belly buttons

Sometimes you just have to stop everything you're doing and make sure your belly button is still there.

She doesn't know this, but she teaches me so much everyday. Sometimes we all get so swept up in everything going around us that we forget the little things we take for granted...like our belly buttons being where we last saw them.

She slows me down, and opens my eyes daily. I love experiencing this life through the eyes of my babe.

dads

This one's for the dads...more specifically my dad and Nate. Thank you for all that you do, I really do feel lucky to have you both in my life.


To Nate: Thank you for showing up. I know Minden  can always count on you to be there to cheer her on and support her on new adventures. To make her laugh, and to make her roll our eyes at your ridiculousness. To help help her out when she is struggling, and push her further than what she thinks is capable.


I always knew you would be a great dad, but I just didn't know how great until we were in the thick of parenting. You are a great role model for Minden, and I cannot wait to see your relationship with her continue to grow.

To my Dad: Growing up with you as my dad was the best. I enjoy the memories of horsing around the house, and helping you around the farm in my dresses.  From the snow caves you built us, to the summer night rides in the back of the truck...it was all a blast.

I've always considered myself a "daddy's girl", and now I am excited to see Minden become a "grandpa's girl". I look forward to years of her firsts at the farm with you.

18 months of minden

Our sweet little lady, Minden, is officially 18 months old. We celebrated her half birthday with fanfare. Some people might think I went a little overboard, but look at that smile. Worth it, so worth it. I had to work a twelve hour day the day before, so Nate single handedly blew up a sea of balloons for our living room. She loved them. She clapped and squealed with excitement, and then tried to bite them.

Then we celebrated at breakfast with blueberry muffins and one and half candles. She even blew them out on her own! I didn't expect/know she would do that. She is at a really fun stage right now. Just blowing me away with what she knows and understands.

I think that is one of the most fun aspects her age right now. Suddenly she understands. I can ask her to take something to Nate, and she'll do it. She loves to help around the house, and I have to enjoy that while it lasts. She helps me get the laundry out of the dryer, feed Cooper, pick up her toys and unload the dishwasher.

She does have selective hearing though. When you tell her not to do something she will stare away and be extra careful not to make eye contact with you. She's also a very independent little miss, with very little patience. If something isn't going her way you will know. Yesterday she was trying to build a Lego tower. When it wouldn't stand up the way she wanted she belted out a scream of protest. As if she were teaching those Legos a lesson.

She loves to walk herself out of the house now, refusing to be carried. It's so funny to see such a little thing walking around the yard, or on the sidewalks outside of Nate's business. 

(Minden took cupcakes to daycare so that her friends could join in on her half birthday fun. She loves sweets, and definitely got that from me.)

She loves: to dance, chase Cooper, be outside, give kisses, be chased by Daddy, being the center of attention, to spin in circles, put her ball in the basketball hoop, cheer, sing (nonsense), boss Cooper around, blowing kisses, being tickled under the neck coloring and drawing the chalkboard wall at daycare.

Favorite foods: grapes, turkey hot dogs, applesauce, guacamole, strawberries, stir-fry, pizza and anything sweet!

Favorite books: "I'll love you forever" (she brings that to us everyday, and wants it read everynight), "That's not my Panda", "Old MacDonald", and "The Foot Book".

Currently saying: mama, dada, eat, up, bye-bye, hi, no, yes, good girl, bad dog, gram-ma, gram-pa, dank-you, there you go, go, moo, and nigh-night. She attempts to say Cooper, but it comes out funny. So she usually calls him Marley (the daycare provider's dog's name).

She recently started sleeping through the night, and we are no longer night nursing. We read a book or two then she walk to her crib. We will hear her talking to herself for 10 to 15 minutes before she finally drifts off.

She is growing so quickly. Nate and I often say to each other how lucky we truly are. She  fills our days with joy.

life is good

Life around the Lueth household has been good, in fact really it has been great. Nate's business is growing, I am settling into my new job, Minden is learning new things every minute and Cooper has settled into his role protecting the new house. The last 7 months since we made the move home have flown by. All my worries have been put to rest, and when I come home to our house at night I have the feeling of being at "home". And you can't beat that.

