The Look!!

As you all know, we have been preparing our house for Christmas for quite sometime now! However,  last week we finally put up the BIG tree! 

I'm pretty sure it would've been sooner, except we realized the tree was back in IOWA!! Once we realized this, Dad made an immediate request for overnight shipping...just kidding...but seriously! :)

 This wasn't my first rodeo for this tree decoration thing! Kellen on the other hand...you'd think he thought it was Christmas already!!

Can you imagine what he'll be like on Christmas?!?

I on the other hand chilled with my Rooster as Mom and Dad were "prepping" the tree!

 "Mom, Dad does a better job of fluffing the tree.  Why don't you just, uh bake some cookies?! I'm getting a bit hungry chillin' here" 

"Or I guess you could just take more pictures"

Kellen was getting pretty antsy and wanted to help with the decorating part!! 

I won't lie, I was excited too! I even have my own ornaments!

 Yep, that's right! The ornament Kellen has his hand on...that's MINE!! My very own tennis ball ornament! It still gets me every year.  I think it's a real one...so fresh and so clean...so I try to grab it and then I realize...oh yeah it's a fake out!! I also have my paw print in foam and 3 others, I'm kinda a big deal I guess! :)

Once the tree was all decorated we all took our turns with "The Look".  

Kellen was and is still in pure Aww!!

 I will have to give the kid some credit, Mom and Dad were pretty risky and put ornaments on the bottom and some fragile ones too...and he hasn't touched them yet! Don't worry, I made sure my ornaments were at the right level- where he couldn't touch, but could still see! Yep, smack dab in the middle! :)  

Then my look...

Now this is what Christmas through the eyes of a DOG looks like! :)

To be loved and to be treated like one of them is the greatest gift of all!!

Now you are ALL welcome to come visit to see our decorations! I can guarantee you, if we are home, all Christmas lights and Christmas candles will be on! Dad has this rule, the minute we wake up, the lights come on! :)

SMILES

-E

A New Side

I'm not sure if this is a new side of Kellen or if it's because he hasn't been feeling the best, but lately he has been super cuddly.  And I'm not talking about with just Mom & Dad! 

Wherever I sit, it's within minutes and he's over sitting next to me and laying his head on my!

It may be the sweetest thing ever! 

I love you, Kellen and I will always be here for you!

SMILES

-E

Thankful!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!! 

I hope each one of you have a wonderful thanksgiving! I am so thankful for each of you who takes the time to read my stories! 

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, I would like to share with you all the wonderful things I am thankful for! 

(No particular order, well maybe ;) )

1- Bread & Wine

 Wait, maybe that's what Mom's thankful about! :)

2- Speaking of Mom- Thanks for loving me like you do!

3- MY BOYS!

I would be lost without these two! Dad, you are amazing!! Kellen, you're getting there! :)

4- Ball and the smell of freshly cut grass!

5- TREATS! 

I don't care what kind!

Last but definitely not least...

6- SLEEP!!

There's no such thing as too many naps! 

Have a wonderful and safe Thanksgiving!

Be thankful for all the little things in your life and be sure to tell people how thankful you are for them!

SMILES

-E

Livin' the Good Life

Yeah, yeah, yeah! We were back in IA last week and then Kellen hasn't been feeling well...hence the lack in stories.  Mom must not understand there is internet in IA, too!

But since it's Thanksgiving week, I'm going to count all my blessing that I do have!! And one of them...Ice cream and vanilla wafers!  You see, Mom and Dad love ice cream! So literally almost every night, we have some sort of creme dela ice! And since they love me so much, they always make me my own! 

The wait is agonizing!! 

Uhh yes, the final product!! 

You're probably wondering, there's only 3 bowls but 4 people in the family.  That's right! This all takes place the minute Kellen goes to bed!! All I can say is, HA! More for me! :) 

So I thought waiting for my cup of ice cream was agonizing....

...having to watch Mom & Dad eat and stare at my cup is double the agony! I seriously have to wait until they are done with their bowl before I can have my bowl.  It's something about working on my patience. 

The minute Dad finishes, I pretty much leap onto his lap to get to my ice cream!!

Oh it's so good! And the best part, there's vanilla wafers at the bottom! 

If you've never done vanilla wafers and ice cream....you're missing out on the worlds best snack!

I will have to say, it's a bit of a challenge eating out of that plastic cup! 

But no worries, I know how to eat off a spoon and Dad makes sure I get every last drop!!

Why yes, I am eating off of a Golden Spoon! :)

PS- Don't worry, I still maintain my figure.  There are nights I only ask for one wafer instead of 2! :)

SMILES

-E

The Beautiful Red Cups!!

Ahhh, yes last week we baked cookies, decorated the house, this week...it was time to enjoy the RED CUPS!! And I'm not talking about Red Solo cups, oh no, I'm talking about STARBUCKS Red Holiday cups!!

