For you created my inmost being

2011-05-08T13:00:00.000-07:00

What a wonderful Mother's day! I am so very blessed! Above, are a couple of pictures of the boys today. They were in their swing-set at one point and were checking out the new lil' baby birds. Luke was getting very excited and was yelling at them. Austin then said, "Luke, quiet...you don't want to scare the little birds. I think we should sing a song to the sweet little birds. They had a great time singing "Jesus loves me" to them. :)

me no like this

2011-05-04T19:12:00.001-07:00

:) Those were Luke's words this morning when I gave him a bowl of watermelon. He is talking more and more everyday. Some of the cute things he says are: hallelujah (which he thinks roosters say), teeth...tory (his night-time routine...teeth and then story), peas (please), cookie..(i'll have to post a video of his clicking sounds). Whenever we ask him how he is or if he had fun, he says, "dogs" in a happy little voice. We have no clue why this is. Love the little "ham" so much.

Will you go with me?

2011-04-28T17:51:00.000-07:00

Today Austin and I were talking after he woke up from his nap and he said, "some day when I get bigger I am going to be able to sleep in the top bunk of my bunk bed." He then asked, "then when I am a lot bigger, where will I sleep?" I told him he might sleep in the basement or in his same bed or someday he might sleep at college. I explained that college was school, but a fun place to meet new friends and learn many new things (with classes etc). He then said, "I want to stay here."...paused for a moment and added, "would you please come with me to my classes mommy?" lol...if he only knew. A little later in our conversation he asked about where college is and I said it could be anywhere, here in Indiana or (more likely ;)) in Michigan...he said..OOOHHH Michigan, then Grandpa or Grandma could go with me to my classes at college. :) Love him!!! :)

Recent words from Austin

2011-01-29T11:46:00.000-08:00

Here are a couple of sentences that Austin has shared in the last few days that have made Andrew and I smile. :)

"I love you Daddy/Mommy with GREATTTTT Joy!"
"Mommy, what state is Heaven in?"

Luke

2011-01-20T18:37:00.001-08:00

I may end up making Austin and Luke's site one. For now I am just going to start adding Luke's posts here. :)

My Lukey is growing up soooo fast. He is now a year and a half and walking, talking and understanding more than I think his daddy and I even realize. :) He is such a little bundle of joy. How blessed we are (for both of the lil' guys He has placed with us to raise). Thank you Father!!! He started walking a couple of days after Thanksgiving and has taken off since then. He was trying to run today. He tries his hardest to keep up with his big brother. Boy, does he love Austin...well really it seems to be love/hate...lol. He calls for Austin when he wakes up in the morning and everyday after I get him up from his nap (if Austin isn't standing by my side or if he hasn't already beat me in the door to see Luke)

Luke still loves playing with balls, throwing them (and many other things too...including his food).

He had his year and a half check up a few days ago and weighed 25.2 lbs (42nd percentile) and was 35 inches (98th percentile). You def. wouldn't think that he was in the lower percentile for weight. :)

Luke has also started to sing as of late and it has been so much fun to watch and listen to!

My lil' man is 4

2011-01-20T17:41:00.000-08:00

Austin is now 4 years old and I can hardly believe it. He is growing up so quickly. I know he is only 4, but is seems like just yesterday that he took his first steps. :) He had his 4 year well visit a few days ago and weighed 35.7 lbs. (48-51%). He was 42.5 inches (90th%). I cannot remember if I put his 3 year appt. down so thought I would quick add that at 3 he weighed 33.1 lbs (65%) and was 39.8 inches (93%). For his 4th b-day we decided to have a party at the fire station with his friends. He had a blast!!

He got his haircut today at a salon for the first time and did really well. All the other times his daddy has cut his hair. :) It's much cheaper that way. lol. He kept asking questions and looking around and was also very quiet for part of the time. The lady cutting his hair said, " he is a thinker, huh? I think he will be one intelligent guy" Who knows, but I do know that he is a thinker and very curious. He warms up to new situations, places slowly, but when around people he knows really well he is quite talkative and outgoing. :) Such a blessing. He loves his little bro very much. They have been wrestling a lot lately which is so much fun to watch.

Just some cute things said by him today:

We were riding in the car and he said, "Lukey, do you believe in Jesus and love Him with all your heart?" Luke said, "yes" and Austin said, " good job Lukey". :) lol.

He then started telling a story that sounded like this.

It is ok if little kids make bad choices sometimes. God will still love us. But we need to say sorry to Him and then ask for forgiveness. Adam and Eve made bad choices but still believed in God and are probably up in Heaven right now. But satan was in Heaven but is not anymore. He became a snake...but god will take care of that someday. Daddy, did you hear my story?" He is def. listening. :)

He also said, Mommy, your hair is pretty...you have long hair because you are a girl, but not all girls have long hair. Some of them have short hair, but they are still girls. How sweet is he and funny. ;)

3 1/2

2010-06-26T21:04:00.001-07:00

It has been way too long since I have last posted. I have decided to try to post more frequently (we will see how that goes) :)
Austin is now 3 1/2 and loving life. He is my strong willed little man and yet very sensitive. He is still very slow at feeling comfortable in groups of people, especially people he does not know. However, when he is around family or those he knows well he comes out of his shell and can be very outgoing and goofy! :) He sings throughout the day and has really been enjoying having Luke play beside him. He gives Luke 10-15 hugs and kisses everyday (not exagerating). He loves his lil' bro so much!
Yesterday Austin and I were in Holland at the beach and had just gotten done swimming. We went to lay on the towels and dry off; I layed on my towel and Austin plopped down in the sand and started to cover my feet with it. :) He then said, " You just lay down Mommy, I am the daddy". lol....wondering what that meant, I asked him, " What do Daddy's do? " He answered with, " Daddys help people". I think that says a lot about Andrew. :)
I asked him what mommys do and he said, "they go everywhere with their boys" :)
There isn't a day that goes by that he doesn't make me smile! :)

2009-02-25T18:44:00.000-08:00

A little overdue.... ;)

2008-11-22T07:12:00.001-08:00

Cutie pa tutie! :) two adorable little guys after their bath

Whoooaaa horsey
Just hanging out with some of the cousins

What a ham... ;)

Anna :)

Finding a good pumpkin

what little helpers

Here I come!

