Bettenhausen Family Blog

Back to the grind...

2010-04-07T19:14:00.000-07:00

Well - Vacation month, aka March, is over. We had a great cruise with friends Kerry, Dave, Jason and Melissa. Weather - not so nice, but everything else - lots of fun. Won a little cash at roulette (Colin's b-day hit so many times!) Arizona was also a blast, especially spending quality time with Colin and yes, the White Sox. We were lucky to get baseballs, autographs and pictures with some GREAT players. We also got to spend time with the Hespens, Van Hofwegens and Beukemas. And really, what more could we want? Gorgeous weather, baseball and overall - a great time away from work.

Easter was a good time, hanging out with family, enjoying great food and watching Colin devour jelly beans. Watching it was fun, dealing with the sugar rush after the fact... not so fun.

Yesterday we did dinner and drinks with Tim, Amber and adorable Tillie! She is such a good baby (almost one year old already)! Colin was "showing off" in boyish ways by climbing on tables, throwing things and jumping around like a crazy person. Someone told me boys were easier... hmmmm... not sure about that.

We are hosting an open house this weekend in our quest to sell the condo so hopefully we get some people through the doors that are interested... time will tell.

Hopefully I'll get a few pictures up later this week that cover the last month.
For now... have a great night!

Vacation!!!

2010-03-08T11:06:00.000-08:00

I have been waiting for the month of March since we flipped the calendar to 2010! This month is VACATION! Thursday we leave for Florida/Bahamas cruise. Although I'm having some anxiety about leaving Colin for 4 nights, I know he's in good hands. After all, who could resist a cute boy with a faux-hawk?

When we return from the cruise, it's back to work for a few days and then off to Arizona for some baseball, beers and fun in the sun. Colin is coming with and hopefully we'll get some great player autographs like last year!

Other than vacations coming up, it's been same old same old around here. Ready for winter weather to go away and fighting off colds. Colin is really getting chatty - his vocab is great and it's fun to hear his little voice and watch his mind work as we point to pictures in books or puzzles. He is also a little pistol... his new climbing skills are really driving his mom and dad crazy... He finds it hilarious to climb onto the coffee table and then imitate us by saying "Dit Down!" What a punk! ;) In addition, as I was filling the dishwasher last night he climbed on top of the open door and was bouncing up and down. I know that I wanted an outgoing little boy, but I should be careful what I wish for!

Here's a shout out to Jason because he is a great dad!

Talk to you when we get back from vacation!

No time for pictures but....

2010-02-25T07:26:00.000-08:00

I figured at least a quick update was in order!

What's new with Colin: Well - he is talking like crazy, we are teaching him to answer phrases like "who goes outside when it snows?" PAPA and "Who loves ya?" MOMMY!, he's learning to say his colors, farm animal noises, can say each of his facial features, and the list goes on. Grandma even tought him to point to his "butt" last weekend. Thanks Mom! :) Just kidding, he's done worse things than that! Last weekend he had a sleepover with Grandma and Papa Heemstra - he was a bit under the weather due to his ear infections and horrid diaper rash but they took good care of him as they always do. I'm so grateful they live close by and are willing to take him whenever called upon! Other than that, he's doing well at daycare, hasn't gotten bitten in nearly a week (yes, that's big news) and has been relatively nicer to "puppy".

What's new with Jason and Robin: the condo is up for sale! Although we know that it could be ages before we receive an offer, we put it on the market. We've had one showing so far and boy is that a hassle. The cleaning, taking the dog to a sitter, getting all the baby toys put away, etc. is quite a task. If they would have offered anything I probably would have taken it just to save the mess of getting the place ready for showing! Last weekend while Colin was at the Grandparents, we went downtown for a wedding at the White Sox stadium club - SO FUN! A very cool venue and a nice relaxing night. In the morning we did some Mag Mile shopping and ice skated at Millenium Park. Robin has been busy with some volunteer work, chairing the basket raffle for the Cancer Support Gala next month and Jason has been dad of the month!

