Hospital Visit

So, yesterday Maddox enjoyed his first stint in the hospital.Thankfully it was planned and we were all very cool, calm, and collected. Mommy thought she would be a wreck but to be honest, she did great (if I do say so myself!).

Maddox was ready and willing to head on down the road to feeling better!

Before heading down to surgery it was a great time for Mommy and Maddox to cuddle and catch a little snooze.We had to be at the hospital to check in by 7:00 am so we were tired already! Since he was sleeping, the nurse took him from me that way and headed off to the operating room.

We were warned that it could be awhile before the Dr. came to talk to us but she was back in less than 10 minutes to let us know all was done and good to go. She said that his left ear had some fluid but his right ear was pretty full. They brought back to his room about 10 minutes later and we just hung out. I was expecting "devil child" because everyone had said that little ones didn't do well with anesthesia but he was a perfect angel. Super happy and giggly so that was great!

When I asked how he thought surgery went Maddox gave me this face!

But he feels SO MUCH better! Don't you just love the baby hospital gowns? Too cute! Thankfully he just needed to wear this for something minor but I couldn't get over how he swam in it and he looked so funny!

I took the day off yesterday and hung out with him but, he really didn't need me. He was way too busy tooling around the house getting into trouble (dogfood dish must have a magnent!) and having fun! Typical day with Mr. Maddox. So far the hardest thing to do is get his ear drops in before he slaps me across the face or pulls my hair. I suppose it is just all in a days work!

Tent.....erific?!

Over the weekend JR finally wore me down and we purchased a new tent. I am still not sure why we "need" one but apparently he has some great camping adventures up his sleeves.

We'll  see....................

Though I am NOT quite the outdoors woman he hopes I would be but, Justin is still determined. I do enjoy being outside but SLEEPING outside is not my idea of fun!

Also, sleeping outside with an infant...... DEFINITELY not my idea of fun!

But none the less, Justin is over the moon with excitement with his dreams for the possibilities of this tent.... Hope he isn't too disappointed!

Justin's new bedroom

Weekend

Over the weekend we were able to relax, kind of.... Justin went to Fox Lake for a little guys night after the storm passed on Friday night. Apparently he ended up driving into the storm and not out of it like he had originally thought but since "Twister" is still among his favorite movies it should be no surprise.

Maddox and I hung out at home and I spent Saturday morning cleaning up debris around the yard, etc. so that was tons of fun. I did a little touch up on the ceiling in the newly painted bathroom, and lots of other fun weekend duties.

Justin came back early afternoon and surprised me with a bouquet of flowers which was too sweet! Unfortunately our night wasn't what we thought it might be as we were hit yet again for a nasty storm including more tornadoes. We spent the majority of the evening hibernating in the basement. Not fun.

Wrestling an 8 month old, 100 lb lab, and a storm chasing husband into a basement bathroom isn't as easy as it sounds!

Thankfully we didn't have much damage from these storms except some hail damage on our cars and few wires/ cables knocked down by falling branches. We were lucky so many others were much less fortunate. Hope the weekend found your family well!

Success!

Tubes went in and surgery went off without a hitch! Maddox is home now and seems to be his usual cheery self!! Thanks for all of the thoughts/well wishes. Mama was nervous but she and Daddy survived! Will post more later!

And the Thunder Rolls

Last night we rode out a pretty nasty storm that rolled through Minnesota. We spend a good portion of the evening holed up in our basement as the thunder, lightening, hail, and crazy winds came through.

Here is a glimpse of the storm around 6:30-6:45 right outside our back door. This was before our local news station freaked out seeing a funnel cloud and started screaming to take cover!!! Talk about not keeping the listeners calm!

 

 Some of the hail left over AFTER the storm had passed. We had everything from marble to golf ball size pellets.

Some of the ominous clouds as the storm had passed

Our big tree in our front yard, poor thing is stripped!

