The Mathews

Big News!!!

2009-12-15T13:52:00.000-08:00

For those who don't know...we are expecting baby #3 at the end of April. We had our 20 week ultrasound last week and found out...we're having a girl! Ben and I were both shocked (and to be honest, I still am a bit shocked). We are excited and can't wait to see how a girl will change the Mathew household.
The boys are excited as can be...when we told Elias that he was getting a baby sister, his response was "No, I want fries and chicken nuggets". He is a true boy:)

(Maybe with a girl coming I can change the background of my blog to something a little more feminine...we will see.)

We are still here...

2009-11-29T21:12:00.001-08:00

...just in case you were wondering. The boys continue to grow and keep me busy. Here are a few pictures of the past couple of months.

Enjoying a little brother time.

The boys are both in "toddler beds" now, due to the fact that Zach learned to flip himself out of his crib. He hasn't learned to stay in his bed all night and we have found him in various places around the room. This was by far the cutest.

A little art time on the table. Zach is really beginning to love the camera

Best friends

January in a flash

2009-01-30T12:31:00.000-08:00

I know some of you won't accept excuses for my blogging failure the past few months, but I will give you one just in case you are feeling gracious.

We have just finished the busiest time of the year for our little family of 4. Starting at Christmas we have a major celebration at least every 2 weeks. Elias's birthday is December 30, Ben's birthday follows 2 weeks later on January 14. My birthday is just over 2 weeks later on January 26 and then Zach's birthday is just about 2 weeks later on February 8. Throw in a bunch of extended family birthdays in January and February, along with Valentine's day...things get busy. So if you want to accept my excuse for not updating the blog, thanks!

I don't have pictures of the many birthday celebrations, but here are some others...

Elias sporting the latest style

Cubs gear on Grandma's birthday. We didn't get to visit her that day as it was -20 degrees and then some windchill on top of that. We stayed home.

Elias' new favorite sport, racquetball. He even has his own racquet (thanks to Aunt Hil!)

Zach trying to keep up.

Zach 'helping' me in the kitchen. I think Elias taught him this.

I know, it has been a while...

2009-01-05T11:59:00.000-08:00

...but we are still alive! Some days I wonder if I will survive all the wrestling, running, tickling, screaming that two boys throw at me...good thing I grew up with a brother!

Here are a few pictures to show what we have been up to

Emmaus Basketball games. Grandma got them their own Baskeball shirts. This game was sister Kelsey's last home game. We love to watch Kelsey and that team!

Zach enjoying Christmas trees and ornaments. The jingle bell fits nicely in the mouth.

Christmas party at Emmaus

Zach's first Christmas...not too excited yet.

Elias' 2nd birthday. We had a little party in Canada at Ammachi and Appacha's house.

This is the "project' that kept me busy most of December. I beaded serving sets for the girls in our family. It was a fun gift to make.

Saturday Soccer

2008-10-18T14:17:00.000-07:00

One of our favorite Saturday afternoon activities the past month has been going to watch the Emmaus soccer games. Usually we meet Grandma and Grandpa there and have lots of fun playing, running around, kicking our little soccer ball, eating snacks...and oh yeah, watching a bit of the game!

Helping Grandpa get the game ball

Getting a 'Grandma flip'. He loves them!

Zach being cute

Work

2008-10-18T14:01:00.001-07:00

Morning cup of coffee...Checking my email
What a busy schedule...

The past few weeks...

2008-10-13T07:02:00.000-07:00

We have had a fun few weeks. One beautiful Sunday afternoon we took the boys to an apple orchard that was having a fall festival. Elias loved the big boy toys. Zach just enjoyed being out.

Elias in the bounce house. He was one happy boy!

Zach can't wait to get in there with his big brother

An Iowa boy

This tractor driving is serious business

Brothers!

Reading

2008-09-24T20:29:00.000-07:00

One of my fears of having kids was that they wouldn't like to read. We heard much advice about reading to your children daily and exposing them to lots of books....believe me, I know, I am a reading teacher! Well, Elias has proven that he loves to read. He often brings books to us to read to him. Recently, he has started to read 'all by himself'. I love to see this!

Reading his Bible one morning. He loves that book already!

A little time with Daddy.

I can't wait to start reading novels to him at night. I love this little guy!