Andrew, Austin and I went to a pumpkin patch and had a lot of fun! Below are some pictures....Austin's favorite was def. the slide.

Look at Daddy go......

Like daddy like son.....I love this picture!

I had to get a picture of this because he did this everyday for at least a month. He loved to stand on the side of the couch and play with the pens.

Andrew, Austin and I took our annual trip to Gatlinburg the last weekend in October. This was the third year in a row we have done this and it was wonderful once again! We were not home for Halloween so we dressed Austin up and headed to downtown Gatlinburg for some trick or treating where he received and ate his first dum dum. ;) I have included a couple of pictures from the last three years as well. We started going when I was pregnant with Austin. I just thought it would be fun to look back.

First year:

Second year:

Third Year/this year:

This year for Halloween Austin was a......

raaaaaaaarrrrrrr....Dragon

A very nice dragon. :)

When on vacation there is plenty of time for a skipping rocks lesson

even from mom (the amateur)

Taking a walk with Daddy...

I believe daddy taught him how to put this on his head and he thought it was hilarious..... :)

Grandma came for a visit a week ago. It was great! :)

Saying see ya later.... :)

I just thought this was a cute one to end on. Austin is now talking a lot! He repeats a lot and also can say 3-4 word sentences when he wants. He likes to say "play with that" and also likes to ramble in his own language, then adding a word at the end such as "cow", "blanky"..which sounds like Becky and I still hear, "papa here?" a lot, along with "Daddy here?" He is such a blessing to us!

Fall Fun

2008-10-10T12:37:00.000-07:00

Austin and I went to a pumpkin patch with some others from a mops group that we go to. Here are just a couple of pictures a friend took.
First Hay ride

Updates

2008-10-07T06:43:00.000-07:00

Austin has been comprehending more everyday. He has started saying 2-3 word sentences. Today he had oatmeal for breakfast and said hot...blow it. :)
He calls both of his Grandpa's papa and boy does he love them. We often hear, "Papa here?" (then because we have told him so many times that Papa is at his house we hear:) "Papa house"

He really likes to play with balls and be outside. He also gets very excited when he sees a truck, police car (anything with a siren), or motorcycle. He always likes to have a little buddy to play with and gets very excited when he knows we will be seeing one of his little friends.
When he is indoors he likes to look at books, listen and dance to music, rough-house and climb. ;)

He has us smiling and laughing all day long! What a blessing!

Here are some pictures from the last couple of days:

Trying on Daddies shoes

Andrew gave Austin a haircut tonight and below are some pictures that expressed how he felt about it.... ;)

WHAT...... NOOOOOO

My little man (after his haircut...my baby's curls are gone :( )

I love baths

Gatlinburg with the Greens

2008-09-25T20:03:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago we headed down south to the Smoky Mountains! We spent a week at a chalet and had a blast. We went hiking, horseback riding, mini-golfing, swimming and just spent sometime relaxing, playing, reading and enjoying the view! What a refreshing week. Austin had so much fun playing with his cousin Levi, lovin on Anna and climbing on Juncle, Cha Cha, Nana and Papa.

What a perfect sign

It was very windy on of the afternoons...the breeze felt great!

My beautiful niece

Am I blessed or what.....

We went to Cade's Cove towards the end of the week and just took in the most beautiful views (below). It was breath-taking.....

Making some music

Bedtime story

Double Date night....enjoying some mini-golfing!

tickle torture....

Enjoying the hot tub

Singing if you're happy and you know it clap your hands....one of the favorites from the trip

bum bum

Austin giving Anna a kiss... :) (a nice cousinly one ;))

Rode through the beautiful meadow and up some of the mountain...

My lil' cowboy! :)

Skipping rocks....

So hungry after a long hike....man it's hard riding on the daddy's back. ;)

What a joyous time!

Climbing with Daddy

There's nothing like rock-climbing in the smokies... :)

Let's just say that Austin LOVES his little cousin Anna very much! Everytime Anna would wake up from a nap or come into the room we would hear AAAANNNNNNNAA. He really liked to give her kisses on the forehead and hold her hand...along with pointing to her eyes.....He has continued to call all the babies he sees here back in Indy....Anna

The sunsets were absolutely gorgeous!

Precious little Anna with amazing big blue eyes!

Papa reading to the boys..this was definitely a favorite for them

Daddy and Austin

2008-09-12T14:34:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures of Andrew and Austin reading a book and just goofing around!

Something in the book was very interesting

Haha...love this one. I asked Austin to show me where Daddy's nose was... Thought I would put in a pic. of us as well. It was supposed to be of all three of us (as you can see Austin's lil' hand in the picture) but Austin decided to squirm his way out. :)

Fun with friends

2008-09-07T20:13:00.001-07:00

Anyone in there?

