Unedited video of Zander and Ainsley playing!

Visit to Madison

Soon there will be a slideshow of Zander's trip to Madison, but we need to wait for pictures from his baptism.  Here is a photo of the annual kids pajama picture- pretty amazing they're all looking!

Who Do I Look Like Now?

Zander's been playing here in Madison, IN and people keep seeing say- He doesn't look as much like Brent as we thought.  What do you think?

    Do I look like mom?

       Or sleepy dad?

5 Months!

Can you believe Zander is already 5 months old- hard to imagine.  We are looking forward to the holidays coming up, and especially for Zander to meet his 7 cousins on the Miesle side.  I know he's going to love them!  Here are some photos we got before he got fussy and hungry.  Enjoy!

Swingin'

Occasionally, Zander really enjoys the swing.  Here I finally caught him happy to be "stuck".  

Holy Cow!

Sometimes when we tell people Zander is fussy lots, they don't believe us.  He does really well out and about among people, but tends to get bored or something in our apartment.  So, the photo on the left shows him in a struggling moment, spitting up, as he often does.  Zander has also begun enjoying books, and definately likes animal ones if you make the sounds.  The 'Holy Cow' title refers to his latest Dr. appt. measurements- 19lbs 10oz, 26" tall!  He's a bundle of love and snuggles!

Christmas Tradiition

We decided to start some Christmas traditions for our family- since it is Ellen's favorite holiday!  December 1st marked hanging ornaments on the tree, taking a photo (which Zander did great on, but Ellen couldn't keep her eyes open- this was try #8), drinking hot chocolate, and watching the 1st holiday movie.  I know, you can't believe I waited until December!  We're even going to do Christmas letters this year- so, if we don't have your address, please be sure to send it for an awesome Zander photo!

Thanksgiving Trip

We made a surprise trip to Indiana/Kentucky for Thanksgiving to visit family.  It was a great visit, and surprise for everyone.  Here are some photos of the trip and visitors we saw while we were there.  Zander loves cousins, and can't wait to meet the other 7 at Christmas!

Laughing, Laughing!

Zander has had moments of giggling here and there, however, last Friday was his biggest laugh yet.  My friend Mackenzie was visiting and she had on dangly earrings and was swinging them back and forth.  I know, not that funny to us.  Watch this video though and see how much Zander enjoyed it (unfortunately, we ran out of memory on the camera, so it got cut off).  We laughed so hard we had tears.  It was the best, and I hope for many more memories like these!

Snow!

Today is Zander's first "big" snow!  It's sticking to the ground, and has some pretty good flakes. He was sleeping by the time dad got home, but we snuck him out for a very important photo. We're getting excited for his first Christmas- 35 days!

Sitting Up

Here Zander is learning to sit up.  He can sort of do it on his own, although tends to lean forward quite a bit.  And fall over sideways sometimes.  What a cutie.

Learning New Things!

Check out all of the new things Zander is doing lately! He's becoming such a big boy! Click on slideshow to see it bigger.

Sea of White

We were trying to capture how big Zander has gotten- especially his big belly, and although this picture does so, it's also a little monotone.  We have some fun photos to share of new things Zander has been doing, although since teething is one of them, finding time to post them is a little harder right now.  Hope to share with you soon!

Getting Cold

Here's Zander in our favorite winter hat.  Isn't he just so freakin' adorable?!!!

What's Wrong With This Picture??

So, the other day, Brent was changing Zanders diaper, and got his pants on before he buttoned his onesie. In most cases, people would just slide the pants down a little, button the onesie, then pull the pants back up. In Brent's case, he just thought he'd button the onesie over the pants. He wanted him to look like one of those old-school wrestlers. I just thought he looked ridiculous, and funny.

Come on Colts...

Zander and Brent got dressed in the morning to root on the Colts- didn't really seem to work, but they do look good together!

3 Months (a little late)

Sorry we haven't posted pictures in a while. Lately Zander is more fussy than not, and when he's sleeping, I'm also taking the opportunity. Here are a couple pictures from his 3 month bday- he wasn't in a very good mood, so this is about as good as it gets. Still a handsome fellow!

