Canadian Christmas Tour 2007

I had a great Christmas with the Canadian/Duluth/Tomahawk gang. I found out that sleeping in a closet isn't all that bad and that Randy is as goofy as ever.

I don't know what they would do without Ginger - the glue of the family. It was great to see Alyssa and I saw Justin for about a total of 2 hours. All in all, the long drive up was well worth it.

The ride back home had some great surprises with an awesome visit with Uncle Marshall and Aunt Mary.

They fed me pretty well and I was thrilled to see Marshall's showroom. We should all be very proud. I love unexpected visits like this.

The ride home was rough and apparently Milwaukee
was brewing up some serious snowblowing for me as well as some scenery. (my house behind me & lighthouse at lakefront in Milw.)

Have a wonderful (safe) New Years! Here are some photos to show why we have the best family!

Love,
Steve

A wonderful Christmas!!

We left a day later than we wanted to go to Thunder Bay because of the weather. Snow, snow and more snow. Spent a great couple of days with Cathy, Randy, Alyssa and Steve. It's always my favorite thing to do---spend time with family.

On the way back we stopped to see Maddox and his family. (Called Marshall too, but guess he was on a Vet run. Kingston had a diabetic problem--Kids and Animals!!!)

I'll share a few pictures of our Christmas and our visit with the Wiediger's. I know that Cathy and Steve have more to share.

Aren't they cute??

Christmas Eve gift opening. Looks like Santa was good to us.

The Wiediger's Mr. Jim and Maddox

Baby Maddox Joseph (You can see the red hair peeking through) He is just a doll.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!

Hi Everyone!

It has been a while since I have been on the computer. Trying to catch up on sleep when I can and play with Mason and Maddox!

Things are going well. Maddox continues to be a great baby. Basically just wakes up at night to eat and goes back to sleep...as long as I avoid dairy, chocolate, and caffeine....back to the old diet when I was first diagnosed with Celiac...but at least I know how to substitute now.

It is after midnight, and Craig and I are putting together a 118 piece wooden railway system for Mason tomorrow morning. Maddox decided to stay up lat tonight and needed to be held (which we never mind doing), so we got a late start on this railway system. It is quite the project. Will probably be up for a couple of hours. We are now joining the ranks of other parents on Christmas Eve!!!

Mason is doing great. He has had croup several nights in a row...but no real cold during the day. Makes for some interesting nights over here. Feed the baby, nebulize Mason, feed the baby. But, I think Mason realized that I am still his Momma and I still love him and can still take care of him, because he has settled down a bit since then. Not that there was much to settle down from...he just had a "naughty time" once a day that really wasn't regular for him.

Anyway....Merry Christmas to all!!! I hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas!!!! Can't wait to hear about everyone's Christmas and see pictures. Aunt Janis, I hope you made it to Thunder Bay!!

Oh, Christmas Tree!!!

A Merry Christmas to all!! Here is our new Christmas Tree in all it's glory. This is our first artificial tree. Everyone thinks it's real so I guess we'll keep it. It's been nice not having needles on the floor or to crawl around trying to water it.

I hope everone is ready for the BIG day. We are hoping to travel to Thunder Bay but the weather is not cooperating. Looks like a lot of snow for you folks in MN.

Be sure your cameras are all charged up and handy. I want to see a lot of photos in 2008!

Love you all, MOM/Aunt Janis

GingerClaws

It just wouldn't be a holiday without some kind of Dittmann Drama.

Two claws removed today, thanks Symmetrical Lupoid Onychodystrophy!

So, I present to you, GingerClaws.

So, this is what I've been up to...

Shane and I visited the Wiedigers today. Maddox is adorable!(but you already knew that) He has a LOT of brown hair.
We played a game with Mason. He had a really good time. I wish I could have stayed a little longer, but I need study tonight. Maybe some other time when I'm not so busy. He's a lot of fun.

I'm really excited! I don't have to take my Media and Society final! It's voluntary and I have an A in the class, so whether I take it or not, my grade won't change. So, I only have one more final, and that is tomorrow at 8am. I'm also going home on Friday morning, instead of Saturday. Two of my roommates are done with their finals and have already gone home, so it's just me and Angie tonight. Studying.