Austin, Lydah and Josiah at Lydah's 2nd b-day party! :)

"Here Daddy, I found this cool hat...you try it on"

"Mom, can we go to a birthday party everyday? This cookie is so yummy"

Christa-blowing bubbles with the boys

20 months

2008-09-04T20:12:00.000-07:00

Austin has been changing, like usual, everyday! :) It has been sooo much fun. He started choosing a word that Andrew or I would say (or someone else) and repeating it (normally the last word of a sentence) almost 3 weeks ago and is now moving onto repeating a couple of words at a time. He keeps us laughing all day long. ;) He started a while ago taking our wash cloth and cleaning the fridge, oven, and sometimes floor. ;) Lately he has been in and out of things; up and down and all around. He is one curious, energetic little boy. A couple of days ago I was on the phone in the living room and he walked into our dining room (out of site but I could still hear him playing). My friend and I were talking about how our boys love to sit at the little picnic tables or get on and off from them and then soon after that discussion I hung up the phone and I hear, "down". I quickly walk into the dining room and there is Austin sitting at our table (tall table) with a pen and pad of paper scribbling. This was the first time he had climbed up on one of our tall chairs. :)
He is still loving music and will teach you that you cannot just listen when you can dance! :)

My little man...

We had to teach him how to drink from the hose ;)

Over labor Day (Andrew's b-day) :) we went to Brighton and spent a lot of time with BJ and Laura while both sets of Grandparents were able to enjoy some time with Austin. Below are a couple of pics. with BJ and Laura on Laura's parent's boat. There was a gorgeous sunset!

Cousins

Greg, Courtney and Lydah were over the other night and we decided we really needed to get a picture of Austin and Lydah holding hands because almost everytime we are together they do. ;) So here are a couple of pics. Aren't they just adorable!

The card in our camera was full or we would have been able to capture the hug and kiss from Austin right after this pic. was taken. ;)

Cousins

2008-08-29T10:18:00.001-07:00

This is a picture of Austin and Levi just walking along! :) Love this picture! Aren't they cute?

A couple of many favorites

2008-08-13T20:35:00.001-07:00

Make a Smilebox postcard

Just thought this was kind of neat

2008-08-13T20:25:00.001-07:00

Make a Smilebox postcard

More fun in Holland--We cannot stay away, especially in the summer ;)

2008-08-13T10:03:00.000-07:00

In the last week and a half Austin's volcabulary has been exploding (19 1/2 months)! It is so much fun. He repeats a lot of what we say. It is still mainly one word at a time, sometimes trying two. He speaks in sentences...in his own language. :)

Eating some corn on the cob! He couldn't get enough! We met up with Joel, Paula, Levi and Anna while we were in Holland and had a great time eating pizza and then playing at a park. Here are some pictures:

I love this one!

Cousins! Can you tell? ;)

boys will be boys

and men will be men... ;)

Austin loves his Cha Cha! :) We took quite a few pictures on the beach trying to get a good one to put on canvas for in our house.....

Austin the Dance Machine

2008-08-10T18:50:00.000-07:00

Happy Boy

2008-07-29T19:46:00.001-07:00

Just wanted to post a couple of pictures of a little someone who brings so many smiles to our faces. :)

Camping in Holland

2008-07-16T09:48:00.001-07:00

I have started letting Austin feed himself every once in a while. Here are a couple of pictures of him enjoying some yogurt. mmmmmm

And here are a couple of pictures of Daddy and Austin sharing a nectarine. :)

Austin was eating oyster crackers and one got stuck to his cheek. He could see it but didn't know how to get it off. Cheap entertainment with an 18 mo. old. ;) One of our friends Matt, teaching the boys what a monkey says. ;)

We went to Holland for the 4th of July and spent almost a week camping at Oak Grove right by the beach. It was so much fun. We spent a lot of time riding our bikes, swimming in the lake and pool, just hanging out at the beach, sitting around a fire at night and just relaxing.

Walking the peer!

Here comes Daddy...he's gonna get us

This was his favorite water toy as well as his favorite place to be in the pool.

Chillin by the picnic table.

Underrrrrr-dogggggs :)

We rode our bikes to the beach almost every morning! It was beautiful!

Austin took a lot of these walks with Grandpa and Grandma around the camp ground.

Austin wasn't feeling so well on this day. Poor little guy.

Just chillin in the wheel-barrow.

This has got to be one of my favorite pictures. Austin was walking with Grandpa and Grandma and saw a cat on a porch and really wanted to get to it and pet it. ;)

Eating some lunch in the fifth-wheel

Daddy makes me laugh!

Following a seagull

Deciding if the water is too cold. ;)

Austin really did enjoy these rides to the beach everyday.

Headed into the water in our clothes...woohoo!

He was ready to go in again...

And then he was ready to get out again. ;)

Austin found a doggie on the peer and did not want to leave it!

Austin heading out into the water! What fun!

Playing with Grandma and Grandpa

Happy Birthday LEVI! :) We went to Levi's 2nd birthday party. It was great to beable to celebrate it with him. He is such a sweetheart!

Goo Levi..it's your birthday :)

Andrew making some friends

Here are a few pictures of Austin really enjoying his first icecream cone. He was first just eating it and enjoying and then he couldn't get enough his mouth was always open waiting for more. That is when he decided he should hold it and never let go. :)

Levi and Austin saying goodbye! :)

We met GG and Great Grandpa in Saugatuck for some icecream and to visit Paige who works at Kilwins (icecream shop) on our way home. It was so much fun!

A visit to Oregon to meet Jaron/Outside/Josiah and Austin

2008-07-03T12:24:00.000-07:00

Austin is now 18 months! He went to his check up and was 50th percentile in weight (25 lbs) and 97th in height (35 1/2 inches). These days he is not afraid to say "hi" to strangers and then lift up his shirt and say "belly". ;)

Having fun before bed.

