"Oh, I wasn't ready for the picture"

Maddie giving kisses

Here we are at 1month. More Maddie like everyday

Sharing a handful of ice with Isaac

Just getting something cold to drink

Houston-We Have Teeth

Yes, that is right. After 14 long months of waiting Maddie is finally getting some teeth. She has her two bottom front teeth coming in. She sure is a trooper right now. She hasn't been too bad, but at certain times, you can tell they bother her more than others. We had to hold her down and push her tongue out of the way in order to even see them. Grandma Heff told her to work on two things while she was gone and one was teeth. Maddie must get her procrastination from her dad, because Grandma comes back this Friday and she is just getting them now. The other was saying Grandma, we are quite there yet.

Maddie is doing great with Emma. She always wants to be around and helping. Emma is her "gee". We have figured out that is just baby, but when you talk about Emma, it is "gee". She points out "gees" in books and also when we are at the store. We had been looking into getting Maddie into a gym class, but there aren't any in the evenings. Grandma Heff thinks she is her uncle Alan reincarnated. Because she is all over the place, climbing and being a daredevil. On Friday we had the faculty get together, there are about a dozen kids who are Kindergarten and younger and actually about 10 of them are 2 1/2 and under. So she was just in heaven. They all played well together and just loved all being around each other.

Chad starts school on Wednesday. I'm sure he would rather have about 3 more weeks of summer, but that is life. He has been going in on a consistent basis for about two weeks now, so he is sort of in the swing of things. Which also then gets us into school mode, with just the three of us at home.

Emma is doing well, she is growing more and more each day. She is starting to look more like Maddie and her cheeks start to get bigger. She has been sleeping real well the last few nights and I am hoping that keeps up. She has been sleeping for about 7 hours at night and is actually starting to get into a daytime routine too.

I am doing well. I am surviving the two. The three of us will walk to the park by our house and Maddie gets to play in the sand and go down the slides and just climb everywhere. I am keeping busy with them, but also getting some scrapbooking in too. I have started some rubber stamping and have actually started on our Christmas cards. I know I am pathetic, but hey, it keeps me busy, when the two are asleep.

A Brewers Post

Okay, so I have been reading some of the Brewers' blogs from the mlb website and I am just in shock. All these people who claim to be true fans and have been fans since they were little, are already throwing in the towel for this year. It just frustrates me to no end. I am not saying that the Brewers are going to the World Series, but when was the last time that we were even in the wild card race at the beginning of August? I mean there is still a lot of baseball yet to play, but come on people, if you have been such die hard fans, now is the time to be proud of what they are doing on the field and the decisions they are making off the field. I am not even in Wisconsin, but I am sick of all these people who are saying that the season is over now that we traded Carlos Lee away. I would say that it was lucky we got Mench and Cordero, they sure helped us this weekend and getting some key wins against the Reds. I can only imagine what the talks are like in Wisconsin. I will always be a Brewers fan and it is especially hard to hang on to that, when you live in a city in your same division. Or should I say it is hard when that team is doing better than you, but for right now we are ahead of the Astros. This makes me realize why professional sports are a form of entertainment, the people aren't really into it, they just want to be entertained by the players.

Okay, so enough ranting... Things here in Texas are good. Hot, but isn't it hot everwhere? Chad actually has to start going into school on a regular basis again starting today, which is good, it gives me a chance to get the girls in order here and used to not having a second pair of hands. Maddie is learning to be patient and sometimes having to wait, because Emma is crying. Other than that, not too much new to report. My parents are coming in a little bit more than two weeks, they will be here for the first weekend of school- Chad always has the senior retreat, which means he is gone from Sunday afternoon until after school on Monday, so that will help me out lots. We are also going to be in Wisconsin in November for my cousin's wedding. It will be a short trip, but I'm sure well worth it.

I will try to get some more pictures of the girls up. I have been slacking on the job with that and promise to make up for it. I know that I need to be better about it, so making sure there are some updates on the blog help me to remember to take more pictures.

Actual Due Date...

Earlier this morning I was thinking about how today is the 19th and today was the due date I was given for her. I really couldn't imagine if she would have decided to wait this long to join our family. I was uncomfortable enough by the time she did decide to come, I could only imagine what 10 more days would have been. That was my random thought for today.

Anyways, not too much to report here. Grandma Heff gets here tonight. I know that she is looking forward to her visit and we are looking forward to having her here. We have been pretty laid back here. It has been so hot out, well it hasn't been the heat, but the humidity (ha, ha). Chad is actually getting used to it a little bit more. He went out to mow the back this afternoon and didn't complain about how hot is was and even said that it was bearable.