It's been nice having family so near by. Minden and her aunt Lisa are inseparable. The fits she will through when Lisa leaves make my heart smile. That's what I wanted. I wanted them to have that bond. Telling her that the grandparents are coming to visit brings a smile to her face and sends her running around the house like a crazy woman in anticipation of their arrival. And once anyone arrives she loves to show off for them all. She is a crowd pleaser that one. She loves the attention.

I am happy to say that the Lueth family is settling in quite nicely to our new home.

piggies

Minden's first pigtails. Worth documenting. Also, Cooper is always on standby in case for when she drops a snack.

my loves

 I know this is a little late, but I thought would share a few of the many things I am loving this year around valentine's day.

+ When Minden plays with my hair while I'm holding her.
+ Cooper snuggling up in my lap after a long day.
+ Nightly games of "pig" against Nate with a toddler basketball hoop.
+ Once we get to daycare I usually set Minden down to take her coat and stuff off. She will walk away to play, and then come back to hug and kiss me goodbye.
+ Nate surprising me with flowers and a coffee table made out of an old door. Love it!
+ Having more time with family and friends.
+ Minden talking a lot more. And praising herself by saying "good girl" when she listens to me.
+ Cooper and Minden having moments. I catch them all the time caring for each other with puppy kisses and soft head pats.
+ Walking into Minden's room in the morning and after naps. I usually sit outside and listen to her jabber to herself for a few minutes, but that smile once you open the door melts my heart.
+ My little family.

long overdue

My dad has been kindly reminding me the last month or so that it's time for another blog (here you go Dad!). Since we have moved home we have been busy little bees, and it's wonderful. There is always someone to see or something to do. Add to that mixture a toddler full of attitude and you've got your hands (and heats) full.

 

 

Minden has officially been a walker since Christmas now. She is here and the there before we know it. She is constantly moving from room to room. While we get ready for work in the morning, she usually walks up and down the hallway a million times.  She still really loves bath time and her best friend Cooper.

Speaking of Cooper, they love each other, but they also want to be in control of when they give and receive that love. For example, if Cooper is taking a nap, he doesn't appreciate the love she give him by patting and pulling his hair. And if Minden is just getting home, she doesn't appreciate his excited jump/lick the family love.

 

One night while I was working late, Nate was trying to clean up after bath time and Minden was laying in the hallway crying. It wasn't a real cry, but one of those pick-me-up-right-this-minute cries. He said after a couple minutes Cooper came running to her rescue, and he started kissing her face. At first she screamed at him, but then it quickly turned into giggling. I love that. They are pretty special together.

  

Cooper is pretty lazy these days. When he does get up from his napping perch, it's usually because there is food involved. Minden has decided to take the duty of helping Cooper eat upon herself. She likes to feed him piece by piece. He's a great sport about it too.

  

Minden is starting to play really well by herself. This is extremely helpful while trying to make supper or clean up. I will find her in her room reading books, playing with her doll house or sometimes getting into trouble. I still don't like to let her out of my sight very long. So I will peek in at her while she chatters away.

 

She is just an absolute blast. I cannot believe how quickly she is growing. Some of the things she will say are: momma, dadda, thank you, up, nose, good girl, no mamm and hi. She can point to body parts, give kisses, hugs and high-gives. Where does the time go!

christmas with minden

Last year Christmas was hard for me. I had to return to work from maternity leave for one day of work before heading home for the holidays. I remember tearing up all day long as people would as me about Minden. With all the added stress of traveling with a baby, and having to drive back on Christmas day to work the next day; I just kept thinking about how nice it will be to wake up in our own house on Christmas morning. 

We always do Christmas Eve with Nate's family. Last year Minden was having a rough evening, and I spent most of my evening in a bedroom with her rocking her and nursing. I kept imagining what fun she would be the next year. 

Unfortunately, teething had other plans for Minden this Christmas Eve. The poor little lady was running a fever all day, and spent all of it either rocking with Nate and I. Three "eye" teeth coming in all at once. We loaded her up and still headed out, but she just wasn't in the mood for present opening. Thankfully her fever broke during the night, and she was in a much better mood Christmas morning. 

Nate and I got to enjoy our first night waking up in our own bed on Christmas in over some ten odd years. It was so nice. Minden woke up around 6:30 am and we headed out as a family to see if Santa came. We took our time enjoy a few new toys around the house, while cinnamon rolls baked in the oven.