We went to Oregon a couple of weeks ago with Papa and Nana to go visit Geoff, Celina and to meet Jaron. It was a great time. Jaron is precious and it was just so much fun to be with family. There was one funny thing that Austin was doing in the airport while daddy and mommy were taking turns walking with him (to get some energy out). We were walking and everytime we would come to a store or restaurant he would stop and start dancing to the music that each place was playing. It was so cute.

Here's.................JARON (Austin's new little cousin)

This was a common occurrence-Austin feeding Rosie :)-

Can't help but just stare at him, he's so cute. :)

This was the view from our hotel room. It was beautiful. We all, including Austin, enjoyed it.
We went to a park while we were there. Below is a picture of Austin saying "hi" to the ducks.

We were driving up through the beautiful roads of Oregon and came across a horse show. We decided to stop and take a closer look. Austin had so much fun watching them and we were all pretty entertained as well.

What a happy lil' guy!

SUMMER DAYS...

Getting ready to go play some ball.... ;)

Opted for the porch instead... :)

This is a picture of Josiah and Austin. I think I have about eight pictures of the two of them doing the same thing. Christa and I were trying to get them to look at the camera, but they were busy stealing the little twig back and forth from eachother. :)

Brown County/Outside fun!

2008-06-15T17:23:00.000-07:00

Last weekend we headed down to Brown County with some friends (Chad, Nicole and Christian). We stayed in a cabin for the weekend and had such a great time! It was wonderful to get away and be in the middle of no where and just enjoy some time with friends. Very refreshing! Here are some pictures from the trip:

Playing under the table.

I don't think I have enough food in my mouth, more please? ;)

In their Pj's, so adorable.

Here, want some milk?

We went into downtown and saw this (after having to take a different route because of a flooded road); it was really sad.

Fooseball: Mommys VS Daddys and sons!

Austin giving Christian a hug!

He was about to show his belly button in this picture. He has been doing that a lot lately. He lifts up his shirt and points to his belly button. It's cute! :)

Below are a couple of pictures that Nicole got of the two boys playing while she was watching Austin one evening.

The pictures below were taken last week. It was such a gorgeous day. It was cooler and quite windy because a storm was coming. Austin and I decided to go and play on the porch. He got so excited about how the trees/leaves were moving. I thought he just looked so cute in his little shorts and shirt that I had to get a couple pics. of him.

Basketball

2008-06-09T18:44:00.000-07:00

Charlie Brown....as Grandma's boss calls him

2008-06-03T16:59:00.000-07:00

Here is a recent picture of Austin at an open house at Shepherd (thanks Colby). He had just finished a chocolate chip cookie. There is still chocolate on his teeth in the pic. below. ;) It was a special treat. His hair has turned a lot lighter recently and today I swear he seemed like he was at least an inch taller than yesterday. ;) Our fast growing little boy:

Laughs! :)

2008-05-23T10:40:00.001-07:00

Have I mentioned lately that he loves to try to squeeze into little places. This morning there was a book on the floor in the bathroom and he insisted he had to have it while he was taking care of business..feet/ankles crossed and all. How fast they grow into little men... ;)

Elephant/Swimming Lessons/Tulip Time!

2008-05-15T18:18:00.000-07:00

Austin started swimming lessons a couple of weeks ago. We thought it would be a good idea to get him used to the water early! :) Below is a picture of him in his swimsuit and swim-shirt ready to go! He kind of likes it, but fights me part of the time wanting to swim on his own and he really seems to like sitting on the edge and splashing his feet in the water. Part of the reason I think he fights me is because the swimming lessons last an hour and run right into his nap time.
Austin received an elephant (below) from a couple who volunteers at Shepherd and were kind enough to pass on one of their daughter's favorite toys, he seems to like it. I will have to try to capture a pic. of him "enjoying" it! :)

Grandpa and Austin having fun at the playground.

What a spoiled little guy-getting pulled around by Grandma! :) It was a gorgeous day!

Hey...I thought this opened the garage door.....

What a WONDERFUL Mother's Day! I woke up to Andrew and Austin bringing me breakfast in bed along with a gift!

Pic. of the Schuitema side on Mother's day! 3 Mothers! What a blessing...found out while I was there that Pam and Kyle are expecting!

TULIP TIME!

I love Tulip Time. Maybe it has something to do with moving away and realizing all of the things/traditions that I really enjoyed growing up and took for granted. I am sure it also has to do with now having a child and wanting to take pics. in front of the Tulips, go to the parades and walk around town and see people I grew up with and what they are up to these days. We had a great time and really enjoyed the beautiful tulips this year. Here are some pics:

Watching the parade intently! :)

Thoroughly enjoying my time holding my beautiful little niece Anna!

Getting ready for a ride.... I can't quite reach the handle bars yet....

Protection for his ears for riding on the mower that only lasted maybe 20 seconds. :)

On a ride with Grandpa...

Cruisin... Saturday parade..

Austin dancing to the drums

waving at the drummers

Fun with daddy at the Saturday parade

A smile and his famous scrunch face.

Reach

Daddy was trying to show Austin how to wear his hat and pose for the camera. ;)

Peek a boo

A couple of God's amazing pieces of artwork

Love...Blessings

Adventures at Nana and Papa's/Time with Dada/Changes

2008-05-04T18:45:00.000-07:00

Austin went to Nana and Papa's house last Tuesday evening while Mama worked at an expo and then went to celebrate Tracy's birthday with her. Daddy headed over to Nana and Papa's on Friday night to join in on the fun. Levi stayed over as well and the boys had a lot of fun together! Austin also got to see Juncle and Cha Cha and meet his new cousin Anna for the first time! There are also some pictures from after we all got back home.

