16 months

Linnea,
What fun you are these days! Although we have our tough days (and always will), we find you are bringing us more and more joy as the days and weeks pass. We smile and laugh with you daily. We marvel at the new things you say, learn, and know. And we are amazed that the fun has just begun. Daddy and I are so thankful! Here's a run down of the month:

Eating and Sleeping:
Again, most is the same in this "category." Your appetite continues to vary by the day. It depends on the day how much and what you'll eat. You'll love something one day, and then turn your nose up at it the next. The best we can do is to continue to offer you good food, and encourage you to eat it! The trick is to also keep you from feeding your meals to the dog! You're getting there...

We are also still working on eating with utensils. Spoons are easier for you than forks. Sometimes you'll get really excited to use a fork or spoon, and then you'll proudly hold it, while you eat with your hands. Silly girl. :-)

You added the sign of "eat" to your signing repertoire - that's helpful!

Sleep continues to go very well. Sometimes there are a few peeps or cries in the night, but you have gotten very good at putting yourself back to sleep. The only time that doesn't work as well is when you're teething. We had a few rough nights over the last month, but we've had lots of good nights  since (and a few teeth to show for those bad nights!). Hooray!

Likes and Dislikes:
Likes:

•  Helping with chores - no joke! Your favorite is helping Mama unload the dishwasher. You help with the silverware - taking each spoon, knife, and fork out of the dishwasher and handing them to Mama one by one. You also like putting the washed laundry in the dryer.
• Turning the lights on and off. You think it's the funniest thing.
• Climbing the stairs like a "big girl." More often than not you like to climb the stairs on two feet rather than crawling - same with going down the stairs. It makes us a little nervous, but you do really well!
• Pointing out everyone's body parts...especially eyes. You like finding your belly button too. :-)
• Books - even more than last month. You love being read to, but you are also completely content sitting alone and "reading books" to yourself.

Dislikes:

•  Nothing new here - same as last month. You are mostly a very happy, content little lady. :-)

 Growth:
We just had your "15 month appointment" (1 month late) today. You did awesome! After developing a fear of the doctor right around a year, you did better today than you have since then. You cried for your shots (4, you poor girl) and measurements, but you were great for the rest! Proud mama!
Anyways, you were 22 pounds, 9 ounces, and 32" tall. I was surprised that you didn't weigh more than you did, but Dr. Khan said your growth has really leveled off (and that it's normal).
You are mostly in 18 month clothes. Some of them are all of a sudden seeming tight! Wow. Is it possible we'll be moving into 24 month clothes soon? Still size 3 diapers, 4s at night.
You really have worked hard at popping teeth. Since last month you have your bottom left hand side one (just to the left of the front), and your first molar (bottom left). You also JUST popped out a new one on the top (just to the right of your front tooth). I think the top left will be following soon, and perhaps the bottom right molar too...

Talking:
The language explosion continues! Incredible! It's a new word every day, and we are losing count of all the words you can say. Some new favorites: bubbles, banana (which you say bananana - CUTE!), baby, yogurt (gurt), ham, eggs, book. The list goes on and on. You are really starting to figure out animal sounds and body parts too, which is daily amusement for you - and us!

You continue to be very chatty. Although you do use lots of words, you also love to just chatter with "Linnea gibberish." It's so sweet. You talk with such conviction. We don't know what you are saying, but whatever it is, it's important!

Other Happenings:

•  We celebrated Thanksgiving at Grammy and Grampy's again this year. We marveled at what a difference a year made. Last year you were literally the centerpiece of our table - sitting in your Bumbo seat chewing on your hands. This year you got to sit with us at the table and eat our Thanksgiving feast! We had a fun and relaxing day.
• You scared us one morning this month by climbing/falling out of your crib! We heard you chatting in the morning, and then heard a huge thud followed by screaming. Mama ran down to your room, and found you looking very surprised in the middle of the floor! Needless to say, we moved your crib down to the bottom level (we thought it already was...but discovered it wasn't!).
• The three of us got to go to a geocaching event together. It was on 12-12-12 - dinner/gathering at Champp's. We had a great time as Team BlueNorge and were so glad we could all be there. Lots of people liked meeting you, WeeNorge! :-)
• We've had fun getting into the Christmas spirit! In the last month we've enjoyed doing holiday activities with you. We visited a Christmas market with the Imbodens. Our relator Brent hosted a Christmas party at his office. You and mama got a picture with Santa (you weren't so sure of him...) and you got a temporary tattoo, which you really liked.
• Speaking of Christmas fun and traditions, we got our tree earlier this month. It was an interesting experience to say the least. You were fussy from the start, but then had a total meltdown before we were able to find a tree! We left with you and mama in tears and no tree! Plan B was to make a quick stop at a tree lot close to home. Mama was sad that the tradition was broken a little, but it all turned out okay.
• We got our first significant snow fall of the season - a storm that dumped a foot or more in most areas. This was really your first time experiencing snow since last year you were too little to really be in it. You aren't really sure what to think. The times we've taken you out you haven't really liked it - you're not sure how to move in all your snow gear, and I don't think you like being cold and wet. Uh oh...you are a Minnesota girl so you better get used to it!
  

We love you so much. We find ourselves constantly pinching ourselves realizing that our life and fun with you has just begun. You bring us SO much joy, Linnea!

We love you like crazy,
Mama and Daddy

15 Months

Linnea,
Okay, here is Mama's "broken record moment"... where does the time go?! How is it possible that another month has passed and 18 months is just around the corner?? Wow. This month I have really noticed how much you have learned...it's so awesome to watch. Your motor skills, your language, even your sense of humor are developing more and more. Here's more information about this month:

Eating and Sleeping:
Everything is pretty much the same in this "category." Your appetite varies by the day (as Dr. Khan told us to expect), but overall you continue to be a pretty good eater. We try to be sneaky strategic with your meals. We offer a veggie or a meat first...once you had some of that we move on to your favorites...grains and fruit. Sometimes you are too stubborn and/or smart for this, but more often than not it's a pretty effective way to make sure you don't just eat toast. :-)

We're still working on eating from a plate with the proper utensils. I suppose it'll just be a matter of practice, practice, practice.