Looking forward to vacation - March is shaping up to be a good one!

Merry Christmas... not happy holidays!

2009-12-27T15:57:00.000-08:00

Wow - two months have passed since our last update! Colin is now a 15 month old and is really grasping toddler-hood full force. By this I mean chatting, running, hitting and best of all... when I say "NO" he turns to me and says "No No" and wags his finger at me. Nice....

I will say though, every stage of watching him grow so far has been so fun. The way they figure things out and learn cause & effect.

A few things from late FALL. Raking leaves with auntie Megan at Grandma Regan's house -

Hanging with Grandpa B in the fields with the combine.

And now it's Christmas! Colin was helpful with the wrapping - every time a bow went on a present - he ripped it off and put it on his head. I would like to say I helped with this 'do but it was ALL COLIN! ;)

Sweet presents like Clifford the Big Red Dog ride along from Jason's work party -

And this John Deere Tractor so Colin can grow up to be a farmer just like his Grandpa!

Santa was not quite his favorite part of Christmas... He used his sneaky slide skills to make a quick exit!

Christmas was a great time with both families. Fun to see cousins (for us as well as Colin) fun to chat and relax as well as open gifts. We certainly feel blessed for all that we have - most importantly family and friends. As we wrap up 2009 we hope this post finds you happy and healthy. Our resolution will be to update more regularly :)
Love - Robin (and Jason and Colin)

2009-10-26T17:00:00.000-07:00

Well...it's been a while...yes again!!

So we'll give you another 5 minute run down on where we are, where we were, and where we're going -

Sit back and enjoy!!

Grandma took us to an apple picking farm and we saw lots of pumpkins and picked some delicious apples!

Cousins Brady and Mackenzie came over one Saturday and we went to the park and got WILD in the ball pit. There's one of Colin above and one of my cousin Brady below!

At the end of September we took a fun trip to St. Louis to visit Karl, Jenna and Layna! It was so fun to watch the kids interact - Colin thought Layna was the coolest and watched every move. And Layna thought Colin was her brother... yes, that one took some explaining! :) We went to the Brewery to see the horses and sample the beer and then to Grant's Farm to see the animals and yes, sample the beer. It was a great trip and we are grateful for friends like Karl and Jenna!!!

Here's a photo of the crew at the Brewery - this barrel alone would last you a lifetime and to consume it all you'd need to drink 21 cases a day... yikes. Day 2 the camera broke (SAD) so we don't have any pics to upload!

Following St. Louis we've been here at home for the most part! Jason and I celebrated our fourth anniversary at Jersey Boys - it was an amazing show and I recommend you see it! So fun. We are thankful to be busy at work and I've been able to volunteer at the Cancer Support Center and Southwest Community Services Bingo night. It's fun to get involved in the community a bit.

October.... We decided Colin was probably big enough to give the whirpool tub a try. He LOVES it - in fact he runs to the other side when we try to grab him out. He's tricky that way...

Do you think he likes it?

We also got to go to the Manhattan Fall Fest at the Round Barn. Mackenzie and Grandma B came along for some fun! :) Here are a few from the day.

And finally.... a preview of Dr. Colin!

Happy Halloween!!!

Labor Day & Colin's B-Day....Horray!!

2009-09-16T17:05:00.000-07:00

Well, we'll begin tonight's adventure with a recap of Labor Day weekend.
Robin, Colin and I enjoyed some quality Cottage time prior to its close for the season.

Picture : Grandma enjoying some time with Skipper Colin

Picture : After looking ticked for about 20 minutes, Colin finally relaxed and decided to take a nap...

Picture: If you are in the know... you'll know why the next picture is a classic :)

COLIN TURNS ONE!!

First off - Colin did terrific for his B-Day Weekend. Due to space concerns and the number of invitees...we turned it into a Party Weekend. Jason's Family on Saturday & Robin's Family on Sunday.