Getting a ride in the wheelbarrow

Bubbles!!!

Tired out..

Exploring

mmmmm yogurt! All of the cousins

Anyone down here?

Swinging with Dad

They love to dance

Climbing trees....already :)

Picking up sticks

Austin meeting cousin Anna There's trouble! ;)

Fun on the John Deer

Playing the piano

Back at home.....
Playing with Dada

Riding on the lil' wagon

Pictures by the tulips...

1 year earlier......(where has our baby gone?) ;)

Sharing

2008-05-01T10:03:00.001-07:00

Just thought I would share a blog and video that my sister-in-law Celina just let me know about. It is very powerful! If you are interested, the info. is below. It is a video on Todd and Angie Smith and something they have gone through recently with their little baby girl.... (Todd Smith is one of the singers in Selah and Angie is his wife)
You might want to read the blog first and then watch the video. You wont be sorry! ;)

Blog: http://audreycaroline.blogspot.com/
Video: http://www.vimeo.com/951902/

Go Blue/Zoo/Conner Prairie

2008-04-17T17:21:00.000-07:00

The last couple of days we have had such beautiful weather and have really tried to take advantage of it. Austin really enjoys being outside and exploring. He wanted to put some of his Michigan attire on and send a picture to daddy at work...here are some of the pictures. :)

It is bright out here... Time for the hat to come off ;)
The Zoo...

We decided to go to the zoo a couple of days ago. It was so much fun watching Austin get excited about some of the animals. He especially liked the dolphin show when the dolphins did tricks to music. :)

We went to Conner Prairie (a history attraction property) with Laura and Julia today and had so much fun enjoying the beautiful weather and watching the kiddos have so much fun.

Too Cute

Funny Faces! :)

Ohhh yea! What a day...getting to hang out with Julia! :)

The little goat kept trying to get into the basket under the stroller and Austin found it hilarious. He kept giggling. It was precious.

He seemed to like the ducklings the best. Below is a picture of him getting very excited.

As I wrote before, the weather was absolutely gorgeous so we decided to grill for dinner and eat outside. It was so warm out that after Austin ate and went "potty" ;) we decided to let him play outside for a little while longer in his diaper and shoes while we cleaned up. He thouroghly enjoyed it. In the picture below he was hiding...

rribbit

15 month Appointment

2008-04-08T19:55:00.000-07:00

Austin had his 15 month appt. today. He made it through but cried through the doctor's pokes and nurses giving shots. Poor little guy.

He is 33 1/2 inches tall (95th percentile) and 24 lbs (50th percentile). :)

These days...

2008-03-30T11:50:00.000-07:00

Austin has been playing with his stuffed animals a lot more lately. He carries them around and puts them in his elmo chair. With his elephant, in the pictures below, he is trying to figure out how to button the pocket.

Carrying Black Bear around!

Yeah for confined areas! Austin loves them.

euh...help! He likes to get stuck on this table in our dining room.

BATH TIME! Waiting ....

Is it ready yet Mama? ;)

Fun sticky letters and numbers everywhere

He thinks it is hilarious when he gets squirted! :) ...love it!

Anna is here!

2008-03-28T12:06:00.000-07:00

This post is a little overdue...none the less, here it is! :)

The beautiful little Anna is here! We are so excited to have a little niece and cannot wait to watch her grow up along with Levi!

Trying to put Anna's hat on! :)

I think we could have just stared at her for hours! :) Precious!

Uncle Andrew reading to Levi!

1st Haircut

2008-03-16T18:55:00.000-07:00

Time for a haircut--before pictures

I like cutting Daddy's hair. hey....wait a minute...

Ready to be done

Really ready to be done

Ta-da.........

Feeding Grandpa

Tried to get a picture of him playing....but he is just too quick! :)

Squirmy Reading

14 Months...already

2008-03-02T17:48:00.000-08:00

A couple of days ago Austin managed to reach my keys on the counter and pull them down. Below is what he did with them. I am constantly amazed at how much he watches and picks up. So fun!

Joel, Paula, Levi and the lil' miracle inside of Paula came down to visit this weekend. It was so much fun to all hang out while it lasted! ;) It was so great to see Levi and Austin playing together..aka learning to share together and to hang out with Joel and Paula (Juncle and Cha Cha). Their trip was cut short due to Andrew coming down with the flu on Sat. afternoon. It was still such a great time up until then. On Sat. morning Andrew and I (and come to find out Joel and Paula) woke up to a thud and then Austin crying. I thought he may have fallen in his crib and hit his head. Andrew went in to get him and came back into the room with Austin in his arms and said, "We have a problem. Austin was not in his crib." ;) We think he used his bumper (which is no longer in his crib) to climb out. He is ok and was not hurt. We are hoping that it was a one time deal.

Little climbers

Juncle and the boys hanging out on the porch! Peek

They both had so much fun swinging!

What a darling family ready to add one more to the bunch! :)

Today it was, from our car's reading, 62 degrees and sunny! It was beautiful! We took a walk, a drive and then decided to just play outside and wash the van. We thought Austin would enjoy washing the van and have fun playing in the water...etc. Boy were we mistaken. He was very scared of the hose. Everytime Andrew turned it on he would start shaking and run over to me and want to be held. He didn't want to touch the sponge either. He still had fun running up and down the drive way and climbing the stairs to the porch.