One of my favorite developments this last month is that you learned how to pray! Daddy and I always pray before meals, and liked showing you how to fold your hands and invite you into the tradition. One night this past week I was giving you dinner and realized we had forgotten to pray. I exclaimed, "Linnea, we forgot to pray!" and you immediately folded your hands!! I couldn't believe it! Now we can say "Time to pray" or "Fold your hands" and you know just what to do! You'll even say "Amen." So cute.

Meal time signs continue to be very helpful. In addition to more, you've perfected all done, and milk as well. It's really helpful for you to be able to tell us exactly what you want instead of grunting or shrieking

Sleep continues to go very well. The only time you really stray from sleeping happily through the night is when you are working on some teeth. Even in those cases a little tylenol, some snuggles, and a sip or two of milk do the trick. You are doing great with just one nap, and we love the extra time to do stuff with you on the weekends!

Likes and Dislikes:
Likes:

•  Luther. Oh man, do you love your Luther boy. You love to say hi to him, pet him, climb on him, feed him. He's becoming a bit more tolerant of you (the "feeding him" part helps). I stand by my prediction that you will be best buds when you get a bit bigger.
• Climbing...stairs...furniture...anything. You've started to challenge yourself by climbing the stairs like a "big girl" (standing up holding onto Mama or Daddy or the wall as opposed to crawling up)
• Finding little perches to sit on. Some recent favorites are the little step stool Mama made in junior high and Mama's guitar case.
• Dancing!! And spinning.
• Balls
• Water
• Books

Dislikes:

•  Keeping hair clips in your hair...you did well at first but then got wise...a work in progress I guess.
• Pretty much the same things as last month...anything that involves stopping, getting things taken away, or not having things go your way...ha ha ha.

 Growth:
Still not sure where you are weight/height wise. Mama still needs to schedule your 15 month appointment! I'm guessing you are around 23-25 pounds, and maybe 32" or 33" tall. You are mostly wearing 18 month clothes, but partially because those are the ones that we have that are appropriate for the weather. You still have plenty of 12 month clothes that fit, and some 9 month clothes that I still use for you! You are still in size 3 diapers (although as I said last month we use size 4 overnight). You got a tooth on your bottom right hand side right as you turned 14 months. I know you are working on a few more, but they are being stubborn. Grrrrr....

Talking:
Man, I thought last month was a language explosion! That is definitely continuing this month, even more so. I addition to the words from last month you can correctly say/use in context: up, cheese, uh oh, please (when used in "up please"), Luther, toes (you like pointing out people's toes), toast, ta da (this is so cute!). You also consistently sign more, all done, please, and just recently milk. I think we will work on help and thank you next. 

You love saying ta da when you do something "special" - like dump toys out of a bucket...ha ha.

We love hearing you learn how to express yourself more and more.

Other Happenings:

•  The last weekend in October, we spent our first night away from you! We left you in the care of Grammy and Grampy while we took Auntie Gracia and Ty out to South Dakota for a caching weekend. We were gone most of the weekend. We missed you a lot...but we did okay. You did AWESOME for Grammy and Grampy. You ate well, slept through the night, and according to Grammy didn't even fuss at all. We are so thankful it went well!
• We celebrated your second Halloween! Last year you were just a tiny baby in your Sweet Pea costume. This year you are a rambunctious, active owl! You got to have a couple parties - one for Faith Group, one at daycare, and then one at home with our friends the Winters and the Olsons. We didn't actually take you out trick or treating, but we still had a great time. You were so cute in your owl costume!
• You and I (Mama) took a trip to the Children's Museum! We went with Auntie Jackie and Gavin. We had a great time. You got to play with water, pet therapy dogs, play with balls, crawl and walk all over the place - you were in heaven! Daddy and I hope to get a membership one of these days so we can take you more often.
• In not so fun news, you had your first bout with the stomach flu this month. You got very sick on the way home from daycare one afternoon (you gave your Daddy quite a scare). When it was all said and done you threw up about 7-8 times in the span of 3 1/2 hours. It was awful. You got to the point where you had nothing left to throw up. We hated seeing you like that. After a day or so of rest and a few diarrhea diapers, you were back to your normal self. We hope this is not something we have to repeat anytime soon!
• We've gone a few more times to storytime at our library. We've had a great time, and often run into friends from Amma there - 2 weeks in a row! We love that the library is so close, and you seem to enjoy our time there.

We love every minute of our life with you, Linnea. It's hard to imagine life without you now!

 Lots of love,
Mama and Daddy

30 Before 30 - Months 4 and 5

I'm a little behind in blogging about my 30 Before 30 project. Time has just flown! I can't believe that it's November already!

It's been a slow last few months for the project after a pretty busy summer.

Mid-September we took a family trip to the Mill City Farmers' Market. We went with our friends, the Imbodens. Although it was an unseasonably chilly day, we had a great time. I loved that the food was clearly local and fresh. So many delicious smells and sights to take in! We enjoyed mochas from a little coffee shop, meandered through the market, and warmed up a bit in the Guthrie. It was a great time, and we will definitely go back next year when it's warmer!

Also during the last couple months, I put the finishing touches on my very first photo book. It turned out great! It's an ABC book for Linnea, filled with our pictures, with words of Mama's choice. Linnea likes it too - I think she likes seeing herself in a book. This will not be my last photo book. Next up will be a book of Linnea's first year...a much bigger undertaking!).

At the end of September, Jeromy and I headed out with our WOWZA/MANZA friends for dinner. The dinner was strategically planned - for a place that had a mechanical bull!! I was a bit surprised that when it got down to it, I was a little nervous! But on I went for a ride. It was much harder than it looked. The bull was very jerky, and whipped me around like crazy. I managed to stay on for a little while before getting bucked off. A few other friends took a turn, and then I had one more try. I don't know if this is something I'll do again, but I've always wanted to try it - and I'm glad I did.

In October I hosted the first of hopefully several craft nights. In preparation, I bought some basic crochet materials. My dear friend Kirstyn taught  me how to get started with crochet. I've been practicing and getting a bit better - it's a work in progress right now!

The last couple months also had two new recipes - both were pretty good, if I do say so myself. First, Avocado Chicken Parmesan. This was one of my favorite recipes I've made so far! It's tasty, and I like that it looks fancy, even thought it's fairly simple to make.

