Real Bowling

Mason was first introduced to bowling after Grandma Geralyn got a Wii for Grandma's house and since Christmas, he has become quite the skilled Wii bowler.  Corey subsequently purchased a bowling set for at home, which is played everyday, and Mason's school also has a bowling set he enjoys.  Long story short...Mason likes bowling (maybe not as much as hockey, but it is still one of his favorite activities).  Today, we took Mason to play "real" bowling.  Mason quickly learned that "real" bowling is slightly harder than he is used to, but overall, he had a great time.

Why?

When Mason was first learning to talk, we heard a lot of 

"what's that?", as most young ones inquire.  This week, we have been introduced to another all-important question - "why?"  Almost everything we say is followed up with a "why".  The "why" has been a mix between giving us attitude and being inquisitive, but nevertheless has become a very important word.

Life Lessons

So today we got the unfortunate experience to talk to our son about the loss of a pet.  Corey's family has had Shadow since we were 16 and obviously Mason has known Shadow since he was born.  He very much associates Grandma Brenda and Grandpa Frank's with Shadow and Ace (their other dog).  

Last weekend, Corey's family had to put Shadow to sleep.  This weekend Mason is staying with Grandma and Grandpa so we had to attempt to explain why Shadow is no longer at Grandma and Grandpa's.  

While I am not sure he understands, he appears to have grasped the concept that Shadow is gone and tells us that Shadow is in Dog Heaven (which sends Corey and I into tears every time because it is just the most heartbreaking thing to hear from our 3 year old).  My friend Cassie recommended the book "Dog Heaven" by Cynthia Rylant for us to use and I will say that it did a nice job of letting Mason know that Shadow is able to run, have treats and play in Dog Heaven.

I am sure this won't be the life lesson we have to teach our children, but I hope we don't have to do it again for a long time.

Change of Plan

So today I got a call from my clinic letting me know that the doctor that will be performing my C-Section has switched her surgery days from Tuesdays to Thursdays, which means that if I wanted this doctor, I would need to reschedule my C-Section to April 9.  Since I have a choice in the matter, unlike last time, I would prefer to have a doctor that I am familiar with (since my "real" doctor is out of town that week, so she is not an option) deliver our son.  Therefore, for at least this week, our son is scheduled to be born on April 9 at 1:30 pm.

The Penalty Box

According to the Corey Voth School of Discipline, a time out is referred to as "The Penalty Box."  Believe it or not, there are times where our son misbehaves or does not listen when he should.  Instead of threatening a time out, Corey has implemented the threat of being sent to the penalty box and surprisingly enough, Mason has grasped the concept and takes the threat seriously (so far). 

Skating Day

Today we took Mason ice skating for the first time to try out his new hockey skates (compliments of Grandma Geralyn and Grandpa Mike for Christmas).  The actual trying to skate part lasted just a short while as we were informed that it was "too hard for Mason."  After the skates came off, Mason enjoyed his favorite activity of hockey at the outdoor rink for quite some time.  He had a lot of fun just shooting the puck up and down the ice.  We eventually left the rink with a very sad boy who didn't want to leave and just wanted to play hockey outside.

Recent Wins and Losses

WIN:  Last weekend, Corey finished our basement (or refinished our basement).  I am so glad that this project could be checked off our list.  Now it is on to reorganizing the house, but at least we have some additional space to put things.  Thanks Corey!

LOSS:  Corey has stolen my son from me over the past couple of weeks.  My music loving boy has turned into a sports fanatic.  He requests to watch sporting events and is constantly playing hockey or baseball at home (our family room now fashions a hockey net).  Although this is really not that bad of a thing to happen, I still feel a sense of loss that I am not the most fun parent anymore.   

WIN:  This week I had the big glucose test.  I passed with flying colors so I will not have to endure the 3 hour test that would have followed if I had not passed.

LOSS:  Although the glucose went fine, my hemoglobin check did not fall within the normal range, which makes me slightly anemic.  Not the end of the world or cause for concern by any means, it just means that I need to start taking an iron supplement.

WIN:  This week I won naming rights to my second child.  It is amazing what a purchase of an X-Box gets you.  

WIN/LOSS:  Today I got to schedule my C-Section (WIN).  Our baby will be born at the latest Tuesday, April 7, 2009 around 1:30 pm, which means that I lose almost of week of pregnancy.  Although I am very excited that the baby will be born the week before my due date, a little panic set in about losing a week of preparation at both home and work.

Our First Family Vacation

We started off 2009 with our first family vacation.  By saying it was our first family vacation kind of makes it sound like we have kept Mason home bound, which is not the case.  He has had plenty of travels in his three years, but most of our trips have been with family and friends.  We have never gone anywhere just the three of us for the sole purpose of a vacation, until now.

Corey and I took Mason to the Wilderness Resort in Wisconsin Dells for a short getaway.  Although his mom was not too much fun since she couldn't participate in most waterpark activities, Mason enjoyed plenty of water time with dad over our two day stay.  

Merry Christmas

This Christmas had to have been our favorite so far. Mason was very into the holiday this year. He was excited for Santa to come and loved opening presents (and there were plenty for him to open - thanks everyone!).

Another Tradition

Tonight we took part in another holiday tradition, this time with our friends.  Each year my friends and I make the trek to what is now Macy's on the Nicollet Mall to view the holiday display on the 8th floor.  This year's theme was "A Day in the Life of an Elf."  

