Christmas with Grandpa Tom

On Sunday we went to my dad's for christmas with him and Diane and her children. Wow, what a house full. There were 9 grandchildren running around. And it is not like it was really warm out to sent some outside, so we were all in the house. But it wasn't that bad. The bigger boys did a pretty good job watching, so that they didn't step on the two little ones. Devin wasn't too sure about the house full. He tended to make his way to the big of the living room by the sliding glass doors and like hanging out there. He had a lot of extra room there to play.

Before we could open presents we took a few photos. Some family ones and one with all the kids.

Austin got a push/ride toy and he liked giving Devin a ride on it!

Devin got a rocking chair from Grandpa and Diane. I got a few pictures of him on it that night, but his face and shirt were pretty dirty since he just got done eating. I will hopefully post some better ones of him on it some other time.

John Deere Christmas

Devin had a very merry John Deere Christmas this year.

Christmas in Jackson

On Christmas day we went to Jackson to my grandparents house. Devin was on the go all day long. He would go from one room to the next non-stop. He had no fear. He did really well with all of the people; well not that many, but more than we have in our house at one time. He enjoyed seeing what he could get into. His favorite was great-grandpa's chap stick and chair remote. He liked pushing the buttons and seeing the lights light up.

Devin and his great-grandpa Charlie. It took him a little while, but by the end of the day he had really warmed up to him.

This was the first time that the two boys actually interacted. Devin even gave him a hug. Of course Alexis had to get in on the action.

Bubble Bath

Devin Loves his baths and they are even more fun when dad gives them to him. He loves to splash and splash!!! The toys in the tub tend to be for for chewing on then playing with, but whatever keeps him happy.
Look it is Santa Claus.

Christmas

Christmas is alway a busy time of the year, but with a toddler it seems even busier. After being sick for the past few weeks, Devin is starting to finally feel better (medication really does help)! We spent Christmas Eve as a family this year. In the morning we went over to Ben's grandma's house for a little while. Devin was into EVERYTHING, like normal. He was really interested in what the cat was doing and where the cat was going. Then he found the cat food and that is all he wanted to play with. Of course mom and dad both said "no" which made Devin really mad! After visiting for a wjhile we went down to the Schaper's house to give Kayla her christmas gift. Devin got a remote control car from Kayla and he likes playing with it. He knows how to run the remote with no problem at all. Later that afternoon, I went to church with my mom. Devin had just fell asleep so he stayed home. When I got home we had a very uneventfull night of relaxing and opening gifts.

Devin was not that interested in opening presents. He would start opening the gift and hand me each piece of paper and then get bored.
He wasn't that excited about his gifts, but mom and dad's were more fun to play with.

Not feeling well

Today I took Devin in to the doctor's office. He has been running a high temp all weekend long. Last night when a took his temp it was at 102.8 and he was not happy at all. He has had a really rough cough, runny nose, and yucky eyes and he has eaten or drank much. He woke up this morning in a better mood and NO temp. But I thought better be safe and take him in. Sure enough he has an ear infection and a really red and sore thoart. The sore thoart goes with the fact that he has an ear infection and a runny nose, but he doesn't want to drink anything. He came home early today to spend some quiet time with mom and now he is napping. So, hopefully he will feel better for Christmas.

Christmas with Grandma O'Reilly

On Saturday we had Christmas with my mom, Patrick, Robin, Alexis, and Austin. They came over from Jackson on Friday night because the weather was going to be not the best on saturday. And for a change the weather man was right, it snoed again and the wind picked up and starting blowing the snow. We had a good time just hanging around the house and watching Patrick and Alexis outside in the cold.

After an afternoon nap for the kids and supper, we "finally" (in Alexis' mind) got to opening presents. Devin hasn't been feeling that well, so the idea of people and presents in a small around didn't go over to well. He opened one present and that was it. Once Ben moved him to the other side of the room he seemed to be a little better.

We were able to get a few photos in front of the christmas tree.

Wedding

Last weekend we all went to Rochester to one of Ben's cousin's wedding. We all had such a good time and it was nice to see everyone. For some this was the first time that they have meet Devin, so that made it even more special. Devin got to have a lot of Grandma and me time while we were there.
Two of Ben's cousins also have kids around the same age as Devin.

Like always he wants to be free to do what he wants to do. And what he loves to do is climb the stairs and there were a lot of stairs to climb up on.

12 Month Check-up

At the beginning of the month Devin had his 12 month doctor visit. He weighed in at 23 lbs 11 1/4 oz. And is 30 1/4 inches long. WOW, he is getting so big! The doctor said that everything is right on track with him.

Daddy's little boy

Last when I was giving Devin his bath, Ben came in to see how things were going and then left. Once he left Devin stood right up and leaned over the tub and started yelling, "dadda" over and over. It was so cute to see how he is associating things and people more and more.

Snow

The first real snow fall of the year! After I picked Devin up from daycare tonight we played in the snow a little. Well, he stood outside and watched it fall around him.

He was full of smiles. He wasn't so sure about moving around in the snow.