In October, I made Spinach Fettuccine. It ended up okay, although I got stressed out when I was making it, so I was pretty crabby by the time we ate. I have a few changes I'll make if I make it again - which I probably will.

I also crossed off a few more movies - Big at the very beginning of September, then the first of the Star Wars trilogy, and Field of Dreams. Big was my favorite out of those - gotta love Tom Hanks!

All in all, a good couple months - although I gotta get going on some more thing to keep the momentum going. Stay tuned!

14 Months

Linnea,
Is it possible that time is moving even faster? The days and weeks just fly by. You are as awesome as ever - such a little person with SUCH a personality. You are such fun. Here's what you've been doing:

Eating and Sleeping:
You stopped nursing altogether this month. Up until now you were only nursing in the mornings, after having dropped other feedings on your own by being distracted or just plain too busy to "bother" with nursing. I could tell it was time to close this chapter of our lives. It was REALLY hard on mama to decide to be done, but I knew you were ready. You've adjusted great. You get a sippy cup with milk in the morning now - sometimes with a little snack (cereal, puffs, etc.). You are also now done with breast milk, drinking whole milk exclusively. Again, another easy transition for you. We are so thankful!

You are eating well. We are starting to teach you how to use a fork and spoon. You still need help getting food ON the utensils, but once it's there, you know what to do! You now consistently use the sign for "more," which is VERY helpful at meal times. You sign it so frantically when you get really excited about something!

You are officially done with your morning nap, and doing well. Some days are sleepier/crankier than others, but overall it's going great. You are down for bed most nights around 7:15. Some nights it's right to sleep, some nights it's chatter for 20 minutes. You're usually pretty happy, which is all that matters! We are SO SO SO thankful that you are generally an excellent sleeper (let's hope that's not bad luck for future siblings of yours).

Likes and Dislikes:
Likes:

• Your cozy coupe. You love love love crawling in it, sitting in it, putting stuff in its "trunk."
• Putting things in other things...toys in buckets, trinkets in shoes, your bath toys in your bath cup. 
• Blowing kisses. Pretty much the cutest thing ever.
• Pointing out people's noses.
• Laughing. You are so so silly, and lots of things make you laugh these days.
• Shoes (putting them on, taking them off, carrying them around, finding other people's shoes, saying shoe)
• Playing in dirt.

Dislikes:

•  Stopping moving or having to sit still.
• Getting your hair done and/or clothes changed.
• Getting your face or nose wiped.
• Getting stuff taken away from you (especially food).

 Growth: Not sure where you are weight/height wise, since your next appointment isn't for another month. With the change of seasons we find ourselves putting you in a lot more 18 month clothes - that's hard to believe! It's surprising how grown up some of them make you look! You are right on the cusp of size 4 diapers - I've started to use them at night since they help you stay drier. You've got at least one more tooth coming soon...

Talking: We've had a bit of a language explosion recently. Here are your new words you know pretty well: nose, shoe, bye, Mama, Dada, sock, no, apple, Magna. You also sign "more," "all done" (sometimes), and we are working on "please." You understand a TON more than what you can say or sign, which is really fun to see. You can show us your "pretty hair" - and went through a period where you mixed that up with "please." Ha ha...too funny!

Other Happenings:

• A trip to an apple orchard with the Getchi at the end of September. We had SO much fun. It was one of the first outings we've had where it felt like you weren't a baby. It was easier and fun, and awesome that you are able to walk on your own, and be a little more independent. You LOVED having an apple of your very own.
• Another trip to Grand Marais - this time with Grandma and Grandpa. We had SUCH a good time. We went for a couple hikes/geocache trips. We hung out, we shopped a bit, we played, we relaxed. You did great all weekend.
• You are going through a bit of a hitting stage, which is no fun! We know that it is just a phase, but it's hard to see you express yourself in this way.

We love you to bits, Miss Linnea!!
Mama and Daddy

Vote No

Five years ago today I got married. One month from today is a very critical election day in Minnesota. I am voting no. Here are some thoughts about why...

Five years ago today I sat in a salon to get my hair done. I put on a fancy white dress and veil. I got pictures taken with my family and my friends. I walked down an aisle with my mom and my dad, into the arms of my best friend.

We sang hymns. We exchanged vows. We poured sand into a jar to symbolize our life together. We promised to love each other for the rest of lives. This was the religious celebration of our marriage.

Beyond this, we signed a marriage license. I changed my name. We moved in together. We began being recognized as a family. We were entitled to benefits and rights as a married couple. This was the governmental recognition of our marriage.

A month from today Minnesota will head to the polls. They will vote for the president, and other governmental leaders. They will vote on constitutional amendments.

I will vote no on the marriage amendment. I don't think I've ever felt more passionately about a single vote. As I do, I will be thinking about where I was 5 years and 1 month ago.

I have never had to worry about whether or not I would be able to walk down an aisle, sign a marriage license, and be entitled to the benefits and rights of a married couple. I never had to worry about what people thought about my marriage. I never had to be told that my desire to marry the person I love was sinful, much less unconstitutional.

I didn't choose to be heterosexual, and I don't believe that people who love people of the same sex as themselves chose either.

I am a Lutheran. I have been taught that God has made everyone, and everyone got made is perfect and made in God's image. EVERYONE is precious in God's sight - male, female, black, white, gay, straight.

I have also been taught that God is love. The greatest commandment of God's is to love.

God did not create the governmental institution of marriage. This amendment will not force any religion to marry people who are gay (although let it be known that I see nothing wrong with this).

I can't imagine the pain if 5 years ago I was denied the right to marry Jeromy. I can't bear to think that there are people in this world who feel the same love and are told it is sinful.

People say that the Bible tells them that homosexuality is a sin and marriage is between a man and a woman. I have studied the passages they use, and I just don't understand it. Have they looked at translations more true to the original language? If they think the Bible says why aren't they sacrificing their animals, or covering their heads? Although I believe the Bible is divinely inspired, it was also written by a certain person, during a certain time, or a certain group of people.

I wish I could put this more eloquently. I have so many thoughts about this, and feel so strongly that the right answer it to vote no. To me it is an absolute no brainer.

