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!!

Raking Leaves

We recently went out to visit Great Grandma and help with raking leaves.  Kodiak immensely enjoyed sitting in the leaves, but his absolute favorite part was watching Aunt Kim blow the leaves.  The noise didn't seem to phase him as he watched the leaves blowing up in the air all around him.  He even attempted to help mommy with raking the leaves.  What a good helper!!

Trick or Treat

On his first Halloween Kodiak did anything but loaf around!!  He went out trick or treating like the big kids and absolutely loved checking out the wonderful costumes.  He studied each one very intently as he hates to miss out on anything.  We walked door to door seeking candy for daddy until... suddenly Kodiak made a special treat for mommy and daddy.  So, our fun was cut short in order to come home for clean pants.  All in all, I would rate our first Halloween a true success.  Here are some photos of our little Wonder Bread:

Kodiak's First Roll...

Our family recently traveled to Florida for a family vacation.  Because of the high cost of excess baggage, Brett and I decided to drive there with Kodiak.  (Who knew one little person needed SO MUCH stuff for vacation!!)

Because of bad rainy weather here at home, we were able to leave at a reasonable time Friday morning, Sept 30.  Poor Kodiak had 18+ hours ahead of him snuggled in that uncomfortable carseat.  For that reason, we tried to stop every 2-3 hours to let him stretch out.  Now as some may know, it's much easier to stop at a rest area with grass and picnic tables than a gas station or fast food place.  Therefore, Brett and I did our best to plan longer stops at rest areas where Kodiak could eat, get a fresh diaper, and play for a bit. 

It wasn't until we hit Georgia that the weather even started warming up at all.  Most of the drive south continued to be bitterly windy and fairly cool.  But, the real excitement happened in northern FL!!

We stopped at a rest area shortly inside the state line.  The weather had warmed up considerably, so we decided to change Kodiak's clothing into something more appropriate.  We laid a blanket out across the top of a picnic table, and stripped him down.  (For people who know my son, he absolutely LOVES to be in the nude).  Having his clothes removed made him a very happy baby, so we left them off a few minutes.  During that time, he must have felt just comfortable enough because he rolled over from back to belly for the very first time!!  Of course cameras weren't rolling at the time, so we have no footage of this momentous occasion at the truck stop, but upon arriving in FL, Kodiak spent the remainder of the week perfecting his new trick.  The video below shows the whole family encouraging him to roll after returning home from dinner one night.  (Please keep in mind this is just before bedtime, so Kodiak isn't the happiest baby to have everyone's utmost attention.  He just wanted to go to bed!)

My Son the Monkey

After his trip to the zoo, mommy wonders if her little man has some monkey instincts in him.  If you watch this video, you'll notice he's grabbing his toys with his feet, just as much as his hands!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=71jOTizxAvc

Going to the Zoo, Zoo, Zoo!!

On Labor Day, mommy and daddy took Kodi on his first trip to the zoo.  It was late in the afternoon and quite overcast, but still beyond packed with people!  He awoke from his nap just as we arrived in the parking lot, so it was perfect timing for him to be in a great mood!

The first exhibit we checked out was the Indonesian Rain Forest.  Inside Kodiak saw lots of exotic birds, a waterfall, a large orangutan, a huge boa constrictor, and so much more!  His favorite in this section of the zoo though was the tigers!  They windows were filled with people of all ages, but daddy found a good spot to observe them away from the crowds. 

Inside the rainforest, we stopped to take a bottle break next to the carousel.  Kodi was entranced by all the spinning and lights.  In the midst of eating his bottle, Kodiak also went poopy on daddy!  I guess he just wanted to fit in with all the other animals around him!!

From there we attempted to go to the seals display, but they were doing a live demonstration, so we avoided all the people.  However, we checked out the funny penguins right next door.  I think Kodiak really liked them because he's still developing his sense of color. 

The next thing we saw were the large tortoises.  Daddy believes that since they live to be well over 100 that these same tortoises on display were probably the ones he and mommy saw as kids too! 