Friday Fives

1. Do you know how to play a musical instrument?

I used to play the trumpet however, I am not sure I would ever remember how to play it anymore. I also have dabbled in the piano but again, not sure I could play much anymore.

2. What is your pet peeve while driving?

Do I have to name just one? I HATE when people don't use their blinkers! That really annoys me........... but I also really hate it when people don't at least go the speed limit on the highway. Seriously people, I have places to go and people to see!

3. Would you rather have a housekeeper or unlimited spa services?

That is a toughy.... I think I would go unlimited spa services though. A good back rub could never be a good thing. And who doesn't love a nice facial? Seriously, a girl has needs! :)

4. Is there a song that you hear that will take you back to the moment, like a junior high or high school dance?

I can think of a few... One that really sticks out involves my now brother-in-law Aaron. When I was a freshman the Neil McCoy song "Give Me That Wink"played at a dance after a football game and we danced really stupid to it. He had a knee brace and was on crutches at the time so it was really awkward, but fun!

5. What song best represents your life right now?

I can't really name one. I thought about this overnight and nothing really hits home..... except this song. Yes, I am a mommy and yes, I have responsibilities however; I am pretty darn good at drinking beer! :)


On a more serious note, I love this song. Makes me think of leaving home for the first time. I am from a small town but I just love this song and reminds me of H-O-M-E...........

Gettin' Down On the Farm

Last Saturday JR, Maddox, Bear, and I all to a quick trip to My parents farm to drop off some things. It was a great getaway even though no one was really around. (yup, I am that far behind!)

We spent the afternoon playing ENDLESS games of fetch with Bear which eventually led to him breathing like he had been hit by a mack truck. Man, he just doesn't know when to quit!

Maddox met his first kitty and surprisingly, did very well at being pretty gentle with him. (he only pulled on the ear once or twice!)

Hi kitty, kitty!

I need to get closer!

There you are! I like you!!!

Come here! I want to play with you!

The nameless kitty.... cute isn't he?

I think Maddox really liked his time out there. He loved crawling around in the grass and just playing with all the puppies. He is truly an outdoors boy! Can't wait to see what he does when he can farm with Grandpa!!

Hi Bruiser!

Ear Tubes for Peanut

Tuesday morning Maddox and I made a follow up trip to his ENT for his Laryngomalacia (breathing issues). She said that he looked/ sounded really good and she was happy to hear his breathing be so clear! (not raspy and cattery like it used to be). She asked me how I felt he had been doing and honestly, I think great! Obviously he has been sick but I chalk it up to his age and the fact that he is in daycare.

The Dr. mentioned that with his breathing issues it was really common to have multiple ear infections which obviously leads to tubes.  Since he has already had 3+ infections we talked about the possibility of doing them sooner than later. If there was fluid she would recommend sooner if not, we could monitor him and see how things go. She took a look and said there was fluid, which there was, so we scheduled an appt. She actually suggested Wednesday (the NEXT day) but I wasn't so sure about that!

I think it really hit home when she said that it will help with his speech development as well. Working where I do have I have seen lots of kids that have problems with speaking and hope that this will eliminate his risk of those issues.

So, Monday morning is the day. We don't know what time yet but they will call us Friday with an official surgery time. Sounds like he will be under for about 45 minutes (could be less) and we will be at the hospital for about 4 hours total. Not really sure what to expect, it was a LONG time ago that I went in for ear tubes. Mama is pretty nervous about letting her baby go with someone else but is very excited for him to be able to hear better. We'll keep you posted on the progress...

8 Month Wrap Up

Sunday was a big day at the Hunecke House! Mr. Maddox turned 8 months!!

Don't worry though, he feels pretty chill with it..............

Just making sure he didn't grow so fast he missed it!

 So, Mr. Maddox, here's how you spend most of your days and some of your latest milestones:

• 
  
  You typically drink between 4 or 5, 4-6 oz bottles during the day. 