Weekend In Wisconsin

2008-09-24T19:59:00.001-07:00

We took a road trip to Wisconsin this weekend. Ben was speaking at a church in Wausau Sunday morning so the boys and I tagged along. We drove up Saturday afternoon and spent Saturday evening with a very nice couple from the church. Elias and Zach fell in love with Ms. Becky and Mr. Phil, especially Mr. Phil. Elias even chose Phil to read a story to him over Daddy!

Sunday, we went to church and then out for lunch with some friends of my parents from years ago. After lunch we headed out to Marathon City (population 1200) to see one of my childhood homes. It was fun to visit and drive through the little town.

Red brick house. It looks a little smaller than I remember.

The barn. We played in here all the time. There used to be a treehouse right behind it that overlooked the cow pasture. So many good times!

Terry and Nancy DuFour. They knew me when I was smaller and cuter (and talked more:) )

Enjoying the ride home...

"How much longer?"

Poor Elias, he doesn't like to sit for too long.

He finally found a good book to read to help pass the time.

Almost 7 Months

2008-09-05T20:18:00.000-07:00

It is hard to believe that Zach will be 7 months on Monday. The time has flown by. He is such an easy going baby, fussing only when he is hungry, tired or needs a diaper change. His favorite friend is his big brother Elias, who he ALWAYS smiles for (even when Mom and Dad can't get him to smile). He is becoming mobile, rolling and scooting all over the floor. He even is sitting independently...at least for a few minutes. What a big boy!

I have been getting a bit of grief from a few family members (Grandma and Grandpa) that there are not too many pictures of Zach around. Well, I finally got some. Here they are.

What a grin!

Ready for my cereal and veggies!

Shoes

2008-09-05T19:49:00.000-07:00

Last week Elias got new shoes. There is a story behind these shoes...but first I want to remember his old shoes. Sandals bought by Grandma at the beginning of the summer. Sandals worn everywhere, and I mean EVERYWHERE! The great thing about these sandals is they could get dirty, muddy, sandy and stinky, and all I had to do was wash them. They cleaned right up, except for the 'stinky' part!

Hiking shoes

Sand shoes

Water shoes

They were great shoes...we miss them. But with the cooler weather coming (and the 'stink' growing) it was time for new shoes.

That is right folks, he has WIDE shoes. Boy was it tough to find a pair that fit. After visiting 3 stores, trying to stuff his feet into shoes that didn't fit, Elias crying to get them off, we finally found this one pair. Nothing else to choose between. This is what he gets! Grandma and I might have to make a trip to a big city to stock up on shoes for the poor guy.

Last Summer Outing

2008-08-20T19:35:00.000-07:00

The boys and I had a treat. We got to go camping for 1 night with Grandma and Grandpa. Now when I say camping, let me explain before you start to think that we are crazy to take 2 little boys. We went to the campground in Decorah (only 2 hours away) and stayed in a very nice trailer. We ate out the whole time, so we were not really suffering. Elias loved the outdoors and kept us all busy.

Elias and Grandpa feeding fish at the Fish Hatchery

Throwing rocks in the stream

Enjoying the 'Big Kid' swing!

Bonding with Uncle Jibber (we don't hold hands with too many people!)

A "BIG" Week

2008-08-14T19:11:00.000-07:00

The theme in our house this week is "Big Boy". Elias is becoming a big boy. First, the paci...

About a month ago, Elias had his 18 month check up. The Dr. said he looked great, except for his mouth. Due to his love for his paci, Elias was developing a ridge in his mouth caused by sucking. The Dr. strongly encouraged us to discontinue paci use and as he put it, go "cold turkey". Since we were leaving for vacation the next day and wanting to enjoy our vacation, we let Elias keep the paci while we were gone. Well, we got home this week and last night was THE NIGHT. After dinner, Elias threw his pacis away, saying a good "bye bye" and headed outside for a popsicle. When bedtime came, he asked for his pacis but was told that they were "bye bye" and "all done". The first few minutes were great...and then the crying started. To his credit, he only cried for 1 hour 45 minutes, after which he fell asleep, exuasted and slept through the night! Todays naptime and bedtime have been much better. What a big boy!

Now for the second....Elias got his first haircut today! That is right, 19 months and no haircut. The 'wings' were starting to get really long and he was beginning to look a little girl like, so we thought it was time. Since Ben has always gone to a good, old fashioned barber and has said that Mathew men will only go to barbers, off we went to Daddy's barber, Fred. Elias did a GREAT job, no crying or fussing...and Mom did pretty well too!

