July has been a nice month for us. We had a great Fourth, the arrival of our new niece, Elle Marie, Nana visited for a few days and we are planning a visit to Grandma and Grandpas. Chaz has been doing all sorts of new things lately. He is really into "no" and shakes his head if he hears anyone say it, even if it is not directed at him. He has also just starting to cruise around furniture and can take a few steps with his push toy. He is not crawling, but gets everywhere with his army crawl/scoot thing! Not too much to report. We are just trying to enjoy the last bit of summer by grilling out with friends and getting together with family. Oh and the bathroom reno is wrapping up (thank goodness).

Chaz enjoyed his bath in the big tub with daddy. He was in there until his feet were prunes, and he didn't want to get out! He is a big fan of bath time - he now shakes his head "no" when I ask to hold him to get him out...little stinker, getting smart! Oh, and this one shows a great pic of his red hair.

Betsy, Matt and the little princess, Elle! She is a sweetie and is a good girl for her parents. We love you, baby!!

WOW! You forget just how little they are when they arrive! As much as I enjoyed holding her, I am still able to recall that uncertain feeling as I left the hospital 9 mos ago. And the sleepless nights that ensued - because they didn't end for almost 8 months....

Chaz and Charlee Jane. Just the names of these two mean they will be quite the pair someday! This is a precious "cousin pic." We enjoyed singing "I'm bringing home my baby bumble bee..." but nobody can remember the third verse - we just kept repeating ourselves. Chaz giggled and swung his feet tons - he loves swings and we have to get daddy out to see it too (he is jealous that he hasn't been able to yet).

Say "SPAGHETTI!" What a cheesy grin! My little eater enjoyed some spaghetti noodles. He loves food, but also had a ball squishing the noodles between his fingers. He now whines and looks at your plate during dinner because he much prefers to eat finger food than baby food. Also, take a look at little chomper's teeth. Four of em' now and more to come in the next month probably - they are just starting to swell.

Happy Fourth of July

First, I have to say that we have had two great weekends in a row. Last weekend we had nothing going on and totally just chilled all weekend doing nothing that didn't have to be done and just doing a few things we deemed "fun". Great! And then for the 4th we had a great time celebrating our 5th Anniversary! We went to the QC Thursday after work and Chaz had a ball playing with Nonnie, Papa and Unca Joe. Friday we had so much fun going on a big walk while Christian got some golf in and then headed to the pool for the first time (a big hit!!). Then, and here's the big deal, we went to a hotel for the night. Well, we started the night at Johnny's for a great meal - every course and great conversation! Oh and we were upgraded to the honeymoon suite - awesome! Then to a movie before we turned in. In the morning we went for coffee at a place that we had not been in 9 years and Chrisitian had been asking about for that long. It was totally relaxing and so much fun. The next day we went to cousin, Maggie's 1st birthday in Epworth, IA and celebrated with much of the McGovern family at a cookout. After that we did a quick meet up with a friend from work and then headed to the Nauman's to see Grandma Hansel (post knee surgery) and the rest of clan. The day was awesome. Aunt Kris and Uncle Randy, as well as everyone else, spoiled Chaz! He had a fantastic time and we enjoyed yummy stuff like Texas sheet cake and sugar cookies as well as catching up. We headed home late and let baby sleep in the car and carried him up to bed when we got home, after that we sneaked out for a view of the fireworks while papa manned the fort. Christian and I so needed this weekend! It was really great to have all the help with Chaz and he is at an age where is really starting to enjoy the rest of the family. Hope you all had a great 4th too!

With Grandma McGovern

Cousin Catie

Yes, this is Nonnie doing Zumba to "All the Single Ladies." I only hope to have a fraction of her energy when I am a grandparent

With Grandma Hansel


With cousin Coley! She is such a pretty one!




The Aunt with all the "good stuff" :) including the food!

Happy Dedication, Chaz!

We had a wonderful time celebrating Chaz's baby dedication on Father's Day. Both Christian and I got a little emotional as we promised to raise our little manny with Godly principles and teach him about God. Since the dedication we have had many conversations about how you bring up God everyday with your child (other than at bedtime prayer and meal prayers). We want to be intentional in the way that we parent and the type of childhood Chaz has. After the church service we grilled steaks for the guys and chicken and had a big cook out with the entire family. I should also mention that Christian did get a chance to celebrate being a Dad with a few gifts and golf Saturday morning...oh and a week off the early am feeding at 4:30/5!