Picture: Colin is introduced to his Cake. He was patient at first...

but then he couldn't help himself....

Picture: Day 2 - Robin's Side

He knew the routine by then... where's the cake???

We had to use the garden hose by Day 2...

Oh yeah... Presents aren't so bad either are they Colin :)

Who needs a landscaper?? Colin is coming to a neighborhood near you soon.. (Thanks Gram)

Who needs Chucky Cheese?? We now have one in our living room...

This is awesome!!!

Thanks to everyone that participated in Colin's B-Day!! Robin and I had a great time putting it all together and seeing his reactions. How he has grown in one year is just amazing!!

Jason, Robin, & Colin

Vacation to Lake Tahoe!

2009-09-06T15:12:00.000-07:00

Narrated by Colin:

Every time my parents take me somewhere they first put me in a confined place. Whether it be the elevator to get outside, the car to get to daycare, or worst of all the plane to get to Tahoe. How do they expect a rambunctious little one like myself to sit still for 4 hours? And do they really think a couple of toys and a bag of snacks will help that much?

But - no matter what they put me in - the end result is pretty good! I got to spend a week with my cousin Evan, Aunt Jen and Uncle John. They live in Boston, but we won't hold that against them. Evan is a good time - he taught me things like playing in cabinets, the joys of spatulas, and even how to survive a bike trailer. I like to think I taught him a few things too, but I'm not sure.

Throughout the week - my parents took me fun places like the children's museum, the beach, the pool and for walks and hikesThey also took me some not so fun places, like the bike trailer (shudder) and well... this pretty lame place Northern Nevada calls a Zoo.

My mom wants you to know that yes, the bird is walking and flying about the zoo - no cage! and that we felt pretty secure behind the lion's lovely 2 fences that most have in their suburban backyard!

It was definitely a good time. Far away from the stresses of day care, plenty of snacks and even late bedtimes! Cool to see my parents a bit more too - what are they thinking - going to work so much!

Well, that's all for now. Thanks to my cuz for making this vacation one of the best! :)

2009-08-15T06:37:00.000-07:00

Just a quick post....

Last Sunday we were out on the Kankakee River at the beach for Megan's (my little sister) Graduation Party. Seeing how it was about 90 deg & sunny out, the cool water was very inviting -

On Wednesday - Robin's Company had a bike ride out in Frankfort. Again, perfect weather!! Robin below is showing off her Mad skills on her bike. What you don't see here is the 20 ft ramp she's about to attempt to jump... :)

While mom was out biking, Colin and I decided to take the "Stroller" route around the path. We decided to take a few candid shots along the way.

It wasn't all fun and games though - Colin decided to live life on the edge as you'll see in this next video...

That's about it for now...more pic's to come from this weekend. John, Jen & Evan are in from Boston and I know they have a pool party planned @ Grandma's this afternoon...and if that isn't enough excitement, we're all going to a BBQ at the Holtrop residence this evening to kickoff the Bears Season.

Good Times ahead!! Hope everyone is doing well & we hope to hear from you soon...

Jason, Robin, & Colin

P.S. - ok just two more...he was looking pretty handsome the other night in the bath... I can't keep this one just for Robin and I. Enjoy!!

No time for pics...

2009-08-06T18:51:00.000-07:00

Just a quick post.. Colin is only 1 month away from his 1st birthday!! I can hardly believe it was a year ago before we had him in our lives - we didn't know what we were missing! :)

He's doing well - first two teeth have arrived and the teething wasn't too dreadful. We'll see when the next group comes in. He's been super active, hinting at walking but REFUSING to wear shoes. I'll try to catch a video in the next few days. I put shoes on him and he fusses and pulls at them until he gets them off. It's ridiculous.

He's also moved on to table food - LOVES fruits (bananas, canned peaches, etc.) The day care is pretty hilarious because they feed him all sorts of stuff - cauliflower, grilled cheese, turkey sandwiches, they just keep telling me - wow, he's such a good eater! I just think um.... Have you seen his tummy? Was there ever a doubt? Plus I can recall his early months when he would finish his bottle and just whimper... what can I say, the kid loves food.