This post ended up more random than I hoped... I hope that anyone who reads this who disagrees will talk to me to learn more.

Please. Vote no.

Being Becky

Earlier this year I read The Happiness Project, a wonderful book that has had a way of sticking with me. In the book, author Gretchen Rubin embarks on a year long project to explore happiness. She wants to better understand the concept of happiness, and wants to learn how to be more happy herself. I thought it was fascinating.

I found that she and I have very similar ways of thinking. There were lots of little things she said, or observations she had that really resonated with me. It was one of those books where you catch yourself reading and rereading lines. Rubin had SO many little things to think about, that really changed the way I view things.

The book/her project broke down into lots of resolutions (things to do to improve yourself or your happiness) and commandments (general rules that she lives by). One commandment that struck me, and continues to make me think is "Be Gretchen." (or in my case, obviously, "Be Becky.")

What Rubin said is that you are naturally going to be happiest when you are being most YOU...being true to yourself. It's so simple...but so easy to forget. I feel like we live in a world where people want to fit in...they want to have what everyone else has and do what everyone else does. But does that really make any of us happy?

Since reading the book I've tried to be hyper aware of what it means to "Be Becky." I realize I know more about myself than I thought I did. Although some of the things I know about myself I'm not super proud of...or maybe a little embarrassed by...but I've realized that being true to myself does, in fact, make me a lot happier.

Here are a few random things that I know about "Being Becky":

1. I like alcoholic drinks, but it's hardly ever worth it to me to pay for one. If I'm out with someone who's covering the tab, or something, I'll have a drink...but if I have to pay $5 for a glass of wine or a beer, I'll just have water. If I'm going to buy a drink, I'll probably just get a pop. It's cheaper and I think it tastes better. It makes me happier to save money then to spend money on alcohol.

2. I am a rule follwer. I wait for the walk sign to cross the street. I never broke curfew... and when I wanted to/was going to, I cleared it with my mom. At least to a certain degree, I think rules are there for a reason, and it makes me happy to follow them. **Note: I suppose this would not include any ridiculous rules...but at the moment, I can't think of any**

3. I'm a homebody. Generally I am happier at home with my family or friends, then out and about in a large crowd.

So I realize the above make me sound a little (or a lot) lame, which I suppose is the struggle that Rubin is talking about. We need to let go of the desires to fit in, or please other people, or etc., and just be ourselves. Accept it. Embrace it. And we will likely be happier.

I'm still in the process of letting what I read in The Happiness Project sink in. "Being Becky" is something I work on on a daily basis. And the crazy thing is that at 29 I'm still learning things about who I am, and what I actually like and enjoy, and what ultimately makes me happy.

If you are looking for a thought-provoking, interesting book, check out The Happiness Project.

13 Months

Linnea,
You are 13 months old! Crazy talk! You fill our lives and our hearts with joy, and amaze us each day by showing us the sweet, loving, smart, silly little person you have become. Here is an update on what you are doing these days:

Eating and Sleeping:
We are feeding you "big person" food more and more, and you continue to be a good eater...but you are starting to become a bit picky! You are definitely developing opinions about what you like...and don't like. You continue to have three full meals with a sippy cup of milk/water at each, and an afternoon snack after your nap. We are finding more and more that you are driven by your tummy. You can be CRANKY one minute, and then you get a little food in you and you're okay.

At the beginning on Sept. we introduced you to whole milk. For now, we mix the whole milk with frozen breast milk, but soon you'll just have whole milk. You're doing great with it!

Right after you turned one we started reducing the time of your morning nap. You sleep just 20 minutes or so in the morning, and then have a nice long nap in the afternoon. You are adjusting pretty well. We look forward to the flexibility that one nap will bring! Early September you naturally pushed your bedtime a little later, which we love. We get to have more dinners as a family of three, and we get to spend a little more time with you in the evenings. Dinner is now at 6:00, with bedtime routine starting at 7:00.

Likes and Dislikes:
Likes:

• Your "stack-a-doo" toys from the Getchi - you got them for your birthday and they've been non-stop fun ever since.
• Being busy busy busy busy - up and down stairs, walking around everywhere, getting into anything and everything.
• Peek-A-Boo
•  Carrying around "preschi" (our plural for "precious"). You love finding little trinkets and toys and carrying them with you. You pick the most funny, random things!
• Books - you have started to bring them to us to read - so fun!
• Animals - Luther, animals at the State Fair, Bob the Cat...you love them all!
• Favorite foods: fruit (bananas, strawberries, blueberries), toast/bread, cheese.
• Being independent. 
• Playing "bonk" (doing head butts)

Dislikes:

• Getting up in the morning - you have been so cranky lately! You are slow to wake up, and fussy as all get out sometimes, but slowly come around to your happy self.
• Not getting what you want. :-)
• Being set down by mama/not getting to be by mama all the time. I love you very much, but you are sometimes SO clingy these days. I work hard at not giving into you, because I know you need to learn that you don't need mama all the time (**tear**)

Growth: You are still about the same weight/size as your year check-up. Growth seems to have really leveled off. You got two new teeth this month - upper right on 8/22, upper left on 8/30. You are wearing mostly 12 month clothes, although a few 9 month clothes are still in the mix.

Talking: Hi is still your only "real" word, but you continue to be quite the chatterbox. Whatever you are saying, it is clearly pretty important. :-)

Other Happenings:

•  Your birthday party on 8/18.
• Our family trip to the State Fair - the second time you've been, but what a difference from last year! You had a great time - you got a few bites of mama and daddy's food, got to "drive a tractor," and pet lots of animals (your favorite!)
• A trip to Grand Marais over Labor Day weekend- we stayed with your great aunt Barbie and had a wonderful time. We did a little caching, some shopping downtown, and relaxed.

We love you, Baby Girl!! It's so fun to watch you grow!

Love,
Mama and Daddy

30 Before 30 - Month 3

August was a fun, busy month for my 30 Before 30 project!! I had SUCH a good time crossing things off my list, and experiencing all the fun those things had to offer. :-)

The month started with a HUGE weekend - something every day!! That Friday started with a trip to Mall of America to get my eyebrows threaded. A week or so before I had done some very scientific research (read: polled my Facebook friends and did some web browsing) to find out if I wanted to thread or wax, and where I wanted to go.