Almost 14 months

2008-02-22T09:11:00.001-08:00

Just wanted to share a couple of new things that Austin has been doing. He is still using the word donnne to let us know when he is done with ANYTHING and everything. A couple of days ago he was sitting on his little time out chair and was starting to scooch off a little. I said, "no Austin, you need to sit there." Then he said, " all done." It was too cute. He has also been trying to feed us and give us toys to chew on (since our teeth MUST be hurting as well) He loves to take toys out of his little bins and put them back while saying, "back." We are all for that! :) He says his version of baby...and some other words as well. Last night Andrew asked him to get a blue block out of his dump truck. He picked up a blue one; then Andrew asked him to get a green one...he picked out a green one. Finally, Andrew asked him to pick out a yellow one thinking there was no way he would get a yellow one...but sure enough out came a yellow one....we are pretty sure it was chance...but still pretty crazy!
He went to the doctor yesterday and weighs 23 1/2 lbs and I am pretty sure he has grown at least an inch or two with how his pants are fitting these days! Thanks for reading!

Vacation for Mommy and Daddy and a whole week of spoiling for Austin!

2008-02-18T18:59:00.000-08:00

Here is what Austin has been up to this last week! What a rough life! ;)

Awww...look how much he missed us! ;)

This is where Daddy and Mommy were......

This was our favorite restaurant!

Not all of the hammocks were touching the ground! :)

The streets of Play Del Carmen! The beach-a block away

This was the view from the table that we ate dinner at a couple of nights during the week. Only God could create such a beautiful ocean!

Sad to leave the sun and relaxation...but ready to fly Austin out to be with us. ;)

Back home all together!

Curiosity!

2008-02-08T08:34:00.000-08:00

Sorry we have not posted in a while. Life around here has been busy! :) Austin has been getting more teeth, resulting in shorter naps during most days. He is a very curious little boy! His personality and strong-willed spirit has started to show more this last week. He may just be going through a stage. I can say that Andrew and I have really enjoyed watching him grow and change daily! :)
This last week he has really started to say donnnnnne more. It is so cute. We ask if he is all done after his meals and when he is done on the toilet and he is starting to catch on to the word. He just holds the "n" a little longer than normal. ;) He has also started to babble putting a lot of "his" words together. haha so much fun! Yesterday for the first time when Andrew and I opened our eyes from praying before dinner he was folding his hands. He has also realized this last week that he has the ability to scream. ;) He mostly chooses to do this in the car although he has chosen to use his little vocal cords when we take him away from something he is enjoying or when we try to help and he would like to do it himself. :)

Pictures to come! :)

Capturing some of his recent favorites

2008-01-22T14:48:00.001-08:00

He often sits and pages through a book. Very quickly (of course) but it is still fun to see. As of right now he is prefering to read them by himself. :)There are still times when he lets one of us read to him, which we love!

One of Austin's favorite places to hang out is under the table. It is tall enough that he can still stand under it.

Tracy got Austin a piano-playing snowman for Christmas. He loves to dance to it.

The little drummer/JimBay Boy

2008-01-15T19:28:00.000-08:00

Here is a picture of David teaching Austin how to play the Jimbay. Austin loved it! :)

Austin Walking

2008-01-07T18:56:00.000-08:00

These aren't exactly his first steps, but we finally caught him on video going a little ways!

Austin's 1 year appt.

2008-01-06T11:13:00.000-08:00

Austin had his 1 year appt. on Friday Jan. 4th.

He is 31 1/2 inches tall. (90th percentile) and 21 lbs. 8 oz. (25th percentile). For now he is tall and skinny, although with his little chubby cheeks you would never think it. :)

He is walking more and more everyday and trying to repeat some words we use often. He got his one year pictures taken; I have included some of them below.

He definitely had some funny pictures as well. ^

Christmas and turning 1 year old....YEAH!

2008-01-02T19:28:00.000-08:00

Christmas at the Schuitema side!

The vibrating Elmo Chair-

Just call him squirmy

The Green family Christmas

Two little boys in a big boy's chair

Austin was fascinated by Juncle's ROOOAAR

On the Farm

Happy 1st Birthday AUSTIN!

Let's get this party started!!

Hmmmmm

What a neat "squishy" feeling

Laughter

Wahhooooo........Entertainment at its best! :)

First time sledding! :)

2007-12-19T17:10:00.001-08:00

We bundled the little guy up for the first time this winter (yesterday) and took him sledding around the yard. He was not too sure about it at first, but when Daddy got him going fast you couldn't wipe the smile off his face! What a blessing to watch him experience all of his "firsts".

Help! I can't move in this thing... How much fun!

What a little ham. :)

Ear Infection

2007-12-12T17:25:00.000-08:00

I took Austin to the doctor today after a rough night. He was so exhausted and nothing even close to his "normal" self today. We found out that he has an ear infection. Hopefully with the antibiotics he will soon be feeling better. Below are some pictures of him that were taken today. He wanted to be held or cuddled a lot. No complaints here... :)

The picture below is of Daddy pulling Austin around the dining room floor on a blanket. A new favorite for Austin. :)

Austin and the Humidifier

2007-12-10T19:00:00.000-08:00

Practicing Walking

2007-12-10T18:16:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas! :)

2007-12-08T14:30:00.001-08:00

Please view site to see Austin dance with an attitude, Enjoy!!

http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1269627111

11 Months

2007-12-05T10:44:00.001-08:00

Here are some pictures of Austin in his Santa outfit! It just so happens that he got tired at 6:00 the night we wanted to take pictures. ;) Here are some pictures of the "not so happy" lil' Mr. Santa. We still think he looks adorable though. (it's not like we are biased or anything. ;))

