Flu Shots, Pinwheels, & Cheese balls

On Thursday, I had the great idea that Maverick and I both get our flu shot. It seemed harmless enough, until Maverick woke up on Friday morning with a fever and was completely out of it. Luckily, Jesse had the day off (except for the fact that he was going to go work on his research all day), so he was able to stay home with Maverick. Meds brought the fever down, but he wasn't feeling the best until today, Sunday. Needless to say, we also had to cancel our babysitter we had for the Coyotes game yesterday; it was probably going to be the last game we EVER went to, but that's ok, it was on TV. Maverick and I looking cute. He is very attached to his pacifier, however, he only uses it in the house. As soon as we say we're leaving and going somewhere, he puts it away in his crib!

Saturday was the most beautiful fall day! I was feeling like junk food, so Maverick and I had chips, cheese balls, and a Mello Yello for me! Being sick let's you break the rules, so Maverick ate all the cheese balls he wanted!

Here's the pinwheel Maverick got after his shot. He played with it for about 5 minutes then was done. Actually, he lost it when we were riding the bikes back home, he stuck the pinwheel out, and it got caught in Jesse's bike tire, and flew away. It was pretty funny! Maverick really didn't care.

Maverick and I.

And, Jesse. He loves Maverick's blocks. He's always building these elaborate structures while Maverick naps. Maverick undoubtedly destroys them within 5 minutes of being up each time.
And an exciting note, Jesse has 3 interviews scheduled already!! We are very excited. So far, he is interviewing in Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, and St. Louis!! I am so proud of him. He'll be gone a lot this fall, but I'd rather have him gone then versus after the new baby.

Ahna recently emailed this picture to me. It seems everyone likes getting their picture taken next to something that reminds them of Maverick!! They were having a fun day at Cedar Point in Ohio! Wish we had been there. I could have held their sunglasses while they rode the rides.

Oh, How we love Austin Playground!

Already I'm worked up about what's going to happen when it gets cold and the sand at Austin playground freezes! It has been such a sanctuary for us. Everyday after nap, Maverick and I load up the bike and head for the playground. He burns off his energy and usually gets to play with other kids. I better start saving our pennies to invest in a super warm snowsuit! It's a bird, it's a plane, it's Superman...really it's a plane. Maverick has ears like a hawk! He can see and spot them a mile away. He even sees the tiny little jets up in the sky. Sometimes I have a hard time picking them out. But, with a name like Maverick, should we expect less?
Maverick pointing it out to dad. Jesse will be finishing up his NICU rotation in Sioux Falls next week. He has absolutely loved it and thinks he may have found his calling. We all know he has the compassion and heart to deal with helpless babies and distressed parents. I think the NICU is lucky to have him around!

Maverick and dad again. Maverick always likes when his dad is around because he's better at playing on the equipment. It's really funny because when Jesse is around Maverick goes on all the toys I get too nervous around. It's much easier for Jesse to maneuver him and lift him up. Maverick knows mom is a little clumsy!

He loves his bucket. Yesterday we tried to go to the playground without the bucket, and he wouldn't have a thing to do with it. There were no other kids there yesterday, so I suppose it would have been a little boring for him. All the other kids love his buckets too when we go. Dollar Store special. We've gotten more use out of $2 worth of toys.

Close up! Maverick rarely gets close to the camera and hardly ever looks at it.

Dig and dump. Dig and dump. He's like a dwarf with one task!

As for me, my MOPS group started again this week which I love! It is a lot of fun to socialize with others moms and to hear about their joys and struggles of motherhood. We are all in the same boat. I am also organizing the annual D-Days Breakfast at our church which is Oct 10th. I always forget how much I love planning events until I'm doing it.

Our Little Princess

S0, on Monday we were at our favorite place, the Austin School playground. While there Maverick found his new tiara! He was running around like crazy with it on his head or rather on his face! He was wearing it as a mask and looking through the holes of it. It was hilarious. I figure since he rules the house, he might as well have the crown! Needless to say when it was time to go, Maverick refused to leave his new prized possession. I apologize to the little girl who left it on the playground for the the taking. Love the crown jewels!