The overwhelming opinion of my wise and well-informed Facebook friends was that threading was the way to go - less damaging in the long run to the sensitive skin around your eyes. A place at Mall of America was recommended. It's close, and inexpensive, and comes recommended - how could I go wrong?

After a bit of a wait at the salon, it was my turn. I was surprisingly nervous, because people warned me that it hurt quite a bit. However, it wasn't as bad as I thought! It was like tweezing on steroids. Uncomfortable for sure, but fleeting. In the spirit of the project, and letting myself splurge I decided to get my lip done too (okay, that's a bit embarrassing...but the little baby hairs there were really getting to me!). Overall I was pleased with the results. (See before and after shots to see for yourself). I had to do a bit of clean up with some stray hairs, but it wasn't bad, especially given the price. I think that this is something I can maintain with tweezing, and maybe just get them threading occasionally. I don't know why, but I always feel better about myself when my eyebrows look good. :-) I'm not really a girly girl (understatement), but I guess this is where a bit of that side comes out.

The next day (Saturday), Jackie, Sarah, and I participated in the Dirty Girl mud run at Welch Village. It was SO much fun. The race was a little tougher than I expected - not the obstacles or the distance, but the hills. UFFFDA.

Throughout the 5K route, we climbed through mud pits, scaled walls and cargo nets, stepped through tires, and got really, really dirty. It was nice, because the race was a woman's race, which made for a very supportive and fun environment. Strangers cheered and encouraged each other, apologized for missteps, and aided each other down scary obstacles (the wall and the cargo net).

The three of us had a GREAT time. This is one item on my 30 Before 30 list that has been something I've really wanted to do for a long time. It lived up to (and perhaps even exceeded expectations). I would definitely do a race like this again!

The next day (Sunday) was a TWO ITEM kind of day! In the morning, I decided to mix things up from the previous months, and try my hand at making breakfast. I've really been getting into some recipe blogs lately, and found the recipe on one of the new blogs I started following (http://www.sixsistersstuff.com/). The recipe was for Strawberry Chocolate Banana Baked Oatmeal. Uhhh...yum!

The recipe was easy - oats, some sugar, cinnamon, etc., along with strawberries, bananas, and chocolate chips. Yum! The consistency was a bit different than I was expecting. I thought that it would be a bit firmer - like a soft cookie or granola bar, but it was more like thick oatmeal. Either way, it was super delicious.

I made that, along with a side of bacon (my first time making bacon) and some strawberries. We got to enjoy the meal as a family (which is a treat these days because of schedule coordination). It was really wonderful, all the way around. :-)

The breakfast fueled me up for the event of the afternoon - water skiing! The weekend before we had gone to Jeromy's family's cabin, with hopes of going water skiing. Unfortunately, because of issues with the boat it was not in the water, and thus not able to be used for water skiing. So upon our return, I somewhat frantically looked for another alternative. Luckily, it didn't take too long of a search. Thanks to my well-connected Pastor Mom, I discovered that the Minister of Music at our church (Gary) is a boat owner, avid water skiier, and enthusiastic teacher! AWESOME.

Lucky for us, the weather was PERFECT. So out we headed onto Lake Riley in Eden Prairie (with my parents, for moral support). Our afternoon started with a skiing lesson on land, which I thought was kind of funny (at first). But when I gave it a chance I realized the land lesson really helped me get the feel of what it's supposed to feel like. Gary had me do it the right way a couple times (using your core strength to get you up) and then the wrong way a couple times (using your arms and upper body to pull you up). After running through that, we were ready to get into the water.


After a little bit of awkwardness on my part (getting the skis on, and then in the right position is harder than it might seem), I was ready to go. The land lesson paid off because I got up on the skis on the very first try!!! This was much improved from the first and only other time I've gone water skiing, when I spent all afternoon trying to get up on the skis with no long. This time it felt AWESOME. I was so proud of myself, and I'm sure I was grinning from ear to ear.

With a bit more practice I was riding over the wakes, and skiing one handed! I had so much fun.

Oh! I forgot! I also watched Good Will Hunting. Like I said, it was a big weekend! The movie was great...and not just because it stars my biggest celebrity crush (Matt Damon). Clearly, it deserved all the acclaim it's received...well written, good acting, interesting story. A good choice for my list. :-)


The final item crossed off the list this month was a trip to the Blue Door Pub. Blue Door Pub is a well known and popular burger joint in St. Paul. The restaurant is famous for their specialty juicy lucys. Jeromy and I decided to bring our friend Deb to join in the fun. Deb had taken family pictures for us a few weeks before, and lives in the area.

We started the meal with "Latin Kisses" - cream-cheese filled jalapenos, wrapped in bacon - delish! Next - the burgers! I had a Hawaiian style burger - filled with mozzarella cheese and Canadian bacon, and topped with pineapple and a sweet chili sauce. Add in a side of fries, and you've got one delicious, list worthy meal!

I had SUCH a fun month, and have been having such a good time with my 30 Before 30 challenge. I've done so many things I've wanted to do for a long time. I've gotten some good practice at letting go, and learning how to enjoy myself a bit. I've got a ways to go on the list, but I look forward to every bit of it!

12 Months - You're a one-year-old!!

Dear Linnea,
You are officially a one-year-old!! I can't believe it. You have left the world of baby-hood, and stepped (literally!!) into the world of toddler-hood. The year flew by...it seems crazy to think that it was just a year ago we were taking you home from the hospital, scared out of our minds (but soooo excited!). We are finding ourselves saying, "remember a year ago??" a LOT. You have changed SO much in a year. We are SO proud of the little lady you have become. You have brought us more joy, more love, and more amazement in the last year that we EVER could have imagined.

You learned how to walk...
You've been an active little one since the day you were born. Holding your head up within the first few days...early to creep and crawl... always wanting to be on the move. We knew you'd walk earlier rather than later, and to be honest we were a little surprised it took you until you were almost one to decide you wanted to tackle walking! All in your own time, my Sweet Pea, just as it should be.