I talked to Justin yesterday. He doesn't have a lot of work to do and he's excited to come to Canada for Christmas.

I hope everyone is staying warm.

Happy Birthday, Justin!!

Mr. J is 23 today!!

I think that his hair is the same!!!

He really hasn't changed that much....still adorable!

More baby, baby!

Jolee sent me a bunch of pictures, but I am only able to post these. I'll have to consult my computer expert (who got a bonus at work today....and tomorrow is his 23rd birthday!!) in order to get the other pics in the blog-friendly format.

Here goes.......

Big Brother

Lookit that hair!!

Being admired

Gotta love this one

Finals Week!

Yeah, it's finals week and I figured I might as well post something. I have a final every day (except I don't think I have one of Tuesday, but I don't remember.) I only have one that I expect will be difficult. That's calc II.

Next semester I will be taking Calc III, Intro the Theater, Interpersonal Communications, Social Psychology, Marriages and Families World Wide, Education in Modern Society, and maybe a voice class. That'll be about 20-21 credits, but I don't think it'll be that bad. Interpersonal Communications, Marriages and Families, Education in Modern Society, and Intro the Theater are all supposed to be really easy classes. And Calc III is easier than Calc II.

I'm still going between majoring in secondary education and statistics. I will be minoring in psychology. And... yeah. That's where I'm at right now. I'll probably have a major my the end of next semester... I'm hoping. Or I'll at least declare something. At this rate, probably stats.

In the mean time, lots of studying!!

Non-BabyLand

Okay, this is the real world, Canada-style
Randy is in Montreal on a business trip.

It is 3 kabillion below zero. Celsius, Fahrenheit it doesn't matter. Suffice it to say it's freakin' COLD!!

Let us begin......

Put wood in the wood furnace.

This picture was taken at about 5 a.m. When the smokestack looks like a choo-choo train, you know that you've done it right.

Don't try this at home...

Let Ginger outside

Let Ginger back inside

Let Ginger outside

Let Ginger back inside

Break up a fight between Ginger and Sasha

(I don't know why Sasha doesn't like her butt sniffed, but it seems to be a point of contention)

Let Ginger outside

Take Ginger for a walk

Let Ginger back inside

Fill the wood furnace, again

Do some wash

Let Ginger outside

Break up a fight between Sasha and Princess (they both want the warmest spot on the floor).

It looks like Sasha won this one.

Let Ginger back inside to see what is going on with the cats

Fold the wash

Clean something.....anything

Start at the beginning and repeat over the course of several days.

You can see how Ginger is exhausted after her day of non-stop activity:

I'm looking forward to having some company around the holidays....

I need some people running 'interference' for me =)

Hello from baby world

Things keep going well here. Maddox is amazing and we are so glad he is here with us!

Last night was wonderful. He woke up every 2 hours to eat, went right back to sleep in the bassinet and then slept from 4:30 am to 8:30 am. I hope this is a trend. When he is awake, he is adorable. Just loves to look around at everything, SMILES for MASON...and not the gassy smiles either. Real, big pie face smiles. He is also beginning to coo and tries so hard to make noises come out!

He is putting himself to sleep during the day. It is so much easier this time around, I can't believe it. I am recovering fine and can't believe how well I feel and how relaxed I am.. It helps having Craig home. He is taking care of most everything, so I can just focus on getting rest, well, and the boys. Junal gave us 2 fabulous meals...lasagna, and alfredo which were gluten free. We were able to get 2 meals out of each, and then I have the frozen ones, so cooking has been easy for Craig.

Mason continues to be a sweethart. He didn't want to go to gymnastics today because "Maddox might say my name, Mason and I might miss it mom". He is keeping track of our diapers and I get a daily count of them. He is concerned we will run out of them. He also loves to dispose of the dirty diapers and watch the diaper changes...especially when Maddox turns into a sprinkler. (I forgot about changing little boys). Mason has a stool next to our changing station so he can get a close up view. He lavishes Maddox with hugs and kisses all day long and loves telling people about his new brother.