We went over to Candi and Eric's last night for a mexican fiesta! It is so good to have great friends to just chill with. We laughed about in-law stuff, groaned about work stuff and got excited about wedding stuff! Plus - we had free entertainment watching Gipper give Colin wet willies... pretty funny! :)

This weekend J has a golf outing and we're celebrating his sister's graduation from Eastern Illinois. Stay tuned!

Go #11

2009-07-11T10:13:00.001-07:00

A fishy tale....

2009-07-11T09:55:00.000-07:00

A few weeks we went up to the lake and Colin met... the FISH. This fish was orange with bulging eyes and a big smile. They immediately were inseperable.

The time came to pack up the car and go home. When we arrived back in Tinley Park and unpacked our bags imagine our surprise when we found FISH hiding in the beach bag. If Colin was any older - I'd think he stuffed it there, but alas it was simply fate (or haste... as we also had a Good Housekeeping registered to Cheryl Brown and one of Great Grandma's beachtowels.) Clearly the beachbag was a haven for many of the lake's pleasures.

A few days later - we went to Grandma's pool and dropped off the cottage belongings... the towels, the bedsheets and yes - the FISH. But... when we took the bag out to return Colin spotted his friend from the lake! What fun the fish and Colin had in the pool that night but when it was time to go, Colin and the fish could not part. (or without massive temper tantrum that is) So - FISH came home again.

This Sunday we may head up to the lake - where the FISH will be returned to his "school" or at least the other two fish that reside at the cottage. It will be a sad day - but it sure has been fun! Bye Bye Orange Fishy!

The End.

One Month in Fast Forward....

2009-06-24T18:57:00.001-07:00

Whoa - one month since I've posted! Things they are a-changin' when you have a 9 month old. He is a crawling fool and stands up on everything he can!

I suppose the best way to recap June is through pictures!

Colin loving his new bathtub...

Jason and I realizing why it is we pay so much for landscaping at the condo....

Playing in the annual Slosh Kickball Game... and yes, it's as fun as it sounds!
Chillin at the Lake
Autographs with Brian Anderson, the White Sox super cute Center Fielder
Surgery - no worries, he's fine.

Cottage again - and all to ourselves!

And a Wednesday night at Grandma and Grandpa's pool - this month was the best! :)

On the move...

2009-05-28T17:17:00.000-07:00

Colin is crawling! It's been in the works for a couple of weeks but the last week or so he's mastered it! Although this is exciting - it also means the house belongs to him and everything is open for exploration! Who would have thought the door stops were the coolest toy invented? Or that a dog could provide so much entertainment for a crawling child?

It's been a great couple of weeks! Kerry and I ran (jogged) a 5k in Mokena

We went to Tim and Dana's Memorial Day party on Koonst Lake and then up to Bass Lake for the rest of Memorial Day. Great weather for most of the weekend and fun to hang out with both friends and family.

Tuesday I had a spa day - I recommend this to EVERYONE! What a relaxing day in Gilman - I walked the paths, had a Salt Scrub and Vichy shower, Massage, Pedicure, Facial and spent some time in the pool and sauna. It was AMAZING. Seriously - Go. The Heartland Spa in Gilman, IL.

This weekend - off to Cedarburg for a Bed and Breakfast excursion! Colin will have his first night away from home with his grandma and grandpa and J and I will have a day and night away!

Next post will be Colin's Adventures at the Grandparents... has a nice ring to it - book title maybe? Hopefully they'll teach him some new skills... he's already pretty advanced - he can work wonders with a calculator.

He's also quite sneaky - I hope Grandma and Grandpa know what they're in for!!!

Vote for Colin!

