A Little Golden Book

Christmas 2010

2010-12-29T21:57:00.000-07:00

We enjoyed six days in Evanston with our families this year. We stayed at the Anderson's and shuffled back and forth to my parent's house because they had a full household of relatives. My oma, opa, aunt, uncle, cousin from Germany, other cousins, and of course my brother. Jonah had a great time opening presents. He received a handmade train from his grandpa and grandma, new bedding and a chair from oma and opa, money for his savings account, and a HUGE bear from great oma and opa. Please check out our pictures in the slide show!

Expecting! And Jonah updates...

2010-10-02T10:47:00.000-06:00

The Anderson brood is growing! We are expecting our second child, due on May 2nd. I am 9 weeks pregnant and we had our first ultrasound this week. The little bean wave his/her little arm buds at us! We are very excited. Here's the pictures. The baby is upside down in the pictures!

In Jonah news....he is walking! Well only for 5-10 ft before he either loses balance or confidence. We are sure in a week or so he will be running! He is doing really well at his day care and he seems to like going. My job at Big Brothers Big Sisters is going well. Hopefully I can get some new volunteers soon, then focus on getting grants and donations. Josh is busy with school and his kids. They are all doing well this year and he still loves his job.

Jonah's 1st Birthday!

2010-08-02T23:05:00.000-06:00

Jonah turned one this past Friday (July 30) and we celebrated with just us on Friday then a birthday party for the little guy on Saturday. On Friday, Josh and I sang him "Happy Birthday" when he woke up...which may have been sensory overload at 6:30 am! I made him blueberry pancakes for breakfast and we spent time at the pool. Throughout the day, Josh and I worked on the landscape but we went up to White Pine for dinner with my parents and grandma. Jonah LOVED his very own cupcake. The little bug wasn't in bed until 9 pm! On Saturday, with Oma's help, we got ready for the party. We had some friends and their kids over for a back yard bbq. Jonah was definitely the center of attention and loved all of his gifts. Daddy worked especially hard at making him a pine toy chest, which of course was full of toys and other gifts. Oma and Opa had mommy's tricycle restored (30+ years) to mint condition for Jonah and also gave him a collector's item of a Charles Schultz "Peanuts" print. Grandma and Grandpa Anderson gave Jonah an awesome barn with animals, book, and amazing learning book made by Mary Ann. All in all, I don't think the little bug could have had a better birthday. Thank you all for the gifts and mom and dad for providing the yummy food! Here are a couple of pictures and there is a slide show on the right:

Landscaping 376 Jackson

2010-08-02T15:36:00.000-06:00

Josh and I ambitiously decided to landscape our home with the goal of Jonah's first birthday as the end goal date. We began on Memorial Day weekend by tilling up our front yard...let me restate...Josh began by tilling up our yard. I have Josh to thank because it begins with my idea and only is achieved through his sweat and hard work. Thank you, love. I wanted perennials and trees in the front, oh, and the front deck to be redone by taking the railing off and adding steps! For our back deck, Josh built an amazing picnic table (anniversary gift from my parents), tilled an area for our fire pit, for an aspen grove, and some flowers. He also put in 4x4's for our hammock and Jonah's swing. Don't forget painting the trim, the two doors, and staining the decks! We couldn't do much of this work until these past 3 weeks...and this has literally been our lives. Now, we have a few projects remaining (mulch, trees, and flowers for the back, and seeding the front...oh and finish the 12 x 24 green house!) but for now we are done for a week or so! Here are a few pictures:

Anderson Family Gathering

2010-07-08T23:20:00.001-06:00

Jonathan, Josh's brother, made it home from Australia for the first time in several years and to celebrate we all gathered in Jackson and Bear Lake. He introduced us to his fiance, Davina, and we gladly accepted her as the newest family addition. Josh's parent's were thrilled to have five of their six children together for the first time in years, along with spouses and 9 grandchildren! We spent a few days camped at Alpine to run the Snake River. A few of us made it down Alpine Canyon and got most of us made it to the on the scenic stretch at the Tetons (including Jonah!). After Jackson, we headed to Bear Lake to hang out at Mary Ann and Dick's cabin. We spent our time visiting, taking walks, and getting to the lake to sail Dick's boat. It was a great week and I am so happy to be a part of the Anderson clan.