Fred the barber. Note the long hair!

A little smile, but at least no tears
Elias checking out Fred

This haircut is serious business

A great smile

Admiring his new look

A big boy now

Canada 08

2008-08-10T20:49:00.000-07:00

We did make a trip up to Canada this summer to introduce Zach to Ben's family. We spent alot of time playing with Ammachi and Appacha, and the cousins...but we didn't get too many pictures.

Zach's favorite pastime...and Appacha's too!

Like father, like son...

The Mathew men in plaid

An afternoon nap at camp

Elias loved looking at the 4-wheelers...and was so excited to get a ride!

With his namesake, Davey Elias...

Elias Grooving

2008-07-14T08:07:00.000-07:00

It doesn't happen often, but when the beat is right, Elias can lay down a mean groove!

Slip n Slide

2008-07-01T19:36:00.000-07:00

There is a hill behind Grandpa and Grandma's house...great for a slip n slide, or so thought the adults! A slide was bought for the kids to enjoy, and they did, but not how we thought!

Elias did slide down a few times, after slipping and falling while walking across

Playing in the water was much more fun...

The water was a bit cold!

Family Vacation

2008-07-01T19:01:00.000-07:00

A Van Dine family camping trip was planned for a week in June. But since this has been one of the worst years for rain and flooding in Iowa, the camping trip was cancelled and a trip to Chicago was planned instead.

Monday, 7 adults and three kids under 2 set out in a 15 passenger van for the city. Needless to say, we had a great time. The kids loved swimming, playing together, riding the elevator with Grandma and Aunt Kara, watching movies in the van, eating the yummy treats Grandma bought...oh yeah and seeing some sights of Chicago.

Looking at the sea lions at the Lincoln Park Zoo

Enjoying the zoo

An Iowa boy on a John Deere at the Museum of Science and Industry

Probably Elias' favorite Chicago spot...a water fountain by Navy Pier!

He loves water and getting wet!

For a few more pictures, you can check out Elias' cousin Addy's blog.

June...the first few weeks

2008-06-30T21:45:00.000-07:00

A quick recap of June...

A week at Horton Haven Christian Camp where Ben spoke
Enjoying the beautiful weather, after all the rain we had
Elias enduring one of his first big injuries...a fat lip from colliding with our table
A Van Dine family vacation to Chicago. Originally a week of camping was planned, but due to the rain and flooding we thought Chicago would be a better option. (pictures to follow)

One of the few pictures I got at camp. It is hard to stop to take pictures with two boys!

I thought that washing the car together would be a fun afternoon activity, but Elias just liked to play in the soapy water. His favorite part was dipping his pacifier in and then putting it in his mouth.

The fat lip. His smile for a few days was a little lopsided. No permanent damage was done (we think!)

Matching D'Backs outfits from Great Grandma and Grandpa Barth in Arizona. ( I am not a huge fan of matching them, but every once in a while it happens)

Our laid back son chillin with his laid back grandpa:)

What happened to May?

2008-05-31T21:02:00.000-07:00

I know, I know...you might be wondering what happened to us. May consisted of...

EBC Year End Retreat which Ben spoke at so the boys and I tagged along. Elias had a blast!
EBC graduation. Celebrating and saying goodbye to our students
New deck swing from Grandma and Grandpa
Weekend trip to Chicago, got to visit college friends
A wedding of two of our Emmaus kids

Road trip to Lake Geneva for EBC Year End Retreat

Hoping his graduation day comes soon!

Helping Grandpa put together the deck swing.

First bath together (there haven't been many since...it was a little crazy!)

Zach being cute

The Ride!

2008-04-14T20:02:00.000-07:00

First convertible ride with Grandma...what fun!

(Just a note...Grandma has already decided that when Elias is in high school, she will give him a ride to school...so he can be cool!)

Enjoying Life

2008-04-14T19:53:00.000-07:00

After getting over colds and enduring days of rain (it seemed like weeks), we are finally getting sunny weather. Deciding that it would be a good day to be outside, I mentioned to Elias that "later" we were going out. He didn't pick up on the "later" and decided we were going out NOW! So out we went. Exploring the concrete pile on the driveway...it tastes pretty good!