2009-05-16T05:04:00.001-07:00

Vote Colin - Chicago's must Huggable Baby!!! The LITE is holding a contest and we think Colin's got what it takes. But because we know that every parent will be stuffing the ballot box by asking friends and family to vote - we figured we'd better do the same!!

Just click the link below - Scroll Down and Click where it says "Not a Member? Click here to join"
You have to fill out some dumb info (sorry) but then you can vote for Colin!
You can vote once a day - please vote!!!
I know we're "those parents" now - but isn't he just adorable?? Let's help him WIN!
http://radiobase1.clearchannel.com/front/image_contest2.asp?VT=Date&Action=Detail&Type=Count&SurveyID=7888&zx=480&SubID=&ImgID=19878

Thank you!!!!

Happy Mother's Day!!

2009-05-10T17:21:00.000-07:00

Amber,

Colin has a Mother's Day card for you.... you just have to come and get it!!! See how excited he is to give it to you... :)

Happy Mother's Day to all mom's on this Sunday!!

Colin was fantastic today!! (something new right...) He really was.
Little bit of a change of pace this morning.

Normally, 7 days a week, Colin is waking us up in the morning to get our days going whether we're ready for him to do so or not. Today, we ran the show. Up and at them, 5:30 am.

Today was the Breast Cancer Walk downtown.

Everyone was in high spirits...

Such a great cause!! Another great year of memories - especially to enjoy it as parents. It just gives you such a different perspective on the world around us.

Well - this is just going to be a quick post. Again, it's 7:30 pm and Colin needs his beauty sleep. He's kicking me out.

Hope everyone has a great week ahead!!

Summer is here - everyone get out and enjoy the weather.

An appropriate end to the Mother's Day Weekend -

A mother and her son

Good night!!
JB, RB, CB

2009-04-29T17:57:00.001-07:00

Visitors Welcome...

You never know who will show up on a Wednesday night!!!

2009-04-28T17:49:00.000-07:00

Good evening everyone from the Bettenhausen Family -
Jason here checking in with the world of Bloggin...

In an effort to keep everyone posted on the wacky adventures of Colin, I've taken it upon myself to post a few "classics" that have surfaced over the past couple of weeks.

Pictures One & Two -
Titled "Colin & the Duck Robe"

Colin would like to add that he enjoys a good bath. The warm, soothing water helps him release any tension he has taken in from his stressful morning at daycare. He enjoys the robe because it makes him look tough. Do not worry about his manhood - his friends that have seen these pictures know that he means business.

Video Three -

Titled "Mom & Colin - Couch time"

You never know what you're going to get when you give your child 12 oz of Mountain Dew. In the case above, he was pretty happy :)

Picture Four
Titled "Father & Son"

Appropriately titled...Colin would like to mention he loves his dad. He says Mom is pretty cool too....

Finally (It's 8:11 pm and Colin is 11 mins past his bedtime)

Picture Five -
Titled "Look at Me"

This is the old "A picture is worth a thousand words!!"

Everyday is better than the next!! .... for the most part :)

Hope everyone enjoyed their month of April -

Here's to May!!

Signed,

Robin, Colin, & Jason

Bunny Hop...

2009-04-07T16:39:00.001-07:00

Happy Easter!!!

Home from Vacation!

2009-03-10T18:02:00.001-07:00

Well we are home... from an amazing vacation! I had to go to Phoenix for work so Jason and Colin flew down the next day and then we stayed a week for some fun! Rhea, Matt, Brady and Mackenzie also came along and added to the excitement!

Colin did GREAT on the plane and was really well behaved for the majority of the trip. However - I am so used to vacations of laying out and relaxing that I was exhausted this trip running around everywhere with an infant! Nonetheless - it was really fun to take a family trip.

A huge thank you to the Van Hofwegen's for showing Colin around the dairy and for having us over for a bbq! Sorry that I couldn't make it to the piano bar but J had a blast!!!

Here are a few pics from the vacation for your enjoyment...

At the airport ready to go to Arizona! Awesome Dad award to Jason for flying alone with the baby!

