Some notes from Seth.

I just wanted to show off a few of our flowers. We just purchased a new point and shoot camera and I had to try it out. Hopefully, I will be posting more photos now that the process has simplified. It was a great year for our lilies and our cone flowers are really taking off. The colors in our gardens have been great this spring due to the ample moisture.



Above are a few shots from our front yard. This is the third year for these beds and we couldn't be happier with them. Again, the rain has made our plants very happy.

Above, are some shots from our back yard. It is still in progress. I built the screen and path this Spring, and most of the plants are just a year or two old. We plan on rearranging several plants this fall and adding to the privacy screen. Along with a million other projects that are in the works.

Last but not least, I had to add some photos of the boy...of course. Rebecca took these shots. Logan is really becoming independent while eating and growing uninterested in "baby food". He prefers what is on Mom and Dad's plate, however in these shots he is trying out a spoon with some food Rebecca has made him. Along with his independence in eating comes more baths! Lastly, Logan is standing on his own now. He likes to pull up on us and hold his hands up to show off his skills. Last night he stood and clapped for the first time. Where has our baby gone?

Pictures! Happy 4th of July!

Here are a few pictures that I've been preparing for a project for my Mom. I thought they were definetely blog-worthy. Happy Fourth of July 2008!!!

...an older picture from Mother's Day...

...Seth and Logan at the annual Allen Gathering on June 21 (Seth has new glasses--compare to the photo of him and Logan in the side column on the right)...

...Shawna and Logan at the gathering...

...Alex and Logan at the gathering. Logan just adores cousin Alex!...

...Logan relaxes on Grandpa Charley's lap. Just a couple of good 'ol boys...
Last weekend, Logan and I traveled to Joplin to visit Jennifer and my Mom. Mom was getting "the works" done at the salon/spa where my sister is employed. We arrived as Mom was getting her hair cut and styled, then we all went out to lunch at Panera afterwards. Jen had to work until 5pm so she returned to the spa while Mom, Logan and I went to a flea market to look for treasures (mom found two kitchen items that were must-have's) and then a trip to the grocery store for dinner items. That evening, Jen took me to Braums for ice cream and we picked up a rental movie to watch. The next morning we took lots of pictures, played with Logan, ate a good breakfast and helped Jen put her apartment back together after Logan made a mess of everything. It was a really nice visit--the first time I had seen Jen and Jacob's apartment. They have a really nice place, very spacious, yet cozy. The drive home was better than the drive to Joplin. It poured on the way to Joplin, Logan was screaming just for the fun of it and I could barely see the car in front of me. It was practically white-out conditions. But like I said, the drive back to Columbia was more enjoyable and Logan slept for half of it, so I can't complain about that! In a couple of weeks we're heading to Wyoming for the annual family gathering on that side of the family. Now that's going to be a long car ride!

love, rebecca

The first ear infection

Logan has his first ear infection and is on antibiotics for the first time. He was running a fever for 4 days straight and pulling on his ears, so we suspected something wasn't right. I called the doctor's office on Tuesday morning and they had no openings that day so it was recommended I take him to urgent care. After 3 1/2 hours and a chest x-ray (which came out normal) he was diagnosed with an infection in his right ear and was prescribed the antibiotics. He started taking the medicine Tuesday evening. It didn't go well that night and he ended up throwing up all over our bed so we moved to the futon in the playroom and were able to sleep better and no more episodes of sickness. Now is his third day on the medicine and he is doing much better, but must continue to take it it 2x day for 10 days.

Despite Logan's illness (he was quite the trooper), we had a great visit with family over Memorial Day weekend. Seth's parents drove down Saturday morning to have lunch with us and to visit until my parents and grandparents arrived, around 3pm. We all enjoyed each other's company that evening and ate tacos (complete with grandma's homemade tortillas!) before Charley and Gloria headed back to Kahoka around 8pm. Sunday we stayed home for most of the day, although Mom, Grandma and I ran a few errands in the afternoon. We came home with new clothes for Logan, compliments of Mom and Grandma! Seth worked in the yard, Grandpa snoozed off and on and Dad watch "the race" (Indy 500, I think). Monday morning we all went out for breakfast and then went downtown to watch the Memorial Day parade. It was Logan's first parade. He was intrigued by the flags and people waving, but also a little scared of the loud drumming by the bands and sirens on some of the vehicles. I have pictures that I plan to post soon.

