Family Vacation

We went to the beach - again! Living in The South really has it's advantages. We took a family vacation to the Outer Banks of North Carolina and Lucy had a wonderful time with her cousins on the beach. The biggest news of the weekend was that Lucy was an absolute dream child during the 8+ hour drive to and fro. She's changed in remarkable ways in the last several months. Less whining, more interactive!

And for those of you still getting snowed on - it was 80 and sunny everyday.

As usual it's late, I'm tired and my creativity is low. Here are some photos to keep you coming back:

Warning: We are in the middle of Operation Growing Out Bangs - Phase One.



















I can't even believe I'm posting this pregnant photo of myself...
























And lastly, if I had to sum up Lucy in one photo, it would be this. She's STILL into everything and doesn't give up. She tried to get into this chain-locked gate (to the pool that wasn't open yet) everyday, multiple times a day. She's no quitter.

Moving Forward

Or at least trying. Lucy pushes us, whether we want to go or not. Spring planting season is here and Ken has already tackled several projects.

Karen Marlow Wilkenloh

July 3, 1943 - March 27, 2008

It is with great sadness I announce my mother passed away on Thursday, March 27, 2008 after a three year battle with ovarian cancer.

It's already March?

Sorry, postings have been light, as we all have been preoccupied with my mothers deteriorating health.

But here is a little Lucy sunshine to brighten your day. I let her play with scissors tonight, something I know I will regret. It seemed like a good idea at the time. And we introduced Jelly Beans. Another questionable parental decision.


















Too late - it's already a regret. She cut her thumb with the scissors. No joke.

Winter Break

We drove to Florida, and it took less than a day! We left in the morning, and got there mid afternoon. If living in Minneapolis, it would be like driving to Chicago. We weren't in Southern Florida, but it was Florida, and there were beaches and ocean and I know none of you in from Minnesota would complain about that.

Lucy loved swimming in the pool. She liked to talk a big talk about GOING TO THE BEACH, but once we would get there, she didn't really know what to do with herself.

It was nice to get away and enjoy some 'warmer' weather. Lucy did really well in the car and even in the hotel. We were very nervous about the whole sleeping thing, but she had no problem. She looked a little cramped in the pack n play, but she slept, and we rejoiced.

It's been harder and harder to take photos of Lucy lately, as she doesn't seem to like the camera. Here are the best photos of the 4 day trip.

Becoming A Person

This photo was taken after she pushed the upholstered rocking chair in her room up to her dresser and pulled out most of the CD's and necklaces in the top drawer. I went to see what she was doing, and this is what I found, standing in the rocking chair.

She calls her new piece of clothing a hat. Obviously, potty training is going really well.

I put her down for her nap, with the underwear still on her head. And she still had it on, two hours later!

















Today she also said the following phrases:

Oh My Gosh!
Brown Shoes - CUTE!
Stop Whining

I guess it's time to reel in the language. Thankfully, no audible swear words yet. Utterly amazing!

A Little Bit of Minnesota, Right Here In Jaw-Jaw

*Note: That's GEORGIA for all you Northerns who don't understand the bastardized southern version of the English language.

Everyone put your hands together for....

Baby Bonk number two! We've had a little secret that we've only told a few (hundred, it seems), but now that I'm almost thirteen weeks, it only seems right to make the announcement official on Baby Coffee. We've got baby number two on the way. If I haven't returned your phone calls, or even made contact with you over the holidays, it's simply because this tiny little baby has been beating me down. Making me sicker than sick. It's been a miserable three months. It seems I'm starting to feel better since I'm eating more than crackers, soup and water.

Today I went in for one of those ultrasounds they give OLD pregnant women, and everything is looking excellent. The doctor asked if I wanted to see if it was a boy or a girl and I was surprised they could even determine the sex that early. I thought it wasn't until 20 weeks. Oh so wrong! We could see very clearly that this Baby Bonk is a BOY. I was so stunned and shocked I forgot to get the ultrasound image from the technician. I was SURE I was having a girl. I've been saving pink outfits for 2+ years now and have a pretty good store started in my parents basement.

Now it's onto to the name game for the next 6 months. Suggestions always welcome, but not necessarily taken.

The next Bonk chapter arrives sometime on or around July 20th. Thankfully, before the dreaded month of August in Atlanta.

Happy 2008

The Last of 2007

Christmas Eve: The cousins enjoying a bowl of frozen blueberries before heading off to bed.

















Christmas morning. The most adored present in the place. And it wasn't Lucy's!

















Christmas afternoon. The only way to get her to smile was to include a lollypop in the photo.

Projects. Lucy loves nothing more than projects and a screwdriver. Finally, the laundry room is getting the addition of cabinets which will now make it my studio/laundry room. Then, I can finally unpack all my studio stuff. It's been in boxes since March!

Stay tuned in 2008...

Merry Christmas!

As you can see, Lucy is very excited for Santa to come with lots of presents!

In other exciting news, Lucy got her cast off on Wednesday. She's taken long luxurious baths each day since and is very happy to have her pink friend gone.

Happy Holidays to everyone. Our holiday card is a little late this year, as we've all been sick, sick and sick. Look for it remarketed as a Happy New Year card.

Still Tickin

Thanksgiving was mellow and mild. All enjoyed the visit from Grandma Sue. We were just settling into a late Sunday afternoon at Grandma and Grandpa's when Lucy tripped and fell in the kitchen. When the crying lasted a little longer than usual and she played, but without using her right arm, we suspected an injury. One fairly quick visit to the local childrens emergency care station and this is what we came home with:



















First xrays, then a splint for two days. Then on Tuesday morning a full cast.
























Poor child broke both the bones in her right arm and will have the cast for at least 3.5 weeks. After that, she may still need a smaller cast for another week. All things considered, it hasn't slowed her down a bit. It's like everyone says - kids are incredibly resilient and adaptive. Now our biggest challenges are to find shirts to fit over the cast. And, to bath a dirty two year old without getting the cast even the wee teeniest bit wet. Any suggestions?

The Pensive Side of Lucy

This photo is a long overdue picture of Lucy's favorite toy from Wendy.

Halloween '07

As I gather my belongings for an out of town weekend without Ken and Lucy, I leave you with a few holiday photos. Lucy gives Halloween and CANDY CANDY CANDY CANDY CANDY CANDY CANDY a big high five.

And her version of Trick Or Treat = Cracker Treat.

























An ode to Grandma!

Ponys and Bugs

The first ponytail





Ladybugs invade neighborhood Halloween party



































































































The little bug, always running away. We see lots of her back these days.

A Run Through The Park

Photo Backlog

This is what life is like with Lucy. Always in motion, motion, motion



















We went to a small local outdoor concert. Lucy had a blast, and so of course did we.

















My lastest inspiration is the stage the band played on.

















This is how Lucy feels about most hugs. But, she enjoys playing with her new friend.

















The lake only a few blocks from our house. A few very hilly blocks, but it's still close. So close, that we may be drinking out of this hole if it doesn't rain around here soon.

























The favorite new backpack.












































Lucy created this stack of blocks all on her own. She's a block stacking master.


























More original creations

























And lastly, it should be noted in BOLD, that most, if not all photos are taken by Dad.