Augustine 1st Hair Cut

This was totally daddy's idea.

Merry Christmas 2010

Dear Family & Friends!

Welcome to our family blog. We're so glad you were able to visit our blog. 2010 has been a busy year for our family. Hosting this blog is a way to keep in touch with family and friends that we are not able to see all the time. We hope that you have a wonderful and joy filled Christmas season.

Now on for the updates...

Augustine is the joy of our lives. He is such a wonderful addition to our family. He came into the world on November 30, 2009. It's amazing to think back on this year and how different it was. Because of this little addition, we've gone non-stop the ENTIRE year. It's amazing how fast babies grow into toddlers. Many parts of 2010 are a blur with sleepless nights, breastfeeding, modern cloth diapers, baby-proofing a home and making sure we remember what just happened. We took photos throughout the year and used our FLIP video camera to record those special moments.

During the day, Augustine plays with his friends at St. Albert's Child Care, which is only about 5 minutes from my office on the Iowa Western campus. The teachers love him. Every day when we pick him up, they tell us how good of an eater Augustine is. And we really know what they are talking about, which is such a blessing. He eats everything he can get his hands on. His favorites are bananas, frozen peas, spaghetti, and butternut squash. Augustine is now a full-time walker and almost a runner. We love to chase him around most days. Daddy and Augustine enjoy their nightly "wrestling". It normally involved daddy chasing Augustine while Augustine laughs at daddy. Oh the joy to watch your son grow up. He is really taking on a personality all his own.

Please check out the blog to see some of the great moments we have shared because of Augustine.

Andy is currently teaching automotive technology for his 8th year for Omaha Public Schools. The Automotive Technology program received its Recertification through ASE & NATEF. Andy is really enjoying fatherhood! Even with long nights and even longer days, he is ecstatic to spend time and help his "lil' buddy." With his great teacher schedule, Andy was able be the best Mr. Mom there ever was over the summer with Augustine. They enjoyed their daddy-son bonding time with daily walks and naps together. As you know, Andy will always be a Mopar guy. Therefore, when it was time to start exploring our options of a new family vehicle we chose a Chrysler Town & Country minivan. Yes, you read that right. We have officially enter this stage of parenthood. It has been a great addition to our automotive family along with the Andy's Dodge Dakota, my Chevy Cavalier, and the beloved project car, a 1978 Trans Am. But honestly, it really is Augustine's minivan. As we switch off who is driving, Augustine is who gets to drive the van. At least that is what Andy tells himself when he is sporting around in the gold minivan around Omaha.

Trip to the Zoo - Andy carrying Augustine in the Ergo Baby

I enjoyed the first few months of 2010 inside with the warmth of our home due to maternity leave with Augustine. Although, I was sad to return back to work at the end of February and it's been non-stop ever since at Iowa Western. This summer was the third year I organized, planned, and directed New Student Orientation. It's by far one of my favorite parts of my job at IWCC. In addition to orientation, I still work with other retention initiatives for the college to help students succeed. With my passion for orientation, I was able to attend the National Orientation Directors Association Annual Conference which was conveniently held in St. Louis this November. Augustine, of course, traveled along to hang out with Oma & Papa Bruce (my parents). It was a wonderful conference and I'm looking forward to attending it again in the future.

In addition to IWCC, this fall I started an internship with the FertilityCare Center of Omaha at the Pope Paul VI Institute. One night a week, I teach FertilityCare of the Creighton Model System to client-couples. It is very rewarding work to see couples unlocking and better understanding their fertility. This internship will last throughout 2011.

This summer, we had our first official family vacation to Florida. We met Oma, Papa Bruce and Aunt Em in Tampa/Clearwater/St. Pete area for a fun filled and relaxing week on the beach while watching World Cup Soccer. We all had a wonderful time in the water and on the sand. The best part was that Augustine did NOT try to eat the sand. Mommy was worried with his track record of things in mouth. It was a great trip had by all as we miss it dearly on cold snowy winter days.

With that new minivan, we've been able to take several trips throughout the year to St. Louis to visit family and friends. It seems were always on the road. Augustine was just upgraded to a new car seat in November. He is becoming such a good rider. However, we much prefer traveling by plane. We are ranking up those Southwest Rapid Rewards faster than ever. My parents have also been traveling to visit more now that Augustine is here. They can always find an excuse to visit the "perfect" grandchild.