As previously stated, Jonah rafted his first river at 11 months. Uncle Daniel let us hop on his new raft along with Dick and Mary Ann, and River (Daniel's 2 yr. old). It was River's first river trip too. This was also Jonah's first camping trip. He did great, enjoyed being outside, and loved watching his cousins.

Thanks to each Anderson family for making the trip and making it a great one! Here are a few pictures from the week, but there are more on the slide show. Thanks to Cathy and Stephen as I snagged a couple of your photos for the slide show.

Jonah's first haircut!

2010-06-30T14:33:00.000-06:00

Jonah's hair had gotten too long. We wanted to wait to cut his hair until he turned one, but he was looking like a little shaggy. He was great and sat in my lap the entire time. Here are the pictures from this morning:

5th Year Wedding Anniversary

2010-06-30T14:19:00.000-06:00

Last weekend Josh and I celebrated our fifth year wedding anniversary. My mom rushed up to Pinedale to take care of Jonah (dad joined her once finished with work) for the weekend. We traveled to Dubois, Wyoming to check it out and stay at a bed and breakfast. We had a wonderful and relaxing weekend. The best. We ate great food, met crazy locals at the bar, slept in, took naps, and went on an awesome bike ride. Here are a few pics.

Father's Day, 2010

2010-06-30T13:31:00.000-06:00

We recently celebrated Josh's first Father's Day. We had a great day with our friend Shannon visiting us. I made Josh breakfast and then we spent the day tooling around Pinedale and being together. Here are a couple of pictures of Jonah helping his dadda open gifts. Milli was getting in on the action too!

Exciting times...

2010-06-16T15:45:00.001-06:00

As I write this update, I am listening to Josh play with Jonah in the living room and Jonah is clearly saying "mama"! Jonah is now 10 months and 3 weeks. We can't believe the little boy he is becoming. He is learning so many new things. He loves to stand and practice walking. He talks, and I swear he said "nanna" a couple mornings ago when I was making him breakfast. He is clapping and doing "arms up." So fun! Soon he will be walking and turning one...can't believe it.

As some of you may have heard, I did not get either of the teaching jobs here in Pinedale (but came in a strong 2nd for both). It was heart breaking because I am so eager to become a teacher but I feel fortunate to continue to stay home with Jonah. I do have a job serving tables 3 nights per week at the brewery. The tips are fantastic, so if nothing else comes along, this will provide us with the desperately needed money, me adult time, and Josh one-on-one time with Jonah.

Last week, my mom, Jonah, and I went to Denver to visit and help my Oma and Opa. Although it can be hard to see them aging, we had a good visit. Here are a couple of pictures. One with Oma, Great Oma, and Great Opa, and the other is Jonah in his pool.

Thank you Jo!

2010-06-13T18:44:00.000-06:00

I have failed to post a thank you to our nanny, Jolayane, who took care of Jonah while I student taught from January through April. Jo and her husband have moved to Casper, and we want to wish them the best of luck, and we miss them!

My First Mother's Day

2010-05-09T20:35:00.000-06:00

Today was a great day spent with my two guys, and my gal, Milli. Josh made us breakfast this morning then we went for a bike ride from our house almost to Fremont Lake. After another meal, lunch, also made by my loving husband, we worked on the landscape. Josh made a planter box on the south side of our house, raked both yards, built me a potting bench in the garage, spread grass seed...oh yes, I do have the best husband in the world! I weeded and picked up pooh...and played with Jonah.

We spent Friday night in Jackson at the Wort, a historical hotel in downtown. It was a great deal because we had one nights stay, dinner at the Silver Dollar, and a movie! Jonah slept through the "Clash of the Titans." Saturday morning we went garage sale shopping around Jackson and did some errands.

A GREAT weekend.

YUMMY dinner at the Silver Dollar Bar & Grill in the Wort Hotel

Bath time at the Wort

Us outside of the Wort

My first mother's day.....

