Fresh air? What's this?

We experienced a major heatwave in Fargo today. It was 40 degrees which meant we could head out and get some fresh air and let Gus play in the snow. He loved his new sled that he received from his Aunt Steph and Uncle Mike. Here he is telling his dad which way to go.


That's some deep snow.

He finally had enough of the mittens. We put them back on about 4 times then finally just gave up.

Don't worry, this snow is clean.

It's been months but finally, there is life on our block again! Gus was thrilled to see his friends again although you can't tell from the look on his face in this particular shot.

The last time Gus hung out outside with our neighbor, Maya, he was still a little shaky on his feet. Now he's smooth and quick, too. Like a cat.


Splashing the slush quickly became their favorite game.

And back into the house for a nap. Nice snowbanks, huh?

Bahhhck! -- ball! (Basketball)

Anything that is round or resembles a ball whatsoever prompts Gus to scream basketball rather loudly. I tried to type his phonetic spelling up above because that's what makes him calling everything a basketball so funny. The way he says it is great.

We decided to take him to a local basketball game to see how he'd do. It was a perfect night to do so. Ross's alma mater, Northern State, was in town to battle Minnesota State at Moorhead. Ross got a chance to say hello to his former coach which was nice. Unfortunately, Northern got smoked.

Gus loved the game right from the minute we walked in and saw the players in their huddle doing that group o' man hands-in-the-air, chanting and jumping thing they always do as a team before they run out on the court. He was very interested.


He also loved Moorhead's mascot, the dragon.

How can they be losing this bad?

This is fun.
On the way out he was ready to run but neither of us felt like chasing him out onto mid-court during halftime. So we left and he crashed in the car on the way home. It was fun.

We plan to hit a couple more games before basketball season is over. Maybe we'll even try hockey or swing into a cheerleading competition this month....he he he, just kidding. I promise not to make him a cheerleader.

A fluke? Probably

Last week while enjoying a snack in his high chair, Gus started motioning the sign for diaper. I thought to myself, no, he can't be telling me he needs a new diaper...could he? Deciding it was worth it to see, I took him out, set him down, and he proceeded to fill his pants. I was impressed and of course at that moment, thought Gus was a genius.

We realize it's probably too early to start potty training but decided to pick up a toddler toilet anyway just to get Gus familiar with it. I picked it up on Monday night and on Tuesday afternoon, he was giving me the look, you know, that look. I suggested we scoot into the bathroom to try out his new toilet. Within about 10 seconds I had him situated on his lovely new potty chair. And right then and there, he did his biz! No hesitation. I was freaking out and trying to tell him what a good job he did as he was sitting there just staring at me awkwardly wondering what the heck was going on. I'm sure he couldn't understand me because I was half-laughing, half-shrieking. I couldn't believe what had happened.

Fast forward to Wednesday,1 day later. Still riding the high from the day before, I plopped him down on the chair with high hopes and he proceeded to do nothing. Not even a dribble. I haven't given up yet but I'm thinking the #2 on the throne was just good timing on my part. The next time we will experience it will probably be in a year or so. Oh, and yesterday was Ross's birthday. What a present. It is amazing what you get excited about as parents.

They're a Little Too Big

Any time there is something new around Gus has to check it out. In this case I had taken off my boots in the living room so of course he had to run over and try them on. He knew what to do with them and stepped right in. He's growing fast but it might be quite a while before these fit.



Usually the TP goes on the counter for the reasons documented below. For some reason I decided to put in on the dispenser and Gus couldn't have been happier. The best part of this was Allison took a picture with her phone and sent it to me at work. I laughed out loud and had to show a couple co-workers his little project. It made the afternoon go by faster with this image in my head.

At least he hasn't been inside the toilet yet. We've been told that some kids enjoy this game.

Chomp chomp

If you peel an apple and give it to Gus, he is happy for at least 25-30 minutes.

Not a baby anymore

We spent the weekend in Mpls and it was perfect. We got to see the whole crew and spend time holding, rocking, cuddling, and all around doting on Mike and Michelle's little girl, Gabby.

She is 10 weeks and already, as you can see, has alot on her mind.


She relaxed for these shots. What a little dolly.



Gus realized he is not a, or the, baby anymore. He played toddler games like climb the steps and peek through the banister. That is a great game.


He also man handled Gabby's monkey gym.


Saying the "future Mr. and Mrs., aww cute" never got old.


Back at the pad in Fargo, Gus tried on his new towel and blanket from Ikea.


Looking forward to the sub-zero temps that will come swirling in tonight and over the coarse of the next couple of days. I wish we never would have made fun of Fargo winters before we lived here. I believe we jinxed ourselves.

They make him go faster

New sneakers!

He took so many laps he needed a water break.

And they keep coming

We love it. This weekend our house has been full of visitors and guests. I didn't get a shot of Gus with his Uncle Kyle and Jess. We also didn't snap a shot of Gus with his Grandma Vickie - next time. But I did manage to get a few with Lindsey and Laura.

They taught him how to play hide and seek which he loved. Laura had to remind him to stay hidden or else he becomes very easy to find.

Laura looks extremely small and extremely strong in this photo.

Gus loves these guys.

Thanks for making the trek in the blizzard. Come anytime!

Cookies and books to ring in the New Year

Happy New Year! We forgot to say that in our last post.

We spent New Year's Eve at home in the company of Kristie and Skunny. As usual with them, we were laughing the entire time.

Gus convinced Kristie to read to him a couple books before he had to scoot to bed.

Concentrating on the cookie

Enjoying the cookie

Good Housekeeping

The vacuum obsession continues. Thanks to the Demars family, Gus's attention can now be diverted to his own machine. Problem, solved!



Who are we kidding? Ross can't resist giving him a round with the actual vacuum.