When this tradition started, there were no kids.  Tonight, it was 7 girls and 4 kids.  Sadly we did not get all of the kids in a picture, but did get Mason and Henry nearby one another for at least one shot.

A Holiday Tradition

Today Mason and I took part in an annual tradition in the Wadley family, cookie baking.  It consists of making sugar cookie rollouts followed by decorating such cookies as if we are professionals.  Needless to say it is quite a process, but the end result is always delicious and festive.

On the First Day of Christmas...

After your ride on the Polar Express, we headed to Red Wing to celebrate Christmas with the Holden family (celebration 1 of 5 for the week).  Mason had a great time handing out the gifts to everyone and even enjoyed opening a few himself.

      

Polar Express

Today Mason, Grandma Geralyn, Corey and Megan all went on the Polar Express (AKA the Minnesota Zephyr).  Mason enjoyed his train ride very much (Thanks Grandma!).  

 

 

There was a visit by both Santa and some carolers on our ride.  Mason again made no eye contact with Santa, but got very excited when the carolers wanted to sing "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" and even sang along.  We captured this on video, but due to technical difficulties could not upload.  

What Didn't We Do?

Today we had a jam packed day full of activities.

1.  SNACK WITH SANTA.  We started our day at the Minnesota Zoo for the "Snack with Santa" event.  There was holiday music, a "snack,"coloring, ornament making (by me anyway) and of course, Santa.  Santa visited each table and gave each kid a gift (see stuffed giraffe below).  This is Mason's first close-up encounter with Santa since he was 4 months old.  As Santa got closer, Mason got more nervous.  When it was finally his turn to talk to Santa, he did end up sitting on Santa's lap, but did not make any direct eye contact.  He told Santa that he wanted Geotrax for Christmas and that he had been good, but again, made sure not to make eye contact.

2.  THE LITTLEST YETTI.  After our visit with Santa, we headed off to the zoo's monorail for a special ride/story called the "The Littlest Yetti."  Mason could have cared less that they were trying to tell a story during our ride, he was just more excited to be riding a train.

3.  DISNEY ON ICE.  After a short break, Mason and I headed off to Disney on Ice:  Mickey & Minnie's Magical Journey with Grandpa Mike, Grandma Geralyn, Auntie Emily and Tyler.  Mason watched intently through almost the entire show and clapped after every song.

I tried to get a nice picture of the boys at the show, but they were more interested in the spinning Mickey Mouse flashlight, which was compliments of Grandma & Grandpa.

4.  GOPHER HOCKEY.   After Disney on Ice, the entire Voth family headed to the Gopher hockey game versus Colorado College (compliments of Chris).  We were unsure of how the game would hold his attention, but to our surprise, he made is flawlessly through three periods of hockey and was quite the good fan.  Mason and Corey even banked some TV time in the process (again, compliments of Chris).  They were on both the Fox Sports broadcast and later on the sports portion of Fox 9 News.  During the game, Mason asked if he could play hockey with the Gophers, which may be Corey's proudest moment.

Mason very quickly caught on to the Minnesota chant that occurs after the Rouser is played. We captured two videos of this, the first one is of Mason chanting with the crowd and the second is he saying it by himself. 

5.  VISIT WITH CHRIS & MANDY.  We ended our busy day with a nice, but too quick visit with our friends Chris and Mandy.  Mason got to open his first Christmas present of the holiday season, which was a kid's digital camera.  Since Saturday, he has taken over 100 pictures and very much enjoys his gift.

My First Trip to the Denist

Today Mason had his first dentist visit.  Corey and I had very low expectations for the success of this visit.  Mason completely surprised us with how well he did, I would give him an "A" for this activity.  He cooperated with x-rays and the exam with no issues.  I hope all future visits go that well.

Ring Bearer in Training

At Thanksgiving today, Mason's Auntie Rachel and her fiance Chad asked Mason to be a ring bearer at the wedding in August.  We are very excited to see Mason in a tux and a part of their wedding (of course Corey and I were thrilled to be asked to be a part of their special day too).

Let the Holidays Begin

Tonight we decided to put up our Christmas tree and decorations.  We were pleasantly surprised to get a very enthusiastic Mason who helped us with the decorating fun.  

From bossing mom and dad around on how to assemble the tree, 

to putting on ornaments and the tree topper, 

and even hanging his own stocking, 

he really enjoyed all the decorating.  I hope his excitement continues throughout the holiday season!

BOY!!!

This morning we found out that Mason is going to have a baby brother.  Our doctor said that the ultrasound photos were quote "beautiful" and everything looks perfect.  

We are all very excited and anxiously awaiting his arrival.

Its A...

check in later today for ultrasound results and pictures:)  Can't wait!

Weekend Recap

The Voth Family had a busy weekend, well at least a busy Sunday.  We made a visit to the Portrait Studio at Target for family and Mason pictures.  It is sad, but this is the first time that we have had our family picture taken professionally since Mason was 3 months.  Needless to say, it was long overdue.  Here are a couple of samples of our photos (as you can tell, they are protected by Target).

After pictures, we had our first successful movie theater experience at an afternoon showing of Madagascar 2.  Corey and I were both impressed when we actually made it to the end credits.  For those of you who haven't heard the stories, we have had 2 previous movie experiences that did not turn out this well.  

STAY TUNED - next week (November 24) we will have ultrasound results!