Monday, July 26, 2010

Summer of Swimming, Splashing and all things Norwegian!



Ian has been busy the last few weeks.
We had a week of swimming lessons two weeks ago. Ian was the youngest baby in the class, but he handled the water better than most of his peers. He didn't like getting in the water at first -- it did seem cold on a few of the days, but once he was wet, he just relaxed and smiled. In most of the photos, he has his serious face -- Ian now has two faces: 1. Serious and 2. Smiles.
He didn't smile or talk the first lesson, just took it all in. By the end of the week, he was smiling and splashing the water. We even put him completely under water twice. He was a little shocked but not scared at all. Kurt and I hope this comfort with the water sticks with him as he grows.


Every baby has an embarrassing bath photo. Ian, this may come back and haunt you at your high school graduation, but it's a rite of passage. Besides, you're so cute, your Momma couldn't resist!


This past weekend, Kurt, Ian and I experienced NordicFest in Decorah. Since Ian has Norwegian blood running through his veins, I thought he should be dressed for the occasion....
The weather was wonderful, so Ian was able to wear his long sleeve outfit most of the day. We had quite a few comments on how cute he was!


Ian's new favorite hobbies include pulling all the books off the bookshelf (including the heavy textbooks!), crawling under the table and hiding (and then laughing when we "find" him). And as always, playing with Charlie. A few days ago, Charlie was sitting on one of the dining room chairs. Ian crawled over to her, pulled himself up and started to pull at her paws. She batted at Ian with her declawed paws and then Ian would laugh. They did this for about 3-5 minutes. She truly loves Ian and she usually can be found next to Ian. Now that he is crawling, she follows him around and sits next to him. She even sleeps under his crib, if we let her.

Kurt took this photo. I don't know if you can tell, but Charlie and Ian are touching legs as they sleep.
Next weekend we have the Klocek Family Reunion and then the Freeborn County Fair!

Sunday, July 11, 2010

Summer Days

During the months of June and July, Ian has been very busy! Here are a few of his milestones from these two summer months...

Ian began to crawl at the end of June! He could coordinate his arms, but he had trouble getting his legs to follow! But it didn't take our little man very long to figure it all out. Now he is across the room before I even know it. Ian also started to go from a crawling position to sitting up all on his own! This happened on the July 4th, which will make it an easy milestone to always remember.

Ian attended his first parade on July 3rd in Albert Lea. Ian was intrigued by all the floats, flags and kids grabbing candy. Ian donned his Klocek Electric gear that day, just in case Papa needed his help on a service call.It was very hot and humid and Ian didn't want to keep his sunhat on, so we didn't stay outside for the entire parade. Also on the 4th of July weekend, Ian had his first tractor ride with Papa! Ian has sit on the tractors before, but this was the first time he rode one! When Papa and Ian started to move, Ian's eyes got very large! He wasn't scared and he went between his serious face and his smile face the entire ride! By the end, Ian was concentrating on learning how to steer!

Ian now has 3 teeth with the 4th just about ready to cut through the gum-line. Teething is still difficult, but he does seem to be handling each new tooth a little better.

Ian swung in his outdoor swing last week!

I was a little nervous that he would be scared, but he loved it!

I have also noticed that Ian enjoys playing on his own. He will be content for 15-20 minutes with toys on the floor. Today, while Daddy was napping in the recliner, Ian decided to make a fort underneath Daddy! Here is our proud little man in his "fort".


Monday, June 28, 2010

Road Trip

Ian took his longest trip to date this past weekend. We went to visit his cousin Avery in suburban Chicago. Ian slept most of the 4 1/2 hour drive, but he was ready to be out of his car seat when we arrived!
Avery greeted us in his Buzz Lightyear outfit! Avery was so gentle and affectionate with Ian. We had such a nice weekend that Mama forgot to get her camera out!Like most 3 year olds, Avery is a ball of energy and trying to catch him AND get Ian to look at the camera was a challenge I loved!Ian is working on his third tooth. The teething process is still very hard on him, but each one seems a little easier...keep your fingers crossed this pattern continues.