After Grandma Heff leaves, Chad's parents, and three youngest siblings get here on Monday. We will have a few days with them and then have a little break from visitors. Uncle Ben is suppose to be coming the first week of August and it looks like the crazy boy cousins will be here along with their mom and dad and aunt Jana too the second weekend of August. I know that Maddie will enjoy having cousin Ben around to goof with.

On Monday, Pastor Patterson, came over and Emma was baptized. The Wilke family and Diane also were here as witnesses. Maddie was very interested in what was happening especially as the water was being poured on Emma's head. Emma's godparents are going to be Uncle Ben and Aunt Amy.


Today the same gang that was here on Monday is coming back for the White Sox/Tigers game.
I'm sure that Maddie will love having Christian here, she loves when he is around and pays all the attention to her. Here they are playing playstation together on Monday. She loves to put on a show for everyone. She now has started reading her books to you. She loves to babble while turning the pages, but always makes sure that you are paying attention to her reading.




Chad has bout 2 and 1/2 weeks of summer left. He has been getting himself somewhat ready, but at the same time, just spending some time with the girls.

Hope everyone is enjoying their summer, most of you northerners have a lot more of the summer left than those of us around these parts.

Finally Home...

If you haven't read Chad's blog and are out of the loop. Baby number two decided to grace us with her presence on Sunday morning. Emma Grace arrived at 4:57am. Weighing in at 8lbs. 11oz and 21 1/2 inches long. She came quick and with a voice. We got to the hospital at 2:30am and she was here 2 1/2 hours later. She is doing great. Maddie has been a little confused on why mom hasn't been home, but she has managed to survive with dad, "uncle" Phill, "aunt" Shelley, and the Wilke boys. We got to come home today, I was ready to come home yesterday, but you know all that fun hospital stuff. We are all adjusting well. I am doing well and just looking forward to the rest of the summer.

We have visitors coming starting this weekend. Steph is stopping in Houston on her way to Salt Lake City, so we will have a visitor here this weekend. Grandma Heff is coming next Wednesday, Grandma and Grandpa Janetzke, aunt Kendra, aunt Lydia, and uncle Kurt are arriving on Monday the 24th. Then it looks like aunt Jana will get down here and also unlce Ben is looking to come too at the beginning of August.

Well we are all well here. Chad is celebrating his birthday today by bringing his girls home, and watching the All-Star game. Happy birthday to Kendra and Kurt later this week. Happy Anniversary to Kim and Odie and also Jay and Jill.

Maybe we should start a baby pool...

We have exactly two weeks until the baby is due, neither Chad, myself or the doctor thinks it will be that long. I went to the doctor this morning and he said we are ready to go, we just need some contractions to start. Last week when we went, we were told that our baby is a big one, most likely around 9 lbs. He is still thinking it is going to be big, but hopefully not too much bigger than 9 lbs. He is also hoping that we are going to have any problems with the shoulders getting stuck. He told me today that if we get through the weekend and want to schedule a c-section for next Thursday we could. He really doesn't think we are going to go that long, but you never know. We will just keep going on with our everyday business and see what happens.



The last few days here have been nice and rainy and not so much fun to go outside. We got Maddie a blow-up pool, but haven't been able to use it because of the rain. She has gotten outside a little bit, but it pretty much rains on and off all day. She actually loves to play in the rain, so just about 10 minutes ago, we let her loose in the driveway and she got soaked. She thinks it is so funny to put her head under the water draining off the roof and also when the sprinklers are on, she loves to go through them. That is all from here. It looks like it will be a quiet day at home inside with all the rain that is coming down.





We spent the 4th with the Wilke clan. We grilled out and just hung out. It rained a little bit yesterday, but some of our neighbors, not anyone we have met decided to put on their own fireworks display across the street. It was quite annoying and there were fireworks in our driveway and yard this morning. Ahh, the joys of homeownership. Well hopefully you all enjoyed your fourth and we will let you know when this baby comes.

All Moved In

Well all the boxes have been unpacked, the things put away, the apartment cleaned and emptied and so we are officially moved in. We have been staying in the house since last Thursday and have been unpacking and putting things together since then. Maddie is adjusting just fine. She loves all the room to play. I think she would have rather kept all the boxes out so she could climb on them. She has been great through this whole process. She has kept herself busy and for the most part out of the way. She did get to spend a couple of hours yesterday at the Odinga's while we finished up at the apartment. She got to play with Harley the dog and loved it. Chad was happy that the dish got installed yesterday in time for him to watch Clemens lose to the Tigers.