Too excited! (The sweatshirt is from Grandma)

Practicing his skills

Zach getting a little sun

Confession

2008-04-07T19:44:00.000-07:00

Ben and I don't always agree on things, and I like to think that I am usually right. But more often than not, he is. For instance, we both like the name Zachary, but agreed that we would shorten it. I liked the spelling 'Zac', different but not weird. Well, he liked the spelling 'Zach', more traditional etc. Since Zachary couldn't help us decide, we asked friends and family their thoughts on the spelling (now this is a good 6 weeks after he was born and we both have been spelling it differently) Well, he convinced me...since Mathew is a little unusual and people constantly have to be reminded "One 't' and no 's' ", it would be better for Zachary to have an easier time spelling his name. So, all this to say, I am switching my spelling to 'Zach'...and my husband is right again!

Boys will be boys!

2008-04-06T19:34:00.000-07:00

Sunday the boys and I got to spend to the afternoon over at Grandma's since Dad and Grandpa were both speaking in Chicago. While Grandma and Zach cuddled, Elias and I went out to play.

Elias learned that each rock does taste different...he tried every one of them!

Loving life! (Notice the shiner under the left eye. He had a fight with the crib...and the crib won)

I love this face!

The Park...Finally!

2008-04-04T18:12:00.000-07:00

After a very long winter, the weather warmed up enough to go to the park (it was maybe 50 degrees that day!) Last summer Elias really liked swinging...he still does!

A trip to the park is never complete without a snack (at least for Elias that is true), so we had a picnic snack...in the back of the car!

Trucking

2008-03-24T13:08:00.001-07:00

What would be more fun than playing in the cab of an 18-wheeler? Elias can't think of anything right now. Today, we met my uncle who was driving through town and Elias got to 'be a trucker'. Uncle Jibber got to meet Zac for the first time as well, although Zac wasn't too into visiting (he slept the whole time).

Uncle Jibber and his great nephews (Zac is in the car seat under the covers).

Checking out the radio

Hanging out on the bed in back.

Easter

2008-03-24T12:52:00.000-07:00

I had high hopes of posting cute Easter pictures of the boys today, but that won't happen! Yesterday was a busy day of getting lunch ready before we headed off to church (we had some students as well as my dad and grandma coming over). The boys had new shirts on, very cute and coordinated, and my thought was to get some pictures when we got home from church. Well, Elias fell asleep on the way home and went right to bed. After a nap, lunch, and a few easter treats, he was not in 'picture form'. So, here are pictures of their easter baskets instead...

I did not want to get them 'girly baskets' so this was all I could find. They can use these year after year.

Baskets I made for Lacey and Kelsey (2 Emmaus girls) that spent the weekend with us. It was fun to make them a little something. I love the tins...from Michaels

Brothers

2008-03-20T20:20:00.000-07:00

When people hear that we have 2 boys that are 13 months apart, comments are made like "They will be such good friends", or "Just think of all the fun they will have together".

Already best friends (Zac might not know it yet!)

Where one is, the other is too (even if I don't fit). Note: Elias did try to crawl into the swing WHILE Zac was still in it (I didn't get a picture of that...wanted to get Zac out before he got squished.)

Zac doesn't seemed too disturbed by Elias yet.

Ready or not, here I come!

2008-03-20T20:14:00.000-07:00

Elias always enjoys the time he spends at Emmaus where Ben works. So much so, that he looks like he is ready to start working there himself.

Stealing Dad's dress shirt

Visitors

2008-03-20T19:40:00.000-07:00

Last week we got a nice surprise...Ammachi and Appacha came to visit after just getting back from a 2 month trip to India. They were planning to come out later this spring, but couldn't stay away. Elias was excited to see them and they were excited to meet Zac for the first time. As usual, we got some great Indian cooking.

Zac and Appacha getting to know eachother

"How do I look?"

The Men

(notice that it takes two of them to keep Elias still)

Look what I can do!

2008-03-18T20:06:00.000-07:00

We learned something...don't leave Elias alone for 1 minute. You never know what he will do.

"If you can't have both feet up, why not have one?"

A rare sight...

2008-03-10T08:31:00.000-07:00

The usual look we have from Zac is eyes closed...sleeping away. On occasion, we do see his eyes open (although it seems to be happening more at night these days). Here is Zac during an awake time.

