Great-Grandma Lou's Birthday

Today is my Grandma (Ian's great) Lou's birthday. We drove down to their home in Brooklyn for a visit. My mom joined us for a lovely multi-generational morning. I brought along a few books and toys in an effort to keep Ian focused on something other than destroying their home. But, the cacti were very tempting.....Thankfully, my grandparents raised 5 kids and knew how to hold Ian's attention. Grandpa pulled out his old "truck", which was given to him when he retired from the County (I think).


And Grandma offered up a hand-help video game (yes, it a slot machine).

Grandpa had heard that Ian loved trucks, and suggested we go down and see some real ones at Brooklyn's new fire station. We were not sure if anyone would be around, but sure enough, Sandy, a childhood friend of my mother's was there cleaning (she is a nurse and volunteer EMS person). And boy did we get the grand tour! Unfortunately, the trucks were a little too up close and personal for Ian. He preferred to be held in my arms, and when I sat him in a truck's seat, he cried. Ah well, next year.



However, Grandpa didn't miss a chance to climb up into a truck. Yes, he still has the boyish attraction to trucks.

Friday at the Zoo

Last Friday morning Ian and I took my mom to the zoo...she hadn't been in years! It was a perfect trip, warm but not hot, and a school day so it was not crowded. Ian is still working on expanding his animal words..."cat", "bird, and "bear" are the top three. Although, he can identify a lot more in his "100 First Animals" book, including: owl, pig, zebra, and spider.

Halloween 2009

Inspiration for Ian's Halloween costume this year came from the book "The Happiest Toddler on the Block", in which the author encourages parents to view their children as "cavemen" until age 4.....and when we read that we just knew what his costume would be for this year. And, true to the book, Ian was in full character that night. We did get some trick or treating in at my mom's house, a few of her neighbors, and then at his Great Grandma Gervasi's house.



Ian and Grandpa Gary enjoy some Halloween fun....the spider in the background drops down when there is a loud sound....clapper style.

Second Hair Cut

A second hair cut didn't get off the the easiest start. While his grandparents and aunt were in town we decided to have Ian's hair cut....he was a little less than thrilled when he got into the chair.

But then, he gobbled up the attention and was won over by the stylist.

Lunch at the Blue Spoon

Last Thursday Ian and I set out with Grandma Charlene and Aunt Alison for a corn maze in Lodi, Wisconsin. However, just as we arrived the rain started to fall. So, we went to plan B, and had lunch at the Blue Spoon in Sauk City.

Ian and Grandma Charlene enjoyed some "truck spotting"....Ian's favorite activity these days.

And I just love this photo; Ian is pointing out the leaves to his adoring aunt.

Shoe Shopping

Last week we took Ian shoe shopping at Stride Rite at Hilldale Mall. What a wonderful store! He got a pair of "first walkers", compliments of Grandma Charlene. And I picked out a pair of winter boots for him. We are set for the first snow fall.

Here is Ian, on Aunt Alison's shoulders and wearing his new shoes.


And, a little while later, still getting a piggy back ride, but tuckered out.

Puzzles?

This afternoon Ian sat and "worked" on a child's puzzle. The idea is to match two objects that go together....think cake and candles. And the two objects are puzzle pieces and fit together. I love puzzles, but found myself wondering "where is my baby boy....puzzles are big kid toys". Then, before dinner, he got out his crayons and we colored for awhile. He enjoyed quizzing me on the names of colors. He'd hold up a crayon and I'd say "brown", etc. What a delightful afternoon and evening.

Lazy Sunday Morning

We are having a lazy Sunday morning at our house, listening to church on the internet instead of going in person. After a breakfast of pancakes and eggs, Ian resumed is job of "play", which started before the sun was up. At one point I came back into the living room and noticed he'd added a winter hat to his PJs.....something about the outfit, hat, and toddler walk made me say "doesn't he seem like a Dr. Suess book.

We are looking forward to a visit from CJ's parents and sister this next week. On Friday all six of us are headed to the Wisconsin Dells. I'll be attending a legal conference for solo and small firms, and CJ, Ian, Grandma, Grandpa, and Aunt Alison will explore the Kalahari Resort and Water park. We'll return Saturday afternoon, and Ian will get dressed for Halloween. Inspired by the book "Happiest Toddler on the Block", Ian will be parading as caveman...the book encourages parents to think for kids aged 1-4 as "cave people". Photos will follow soon.

The pumpkin patch

Two weekends ago we piled into the car and headed to our CSA farm (Vermont Valley, near Black Earth, Wis) for the annual pumpkin pick. Unlike last year, the temps were cool and windy. After picking out 4 pumpkins (3 for us, 1 for my mom) and some gords, we headed back to Madison, stopping for coffee and hot coco.

We forgot to bring a knife to cut the vine, but "Grandma Sharon" came to the rescue and figured out how to free the pumpkin without a knife.


Ian points out cows on the neighboring farm to me and my mom.

Door County Pictures

Tonight I created a Flickr account so that I can share our photos from Door County. Our main purpose was to finally take a trip with Ian. We also celebrated my birthday, and created image for a photo exhibit I will participate in later this year.

Above is one photo from the trip. To see more, you can check out my Flickr account, screen name MelindaGG.

Enjoy.

American Heart Walk

It is fall, and that means it is time for another American Heart Walk. If you can spare a few dollars, please send a check, payable to the American Heart Association, to our home address. If you need the address, let us know. Ian is now walking, so he'll be able to "walk" in the event this year. We'll post photos as soon as we can.

Obituary

For those you do not get the paper version of the Wisconsin State Journal, here is a link to my father's obituary. It was the hardest thing I have ever written. Thanks for all the kind words during this difficult time.

In Loving Memory of My Dad

My father, Carl E. Gustafson, ended his earthly journey with us last night. This photo, which I took in April, was one of many that lined his hospital room shelf. He had been in the hospital for nearly a month. Ian made several visits, which for a one-year old was challenging. On his last visit he was able to reach out and touch his Grandpa's nose; a favorite"game". This week Ian also began walking, taking his first tentative steps forward. Over the past week, while he was in palliative care, I told my father that whenever I look at Ian, I see a bit of my dad. For that, I am so thankful.

Devil's Lake

Yesterday we drove up to Devil's Lake. The sky was blue, the trees green, and the wind.....cool! Even though we are having a cold spell, it was a lovely afternoon. We ate a lunch of Subway subs, and took a stroll around the lake. Ian had a blast playing peak-a-boo from behind a tree. We'll definitely be going back soon.

Ian's 1st Haircut

Another first this week, a haircut for Ian. Our neighbor gave us a "free" pass to Sports Clips and off we went. No fuss, no tears, just a happy baby.


Here is the before shot:

During:


And the after shot:

We'll go back to get the top trimmed a bit more, but first Ian needs to visit with the pediatric dermatologist. Our appointment is next week; took six weeks just to get in . Madison has ONE pediatric dermatologist....there's a field with job potential. His regular pediatrician has tried all of her standard remedies for Ian's cradle cap, but no improvement. Yes, we've tried lotions, oils, brushes....they only made things worse. Curious to hear what the new doctor has to say.