Anderson Update

2010-05-04T15:51:00.000-06:00

As stated in the previous post, I have finished student teaching. I am currently waiting for one last assignment to be graded (my portfolio...a compilation of work from my student teaching experience) then I can apply for graduation. Woopiieeee!

I applied for two science teaching jobs here in Pinedale, one at the middle school and the other at the high school. The high school position would be teaching physics and physical science, which would be fun but the middle school position is my dream teaching job. Science fair is a HUGE ordeal here at the middle school and I would love to get kids involved in science at that age level. They seem to like learning more than high schoolers....or maybe that's just my perception. I interview this Friday for the middle school and early next week for the high school. It's kind of my only shot at teaching here so I really hope to land one.

At nine months, Jonah is doing great. Saying "dadda" and blowing bubbles all the time. He sits up on his own, crawls everywhere on his stomach, and is so close to using all fours to crawl. He can almost sit up own his own from laying down. He talks a bunch...baby babble. He loves playing independently and with us. Such a good baby.

Last night, his daddy took a bath with him...here are a couple of pictures of Jonah enjoying splashing and playing.

Nashville, TN, 2010

2010-05-04T14:43:00.000-06:00

It's hard to believe that the hotel where we stayed last week in Nashville, the Gaylord Opryland, is now flooded. I looked at pictures online and it is devastating. Yes, the place was excessive, but it was beautiful with thousands of plants. Sadly, the good people of Nashville are now without jobs, homes, and possibility loved ones.

On a lighter note...here are a few pictures of our trip. We were staying in at the Opryland hotel because Josh attended the Council for Exceptional Children conference. I had just finished student teaching the Friday before we left. I pushed to get my last assignments done, so I had to do was to hang out with Jonah while we were on the trip. One of the highlights of the trip was traveling down the Cumberland River on the General Jackson paddle boat. We had a great lunch, afternoon entertainment, and saw the banks of downtown.

Jonah traveled great. Hardly any fussing on the planes through all four flights. He loved checking out a new place...got sick of mommy shopping at the mall...remember we live in a one-horse town.

Here are some pictures...

It's time....

2010-01-22T14:48:00.000-07:00

Next Monday, I head back to the work force...so to speak. As a student teacher, I will not be getting paid for working full time but my host teacher is going to let me be is substitute teacher to get paid when he is gone.

I am currently dealing with knowing that I will not be home with Jonah for 12 weeks...it's going to be so tough. I thought it would be easier because I have been fortunate to have 6 months with him, but I don't think it works that way. Now I know how working moms feel. My biggest fear is that Jonah will say "momma" for the first time to our nanny. Tear, tear...

On a lighter side, the little guy had his 6 month doctor appointment yesterday and weighs 14 lbs, 5 oz, and is now 27 inches! He is getting big! He had his shots...sad for baby and mommy! Jonah is eating peas, green beans, apples, avocados, and yams! He loves food and is still breast feeding. This last month I have worked on preparing baby food and stocking up milk. I think he should be good for awhile.

Here are a couple of pictures that I took a few days ago...

Jonah's new shades!

Sitting on his chair

Christmas to 2010

2010-01-07T13:45:00.001-07:00

We hope all of our friends and family enjoyed the holidays as much as we did...now we are pooped and need a vacation! We spent several days in Evanston visiting with Grandpa Anderson and Bushia, and Oma and Grandpa. Jonah met several cousins, aunts, and uncles.

We spent a day with the Robison clan before Christmas. Aunt Joyce Robison, Sally Salder and her children came to met Jonah, along with Uncle David, Aunt Lisa, and Julia, Christina, and Mike. Don't forget G.G. (Great Grandma Robison). It was great spending the day with our extended family. Thank you all for driving to see us.

Christmas Eve morning we opened gifts at the Anderson's. They surprised Jonah with a handmade wood car. So cute. First thing Jonah did was stick it in his mouth.

That evening, we headed back over to Robison's house for a crab broil and gifts. Jonah was so spoiled. G.G. gave Jonah a little red chair that Great Grandpa Francis had made for his son, Steven Robison. We spent time visiting Great Oma, G.G., Great great Aunt Hilde (she really is a great woman!), cousin Gunther (from Heidelberg, Germany), Uncle Chris, Great Uncle Tom, cousins Uriah, Melissa, and Terrance. A FULL HOUSE! Josh made it to midnight mass where his mom is the choir director.