• 
  
  The only food you haven't eaten with a grimace was the turkey and rice concoction from yesterday. (can't say I blame you!) Otherwise you eat like a champ with a small bowl of cereal in the morning with a fruit and vegetable at lunch and dinner.

• 
  
  Thankfully you have continued to be an AWESOME sleeper. We can usually put you down around 7:45 and you will sleep until 7:30 am. You take 2 naps during the day with a short one in the morning and a 2-3 hour one in the afternoon.

• 
  
  Most of your clothes are still 6 months but we have started dressing you in 9 month clothing as well. Usually the bottoms are huge but the shirts though big, aren't too terrible. We have you in size 3 diapers.

• 
  
  You are still quite the peanut weighing in right at 18 lbs. I don't know your height off hand but am guessing you have grown plenty.

• 
  
  You just began to walk behind the lion walker and have been getting pretty steady, not too long and I bet we have a walker- yikes!

• 
  
  We had to switch you into  a "big boy" car seat because the carrier wasn't cutting it anymore. Your long legs were hanging out the bottom and Mommy accidentally hit them in a door jam thus decided it was time to upgrade!

• 
  
  Tubby time is still a favorite and we have transitioned out of the whale and into sitting in the tub itself. You seem to really love the fact that you can move around and splash as you please. Mommy should let you play longer but typically you are fine getting out when it is time.

• 
  
  Pulling yourself up on EVERYTHING has become a well rehearsed and has given Mommy and Daddy MANY heart attacks! These days you really don't need anything to climb on to stand now. We have seen you crawl up a wall even in pure determination to get up! Auntie April and I even witnessed you standing up on your own and you did fine till you realized what you were doing.....

• 
  
  You crawl everywhere and do the funniest thing when you don't like the surface you are crawling on. You get up on all fours and book it to carpet or anything besides grass, tile, linoleum, and wood. So basically, if it isn't carpet you aren't on your hands and knees!

• 
  
  The camera flashes and you are cheesing it up. You know where your roots are! Nana Ros is so proud. Well you are good at this UNLESS we go to get your picture taken. Seems like we walk in the store and you get crabby and uncooperative!

• 
  
  You are VERY vocal with all your laughing, screaming, talking, babbling saying things like: ma ma, da- da- da- da- da, "uh oh", bababababab, the lip buzzing, and some other funny noises.

• 
  
  Your giggle is SO infectious. Never takes me long to turn a grumpy mood around when you throw that my way. Same with your smile. I love that you recognize me now! Nothing better than picking you up at daycare and being greeted with that silly grin!

• 
  
  Still only have your 2 bottom teeth. You got those when Mommy was in Florida for work and have LOVED to gnaw on EVERYTHING! One thing Mommy isn't too happy about is that you seem to have gnawed your way around the edge of your crib. We know it isn't a fluke, and it isn't Bear, because there are 2 little spots where your cute little teeth would be......

• 
  
  You make the funniest faces now too. When you are tooling around on the floor you stick your bottom lip out, it is so funny!  

• 
  
  You are still great at entertaining yourself. We can put you amongst your toys and you are set. I love that but it also makes me a little sad, you are so independent already!

You are the most easy going, loving, sweet, cuddly, wonderful, amazing, and special little man. We love to watch you grow and change and can't wait to see you continue on your journey!! Happy 8 month birthday little man!!! 

  

Daddy's Day

Daddy and Maddox enjoyed their time playing on the hill at Nana and Papa's house on Saturday getting ready for Daddy's big day on Sunday.

Maddox and I couldn't wait for Sunday to give Justin his gift so we let him open it early. He was pleasantly surprised and we were thrilled!

He got an IPod Nano which he has been bothering me for, for quite some time! Maddox had been saving his WHOLE life for the perfect present!

Since we didn't have any real plans on Father's day we enjoyed a nice day of just relaxing. Later in the afternoon Daddy wanted to go do a little shopping and Mommy couldn't argue with that! We ran a few errands and then came home to grill and enjoy some more of our Sunday- Funday.

