One month

It's hard to think that one month has already gone by since Max was born. He has changed so much! He is starting to be more alert and noticing people and things. He has also been smiling and cooing more and more every day. Here are some cute pictures of Max and Ginger, and a "tummy-time"

snooze. Jesse will be back at school this week, and then he will be off with me until Oct. 5th. We are looking forward to an "extended" summer break with the kids. Madison starts preschool this week, and I'm sure we'll have a school picture of her!

Short videos

These are 3 quick videos from the rides of the day. Madison was done with the go-karts after she had crashed...poor thing!

Riverview Waterworld

We took the kids and our helper, Skylar, to Riverview Waterpark on Friday. We all had so much fun. I was so proud of the girls for trying all the rides! Macy was even sad when she was too small to go on things, such as the scrambler. Madison tried her own go-kart and crashed within the first minute or two. After the guy helped her away from the wall, she was done. The girls did the berry spin ride, and even the tilt-a-whirl! Macy enjoyed the big go-kart track with Daddy, and all 4 enjoyed the merry-go-round. Max and I were spectators most of the day, so after lunch when everyone enjoyed the water park, we found and spot and lounged (don't worry, I had his head covered). Doesn't Madison look super long laying next to me? That only lasted a couple of minutes and she was off once again. Everyone enjoyed the bouncy pillow...Daddy's got good ups! Our favorite was watching the girls drive their own boats. You had to be under 42 inches to go on that ride, and they loved it! A very enjoyable day and thanks to Skylar for helping us out!

First Day of School

Jesse took this picture of the kids this morning, before we returned to work for the school year. I will be there 4 days this week, and then off until Oct. 5. Jesse will be there the first two weeks, and then will be off the rest of Sept. with us. As you can see, they were not bothered one bit by us leaving...probably since they were able to see Robin and Megan! The break was nice for all of us, and we always know they are in great hands with Robin when we are working!

85th Birthday Party

We celebrated Great-Grandma Monte's 85th Birthday on Sunday. What a lovely get-together! Here is a picture of the 4 generations. The girls had way too much chocolate...thanks Grandpa! They enjoyed seeing their cousins and playing at the park behind the facility. They thankfully took a nap on the way there, so they could last a little longer. Don't they look cute in the way back together?!

Baptism

We celebrated Max's Baptism on Saturday. We had a short window of opportunity while his Godmother, Megan, was in town from CA. Except for the fact that the two older sisters were very cranky and forgot their listening ears at home, it was a nice ceremony. Deacon Tom even brought him to the front of the church during the Homily! As the third child, the baptism was much smaller than the girls, and by Thursday, I realized I had forgotten to order the cake! So, Max got a homemade cake with pink glitter gel for the lettering...lucky guy! He sure looks lucky when you see him all snuggled in by Nana! Thanks to Kirk and Megan, for being wonderful Godparents, and making the day very special!

Bowling

Many of you know that Jesse is a league bowler. We finally took the family to Brewster's in Reedsburg to bowl. Madison loved it! She was so cute. Macy got a kick out of it, especially liked the slip and slide feeling on the alley (only fell and bumped her head once)! She made it until the 5th frame, and then was done. Max slept the whole time. We had a nice afternoon.

First tub bath!

Max really enjoyed his tub bath the other night. The girls wanted to be in the tub, too, so it was kind of a tight fit! He seemed really calm and mellow, until we took him out to dry him off. The girls also enjoy laying with him on his tummy time mat. Poor Max will never have space, will he? One more funny...Madison was holding him when his umbilical cord came off. Luckily, she thought it was funny and didn't freak out. Jesse and I were laughing when she said, "Hey look! Him beebo just fell off. He just hit it right off! So funny!"

Strong

Jesse just loves holding Max on his stomach, and watching him be so alert and strong. He always pushes himself up, and holds his head very high (he calls it the turtle look). He is 3 weeks old today!

Megan, Cash, and Baby Mike

While in Milwaukee, we got to visit with Megan, Cash, and Baby Mike, visiting from CA. Mike is 4 months now, and weighs in at 20 pounds, and is 28 inches long! I guess when your parents are both over 6 feet, you are going to be off the charts! He has changed so much since I first met him in CA in May. He is the sweetest thing, and was smiling and laughing the whole time, no matter who was holding him. What a complete ham! We're looking forward to seeing them on Sat. for Max's baptism.

Cousins

We went to Milwaukee last Sunday and stayed at my parent's new place. Katelyn was there and got to play with the girls and on Monday before we left, we hung out at the house so Lauren could meet Max. Lauren and Katelyn really enjoyed their new cousin, and Lauren was just as shocked as we were that it was a boy! We finally got some cute pics of all the kids together...my Mom's dream! If you notice in the picture, Max looks like he has both hands on his face as if to say, "4 girls at once, ahhh!" I thought it was pretty funny. Our girls loved their new puppy, Jameson. What a cutie!

play date

Last week we went to our friend's house in Portage. Kristin has a Madison, and Jaxson. The girls played nice together, and we got a great picture of them in the pool. The boys played really well too! Barely heard a peep from Max, while Jaxson showed off his cute smile and laugh throughout the morning! Kristin just said that Madison got a new doll and called her Macy...how sweet!

First bottle

I had a night out with a group of friends at the dueling piano bar in the Dells on Thurs. Max had never tried the bottle, so I pumped and made 2 bottles, one for when I was gone, and one to practice before I left. Not only did Max drink the bottle fine (and extremely fast), but Madison gave him his first bottle! I guess Max doesn't really mind how he gets his food, and who gives it to him, as long as he isn't missing a feeding :) We are so impressed with Madison and what a big girl she is. She is now even helping Macy into her car seat before buckling herself in, talk about a time saver when you have three kids!!!

Play date

On Thurs. morning, we went to Portage to play at our friend Kristin's house. Her Madison just turned 3 this summer, and her baby Jaxson is around 4 months. The girls had fun in the pool and at the "park." The boys had fun chillin' on the blanket with us Moms! Thanks for a fun day, Maass family!

Surprise Shower

My good friends Keely and Tara threw a surprise shower for me Tuesday night. They even got my Mom to come! I was completely surprised/shocked, and still cannot believe that did that, and kept it a surprise! There were many friends there who spoiled us royally! Max will be VERY well dressed his first year of life! Max slept through most of the shower, but loved being held by all the beautiful ladies! Tara made the cute rattle cake. Thanks so much to everyone who came and welcomed our big guy! We are truly blessed to have such wonderful friends!