Talking With Dad

Zander likes to talk to Brent A LOT! Here's some of their talking back and forth- sorry it's a little dark- guess we need a real video camera now!

Nap With Rasta

We were able to get another napping picture with Zander and Rasta. This doesn't happen often... that is Rasta getting anywhere near Zander. Guess she doesn't mind when you rub her belly.

Play Time!

Zander is finally starting to pay attention to toys- well, maybe it's accidental.... He's also moving around lots which is good since even strangers are calling him "Chubby Cheeks" =) He can talk (squeel) some too! All this fun is making it harder for mom to go to work =(

First Camping Trip!

Here is a slideshow of Zander's first camping trip! We went to Letchworth State Park in New York and Niagara Falls. It was a little colder than we had hoped, but Zander did great (better than Ellen). Looking forward to more camping in the spring!

Spaghetti Anyone?

2.5 Month Dr. Visit

Since we missed Zander's 2 month wellness check, we went this week for his 2.5 month. He really is a big boy! Zander is now 24 1/4"s and 15 pounds, 14 oz! He is healthy, but does have to go to visit a pediatric surgeon to check on his umbilical hernia. I'll post a picture soon, in case you haven't seen it- pretty crazy looking. Dr. said it should be fine, but wants to make sure since he hasn't seen one so big before. Made it back from our trip great- Zander's an amazing traveller! He slept almost the whole time, or just looked around. Thanks for all the great company if we were able to see you, and if we weren't hopefully on our next trip!

Our next show!

I figured it out! You can still click to open new window. Enjoy!

Smiling, Hungry, Sleepy, Smiling

Here's a little bit of Zander's side grin. He's a lip-smacker!

Turning my head!

Recently Zander has perfected turning his head back and forth. He can also hold his head up pretty good, but seems to get camera shy when we try to tape it. Hopefully soon we'll gave it to share!

2 Months Already!

Here is one of Zander's 2 month photos. Getting big fast, and as you can see- his hair is also turning a little red! His new thing this month is smiling on purpose. It's fun to see his dimple in the morning- his best time of day. Looking forward to more firsts!

Life in Indiana

Well, Zander's leaving his 5th state tomorrow. It's been a good trip to Indiana, where we've seen lots of the Cummins family, and a good number of friends too. We're starting to get tired, although a low-key week in Madison has helped Zander recover from lots of visiting in Indy. One more week left, which will be spent mostly in Kentucky. Look back tomorrow for a picture of Zander in his new Colts onesie (although he wore it this morning, he didn't have it on for the game... must be why they lost- sorry to all fans). Missing those of you in Pennsylvania!

Slideshow #2

Here's some more fun photos of Zander- bigger and bigger!

Off to meet family and friends!

This month we are taking advantage of some overlapping maternity/paternity leave after a busy summer for Brent. Here are a few photos of our trip so far. Zander has enjoyed a few hours at the beach in his tent, had a friend Mateo come visit from Chicago, and taken a bath in the sink, among other things. If there's another cloudy day while we're at the beach, I'll put together another slideshow, otherwise you might have to wait til next week when we're in the big city. And don't forget, there are always lots of photos on Snapfish to look at!

Face crawling

Zander has learned how to move across the floor without his arms (and of course with some assistance). He's got some pretty strong legs! He's also learned how to turn his head over while on his belly. Gotta do something while airing out the behind!

One Month

Today, Zander had his one month check-up. Brent and I bet on who could guess closest to his height and weight- I was WAY off. He's getting huge!! Zander is now 10 lbs 2 oz's and is 22.5" long- that's over 3 lbs and 3 inches since birth. And, for those of you wondering about his head... it grew too- 1 and 3/4 inches. We've also decided to start a cheesy tradition to take a family photo and Zander photo on the 17th of each month. Here's what we have for August. Hopefully September will be better when we don't have to use the timer and sit on the floor!

Here I Am!

Zander's First Slideshow!

So far, Zander's been to 3 states, and met a little more than half his family. Looking forward to more travels, and seeing more of you soon!

What's been happening?