Christmas day we made breakfast for Grandpa and Bushia, opened stocking with Oma and Grandpa, and visited with family and friends. A great way to spend Christmas!

We drove home for Zach and Asia's visit, then packed up again to head to Grand Targee to visit Jerry Espey and his family (more cousins!) who came from Missouri and Idaho to ski. We skiied awesome powder and headed back to Pinedale to spend New Year's Eve. We spent that evening at White Pine with Oma, Grandpa, Uncle Chris, Lilly, Aunt Hilde, and Gunther...and Milli! Wow...driving and family!

Now, we are back in our little abode ready to visit one more cousin, Mark Wilson, who is ready to ski. Josh is back at work and I am spending a couple more weeks with Jonah before starting student teaching on January 25th. I am spending time making baby food, working on homework (ugh), and chillin with the little guy. I hope to get some more days of skiing before I begin student teaching.

I have posted our Christmas and New Year's pictures in a slide show on the right. Enjoy!

Learning to eat with a spoon!

2009-12-18T21:55:00.001-07:00

Jonah has been eating rice cereal mixed with milk in a bottle for the past month to help with his acid reflux. I decided because he is coming up on 5 months that maybe he could adjust to a spoon, plus I can never get the consistency of the cereal right in his bottle, either too liquidy or it won't even come out. Here are a couple of pictures I took yesterday of Jonah learning how to use a spoon. Pretty funny...

Just because...

2009-12-18T21:48:00.000-07:00

I wanted to post this picture just because I am so in love with our little Jonah.

Jonah's Baptism

2009-11-30T18:49:00.000-07:00

During the Thanksgiving holiday, we had Jonah baptised into the Catholic church. His godparents are my brother, Chris, and Josh's sister Megan. Josh's mom, Mary Ann, made a beautiful baptism gown from her own wedding dress. Josh's parents hosted a yummy dinner after the baptism. Here are a few of the pictures.

Handsome boy getting ready with daddy

Ken & Gerda all dressed up

Jonah in his baptism gown with Lilly

Godparents, Chris & Megan

Proud daddy and mommy

Jonah's 1st Thanksgiving

2009-11-30T17:54:00.000-07:00

Boy oh boy, this little guy has a lot of firsts! hehee.....

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving with our families in Evanston. My mom and dad hosted dinner at their house with Chris, Grandma (G.G.), my uncle David and his wife Lisa, Josh's parents, and Josh's brother's family. There were 12 adults and 4 little ones...so much fun. The hard work paid off because the food was delicious and the company merry. Here's a picture of Jonah in his Thanksgiving outfit...yes, we torture him with funny hats and bibs.

Here is another one of my favorites, Jonah chatting with his cousin Jonathan. These two cuties are one week apart. They were having a rolling contest, or comparing notes!

To view more Thanksgiving pictures, check out the slide show on the right side bar.

Jonah's 1st Ski!

2009-11-22T19:36:00.000-07:00

Jonah snuggled in the Chariot

Yesterday, we headed out to the Wyoming Range to try to make some turns. We had a whole crew; Mitch, Amanda, Charlie, Jason, and a new friend, Barb. Plus, 4 dogs! We skiied a bit...there wasn't much snow. Grilled brats in a blizzard and then headed home.

Jonah was a trooper all day. He loved sleeping in the Chariot while daddy or mommy pulled him along.

Getting ready to head up

Daddy pulling Jonah

Grilling brats in a blizzard!

Jonah and Charlie

2009-11-22T19:24:00.000-07:00

Last week, I helped take care of Charlie (Amanda and Mitch's daughter). Charlie's 8 1/2 months and Jonah is 15 weeks. It was definitely tough taking care of two little ones at the same time, but it was fun too! Here's a picture of the two of them hanging out:

Jonah at 13-14 weeks

2009-11-13T13:59:00.000-07:00

Here are some recent pictures of Jonah. Our litte guy turned 14 weeks yesterday...growing fast...too fast.