Now onto the next adventure. Baby #2. We are ready for the arrival. We are wondering when it may be. We do go to the doctor today for a check-up, but also for an ultrasound. Doc wants to check how big it is. When I was there last week he was a little amazed at how big it was. So we are thinking that it may be sooner than later. Maddie has no idea what is going on, but I think she will be surprised when it all happens.

We are all doing well and can't wait for visitors to come see our new house. We haven't been too good with the camera lately, so we will have to start posting some pictures soon.

Not Enough Time

A real quick update on the Janetzke's:

We are in the process of painting the inside of the house with grandma and grandpa Heff's help. It has been a lot of work, but are nearing the finish. We are then going to start moving our stuff in as soon as we can. We have until the 30th, but I think we will be out of our apartment before then. Maddie is doing great. She is a littl confused with all this going back and forth between the apartment and the house. She is enjoying all the space she has at the house. The other one is just 4 and 1/2 weeks away. I go back to the doctor this coming Wednesday and then it will be every week from then on. We are hoping to be almost all unboxed and moved in before the baby comes, but if not, I think that it will be okay. Sorry that I don't have too much other news, but this week has taken a toll on all of us and are just trying to get house stuff done. We will post more once we are moved in and ready to roll with the rest of the summer.

Birthday Fun

Well the year has come and gone and it seems like it was the fastest year yet. I can't imagine what the next year is going to be. Maddie had a very exciting birthday and I think is still recovering. The fun began on Saturday with our friends from Minnesota coming down and visiting. They came down in the early afternoon and we just got to hang out and play some cards with them. Sunday then came and it was a day full of lots of fun and people. We headed to church in the morning, got a short nap in and then it was off to the Brewers game. The Brewers hadn't been doing so well and so we thought having all of us there would help them a little bit, but it didn't. All of us siblings and families went to the game. Grandma and grandpa stayed home and got things ready for the party.


How do you get 5 kids two and a half and under to all look at the camera at the same time?
Answer: You don't.

Here was our attempt to get all the cousins in one picture








Can you blame her, the Brewers were on a 7 game losing streak. It was retro Sunday, so Mom and Dad sported the retro look, while Maddie sported her jersey. She and her cousin Sam got some jumbotron time. It helps when the tickets are right next to the cameramen and you have cute little kids with Brewers gear on.






After the game it was back to Grandma and Grandpas to wait for our guests. We got to play outside with our cousins and love to just chase them around. Maddie was having lots of fun with Ben and Kate. It is so funny to see the three of them interact with each other. I think that all the people didn't even phase her, since in the last three weeks we have seen so many new people each day and we have just gotten used to new people.




The cake before- it wasn't our mistake, but Sam's forgot the "E" in Anne.

















Here Maddie is waiting for her cake- as you can tell, she can't wait to get her hands on it.












Just getting started- she took some time getting into the cake, but really loved the frosting.
















Here is the end- she ended with a pink mohawk that she managed to make herself. She has this habit of running her hands through her hair whenever she eats, so it was only a matter of time before the frosting ended up in her hair.






The evening ended with Maddie opening her presents and pretty much just crashing by the time she got to her bed. Overall I think she had a great time. She loved being the center of attention and loves being a ham in front of an audience.

Monday came and was her actual birthday. Amy, Joel, Ben, and Sam were still here since Joel has Mondays off this summer. We all headed to the Zoo in the later morning and spent a good chunk of the day there. Ben loves the zoo and loves to make all the animal noises. We had a great time and were all ready for naps by the time we left.




Here is Maddie and her dad checking out the elephants. Maddie also got a new stuffed elephant from the giftshop- who she has named "bob".











We didn't even make it out of the Zoo parking lot before we were sleeping. She had a pretty good grip on "bob" and wasn't letting go.








Overall we had a great couple of days. We are still recovering, but took Tuesday and Wednesday to get back into the groove of things. Tuesday we went up to Chad's parent's house and just hung out with everyone who was there. Today we did some laundry, ran some errands, and began the packing process. Chad was golfing today with my sister and his brother. It was nice not to have to be anywhere today. We just took the day in stride and are preparing to go back home and start the moving process. Hope you enjoyed the pictures, especially if you didn't get to be here in person. We will keep you updated on all the house stuff and of course all the baby news that will be to come.

