Women's Day

What a GREAT start to the weekend!  A couple of my girlfriends and I participated in the Sioux Falls Women's Day at the Outdoor Campus.  Such a great idea and so much fun!  (Even in the scorching heat!)  What is Women's Day you ask?  Well naturally I am going to tell you!  (haha)

So, basically, the point of Women's Day is to allow all women to try new activities that are typically geared towards men or typically men participate in.  (don't get me wrong, there are many wonderful outdoor-sie women out there and I give each and everyone of you so much credit!)  I have to say, this was such a great time because we got to try things I personally would have never a) thought to do or b) just gone out and tried on my own.  

Here is the list of the actives you could try:

Canoeing

Kayaking

Geocashing

BB Gun shooting

Archery

Pellet Gun shooting

Camp Cooking

Fishing

Going into the event, I really had no expectations of the day only because I really am not an "outdoor-sie" type of person... But let me tell you, it was spectacular!  AND... I got to shoot a gun for the first time :-)  (well, a BB and pellet gun, but hey.. it's a gun)  

All four of us in our little group decided to try: kayaking, BB gun shooting, archery, pellet gun shooting and camp cooking.  I would have to say my favorite was kayaking... BUT the peanut butter/marshmallow/chocolate chip tortilla burrito we made on the camp fire came in a VERY close second!  (they were to die for!!  and let me tell you, that took me by surprise)  

To be perfectly honest, all the activities were a ton of fun and a great experience... Not to mention I was with some pretty fun women which just made the morning perfect!  

Here are a few pictures from our "adventure" at Outdoor Campus

BB Gun Station

Do I look like a pro?

Jill, Lori and Tammy shooting BB Guns

Archery

Tammy "killed" the dear like she was a pro!

Great Job Tammy!

Lori showing off her skills!

Pellet Gun

Great aim Jill!

Thanks for such a fun morning and lunch Jill, Lori and Tammy!  I can't wait for next year!

12-1 = 11... Yes 11 MONTHS!

Breathe Abby... Breathe....  11 months?!?!  Already??  I feel like the last year has gone by in 11 minutes!

Once again, where has the time gone?  Really, the next time I write my "birthday" posting, it REALLY will be Jameson's birthday and he will be ONE!  This mommy is truly having a panic attack and in denial!  It was just a short year ago that I was wishing and hoping I could fast forward a year so I wouldn't be huge and pregnant and now I would give anything to go back to the huge baby bump...

Anyways... This past month has been... well... fun and stressful all in one.  Mostly fun, but I can't leave out the stress because it's true.  Our little man finally learned to crawl!  (yay!) AND walk behind toys... AND stand up in his crib!  Busy, Busy month I tell ya!  Although it was pretty stressful at first with a little man always on the move (and thinking I had the house almost baby-proofed but quickly realized I was very wrong!), it truly has been a blessing and so much fun.  I can tell Jameson is much happier now that he can move around and get to all the things/places he wants!  The house is a total disaster by the end of the day with toy explosions EVERYWHERE, but I truly love it and don't mind one bit!

11 Month Statistics

Weight: 26lbs 

(this was on our home scale, so it may be off just a bit)

Height: So, we tried really hard to get J's length..
The best we could get was about 31 inches...  give or take just a little due to
a squirming 11 month old!

Diaper Size: still a 4

Clothing Size: 12 months along with some 18 month

This last month has really been an "eating" learning curve for me!  We have been working really hard to get Jameson into a regular eating schedule that incorporates three main meals a day along with two regular snack times.  He still gets an eight ounce bottle when he wakes up in the morning and right before bed, but overall, the goal is to slowly cut back on the formula intake and increase on the real food.  I also have to mention the fact that we have been playing the "sippy cup" trial and error game for quite some time now.  (So, anyone out there looking for sippy cups, we have pretty much bought out Target and Babies R Us' supply!)  As of today, the progress of sippy cup training is getting a little better, but there hasn't been too much to report on just yet.  (lots of messes - between Jameson throwing them EVERYWHERE and them leaking everywhere while he is trying them out... let me tell you, formula has been splattered places I thought would never be possible!)  