Here is Austin on the potty. ;) We started the potty training process a little over a week ago. We know it will take months when he is this young, but thought it would be a fun challenge after reading a book by the "Baby Whisperer". You can ask us in a couple of months if we are still potty training him. ;)

This morning when we woke up everything was covered in white! It was beautiful. I brought Austin to the window and he got really excited and I am sure wanted to go out and play! Unfortunately it is really windy and he has a bad cold. Today he will just have to watch the snow fall from inside, but soon it will be time to go out and play. ;)

Thanksgiving

2007-11-28T14:24:00.000-08:00

This picture needs no words. ;)

It was Austin's first Thanksgiving! We went to the Schuitema side . He ended up eating a babyfood turkey dinner because he went down for a nap while we were all eating our Thanksgiving dinner. He had a lot of fun roaming through Grandpa and Grandma Schuitema's house. He learned how to climb up a couple of stairs. Below are pictures of the women cooking the night before, daddy and Austin, Grandpa giving Austin a horsey back ride; which he really enjoyed and Austin reading Grandpa a bedtime story. ;)

We went to Joel and Paula's house on Saturday for overdue visit with everyone! It was great getting the boys back together again and just hanging out with everyone.

Bathtime fun! :)

Levi was being so nice, offering to pour some nice warm water on Austin.

Austin was helping daddy put up the Christmas tree! :)

Since Austin got his mouse slippers over Thanksgiving he likes to carry one of them around everywhere he goes. Here is a picture of him with it. Just a little while ago he was trying to stand up next to his leap frog table with the slipper in hand, he could not achieve this so decided to put it in his mouth, stand up and then put it on the table. It was quite humorous.

Beautiful Nature-Gatlinburg

2007-11-04T17:16:00.000-08:00

This past week we ventured down south to Gatlinburg for 4 days. It was WONDERFUL! The weather was just gorgeous; we could not have asked for better. We had soooo much fun just hanging out and relaxing, hiking, and walking around the town. It was such a blessing to be out in the middle of such beautiful nature that He has created. I have included quite a few pictures....sorry...I am indecisive and maybe I am turning into my mother. (hi mom) ;) Austin has really started to crawl quite quickly this past week and is pulling himself up on everything. It is great seeing the look of excitement on his face when he completes one of his goals.

The hill right outside the condo.

The trail we hiked was sooooooo beautiful!

Playing in the water!!!

Pulling himself up on anything and everything and trying to get whatever is in reach!

Even had time to put together the Austin and Daddy puzzle!

This was the beautiful view from our slider door at the condo we stayed at. It was gorgeous!

The two "boys" in my life! I love this picture!

The little Skunk

2007-10-30T13:20:00.000-07:00

For Austin's first Halloween he was a skunk! :) He is not going trick or treating, but did go to the Zoo Boo with his buddy Christian and to the Hallelujah Party at Shepherd. Also...I went into Austin's bedroom a couple of days ago to get him up from his nap and..........he was standing in his crib. He was sooooo happy, he could not wipe the smile off his face. In fact he had so much fun playing in his crib that for his next nap he kept standing up not knowing how to get down. I think I went in about 7 times (to lay him down), until it was an hour later and no longer worth the fight... :)

The skunk and bee side by side! ;)

Look at me! WOOHOO!

What a fun ride

2007-10-24T12:00:00.000-07:00

I recently found out that Austin really enjoys riding in the laundry basket as I carry it downstairs. ;) There is also a picture of him feeding himself. This week he has really started to pull himself up on things as well. What Fun! :)

Austin's First Pumpkin

2007-10-18T19:17:00.000-07:00

The Covered Bridge Festival

2007-10-13T19:45:00.000-07:00

We went to the Covered Bridge Festivel today and had a lot of fun! We drove through some beautiful country hills, ate some good food, and saw some really unique crafts. It was a wonderful day!

The little Cowboy!

2007-10-11T10:45:00.001-07:00

Austin is getting so big! More and more teeth keep popping through and he continues to do something new every day/week. His new thing is clapping. He loves to clap especially when music comes on. Here are some pictures taken recently.

Like Father like Son! :)

Whoaa Horsey!!!

Get this hat off of me!

Trying to clap and stand up at the same time. ;)

The cowboys need to rest!

The Latest--Sitting up in the crib

2007-10-03T07:05:00.000-07:00

For about the last week Andrew and I have been walking in to get Austin up from his nap and seeing this (pictures below). :)

9 Months Old!

2007-09-30T11:53:00.000-07:00

I am 9 months old tomorrow! I already went to the doctor on Friday. I am still 29 inches long and weigh 19 1/2 lbs. So maybe mom and dad were a little off on their own calculations at 7 and 8 months or maybe I just haven't grown much! :) I have been learning many new things lately. I can scoot to where ever I want to go. I normally get around the army crawling way! I have also been waking up from my naps and deciding to sit up in my crib and play. There are some pictures of me and Mama in Holland with Grandpa and Grandma while Dada was in Florida at a conference.

Fun at the beach!

A walk on the trestle by Great Gram's old house!

Yum, these apples are good!

Austin in his leather ;) Fun with Grandpa

Me and Uncle Kyle!

Two front Teeth!

2007-09-21T10:33:00.000-07:00

Here are a couple of pictures of my top two front toophers coming in! :) I am very glad that they have already popped through. It was painful! But I am feeling much better now and Dada and Mama have been saying that it is making me look more like a little boy! Yahooo! :)

It has begun!