 

People tell me Puppy Latte's taste the same whether they are in the Red Holiday cups or in boring old white cups. I so beg to differ! When they are in the Red Holiday cups, it adds an instant smile and joy to your day, just seeing the cups!

 

Well, since this week has been horribly cold (I don't even want to go out), I needed a little Holiday cheer to warm me up! So where else other than Starbucks to get that Holiday cheer! :)

 ..Well I should say, where else to get that holiday cheer WHEN you have a Gift Card to Starbucks!! (Because let's be honest, those big drinks cost the same as 3 gallons of Kellen's milk!)

And yes, that little one is my Puppy Latte!!  :)

 

The minute Dad hands me my Latte, the whole world stops! 

Until Dad takes it away! Do they really think I'm going to get all jittery....from whip cream?!!?

 I understand I have a figure I need to keep, especially it going into the winter months!

 

So once I realize my latte was just taken out from under me, it dawned on me...

I just got something Kellen did NOT get! That's right, folks, that look is the look of "Uhh really Dad, you're going to give the dog a latte, but not me?!" Yep, that's right kid! It's all about me for once! ;)

 

Just kidding, your time will come soon Kellen...until then, enjoy watching me! :)

 

 

SMILES

-E

You Serious, Clark?!

Do you ever have one of those moments where all you want is a little R&R, but no matter how hard you try, someone always interrupts it!?

Well that was me last night! Kellen has been feeling a bit under the weather so the last couple days have been wonderful!! Then Mom decided to take him to the doc and get some meds to get him feeling better!! Well the meds started kicking in last night and he was back to himself! 

So I took it upon myself to go somewhere where Kellen couldn't reach me, but where I could still be close to Mom and Dad and see everything that's going on..

...yep under the kitchen table! I've never laid here before so I thought I would be good to go!! 

Yeah, that "little stinker" thought I was playing hide-and-go-seek!

"Really Mom, you think this is cute? How about I come bug you next time you need some R&R!"

But I will have to say, he is kinda cute when he lays his head down on me and says "Nigh, Nigh"!

(Mom tried to get a picture but her finger wasn't fast enough)

So again, being the cool big sister that I am, I let him hang out with me for a few...seconds!

 If you know Kellen, he doesn't sit still much! That's how Mom and Dad knew he was sick! He would just lay in their arms and sit there...so not like him!! 

But because Mom & Dad thought he needed to get feeling better and the meds are kicking in, Kellen is about 90% back to himself.  So only going about 90mph!

As you can tell in my facial expression, I was ready to have my R&R time back, plus I'm pretty sure it was passed Kellen's bedtime!

Finally Mom read "the look" I gave her and allowed me to go back to my happy place!!

Awww, the smell of freshly cut grass and wind blowing in my face on a nice 70 degree day!

Then I hear Dad wake me up and say "Esther let's go potty". You serious Clark, you want me to go from a 70 degree dream to 10 degrees and snow outside!? And why are we in MN?! ;)

SMILES

-E

It's that Time Again!!!

Sunday kicked off the Wiederin's favorite time of year...Christmas!!! We love the decor, the lights, the Christmas spirit and...COOKIES!! That's right, we love Christmas baking!! Dad had a weekend free of studying so we took full advantage of it!! Plus he's probably the biggest kid around here when it comes to Christmas!

Kellen and I cheered Dad on while he worked his Extensor Carpi Radialis (aka forearm)..I've been reading Dad's books during my down time.

Mom and Dad are so sweet, they made my favorite cookies...Peanut Butter Star cookies!

  Instead of licking the bowl, I'm cautious of raw eggs, I told Dad I would assist him in licking all the utensils that had Peanut Butter!! Pretty sure I'm a fan of this Christmas baking stuff!!

 If I could only explain how amazing our house smelt as the cookies baked...Ahhh!

Then the following happened...

...Kellen and I waited so patiently, didn't make a peep or a mess, ok maybe a little drool, but can you blame me?!?!?

How dare he?!?! Dad said he was working on his sneaky Santa skills! I hate to be the obvious one here, but Dad better figure out plan B!!

Speaking of Santa, we are trying to teach Kellen to say "Ho, Ho, Ho"! Every night we watch a Santa video so he has a clear understanding of what Santa looks like!! I'm pretty sure I sing the song in my sleep now!! Can you tell we LOVE Christmas?! 

PS-Could you tell Mom worked hard on the cookies too!

SMILES

-E  

Hallelujah!!

It's Friday!!!!

HALLELUJAH!!

It has been quite the week! Dad has had tests 4 of the 5 days, so we are ALL looking forward to the weekend!! Kellen and I even have our first babysitter that's going to come over and play while Mom and Dad have a Date Day!! 

PS-She made it all 5 days! :)

SMILES

-E

Care Packages, Anyone?!

I'm not sure if it's been addressed yet (pun may or may not be intended), but I wanted to make sure everyone knew that I love receiving mail, addressed to me!

