Hayden, Donovan and Emerson Gulya's Big Adventures

This is why we call him Cap'n Crunch!

2012-01-07T23:01:00.000-06:00

Tree Time!

2012-01-07T22:59:00.000-06:00

Carson, Sonja and Grandpa Tom!

2012-01-07T22:56:00.001-06:00

Thanks for the costumes Sonja and Carson! Now Let's Fight

2012-01-07T22:54:00.000-06:00

Holiday Visitors - Grandma Carol and Great Grandpa Everett

2012-01-07T22:50:00.001-06:00

Taking the new bikes out for a spin on Christmas Day

2012-01-07T22:49:00.000-06:00

Christmas Morning

2012-01-07T22:44:00.001-06:00

FAdorable

2012-01-02T10:51:00.003-06:00

Christmas Eve

2012-01-02T10:46:00.001-06:00

Trip to the Capital

2012-01-02T10:34:00.003-06:00

A few days before Christmas, we took our first trip to the Capital and our first major trip out of the house. We went to the Capital, walked all around the Christmas Tree, went to the Governor's Christmas Tree and saw many displays and listened to awful music. Then we went to the Great Dane for lunch. Afterwards, we decided we were not sick enough so we went to the Children's Museum to ensure we contracted every remaining communicable disease of the holiday season, and it worked.

Holding Emerson

2012-01-02T10:15:00.000-06:00

Even More Pics. of Emerson and the family

2011-12-19T20:13:00.000-06:00

More Pics. of Emerson

2011-12-19T20:03:00.001-06:00

More pictures of Emerson

2011-12-19T19:58:00.000-06:00

Hmmmm . . . . I wonder what Emerson is thinking about?????

Santa!

2011-12-19T19:56:00.000-06:00

Good Day

2011-12-15T20:57:00.002-06:00

Emerson went to the doctor today. He was 9 lbs. 3 oz. One ounce below his birth weight which is really good for being less than 91 hours old. He checked out fine. He had some blood drawn to check for jaundice but he came back alright.
He likes to keep his legs tucked close to him. I am guessing most babies do that. It makes for a funny and cute pose.
Right now, we are trying to focus on getting the hang of things with having a newborn. Its a challenge, but we are doing well. Sleep has been better than with Donovan and Hayden, no offense to them. I remember the feelings of despair that we had late at night that are not present right now. Instead, waking up and taking care of business is like a minor hassle. I know that will change a bit as he gets fussier.

Thanks to Aunt Laura and Uncle Scott and Grandma Sue

2011-12-13T20:25:00.004-06:00

For nearly two weeks (maybe more), Laura waited patiently for Melissa (or me) to make the phone call that would go something like this:
*if it were made around December 1-- Us: "Hey, you remember when you told us you would watch Donovan and Hayden when the new baby was going to be born, well, can you come over?"
*if it were made around December 4, it would sound something like this -- Us: "Hey, yeah, we know he is overdue, can you come over to watch Donovan and Hayden?"

After December 5, we knew Melissa would be induced on December 12. And Laura and Scott patiently waited in anticipation that the baby would come sooner.

On Sunday, December 11 around 7:30 am, Melissa made the call. She had been in labor at home for over 2 hours. Needless to say, I don't remember what Melissa told Laura. What was important is that with a flash, Laura and Scott dropped all plans and came over and took great care of Donovan and Hayden for the next 54 hours. Scott slept at our house and put the boys to bed each night. They made certain the boys got to the hospital to see Emerson. They took care of the pets. No money was missing. They freed up Grandma Sue to be with Melissa during her delivery, something that made the delivery go very well. The kept the house in tact. Laura even printed pictures for the boys to take to school on Monday of the new baby! Thank you so much Aunt Laura and Uncle Scott.

Grandma Sue met Melissa at the hospital. I didn't even know she was coming. I thought it would be just Melissa and me. I am glad it wasn't. Melissa was nearly crying from her long walk and she was releived to see Sue waiting at the Nurse's Station for her on the second floor. Sue stayed the entire time and I don't even think she left the delivery room. I did to use the bathroom and to refill my coffee. Melissa and I had never been through a normal delivery before. We didn't know what to expect. Sue did. She even picked 3:15 as the time the baby would be born (game time for the Packer game). She was quite a bit off--he was born at 3:20. Her presence and insight were reassuring and gave us the forsight to help Melissa and get Emerson out safely. Thank you so much Grandma Sue and for the gifts for Donovan and Hayden! I think they feel special right now too.