The other exhibit we did on this day was the farm animals.  Here we saw bees, a large cow, goats, and Kodi's favorite animal of the day, pigs!  I think perhaps it was because there was absolutely NO ONE looking at the pigs, so he had a front view look at them was why he enjoyed them so much.  But then again, maybe their smell reminded him of daddy! 

Overall, Kodi enjoyed his first day at the zoo, but we still have many more exhibits to check out. 

Kodiak's First Boating Adventure

This past Saturday Kodiak had his first trip on Daddy's big boat. We went out on Crooked Lake to the sandbar.  When the boat left the pier, Mommy and Kodi were sitting down in the cabin of the boat.  He didn't even flinch when the motor started and we took off.  Quite honestly I think he enjoyed the soothing rocking of the boat.  Once we anchored down at the sandbar, it was time to go swimming!

Daddy had purchased a nice little pirate ship raft for Kodi...just in case he didn't like the cold water.  (Obviously we assumed this would be the case based on his previous experience with the swimming pool!!)  Of course, it was cold at first, but he quickly got used to it thanks to all the people and activities going on around us.  He had plenty to watch and keep him distracted.  After about 20 minutes of walking around with Dad though, it was getting close to nap time.  So, Daddy placed Kodi in his raft, and as you can see in this photo, the lull of the water rocked him right to sleep and this little pirate set sail.  All in all, I think Kodiak really enjoyed his first day out on the lake!

Fort Wayne TinCaps!

On Friday, September 2, Kodiak attended the final Fort Wayne Tin Caps game of the season and also his first baseball game.  We arrived in the bottom of the 6th inning because Mommy and Daddy figured Kodiak wouldn't withstand the duration of the game.  Grandpa Hanke and GG came with us to the game too!

Upon walking into the stadium Kodi started crying.  The loudspeaker was blasting and throngs of people were passing him on all sides.  It was overwhelming to say the least!  However, once we escaped the noise and crowds under the grandstands and made it to the outfield, he was much more calm. 

Kodi watched a bit of the game, but then took a power nap so that he'd be rested up for the big fireworks display being put on after the game.  Around the top of the 9th, Kodiak awoke and finished up eating his bottle just before the fireworks began.  Much like his experience with fireworks on the fourth of July, he was in total awe of the bright lights.  Grandpa was worried that the loud "booms" would bother our little cub, but it never phased him.  He was so captivated by the fireworks that nothing could draw his attention away.  He watched the entire 10 minute display in total rapture!

Three Month Photos!!

Although he'll be 4 months next Friday, it takes awhile to get photos back.  That being said, here are Kodiak's photos from his 3-month photo shoot.  Enjoy!!

Yummy Cereal!!

Kodiak made his first attempt at eating cereal last week.  As you'll see in the video, it didn't go so well...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tPiafz7jcy4

My First Swimming Attempt

So Kodiak absolutely loves bath time...not to mention we're headed for a family vacation in Florida the first week of October, so Brett and I figured it was about time we introduce Kodi to the swimming pool!!  As you'll see in the video, our first attempt was not much of a success...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cpV4Y0fG_rI

What Sleep Pattern???

So in all the baby books it talks about this sleep pattern that babies take on.  I though Kodiak was right on track as he was starting to sleep through the night.  Then, all of a sudden he started waking again at 2:30 or 3am every night!!  Of course this past weekend Daddy went out of town so Mommy was on her own for these late night feedings.  And on Sunday night I awoke to a fussy boy and couldn't believe my eyes... The clock read 1:16am!!  Needless to say Monday I wasn't much use for anything.  Kodiak was fussy all day, so Mommy basically sat on the couch and held him.  (There's a chance he could be early teething, but still waiting to determine that for sure.) 

When Daddy returned home Monday evening, he said he would get up with Kodiak that night so that Mommy could get some much needed sleep.  So what do you suspect happened??  Kodiak decided to sleep straight through from 8:30pm to 5:00 am!!  Brett didn't even have to get up once in the middle of the night!!  And last night he followed suit when we put him to bed at 8:30 pm again and he slept until 6 am this morning!  Needless to say we're hoping this is our new sleep pattern, but I'm learning real quick that when it comes to a baby you can never predict what will happen next!! 