Go Cubs! This was our first of 4 baseball games - I heart spring training! Although Colin was NOT a Cubs fan... but we were ALL fans of 84 degree weather and cold beer!

Colin discovered the pool had many uses... good for nap time as well as floating! He LOVED the pool - it was fun to watch!

Although most of our time was spent at the ball fields, we did find a day to visit Sedona - neither of us had ever been and it was gorgeous! This was a chapel built into the rock - very moving feeling when you walked in...

And this is Colin in his hiking gear as we traversed Sedona by foot!

Thanks to the Hespens for great hotel deals and thanks to my work for sending me out there - what a fantastic trip - it was hard to come home!!!

Hurray!

2009-02-02T11:12:00.000-08:00

Well - we went to Hope Children's Hospital for Colin's ultrasound last Thursday and they said the swelling was going down and they cleared him! Hurray - so needless to say, we are thrilled to have good news and to stop worrying! Thanks to all of you for your kind words and helping us through this.

To Do List for the Bettenhausen's:
1. Now that Colin is well - get him to start sleeping through the night again - since he's been sick (christmas) he refuses to sleep - it's brutal. So, that is number one.
2. Figure out the details for a trip to Arizona! It has been way too long since we've had a vacation and we are READY!
3. Plan a fondue night - I am craving some fun fondue!

First trip to the ER

2009-01-23T17:55:00.000-08:00

So, here's an update on the last few days. Very tense but hopefully we're on our way to improvement!

I suppose it started right around the holidays - Colin got a nasty cold that he just couldn't shake. Last week, the daycare called and said his cough was really bad and that we needed to take him back to the dr. So... last week we went back to the pediatrician and he got an antibiotic and a steroid. Note to parents - if you can stay away from steroids - do it! One of the side effects is "psychosis" so my nursing student friend tells me and Colin was WILD while on it!

The bottle it came in said side effects - sleeplessness and increased appetite. Talk about the understatement of the year - J and I have not slept for a week and I've had to introduce formula because I couldn't keep up with his insatiable hunger! The steroid was INSANE. However - the cough began to clear up and so we figured we were home free...

Yesterday we woke up and Colin's soft spot was bulging out of his head - we completely freaked. Mostly because it indicates swelling in his skull and obviously around his brain. We packed up and headed for the emergency room after a few calls around to family for advice.

The ER at Christ / Hope was fantastic - they actually have a pediatric ER so just for kids! The Dr. said they didn't feel it was meningitis because he was still acting pretty fiesty (not lethargic) and it wasn't so bulged that you couldn't push it in a bit (yeah... gross). They discharged us and said to watch him closely and bring him to the pediatrician the next day.

Off to the Dr. again today and he believes that the "intra cranial swelling" is a side effect of the steroid that he was on. We need to keep watching it and if it doesn't go down in a few days, Colin will have an ultrasound done on his head.

Needless to say - we were pretty terrified but feel confident that the dr.'s that have seen him are not too worried yet. Keep Colin in your prayers and we will definitely post again once his condition changes (hopefully for the better!!!)

2009-01-03T07:05:00.000-08:00

Good morning everyone!!

I guess this post needs to start with where we left off.... HoHoHo Merry Christmas & a Hap Hap Happy New Year to everyone!!

Now that we're caught up with the formalities - here's what happened in the Bettenhausen Household the past couple of weeks...

In case you didn't get our Chrismas Card - here was our little Colin Jay in his Christmas Stocking. Colin was truly the greatest gift Santa could have left under our Christmas Tree this year.

Christmas itself was pretty exciting. Christmas Eve was spent over at the Heemstra Household where the annual singing of Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer was sung. A little overwheling for an outsider like me, but after years and years of tradition, you find yourself not really thinking about how stupid I look singing it, but rather I couldn't imagine a Christmas without it. It's kind of like the Opening Ceremony of Christmas. It has begun. Colin must have been a very good boy his first couple of months in this life. Santa and his elves were very generous.