Other news is that Seth has completed installing the first 2 eight-foot wide panels of our privacy screen in the backyard. It's a screen because we don't plan on installing a complete privacy fence. We plan to put up more panels, but this is a start. I'd like to post photos of this as well as ones showcasing our ever-growing landscaping and gardening projects, (I am very proud of Seth's work, not only on the privacy screen, but our yard in general---he's developing quite the green thumb).

Also, Logan is cruising around on all fours and pulling up and walking around furniture while holding on for balance. I think he'll be walking by his 1st birthday. He also prefers to eat what's on our plates now rather than the pureed homemade baby food I've prepared. He shakes his head no and pushes away when he doesn't want something. He's becoming quite independent already, which is good and bad. He has four teeth, two on top and two on bottom and, man, does he have a good bite!!! I'm still breastfeeding and he's been nice to me---so far!

Hope that everyone who reads this is doing well. Thank you for keeping up with the blog. I'd like to get back on track with posting pictures more often. It seems that something always comes up to distract me from doing this, but please keep checking for updates!!!

love, rebecca

Happy Mother's Day Rebecca!

Here's to a wonderful mother and a fabulous wife on her first Mother's Day! Rebecca, thank you for all of your hard work and dedication.

Love,
Seth

Another note from Seth

I have just a minute or two, but I wanted to fill everyone in on a little news. Logan has some major accomplishments under his belt these days. Recently, he has two new teeth. That gives him a pair on top and bottom. But even more exciting...Logan has learned to crawl! It happened last Friday at the Coalier house. I had seen him crawl backwards, and make a little progress forward earlier in the week, but not the real deal until Friday. He is so happy to be crawling. He just loves the spirit of adventure. Needless to say, this accomplishment has completely turned our lives on end. Now nothing is safe!

Otherwise, Rebecca and I are doing well. Our garden and flower beds are looking great these days. As of this afternoon, we had 7 irises blooming. Also, we have some onions, greens, radishes, cabbages, turnips, beans, bell peppers, and tomatoes growing. It has been great weather for the plants. A lot of sun and plenty of moisture.

Dana, Brian -- This post is for you. Enjoy.

Thank you for having such wonderful children-- it brings me loads of joy to photograph them. Love, Rebecca

Just a few pics...

Hi everyone. I'm not feeling much like writing tonight but I certainly have the urge to post some pictures. Man, my boy is handsome. Don't you think? You gotta love kids in hats!

Update from Seth

Greetings all,

First of all, I am posting this with Rebecca's log-in because I can't remember my password. (strangely, I remember hers...go figure) Well, our life is no less busy these days. Logan has been reaching some milestones in his life. Last week, Logan and I were playing with some toys on the floor while I was singing him a funny version of Old MacDonald and out of nowhere the boy sings E-I-E-I-O! I was stunned. I though that it had to be a coincidence. However, he said it many times that evening, as well as, the following day. Unfortunately, he has not repeated his performance many times since. Also last week, he was sitting in his crib and pulled himself up to his feet for the first time. He was real proud of his accomplishment. I was amazed again. Finally, Logan's first tooth came in last week. It looks like there are two more on their way too! What a week.

This week has not been as spectacular. Logan has a cold and is running a mild fever. Our first six months went by without Logan being ill a single day. But then came the chicken pox and now a cold. We are looking forward to healthier times. Still, he is impressing us with his skills. He learned to clap this week and is getting waving down too. Not to mention he has learned to bang on a drum made from an empty formula can. The boy plays with passion, I say.