Emerson Eats

2011-12-13T10:41:00.005-06:00

Emerson being held by Mom this morning before eating.

Emerson has had a good first two days. He was up a lot on Monday night because he was hungry. We didn't get much sleep between Emerson and the nurses (random 5:00 am blood draw from Emerson, that probably could have been done at noon) and doctors coming in ultra early. I remember being up at 1, 2:08, 3:15, 5:02, 6:26 and then sleeping til 8:28. Melissa was awake more often than me. That said, we are having a nice morning with him. He is just eating an awful lot with whatever Melissa can produce.

Emerson had a lot of visitors on Monday: Grandma Sue, Donovan and Hayden, Aunt Laura, Uncle Scott, Nathaniel, Aunt Karolyn, Uncle Jason, Carson and Sonja all came on Monday! He got held and was really sleepy, but generally he was content and happy.

This is definitely different than when Donovan and Hayden were in the NICU and we would go down and stay while the nurses attended to them in their plastic huts. I ran into a dad who has a daughter in the NICU. She was born at 35 weeks. We talked for a bit. He and his fiance are going through the same unknowns that Melissa and I did back then--when can we take the baby home, will everything be ok, why does the baby have the tube there and there, when can we hold the baby . . . . I think it was good for him to know we went through the same things and everything ended up fine.

This morning, the doctor said Emerson was a little yellow and we should keep an eye on him and have his friend Billy Rubin checked out. He has a small fever today, but that went away and should not stop us from taking him home later today.
I am going to go install the car seat.

Following is a summary of Emerson's day and night: Eats, happy, sleeps, rudely awoken by nurses or blood drawer, cries, eats, sleeps, cries, diaper change, eats, sleeps, cries, examined, cries, eats, sleeps. Repeat.

Laura printed and gave Donovan and Hayden each a picture to take to school of them and Emerson. Apparently, Donovan and Hayden showed it a lot and were just thrilled. That made both of us smile. Thanks Aunt Laura.

Hanging out on Emerson's first full day on 12/12

2011-12-13T10:29:00.002-06:00

Emerson

2011-12-11T22:59:00.001-06:00

Emerson and his family

2011-12-11T22:51:00.001-06:00

Welcome Emerson Hieronimus Gulya

2011-12-11T22:42:00.002-06:00

We now have three wonderful sons. Emerson was born 8 days after his due date on December 11 at 3:20 p.m. We are absolutely thrilled and so are Donovan and Hayden. Donovan was really good about holding the baby and Hayden was all smiles when he held him too. He has taken well to nursing so far. Labor was definitely tough and a new experience for us since Donovan and Hayden were emergency c-section deliveries. Emerson has some mucus to spit up still, but other than that he appears healthy.

Who has four thumbs and is still not at the hospital?

2011-12-04T13:41:00.001-06:00

I'll go with Melissa for the win! Yep, patiently waiting . . . .

It's 11:45 a.m, on December 3, due date,

2011-12-03T11:44:00.002-06:00

and there is still no baby! Melissa and I went out for a nice dinner last night at Erin's Snug Irish Pub and then did some shopping and watched Breaking Bad. As you can tell, we engaged in a pattern of activities to encourage a certain little boy to come visit the real world. Instead, he continues to enjoy his humble and quiet surroundings.

Patiently waiting

2011-11-29T20:34:00.000-06:00

Still . . . .

At least we have a name picked out.

Picture Day at School!

2011-11-20T22:55:00.002-06:00

Moose and Hailey, Patiently waiting for the Baby to be Born

2011-11-20T22:51:00.003-06:00

2 Weeks to Go

2011-11-20T00:55:00.003-06:00

Melissa is due in two weeks on Saturday, December 3. She is a real trooper, dealing with discomfort, and getting at-best average help from her husband around the house. Donovan and Hayden are still excited which is a good thing. Its hard to judge how we are doing with preparation and patience. We are new to this whole waiting for "water to break and hoping it doesn't happen in the new van" kinda thing since Donovan and Hayden were born early and at an unexpected time. Either way, it is exciting, we have to finish off the nursery and wait . . . impatiently.

Big News!!! Watch the Video and Find Out!!!!!

