly enjoyed visits from friends and family this year. Mac, Mindy and Breezy Sauerlender visited shortly after Emma was born and Ben, Desiree and Daniel Lange visited in October along with Jim and Carol Mathews. Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays were spent in Dubuque this year. Essentially, the year was consumed with Kelsy’s pregnancy, Jesse’s graduate school, Carson becoming mobile and a new baby—all blessings from God.

Carson Wade will turn 2 in February. He is bright-eyed and adorable! His vocabulary is growing faster than his legs, and his favorite things are motorcycles, bulldozers, anything throw-able, his grandparents and doggies (and Daddy, or course). He has a fun sense of humor and loves to be silly, to play chase, to read books and to watch one of his movies—all with his “Tan Doggie” from Great Grandma Lynnie tucked under his arm. We couldn’t ask for a more delightful baby boy.

Emma Kate is 4 months old and growing quickly. She is a great sleeper and practices being a supermodel between naps. She has demonstrated a stronger will than Carson did at this age, often seeming to get her feelings hurt in combination with the standard baby emotions. She is becoming very smiley and cuddly, and she loves to watch Carson playing and chatting away. We are so excited to see how she develops this year and to get to know her personality. We can definitely say that two kids… are more than one.

This Christmas we are making efforts to spend less energy on exchanging gifts and more on celebrating the Savior’s birth with friends and family.
We hope to hear from you or to see you this coming year, and we wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas!

Jesse, Kelsy, Carson and Emma Kate

2010-12-18T18:20:00.000-08:00

Handsome boy!

Sweet, snuggly girl!

2010-12-18T17:46:00.000-08:00

Let me tell you.... going anywhere during the winter here is a HUGE process with two little kids!! Once both kids are clothed and fed.... the bundling begins. Layered clothing, boots, gloves, hat, coat, lotion on the face and lips (can get really dry in the cold), blankets, diaper bag stocked and ready, keys, phone, grocery list, myself ready, of course the inevitable poopy diaper followed by unbundling and rebundling, crying baby that's completely overheated by this time, snacks, all three of us down the stairs and to the car, buckled, and finally on the road. Usually I am either completely stressing out or simply laughing at the craziness of it all.

As you can see.... the kids enjoy it as much as I do. :)

2010-12-16T10:47:00.000-08:00

2010-12-16T09:08:00.000-08:00

Carson gets to see Santa at the faculty/staff family Christmas party:

2010-12-11T13:31:00.001-08:00

Let it snow!!

2010-12-11T12:51:00.000-08:00

All ready to head off to dinner:

Happy Emma:
Carson's tent from Aunt Hannah.... hours of fun!:
My two little goofies!: Carson LOVES his jammies...

he has a couple of these footed pjs and would wear them every day if we'd let him:

Emma has brown hair and dark blue eyes...

we think she may look more like Jesse:

Had to put this one up :)

Caught in the act of trying to kiss his friend Evie:

2010-11-23T12:00:00.000-08:00

Some videos for far-away family...

Talking with Carson and smiles from Emma.

2010-11-16T15:50:00.000-08:00

2010-11-10T12:19:00.000-08:00

Well, I'm catching up on pictures... so there will be a lot.

Here's a look at our October:

Applesauce!

Jesse found an unused vintage attachment for my kitchenaid mixer through ebay. It's the same type attachment that my GramAnna used when making her delicious applesauce all my growing up. I have so many memories of watching her prepare the apples, cook them and make the sauce. The attachment was discontinued in 1982 and is very hard to find. But Jesse hunted one down for me! Now I've been able to make my own authentic "GramAnna's" applesauce. Yum!

With all the fall veggies at the Farmer's Market, I've been able to puree many for "hiding" in foods throughout the winter. Inspired by the cookbook "Deceptively Delicious".
We had a very fun visit from Breezy! She was a big help and the kids LOVED her! She got to come along to some of our regular stops: the gym, mall play area, parks. We also ate at "Breezy's Cafe"... quite the typical small town cafe for the local regulars.

Sadly, Jesse sold his motorcycle this month.

What a guy.... trading in his bike for a minivan and a double stroller. That's love!!

And here's the kiddos:

This boy LOVES playing with balls.

We're forever trying to get him to throw at hands, not faces... the floor, not the stove... in the basketball hoop, not in Emma's bed. He's getting stronger all the time, but I'm not looking forward to the day we decide it's time for "no throwing balls in the house" - that will be a tragic day indeed for Carson!

Can you tell we're related?!

Ha! Carson continues to make us laugh all the time with his facial expressions.

Little sister has some faces of her own.

Emma is smiling! So pretty!

All tuckered out... so cute!

I love Carson's eyes! Sometimes olive green, sometimes steel gray, sometimes hazelnut brown... I never quite know.

Carson trying out Emma's bassinet... he used to be so tiny in this thing!

My precious little girl!

Emma Faces

2010-10-15T12:22:00.000-07:00

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We are enjoying a visit from some Lange family!

Uncle Jim, Aunt Carol, Ben, Desiree and Daniel:

I've never seen Carson giggle and squeal like he does with his cousin Daniel!
Playing soccer in the yard:

Carson soon lost interest in soccer and decided to go swimming in the dirt:And us:

Fall is here!

2010-10-15T11:16:00.000-07:00

We are loving this season!

Fall is beautiful in Iowa. Brisk air, crunchy leaves and so much color.

We are also loving these days with our two kiddos.

Beautiful season of life!

Playing in the leaves:

This week I brought out the Bumbo:

But Carson decided it was HIS new favorite seat in the house:

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Daddy and his little helper landscaping our front yard:

Emma Kate pondering life:

2010-09-29T12:17:00.000-07:00

Of Carson and Corn

at first not quite sure of the giant vat of corn:

warming up to the idea:

attempting to swim in the corn:

2010-09-17T19:05:00.000-07:00

More pictures...