Last month you learned how to walk with the assistance of a push toy or holding someone's hand. You very quickly improved upon that, and it became your movement method of choice. Slowly but surely we saw that you were getting more and more daring. First, you'd take one hand off the push toy, and proudly walk one-handed. Too cute. Then we'd see you try to take both hands off. Then you'd wobble wobble wobble while you tried to get the right momentum to make independent movement forward.

You took your first stumbling steps solo at the end of July/very beginning of August. Magna was very excited when you took 4 steps for her at daycare on August 2nd. And then over that weekend, you quickly decided that walking is your thing! All of a sudden that Saturday, you were up and walking! Magna was amazed when you came on Monday as a full-on walker!

That's how you've always learned, Linnea, and it's fascinating. You observe. You practice. And practice. And practice. You start fitting pieces together until one day you are off and running with a new skill (literally!!).

Your walk is getting better by the day. You'll be running with mama in no time! :-)

You gave up bottles...
Not too long ago, you dropped one of your bottle feedings during the day without any issue. And then, over the last several weeks, you were showing less and less interest in the bottle. You didn't like being slowed down to have to drink from your bottle. In addition, as you have been eating more and more food, you've had less need for the nutrition in your bottle.

Daddy knew that you could give up your bottles, and you were ready. I was a little more nervous. So one weekend, while Mama was out on a Saturday morning, Daddy gave sippy cups a try. You took them no problem! That Daddy is a smart guy.

At first we still gave you a bottle at night before bed, but quickly discovered that wasn't necessary. You are getting to be such a big girl! Now you have a cup of milk with each meal, and a cup of milk after your afternoon nap. Your milk at dinner time sometimes turns into a bedtime snack, but either way, no bottles Wow.

Soon we'll be transitioning you to whole milk (Dr. Khan gave us the green light to do that at your appointment). All of sudden you aren't a baby anymore! You are a walking, talking, drinking from a cup toddler! Wow.

You went to the cottage...
A fun and special place for our family is Daddy's family's cottage in Holcombe, WI. We like to visit at least once a year (preferably over the 4th of July because no one does 4th of July quite like the Grosvolds!)

This year it didn't work out to go to the cottage over the 4th of July (since it was on a Wednesday, and we had limited time we could take away), so we decided to go a little later in July.

The three of us (and Luther) made our way up to the cottage on a Friday afternoon. We had a great weekend! It was a pretty quiet weekend up there....just a few of your great aunts and uncles coming in and out. It was great - we relaxed....we went for boat rides... we swam a little bit.

A huge highlight was going geocaching.... a lot. Your great uncle Jeff is who got us into geocaching. He (and others) have hidden caches all over. There were even some that you could only get to by boat! We love this fun family hobby, and had a great time doing lots of it while at the cottage.

You did great - you slept awesome, ate well, did well in the car, and absolutely charmed your great aunts and uncles. We are so stinkin' proud of you.

You attended your first wedding...
The weekend before your birthday was a special event - Rachel and Mike's wedding! Although they are "just" friends, we call them "aunt" and "uncle" because they are such close friends of ours. They are like family! So of course, their wedding was a VERY special occasion.

Rachel and Mike's wedding was the first wedding you've ever attended. The wedding took place in Red Wing, which is about an hour away. Since the logistics of trying to drive home after the wedding did not sound too fun, we decided to stay the night and make it a little trip.

We had a great time! I had to be there all day since I was in the wedding, so it was you and Daddy together most of the day. You made it to Red Wing with Daddy for the ceremony. You did pretty well (lucky for everyone that Grandpa was there too to help tag team!). You also made it through cocktail hour (no drinks for the baby!), before you were ready for dinner and bed. Grammy and Grampy came down for the evening to get you fed and down for bed. You did great!

We had lots of time to hang out with our dear friends, both side of grandparents, and each other as a family! What a great weekend!

You've grown and changed a lot too...
You went to the doctor on your birthday. You did great! You walked and talked up a storm, and thoroughly impressed Dr. Khan. You are right on track in all areas - and a little ahead of the game in some areas, including (not a surprise) gross motor movements.

You weighed in at 21 lbs, 1 oz. (51st percentile) and measured 30 3/4" (93rd percentile). What a big girl! Such a change from a year ago. :-)


You are still wearing 9 and 12 month clothes... although the 9 month clothes are getting fewer and fewer. There are more and more 18 month clothes thrown in the mix. You are still in size 3 diapers. Every time we buy a box we wonder if it'll be our last, but they still seem to fit well.

You are still loving finger food, although your growth seems to be leveling off, and your eating is too. It has been fun for us to have you eat what we eat, and you like it too. When we were in Red Wing for the wedding, we had a quick breakfast time snack with Grandma and Grandpa. Grandpa fed you some of his pancake, and you LOVED it. You spent the rest of the meal trying to snitch tastes of his plate. You are starting to get just a bit pickier, although there are new favorites that come up every day. Most recent favorites include: kiwi, pancakes, and Swedish meatballs

As I said earlier, your milk drinking habits have really changed. Milk with each meal (in addition to nursing at night). Your dinner milk turns into your before bed milk - we don't even give you a separate one. What a change. You seem to be adjusting very well. You like drinking from your cup now. No turning back from bottles! We'll be starting whole milk soon.

You, as always, are a great sleeper. You have shown signs that you are ready to shorten your AM nap. At daycare you are down to just 20 minutes in the morning. You take a nice long nap (2 1/2 hours) in the afternoon. You sleep great at night, going to bed by 6:45 most nights (though that seems to be getting a little bit later - yay!)

You have developed SUCH a personality, and I feel like that's showing itself more and more each day. You still love peek-a-boo. You are curious and inquisitive. You are daring and tough. You are a chatterbox. You are stubborn. You love to learn.

Your problem solving skills are out of this world. You can just see pieces of things click in your brain.
Just recently you shocked us both by showing that you knew EXACTLY what to do with your shoes. You pulled them out of the bag they were in, sat down, and tried to put them on your feet. The act seems simple, but think about how much thought goes into that, it's quite impressive. You are so smart. We couldn't be more proud.

What a year it's been! It seems like it's been forever since you have been in our lives, but at the same time the time has gone in a flash. We consider ourselves so lucky to have you as our daughter We love you SOOOO much.

