Vacation in Iowa

Brian returned from his trips to Hawaii and Florida tan and relaxed. Hmmm...where's my vacation?! Yes, he's typically the worldly traveler while Caden and I wait back home, but we've swapped roles for the month. We arrived in Iowa last Thursday and left a sad Brian behind. More time apart...but we should have the remainder of the summer together after this trip. He's got a lot on his plate this month anyway with catching up on work, fixing his bike, and training for the All Armed Forces Race on May 30th.

For good reason, I get a tad anxious for travel days. Flying solo across the country with a toddler can be a 3-ring circus. He's a good traveler, but there's still tedious planning and a constant need for entertainment. Also, after losing our luggage for a week at Christmas, I was prepared for Armageddon.

To my relief, everything went smoothly. Caden normally won't sleep with other people around but he zonked out for an hour and a half on the plane. I was bewildered and practically held my breath for fear I'd wake him. Post-nap, we scarfed down gooey Midwest Airlines chocolate chip cookies and watched the movie Bolt on my work laptop. He wore his seat belt almost the entire flight without objection. The nonstop turbulence was annoying but I'll take that over an antsy toddler. The only downer was I somehow managed to leave his pack of DVDs in the terminal. DUMB. But that wasn't the end of the world. I mean, they brought us our luggage...that in itself was a miracle.

Is this my kid...sleeping on the plane?!


We had a hectic, but nice, Mother's Day weekend. Jen flew in the same day so my Mom was thrilled to have all her kids present for the holiday. We joined G&G Klindt up at Cuppy's Grove for church followed with a BBQ at her house, and then steaks that night with G&G Goettsch. Brian had some beautiful flowers sent to the house, Jen gave me a card, and Mom spoiled us with ridiculously good food.

4 Generations

Swing me, Gramma!


Hanging with the big boys


A flower bed, literally (and GG Klindt didn't even mind)


Caden didn't seem to have gotten the memo that it was Mother's Day though. He was periodically cranky throughout the day and screamed as I tried to take him into church. Turns out, he was running a fever and had caught a bug. After a couple sleepless nights, he's back to his normal, happy-go-lucky self, aside from the fact he's scared to get in the car or leave his car seat. Apparently, he's overwhelmed and the car seat is his safe-zone. He begs for me to re-buckle his seat belt and wants us to go without him. Poor Caden...we're always shaking up his world.

At least he's sleeping beautifully. My Mom created a John Deere bedroom just for him. She also digs out new "old" toys for him every day. He likes to explore the farm and would sit on my brother's tractor all day if we'd let him. My Aunt Marj brought over Dylan's old motorized ride-on motorcycle and that has been a hit as well.

He's understanding more about farm life. He already did a little planting with my Dad and I'm sure there will be more. Every tractor he sees, he thinks Papa is inside. He keeps asking about the combine so he has his seasons swapped. Planting, Cade...harvest is later! Mom and Dad are shocked at how much he talks, most of which they can understand. He learned "windmill" on the way to Atlantic last night.



A ride on the 720 with Uncle Jeff


Ruining Grandma's walls


Chasing rabbits on Grandma Goettsch's golf cart

Yesterday, Caden witnessed something special for the first time. Dad needed to check the cows and I jumped at the chance to go with. We had been cooped up inside due to rain, and I was ready to get out. Caden disagreed, but I'm glad we went anyway. As soon as we arrived, his tears subsided and he wanted out of the truck to see the cows and run after the kitties.

And then, WE WATCHED DAD PULL A CALF!!! She was a big one and the cow was too exhausted to do much. They're both fine and Caden got a taste of REAL farm life. He didn't understand that he should probably be quiet though...he just kept jabbering away about Papa, fences, cows, and kitties. I haven't seen a calf being born in probably 15 years. It was pretty cool, and also a reminder of the labor I will endure in 2 months. Alarming. At least my baby won't be 50+ pounds and sporting hooves.

We plan to spend Memorial Day weekend in Cedar Rapids with the Geraghty's. Marcus Andrew Hasley joined the family on May 7th! He weighed in at 7 lb 6 oz and is doing awesome. Our nieces Gabrielle and Allie argue over who gets to hold him and are still in awe that he's really "there's." Heather is healing as well as can be expected following a C-section. She pushes herself too much, but luckily our saintly Aunt Diana is spending the week to help and will FORCE her to rest.

Caden's 5th cousin, Marcus Andrew Hasley


Regarding Junior G, all is well! I have to go to appointments more frequently now, which I JUST LOVE (not). This kid appears to be doing a triathlon 24-7 and is still sitting low. Now that I'm getting bigger, my back is killing me. I had back pain with Caden so this is no surprise. Brian and I are still tossing around ideas for names but nothing even remotely nailed down. Maybe we'll just let Caden name the baby. (And in that case, it would probably be "tiny oranges," "combine," or "froggy.")

Me & cousin Angie...we feel huge.

Grandma Klindt has another round of chemo this week. She feels great but tires easily. As you can see, her appearance doesn't show any indication that she has cancer. I stayed with her and Grandpa during one of her treatments yesterday. She has a comfy recliner to sit in and the hospital looks new. We're trying to fatten her up and I coerced her into a peanut butter cup on the ride home! They will re-evaluate her in 6 weeks, after she has 2 more rounds of treatments. They upped the chemo this week because she is taking it so well. Please keep praying, and also for the many people out there that have been diagnosed with cancer. Seems like it's popping up frequently with family and friends.