Minden still did not have much of an appetite, so after four pieces of her roll went to Cooper we opted for applesauce for her instead. We spent the afternoon with both of our families, and made it home in time for bed.

We thought Minden might be walking by Christmas, but her fever seemed to slow her down a little. She will take about three to four steps before falling down. I have a feeling she will be taking off here soon.

We had a nice little Christmas together, and we hope you all did too!

merry christmas!

blessings

(Our attempt at a Thanksgiving day photo.) 

Thank you for new beginnings. For a new job closer to home. For friends and family who encourages us to succeed.

Thank you for a little girl who gives wet kisses. Who wraps her arms around my neck and tries to climb up to the very top of me.Who says "there you go" as she hands over something she knows she shouldn't have. For her smile that melts my heart, and her love that is unconditional. And her contagious giggles at the dinner table.

Thank you for the days that are not always so easy. For reminding me there is always room to grow. For pushing me to better myself.

Thank you for a husband who would do anything for "his girls". Who believes in what he does, and makes it his mission to help those in need. Who can not only cook dinner, but also fold is own laundry. For his kindness, and his ability to make the best banana pancakes.

Thank you for our pup Cooper. For the joy he brings to our lives, and for entrusting us with him. For his kisses, snuggles and constant following us around. He is a wonderful companion.

Thank you for our new home and the memories we are making in it. For a sister who loves my daughter like her own, and helps watch her whenever we need. For our family members who've help us out in times of need. For siblings that make us laugh, and nieces and nephews who fill our hearts with joy.

Thank you for this day and all of the days before. Each day is a blessing.

minden's first birthday party

Get ready for an overload of pictures. You have been warned (in the voice of Danny DeVito from "The Lorax").

Well over a month and half ago, we celebrated Minden's first year of life with our family and close friends. Since she doesn't offer a lot of insight yet on themes for her party, I decided to go with with a Fall theme. Since she is my little October pumpkin.

Her cake was made locally. The top cupcake was marble as well as the bottom layer. The middle layer was apple flavored. Although my Grandfather thought it was fake, it was still delicious.

I kept it pretty simple with decorations. Pink and pumpkins.I had another hay bail, but my Dad's farm cats decided to make a nest out of it in the garage.

Above the gift table I hung all of her month to month pictures. I am so happy I made a point to take those. It's so fun to look back at them.

On the tables I did mason jars with flowers and pumpkins. You can't really see it, but in the bottom those are little orange acorns. A good friend of mine in Iowa City used those when she threw my baby shower just two weeks before Minden was born.

She was spoiled with so many great gifts. We are still having fun playing with them.

She loves to share her food with us. Below is a series of pictures showing just that.

And one final picture with her God parents.

It was a great night with great people. Minden is so lucky to be surrounded by so much love.

I've said it a million times, but I have no idea where that last year went. I remember the long nights, and inconsolable days too. I remember thinking those tough moments would go on forever. Becoming a mom has stretched me, and made me a better person. It's shown me a love that I never new was possible. She has made me a better person. So here's to another year of love, happiness and growth!

we're back

Hello there! We have missed you! The truth of it is, life got really busy there for a little while. Minden turned one, Nate opened his own practice and we moved into a new home. We finally got internet last Friday, and I am hoping to get caught up on posts in the near future. In the meantime, know that we are well. Minden is growing like a little weed, and Cooper is back sleeping all day on his favorite sofa like he never left it.

12 months of minden

It's been one whole year since you entered our lives. It really doesn't seem possible, yet you have changed so much in this first year. It's impossible to imagine my life without you. Your hugs, kisses, babbling, waves and toothy smiles just fill my heart up with joy.

My have you changed since you became mobile. You do fairly well playing on your own in the evenings. I like to sit on floor and snatch up hugs and kisses in between your playing.

You love the stairs. Up, up, up you go. Of course one of us is always really close behind you. You are now pulling yourself up on things, but you are a little hesitant of the coming down part.

Things you love: music, dancing, Cooper, Grandpa's tickles, cheerios, saying "uh oh" and dropping something after and playing with all your toys. Things you do not love: car rides, Cooper kissing your face, peas, socks or shoes, being told no and sleeping through the night. That's right little lady you are still waking up once to twice a night for a stop at the all you can eat milk buffet.