I would have to say one of our favorite developments has been the fact that Jameson LOVES to play with all of his toys and... and... loves to play all by himself!  Don't get me wrong, we still follow him around, chat with him as much as possible, but we are quickly learning that he is actually enjoying his time alone and learning a ton of problem solving skills along the way! (I think this has been difficult for me to comprehend because I have the mind set that he needs our help 24/7, needs our attention, needs mommy and daddy by his side ALL.. THE... TIME... and that is just not the case anymore)  

So on top of the stress of having a mover and shaker, Jameson is quickly developing one heck of a personality and major "testing" skills!  Let's just say the temper tantrums are starting full speed and as soon as you say "No No" he starts smiling and trying whatever he shouldn't be doing once again!  Jameson has also mastered the "fake" cry to get what he wants!  Fortunately Luke and I have caught on to that little trick quite quickly... Little Mr. Man wasn't too happy about that, but it surly makes for some great laughs on our end!   

The monthly photo shoot has really taken a turn for the worse I guess you would have to say!  It's almost impossible to get Jameson to sit still and, as you will soon see, whenever I say his name or put the camera up to take a picture he quickly turns away or around!  Although the pictures may not be the greatest, they do make for some good laughs and great stories (I can't wait for the day Jameson's significant other asks for baby pictures!  He is in so much trouble)

I think I caught the one second he was actually sitting down

Seriously ALWAYS on the move!

I gave up on the sticker for a while and just put it on his back

so he wouldn't tear it off and so you could actually see the number

Trying really hard to get a picture with his sign

Such a big boy!

I can't believe it's been 11 months since Jameson came into our lives!  He truly has made our family perfect!  Love you little man!!!

Pool Time

Like most of the country, it has been SUPER hot here in Sioux Falls the last couple weeks.  Jameson and I have been feeling pretty cooped up in the house, so I finally decided to pick up a kiddy pool so we could actually enjoy some time outside without melting.  

I just have to say, Jameson may not look like me (can you say mini-me of Luke?) but he surly inherited my love for the water!  I realized this during swim lessons, but even in a kiddy pool, our little boy is a fish!  I tell ya, no need to pay for expensive concert tickets, or zoo admission, or anything to keep me occupied... Just watching Jameson play in the pool is an entire days worth of entertainment in our own back yard.  

He started off by just sitting in the pool... enjoying the sun...  checking out his toys...  you know, calm, cool... Then...  CRAZINESS!  Splashing....  laying on his tummy splashing (yes, in the water... can you say heart attack for this mommy!) dunking his head...  blowing bubbles... It was so fun to watch!  He was having the time of his life!  (I am pretty sure that was the best $24.99 I have spent in a long time!)  I think this pool will get enough use this summer to pay for itself a million times over!  

First "dip" of the summer...

Lovin' Life

He was so excited to be in the water!

Bath toys also make GREAT pool days!

Let the craziness begin

Splashin' away

Quick break to catch his breath

Jailbirds!

I had another first this past Thursday... I had to "bail" my boys out of jail!  (I never thought I would say that!)  

No, it's not what you are thinking... 

Luke participated in the 2012 "Lock Up" for the Muscular Dystrophy Association and had to get "bailed out" of jail by gracious supporters via monetary donations.  

A HUGE Thank You.. 

to the following families for your gracious donations!

Adam Marson

Jan and Jeff Marson

Jean and Mark Gunderson

Heidi and Greg Case

Jeanine and Rex Newcomer

Kathy Hansen 

Because of your gracious donations, kids diagnosed with MD are able to attend a week long summer camp with all expenses paid!  We heard some amazing stories of some of the young boys and girls that look forward to the camp each and every year.  They love the fact that they can enjoy a week of fun activities and not feel judged or feel left out due to their illness/disability. 