Two weeks gone, One week left

Well we have been in Wisconsin for two weeks now and the time is just flying by. We have spent our fair share of time in the car, but Maddie usually takes a nap. We have been visiting people here and there and everywhere. We are looking forward to the people coming to us this weekend for Maddie's birthday party. I think it helps Maddie to be in one place for a longer period of time, it helps her to get back into that same routine she is used to. We came back from Chad's parent's house yesterday and will be at my parent's house until we leave. We have been having lots of fun and it is so cool to see Maddie remember all her aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents faces and get excited about seeing them. The past week has been a lot of just visiting with people. On Saturday we did attend a wedding in Wasau. It was a pretty typical WI wedding. We got to see Kurt and Lydia have their track and field day. It was more like a testing day for PE, they were trying to beat their own times in each event. We have gone on an adventure looking for missing ducks and frogs from the Janetzke Zoo. Josh has now become the mother to 8 little ducklings who have lost their mother. The first day he brought them home, he had to do some rearranging of the other animals he has and when we got back from lunch, two frogs and two ducks had escaped from their cages. Luckily they were all found and returned safely to their respectable homes. Last night we took a drive to Lake Geneva and went swimming with cousin Ben and Uncle Joel. Maddie is quite the waterlover. She also has no fear when it comes to things like that. She wants to let go so bad, but just isn't quiet sure what might happen after. We are going to the Brewers game tonight, graduation party tomorrow and we get to see our friends from Minnesota. Sunday is the party, Monday the Zoo, Tuesday to relax, Wednesday Chad is playing golf in the Martin Luther golf outing and Thursday is going home.
Even when we get home, it seems to not stop. Friday is doctor's appointment, Saturday is Grandma coming and then it is get moving on the house stuff. Well here are some pics from the trip already. We can't wait to share more.











The Janetzke family at Lydia' confirmation













Maddie swimming in the driveway












Maybe we should look into hula classes










Big sister in training










Playing with Uncle Ben










Just like a duck in water










Look what I can do all by myself










The three goofballs

It's Official

The Janetzke's new house. That's right, it is finally closed and we are the proud owners of a home. We aren't moving in until we get back from Wisconsin, but it works out great, because the people who lived there are still moving out. After all the runaround we had last week and trying to get the closing done before we left, it all worked out this week with us being here and the closing being there. We have some painting that needs to get done and just a few other things that we want to do before we move all our stuff in. Good thing Grandma and Grandpa Heff are coming the week we get back. We have moved a little bit south of school, but it still is only about a 15 minute drive and that is hitting the stoplights. Chad knows that I am happier where it is because it is closer to the nicer Wal-Mart. He is at home for meetings and has a short list of some things that he can get done while he is there for the next couple of days.

Wisconsin is great. The weekend was a whirlwind, but a good one overall. Maddie spent a lot of time in the car, but she doesn't mind too much. She is getting used to all the new faces. You have to give her about a half hour to get comfortable and then she will start putting on a show. The weather has been a little chilly, but it is suppose to warm up and I'm sure it will feel great compared to the 100 degree heat in Houston.

When we start taking some pics, I 'll be sure to post some. We didn't take any in Michigan, that was my fault, but we will start taking some here. Today cousin Ben and Sam are coming to play and tomorrow all five cousins get to play in Chicago. I'm sure they will all have a blast, well at least the three on the go.

some days you just crash where you are 

helping mom with the laundry 

1. pull stool out from under chair 2. use stool to climb onto chair 

here is our little climber, there are even more boxes around there now 

Getting Ready To Go

Well it is Wednesday and tomorrow we are leaving for Wisconsin. Now many of you know that I would have been getting ready to go about a week ago, but that is all different now. This morning I am still getting some laundry done and trying to make sure that everything is in order here. Then on top of it, the closing on the house has been pushed back. They are trying to get the closing for tomorrow, but of not, they will have to send us the papers in WI and then we will have to do all the signing there and send them back. That just adds to all the craziness. This is also finals week for Chad. At least his final was yesterday, so he should have all his grading done and turned in before we go.

This week seems to just be flying by. I know that it is only Wednesday, but the last two days have been a blur. Maddie has been running a low temp, we think it might be teeth. Those would be nice sometime soon, since she has none. She is still just being a monkey and figuring out climbing. We have started putting some boxes in the dining room and she has figured out how to climb up them. She also loves to stand up on her car (the walker we have for her). She has grown out of her Vans, so we'll have to go get some new ones sometime this summer from Katy Mills. She has finally gotten the hang of sandals, which is nice. Now we don't have to put socks and tennis shoes on all the time.