2007-09-19T11:36:00.000-07:00

Mama took this picture this afternoon. I have learned how to get up on my knees and have been moving back and forth in this position trying to crawl. I think I moved about a foot today and reached my goal; I got my toy! :) Life is good!

8 1/2 Months Old

2007-09-12T12:13:00.000-07:00

Mama and Dada measured me and weighed me at 8 months old and found out that I had not gained any weight or grown at all since 7 months. I am still 20 lbs. and 29 inches long. :) Here are a few of pictures of me when mama had put me on the kitchen floor for a couple of minutes while cooking and the papertowel roll fell close enough to me for me to grab it and unroll it. Who knew it could be so much fun! :) There are a couple more of me and one of dada after a nice walk with our shades!

More pictures of Labor Day

2007-09-04T13:51:00.000-07:00

Go BLUE!

Levi wanting to add some wood to the fire
Cooling off!

This is one of mama's favorite pic.s

Keep going down if you want to see some more....there are more pictures of Labor Day below. ;)

Daddy's Birthday--Labor Day Weekend

2007-09-04T12:27:00.001-07:00

This weekend was Daddy's birthday! We celebrated it while we were camping with Daddy's side of the family! We had a lot of fun taking walks, watching the fire, going swimming. There were some "firsts" for Levi and I while we were at the camp ground. I ate a whole cheerio (actually ate a lot of Levi's whole cheerios-thanks for sharing Levi), I tried ice cream for the first time and loved it! I wanted my own bowl, but mama said no. Levi danced for the first time. He loved moving to the music. It was so much fun!

Happy Birthday DADDY!! I love you!

Having fun playing some cards! :)

We could not sit still! We're boys! :)

Daddy's head feels really cool right now. We decided it was time to get down and play in the picture on the left.

Here's a picture of me and Nana and another one of Uncle Joel and I!

What a beautiful day to stretch out and relax on a blanket! There were acorns dropping from hundreds of feet (at least that is what it seemed like) from above my head. I was waiting but never got pegged! :)

Here's mama and I on a cool swing!

They had a dance party at the campground Sunday night and Levi really liked dancing all over; even on the picnic table! :)

Daddy said that I should wear sunscreen before I went swimming. I did not like having it rubbed all over my face.

One of our favorite things is to ride on our daddy's shoulders!

Sitting in own big chair! :)

Daddy told me to make a face, so I did! Cheese :)

Here's cousin Levi and Aunt Paula

Like Father like Son! :)

The boys and the mamas

Right after a refreshing dip in the pool!

Playing on the bed!

Relaxation at its best!

A variety of Pictures!

2007-08-27T09:59:00.000-07:00

These pictures are from when we went to Holland for Daddy and Mommy's Anniversary. I got to sleep over at Grandpa and Grandma's for a night. These pictures are just being posted now because of some technical issues. :)

Do I look like my daddy? I am wearing a hat just like him. :)

A couple of pics. of Daddy and Mama and I.

Grandpa and I just chilling on a gorgeous night. Down Town Holland

Taking a nice little stroll!

Here are a couple of pictures that Mama just had to include because they were so precious from a couple of weeks ago when we were at Papa and Nana's house.

Nana is teaching cousin Levi and I how to share and also how cool this plastic chain of connectors can be.

Here I am sitting in a big chair all by myself.

Grandma came to visit this past week for a couple of days. It was a lot of fun! Here are a couple of adorable pictures while she was here.

Here I am in my little ducky bathtub that I love! Nothing better than sitting in warm water in a big blow-up ducky. ;)

I've been chewing on everything, especially my fingers. I also spend a decent amount of time on my stomach but am just not ready to crawl quite yet. :)

Mama just thought this one of me was cute.

Ahhhh...this is great, Grandma you can do this all day if you want. PS~Great Grams, I heard you started this with my Grandpa. Good Idea ;)

mmmmm....I love my sweet potatoes! Thanks Grandma!

Change

2007-08-22T08:14:00.000-07:00

Last night Daddy and Mama had fun looking through pictures that were taken a week after I was born and seeing how much I have changed. They think it is such a miracle.

Psalm 139

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb......All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.

He def. takes after his dad in some ways ^ ;)

Fun with Christian along with a lesson in Sharing

2007-08-22T07:58:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, Mommy dropped me off at Christian's house while she went to a meeting. I was supposed to be napping but was so excited to play with Christian I just couldn't sleep. We had a lot of fun but always seemed to want to play with the same toy. Christian's mommy has started teaching us how to share..... :)

Great Grandma has gone Home!

2007-08-15T09:58:00.001-07:00

Great Grandma Green went home to Heaven to be with her Abba last week. I am going to miss her very much but Daddy and Mommy say that we will all see her again someday and that she is happier now worshipping the Lord than she has ever been on earth. This was the little suit that I wore to the celebration of her life/faith!

SOOOO BIIIGGG :)

2007-08-09T09:35:00.000-07:00

I know this is a little over-due but I decided to measure and weigh Austin today for his 7 months of life! Weight: 19 lbs Height: 29 inches

7 Months old! Great times with the Green side!

2007-08-08T11:47:00.000-07:00

CONGRATULATIONS JOEL AND PAULA!!! WOOHOO Another little miracle on the way! We are so excited for you guys!

What a big boy sitting all by himself! :)

Levi was ready to climb up that ladder and help the guys fix things!

Couz hugs!

We miss you so much already!

Sitting Up

2007-07-23T08:20:00.001-07:00

Austin has been sitting up now for a week or so. It is so much fun to see him go through all these milestones! Here are just a couple of pictures I took this morning after remembering I haven't posted in a while.