My boys... 

Still "free" at this point

In the "slammer"

Luke was "bailed out" but Jameson on the other hand..

he had to serve a little more time...

At least he can laugh about it!

Thank you again to EVERYONE that supported Luke and donated to the MDA!  

Mommy's weekend away... AGAIN!

So it was another mommy-weekend for me!  I had a bridal shower back in my hometown to attend Saturday afternoon, so my AMAZING dad offered to truck out to Sioux Falls so I could truck back to Ona without a screaming baby in the backseat!  Seriously, he is the BEST dad in the world!

My dad made the drive out to SD on Thursday evening, but had to head back to WI Saturday evening once Luke was off work.  So, I decided to drive back to Ona Friday morning so I wouldn't have to do a long round-trip, road trip all in one day on Saturday.  BUT, you know what that meant for my mom and I...  GIRLS NIGHT OUT!  (haha gotta love those times!)

We called our old neighbors (love you Holthaus girls!  Oh yes, and Jeff too) and girls night it was... officially girls night and LOTS of fun!  We started our evening hangin' around the good old kitchen table (so many great conversations and laughs!) and then we headed downtown.  (Whats a true girls night without some drinks and country dancing?)  Dinner was first on the agenda so we head to Dublin Square to grab some food.  Then it was off to the country bars! (truly, would you expect any less from me?)  I was in heaven and singing the night away.

Kaylin, Me and McKenzie

(the sisters I never had!  Love you girls)

Girls night out!

Mother/Daughter photo-op

I was "oh so lucky" to do a shoot-out

at the country bar to win a drink tab

(No, I did NOT win)

It was such a great night, ladies!  I was feeling all sad that I was away from Jameson two weekends in a row, but you girls made my night!  Thanks for being such great friends and "family".

Saturday - mom and I slept in (that NEVER happens) and headed up to Holmen to visit my grandma for a while.  It's always so wonderful to spend time with her; especially when it's not rushed and I don't have a squirming baby with me.  We then had a couple little errands to run then it was time to pack my car, clean up and head to the bridal shower.

All I have to say is, SO MUCH FUN!  Maria's maids-of-honor and their wonderful moms put on a great party!  They did an Italian Movie theme and everything was decorated to a "T"!  Seriously, movie quotes all around the house, red carpet, movie posters featuring Maria and Mark, popcorn, movie snacks... just perfect!  (GREAT JOB ladies!)  And...anyone that knows me knows I LOVE shower games!  We were lucky enough to play THREE... count them 3 games!  (I was in heaven)  AND... AND... I WON one of them!  Maria opened some wonderful gifts and she truly was showered with so much love!  I said it already, but great party ladies and bring on September!  The big day is fast approaching and I can't wait to celebrate.

One of the adorable "movie" posters

I WON!

The costumes for the "red carpet" pictures

Kayla with the Bride-to-be

 Too much fun!

So, after the party, it was back in the car for this girl.  I was looking forward to the fact that my dad was also driving, so we planned to meet half-way for a little stretch/coffee break.  (definitely makes the 4.5 hour drive not seem so bad).  What I was NOT looking forward to was this...

Oh yes, that was the storm I drove through near Rochester!  (and anyone that knows me, knows I am deathly afraid of storms... not a good situation!)  Thank goodness all I really had to deal with was heavy rain!  (it was coming down so hard at one point I thought it was hailing)  That was NOT very fun!  But, once I got past the storm, this is what I saw...  and the rest of the drive was easy and enjoyable!

What a great weekend!  Sunday was fathers day and although Luke had to work most of the day, we were able to enjoy a very nice dinner out, ice cream (Luke's favorite) and a relaxing evening as a family!

Thanks again to my wonderful dad for driving out to watch baby J!  You made the weekend wonderful and Jameson was in heaven playing with his GPA!   -Love you papa!