The Christmas Story was read...the presents were opened...it was a great day for everyone. It was a great time to reflect back on what the true meaning for the season really is. God has continued to bless our family over and over again.

It was an extra special time for us also in that Colin was able to meet his cousin Evan for the first time ever. Let's just say Grandma had a grin from ear to ear the past couple of weeks. You be the judge....

With family being the spot light for the Holiday Season - that was pretty much the focus on New Years. We needed to get the family back to normal.

Normal = 3 to 4 oz feeding every 3 hrs, occasional naps, bed time 8:00 pm / wake up 7:00 am

Christmas Week = 2 oz snacks every 2 hrs, no naps, bed time 11:00 pm / wake up at 2:00 am, 3:30 am, and 5:00 am

It was a rough sleeping week for everyone - but I guess in the long run, we don't have that much to grumble about. He's pretty good in that department.

On New Years, we put Colin down about 7:00/7:15 pm and he slept pretty good all night. Time to break out the Nintendo Wii...

(and yes he is dangerously close to drilling our tv)

Our good friends Jordan & Krissi graced us with their presence on Dec 31st. It was a lot of Fun!! Sadly...Jordan and I got dominated in just about every game we played that night. They said it was because they were smarter & better than us at most of the games we played, but I'm willing to bet it was the beer. Oh well!!

That pretty much gets you caught up with us. We hope that all of your families had a wonderful Holiday season & we are very anxious to hear about your happenings as well.

Till then....

The Bettenhausens

P.S. Here's Colin dressed up in one of his Christmas presents.

Work...

2008-12-02T18:19:00.001-08:00

How on EARTH am I going to go back to work tomorrow and leave my little boy?

Thanksgiving 08

2008-11-29T11:50:00.000-08:00

Colin's first Thanksgiving! How fun to have outfits for holiday wear - especially pants that say Gobble Gobble along the butt!

After church, we went to my grandparents for the early shift of Thanksgiving - lots of laughs like usual and fantastic food. Later that day we went down to Jason's sister's house for dessert and more family. Colin did amazingly well with the long day. Other than a few tears, he was near perfect!

Yesterday was shopping extravaganza. Woke up at 3:30 to finish scouting the sale papers and Dana arrived at 4:30 for our annual shop-fest. Ran into my cousin Ashley and Kerry at a few different places and both Dana and I seem to have just about all of our gifts purchased! Also picked up a Wii Fit because it was too tempting! In the afternoon we put up the tree and Xmas decor. Colin was mesmerized by all the lights and Logan loves to lay on the tree skirt (especially in the sweet Santa outfit Jason got him.)

Last night my p's, Dana and Tim and Matt and Rhea (and kids) came for the Christmas Kickoff. Pizza, Games and of course... National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation Movie!

This morning Colin got to meet his mom's friend Melissa, who now lives in TN. It is always great to catch up and she got him some cool Tennessee Titan apparel! Thanks Melissa!

Tonight is an engagement party for Rick and Nicole and then tomorrow will be a day of REST - we need it!

However - we also wanted to post what we are thankful for: (Jason to add when he wakes up from his nap.)

Robin: a husband who is caring, loving and kind. He is my friend and companion, I can't imagine the highs or the lows without him. Colin - what an amazing blessing, being a parent is such a great gift and I can't wait to watch him grow up! Our faith - growing up in a Christian home and seeing examples of Christian marriage. And as we go into the holiday season, for the birth of Christ, without whom we would be hopeless. Thanks to family and friends for their love and support - we love you all! Happy Thanksgiving and enjoy the Christmas season!

Yahoo - WEEKEND!