We are really looking forward to our trip tomorrow. This first weekend is really busy with going to Michigan and then to Wisconsin all in about three days. All the running around is worth seeing all the people we will get to see.

I will try to do some posting while we are at home. I will for sure post pictures from all our different events, especially Maddie's birthday party.

A quiet morning

Today has started out as a quiet morning, but you have to remember it is only 5 till 8. Maddie is still sleeping, so I figured that I should blog a little something.

The last couple of weeks have been a whirlwind of days. We have been trying to get all this house stuff done and it looks like it is all done and so we should be closing on the house next week. I am hoping that nothing pushes it back, since we will be leaving next Thursday for three weeks and I don't think the people who live there now, want to wait that long to move. We have already gotten lots of offers to help us paint from people at school. Chad is already starting to make jokes about having to go to Home Depot and Loewe's. He better get used to it, since that is what his weekends are going to be from now on, working on the house. So once all the paperwork is done and is signed, I will feel a lot better and be able to breathe easier.

Our apartment is already looking like we are moving. Around the tv area, there is nothing on the shelves because Maddie is into the toss everything aside phase. By the end of the day there are no toys in the toy box, instead they are all over the living room, dining room, kitchen and stairs. Even though we have gates up into the kitchen and up the stairs, she thinks it is funny to throw the toys over the gates, so things just pile up there. Other than being the destroyer, she is doing great. She is walking all over the place. We have even gotten the hang of shoes. She still has some trouble in sandals, so we wear our Vans and everyone at school just thinks they are so cute. We walk to get the mail each day and it takes us about 25 minutes to go about a total of 100 yards. She loves to stop and look at everything, which then usually leads to picking it up and putting it in her mouth.

Chad has just this week of school left and then next week is finals. He has to make sure all his work is done before we leave, so I'm sure that means there will be some late nights next week as we get closer to Thursday. I figured at least theology finals are on Tuesday, so he has a couple of days to get those graded.

This coming weekend we are actually getting to go out. Saturday is going to be a busy day, Chad has athletic physicals in the morning along with summer league baseball practice, he isn't coaching, but it is the first one, so he figured he should be there to make sure everything goes alright. He then has Maddie duty for the early afternoon, as I have a wedding shower to go to. That night Caitlyn is coming to babysit for Maddie since Joel, the principal is getting remarried and the reception is Saturday night. It should be fun. I guess since we will be missing the end of the year faculty party, this will kind of count for that.

Well on my end everything is good. We were at the doctor two weeks ago and will go again the morning we are leaving. Everything is going well and there have been no problems. We are looking forward our trip home, even though the first weekend will be jampacked, I know that Chad is looking forward to getting to Michigan and seeing Ben, Sarah and the boys. Also then being able for great-grandmas and grandpa to meet Maddie. I'm sure she will put on a show for them. (that is a Janetzke trait) We will let you know when the house if official and actually be able to put some pictures up. Have a great day and if I don't post before Sunday Happy Mother's Day to all the moms who read this, especially the ones who are first time mommies who are still waiting for their little bundle of joy.

Climbed in all by ourselves, but not so sure of how to climb out 

Bathtime: don't worry I'll bring the toys 

Mix those bubbles in good 

Now, lean to the left 

Baby you can drive my car 

Same Old, Same Old

Nothing to new to report on from Texas. Baseball is over, which means Chad does get home a lot earlier than normal. Maddie seems to enjoy the extra time with him. School is winding down, so Chad is trying to get all his work done, since we are leaving at the end of Finals week. I on the other hand are just trying to make sure everything is in order here before we leave.

Grandma Heff was here last weekend. We just played and looked at more houses. Maddie is beginning to know who people are and if she isn't quite sure, it takes a little bit for her to warm up to you. It didn't take too long for her to warm up to Grandma. Grandma was able to see her toddle around and conquer the stairs. Maddie is starting to get more clever. She has started to move things to climb up on them to get up onto something else. She has figured out to move the footstool we have next to the couch so she can climb up on the couch. She has also figured out how to use her chair to try to climb up on our bed. I am hoping she isn't one of those kids who figures out how to climb out of her crib.

We are starting to plan for Maddie's birthday party, which we will have in Wisconsin. Grandma thinks we should have cake with blue or red frosting, just so she gets extra messy. I'm sure no matter what cake it is, she will devour it.

Home note: we did put another offer in on a house and are just waiting for the seller's to sign the papers, so hopefully we will get this one and if we do, we will close before we leave and move when we get back. We will let you know when it is all official.