Grandpa and Oma's Visit

2009-11-13T13:48:00.002-07:00

Ken and Gerda have been staying in Pinedale since November 1st. Jonah has loved every minute of it, so has Grandpa and Oma, and so has Mommy and Daddy! We are going to be very sad when they go back to Evanston this weekend. Maybe being here and getting to play with Jonah everyday will convince Grandpa that retired life could be fun.

Almost everyday, I have taken Jonah up to my parent's cabin. They watch him all day while I have been trying to get homework done (like I am right now). We either pick him up in the evening or they bring him down. I think they spend most of their day playing and laughing with the little guy.

While here, Oma and Grandpa also had Jonah overnight for his first night without his parents. We went to Jackson for some fun with friends and hit up the Jackson ski swap. I scored a new pair of tele boots for $80 and Josh came away with a new helmet and used pants for $15...sweet! It was nice to have a night to ourselves but we did miss Jonah.

Here are a couple of pictures of Jonah with his Oma and Grandpa:

Jonah's 1st Halloween

2009-11-01T12:07:00.000-07:00

1st Halloween:

Fall walk - check
Hanging out - check
New treats - check
Embarassing costume pictures - check
Carving pumpkins - check
Handing out candy - check

Jonah spent his first Halloween having a relaxing day with mommy, daddy, and Milli. We spent the morning getting ready for our friends, Mitch, Amanda, and Charlie to come over to eat chilli and carve pumpkins. In the afternoon, we went on a nice walk to the park. Daddy set up Jonah's new Rainforest Jumper and Jonah tried it out with Milli supervising. In the evening, our friends arrived and we had a great time carving pumpkins, taking pictures, and scaring neighborhood kids.

Sweet Pea & Pumpkin, Charlie & Jonah

Jonah the pumpki

Fall, 2009

2009-10-28T10:55:00.003-06:00

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

I want to be like my cousin Moss

2009-10-28T10:21:00.000-06:00

Jonah's cousin, Moss, has a crazy cowlick and the other night Jonah had one just like him!

Time to catch up

2009-10-28T09:11:00.000-06:00

It's time to get our blog caught up with our lives. We have had a crazy month, even past couple of months. First, in September, I lost my wedding ring! An antique from 1949 given to me by my great Aunt Hilde. We have searched our house, posted a report with the sheriff....everything. Maybe someday it will show up again. Then a few weeks later, I lost another diamond ring that Josh gave me... I know....what's wrong with me? We did purchase a new wedding ring, it's a beautiful blue diamond set. Josh said that if he finds it laying around the house, that he is going to take it and I won't get it back.

At the beginning of Octoboer we headed to Colorado for a three day weekend to meet Josh's brother Jeff. Our three day weekend became a six day debacle when the timing belt in our Subaru broke. Turns out the engine was ruined and we had to purchase a new (used car). We finally got back to Pinedale at 2:30 a.m. on Wednesday. Jonah was a trooper the entire time.

Jonah (right) with his cousin Jonathan.
They are a week apart in age.

Two weekends ago, our dog Milli, had a major accident. While mountain biking with my girlfriend and her dog, Milli ran into a 2 foot stick. The stick entered her on the bottom right hind leg and came out the other side. We carried her down the mountain and took her to surgery right away. Thankfully, she is now fine and back to her playful self. Once she is completely healed, I intend on giving her the stick to chew to pieces.

Throughout the last month, I have been working my butt off to keep up with school. Because I was behind, I was withdrawn from my cohort to student teach this spring. I appealed and it was accepted, but I have to keep up because I have 20 more assignments and an exam to complete by December 15th. Oma and Grandpa Robison will be in Pinedale for two weeks coming this Sunday, so they will get to babysit Jonah while I work hard.

In Jonah news, our little guy is doing great. He is 11 weeks, turning 3 months old this Thursday. He has been consitently sleeping from 10:30 p,m, to 5-6:00 a.m. since he was 9 weeks old. He is a happy baby who loves to smile and laugh. We are anticipating his ability to look at an object and grab it. He has done this several times but I don't think it was intentional yet. His neck muscles are very strong and he can support his head now.

Our little cowboy and PUMPKIN!

