Sledding

For Christmas, Kodiak received his first sled from Grandma Kay.  It's one of those sleds perfect for young kids because it has a seat with back rest and a buckle to strap them in.  Although Kodiak enjoyed riding it around grandma's house that day, I think he had even more fun using it in the UP!  He absolutely LOVES riding in the snow at our cabin.  Whether it's on a trail or along the side of the road, he doesn't seem to mind.  He enjoys everything about the sled...except stopping!

All I Want for Christmas are my Two Front Teeth

On Christmas Eve Brett jokingly was singing the song, "All I Want for Christmas are my Two Front Teeth" since Kodiak still didn't have any teeth.  I had noticed that recently he'd been a bit more fussy and his bottom gums felt pretty firm.  So, I had an idea that teeth were in Kodiak's near future, but I never would have guessed he'd receive them as a gift on Christmas morning!!

Brett went in to get Kodi that morning and change his diaper while I made his breakfast cereal.  All of a sudden I heard, "No way buddy!  You got your two front teeth!"  I thought Brett was just putting me on like he often does, but I went in anyways to see for myself.  Sure enough there inside my little bear's mouth were two front teeth just bearly poking through on the bottom.  How exciting was that!!  The best part is I should never forgot when they arrived!! 

He has since received his third tooth.  While at the cabin the weekend of Jan 21st, again Brett noticed something in his mouth.  Sure enough, it was another tooth!  And let me tell you...those little things just seem to keep getting sharper!!

Kodiak's First Christmas

(I realize I'm VERY behind on my blogging, so please bear with me as I catch up!)

Although he was a bit too young to understand the meaning of Christmas this year, I think Kodiak truly enjoyed all the time he was able to spend with family and friends.  He was the center of attention on many occasions, and lately that's all it takes to make him happy.  We had many different parties and celebrations to attend, but probably had the most special memories on Christmas morning. 

Kodiak woke us up around 7 am, which I suppose was his Christmas present to let us sleep in a bit!  Mommy got busy preparing the Christmas morning brunch to share with both sets of grandparents and great-grandma.  Kodiak opened a few gifts with mom and dad first, a couple new books and some pajamas.  (He didn't get too many gifts from us this year, as we decided instead to open a College529 plan for him and set aside some college money). 

GG and Great-Grandma arrived and played with many of Kodiak's new toys and presents he had received the day before when we celebrated Christmas at Maw's house as well as GG and Grandpa's with Aunt Ashley and Uncle Bob.  Then, just before G&G McClurg arrived, we received some unexpected guests...the Messmann family!  Nate and the girls stopped by to give Kodiak a little gift...his first firetruck!!  I think the girls probably had more fun helping open and play with it than Kodiak.  He enjoyed watching all of them in their bright new pj's. 

After everyone arrived, including grandpa Hanke, Kodiak opened his largest gift from mommy and daddy.  (It looked deceiving since I put it in a HUGE box, but it was really just a few small toys.)  And I was right, Kodiak loved standing up next to the big box!

The final gift to Kodiak and Daddy was for some special snowmobile items mommy ordered online.  There was a shirt for Brett that read from afar, "I Love My Wife".  However, when you looked between the lines, it really read, "I Love It When My Wife Lets Me Go Snowmobiling!".  Kodiak then received a cool new bib that says, "When I Grow Up My Daddy's Gonna Buy Me A Snowmobile, And Then I Can Really Teach Him How To Ride!". 

All in all, we had a wonderful 1st Christmas!  Thanks to all our family and friends who helped to make it so special!!

First Visit to See Santa

On Saturday, December 3rd, Kodiak and Mommy, along with daddy, GG, and Grandpa Rick, went to the Country Christmas Celebration at the Allen County Fairgrounds.  They not only had yummy dinner on hand, but also crafts, a clown making balloon friends, and a sleigh ride around the grounds.  But, the most exciting part of all was our first visit to see Santa and Mrs. Claus.  As you'll see in the video, Kodiak wasn't quite sure about the big guy.  I think between all the noise and distractions, plus the fact that it was so close to bedtime, Kodi just wasn't in the mood.  He had a pretty good reaction to Santa, despite all these setbacks.  Please enjoy the video, but hopefully mommy's poor videoing doesn't make you nauseous!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C_HoifE9ej4&feature=youtu.be

Santa's Naked Elf

Yesterday I found this little naked elf posing under my Christmas tree.  He just sat there and smiled while I snapped his photos.  What a cutie!!

First Snowfall!

Kodiak experienced his first snowfall today.  It started coming down during his afternoon nap, so he was a bit shocked when mommy had him look out the window.  He stared in awe for several seconds before he turned to me with a look that said first, 'Mom, what is that?' and then, 'I want to go out and touch it!'  So, I'm assuming he's taking after his father with the LOVE for snow! 

That being said, Brett got home from work early today, so we decided to put Kodiak's new snowsuit to the test.  Before I continue, I must say that I bought the snowsuit at the end of last winter, before Kodiak was even born, in order to save some money.  I thought for sure a size 12 months would easily get us through his first winter.  However, upon wearing it today, I've realized that in probably a month or less I'll have to be looking for a larger snowsuit!! 



Once we finally had all the layers on, snow pants, hat, mittens, coat and snow boots, we headed outside before the poor kid overheated.  Initially he looked up in the sky at this white stuff falling down, until he realized it would land on your face and melt. 

Brett walked him over to the yard and set him down.  He instantly fussed because he didn't want to sit in the stuff.  However, when Brett held him in a standing position where he could jump and really enjoy the scenery, then he was a happy guy as you'll see in this video. 

Kodiak's First Snowfall

Gone Fishin'

As most people know, Kodiak bears love to catch fish as their main source of food.  And, since Daddy loves to fish SO MUCH, we've been working on Kodiak's catch and release skills.  So, here's a video of our little man showing what he's learned so far.  (Unfortunately Mommy was holding the camera in the wrong direction!!)  Enjoy watching our little fisherman in training!!

Oh, and we've started practicing driving the boat too!!