2008-11-16T09:24:00.000-08:00

Even when you don't work - you still look forward to the weekends - why is that? Maybe because of Fantasy Football... big match up this week against Phil and Kristen - hopefully my team, Colin Jay's Crusade brings home a victory! :)
Weekend has been fun - Friday we hung out at home, watched a movie and just chilled the three of us (and Logan). Last night we met up with some friends for dinner and the 007 Movie while Grandma B. watched Colin. After the movie we were still inspired to stay out so we went over to Bella Martini - the greatest Martini bar ever... very low key and eclectic group of patrons!
Oops - Colin is crying - I'll post more later!

Changes...

2008-11-11T15:43:00.000-08:00

It's amazing to me that life never really goes the way you planned. These last few weeks have been pretty crazy. My parents are in a financial crisis (as all builders are right now... thanks to this great economy) and so I've learned a few things.. 1. No one can replace your family. My aunt and uncle have sold their home and are moving into one of the homes that my p's have available and need desperately to sell. It is amazing to me how generous and kind hearted family can be... truly. Here is a picture of Dana and I cleaning there over the weekend. It's new construction and GORGEOUS!

You can barely see them in the background but I was having serious appliance lust. They are all electrolux and Ah-MAZING! Even Jason and Colin participated in Operation Clean House! (here's Colin on the steps)

Please pray that the market changes FAST and that my parent's can sell some of the homes and lots they have - it's not looking good at the moment.

2. Second thing I've learned - pregnancy is easier than post-partum. I went to the dr. for the terrible wrist pain I've been having and I have DeQuervain's Tenosynovitis... sounds exciting right? Well - I have an arm splint for now since I can't really do the steroid injections or pain meds while nursing (oh and this has taken about 40 minutes to type with this brace on... grr.) Oh well - it will get better!

3. A girl can get REALLY used to not working! I'm going to need to get back into the swing of things - less than 3 weeks at home yet and then back to work. I do have a small part of me that misses the interaction and challenges of my job - but I sure do love being home with Colin. These weeks have been amazing and it is so fun to "get to know" your child!

I guess that's it - hope everyone is doing well and I will post again soon! Also - Dykhouse (aka Schuler) do you have a blog? I can't find you!

History in the Making... Although Logan and Colin don't look too interested...

2008-11-04T18:47:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone went out and voted today! I surprised myself this election and voted for a few candidates I never would have expected to vote for but let's face it... the policies were better suited to what I think this country/state of Illinois / Village of Tinley Park needs. I'll leave it at that - but I'm excited that history will be made tonight with whomever is elected!

History is also in the making as I actually made it to the health club two nights in a row - yes, I know - shocking. Why is it that the hardest part of working out is getting my butt of the couch and driving there? During the workout Colin stayed with his Auntie Rita - he was a little fussy but she said she'd be happy to watch him anytime which is priceless since she lives so close! After the workout, I was able to meet up with a friend of mine for dinner and drinks - thank you Jason for watching him even after you worked all day - it was VERY nice to get out of the house for a little while without my shadow! :)

It's not facebook, but...

2008-11-03T19:35:00.000-08:00

Well friends.. you know I can't bring myself to join facebook - sorry! But at least this way, you can all find out what's happening here with the Bettenhausen clan and also see pictures of Colin - hurray! So... here we go!

The weekend was eventful - Trick or Treating on Friday down in Peotone with Colin and his cousins Mackenzie and Brady (aka Dora and Boots). Weather was GORGEOUS here in the Chicagoland area which made the evening walk quite enjoyable! No treats were collected as Colin is obviously too young, Jason doesn't eat sweets and well - given that I just had a baby... I obviously don't need them! Fun nonetheless though seeing the costumes and little ones all dolled up for Halloween.

Sunday was Colin's baptism at New Life. Good times with family and just an exciting feeling as a parent to know that you are committing to your child that you will raise them in the faith and teach them whatever you can. The older I get, the more I realize how much we need our faith and that without it, life would be meaningless! Thanks to all that attended and for supporting Colin! Well, that's it for Post #1 - but I will update this with photos and updates as they come up. Love - Robin (and Jason and Colin)

Brady and Colin hanging out at the baptism party...