Hugs and kisses,
Mama and Daddy

30 Before 30 - Month 2

Another month gone of my 30 Before 30 challenge. This month was a bit quieter than last. I've been doing a lot of planning and thinking about some of the items, but not a whole lot of action...I still have time. :-)

July started with a family trip to Midtown Global Market. To be honest, I really had no idea what to expect...I didn't really even know what it was! I just had heard people talk about it, and have wanted to check it out for a long time - I knew I needed it on the list!


We had a really good time at the market. It turns out that Midtown Global Market is a large enclosed space that has many smaller markets/restaurants/stores inside. The "global" in the tittle is very accurate - countries all over the globe are represented! It was awesome because we entered the market right where the Scandinavian store was located! Yay, Scandinavia! The store had lots of "Linnea" items. We were tempted to buy some things, but ultimately decided against it.

We spent some time wandering around, checking out the different stores and markets. There is a "produce exchange" at the center of the market - lots of fresh produce and other food...almost like a little grocery store. We sampled DELICIOUS peaches... all three of us loved them. We bought some to take home with us. Yum.

Next, we got lunch to enjoy together. Jeromy decided to get a gyro from Holy Land Deli. It was HUGE and very delicious. I went with a torta from Manny's Tortas, along with a strawberry pop. Yum! Linnea even got to enjoy little samples of our food.

After a little more exploring, it was time to head home. We really had a good time, and hope to go back sooner rather than later.

On the 4th of July, Jeromy and I had the day off, so we decided it was a perfect day to head to Fort Snelling! It's pathetic that we live no more than 5 minutes away AND have a MN History Membership (meaning we get in for free) and we STILL hadn't been there in the 5 years we've been living in Minneapolis.

Unfortunately, the weather on the 4th was incredibly hot. We decided to brave the heat, but didn't last long in the sweltering sun. Poor Linnea was very red faced and sweaty. We stayed long enough to get a good look around, albeit not as long as we would have liked. Good thing the fort is so close - we can definitely make a return trip when it's a little cooler.

 Another movie was checked off the list - ET. It was funny to watch it, as I apparently was too scared to watch it as a small child. As I was watching it I did not blame little me in the slightest - the first 10 minutes or so are all dark...foggy...scary dudes running around after ET. I had to remind myself now that it's a family movie. Yup, I'm a baby! :-)

The meal for the month was a Chicken Broccoli Braid - a recipe I found online. I'm generally not a big fan of broccoli, but I'm REALLY trying to get better with that. The braid is made of crescent dough, with a chicken, veggie, and cheese mixture inside. It was pretty easy to make, and was SUPER good (in my opinion). I definitely would make this again - perhaps with a few modifications.

It was a good month. Next month promises to be a big, fun month for 30 Before 30. Coming up: mud run, water skiing, and more!!

11 months

Dear Linnea,
This is the last month before we celebrate one year of YOU!! I can't even believe it (I know, I know...I'm a broken record). This month has held some VERY big milestones, and reminds me more and more of all the things yet to come! As much as it feels as though we've had so much time with you, and you've grown and changed so much, there's so much we have yet to experience together. Daddy and I often find ourselves unable to imagine you as a 2...3...6...14 years old??! I can't quite wrap my brain around it, but I SO look forward to it. I'm trying to focus on that, rather than "mourn" the end of the "baby" stage. The year has flown by so quickly! It's, as always, been a great month. Here are some of the highlights...

You started walking...with assistance...
You inherited a walking toy from your 2nd cousins - Lucy, Claudia, and Alice. We worked and worked on getting you interested in it. We stood you up next to it and tried to help you push and walk. There were several weeks of you face planting (not knowing to move your feet while you push), kneeling and pushing, or just wanting to just play with the spinning toys on it.

Until one night at the end of June... I stood you up next to it, and you pushed - and walked! You did it with such confidence - like you'd always done it. That's how you always are, Linnea...you spend time quietly figuring things out...and then get after it with confidence. To say I'm proud of you is a huge understatement.

Since then you have gained more and more confidence. You walk very well with push toys - you have a couple at home and one at Magna's too. It's very cute - you are so proud of yourself.

In addition to walking well with the help of walking toys, you also are walking well holding on to a hand. You basically only "need" one finger to hold on to. I say "need" because I don't think you really need it...you just need to trust yourself that you are capable. Daddy and I are surprised that you aren't walking on your own yet. You were so early to move in all other ways, we just kind of figured walking would follow suit. But we know you will do everything in your own time. You always do.

You said your first (real) word...
You've been "talkative" for quite a while...experimenting with all different combinations of sounds...da da, ma ma, ba ba, yah yah... you love to talk! It's been clear that your talking so far has been just babble...lots of good practice with sounds, but you haven't understood what you are saying. Occasionally you seemed to be getting da da, but it hasn't been consistent by any means.


Just recently you started saying hi. We use the word with you a lot...saying hi and goodbye as people come and go, when we see friends, etc. You definitely could mimic us and say hi well...but did you know what it meant?

The answer came one morning just recently, right before you turned 11 months. I was getting you ready in the morning. You looked at me, waved, and said hi. You couldn't make it more clear! It's such a wonderful sound. Your voice is so sweet and sing-songy. I can't wait to hear more from you...I'm sure you'll have a lot to say. :-)


You went in a BIG pool for the first time...
You have had a couple experiences with kiddie pools, but up until this month you hadn't been in a "real" pool. Grammy and Grampy recently bought a new house, and as luck would have it, their new house has an in-ground pool! Excellent!

With the weather being as hot as its been, we decided it was time to test the pool out! So the three of us headed over to the new house. We were sure you would love it - you've always loved the bathtub, and you had loved your time in the kiddie pool.

It didn't go quite as planned. I think you were scared by some big splashes, overwhelmed by all the people there, and it was a big colder than you were used to. By the end of our time there, we were able to get you to enjoy it a bit, but there were lots of tears and fusses too. We are glad that we have the pool available to us, so you can get used to it more!

This month you also went to the beach for the first time! Grandma and Grandpa took you for a quick trip on a Friday. Word has it that you really loved it.