In case we haven't talked to you yet, to fill you in...
Things have finally started to slow down a little, and we are enjoying a few weeks at home before a big trip in September to the midwest. Zander came 17 days early, on Brent's only day off. We had planned to finish getting things ready, but Zander had different plans. After 2.5 hours of pushing with no drugs, the doctor ended up cutting Ellen open to deliver beautiful Zander. Grandma and Grandpa Miesle came to visit, and had to force us to do some relaxing while they cleaned our house and fixed our cars (there wasn't too much arguing!) Zander spent his first 4 days at home being wrapped up in the blue light and pricked daily to test his jaundice. This caused him to sleep a lot- although babies do that anyway =) He's off the light now and at his last appointment, weighed 7 lbs 5 oz. We go back Monday, August 18, and Brent thinks he'll be in double digits- I'm not convinced he's that big. We are all doing great, sleeping when we can, and so happy to be parents to such a great little boy!

Finished- Almost!!!

Except for the hardware and the poly finish- they got it done! Lots of sanding, gluing, and precision, but an amazing accomplishment for 3 days! Thanks Jay, Larry, Brenda, and Brent for all of your hard work!

Work in progress

A few more pictures of the crib building- even Brenda stepped in to help! Thanks!

Crib Work

Brent, his dad, and Jay started working on the crib this weekend. Slow start, but it's starting to look pretty good! As you can see on the bottom, I did a lot of work on the deck... getting a pool ready for the warm weather. Cup holders and everything! After the gluing we'll post a few more photos. Til then...

Carseat Trial

Well, choosing a car seat is like choosing a college. And you all know how that went (at least for half this family). So, we finally just decided to let Rasta try out carseats of our friends' children, and she can pick the one she likes best. The straps didn't quite fit on this one. PS- we didn't make her do this, it was purely voluntary.

The Moment You've Been Waiting For...

...my ribs have completely disappeared =(

oh wait... that was almost two months ago. here are the most up-to-date photos (and my mom says I'm still tiny- can't wait til August belly and boobs...)

Short Clip...

Here's another short video- he moved the entire ultra-sound... and who says he won't be athletic?

Skipping Week 23 and 24!

After a second ultrasound and the measuring of my belly, looks like we get to "skip" ahead a few weeks. New Due Date: August 2nd! So, if you do the math, all Miesles were 2 weeks late, and Brent was a big kid which adds to: Baby still born in middle of August?

Looks like our little one is doing well, growing fine, and still nameless. Nice to be at Week 25 all of a sudden!

And, for the first of I hope many times more, the doctor ordered Brent to do something for me today. I think I like this!

Still growing... 1 lb 8 oz!

Heart Echo

Today we went for a heart echo of our 100% baby boy (Dr. said there is no question what was between the legs). Seems the heart is in good working order, and this one likes to move A LOT! Only took 10 minutes and $2100 to find that out... Crazy what doctors charge for stuff!

Thanks to whoever sent the diaper bag (we think it was Jed since it came at the same time as our wedding gift)! I love it, and Brent thinks it's a little girly (since it has flowers on the inside)- although he thinks most baby stuff is girly, except the Colts pacifier, booties, and bottle he got. We'll send another post in April after we learn more about the due date, and maybe post a photo of my enlarged belly =)

Big Baby (Boy)!

Today, we had our first ultra-sound. We learned:

a) Our baby likes to move a lot!
b) Either our baby is a boy, or it's growing something funny between the legs.
c) And, either we are further along than menstruating tells you, or we have a really big baby.

We'll keep you posted, as we have another ultra-sound planned for April 14th to get a little more clarification!

Strong arm, big foot!

A video and everything!

This is kinda cool, and a little creepy... here's our little guy movin' around. Enjoy!

What's New?

So far, we have had 1 appointment with a nurse, and 1 appointment with a doctor. We have gotten to hear the heartbeat, which was pretty cool (no tears were shed). Did scare the doc with Ellen's hipbone. Our next appt. is March 18, when we have our first Ultrasound. Cross your fingers we can then find out if it's a boy, girl, or another Rasta. No crazy cravings, just a decisive Ellen with a belly. Boy, you miss us, huh?