Two Month Check-Up

Yesterday Mommy and Daddy took Kodiak to his 2-month check up with Dr. Smith.  Upon arrival we found two other young girls in the waiting room.  I overheard their mommies saying they were each there for their 4-month check up.  I said to Brett, "OMG, Kodiak is about the same size as those two girls!"  We had been worrying for a few weeks now that our little guy wasn't so little!  Then, we heard the nurse call "Kodiak McClurg", and we knew we would soon learn our fate. 

The nurse had me strip him down to just his diaper and carry him to the cold, metal scale in the hallway.  I removed his diaper, and the nurse said, "14....14....well, looks like 15 lbs even!"  I couldn't believe it.  Once we returned to the room, Brett couldn't believe the news either.  The nurse then proceeded to tell us that Kodi measured in the 100th percentile for his weight!  (In Kodiak's defense though, he actually a little over 10 weeks by the time we went for this appt...)

Next we measured his length...  Since his 2-week checkup, Kodiak has grown an astonishing 3 inches!!  I guess our little guy isn't so little anymore!!  He actually measures in the 75th percentile for his length!

After all those measurements are said and done, I asked my doctor about his feeding habits as he looks to eat about every 2.5 hours in the dot.  She suggested we increase his amount of formula from 4-5 oz to 6-7 oz per feeding.  This is why I love our choice in pediatricians!!  Where some doctors may suggest cutting back and putting him on a "diet" persay, Dr. Smith just said everything looks good and once he's moving more he'll easily burn off any unnecessary weight.  So, looks like Mr. Kodiak is only gonna get bigger from here!! 

The remainder of his check up went well.  We have a very healthy little boy that God has blessed us with, and we can't wait to see what happens as he continues to grow!!

Kodiak's Baptism

This past Sunday was a very big day for my little Kodiak. He was baptized into God's family!!  It took place at Concordia Lutheran Church, the same place I was baptized, at the 8 am service...even though our pastor tried to talk us out of such an early morning activity.  Haha... 

There were many people there to witness this great event in Kodi's life: Grandpa Hanke and GG, Grandpa Kevin and Grandma Kay, Great Grandma Hormann, Great Grandpa Wayne, Aunt Ashley and Uncle Alex, Aunt April and Uncle Todd, Great Aunt Kayleen and Uncle Randy, Great Aunt Kim and Uncle Tim, Great Aunt Tara, and Great Aunt Carol.  (In addition cousins Claire and Jacob with their parents Matt and Angie joined us for the post party back at our house.)

Kodiak slept on the way to the church, but mommy was able to rouse him shortly after we arrived there.  Daddy held Kodiak as we approached the baptismal font.  It was a brief ceremony of reciting our beliefs, as well as those of Kodiak's sponsors.  (Godmother: Aunt Ashley/Godfather: Uncle Todd)  Then came the water...  We assumed Kodiak would love it as he enjoys bathtime soo much, and sure enough that's what happened.  He didn't even make a peep...just laid there and smiled.  I think God informed him of what was happening to him and that made Kodiak very happy! 

The remainder of the service progressed and Kodiak remained awake and content throughout the entire service.  The only time we got up and left was just briefly for mommy to go check his diaper.  Mommy and Aunt Ashley thought perhaps we had a blowout, but turned out to be a false alarm! 

After church, everyone was invited back to our house for some snacks and time to socialize.  All in all we were blessed with a wonderful day, and we thank everyone to shared in Kodiak's special baptism. 

Kodiak's Stage Fright

We've been so blessed with such a cute and sweet little boy, but it's very rare that we have the opportunity to share that with anyone.  He'll sit in his room and laugh and smile for 20 minutes, but as soon as mommy pulls out the camera all the fun stops.  It's actually quite comical how much he dislikes the camera since all mom ever wants to do is snap pictures. 