He was fine UNTIL he touched the snow.

1st Birthday Party

On Sunday we had Devin's 1st Birthday Party! He did such a good job. I thought that he might be really shy because of all of the people, but he wasn't He had fun wandering around and playing with the balloons.
As for opening presents he didn't seem very interested on opening them. He liked the toys and wanted to play with them instead of the paper. Which is a change! Then there was the CAKE!!! We had gotten two cakes one for him and one for the rest of us. We got him undressed and gave him the cake. I think there was a lot of frosting on it because he really didn't dig into the cake, but he did step in it!

Supper

Tonight I decided that it was time that Devin start to learn how to use a spoon. So, we took off his top and moved the high-chair to the middle of the kitchen. After I was done feeding him his baby feed, I put some pudding into his bowl. And here are the results!!!!

He did pretty good getting to pudding into his mouth; with and without the spoon.

He had so much trying to feed himself that he didn't want to get out of his chair.

Happy Halloween

For Halloween Devin was a skunk. He wore his costume this morning at daycare and they had a little party along with going for a buggy ride to the business offices in the Ag Center. After work we made a feqw rounds to the bank, BevComm, and the store. After Ben got home we went trick-or-treating. We just stopped at a few friends houses. Devin had alot of fun with Kayla and Krissy. He played with the girls and even took him to Bruce's house; which looked like a graveyard.

Then you got to love the tail in the back.

Grandpa's birthday

Yesterday was Grandpa Tom's birthday. So, we took him and Diane out for supper. We went to Winnebago and ate at Schooters. Devin had a good time running around with grandpa.

11 months old

Wow can you believe it Devin is 11 months old today!!! The time has really flew by. He is really starting to develop such a cute little personality, but then again sometimes not so cute. He is usually very good natured, but he is also a very determined little boy. When he wants something there is no stopping him or changing his mind. Which can be a good thing when you look ahead in life, but right now a little frustrating for mommy and daddy.

A few weeks ago Ben and I were eating apples and Devin thought that he need one also. So, being the good parents that we are we shared!!!! Well, tonight as I was feeding Devin and trying to get him to go to bed. Ben got an apple and started eating it and THEN Devin thought he needed one. So, I got him his own and he worked about a good 15 minutes or more on it. He did get a little from it, but I think it is that he likes biting into the apple. I would rather have the apple getting bit instead of me!

More Photos

I set up a site where you can see more pictures of Devin and maybe of a few other people. I am trying to get a link set-up on this page, but I am still working on it.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/stacyhaase/

A busy last few days

As of last Wednesday that was Devin's last day at Little Lukes. Ben and I helped them move that night. They moved into their new location; which is at the Ag Center!! Little Giants! On Tuesday last week I helped a couple of the staff members with some cleaning at the new location and we also put up all of the tiles that the kids made as a fundriser. So, Devin spent Thursday and Friday home with me and then on Monday Alicia Johnson came over and watched him for the day. Alicia took him for a walk, to Wal-Mart, and even to football practice. She said that they had a great time together. Yesterday was Devin's first day at the new location and I think he had a good day. He even took two really good naps; which is surprising since his nap area is in the area that the other kids are playing. He got to go to the big gym and play in there. They said he liked pushing the toys around. We went on Monday for a little while so that he could see his new room and play for a bit. They had an open house for the parents and kids. There are a lot of new toys to play with in his new room. In the picture with hime is Ms. Linda who has been his teacher since day one and is now in the Tiny Tot room!

Here is Devin outside of his new room. There are a bunch of farm animals and a big window with a barn painted around it.

In the last few days Devin has been walking more and more. This morning he barely crawled at all. He got everywhere he wanted to go by walking!!!

Over the weekend Pat, Robin & the kids came to visit. On Saturday night we were invited to go on a hayride, so Ben, Devin, Alexis, and I went. It was a little cold and late when the hayride started. But Devin had fun playing outside and inside. Alexis was so excited to go on th hayride that is all she could talk about all day. Her and I roasted a hotdog over the fire and then had a little to eat. Then we went on the hayride and I think she enjoyed it, but was getting really tired. Devin feel asleep on the hayride and Alexis fell asleep beofre we left the driveway right after the hayride.

All in all things have been going pretty good at our house. Just trying to get outside as much as possible before it gets too cold. Devin is not to sure about playing in a big pile of leaves, but doesn't mind a few of them.

Fall

The last couple of days Devin and I have tried to spend a little time outside after I pick him up from daycare.Because it was windy out today, a lot of the leaves had fallen off of the trees. They were so beautiful on the trees the day before and now that have coated a gold top coat to the grass. It was the perfect fall photo-op. The weather other than being windy was so beautiful, we had to spend as much time as possible outside this afternoon. Devin loved playing with the leaves and he only tried once to eat them.
We hope that we have a lot more days this the one we had today. We are not ready for winter and cold weather. That means less time playing outside.

