Festival of Lights

We were already able to use our Columbus Zoo membership that was a gift from Will's great grandma.  As you can see in the pictures, Will rode around in his stroller and couldn't keep his eyes off all of the brightly colored lights.  We can't wait to take Will back to the zoo again very soon.

Two little boys enjoying Christmas

Will spent a lot of time with his favorite cousin Leo over Christmas.  One of the highlights was their bath together.  We were able to put Will in his baby tub next to Leo in the big tub.  All Will could do was stare in amazement at Leo as he tried to teach him many new things.  Grandma and grandpa bought the boys matching p.j.'s to wear.  How cute!

My First Christmas

The last two weeks have been very exciting!  We were able to visit both Detroit and Cincinnati during the holidays and see lots of our family and friends.  We learned that traveling with a three month old is not as easy as it used to be, but it was amazing to have him with us to celebrate this year.  Last year at this time we had just found out that we were pregnant and tried to imagine how great Christmas was going to be this year.  It was even better!  Here is a collection of some pictures from the past two weeks.  Enjoy!

Winter Fun

Will loves to be outside, even in cold weather.  Today he couldn't stop smiling at Pete as he walked him around outside in the stroller.  Look how big he is getting!

While visions of sugar plums danced through his head

We had a fun time at the Christmas party at Pete's office today. There was lots of great food, entertainment, and fun Christmas decorations. There was even a live manger scene, real reindeer, and horse drawn carriage rides. These are sure to be some of Will's favorite Christmas memories in years to come. He was on his best behavior the whole time, and even kept his new Christmas attire clean. As we waited in line to visit Santa, Will decided it was time to nap. As you can see from the picture, he didn't mind that Santa took him while he kept on sleeping and dreaming of Christmas. Merry Christmas!

Happy St. Nick's Day

As part of mommy's family tradition, we celebrated St. Nick's Day in style.  Will has his wonderful stocking made by his great grandma that St. Nick stuffed with a pair of snowman pj's and a fun finger puppet book about Christmas.  Even though Will wasn't sure what to think when he woke up and we were holding him up to see his gifts, we know that someday this will be a favorite holiday!

I'm such a big boy!

Now that Will is three months old, we decided to try out some of his cool stuff.  We tried the high chair first...but he needs to gain about 10 more pounds and 5 inches it seems to see over the tray! :)  Next we tried out the Exersaucer, which you can see is a big hit.  Will hasn't quite noticed all the toys and how the chair spins yet, but he loves to bounce up and down and look around the room.

3 Month Pictures

Oh, how time flies!  It is hard to believe that Will is already 3 months old.  Pete and I took him last week to get his pictures taken, and he was quite the photogenic little man.  Here are some of our favorites.

Already a Red Wings fan

Pete was very lucky to share one of his favorite things with Will....watching the Red Wings game!  Will woke up just in time to watch the third period with his dad.  He also got to use his Red Wings jersey.  Since it is still a little big, we used it as a blanket and at some point in the night, it ended up in Will's mouth (of course...what do you expect of a two month old)!  

Brrrrr...it is winter!

Will has had to bundle up recently on any trips he has gone on.  We just think he looks so cute, like a little old man, in his matching pea coat and hat.  We can't wait to bundle him up and take him out for his first real snow.  The snow flurries the last two days don't count!  We hope everyone is keeping warm.

Will is on the web!

It has been a very exciting past seven weeks!  I know that it is hard to believe, but Will can already smile, he is starting to laugh, he can hold his head up, and is very close to rolling over. Can you tell we are proud parents!  Below is a highlight of the past seven weeks.  Look for much more to come!

Will's Big Cousin Leo

Will is also very lucky because he has a big cousin Leo.  One of Leo's favorite things is to hold Will and bring him toys.  He still isn't sure why someone needs to sleep and eat so much, but we know in the future they are going to be the best of friends.

Four Generations

Will is a very lucky little boy because he has a great grandparent on each side of the family.  Will recently returned from a trip to Detroit where he met his great grandpa, Papa Fritz.  He also went to Cincinnati recently and visited with his great grandma.  There are pictures of the four generations from both trips.

Will's first Halloween

Will on his first boat ride with mom and dad.

Will is always either talking or smiling when he is awake.

Will loves his baths

Going home from the hospital

Proud parents and grandparents

Will is finally here!

Waiting for Will's arrival

Baby's Nursery

We have finally finished Baby Blake's nursery.  After having Grandma and Grandpa Schlemmer come up to paint the nursery with Pete about five months ago, we were able to put the finishing touches on the nursery this past weekend.  We were lucky that three and 1/2 months ago, Mimi and Papa Blake and Aunt Katie were able to help put together the beautiful white crib.  Since that time, we have spent many of our weekends putting together numerous baby items.  It is hard to believe that one little person needs so many things.  We were also very fortunate to get so many wonderful presents from family and friends.  The only thing left to add is the name in white letters over the crib once we meet this little one.  (You will notice in one that the diaper bag is already packed for the much awaited trip to the hospital)  We may need to also add a little pink or blue so the baby doesn't get a green and white complex! :)  Enjoy the pictures!

Excitement for Baby Blake

With only four weeks left to go, the anticipation and excitement is unreal.  We decided to try and do a blog like our friends, the Lohse Family.  This is our first attempt at keeping everyone updated on our lives...and especially on Baby Blake's very soon arrival.

Everything is going well.  We have now transitioned into the weekly doctor's appointments, and according to Thursday's appointment, everything is looking great.  The baby is definitely growing and moving a ton, and we are so excited to finally meet this little guy or girl.  We still don't feel like we are leaning one way....I guess only time will tell if there will be a bunch of blue in our future or more pink!  Stayed tuned to the blog for more updates.