Since Andy's parents live close by they are always willing and able to babysit Augustine. Last spring semester, Andy's mom Barb, was able to babysit one day a week. Now she really misses the quality time with Augustine. Barb is now teaching Health Occupation class at the Career Center. Yes, mother and son are teaching at the same school. Barb is enjoying her new teaching experience. Andy's step-dad retired in September after 30 years. He is enjoying this new found lease of sleeping in and playing with his grandchildren more.

With the joy of a new addition to our family, there has also been some sadness. My Great Uncle Bob passed away the beginning of March from a presumed heart attack. Ironically enough, it was the week we purchased the minivan. Uncle Bob had a passion for automobile and the Lord knew we needed to be safe on those long trips to St. Louis and back. It was just in time. In June, my Grandma Steffen entered the Kingdom of Heaven. She was a beautiful woman and is greatly missed by all who loved her. It was just her time. I am so grateful that these special people in my life were able to meet my son and now watch over him from above.

Thanks for visiting our family blog. Please visits us throughout the year for updated on our family.

We hope you have a blessed Christmas season and a great 2011.

Love & Many Blessings,

Abi, Andy & Augustine

Happy St. Nick's Day

Happy St. Nick's Day!!!! We had Augustine for dinner tonight. :)

Disclaimer - he crawled in to the roaster all by himself and of course mommy had to take a photo.

He Walks!

Our little man is growing up so fast! Above is some great video of some of Augustine's "first steps". He had been taking a few steps hear and there since October 16. However, on Friday, November 26, after a 2 1/2 hour nap he decided he was going to be a walker. He now prefers to walk rather than crawl. Thanks to my sister for taking this great video of Augustine showing off his skills last weekend!

Dear Prayer Buddy!

Please see this post for details... Sew Infertile

Dear Prayer Buddy,

Welcome to my site. Thank you very much for your prayers this Advent season. As you can tell, my life is crazy! I don't post as often as I would like to. Hopefully, that will change with people reading my blog. This year has gone by really fast with our son turning 1 year old, TOMORROW!!!!! I hope to have photos of his birthday party and Thanksgiving up this week.

Please pray for one of my FC couples. She called to cancel her follow up appointment. We all come to CrMS for a reason.

Thanks for your prayers and I'll be praying for you too!

God Bless and Happy Advent!
Mrs. B

Birthday Party #1

This weekend we traveled to St Louis for Thanksgiving. Augustine did great on the ride both ways. He is getting to be a little traveler. His new Brit.ax seat is awesome and I know he is safe. He still does not like to be strapped down. But I know that is the safest way to travel for little ones.

We shared Turkey Day at Grandpa Steffen's nursing home. The staff made a wonderful meal and the whole family was able to enjoy. I brought pies from the Culinary Arts students. Then we visited the Hagy's at their place. They are still in separate rooms and will be moving Grandma sometime this week to Grandpa's room. My dad did smoke a few turkey breast. And on Friday, we did a small traditional meal complete with White.Castle stuffing. (oh so yummy!)

Augustine took a 2 1/2 hour nap on Friday afternoon. When he woke up he was a walker. I'll be posting a video soon.

Saturday, we took his photos at my sister's condo and some great family shots. Em is editing them and I'll be able to make up our Christmas card after Augustine's Omaha party this upcoming weekend.

Saturday night was Augustine's St Louis party. We had a great time and I do plan on posting photos sometime this week. In the mean time, you'll have to settle for Erin's blog. He wasn't a fan of his cake. I don't think he knew what to do with it. But he'll get another shot at it on Sunday in Omaha.

On to a busy week. Have a great Cyber Monday!

Where have you been?

Okay, I think people have stopped reading my blog. But I've had a few comments lately. I guess that is because I'm commenting on other blogs. I guess you deserve an update. Only fair, right?

Bottom line... Where have you been Mrs. B? BUSY!

September - well that was a long time ago. Augustine had sinus infection #3. We went to St. Louis for my 10 year high school reunion. My parents came for a visit. That's all I remember. Andy's birthday, 31 years old.