Speaking of breast feeding, I am so so thankful at what a good nurser you have been. That was one of mommy's biggest fears coming home from the hospital. 

What an amazing year it's been with you, Minden. I cannot wait to see what the next year brings.

Love,
Mommy

11 months of minden

Eleven months and you are on the move! You love to get into everything you shouldn't get into. You follow Cooper around trying to catch his tail. You don't have the speed to get him quite yet, but you give him a run for his money.

We moved home to western Iowa this month, so you have had some adjustments. It took you about a week of going to your new daycare to warm up to it. Your dad had to stay in the Iowa City area an extra month to finish up at his job. We miss him like crazy, but Grandma and Grandpa Berger were amazing and took us in. Even Cooper. Aunt Lisa and Grandma Mary Lou both got to spend time watching you before you started at your new daycare. I think it has made us even closer.

You say "ma-ma" when you are upset, and "ba-by", "me" and "da" when you are jabbering up a storm. When I tell you no you shake your head no furiously. You wave bye-bye and hello in the most adorable way.

You continue to be a great eater, and not such a good sleeper. You are still waking up twice a night to nurse.

I cannot believe you are almost one. You are so much fun. Sweet and shy when you get in groups. Funny and talkative when you are in your comfort zone. You have enough sass to last for days, and when you hug me or cuddle it just melts my heart!

Keep growing little lady. You are my world!

Momma

10 months of minden

Minden,

Our little social butterfly; you love to be surrounded by people. When we enter a new social situation you approach it with caution, but after a little time you are gabbing along with the rest of us. You have a voice and you love to use it. I love it when you spout of a stream of noise and then giggle. I’m not sure what you are saying, but I am positive it’s just as funny as you think it is. 

You are a wonderful eater, and you now join us at every meal. We are still only doing whole foods at this point. You have definitely mastered the ways of the pincher-grasp the last few weeks. 

Sleep is still the same. You gained another tooth this month, so we went through another rough patch with sleep. Some nights you will only wake up once and others it’s twice or more. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that a full night of sleep is on the horizon. 

Although you are not crawling, you know how to get around. While sitting you will scoot and turn yourself in circles. While lying, you will push yourself backwards or roll to get where you want to go.  Just recently you managed to get yourself from your tummy to sitting up. 

Currently, your favorite toys include a stuffed bunny Grandma and Grandpa Berger got your for Easter (you love holding it by the ears), blocks, balls (working on that throwing arm) and your jumper. Top of the list, however, is Cooper. You love that little dog. 

We continue to fall more in love with our blond haired, blue eyed baby every day. You are our world. Keep growing little one.

Love,
Momma

9 months of minden

Minden,

Nine months old already. Where to begin? You are such a joy to be around. We love the nonstop movement of your hands and feet, as well as that big toothy grin.

Speaking of your grin; four top teeth came in at once this month! You were such a trooper. A little more clingy than usual, but you did great. On the downside, I think the teeth are still affecting your sleep. You have been waking up more often again during the night.

Lately you have been rocking tummy time. You disliked it so much for so long I thought the day would never come when you would play happily on your tummy. You roll around the floor to get where you need to go. You are trying to push yourself up on all fours. It’s usually one or the other, but not both at the same time.

Your favorite foods are sweet potatoes, squash, pears and peaches. I tried to give you strawberries this month and you were less than impressed. We are still working on giving you chewable solids without you gagging. You finally chewed up four small pieces of watermelon a few days ago!

Also, you know your name! You turn to someone when they say your name. You are clapping, and mimicking the sounds I make. There are a lot of ma-ma’s happening in our house these days. The other day you even reached for me while you said it. So I’m going to go ahead and mark that down as your first word.

You are still shy with strangers, but once you warm up you can be quite the little ham. You definitely prefer being held by me. Especially when you are in a bad mood.

Cannot wait to see what the next month holds! Keep growing Little.

Love,
Momma

Also, a bonus picture. I took this photo of Nate and Minden tonight after her bath. They were slow dancing to country music. The usually do this while I am cooking. I LOVE it. Just melts my heart.