Maverick and Jesse playing basketball at the farm. It was great to have a weekend of R&R. Jesse has since started his rotation in Sioux Falls at the NICU. I think he has gotten more experience in the past 3 days than he has in the past 3 years! Yesterday he got to do a spinal tap on a 34-week preemie baby. Pretty amazing. He has to be in SF by 7 AM which is a blow to his schedule. Luckily he has friends to stay with so he won't have to drive as much. He's on call for the first time tonight. Maverick & I will sure be lonely!
Grandpa and Maverick checking the cows. Maverick LOVES the cows. He took it upon himself to crawl under the fence and start running towards the cows yelling, "Cow, cow."

Our friend Ryan and his fiance Lauren were also home over the weekend, so we got a chance to see them and catch up. They are getting married in October. These two are so tall!

Maverick relaxing after his big slide ride. He is such a character. He has taken to trying to walk down the slide.

And, he's stuck! Good thing the slide is only 2 feet off the ground.

Ready to View

Jordan is all done editing Maverick's pictures, now the decisions begin! You can view them all at jordankphotography.com. Click Enter Site. Then click Client in the upper right corner. Our password is maverick. Enjoy!! I know we did.

What did I do before this boy??

This week Maverick is spending the week at the farm. This is the first time I've been at home while he's been away. Usually, when he stays with people, Jesse and I have something going on ourselves. I woke up this morning (and it's my day off), and Jesse said, "I haven't seen you this energetic in the morning for a long time." I responded because I don't have anything or anyone to worry about! I can take my shower when want, go where I want, and do what I want! It's bliss! I would have to say I do miss the little guy though. I wonder what he's doing and how much Pepsi grandpa is giving him! I'm actually at the coffee shop now blogging and enjoying an extra-hot half-caf vanilla latte...even though it is 92 degrees. How perfect of a day! Last night I got to have supper with Jennifer, and I'm going to a movie tomorrow night with Molly. Ah, our time in California. I think back and I am so thankful that Jesse & I took advantage of this opportunity. I hope as Maverick and #2 get older, we are able to encourage them to do such things. Great memories!
And vacations. Spain. How cool was that?
But, then, there's Maverick who changed our lives in a new and exciting way we never could have imagined. He makes us laugh and smile everyday!

How sweet. A rare memory because Maverick hardly ever slept while people held him.

So tiny. Can't wait to have another itsy-bitsy baby!

How will we ever decide?

Last night my friend Jordan took Maverick's 18-month pictures. So far, the pictures she has posted on her blog are fabulous! Check them out at http://jordankrogmanphotography.blogspot.com/. She should have them all up in the next few days...this is just a sneak peek!

Ode to Oma

This week we have had quite the treat! While our regular daycare provider is on vacation, Oma Carola volunteered to come stay with Maverick for the week. They had an awesome time together! Their regular routine everyday consisted of a bike ride, stroller ride, and a baby cone at McDonald's. We're going to have a spoiled boy on our hands! On the first day we ventured off to the pool. Because I'm not a huge water fan, Carola took him in the water. He loved being pulled around the water.
Hangin' outside. Maverick is sometimes pretty sneaky. He likes to think he can get away with more than we know. However, we usually have a pretty good idea! He can sure give you the look though.

Playing on all the fun playground equipment.

Ice cream is the best! We went to the new ice cream shop in town to enjoy a cone. Boy, were they good. It was also nice Jesse could take a short break.

Maverick's favorite thing was Oma's electric toothbrush. Now, his new favorite thing is HIS new electric toothbrush. Man, he loves that thing. What an easy and fun way to brush his teeth! We didn't look, but we're guessing the package says something to the effect "Do not give to children under 2." Either way, we don't care, he loves it!

Ok, so I think this is one of the best pictures I've ever taken of Maverick. We went back to the pool today with Jesse, and he really had a good time. It was almost 90 degrees here today. He even did alright when the pool closed, and we had to get out of the pool.

Maverick sure enjoyed having his Oma here in Vermillion this week. Luckily, he'll be in Michigan in 2 short months. Next week he heads to the farm to stay with Grandma & Grandpa, so he's in for another fun, spoiled week! Watch out garden!