You've grown and changed a lot too...
It'll be really interesting to see how much you weigh and how long you are when we bring you in for your 12-month appointment. I really have no idea! I'm sure you're someplace in the low 20s weight-wise, and up over the 30" mark for height. We'll have to see next month!


You are still wearing 9 and 12 month clothes. I would say most of them at this point at 12 month or 9 month...just a few that are 6 month, and also a few that are 18 month. You are still wearing size 3 diapers. You have been in those for a LONG time, with no sign of switching soon.

You are love love LOVING finger food. Once you understood that you could feed yourself, you were all about it! Even though it took you a while to understand how to do finger food, once you got it there was no stopping you. We have reduced and almost completely cut out purees at home. You still, however, get purees at daycare because of the food program there. Peas are your clear favorite, with cheese and bread/toast close behind.We're having fun starting to give you things that we are eating. You are trying more and more foods and flavors.

Shortly after your turned 11 months we decided it was time to take out one bottle at daycare. You been drinking less and less milk in each bottle, and seemed genuinely less interested. So we decided with Magna to remove your before PM nap bottle. This went off without a hitch. We are so grateful for our flexible, easy going baby! Now you take three bottles at daycare - at breakfast, at lunch, and after your PM nap. You still are nursing well in the morning. You take a bottle before bed, although they aren't quite as big as they used to be.

You continue to be an awesome sleeper. YAY! We still hope that you start to stay up a LITTTTTLE later, but we remind ourselves to appreciate that you sleep so well. There will be days some day that we will beg you to be going to bed earlier, I'm sure!

You have become so playful. You are really interactive, and just plain fun! We love to play peek-a-boo. You love to be tickled. You are silly, friendly, and fun-loving. You continue to be very very busy - on the move every waking hour. What fun.

We are thankful for every moment with you!

Mama and Daddy

30 Before 30 - Month 1

Well, the first month of my year-long mission is already gone. I think I'm making good progress on the list, and I've had fun doing it!

I kicked off the year right by tacking item 21 - a spa day - in honor of my birthday! I took the day off of work (which is a personal rule for my birthday), and scheduled an hour long massage and hour long pedicure of myself...ahhhhh. I hadn't had a massage since our wedding (almost 5 years ago), and I think my last pedicure was 3 years. It was time that this mama took some time for herself!

To start the day off, I had lunch with my mom at one of my favorite restaurants - P.F. Chang's. The meal and company were both wonderful! It was fun to dine with my mom as she remembered the day 29 years ago! It's crazy to think that Linnea and I will do the same some day!

Just next door from the restaurant was the spa. First up was my massage. The masseuse talked to me about my desired focus areas - upper back and legs (especially since I had just run a half marathon!). She asked if I was interested in upgrading to a hot stone massage. Initially I said no. But we started the massage and I found that I was mad at myself. Wasn't the WHOLE POINT of this thing to learn how to let myself live a little??! So I gathered up my courage (you may laugh, but it really took courage for me) and interrupted the massage to ask if it was too late to upgrade. "Not at all!" the masseuse said, and immediately brought out the stones. It was wonderful! I'm glad I upgraded. I didn't really know what to expect - I thought that she would just put stones on various areas, and that would be it...but she actually uses them to do the massage! It felt great. The pedicure came after the massage. It was pretty good...although more soaking and less massage than I would have hoped for. It came time to choose the polish, which is something that I always struggle with - I'm so stinkin' indecisive! But this choice was easy...right away I saw gold polish. Although it wouldn't usually be something I would choose I thought it would be perfect for my golden birthday! :-) Item 21 was a success - check!

I thought that my list tackling would end there for the day, but I was wrong! Shortly after I got home, and Linnea and Jeromy got home, my in-laws unexpectedly came over - unexpectedly to me, at least! Jeromy had something up his sleeve. I thought we were just going to have a quiet dinner at home. But shortly after my in-laws arrived, Jeromy and I headed out for a surprise date. When we arrived I realized he had done good - we were at a hibachi restaurant! Item 3! Dinner was awesome. Our chef was great...he really played it up, and was very nice to me because he knew it was my birthday. It was very fun to watch him do all the tricks - twirling the silverware, making an onion volcano, and spinning an egg on a spatula...so fun! 2 items down on the first day! Woo hoo!

 On the way to dinner, Jeromy gave me my gift...water balloons. When I opened them he said, "Ohhhhh no...I got the wrong kind??!" I was so confused. He dug a piece of paper out of his pocket. When I opened it, there was a picture of a hot air balloon on it! Jeromy, who is very afraid of heights, is taking me on a hot air balloon ride (item 28)! We don't have it scheduled yet, but I'm so excited!!

Aside from my fun birthday day, there were a couple other items that were crossed off the list. First, I tackled the first movie from the movie list (item 26, movie 5) - Top Gun! It was pretty good. I'm planning on writing reviews for all of the movies I watch, so stay tuned!

Also in June, I made the first month's dinner on my own (item 4). I made Pretzel-Crusted Chicken Milanese. I always get nervous when I cook that I'll screw something up, which is why I don't cook very often, and consequently why it made the list. The chicken turned out really tasty! Chef Jeromy approved too...the only thing we would change is to season it a bit more, since it was a bit bland. I kept the rest of the meal easy and simple...mashed potatoes and apples. Success!

Finally, on a beautiful Friday near the end of the month I enjoyed item 2 - buying food from a good truck. Two of my work friends and I went to Hola Arepa, a yummy Mexican food truck that parks close to our building. They specialize in arepas, which is a Mexican sandwich type thing. After a bit of a wait, we had our food in hands. Again, I worked hard to let myself splurge. I paid extra to get chips and guacamole, and an Arnie Palmer with their specialty lemonade. It was delicious! With so many more food trucks downtown, I might need to try more!

Also near the end of the month, Jeromy and I bought a Groupon for our hot air balloon ride, and I registered for my mud run!

The most interesting part of this month is realizing that I don't need the list... at least I hope to not need it. Let me explain... I find myself thinking of things that I wish were on the list. I've told Jeromy, "Ahhh! I wish I would have put such and such on there." Jeromy wisely points out, "You can just do that. It doesn't have to be on the list." Of course it doesn't! Hopefully having this project will really help me realize this...and just do the things I want to do...without needing it on a list.

Stay tuned for more updates!