Mason also taught me a few new uses for the Boppy pillow. It can be a sled down the stairs, be worn around your waist, or head or neck and used for all sorts of fun things while worn. He built a gingerbread house with Craig today and had a blast. Mason and I have also been able to have some "Momma and Mason time" which has been nice, because Maddox sleeps so well during the day. He just sleeps through all the commotion and noise without any trouble.

That's about it for now. We are just enjoying being a family together and it's nice that is so cold and snowy outside, so we can just sit in and relax together and do "Christmasy" things all day.

WE JUST LOVE HIM!!!!

Maddox is the sweetest baby!! He is a wonderful addition to our family and we are enjoying every minute with him!

Mason LOVES being a big brother and also adores Maddox. I need to find a way to get pictures on the blog with the dial up connection.

Maddox is so alert, even our Dr couldn't believe how alert he was at less than a day old. his eyes seem to look right through you and when he is awake he just looks around at everything. Pretty calm and content so far. He is also a voracious eater!! I wouldn't doubt him hitting 10 pounds quickly!! He is so worth all the misery and discomfort and wait!!!! And I just loved him immediately. There was no question about it. It was as if I had known him forever and loved him forever the minute he was placed on my stomach. And it seems so right and natural to have Mason and Maddox. My two boys.

Labor and delivery was "interesting". We checked in at 6:15 am, but they didn't break my water until 11:00am. I tried to blog from the hospital, but the internet wasn't working. Contractions picked up around 1:00. I got Stay-Dahl around 2:20. and a 2nd dose at 2:40. And boy, was I crazy. I provided lots of entertainment for my family over the phone and to the nurses. Then when that wore off, i wanted the cervical block, but it was too late for that or more stay-dahl. I delivered him without drugs. That is an experience in itself, and i have had a few flashbacks. But I only pushed for 10 minutes and the minute I saw him the pain was gone and he was all worth it.

well, little Maddox is hungry. Just wanted to check in and say things are going well...night time is interesting though....I'll write more later

He's Here!!!!

Maddox Joseph arrived on December 4th at 4:54PM. Mother and baby are doing great!!

Junal emailed a few pictures so I'll share for all to see. Congratulations Wiedigers!!!!! Isn't he a cutie??? A real keeper!!!

And the facts as I know them are....... weight 8lbs 10oz... Length 20.6" a lot of curly dark hair

Now I'm a Great Aunt again.

less than 6 hours to go

...but who's counting?

It's 2:43 am and I cannot fall back asleep. Too nauseated and crampy. Maybe things will get started on their own? I need to be at the hospital by 6 a.m., so I hope I fall asleep soon. They will break the water at 8 a.m.

I found out that being dilated to 5 is the size of a silver dollar. Just one last fact before the baby is here.

Mason is at my parents. He is so excited to see his brother. And it is nice that he knows which day I am going in. That helps him a lot I think. Little more predictable. As soon as we got to my parents he said "Tomorrow I get to see my brother!! He is coming out tomorrow!!" I called to tell him goodnight and he asked if I was at the "hosbitipal" yet. When I told him I was going early in the morning before the sun was up he wondered if he had to come then too. But he said he would come as soon as I called!

My mom loaded him up with cinnamon toast, icecream and half a donut hole tonight...I wonder when they fell asleep? Since she is going to be with Mason for the whole day tomorrow, I am guessing there will not be any ingesting of sugar the next night :)

Mason and I ran errands today and went to the library so he could check out 30 new books. We are going through the books like crazy. And now we have a new stash for when the baby is here. Got a couple that are collections, so they can't be read all at once.

Not much else to say. Surprised the baby hasn't come yet, but this does work out nice. I don't have to call Craig at work and wait for him to come home, Mason is already with my parents, and I know exactly what needs to be ready for tomorrow a.m.


Aunt Janis it was fun talking with you today ! And I am glad you are back on the blog! Thanks for posting Junal's dog...I still haven't seen it yet!

It Worked!!!

Thanks, Cathy!!! The new address worked!!!! I wonder how long I'll be able to use it. Still makes me mad that the other address doesn't work.