The family:

"wow, we can say 'kids'.... we have 'kids'.... two kids"

It still catches us by surprise sometimes.

Me: "you guys kind of look like Mary and Joseph in this picture (above).... you know the ones of them gazing down at baby Jesus."

Dad: "we're a bit old to be Mary and Joseph"

Mom: "We could be Abraham and Sarah!"

HAha

Hmm... conducting an orchestra? flying?

2010-09-16T07:26:00.000-07:00

We are LOVING a visit from my Mom and Dad!

They've been a huge help!!

Carson is in heaven with lots of attention from

Grandpa Mac ("Nack") and Grandma ("Bra-mma").

Emma getting her first bath... not exactly enjoying the experience:

Little sweet Emma Kate:

Playing in the dirt with Grandma... What could be better?!

Glowing grandparents:

Stories with Grandpa:

My brother Jon stopped in for a visit. He is biking across the US (Washington DC to Washington State... follow their trip here) and included Dubuque as one of the stops. It was great having him here for a few days! Carson loved him and is still talking about Uncle "Nonn".

Also, as a graduation present to Jesse (from us :), we are now owners of a Nespresso Machine.

It arrived while Jon was here, and Jesse was able to demonstrate delicious coffee for us all.

Ahh... the perfect espresso:

My Mom, Jon, me:

Grandma and Emma:

Juggling two kids.... We were trying to get Carson to hold Emma,

but he wasn't too sure about the idea.

Mmmm.... snuggles with my Baby:

2010-09-14T18:06:00.000-07:00

It's rough being a tiny baby...

especially when Mommy won't lay off the chocolate.

Emma working out some tummy bubbles: ...all better and sound asleep...

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2010-08-26T12:47:00.000-07:00

Carson meets Emma:

2010-08-25T18:59:00.000-07:00

After 6 days in the NICU... Emma was able to come home today!!

We're SO glad to be out of the hospital and home together as a family!

Emma Kate leaving the NICU at 5lbs 15oz:

This was Carson leaving the NICU 18 months ago

after two and a half weeks at the hospital - 5lbs:

We love our preemies! :)

2010-08-23T18:47:00.000-07:00

Update:
Emma is still in the NICU. They were able to take her off the IV today. She continues to make great progress in her feedings.... eating more and more each time. Her Dr. would like to get her home by Friday.... that's the goal. I am "guesting" at the hospital so I can be here for nursing. Jesse is doing a great job taking care of Carson full-time while continuing to oversee the work being done on our house. Please pray that we can all be home together SOON! And for Carson who is having to adjust to being out of his normal groove these days.

2010-08-21T07:52:00.000-07:00

Emma and I are doing well. I will be discharged either tomorrow or Sunday. Emma is still in the NICU until she is able to take more food at each feeding. The Dr. hopes to have her off the IV and receiving all her food from nursing in the next 24 hours. We are able to visit her as often as we'd like. She has dark hair (darker then Carson's was), long fingers and toes, and sweet little rosebud lips. My blood pressure has been staying low and I am healing well from the c-sec. Jesse brought Carson in for a visit this morning. It was so good to see my boy. We can't wait to all be home together!

A few pictures:

2010-08-20T13:42:00.000-07:00

Jesse and Kelsy Lange
are pleased to announce the safe arrival of
Emma Kate Lange
Born Thursday, August 19 at 3:49am
5 lb, 14 oz; 19.5 inches

Both Kelsy and Emma are doing well and we are praising God for His hand of protection over mom and baby. Kelsy received an emergency c-section early this morning due to a sudden, partial abruption of the placenta. This was likely due to intermittent high blood pressure that she has recently experienced. Emma will spend a short time in the NIC unit (as little as one day and up to one week) until she is able to nurse or take bottles regularly. Kelsy has been advised to limit visitors to family only at this time while her blood pressure is closely monitored. We will gladly welcome your phone calls or visits as soon as Kelsy is feeling better and we will send an update email (with more pictures of Emma) at that time. We greatly appreciate your loving support and your prayers for our family.

P.S. God is so good, and His timing is perfect. Emma was born a mere four hours after Jesse submitted his final paper for his MBA program! Nancy Lange was not yet asleep for the night and was able to come straight over to stay with Carson, and Kelsy awoke in the night with enough time to get to the emergency room before the situation became life-threatening for Emma. We are so impressed with our great God!

2010-08-18T18:32:00.000-07:00

Pictures of the house today:

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Excavation begins!

So much activity going on out our windows.

Carson is in heaven... all those trucks.

We said "goodbye" to our air conditioner until the house is finished... sad, but not a bad trade for all day free entertainment for the boy.

The neighbors congregating to enjoy the action:

Some light reading when things got slow:

Trucks!:

Lifting our deck away from the house:

The digging begins:

The old drain tiles... ahhhh, that would explain the flooding:

View of the back yard:

2010-08-04T10:09:00.000-07:00

A trip to the Dubuque County Fair

(sorry, didn't get more pictures)

Carson absolutely loved it..... all those "Dows" and "Ma-a-a-a-aa-a"

(cows and goats):

In love with motorcycles!

Carson talks about them all day long... we've had to check-out and re-check-out a picture book about motorcycles multiple times from the library. He thinks anyone in a helmet is either Daddy or "Buppa" (Grandpa).

With Daddy on his "broombrooom":

Putting the boy to work watering the garden.

I tried to show him how to move the hose around, but he prefers to make giant lakes under each plant:
Last night Jesse started preparing the deck to be removed.

It has to come off for the excavation around the house. We hope to have a company begin the waterproofing work in the next week or so.

Carson wanted so much to be just like Daddy!

We found him some little tools so he could hammer too: