Where has the time gone?

Happy Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and almost Happy Birthday to Jack!!!

Wow, the time has really gone by fast.  I can't believe in about a month Jack will be a year old already.  I figured I should check in and just give everyone a little update on what's been happening with us.

As many of you know, Derek's sister Lindsey had a life changing accident at her home in the beginning of November. Her boyfriend Steve was seriously injured and unfortunetly they lost Andy, there best friend and roommate. I am just so amazed at all the support from family, friends and the community they have received and all the people who have supported them through this tough time. They are all in our thoughts every day. Both Lindsey and Steve are doing well as they continue to heal and get stronger every day. We love them so much!

After the busy month and a half following the accident, we headed out to South Dakota for Christmas with my mom's family.  It was so good to see everyone and just all be together. Jack was excited to see and play with all the cousins. I think Jack maybe tore one piece of wrapping paper on a present, the rest Derek and I had to open for him.  We then headed back to Wisconsin and had Christmas with the Stephany's.  It was nice being in Mosinee and relaxing with the family there.

It seems like Jack is changing all the time, always moving onto the next thing. He went from pulling him self up in December to "cruising" along the furniture in early January.  He loves crawling around and exploring everything!!  A couple weeks ago he started crawling up the stairs, so each night he crawls up the stairs to bath.  Oh and we had to retire the little bathtub of his.  He started standing in his tub and then stepped out of the tub, so now he is in the big tub and loving it.  I think he could stay in the tub for hours if we let him.  By the time he gets out now, his fingers and toes are all pruney. Jack is so busy, all the time!!  I don't think he lets Derek or me sit while he is awake, unless we are feeding him.  He actually took his first steps on his own last Sunday at Grandma and Grandpa Stephany's.  He was going between the chair and the ottoman and took two or three steps to get there.  This last week at home we have been setting up the two ottomans in the living room and getting Jack to walk between them.  Sometimes he gets a little tired and just tries to reach over and doesn't make it. Of course he just laughs when he falls down.

And boy does he love to laugh.  He has really started to laugh a lot more. Of course I love to do anything silly to make is smile and laugh, but it doesn't take much. He is such a good baby, he sleeps though the night, loves to eat mostly everything and just has a fun personality. We hope the next year is as much fun as this year has been with him. 

I think that is getting us all up to speed.  We are heading out to Denver to visit my brothers at the end of March, maybe do a little skiing...not sure if there will be skis small enough for Jack, so we might have to wait a year or two before he gets to go skiing.

Until next time...
Michelle, Derek and Jack Joseph

P.S. Sorry there are no pictures with this update. We have been having computer issues, so the pictures can not be uploaded at this time, but hopefully soon!!!

The Summer Wrap Up.......

Wow, it's been awhile since I updated, it's been a busy couple of months for us.  We had a few road trips to Eau Claire and Mosinee to visit family and we have spent some time at home relaxing.  We got to meet the extended Stephany family and get in a quick four generation photo with Grandpa Jim and Great Grandpa Jack.  I don't think he likes the generation photos because he has cried during both family photos, go figure, the happy baby doesn't like getting family pictures taken.

Derek, Jack, Grandpa Jim and Great Grandpa Jack

 

We also had some friends come down and visit so we could all meet the new babies that have been born in the last couple months.  Becky, Isaac, Lauryn and Josie came to visit as well as Jeni, Casey and Jackson.  It was so fun getting all the kids together.  We just all looked around and couldn't believe how much our lives have changed in the past year.  Lauryn was 17 months old in July, Josie was about 6 weeks and of course Jackson is just two weeks younger than our Jack. 

Lauryn Wissestad, Jackson Fossum, Jack Stephany and Josie Wissestad

Our next trip in the beginning of August took us on Jack's first boat ride. My Uncle Paul, Aunt Sheila and cousins Parker and Bennett came to Wisconsin for a last minute summer break from South Dakota.  So we went up to Chetek to ride around on the boat on a beautiful Saturday afternoon.  Jack did really good on the boat, even though he had to wear a life jacket.  We looked so ridiculous trying to keep him out of the sun with the umbrella, his hat, his sunglasses and then of course his burp rag to catch all of his drool.  We did get to see Uncle John there for a quick visit in EC, oh and finally got to meet Great Uncle Pete.  We caught him on his way out the door for an early morning tee time.

Jack geared up for the boat ride

Our latest trip to Mosinee was to watch Derek and Uncle Jake play some softball in Mosinee's annual alumni softball tournament.  We didn't get to watch much of Uncle Jake because his class lost in game #3.  But Derek did really well and actually took second place for his division.  Jack did really well at the games, hanging out in his Baby Bjorn.

Grandpa Jim and Jack...Brewer's #1 and Cub's #2

One day in August we went to the zoo to check out some animals.  I'm not sure how much Jack saw, but it was fun seeing the animals.

Is that Jack or a Penguin?

Derek and Jack checking out the giraffe

What is that sticking out of the polar bears head?

We went to a few farmer's markets this summer.  Jack loves looking around and checking out all the action.  Two weekends ago we went to the market and then decided to go check out the capital building.  I have never been there so it neat going inside and see what is was all about.  I can't believe I have lived here for almost six years and have never been there.

Jack and I at the capital, he wasn't happy

So he fell asleep before we got to Ian's for a slice

I can't believe how many first experiences Jack has had this summer!  It just so fun being there and watching him experience new things.  Since our last post Jack has been rolling over and back and scooting around the floor. His four month appointment in August went very well.  He weighed in at 13 lbs 4 oz and 24 inches long. So he is growing big and strong.  Jack is really into "talking" a lot.  When Derek takes him to the grocery store he talks the whole time.  This week Derek and Jack ran into our neighbor, they chatted for a bit and then he ran into her again at the checkouts.  She said Jack sounded so happy and that she could hear him throughout the whole store.  It just makes us laugh.  We also started him on rice cereal and this last weekend he had sweet potatoes.  He LOVES the sweet potatoes and I think eager to try something new again.  Jack has also been into reaching out and grabbing things especially our hair.

Reading books

Eating Sweet Potatoes!

Sitting up with just a little help from mom

Sitting up sort of, maybe leaning a bit

Hanging out in the Bjorn

Scooting around on the floor

We just wanted to say congratulations to Katie and Steve Koets on their new baby Connor Grayson Koets born on September 1st.  We can't wait to meet him tomorrow!! Just another little friend for Jack to play with.

Peace out

-Michelle, Derek, Jack, Biggs and Mylee

Jack's first visit to Eau Claire, Mosinee and meeting Uncle John and Uncle Pete, oh and Jack rolling over for the first time!!!

Well it's been another busy couple of weeks for the Stephany's.  The weekend of June 19th we were in Eau Claire and finally got to meet Uncle John and Uncle Pete!  Jack also attended his first wedding, congrats to Emily and Cory, and he got to see a couple live bands at the reception.  After our visit with the Ferigan's, we headed to Mosinee for a few days and hung out with Grandma Julie, Grandpa Jim and Uncle Jake.  Then we came back home to have another busy weekend with the extended Lambeseder family. Jack got to meet some more aunts, uncles and cousins. 

 

Grandpa Jack and Jack watching some Brewers

Uncle Pete and Jack

Uncle John and Jack at the wedding reception

Jack and Grandma Mary

Grandpa Jack, John, Pete and Derek listening to the band

So Monday I had to head back to work, which isn't all that much fun, but I had to go.  So Derek and Jack have been going for walks and hanging out all week.  Friday when I got home I had this video that Derek took of Jack from that afternoon, his first time rolling over!!  Since then he did do it in person for me a few times and it's so cute how much he "talks" while he is working through it!  Here is the video of him first rolling over.

Jack rolling over yesterday 7/2/10

I think he was happy to see me

Jack just hanging out

Well that's pretty much it for now, tomorrow we get to celebrate the 4th of July!!  Oh and we want to say Happy Birthday to Aunt Lindsey on Wednesday July 7th!

Michelle, Derek, Jack, Biggs and Mylee

Friends, Family and Eight Hour Car Rides.....

Well it's been a busy few weeks around here!  Two weekends ago we got to visit with our friends Casey and Jeni who had a baby just two weeks after Jack was born.  It was a lot of fun to meet Jackson and visit with old friends.  It will be so fun having friends who are going through the same stuff we are.  Hopefully Jack and Jackson will be great friends like Casey and Derek.

Also last week was Jack's two month appointment, I can't believe it's been two months since he was born.  He did very well, weighing in at 11 1/2 pounds and 23 inches long.  He checked out just where he should be, so we were very happy about that.  But then of course he had to get some shots, which he was not happy about, but we made it though and had a little extra sleepy time and cuddle time that afternoon. 

Derek finally finished student teaching last Thursday!  He is looking forward to having the summer off and hanging out with Jack.

Since school was out and I still have a few weeks left of maternity leave, we decided to head out to South Dakota and visit my family.  We got to see Great Great Grandma Koupal, who is now 103 years old, Great Grandpa Gene, Uncle Paul and Aunt Sheila and their boys Parker and Bennett and then a little bit of Uncle Mark. Oh and of course Grandma Mary was there too!  It was fun to see everyone and for all of them to meet Jack.  I was a little worried about how Jack would do in the car for such a long trip but he did so good!  He slept a lot and listened to music.  I couldn't of asked for a better trip with him. It was good training since we will be traveling again this weekend to Eau Claire for a wedding and then onto Mosinee to visit Grandma Julie and Grandpa Jim.

Jack is doing so well, we just love him so much!  He is still smiling a lot!!!  He loves to be in his bouncy chair but he really loves to be held up so he can see what is going on around him.

So I have added a bunch of pictures for the last couple weeks along with the 5 generation pictures we took while in South Dakota.  Have a great week everyone!

-Michelle, Derek, Jack, Biggs and Mylee

Abby, Ryan & Mollie Severson, Casey & Jeni Fossum and then Me, Derek and Jack

Jackson Fossum

Biggs hanging out in a box

Jack snoozing in his chair with his sticker after he got his shots

Parker and Bennett made a sign that said Welcome Baby Jack

Jack and Derek tired after the long drive out to South Dakota

Grandma Mary, Great Grandpa Gene

Great Great Grandma Koupal, Jack and Me

The Koupal's with Jack

Paul, Parker, Sheila and Bennett

Great Grandpa Gene with Jack

Grandma Mary snuggled up with Jack

Farmer's Market and house guests

Well the last few weeks have gone by so fast.  The last two weekends we have had awesome weather so we finally got to the Farmer's Market.  Jack's first time in downtown Madison and he slept the whole time, but we did have fun.  It was nice to be out and enjoying the weather.  He sure loves to sleep through all the noise of the crowds. 

Last weekend The Stephany's come down to visit and help Lindsey and Steve move into their new house.  We didn't have to help move until Sunday so Saturday was a hang out day with the market in the morning and then the boys went golfing in the afternoon. Sunday was the big move, but of course Jack, Grandma Julie and I made it to the house just in time to miss all the heavy lifting.  It was nice having Derek home for an extra day, but like always, the weekend went by too fast.

Jack has been doing really well.  I am just so amazed at how much he has already changed.  He loves to smile, drool and coo lately.  He also likes to be sung to, even though I sing out of tune.  A couple of nights last week he slept for 7 hours!  I couldn't believe it! 

Well that's pretty much it for now.  I hope you all have a great week!!

-Michelle and Family :0)

P.S. Happy Birthday Kristi K, we miss you!

Jack taking a nap and showing off his muscles.

Derek and Jack at the Capital Square

Jack getting ready for our daily walk

Jack having some tummy time

Jack likes to fall asleep right after he eats

Congrats Derek!

What an exciting weekend we had with Derek's graduation from UW-Whitewater. It was a big day for all of us, but it went very well.  Jack was a very good trooper sleeping through a lot of the ceremony.  I was so worried I would have a crying baby on my hands, but he did so well and so did Derek. Since it was graduation weekend, the whole family was down again and we had a lot of fun hanging out.

Jack is doing so well, he will be six weeks this Thursday.  He has been smiling and cooing a lot, which we just love.  It is crazy how much he has changed already.  He has been sleeping for about 4-5 hour stretch at night which is so nice for mom and dad.  He loves car rides, going for walks outside and his swing.  Oh and the best thing is he loves bath time too!

Well that is about it for now, oh, we just wanted to say congratulations to Aunt Lindsey and Steve on there new house in Sun Prairie!!

Michelle & Fam

Jack is not looking at the camera in this one for some reason.....

Grandma Julie, Derek and Grandpa Jim

Derek, Jack and Biggs hanging out on the couch.

Jack getting ready for a walk in his camo jacket.

Grandma Mary and Jack

Baby Stephany has arrived....but my post is a little delayed!

Jack Joseph was born just about three weeks ago, Thursday April 8th, at 12:33 am.  It's been a crazy few weeks since he was born, but we are so happy to have him with us!

Grandma Mary came down the first week to help us out since Derek had to return to school on Monday.  She was a huge help and we really loved having her here.  But since then, it's just been the baby and me.  We are getting along pretty good.  Jack is a great eater and a pretty good sleeper.  We are getting some 3-4 hour stretches at night, so that is really nice.  We have had Jack out around the neighborhood for a few walks which he really loves. 

Last weekend both sets of grandparents come down along with Aunt Lindsey and Uncle Jake.  It was a house full, but we had a lot of fun just hanging out and eating some yummy food.  Hopefully in the next few weeks Uncle John and Uncle Pete will come for a visit!  And in just three weeks Derek graduates from UW-Whitewater!  We are so proud of him and can't wait for him to be on summer break!