Growing Like a Weed

On Tuesday Mr. Maddox had his 2 month Dr. Appt. He is still growing like a weed but has stayed in the 50th percentile across the board.

His monthly stats:
weight: 12.5 lbs
length: 23 inches

He got his first round of immunizations at this appointment. The first one was really easy because he took it orally. The 3 others in his little legs didn't go so well. Good thing Daddy was there to hold him down 'cuz Mommy wasn't doing so great listening to him scream! We got him in his car seat and 2 seconds later he was out cold. (thank goodness, I couldn't handle him being in pain!) The afternoon was a little rough but after some Tylenol and a nap he calmed down and was back to his old self. Definitely NOT looking forward to the next bought of shots!

Grandpa Hunecke Christmas

On Saturday afternoon (after a morning from hell!) we loaded up the car and headed south to Cherokee to celebrate Christmas with Grandpa Hunecke! The drive was definitely not ideal with the snow covered roads and blowing snow but we made it safely. It was really great to get to spend time with everyone as we don't get to see them as often as we would like!

Grandpa and Linda with all the kids

Maddox is set, and ready to learn!
WOO HOO digital frame for my desk!
Fire pit, fire pit, fire pit! I see lots of parties around the fire in the future!

Jenna and Maddox, I think she likes him!

We had a fun, but short, Christmas celebration and I think we all came away with some wonderful goodies. As per tradition we whipped out some games for some friendly competition. The next morning we got up bright and early and headed out for some sledding adventures. JR and Maddox spent most of the time stayin warm in the car but we still all had fun. Can't wait to see what the videos turned out like. The Burdorfs have a few more pictures of the fun so check them out. :)

Here's our family photo and some fun shots of the day!

Don't mind the MN hat... I borrowed it because I came ill prepared for the sledding adventure

Mitch, Jess, and Pepper

Helping Brode Man down off the mountain> Aaron and I made our own trail on the steep but little hill while everyone else climbed the Mount Everest

Go Ar Bear, Go!

"The Love of a Family is Life's Greatest Blessing"

This is Justin's Grandma Beadle.... She is meeting Maddox for the first time in this picture and this is a moment that I will never forget. She ooooohh'd and ahhhhhhhhhhh'd over him, trying to figure out who he looked like, what he would do when he got older, etc. It was such a fun day sitting with her and Cliff, listening to stories about JR when he was young, as well as stories about his Mom and what she was like as a child. All things I am excited to encounter as the years continue on for us with Maddox.... !

Sadly, Janice isn't going to be with us for as long as we were hoping. She has become ill and is now in hospice care where the Dr's and nurses are doing their best to keep her comfortable. We have made a few trips to visit her in the hospital but it just isn't the same. I already miss her Witty comments and tell-it-like-it- is attitude, and man, her cooking was fabulous. (Trust me, I hear that ALL the time from Justin!)

I remember meeting her for the first time.... I was terrified because believe it or not, I am actually kind of shy when first meeting people. I am not good at the small talk sort of thing so I get very nervous, very easily. Anyway, we went to their house one Sunday afternoon and Justin introduced me to his grandparents and about 2 minutes later it was like we had known one another forever. Janice had a knack for always making sure everyone was well taken care of and definitely well fed! No one should have ever gone hungry in her home!

Grandma Beadle is one special lady. I know the decision to move on to hospice care was a difficult one for the family so, I am hoping you will keep them in your thoughts and/or prayers. These past few weeks have been rough for everyone and I am praying for them to have the strength to get through it as I know they will need it.

Our First Family Christmas

Christmas was always one of my top 3 favorite days during the year when I was growing up. I loved vegging out with one another in front of the Christmas tree and listening to the Christmas carols playing in the background. Because of this, as far back as I can remember, I have always looked forward to the day when I could celebrate my child's first Christmas.

I was so excited to play Santa and have our own little family party. Since JR had to work it didn't go quite the way I had always imagined but most things don't go as one plans. :) We still had a wonderful day, just not the typical "wake up at the crack of dawn, running to the tree, laughing with excitement over the presents" type of day- IT WAS BETTER! Maddox had his first Mommy and Daddy Christmas and I couldn't have been happier.

What'd ya get Daddy!?

Check out my new clothes!

You're funny Daddy

I am just too cute

OHHHHHHHHHHH what did I get Dad?

First Christmas family photo in front of the tree. MANY more to come!

Gunderson Family Christmas

The weekend of December 19-21 was a pretty busy one for the 3 (well 4) of us. Not only did Maddox get baptised we also had my family Christmas with my family, as well as with my Grandma Gunderson and family.