Now nothing is happening to write about. I'm getting my Christmas lists together and maybe tomorrow I'll go shopping if the weather cooperates.

Junal shared a picture of her new family member. Here is Zelda. She looks like she would be a lot of fun and work.

She should be a good companion for the boys and maybe the three cats.

How about all you cat owners out there posting a picture of your pet. We could have a contest.

Fattest, cutest, naughtiest, you name it.

Seeing as Cathy solved my problem you may hear from me more often.

Good luck, Jolee. We'll be waiting for the "baby alert"..

AJ/MOM

Stayin' Alive.....

barely.

I am still here. Cathy, you are right, Mason would have LOVED to see me being snowmobiled or at least ambulanced to the hospital...and right now, I would be thrilled to see that happen:)

My mom spent the night last night because I was convinced I was going in. LOTS of pressure, discomfort and such...but nothing happened. Just woken up each hour with a contraction, but nothing regular or worth going in for. I was up at my usual time from 2:30-3:45 and my mom happened to get up so I had some company for a while which was nice.

We decorated the tree tonight, so that was fun. It's fun to watch Mason at the holidays each year. All the excitement and fun for him!! He watched Rudolph for the first time last night. And loved it. Yesterday we took a nap together on the couch for 2 hours...which was heavenly. Snow outside, Christmas lights on, fireplace on and soft Christmas music playing. It was just what I needed!! And it was nice to have a sweet moment with him, especially since I have been so cranky the last couple of days. I hope Mason won't be traumatized by my impatience. So far he seems OK.

I'm pretty miserable. Pains where I didn't know it was possible to have pains. My lower back has been giving out..right where my leg is attatched...that's fun. Just waiting to go down like a ton of bricks. :) And I feel like I am turning into a Godzilla Queen. I was so crabby at one point today, I went down to our spider infested basement, sat on a bin and ate a popsicle by myself. A 3 hour nap didn't even help. A friend who is also due any day is having the same crabby moments, so it's really nice to have someone to call who truly understands. At least we can make each other laugh and get a better perspective.

Part of me wants to hold onto Tues so my Dr is the one who delivers and so everything is carefully monitored and we are not rushing to the hospital, but, I would love to go tonight or tomorrow as well. We'll see. I might try a little shopping a little tomorrow.

I'll keep you posted. I hope the snow stops soon for you soon Cathy. I think we got about 9 inches...which was less than forcasted and the storm stopped a lot sooner than they said it would. Tuesday we are supposed to get some more snow, but I don't think it will be much. Mqaybe tomorrow I can take Mason out in the snow and pull him a sled to get things going?

Hey, I Think That It Snowed

The Snow Report From Riverdale Road=YES.

Randy measured the snow with his Green Bay Packer measuring tape and the help of his lovely assistant (not me). It doesn't get anymore official than that. At 9:51 a.m. EST, we have 12" of snow. Officially.

The birds are going to have a hard time today.

Maybe Today?

Feeling a lot of pressure and feeling like I am sitting on a cavern. Sometimes I wonder if I will need to catch him?

Had a couple of contractions, but nothing that was strong or lasted long. I notice when I walk I have a lot of pressure. Soooo, we'll see. The storm is here, and I really would like to wait until tomorrow after the storm. Plus Craig is still at work until 3:00. It's about 1:15 now. He can leave if he needs to, but I'll just feel better once he is home. I'm glad he took care of the snowblower last night, because we may need to snowblow out of our driveway. My mom will come here to be with Mason when the time comes.

Aunt Janis...Glad to hear the great news!!!! Tell Mr Jim we are happy for him. What a relief I bet!!

Cathy, how much snow did you get that day? I tried to watch the video, but it takes so long for it to "buffer" on this dial-up. Sometime next year we will be switching over. I can't wait. then I can ebay stuff the baby no longer needs, email pictures, watch others' videos and so on.

Well, I am going to try and paint my toenails now. That should be video'd because I am sure it will be hilarious. A large beach ball with short arms trying to reach her toes. Maybe I won't try.

Just taking it easy today with Mason. Sitting in the living room with the Christmas lights and fireplace and soft music. I may take a nap.