Justin was really hoping for a committed "Da-da" or "Happy Father's Day Daddy" but Maddox didn't cooperate! (at least he wasn't asking for much!!)

He did say Ma-ma though which didn't fly since it was it was "Daddy's Day!"

We had a great day and hope that all you Daddy's out there did too! Can't wait till next year
when Maddox really can say something to his Daddy. I know that will be the best present JR could ask for.

Five Question Friday

I have been reading these for awhile but don't always post but I had to play this week! Enjoy!

1. What is your favorite thing about summertime?
Sitting outside, enjoying time with friends and family. Oh, and MARGARITAS!

2. What is your ideal retirement location (if money didn't matter)?
I always feel so much more at ease when we are visiting the mountains but I love to just watch the water on a beach so I guess if my family was there, I would be set!

3. Do you live in the same town you grew up in?
 No however, we purposely moved here in order to be near (1.5 hours) away from where we grew up.

4. What nervous habit did you have as a child that you kicked to the curb before becoming an adult?
hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm I would love to say biting my nails but I actually JUST quit that right after Maddox was born! :D I suppose that is when I "technically" became an adult so I suppose it works!

5. What is the most embarrassing thing that happened to you while on the job?
I tried to think of something really awesome but............ I couldn't! I am sure I screwed up orders when I worked at Pizza Hut but I can't remember anything more exciting than that.

Icky Weather

I finally know what my mom was talking about! When I was growing up she always said she didn't feel comfortable (in stormy weather) till all her little chickies were home. I kind of understood but now I REALLY understand!

Mankato and it's surrounding areas got hammered last night with some pretty ominous clouds and CRAZY rain and lighting. When the storm hit it seriously came from no where. It was hot and sticky all day but otherwise, it was beautiful. Not a cloud in the sky. Around 3:45 the radio started talking about weather headed this way and issued tornado watches but we were still not seeing anything.

At 4:00 things were different, the sky got really weird and the clouds were streaming across the sky VERY fast. And it only got faster and creepier! The sirens started sounding so it was full panic mode for me. :)

I stayed at work as long as I could (yup, I am a chicken!) but by 4:30 I wanted out and wanted to pick up Maddox. I just wanted to be home and I knew I would feel better when we both got there. Thankfully it was actually time to leave for the day so I headed off to daycare, praying it would start pouring quite yet. Thankfully I got Maddox loaded up before it really started pouring and we were only 3 blocks from home when the hail started.

Meanwhile, April called me to tell me she had locked her keys in her car and that she had a Dr. appt. to get to. Hard for me to help when I was clear across town!

So, the ever-loving big sister that I am, I headed back to LEEP to help April bust into her car and get to her appt. She had gotten a ride from someone already but since I was almost there when she told me that I tried to do my best at breaking and entering. No such luck. There I stood in the pouring rain, flooded streets, and wind holding an umbrella trying to open the door. Didn't happen. Called it quits and headed back home.

During this the sirens have continuously been going off and on so I decided it best to stay home. April made it back and we hung out and watched the weather on the news. JR was headed to work at 6:30 so we just watched. And watched.

He had to head to the hospital and about 10 minutes later the sirens went off again and there were urgent reports that anyone in the Mankato/ North Mankato area take cover as there was a tornado spotted (and had touched down) 3 miles south of town. NOT GOOD! Off to the basement we went and hung there till it was clear. We were joined by Behrens which of course lead to a relaxing glass of wine. Who doesn't need that when they fear for their lives?

Luckily Mankato missed a lot of the distruction but I feel terrible for those that lost their homes, belongings and even lives. I know storms are nothing to mess with but I have to admit I wasn't so nervous when I was in my own house BUT I still don't like storms. I can officially say that Mama Bear had adopted the full protect mode all through the night!! 