2009-09-25T10:44:00.000-06:00

Here's Jonah in his cowboy hat that was my brother's. Lookin' good. And another:

Giddy up little doggie! Notice Milli in the foreground.

Grandma Anderson (otherwise know as Busia) made an awesome Halloween costume for Jonah. Because he is such a "Pumpkin," he will be a pumpkin for Halloween! Thank you, Grandma...it fits perfectly.

A few more....

2009-09-14T09:21:00.003-06:00

Last week, Jonah went for a bike ride (via Chariot) with his friend Charlie. Here are the daddies and their babies.

Josh, Jonah, Mitch, and Charlie

Here is one of Jonah in his Bumbo...little too small yet.

Snuggle time with G.G.

2009-09-14T09:10:00.000-06:00

Last weekend we headed to Evanston to celebrate Josh's 27th birthday and to visit family. Great grandma, Mina or "G.G.", was able to spend time with Jonah. Grandma loves to hold Jonah. Here are a few pictures with grandma and our dinner for Josh's birthday.

A nice family photo

2009-09-13T20:57:00.001-06:00

Over Labor Day weekend, our parents came to visit (see previous post). Here is a good picture of the three of us taken by Mary Ann.

Cutest footsie pj's ever!

2009-09-06T09:59:00.000-06:00

I couldn't resist taking a picture of the footsies in these pj's.

Picnic in the Park

2009-09-06T09:55:00.000-06:00

It is Labor Day weekend and all of Jonah's grandparents have came to visit. Yesterday, we spent the afternoon at the local park eating a picnic. Jonah enjoyed his nap in his car seat while we ate. Then of course, Grandpa R. had to take Jonah for a walk. Jonah gave grandpa a surprise when grandpa b-lined back to mommy because a poopy diaper leaked every where.

Here is a picture of the family!

Grandpa R., Daddy, Grandpa A, Oma, Jonah, and Busia

Here is another one of Jonah looking satisfied after his diaper change.

Daily Happenings

2009-09-01T22:05:00.000-06:00

My days with Jonah consist of 2-3 hour increments between feeding times. After a month now, I am starting to get the hang of it. He eats, he has "wake time" where we try to keep him awake by doing tummy time, going for walks, etc., and then he naps. After an hour or so, the cycle starts over again. Each day I seem to be able to get a bit more accomplished than the day before...hopefully I don't fail out of school, as I am now starting to have time to work on assignments after a 2 month hiatus.

This morning it was tough to wake up the little guy because he looked so peaceful.

NOTICE: grandparents...I am recording Jonah's awesome tummy time workouts and I hope to post a little video within the next few days.

Photos

2009-08-28T10:18:00.002-06:00

We are trying to keep our camera handy at all times. I took these yesterday. My next post will be a slide show of some of our pictures we have taken over the last 4 weeks. Even though Jonah is still small, you can see how much he has grown.

New Beginnings

2009-08-26T09:10:00.001-06:00

We are creating this blog to help us stay connected to family and friends. It is an easy way for everyone to check in and find out our latest news, especially with Jonah.

Our baby, Jonah Stephan Anderson. Most of you know that we have had our first child, Jonah. He was born on July 30, weighing in at 5 lbs, 8 oz. Our little guy won our hearts immediately.

Everyday is a new day being first time parents. Even though our nights can be restless, we have so many great moments, and will continue to have more. Jonah has gone from a sleepy sack of flour to a curious 4 week old (on Thursday). We don't mean to be biased, but we are pretty sure he is a genius, as he has already rolled from his tummy to back several times and he could hold his head up since he was born.

We want to thank all of you for your wonderful support. Your advice, help, and amazing gifts have provided us with a foundation for Jonah's beginning. We can't thank you enough. A special thanks to Jonah's grandparents. Without the help of Mary Ann and Dick, Jonah would be living among a mess of boxes. You were so helpful with our move, and just in time. Thank you, Gerda and Ken for providing endless hugs and kisses to Jonah. It was a blessing to have you both here for Jonah's first weeks of life.

Please continue to check into our blog. We will post news on our lives here in Pinedale and keep you updated on the adventures and tales of Jonah Stephan.