We, Ian's Mama and Daddy, went on our first date since Ian was born! We had forgotten how nice a dinner and movie was. It was nice to have a few hours of adult time, but we were both ready to get back to our little guy! Thank you to Jessie and Scott for watching Ian while we were out!
Here Avery is giving Ian a hug...
We had a wonderful trip and we look forward to many more!

Friday, June 18, 2010

The Not So Fun Doctor Appointment




Ian had his 6-month checkup the other day, weighing in at 18lbs. 8 ounces, and measuring 27 1/8" long. He's in the 65th percentile for height, weight, and head size. Our little boy is growing so fast and getting stronger and more mobile every day!

At the appoint Dr. Schwartz discovered that Ian has a "tongue tie" as he called it, which was preventing Ian from sticking out his tongue. Dr. Schwartz stated that we needed to remove the frenulum and the sooner the better. Since you all know me, you already know I immediately began to worry and fret about what was about to happen to my baby. Dr. Schwartz explained the procedure to me and even had me try the numbing agent that we used on Ian's tongue. I decided it would be better for me not to watch, so I stepped aside and let the doctor and nurse do their work. It was all over within 30 seconds and Ian was more upset about not being able to see me than what had just happened. I have noticed that Ian is moving his tongue more, but he hasn't stuck it all the way out of his mouth yet.

We also had shots at this appointment, so both Ian and I were relieved when everything was over and we got to come home and snuggle and rock. Our little man is such a trouper.

Ian is also working on his third tooth! The teething process continues to be hard for him.

These photos are from Sunday -- before the Dr. appointment. Ian is driving his car for the first time!

Friday, June 11, 2010

Sitting Pretty....er...Handsome!

Ian has recently started to sit on his own! One of his favorite toys right now is one from Auntie Sara that has a mirror with lights and shapes of instruments that when you press them, the lights turn on, little people pop up and songs play. I have to say, it's quite fun!
Here is Ian sitting all by himself playing the instruments!Here the toy is playing the "If You're Happy and You Know It" song; Ian's not sure he likes it...

Ian's love for Charlie is growing every day. Charlie would probably never admit it, but she loves him to. She stays very close to Ian. Right before I snapped this photo, Charlie was resting her head on him while he played! She's such a great cat. When she walks into the room, Ian smiles, giggles and has started to reach for her! Amazingly, she usually goes to him and allows him to "pet" her. We are working on being gentle with Kitty Charlie.

Here Ian is watching Charlie...the reason for the smile!This smile is all for Mama...and Charlie!
Ian is also getting very close to begin crawling. He gets up on all fours and then he's not quite sure what to do from there. I have been strategically placing toys in front of him, so now he moves his hand forward to reach the toy and then goes back onto his stomach.
Ian now has two teeth and luckily he hasn't been having trouble! I'm so thankful for this "teething break". It's so difficult as a parent to know your baby is in pain! In this photo you can see his two bottom teeth...
Ian has also slept through the entire night for the last 3 nights! Yay!! We hope Ian keeps it up!

We also moved into our house two weeks ago! We are still working on getting everything unpacked, but we love our house and look forward to being settled for quite a while! On the next blog, I'll include photos of our house.

Sunday, May 23, 2010

Ian's First Tooth

Last Sunday Ian's first tooth came through! After it cut through, he seemed so relieved. Our poor little guy was in so much pain. He's usually very laid back and happy and he had been crying and needy. Tylenol and chewing on damp dishcloths seem to be the only things that help!

Since the tooth has come through, he seems back to his happy self! We are anxiously awaiting the next one.

So, to celebrate Ian's first tooth, here is a video of him in one of his favorite activities...the Jump-A-Roo.


Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Big Red Tractor


Ian sat on a tractor for the first time on May 2nd. We went to visit Nana and Papa for Nana's birthday and then rode the tractors on Sunday. Uncle Jon was able to spend the weekend with us as well!


First Papa, Daddy and Uncle Jon had to show Ian how the tractors worked, so Ian had his very own private parade! I don't know who had more fun, there were big smiles from all three.

The parade did turn into a mini race, with Papa winning! :)

Ian wasn't afraid of the tractors at all! In the picture below, he has his serious face on, but he was very laid back about the whole thing.

This is my favorite family photo we have so far!


We had a great weekend in Albert Lea and I'm sure this is just the beginning of many tractor rides (and tractor drives!) for Ian.

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