Otherwise, Rebecca and I are well. We visited Kahoka last weekend. That was a real nice time. I hadn't seen my siblings or grandparents since Christmas time, so it was nice to catch up. It seemed all were doing well. All of us ate too much and laughed a lot. My folks were doing well too. Their greenhouse is very impressive. We were fortunate enough to get to bring a flat of perennials home with us! Now if we could only get a little Spring weather to put those plants to good use.

Despite the lack of Spring weather, our yard is starting to burst to life. Our Forsinthias are blooming, as well as 11 Daffodils. The Vinca vines are blooming too. We have a few Tulip buds and our Lilac is loaded with little buds. We have four Rhubarb stalks growing and tons of Lilly and Iris plants growing. Not to mention Lamb's Ear, Oregano, Cone Flowers, Bleeding Hearts, Sedum, Black berry vines, and various grasses are all showing growth too! Unfortunately, freezing temperatures and snow are predicted for this weekend. What a drag. Last year we got ripped off due to a late frost, I am hopeful this weather will not do much harm. Never the less, I am going to cover all the plants I can and hope for the best.

Seth

Almost healed

These photographs were taken just one day after the first post announcing he had chickenpox. As you can see, they were all over his little body! Poor baby!

We kept his hands covered with socks for about 5-6 days. He didn't seem to mind too much as long as we kept him occupied, but I do think he was a bit confused!



After a week passed, he was doing much better and all the pox had scabbed over and were beginning to heal.

I took this photograph of him on Tuesday this week. He has a few spots on his nose and chin that might scar but hopefully they will fade over time. Just as soon as the scabs started to fall off he got a cold and is still battling it with coughing and sneezing, but no fevers, thankfully. He's been such a good little guy through all of this! He's showing more signs of seperation anxiety when Seth or I leave the room, and he wants to be held a lot, but I have no problem giving him attention!

Chickenpox Update

I don't have pictures to post at the moment (I'm writing this over my lunch break at work) but Logan is doing much, much better. I just returned to work today so I was home with Logan for a week. Now that the worst is over, I guess we could classify his case as mild, although last Thursday and Friday I would have guessed he'd turn into one big chickenpox at the speed they were appearing. Now he just has little scabs everywhere and suprisingly doesn't try to scratch at them too much. With teething and chickenpox and seperation woes, Logan has not been himself lately. It's just a little much for such a little guy to take all at once, but he sure is a good kid. I dropped him off at Jessie's house this morning as I usually do on Thursday's and--for the first time--he cried when I left! It was heartbreaking! I shed some tears in the car on my way to the office and had to call Seth so he could tell me it would be okay. Luckily, work is keeping me busy so I don't have tons of time to think about Logan, but I can't wait until 5pm when I pick him up. He's going to get smothered in kisses!

He's got the Pox!

Chicken Pox, that is!  He has roughly 4 dozen spots from head to toe, literally (and even inside his ears) Our poor baby! He's actually dealing with it quite well so far. No fever yet but the doctor said to be prepared for one. He's on day 3 and the doctor said it might be 14 days before it's over. He's contagious until every bump has crusted over with a scab. So that means I'm home with him for at least the next week or so. Right now he's giggling at me and playing peek-a-boo with his blanket so he's in pretty good spirits despite the situation. Here's a photo of him with dots of calamine lotion on his face for relief. 

The lotion and cool baths are the only things the doctor said we can do to comfort him, as well as Tylenol if he gets a fever. Otherwise we just have to let it run its course. Poor little man. 

p.s. Blog Facelift

Yes, you're correct--we did change our blog "look". I thought it needed a solid color background so the photos would stand out more with the white border. Hope you like it.

AND BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND...LOGAN!

A wintery day in February.

Waking up next to Logan. Good morning son!

Short Update

Hello! No we have not disappeared, we've just been very busy lately...

• Seth started a new job February 4 as a Transcript Evaluator at Columbia College. We live a 1/4 mile away from CC so Seth sold his truck and now he walks to work. When spring arrives, he'll probably bike to work. One of the perks as a CC employee is free tuition. Seth would like to enroll in a few courses to broaden his skills, such as graphic design or beginning filmmaking. I think he'd be great at both!
  