On Saturday we headed down to Emmetsburg for Gunderson Family Christmas. It was great to get to see everyone and we even got to introduce Maddox to a few members he hadn't met yet. :) We tried something new this year with gifts and it worked out rather well. Not sure how many more of these Christmases we are going to get to celebrate where so many of us can get together so it was nice to be there. Wish I would have taken pictures with my camera but I apparently didn't. Hopefully my parents have some!

Sunday was baptism BUT Monday was Christmas with my family :). I was very excited to have Maddox's first Christmas and I am sure he was too- ha! It was so nice to have everyone together and we sure had lots of laughs. I love getting to just relax with everyone where we can just kick back and be ourselves. Maddox faired very well and is obviously very loved!


Some favorite Christmas memories:

Cheese!!

Stocking stuffers- headbands and snowflake 3D glasses

My new farm and swing!

one of Mr. Maddox's first presents, how fitting it was a piggy book!

April and Tom, so happy they were there!

Ali and Trent, after a LONG 18 hour we were all able to celebrate together

The guys getting one of the two Gunderson men traditions, Budweiser mugs, #2---- Christmas boxers!

Hi Uncle Trent!
My new play yard!

I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas

As you all are well aware we had a bit of a white Christmas this year! (12-15 + inches in Mankato). Maddox and I got to enjoy it a little more than JR since he was sleeping most of the days, but, it was B-E-A-U-T-I-F-U-L. I know a lot of people were upset about the crappy weather but thankfully we didn't have any real pressing plans on Christmas Eve/Day since Justin was working. I got to enjoy watchin the snow fall and even Bear got in on some of the fun. Since it was so nice out and the snow was falling so pretty, Maddox and I did a mini photo shoot. These pics were taken with a timer so they aren't the greatest but I wanted to try anyway!

Bear wanted to be in the picture too I guess!
Mommy and Maddox

I love snow!

Merry Christmas!

Wishing you and yours a VERY merry Christmas and a joyous new year!!! We hope you all have a very safe and happy holiday celebration.

Maddox's Baptism

On December 20th (Maddox's 2 month birthday!) Maddox was baptised at the United Lutheran Church in Ringsted. Baptism has always been something I have looked forward to celebrating with my children one day. I was so proud to be standing in front of God and the congregation to introduce Maddox into the Christian world. My sister Ali and her fiance Trent and Justin's sister Jamie and her husband Aaron are Maddox's sponsers. It was a wonderful church service and it was full of beautiful memories.

Unfortunately the weather was very crummy so some of our family members were unable to make it. We're sorry that they couldn't make it but really do appreciate those who could. It was a wonderful day and we had a great time celebrating.

Maddox is 2 MONTHS!

Mr. Maddox officially turned 2 months old (OMG) on 12-20-09. He has been officially sleeping through the night (7+ hours) since he was just under 6 weeks old!!! We had a bit of a schedule down prior to the baptism/Christmas hoopla but he was hitting the hay around 9:30-10:30 and sleeping till at least 8 am. (please tell me I didn't just jinx that!) Maddox still loves his tummy time and is officially a tummy sleeper. So many fun things have happened over the past month and I can't wait to see what is to come. My favorite thing he is doing now is all of his smiling. He just melts my heart when he cracks his little grin!

Here are my monthly milestones

• still drinking 4 oz bottles, about 6 a day
• size 1 diapers
• 0-3 month clothes though we are quickly changing to strictly 3 months!
• sleeping 9-11 hours a night with an hour or 2 nap in the morning and one in the afternoon.
• standing on mommy or daddy's lap is the best!
• when laps aren't handy, the excersaucer is the best thing since sliced bread
• I want to be moving as much as possible- you would think I was wearing a marathon when I am laying on the floor.
• If he could sit up on his own he would be
• rolling "over" is a work in progress but I like lying on my side just fine.
• Smiling is my FAVORITE pass time UNLESS I am chattering away.
• Car trips are fun (and I sleep most of the time) but when I get hot you better watch out!
• I am a very happy baby and have a very go-with-the-flow temperament EXCEPT when I need my pants changed or I am hungry.
• Tubby time is pretty cool, I love splashing around.

Win an HP Computer!!

Everyone wants to win an HP computer so go to Kelly's Korner or
Mckmama to register for your chance to win by 7:00 pm Christmas Eve!!

Standin' On My Own 2 Feet

Mr. Maddox LOVESSSSSSSSSSSSS to stand!! He has been wanting to be on his feet since he was about 6 weeks old whether he is bouncing, standing, or just kicking his. His legs are really strong and it was getting to the point where I couldn't hold him up long enough for him to be happy! We decided to see if he would like his excersaucer and I am SO happy we did. He LOVES chilling in there.

I am SO big in this chair!

Look out horsey, I am going to get you!!

All smiles

Getting tired

going

going

Gone!!