October - My favorite month of them all because it was my birthday. It was the first time I celebrated my 29th birthday. My Aunt Trish always counts from that day.
We visited the Pumpkin Barn with Grandpa and Nana Berthold.
Oma came for a visit to travel with Augustine and I to Des Monies for a conference.
My Grandma Hagy (Betty) was found (alive) on her kitchen floor October 26. It was originally believed to be a stroke. However, doctors now believe it was a seizure. We can't be sure because no one was there to witness it. She has been in the hospital, rehab and now a nursing home. The same nursing home Grandpa Hagy (Clyde) is in. They are not in the same room. Hopefully soon.
My parents and sister were planning to visit for the NU v. Mizzou football game. But plans changes once Grandma was put into the hospital.
The same weekend of the game, Augustine got croup on October 29. He had a fever and was put on steroids. It was a bad weekend. We ended up selling the tickets last minute to my brother-in-law and father-in-law. I was so glad the tickets got used.
I helped organized a PINK OUT game in support of the American Cancer Society at school. We raised over $2100 for the event. Not bad.
Started my education as a Fertility Care Practitioner with Creighton Model System. It was a week long class in Omaha. Now this year I'm an intern with the Fertility Care Center of Omaha at the Pope Paul VI Institute. I started taking clients in November.

November - Augustine and I traveled to STL for the NODAC Conference - National Orientation Directer Association. Augustine hung out with Oma, Papa Bruce, and Aunt Em while mommy worked. It was a great conference and I learned a lot. I was able to see all my grandparents on this trip for a short time. It's hard working, being a mommy, and living in STL. I can't do everything I once did in that short of time.
Augustine got 4th sinus infection! It was a result of the croup and his sinus not draining. Ears are still good. :)
Stomach flu rans through out house - Augustine, Daddy and then Mommy.


As you can see life is really busy around our house. Right now we're gearing up to travel to STL for Thanksgiving. Augustine will have 2 birthday parties: STL and Omaha. First one is Saturday at Oma and Papa's. It should be a great time. Then the following weekend, we'll have another edition in Omaha. My goal is to get the house decorated for Christmas before guest arrive. The tree is up in our front room. Yes, I admit it. I have my tree up before Thanksgiving. I had to people. It isn't decorated and I don't keep the lights on. But it's up. Now only if we can get it decorated and the house lights up before it snows.

Can you believe my little guy will be 1 in a week!?!?!?!?! Where did this year go?

Augustine's photo book

Click here to view this photo book larger

My Shutterfly book came in the mail yesterday! It was a great quality book with wonderful photos of Augustine. We'll I knew it would be. :) Mr. B and I were very happy on how it turned out.

Going to Bed

Augustine loves to crawl. Here he is on his way to bed. Daddy has the monkey next to the FLIP.

9 months already?!?!?!

Yes, that's right! Augustine is 9 months old!

Stats:

19.2 pounds - 25%

27.5 inches - 25%

Head 18 inches - 63% (He has a big head.)

We had a good check-up with Dr. Penny this week. I love her as our pediatrician. If you're looking for a new pedi in Omaha, check out Dr. Katherine Penny at Boystown on 88th Street. I love the staff too! He is growing and eating. She told us to start trialing dairy into his diet. Yes, that's right. He has been tolerating some dairy in my diet since May. But I was really worry about what it could do to his diet. So far it's been good. He had cheese on Monday and enjoyed it. Tomorrow we will start yogurt.

Last month was really busy. Daddy and Augustine started back to school. Mommy had orientation on campus. We have all adjusted well. Augustine is enjoying his new room and new friends. He has been moving all over the place. Our pedi said that he could be a month away from walking! Mommy and daddy were both 10 month walkers. So we figured this could be a possibility.

Have a great day and hopefully, I'll update more soon.

love, abi, andy & augustine

Works for Me - Breastfeeding Wednesday

It's World Breastfeeding Awareness Week. So this week, I'm focusing on what works for me in my world of breastfeeding. We're going 8 months strong with breastfeeding and Augustine has never had formula. Since I'm a working mommy may of my items deal with making pumping easier. Please let me know if you've got questions. I believe all items can be found online.

1. Bobby pillow - better than a regular pillow in the early days to nurse your baby. I used it all the time. Now since Augustine is bigger, we only use it for middle of the night feedings or early morning ones when I'm not awake enough to hold him up.

2. Medela Pump in Style Advanced breast pump - This is the only pump I've tried. But it's really awesome! It use it several times a day. In fact, I'm using it now.

3. Easy Expression Hands-Free Pumping Bra - you can do double duty while pumping. It's great for work.

4. Medela microwave steam cleaning bags - this are great because pump parts need to be hand washed. Then I pop them in the bags with a few oz of water. They are ready to go in no time.

