Local zoo

Today Kevin & I checked out the Des Moines Zoo. The best part about it was that it wasn't too big, and very kid friendly. I didn't like the petting zoo/farm, but luckily Kevin is still too young to beg me to feed all the animals. He watched from his stroller as older kids fed the donkeys, sheep & ducks. That is not my thing (to say the very least, Daddy will definitely have to come along for that adventure!)

Kevin seemed to like the giraffes the best!

The big news at the zoo is the momma & new baby elephant

Toy overload at Brenda's house

My good friend Brenda is on vacation this week so she offered to let our nomadic family stay there this week. It's been a great way for us to check out our potentially new neighborhood (the house we like is just around the corner!!!) Aside from me scoping out the neighbors, Kevin has had a ball with all the new toys & books. Check him out:

Nate would much prefer Kevin to be playing with a tool set or dinosaurs, but he loves Eliana's kitchen set. To be fair, I did set it up with all the toy foods & dishes to lure Kevin in. Hey, if he will be home with me all day, he might as well enjoy cooking! There is nothing wrong with a boy in the kitchen, he could be a star chef some day!

Garrison has funny sunglasses from "A Bug's Life" movie.

Last night we went to a picnic with Nate's new co-workers. Kevin did not wear his chef's hat or funny glasses, but helped us to make new friends nonetheless. I had him dressed in my favorite Chicago Cubs outfit, so that was a natural way to make conversation. Iowa folks LOVE the Cubs too.

6.18.08 Baby's first steps

FINALLY, last night Kevin took his first real steps, alone. He stood up alone and walked back & forth between us. He was pretty rocky, but I know he will get better in no time!

With all the excitement, we forgot to grab the camera. Please forgive us!

Yesterday I spent the day with Kevin watching Brenda's two kids who are 4 and 8. Maybe all the activity amongst the older kids finally gave Kevin some motivation.

Weekend at home in CHICAGO :)

Despite the road closures and detours due to flooding, we were determined to make to Chicago for the weekend. Kevin was an all-star in the car, we could not have asked for a better kid! We arrived home around 1:30 Saturday morning. A trip that should take us about 5 or so hours took 7 and a half! Kevin was so thrilled to see his bed (so were we!) and the rest of his toys. Saturday night we ordered sushi from our favorite spot in the City and enjoyed it on our deck with a few bottles of wine with Aunt Nicole & Uncle Joe.

Here are some photos from Father's Day:

Our drive back to Iowa last night was fine. It takes much longer when you can't drive on the interstate roads. Nate made it to his desk on-time this morning, but one sleepy actuary. Is that dangerous?

Yes, the condo is still on the market. We have now lowered the price, hopefully that will do the trick! Good news here, many more houses on the market so we can take our pick.

p.s.

... no real progress on walking yet. However, we have noticed that Kevin will "walk" so much better if anyone other than me or Nate is holding his hand. If Nate or I try to practice walking with him he just collapses to his knees and bounces up & down for us to pick him up. You can guess what happens next.

Despite his lack of walking, he has to be the fastest "cruiser" ever. I see now why moms must have eyes in the back of their heads.

What are we doing all day in Iowa?

You may ask, "What do you do all day"? For the average mom, this is a question with endless answers. Certainly, there is not much down time while keeping up with a 1-year old, but as we are staying with family in Iowa right now, I am doing me best to keep us busy. I am trying to get Kevin outside as much as possible. We take a long walk every morning that ends at the swingset down the street.

First, let me say that we spend a great majority of our time following the weather report! Seriously, each night we watch 3 or 4 news channels to keep up with all the flooding coverage. It is terrible here, we have quickly learned what an impact this flooding will have to all the great farmers of the State.

Tuesday night we took Kevin swimming. There are 2 pools in town, each with wading pools for Kevin. I knew he would enjoy the pool since he LOVES to splash. The best part was, he went to bed sooooo easy when we got home. I told Nate we should buy a house with a pool so Kevy could splash every day. He said "no way", of course. Yesterday we were planning to meet a few other moms at the zoo, but you guessed it, there was more RAIN! So Kevin and I drove by a few houses that we are interested in and hit the mall. Today we are meeting a friend for lunch. The grand finale of our week is that we are going back to Chicago on Friday. Can't wait!!!

Each day ends with Nate giving Kevin a bath. I love that Nate is in charge of that process! Here are a few photos... watch out Tanya & Dave... this gives you a good idea of what your babies will look like someday. Doesn't this look just like David?

He's walking... well, sort of...

Learning to walk

Kevin has taken a few steps, but not on his own yet. He has a few push toys that help him along inside, but we thought it would best to practice in the yard. One thing we don't have in Chicago; a big yard for Kevin to play in - so it has been nice to get outside. Afterall, the grass is soft to land on when Kevin wipes out!

(ps - thank goodness for the diapers, they give him extra padding for the landing)

Kevin with his Dad & Great Grandpa Jimmie:

Greetings from Iowa

We made it to Iowa on Saturday. It was really sad to leave, but I know we will be going back again to officially move our stuff. Kevin did really well in the car. The funniest part of the road trip... trying to decide if Kevin had a poopy diaper or if it was just the smell of farmland! Yep, it was Kevin, not the smell of the cows.

We arrived in Ames on Saturday night around 10:00. Kevin is getting comforable with everything here. There is a park nearby and lots of walking trails. Once this rainy weather blows through, we plan to be outside a lot!

Nate's first day of work is today. It is tough not having him around all day. I have been very spoiled for the past 3 weeks! It's sad that our family/unemlployment time is over - but very good for Nate to get a paycheck again $$$!