• We had our second gathering of Dinner Club with the Coalier, Harris and Spear families. We invited another family to join us but, unfortunately, they haven't been able to attend. It's pretty fun and a great way to experience "slow food" and the company of friends. Each family brings a different portion of the meal to share with everyone. The host family makes the entree, another family takes care of a side dish, another provides dessert and the fourth brings specialty drinks or an appetizer. We take turns hosting and it's kid friendly, so we're able to socialize with our friends while spending time with our children. Logan is very curious about the older children and I can see in his eyes and his movements that he wants to join their play. Soon enough he'll be following at their heels.
• Logan turned 6-months on February 19. He's sitting up, rolling over (both directions), babbling and saying "dada". He's eating rice cereal and oatmeal and has sampled green beans, banana and sweet potatoes. His eye-hand coordination is great, he reaches for everything and is often successful at grabbing on his first try. He's teething and constantly wants something in his mouth. No teeth yet, though! He had a check-up on March 5 and another round of immunizations. The next appointment is at 9-months and will be free of shots, thankfully! Logan is right on target developmentally and ahead in a few areas, such as the ability to form a syllable when saying "dada". His stats are: weight 20 lbs 13 oz, height 28.5 in (he's grown 7 inches since birth!). In percentiles he's in the 90th for weight and 95th for height, which translates to one healthy, growing boy!
• I photographed a cooking class and the new spring menu for the University Club on the MU campus. Many of you know that I used to work at the club as a dining room server. Now, as a photographer, I primarily shoot assignments for the Chef, but I used to cover club events as well--and still will, on occasion. The class was fun, yet challenging to capture through the lens. Most people were bellied-up to counters and I didn't have many opportunities for good angles--or light, just florescent and incandescent bulbs with unpleasant color casts. I think the menu shots were my best yet and really illustrate how my eye has developed with macro-photography and selective focus on the subject.
• We traded our 2-door Honda Civic for a 4-door Subaru Impreza wagon. It has a roof rack and wheels and, well, it's a Subaru, so Seth is in heaven.  We're hitting the road this weekend to visit my family in OK and my long-time high school friend, Rachel, and her newborn, Hayley. We haven't even owned the Subaru a week and we're going on a road trip, woo-hoo! It'll be a great vehicle to haul our canoe and we plan to buy a cargo bag so we can pack extra luggage for long trips and camping excursions. We're a one-car family now, and so far, so good!  We're bound to experience inconvenient situations where having two cars would make it so much easier, but we're into keeping this planet green and saving money.
  
• I hosted a meeting of the Yoga Momma's, comprised of the wonderful women and first-time mom's in my prenatal yoga class. We've formed a gentle kinship and awesome bond that's resulted in this group of women who come together once a month to share stories about our children and our lives as mothers.

Thanks for hanging in there and not giving up on us due to lack of posts recently (well, more like the past 5 weeks or so...yeah, sorry for the delay). I'm sure you wanted to see pictures but this text will just have to do for now. I'm anxious for you to read this update. 

-rebecca

Yummy, rice cereal!

Logan likes it spicy!

Our Gerber Baby!

Trying to get the hang of it...

Since this was his first time eating from a spoon (a few days after Christmas), he wasn't used to it and spit out most of the cereal. Now that he's over 5 months old, he's doing much better with keeping it in his mouth.

He's saving that stuff on his cheeks for a snack later.

Concentrating on the keys...

...now, concentrating on mom with the camera.

The ultimate activity saucer. So many colors, shapes and sounds!

Happy boy.

I just had to make a portrait of his profile. I love the dip in his nose and the perfectly rounded cheeks reflecting the sunlight.

I just love the natural light.

Logan likes to spit and blow bubbles.

He also likes to suck on his fingers and has just started favoring his thumb.

This image is the backdrop wallpaper on our computer desktop screen. Great expression!

I love the detail on the bib overalls.