Grandma to the Rescue

We visited the MN Landscape Arboretum today....what an AMAZING place. This picture cracked me up....it looks like I am having my high school graduation pictures taken and I am holding a child...too funny.

David's nice "faux" smile.

With Grandma in the Rose Gardens

My favorite scene, a smiling David and a CALM Mikko.

Grandma reading my favorite childhood book (The Lonely Doll) to David. Thanks Mandy!

My Mom came to stay with me for several days to help out with Mikko...he has been quite challenging. I think just having her here calms him. Damon was out of town in Grand Forks so it was such a BIG HELP to me.

Cool Dude and My Little Trapeze Artist

My little dude with a popsicle!

I think Mikko is going to end up a Trapeze Artist because he LOVES to Swing Swing Swing.

Thanks Mom and Dad

We met up with my parents in Wadena so they could take the dogs while we were on vacation. What amazing parents to drive 200 miles each way, twice, to get our dogs. Here is a picture of David and Grandpa. We bought him this Viking Ship print for Father's Day.

2nd Annual Peter's Resort trip

All the kids.
Mikko and Grandpa Dave

Playing games w/ Dad and Grandpa Dave

Peters Resort - Glenwood, MN

Eating Watermelon

Lee/Amundson Family
Damon caught a few sunnies w/ David's Scooby Doo fishing pole.

Mandy and Mikko
David and Grandpa Dave

Fishing with Uncle Dusty

Baby Leah

Leah Michelle Sperstad joined our rapidly growing family on Saturday, June 20th. She was a few weeks early so it was a big surprise to hear on Saturday that Mandy's water broke. She is a beautiful girl...one of the cutest babies I've seen. 5 lb 12 oz and 18 1/2 inches long. She was also born by CSection because she was breech. Must run in the family.

Here is a picture of Mary holding Mikko and Corey holding Leah. Wow, they grow fast. Mikko is 6 weeks old.

Attempting to get a cute picture of my 2 boys in their Dinosaur PJs...I don't know, is this a Framer?

Anything to get a baby to sleep

I'm normally not one to read parenting books, but let's just say that Mikko is a "bit" of a cryer...dare I say the "C" word. Yes, colic. Mandy gave me "Happiest Baby on the Block" to read. I was at my wits end tonight when Damon was out of town and I followed all 5 steps in the book. Here he is swinging in front of our stove with the oven vent going on high. I SWADDLED, SHH'd him, put him in the SWING and gave him a pacifier to SUCK....I'm missing one "S", but I guess with 4 of the steps it worked. Now I need a beer.

Fun with Bobby and Greta

Buried in the blocks.

Jimmy tries to rest amidst the chaos.

Greta liked my "Bedazzled" flip flops.

My fabulous sister Carrie came over to watch all 4 kids while I went to get a pedicure and do a bit of shopping. Thank God for sisters.

Mikko is 1 Month Old

He has given us a few smiles in the past couple of days! He eats lots and is almost outgrowing some of his 0-3 month stuff. He is a beautiful boy.

Mikko's Room

I've been crafting away in my spare time to get Mikko's room decorated. Here are the results of my efforts!

Family walk at Wood Lake Nature Center

Cutie!

Up close and personal with an inch worm. He didn't want to touch it.

Walking the docks!

As Bobby would say, "Hello, My People"

Family photo w/ the timer.

On Sunday morning we got up and ventured for a walk at Wood Lake Nature Center. David looked at ducks, baby ducks, worms and squirrels.

Mikko at 2 weeks

At Mikko's 2 week appointment he had gained a whole pound in 1 week! He sure is an eater...I never seem to get a break.

New pics

Sucking his thumb...a sign that he is still my baby boy.

Mikko was advised by his doctor to get a bit of sun to cure his jaundice. Here he is relaxing on the deck.

David playing in his new pool.

Grandma Carol and Mikko.

How sweet is he? I have to remember this sweet face when he is screaming bloody murder at 2 a.m.!!!

Mikko and Grandma Marlene