I will try and get more shots of Zac...it is not an easy task with a 14 month old who just began walking and is into EVERYTHING! I have heard that this is normal for the 2nd baby...very few pictures. Hopefully Zac won't be scarred for life because of this:)

Home Again

2008-03-04T17:12:00.000-08:00

We are finally home. After 6 nights and 5 full days in the hospital, Zac was discharged on Sunday morning. We were so excited to get the okay to leave, we were home before church! (although we did not go). Hilary dropped Elias off on her way to church and he was sure excited to see his little brother, and all his toys!

Hilary and Addie left Sunday afternoon. We miss them tons, but are so thankful for their time here. Mom is staying with us this week since Dad is gone on Spring Break Tour (Emmaus Ensemble). Zac is loving his Grandma "cuddle time" since he is light enough for her to lift.

We are thankful to be back together as a family and continue to pray for Zac's fully recovery. Thanks to those who were praying for us during our hospital stay.

A week gone...

2008-03-01T09:14:00.000-08:00

Well, this has been quite a week. Hilary and Addie came up from Dallas to visit and meet baby Zac, and are we thankful. On Monday, Zac went to the dr. to have them take a look at his eyes (they looked pussy), and we discovered he had RSV. So we came to the hospital Monday night for monitoring...and have been here ever since. Zac is doing better now, but still is working on a total recovery.

Elias has gotten to spend the week with Addie and Aunt Hilary, while "helping" take care of Grandma while she recovers from gallbladder surgery. Needless to say, it has been a very interesting week. We are so thankful that Hilary has been here this week and are continually reminded of God's faithfulness, even in the timing of illness. We look forward to being home soon and together again as a family.

Although, I have not taken any pictures this week (the hospital room is not too exciting), Aunt Hil has taken some. Check out the Denny's Blog for great pictures of some cute kids!

The Boys

2008-02-18T20:16:00.000-08:00

We have been home for almost 1 week now and are settling in. Elias is adjusting to being a big brother and doing a pretty good job. He always has a slobbery kiss for Zac whenever we ask him to and loves to 'cuddle' with Zac when we lay him down for tummy time (sometimes his 'cuddling' is a little too close!)

Checking out eachother.

Elias holding Zac for the first time...it didn't last long and was well supervised!

Daddy's favorite thing to do when coming home from work.

Zac's first pictures

2008-02-18T20:02:00.000-08:00

Here are a few pictures that were taken at the hospital. We did not get too many since Zac was not in our room very much.

Zac while in the NICU (the board on his left hand is to keep the IV in)

Zac and Mommy cuddling. We have one of Elias like this too!

Introductions

2008-02-10T09:05:00.000-08:00

We would like to introduce to you...

Zachary Hanley Mathew

born 2/08/08 at 3:19 p.m.

6 lbs 1 oz.

19 inches long

He took a while to decide to join us, but once he did, we met him very quickly. The day was long for me, a lot of waiting and waiting, but thankfully I was comfortable (the epidural is definately my friend!). After what seemed like forever, Zac decided he was ready to come around 3 pm. We called my mom to come over to be there for the delivery, but Zac didn't give her much time (or the Dr. and nurses much time for that matter). I pushed through 2 contractions, a total of maybe 5 minutes and he made his appearance!

He did have some breathing difficulties at first and spent the night in the NICU with oxygen, but got off that pretty quick. He is off all monitors now and is working on nursing. We are getting the hang of it now and he is starting to gain some weight. Zac may spend one more night here, while I am being discharged today...but he is doing very well and should be home soon!

Elias has been at Grandma and Grandpa's all weekend and has been getting spoiled royally. He has not met Zac yet, and hasn't seen mom in a few days either. I am missing him terribly, but I am sure he is doing fine.

We are so thankful for him and this blessing from God!

We will post more pictures of Zac and the family as the week goes on. Stay tuned!

Waiting

2008-02-07T21:52:00.001-08:00

We arrived at the hospital this evening after a relaxing dinner at Panera...one last time with just the 3 of us. Elias is at Grandma and Grandpa's doing great we hear...

The induction started around 8 pm and things are progressing well. I am having contractions about 2 minutes apart, but they are not too painful yet. Ben is watching TV and I am resting. The Dr. did say that he predicts a baby by morning....we are hoping... Hopefully the next update will be with pictures of a new Mathew!