5. Playtex One-Step - This is the attachment you'll need to pump directly into the Playtex bottles from the Medela pump. Another mommy from my yoga class told me about these. I can pump into my liners and storage the milk for Augustine. They are a must have if you're planning on using the Playtex Drop-Ins for your supplemental feedings.

4 Generations

I've been meaning to post this. Here is more video of the last family dinner we shared with my grandma over Memorial Day. She is so happy holding Augustine. This morning I woke up thinking about her. I'm not sure if I was dreaming about my grandma or what. I love and miss her everyday.

Grandma & Augustine

My grandma passed away last month. I didn't post it earlier, because I didn't know what to say. Now I'd love to share the video of Augustine & Grandma. We enjoyed a meal with my family when we visited STL over Memorial Day. Grandma loves her great-grandson very much. We actually told my family that we were pregnant with Augustine on her 87th birthday. While we were pregnant she named him, "JACK". Augustine was lucky to meet this special person. She was cuddle with him and loves him with all her heart. Now Grandma is watch over him in heaven. Enjoy.

He crawls!

Augustine is on the move! Here is the video of him crawling at Grandma's during the family reunion this last weekend.

Here is our little buddy!

This winter baby needed to get outside for some photos. So in June, for Augustine's 6th month photos we meet my former student-worker, Megan to take his photos at Bayliss Park in Council Bluffs. Megan is in the process of building her photography company. I hope you enjoy some photos of our little buddy. I sure do. :)

always thinking and relaxing

fun in the air

should I cry now?

happy family of three

So big!

(photo of Oma and Augustine in Florida)

How big is Augustine? So BIG!



Augustine is growing growing growing every day and having many milestones. It's just amazing to watch him develop. We sure do love our little guy. Currently he is over 17 pounds (I've had to move to the medium setting of his diapers) and about 27 inches long. He is long and lean says our doctor. Something mommy and daddy are very happy about.

He can sit up by himself for a long period of time. He can roll around the room. And yesterday he started to get up on his hands and knees. This boy will start crawling any day. He even has a tooth. Yes, we're still breastfeeding. He does like to play with his tooth a little to much for mommy's comfort. ;)

He currently eats the following foods:
sweet potatoes, squash, carrots, green beans, peas, pears, applesauce, bananas, avocs (aka Gus Guc), Broccoli, yellow squash, zucchini, apricots, mangoes, oatmeal, rice cereal, puffs, and STEAK. Yes, steak. We are moving on to finger foods. It is funny to watch him try to put food in his own mouth. He loves mangoes in his fresh food feeder. The next foods will be pineapple and chicken. Yummy.

The long awaited update

Okay, I know it's been forever since I've updated this blog. I seem to do really well for a good amount of time... then not. Well the Spring was super busy and the blogging took a backseat for a while. I've changed the layout of this blog a bit. Nothing to fancy. But I think one of the things that was keeping my blogging was the look of my blog. So I found a free layout/design that I like and went with it. I think this is softer on the eyes. (Not that you look at my blog all the time, you get it through Google Reader, right?)

Now back to our little man, Augustine. He is the main reason you follow this blog. The spring was busy. We adjusted to the new normal of 2 working parents, Augustine in childcare full time, traveling for business and pleasure. Now it's summer. So daddy and Augustine are hanging out all summer together. That's right! Andy is watching Augustine during the days instead of going to childcare.

Last week we went to the Tampa/Clearwater/St Petersburg area for vacation. We shared a condo with my parents and sister. Augustine did great. He loved the water and the sand. The best part was that he didn't want to eat the sand! This boy eat everything he can get his hands on. We attempted to keep him on the best schedule possible. Thankful, he did better than expected on the trip. We even got to meet the Archbishop of Omaha in the TPA airport on our way back home. It was a nice relaxing trip. Now I'm gearing up for a busy summer on campus.

If you're still reading, let me know by posting a message. I'll try to post more often.

Mr. Active

Augustine is such a joy this days. He is really growing into his own personality. Here are pictures of him on his gymi. He love to lay and talk to the animals. He was even trying to grab the green m&m type toy. But it seems his other hand gets in the way. Very soon will he be grabbing things on his own.

Augustine has also found his head. I know that sounds funny. But any time is he just chilling, his hands are rubbing his head and ears. As you can see in the first photo. We love our little man so much.