I made sure Mom made it very clear to the mailman that Esther also receives mail! So you don't have to worry about addressing anything to them, just me please!

I kinda like how Kellen and I are in Sharpie and Mom and Dad are in pen! :)

It's all about the important people!!

Anyway, my address is:

Esther Wiederin

13560 Technology Dr #1320

Eden Prairie, MN 55344

Ohhh I can't wait to check the mail!! ;)

And don't worry about size limits, we have a clubhouse they take the large packages to!

SMILES

-E

Space Dog & Superbaby!

3 for 3...Mom's off to a great start this week! Great job, Mom! I'm so proud of you!  

(I have found positive reinforcement helps keep her motivated! :) )

This Halloween was a little different than last Halloween! Instead of Mom and Dad begging Grandpa to come watch Kellen so the 3 of us could get out of the house and enjoy some peace and quiet; Mom actually rushed home from work in pure excitement to go trick-or-treating with Kellen & I!! (Dad was back in MN studying, so he joined us via FaceTime! :) )

Facebook kinda ruined my surprise, but for those that haven't seen Kellen and I's costumes, let's get a drum roll going please......

 Ceerrsh (that's cymbals crashing!)

Space Dog...AND...

...Clark Kent Superman!!

If you think you're having Deju Vu on my costume, don't worry, you did see the same one last year!! That's right, I sacrificed a new costume so Kellen could get a new shirt, tie, and cape! Plus I realized that costumes aren't that cheap AND I need dog food this week, and we all know I only like the best when it comes to my food!  

Since Ankeny does things a little different and does beggars night on Thursday, Mom made sure we were back home in time for the Halloween party at our apartment complex with Dad on Friday!! 

I was too busy connecting with NASA for our launch that I just let Dad and Kellen take a pic!

Next year you can count on me being in a brand new costume! No way I can do three years in a row! :)

SMILES

-E

Fall Photo Shoot!

A couple weekends ago when the leaves were just right and Dad had some extra time on his hands, we had our very own Fall Photo Shoot!

Falling leaves on Kellen! :)

 I can't tell you enough to how much I love beautiful fall days! It's the perfect recipe for ball in the backyard- well apartment side yard!

     

Kellen has become a pro at finding tennis balls and giving them to me!! 

I knew I loved him! :)

 I'm pretty sure it's the #1 rule with a 1 year to always bring snacks everywhere you go!

 And yes, it took a baby for Mom and Dad to understand that rule!!

 I'm pretty sure Kellen dropped his goldfish here and is trying to find it!! 

I just wait patiently! :)

Our fall photo shoot ended perfectly..

...Daddy holding on to each of his kids!

Mom is one lucky girl!

SMILES

-E 

The Big Party!!

Sorry for the lack in stories last week! Kellen, Mom and I were back to IA for the week and things just got busy! So since there were ZERO stories last week, I will make a promise that I will have a story EVERY DAY this week!!

So I think it's safe to say, Kellen had a pretty good birthday!! Between a party at daycare, a 2.5 hour nap, long walk outside, gift bags full of presents, and a birthday cake he could devour, I'm pretty sure that's my definition of an amazing birthday!!

 Doesn't he look so grown up?! (Sniff)
Those are his two puppies! Doc & Puppy (creative, I know!) I have taught Kellen that puppies go "woof woof", so every time he sees a puppy Kellen will go "ouff ouff"! Mom told me today that while they were at Target, he saw the dog with the spot on this eye and start "ouff ouffing"! I am so proud!

"Mom, I know it's not my birthday, but take a picture of me for my blog!"

Since this was Kellen's first birthday, I had to teach him a think or two about presents!!

1.  If you don't smell tennis balls or treats, move on

2. Don't waste your time with that wrapping stuff! Bags are where it's at!

3. Always say thank you- even if it's not a ball or treat!!

 He wasn't quite catching on to the bag thing, so I figured I'd be his best friend and help the fella out!

 I knew I could smell something good...

...yep a ball! But I quickly learned it was a baseball and not a tennis ball!!

Kellen got a baseball glove and ball, John Deere sippy cup, and his own scrubs to match Daddy & Doc!

 I'm really not sure what goes through this kid's mind sometimes!! 

But man do we love him!

Up next, THE CAKE!!

 At first, Kellen didn't know what to think! Dad had to help him "get messy".  I offered to show him how it was done, but Mom didn't think that would be a good idea!

 It didn't take long once Kellen got the hang of it! I'm really hoping for my 13th in January I get a SMASH cake!! I know I'll be cleaner than Kellen!!

It was such a great day for my little brother's birthday!! It's crazy how time flies! He has grown up to become such a sweet, fun loving boy!! 

I think Mom is having a hard time with him turning 1 and preparing for a teenager in January!! 

Yep that'd be me!! :)

SMILES

-E