Update

2008-02-07T11:48:00.000-08:00

Well...the latest news is that we get to meet baby Mathew #2 sooner than expected. I had another ultrasound this week which showed that the baby's belly is slowing down in its growing, probably due to lack of nutrients. So the Dr. decided it was time to induce. Ben and I are going in tonight to get the process started and should get to meet baby sometime tomorrow. ( I was induced this way with Elias and he came in the middle of the night!) Elias will be at Grandma and Grandpa's for the night, and hopefully will sleep great so Grandma can even be at the delivery. We are very excited to finally get to meet this baby and be a family of 4!!! (Sometimes we still can't believe that we will have 2 kids)

On the walking front....Elias still is a avid crawler, but does venture to take steps every once in a while. His record has been 6 steps during the Super Bowl on Sunday night. We are still hoping that one day soon he will realize how much faster he can go when walking, or in his case...running! Maybe time at Grandma's will help!

I will try and get an update out this weekend introducing the baby...we will see.

The Countdown Begins

2008-01-29T17:35:00.000-08:00

2 weeks from today we will have baby #2.
We found out last week that due to my gestational diabetes I will be induced on February 12th. It was a little bit of a shock at first, but we are excited to meet this baby and be a family of 4!

Our goal for the next 2 weeks is to get Elias to walk! We have begun daily practices and might have to go to "2 a days". He is making some progress, but still prefers crawling fast to taking the time to keep his balance and take steps. Hopefully soon everything will click together and he will be off and running!

We will keep you posted on walking and baby #2

Surprised!!

2008-01-25T18:05:00.000-08:00

Some of you might know that this year is a momentous year for me...I am turning 30. A few months back I mentioned to Ben that since this is such a big birthday, it might be nice to have a party, maybe even a surprise party. He proceeded to tell me that I really didn't want one, that I didn't like that kind of thing. Well, being the "helpful" wife I am, I then went on to remind him weekly at first and then twice a week the past few weeks that my birthday was coming up...Ben, being the husband he is, seemed not to pay much attention. I really thought that he had not done anything about my birthday and was beginning to think that he was going to plan something the day of (not very exciting).

Well, last Saturday night we had plans to drop Elias off at my parents and go and see a movie, or so I thought. We had talked about doing dinner first, but Ben "conveniently" wasn't hungry. So off we went to drop off Elias and head out when....sure enough Ben had planned a surprise party for me at Mom and Dads. Friends from church and Emmaus were there to celebrate and boy, was I surprised! We had a fun time visiting and watching the kids play. I even did have a piece of great birthday cake (carrot cake, one of my favorites) despite my strict pregnancy diet.

Ben did a great job with the surprise...more than I could have asked for. Truly a great husband...now lets see what he does on my real birthday:)

The cake! Carrot and lemon poppy seed.

What Fun!

2008-01-25T08:26:00.000-08:00

Elias has always enjoyed the simple things in life...a cool whip container (before we had lots of toys), toilet paper rolls, empty maccaroni boxes...and now his birthday balloons. I must say, these balloons have gotten more play time than any of this new toys from his birthday or Christmas...

Oh, the fun...

The tongue out might be inherited from his Uncle Marc!

Always making a mess...the pants are off because just earlier he dumped Mommy's water glass all over the floor...and then crawled right through! (I was sitting right there but didn't notice)

Birthday #3

2008-01-10T12:44:00.001-08:00

Being only 1, Elias sure got a lot of birthday parties. We celebrated his birthday over 3 weeks with 3 parties. The first being in Canada with Ben's family, the second with my family and the third (and last!) just this week with friends from Emmaus and church. A special friend of the family, Stephanie celebrated her birthday over break, so we had a double party for Elias and Steph when all their friends came back to Dubuque.

The birthday cake...can you tell that it is balloons? The idea seemed easy, but it was work for me!

Birthday buddies!

Eating a piece of his birthday cake...I am not sure how much got into his mouth.

Andrew Daughters, one of Elias' favorite friends from church, came to the party. Elias was so excited!

Can I help?

2008-01-10T12:44:00.000-08:00

Elias is becoming ever so helpful now that he is 1. The other day I was baking his birthday cakes and he was in the kitchen. I guess he decided I needed another bowl to mix in and decided to get one for me...not sure what size I needed, he proceeded to empty the whole cupboard, giving me my choice of bowls and pots.