3 months already

It's been another month! Augustine is already 3 months old. February was a busy month. Here are some highlights of the month.

First Plane Trip - St Louis!!! No surprise there. Mommy and Augustine traveled to St Louis to visit family. While daddy tried to get some sleep in Omaha. (that part didn't work out as planned). On our STL trip, Augustine got to meet lots of family and friends. He was such a good baby. And traveled really well. I think we'll be able to do another flight in the future.


4 Generation photo: Grandma & Grandpa, my mom, me & Augustine




Augustine with Grandparents



Then we chilled out the rest of the month to get ready to go back to work on Feb 22.
Daddy and Augustine taking a nap on the couch together. :)

Happy Valentine's Day. Augustine received 2 books from mommy & daddy. Clifford's First Valentine's Day and A Charlie Brown Valentine's Day. Grandma & Grandpa Kinsella gave him a Husker outfit. Oma & Papa Bruce gave him a bunch a new cloths. (Mommy love new cloths)

Photo Update

January has been a busy month. We are settling into a new "normal", figuring out this new diet, had Augustine's baptism, 3 more snow days, and just enjoying life with little Augustine. Here are some favorites from the last few weeks.

Augustine ready for a car ride.

Cousin Alyssa came for a visit.


Daddy and Augustine talking.

Augustine sleeping on mommy.

Cloth Diapers

Wednesday, not only was a snow day for Andy... but Augustine wore his cloth diapers all day for the first time. He finally has some chunk on his legs and looks great in his diapers.

FLIP diaper by Cotton Babies

Moonbean

BumGenius by Cotton Babies
Grasshopper

The diapers did really well with Augustine. He only pooped 5 times and I did 2 loads of diapers during the day. By the end of the day I made a purchase from Cotton Babies for more BumGenius. I was waiting to fill my stash until I was able to have Augustine use the diapers. Good thing Cotton Babies was having a sale for a free diaper. :)

Bright Eyes

I really do have a cute kid.

What you do for your child?

It's hard to say what you would do for your child until you are faced with the option. Then it's really not question. You do what you have to do.

Breastfeeding is very important to me. It was the number 1 thing (after labor) that I worried about. I really want to breastfeed as long as possible. I read books, talked to experienced mothers, and took a class to prepare for breastfeeding before while pregnant. After Augustine's tongue was clipped our breastfeeding relationship started out great. We had it down. Thank goodness.

We soon found out that Augustine was a very gassy baby. Andy and I thought that this was normal for a while. He had good sleeping habits and was a happy baby. No worries. However, his gassiness and spit up increased and Augustine was no longer a happy baby until he burped or pooped. Some nights, Andy and I would be up for 3 hours in the middle of night trying to get him back to sleep.

Then comes Wednesday... we went to the doctor's office for his weight check appointment. He is passed his birth weight at 7 lbs, 13 oz. He gained almost an oz a day since our last check up. So we know he is eating. However, he is not a happy baby after he feeds. Our pediatrician asked if I'm a big dairy person. I would say yes. I try to eat a well-balanced diet as best as possible. She suggested that I give up dairy for a few days to see if there are any changes in his feedings. So I agreed.

On the surface, you think it's not that big of deal. Until you really think about it... dairy is in almost everything! This means that I've not only giving up milk, yogurt, cheese... but ice cream and most chocolate. Plus all prepared meals have some sort of dairy in them. This diet is more than someone that is lactose. All things that are made from milk are out.

I was very depressed for the remainder of Wednesday, until I spoke to a friend. She was able to settle me down because her boys were Milk Soy Protein Intolerant. (MSPI) Some babies can't handle cow's milk and/or soy products for the first year of life. If a baby is MSPI there are 2 options: switch to a very expensive formula OR change a mother's diet. We still don't know for sure if Augustine is MSPI. The only way to test if he does have it is to test his stool for blood. Changes might not happen for up to 4 weeks on the new diet. It takes between 2 to 4 weeks to remove dairy from my system.

I'm committed to changing my diet to help my son. I know there have been other mothers that have done the same thing. Maybe this is the answer to his fussiness. If not, at least we'd tried.

Happy 1 month birthday!

Augustine's 1st month birthday was Wednesday. He got to celebrate by watching the Husker bowl game. Of course he would have his Husker t-shirt on.

The bear is from our friend Stefanie. Mr. Bear did have a Cardinals shirt on it. However, Andy's cousin made sure the bear was dressed for both sports sessions.