Mommy's Weekend Away

Yet another first for the Hansen Household...  Luke and Jameson had their first Father/Son weekend... ALONE!

I was so excited for this past weekend!  I was heading to Chicago to celebrate my friend Maria's "last fling" before her BIG day!

Although I was super excited for my get-a-way, I was a little nervous for my boys... Not that I didn't trust Luke, but it was hard for me to be away and those two to be together... I guess that's called jealousy!  hahaha  I knew they would be fine, have a great time and get some much needed bonding time, but it was still hard to say goodbye.  Not to mention I am deathly afraid of flying, so I was in a minor  major panic when it was time to head to the airport.

Before the big bachelorette weekend began, I got to meet up with my old college roomie and spend a few hours catching up!  I was beyond excited to get some MONI TIME!  We went to look at bridesmaid dresses for her up-coming wedding (can't wait to be apart of your day, Moni!) and then headed for some lunch.  Although our afternoon together wasn't all that long, it truly was amazing and it meant the world!  I love the laughs Moni and I ALWAYS seem to find with each other and how we can pick up from where we left off.  Such a fun afternoon and I can't wait for October 6th!  

BRING ON THE PARTY!  Friday afternoon/evening was a little low-key...  We had a little high school reunion/reminisce time, cocktails, decided the gender of Kayla's baby... you name it, we talked about it...  (that's what girls do!)  It was then time for a delicious Spanish dinner and off to Howl at the Moon.  (PS, if you haven't been... It's a MUST!) That place was rockin' with fantastic live music!!!!

1/2 of the O-town Crew

"Bride Sandwich"

The "other half" + Jenna (again) :-)

 Me with the beautiful bride

Thanks for the hotel room Smitty!

The "ring game" to figure out the gender of

baby Schwein

(PS: it said girl... then boy)

Maria and Lauren getting their groove on

at Howl  at the Moon

Saturday... Maria and I started our day with a beautiful and refreshing run down to Navy Pier!  What a breath-taking way to start a morning... (I think I could get use to that)  Then it was off to brunch at the (extremely) delicious cafe ORANGE (perfect for the occasion considering Maria's wedding/favorite color is orange!)  I was in love with that place and highly recommend it to anyone visiting the Chicago area.  We had a little time in the afternoon to bum around... Maria was able to catch up with one of her college friends, a few others had a couple errands to run and Kayla, Jenna and myself headed over to Michigan Ave for a quick shopping adventure. (would you expect any less?)  On our way back to the hotel, we had the brilliant idea to get frozen yogurt!  MMMMMmmmmm SO GOOD!  Jenna had never experienced a frozen yogurt bar, so on top of the deliciousness, she was speechless at a) the selection of yogurt flavors b) the selection of toppings and c) the overall "party in your mouth" flavor explosion once her combination of yogurt and toppings hit her taste buds.  It was pretty funny to watch!

O-town girls at ORANGE

Maria and Shannon enjoying a cocktail 

Our evening was... OUTSTANDING...  AMAZING... MY TYPE OF PARTY!  We were off to Wriggly Field for the Jerrod Niemann, The Band Perry, Chris Young, Miranda Lambert and Brad Paisley Concert!  I was truly in heaven!  On top of a great show, we had roof top seat tickets which included: all-you-can-drink beer/wine, food, nonalcoholic beverages and (for all you ladies out there) NICE/CLEAN bathrooms!  Seriously, so much fun and I would highly recommend it to anyone.

Jenna... Taking a shot?  You go girl!

 The beautiful bride and her Maids-of-Honor

O-Town Crew

The entire party!  You girls are rock stars!

Such a fun weekend!

Overall, it was a great weekend with my ladies!  Thank you to everyone that made "Mom's Night Out" so delightful!  Maria - I am so excited to be apart of your wedding and thanks for such a fun and memorable weekend!!  Jenna and Lauren - thank you for planning such a great party weekend!  Love to all you girls!!