Which one would be best?

What a helpful guy! How can you get mad at that face?
(I didn't get upset....but just got the camera instead!)

One Already?!!

2008-01-03T20:18:00.000-08:00

We can't believe that Elias is already one! We have enjoyed this year so much and can't imagine not having him around. We often say "What did we do before he came?"

We were able to have a family birthday celebration on December 29th, before everyone headed back home. Needless to say...Elias got spoiled again!

Wondering why everyone is singing and looking at him.

Enjoying some birthday ice cream cake. He ate so much, I think he got a 'brain freeze' at one point!

Opening the presents with Julia and Addie looking on, ready to help. Addie loved the toys as much as Elias did.

Elias and Addie wrestling. This activity started just this week, with Elias being the instigator most of the time. Poor Addie did not always think it was fun.

Winter Fun

2007-12-30T20:49:00.000-08:00

One of cousin Julia's favorite activities while in Dubuque was to go sledding. We got some good snow right before Christmas, so sledding was great. On Christmas Day, Elias went for his first ride.

Going down the hill with Dad.

Ben wiped out but managed to keep Elias on top!

I think that Elias' favorite sledding partner is Dad so far.

Christmas with the Van Dines

2007-12-28T19:41:00.000-08:00

This year we spent Christmas in Dubuque with my whole family. It was a big change from the last time we spent Christmas all together...Addie and Elias and another one on the way. Having three little ones enjoying the festivities really makes a difference to the way I am used too, it is not as peaceful...but it sure is fun!

One of the few pictures of the three all looking at the camera. Julia was a trooper to sit for so long while we worked with Addie and Elias.

Christmas jammies...my favorite. (I tried to start this tradition with Ben and I a few years ago, but I think it will just be for the kids now - they are so much cuter!)

Pure excitement! Loving his puppy from Aunt Kara. We love that it is not real!

Tunnel from Grandma and Grandpa. Elias crawled right in!

Oh Canada

2007-12-23T20:29:00.000-08:00

The week before Christmas we had the chance to go to Canada to visit Ammachi, Appacha, the cousins...and other family as well! Elias had a great time, getting spoiled with a birthday party, visiting family and playing with Kerala and Calvin.

Celebrating Kerala's 5th and Elias' 1st birthdays. Kerala was kind and blew out the candles for Elias.

Enjoying some birthday cake (the first of many cakes!)

Elias playing with Ben's cousin Latha. She was way too nice to let him check out her glasses.

Trying to get a good shot of three crazy kids...it was a challenge!

A few picture at Home

2007-12-15T20:40:00.000-08:00

Lacey and Kelsey (2 Emmaus girls) helping decorate the Christmas tree. They came over one evening and decorated the house with me. I loved it and Ben did too (that way he didn't have to help!) They are hired for next year already.

The Christmas tree. Notice the lack of ornaments on the bottom section - we thought it would be best not to tempt Elias too much!

Elias enjoying a Christmas treat. He loves anything he can put in his mouth.

Addie Day #2

2007-12-04T07:21:00.000-08:00

An update on times with Addie....
Saturday - Addie was with Grandma and Grandpa but Elias and I went over to play. We were all going to go to Wisconsin to watch a basketball game, but stayed home due to a big snow and ice storm...so we went shopping instead!

Sunday - We went to church and both kids stayed in for a bit of the first service. As Addie got loud, Grandma decided to take her out. Seeing her leave, Elias got upset and so we had to leave too! These kids can't get enough of eachother. Sunday night was a concert at Emmaus, so Addie came over to play and a friend from church came to babysit. Both went to sleep while we were gone but Elias decided to get up when we got home and join the Christmas party we were having with a few students...he stayed up until midnight!

Monday - Another day at home. Our friend Joy came over for a bit to watch the kids in the morning, then we took Joy out for lunch (Grandma came too). On the way to lunch, Addie decided to hold Elias' hand. Elias didn't mind for a bit, but then decided it might be more fun to bend Addie's fingers back. Fortunately Grandma was there to rescue Addie. Elias is definitly a boy! The rest of the afternoon was spent watching one of Uncle Wayne's favorite Christmas movies, playing and tiring me out! These kids sure are active.

Note - I did try and get some pictures, but by the time I took them the kids were already on the move. (I have quite a few pictures of the back of their heads!) We will try and get some more up this week.