Bathroom Facelift

I have been bored with my house lately and when that happens something, ANYTHING, has to change! This usually means I need a new color or theme for a room so as soon as I can get Justin on board, off I go.

(trust me it doesn't happen as often as I try to pretend it does!)

Anyway our bathroom before was very drab, definitely a boring tan/eggshell color and our shower curtain was getting really disgusting.... So off to Wal-Mart I went!! I was off to find a new look and Sunday the party began!!

Don't mind the grungy bathroom, just wanted to give you a little idea of the "before"

And now.....................

the After: 

           I love the shower curtain and it was just the right kind of "pop" I was looking for. I still wish I would have talked Justin into a darker blue for the walls but I think I have kind of scared him away after I went so bold in our bedroom!!

Next up, new paint color in the kitchen..... At least both rooms were/are gross so I have an excuse!!!

The Haircut Hold

Friday night Maddox got his first real haircut in our backyard. Thankfully a friend/co-worker of JR's was willing to take on the task of making my sweet baby look a little more like a little boy and not so much like a 80's hairstyle baby.

After this experience I am extremely thankful we did not have to take him in public to experience our own personal hell. Never thought I would have to hold down my child in order for him to get his haircut!!!

This is where the "haircut hold" became a must!!

 Not sure why JR is holding my face the way he is and his face is kind of scary! As you can see I have a death grip on Maddox which later included putting his feet in between my legs so he would quit bucking! 

Seriously JR, can you loosen the suffocation grip!?

  Must be the look of an abused child......

 All done, see that wasn't so bad!!!!

 All better Mommy!

After seeing this face, who wants to go with or TAKE HIM to his next appt?! Volunteers?!?!? Don't harass me if he suddenly becomes the baby boy with the world's longest hair after this!

8 Month Photo Shoot

On Saturday afternoon Maddox, Aunt April and I went to the cities to get his 8 month photos taken.

I realize we are about a week early but I didn't know when we would get to it if we waited! 

Of course Maddox performed all day the day before and most of the way to Woodbury. Of course as soon as we walked into the studio he shut down and would not smile for anything! So, here are a few of the good pics that we caught. Hope you enjoy!

 I will get these mailed out as soon as I can!

House Mate, Bronchitis, and Craziness!

Since we have been MIA over the past week or so there are lots of tidbits to catch you up on.......

Auntie April has ventured North to become our semi permanent house guest for the summer. She has taken a job as LEEP's Summer Rec Coordinator and will be running our Teen Day Camp. Because of this she moved in to our basement bedroom which is great for us! First weekend here she is being conned into helping me paint the kitchen and bathroom, guess it is always good to break her in right!

Last week Maddox got sick AGAIN! I took him in and found that he has bronchitis. BOOOOOO for that as it has led to lots of coughing and ickyness. Poor Mr. Maddox just can't catch a break!

Friday and Saturday of last weekend my mom, a few friends, and I had a HUGE garage sale here at our place. We had a really great sale Friday but Saturday stunk. I think we all agreed that when we do it at the end of summer we will be doing a one day sale ONLY!

Justin went to Cherokee for a few days and helped Jess and Mitch get some things in order in their new house. Sounds like they all had fun and Jamie has some good pictures from their fun. Wish Maddox and I could have been there!!

This weekend is already shaping up to be fun filled as well so hopefully we will have lots to share on Monday. Have a great weekend all!!

My Mommy Went to Disney World....

and all I got was this stupid mouse ears hat!!

ARGHHHHHHHHHHH, why do I have to pose with this?!

Really, REALLY Mom?!

Even Bear thinks I look silly!

Ok, maybe it isn't soo bad!

 I kinda like this outfit! Maybe this wasn't such a bad souvenir

Ok, I will humor you................

Whaddya think? Can we get Daddy to take us to the mouse so I can meet him for myself? hmmmmmmmmmmmmm Mommy and I will have to work on him!