However, I've recently learned a trick, which is to keep the camera out of view!!  In the recent video I posted on YouTube, you'll see what I mean.  He's smiling and talking to me like it's no big deal, but as soon as he turns his head and notices the camera, all the laughing stops.  He gets very serious and starts studying the camera.  And, this is a regular thing!  So, please check it out, and I hope it bring a smile to your face like it did for me!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dcQyh6mW0GM

Photo Op

So Mommy couldn't think of much to write about today, so we'll just make it a day of displaying Kodi's latest pictures.  Enjoy!!

Lucky Mommy...

So Friday I started feeling just awful.  I was achy all over and had a mild fever.  As you can imagine, I was beyond paranoid about getting my little Kodiak sick.  So, I called Brett at work around 11 am and asked if he could come home any earlier than 5.  Luckily he made it home by 3, but until then my little boy was SO well behaved!!  He sat in his seat and looked around, did some tummy time, and even took a nice long 2-hour nap so that mom could get some sleep too.  Suffice it to say he hasn't gotten sick yet, and mommy is feeling much better.  I just feel so blessed to have such a wonderful little man in my life.  I can't even imagine what life would have been like the past couple days if Kodiak wasn't such a well behaved boy. 

Grandma Kay Day!!

Thursdays are Kodiak's day with Grandma Kay while mommy returns to work.  After much deliberation, I decided not to return back full time as it's too hard being away from my little bear.  But, I think one day away interacting with other adults will be good for mom and Kodi.  So, I'm spending the day at work, while Kodiak and Grandma enjoy their time together.  But, it's killing me to miss all his cute little smiles...

Peek-A-Boo Tongue

So we've started a new game with Kodiak...  Brett and I both will stick out our tongues in front of him and coax him to do the same.  And, it actually works.  He's figured out that his tongue exists, and oftentimes he does pop it out.  Then we cheer for him, and he gets even more excited! 

Right now mommy and daddy think this game is great, but I'm sure in the future we'll regret it when our little bear starts sticking his tongue out at other people in public!!  Oh well...at this point it's still really cute!!

Fighting Nap Time

So this post goes out to all the other mommies out there who might have suggestions.  This morning Kodiak decided to fight me on his morning nap!!  He was awake from 7:30 am until about 1 pm...with only a short 20 minute power nap.  I tried just about everything I could think of too...

*Changed his diaper
*Fed him
*Rocked him
*Played with him during some tummy time
*Walked around the house
*Rocked him in his rocker seat while looking out a window
*Read to him
*Sang to him
*Tried burping him again
*Gave him gas relief drops

Perhaps it was one of those things I'll just never understand, but I wondered if anyone had suggestions on things to try in the future that may help convince my little bear to take his naps.  Thanks in advance for any helpful tips!!

Women's World Cup 2011

Yesterday Kodiak and I were extremely excited to cheer on the US Women's soccer team in the finals.  Thanks to our friend Megan Potter, Kodiak had the perfect onesie to wear in preparation for the big game!!  And, mommy found cute little USA shorts at Babies R Us to complete the look.  We knew Grandpa Hanke would love the team support when we headed over to his house to watch the game together.  Kodiak even brought his plush soccer ball and showed Grandpa how he's been practicing his kicks!! 

As everyone has probably learned by now, the US women lost to Japan, but the game itself was still phenomenal!  The second half, overtime, and shootout were so exciting that Kodiak missed most of his afternoon nap as he kept his eyes glued to the television.  I think there's definitely a love of the game forming already!!

Prior to the exciting game, Mommy had scheduled to have Kodiak's 2-month photos taken. GG (Grandma Chris) had the great idea to do a soccer theme in the photos.  We had hopes it would be good luck for the team, but I guess not...  Kodiak was such a little stinker.  He's started smiling like you wouldn't believe, and yet, during the entire 1/2 hour photo shoot we couldn't get a single smile out of him!!   I think the stubborness of his parents is already wearing off on him!!  Luckily we still received some cute photos, and you can check them out on my Facebook page!