Addie Day #1

2007-11-30T20:59:00.000-08:00

Elias and I have the joy of spending the next week with Cousin Addie while Aunt Hil and Uncle Wayne are on a trip to Africa. Today was a great day...We played, ate lunch at Emmaus, tried to take afternoon naps...Addie didn't want to so we watched "Charlie Brown Christmas" together instead! And amazingly, Elias and Addie actually played pretty well together (sometimes Elias gets a little frustrated with Addie's "affection"!)

Playing together...it was hard for them to stop to look at the camera!

Concentrating hard on that ring (maybe counting something already!)

I told Hilary that we would try and post some pictures of Addie this week...more pictures to come of the sweet cousins!

What a dresser!!

2007-11-25T13:36:00.003-08:00

Just wanted to show you the cool pants that Elias got yesterday. I don't know if he likes them...but Mama sure does!! (Daddy thinks that he looks like a golfer!)

A New Trick

2007-11-25T13:26:00.000-08:00

Elias decided this week that it isn't fun to just pull the toys out of the toy box....sometimes you just have to crawl in and get them....

He even sat up while in the box...now he just needs to work on getting out.

Cleaning

2007-11-25T13:22:00.000-08:00

We are starting to see glimmers of Elias' parents in him already...for instance, he already likes to play with the broom and drag it all over the house. Whoever this cleaning trait is from, I don't mind!

Fall Fun

2007-10-31T07:17:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we had beautiful fall weather (almost 70 degrees), so Hilary and I decided to take the kids to Eagle Point Park for some pictures. The kids had a great time playing in the leaves, and we even got a few pictures of the two of them both looking at the camera!

Elias and Addie

Always something in his mouth...

"Look what I have Mom!"

Latest Picture...

2007-10-30T09:10:00.000-07:00

We haven't been taking too many pictures lately, but we did get this one....

That is right....Mathew Baby #2 is on it's way! Elias will be a big brother the beginning of March (boy is he excited!)

Baby is 22 weeks along and is doing well. "It" was sure moving alot during the ultrasound which was good to see. (We chose not to find out if Elias will have a brother or sister). We are praising God for this gift from Him!

Afternoon with Addie

2007-10-17T21:10:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago, Wayne and Hilary had some appointments in the afternoon, so Addie got to come and play with Elias and I. She and Elias are really starting to play well together (before Elias used to scream everytime she came near!)

Gearing up for the ride...

Having lots of fun.

Make sure we don't run into anything (Addie is a pretty good driver!!)

Two cuties (even when they aren't smiling)

Labor Day

2007-10-07T13:21:00.000-07:00

For Labor Day weekend we headed up to Manitoba, where Ben was speaking at a Young Adult Conference at Faith Bible Camp, north of Winnipeg. Elias and I went along and had a fun time.

Looking out over the lake.

The cutest little feet ever.

Great Granparents

2007-10-07T12:30:00.000-07:00

Just before school started back for the year, Elias got to see his Great Grandparents from Arizona again. We went to a family picnic near Decorah and then headed over to get ice cream at the famous Decorah "Whippy Dip". We spent a little time at the park visiting before coming back to Dubuque. Great Uncle Jibber and his grandson Tristan were also there.

Tristan playing with Elias.

Elias sitting with Great Grandma Barth.

Is He Smart or What?!

2007-10-05T11:24:00.000-07:00

Today while putting some clothes away, Elias was playing on the floor. He loves to crawl now, and a favorite room to crawl into is the bathroom. Off he went to the bathroom with me following behind, just to make sure he didn't get hurt. Anyways...he pulled himself up to stand by the toilet and then banged on the lid for a while (he likes to make anything a drum). Before I know it, he has scooted around the toilet towards the handle and reaches up to flush it!!! Our son knows how to flush the toilet and he is only 9 months old! I am just amazed at his brilliance! If only he knew how to use it...

Here Goes....

2007-10-05T10:47:00.000-07:00

I have been getting some 'encouragement' to start my own blog, letting you know what Elias (and Ben and I) have been up to. Since Addie, Hilary and Wayne are moving back to Dallas soon, and Addie and Elias won't be together as much (so Hilary will not be posting pictures of Elias), I figure it is time to start my own "Elias" page.

I don't really know what I am doing, so it might take me a while to get going...