Sick baby

It has been a long week at our house. Devin got sent home from daycare last friday around noon because he had a high fever. So, Ben went and got him and they spent the rest of the day together. On Saturday and Sunday he didn't seem any better. I would say he seemed worse. He ended up throwing up both days. Come Monday and Tuesday he was still home from daycare. He lacked any energy. He would just cuddle and sleep most of the day. The only bad thing was that he wanted to be held while he slept and wanted nothing to do with his crib. I tried to take him to daycare on Wednsday, but about 45 minutes after I dropped him off I got a call from them. He had "emptied the contents of his stomch." So, another day at home. Once I got him home and he rested for a little bit longer he started acting a lot better. By the end of the day he was starting to play and crawl around. Now today, he seems to be himself. Let's just hope that we can get a WHOLE night sleep tonight!!!!

Family Pictures

On Saturday we had some family pictures taken with my mom and my brother's family. Ana Ankeny took the photos and she did a great job. They turned out great. Ben, Devin, and I even took a good photo!!!!! This one is my favorite, because we all have the same happy expression on our faces. We took some that all of our mouths are wide open.

Fun Finds

This weekend was city wide garage sales. I went after clinicals on Friday to a few places and hit big at one. I found a slide/swing combination. Devin is not too sure about swinging in it because he would rather push the swing himself. He is still too small to climb on it, but that means he will grow into it. I thought it would be great for this winter in the basement. It would give him something to do in order to work on those large motor skills. Other than that I did find some clothes for him. Like he needs anymore!!!! I tried to look for more jeans and 18 month sizes.

We went Saturday with Pat, Robin and the kids. Robin and I went garage saling together, while Pat and my mom had the three kids. After Devin finally got an afternoon nap Ben, Devin and I went to Fairmont for supper and to do a little shopping. Devin thought it would be fun to push the cart himself. And to our surprise he was able to move it just find.

Guess who is on the move?!

On Saturday when I picked Devin up from my dad's house after my hair appointment, he took a two little steps towards me before he fell down. That night he would stand longer and longer, but only a couple of more times did he try to take a couple of steps. We tried a little bit more last night, but all he wanted to do was stand by himself. Tonight we were playing and Ben put Devin out in front of him and said "come here" and Devin took about five steps toward Ben. He was having so much fun trying to walk. We will see how much he wants to keep doing it or if crawling is the way to go.

He is getting big

On Thursday I took Devin to his 9 month well-baby visit. He did really well, a bit active, but that is nothing new. He now weighs 21 lbs. 10.5 oz. and is 29 inches long. The doctor said that he is progressing nicely. What Devin is doing is what he would like to see kids at 12 months doing. Devin is now crawling at a very FAST speed and walking with push toys or around furniture. We are working on eating more and more different types of table food, but that doesn't go as well. He was also put on two different medications. He has a little bit of pneumona and bronchitis. The side effect of one of the medications is that it can cause children to be a little bit more hyper. Like we need that with Devin!!!!!

Other than that things are good at the Haase household. I have been busy with school and clinicals and Ben has been busy with work. I am really enjoying mu clinicals right now. It is nice to be able to see the end of the line and before I know it it will be May!

Grandma's Visit

This last Saturday Ben's mom came to visit. Devin had a great time playing with Grandma Phyllis. She brought him a new toy. It is a truck that you can push and ride. Well, he is too little to be able to ride it, so he tried pushing it. He loved pushing the truck back and forth in the living room. Which is awesome because Ben and I didn't think he would be able to do it. Devin was able to spend some alone time with grandma while Ben and I went to Chad's 30th birthday party. On Sunday we went to Fairmont to eat and then we went to the park to play. Like always Devin loves the swings and had a good time swinging, but also liked the bridge on the playground.

9 months old

Devin is already 9 months old. I can't believe how the time has gone by. He is getting so big and sooo active. He is developing such a little personality. It is so much fun to watch him play with his toys and explores the his surroundings. He is getting really good at standing all by himself. He is getting braver and braver each time and standing longer and longer each time. It is really funny to watch him stand because he gets so excited and starts laughing and his laugh makes you laugh right along with him.

Star Wars

Yesterday Ben and I went to the cities for the day. We went to the Science Museum to see the Star Wars exhibit. We dropped Devin off at daycare and then we were off. We arrived around 11am and then started our way through the exhibits. I think Ben really enjoyed seeing the costumes and models that made Stars Wars. Ben built a car out of legos that would float. He also worked on building a town. I really liked seeing how robots and that kind of technology can and has helped us. After the Museum we headed to the Mall of America for a little while then home. It was a great day together. We need to remember that we need these days!!

To The Farm

Today my mom, Devin and I went to Jackson. We took sweet corn over to my grandparents. Devin fell asleep right as we pulled into Jackson, so we left him in the car while Grandpa, Tim and I cleaned the corn outside. After Devin woke up he thought that he needed to help with the corn!!

After the corn was done and lunch was not ready yet we went for a walk to the barn to see how well Grandpa Charlie has been cleaning it. Then Tim was going to take him for a ride in the bobcat, but Devin started to cry as soon as Tim turned it on. We did go for a ride on the 4-wheeler with Grandpa Charlie. Devin did not like it at first, but he started to warm up to it.