2011-07-20T23:17:00.007-05:00

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

Gulya, Party of 5, Your Table Is Ready

2011-05-26T22:51:00.002-05:00

Come December 2011, this blog will not just be about Hayden and Donovan. Melissa is almost 13 weeks pregnant and due December 3. We are really excited to have a new baby in our family. Donovan and Hayden were really happy when we told them. Hayden says if the baby is a girl, then we should name her Zoey. Sorry Hayden, but you can call her Zoey if you want.

Hayden and Donovan are now 4. They are really turning into two good-natured people which makes us happy. Playing nicely, less tantruming, and just all around happiness is a fine situation.

Fun with the Pedal tractors and Parks

2011-04-02T18:49:00.003-05:00

The boys and I went to the parks today near the house. The pedaled to each park in their pedal tractors and were really good about stopping at intersections and pedaling all on their own. They were really fast. At one park, Donovan was really good about sharing his pedal tractor with a 2 1/2 year old boy was really excited by it. He helped the little boy pedal it and also use the lift and dump feature. I was very proud of him with how well he shared. Hayden also helped out too!
They ran a lot at the gym today, walked the mall with me, and rode their tractors all over, so they had better sleep like rocks tonight.

Character Breakfast!

2011-04-02T18:44:00.000-05:00

Donovan on Stage for the Golden Mickies Show with Snow White and the Dwarfs

2011-04-02T18:09:00.003-05:00

Dinner at the Animator's Palate on the Disney Wonder

2011-04-02T18:03:00.001-05:00

Gettin on the Boat

2011-03-13T00:26:00.001-06:00

More Disneyland and the boys' first limo ride!

2011-03-13T00:22:00.000-06:00

More Disneyland

2011-03-13T00:17:00.000-06:00

Disneyland

2011-03-13T00:14:00.001-06:00

More Disney vacation photos

2011-03-13T00:10:00.000-06:00

Disney Cruise

2011-02-17T01:53:00.001-06:00

Yes. We just ate the entire time.

sledding in preparation of the NFC Championship Game

2011-01-23T11:55:00.002-06:00

I, however, am not allowed to sled or ski for the rest of the season. Instead, I am making ham bone soup. We will find out if the boys like ham bone soup, Sam I am.

Good news for all. What has four thumbs and can wipe their own butts?

skeletons

2011-01-16T22:42:00.002-06:00

I showed donovan and hayden an x-ray image of my broken collar bone. the bone now goes upward as well as side to side. while it has only been 24 hours since the ski accident, they are having difficulty understanding why daddy's broken arm is not healed already. they keep asking me if it is ok now. they are also a little scared that all of us has a scary skeleton inside of us. I have to convince them that skeletons are actually fun and they should be happy they have one. I have a feeling they will be watching some movies tomorrow with me.

Dinner with Hayden

2011-01-12T12:25:00.003-06:00

Hayden and I went out to dinner at Babes and then to the mall to play at the play area. We had a great time!

Christmas Tree Slaughter 2010!

2010-12-11T09:33:00.006-06:00

We went out and hunted our Christmas Tree. Before we went into the forest, we took our picture by a giant wreath. It's Cold! Found it, now let's kill it!

Oh no, Grandma succumbed to the cold!

Get something warm to drink fast!

Twas the night before Snowstorm

2010-12-11T09:29:00.002-06:00

And all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a schnauzer, the Children were nestled all snug in . . . Donovan's bed? What the Heck is going on?

Its Christmas time - The Tree is up, Presents are filtering in

2010-12-06T23:27:00.004-06:00

We went to a Christmas tree farm this past weekend to hunt, cut down and drag our tree. Donovan and Hayden got a special picture taken that we are using for our Holiday card this year. They had a nice time looking for a tree, playing with their sleds, hanging out with Grandma Sue and Grandpa Dan, and playing on the play structure and they were really good even though it was really, really cold out.

The tree is in the stand, decorated and presents are slowly but surely filling in the base of the tree. One of the more stupid things Kyle did was go shopping on Black Friday at 3:15 in the morning. While out and about, Kyle found two very special presents for Donovan and Hayden that Melissa wrapped tonight. Our good friends at Amazon shipped the remaining gifts, and Santa will hopefully come through in the clutch.

Meanwhile, Donovan and Hayden have been having fun sledding, playing on the deck with their dump trucks, shovels and loaders moving snow all around, and vacuuming. They can put their winter jackets on by themselves (but not zipping yet) and they get M&Ms when they put on their shoes by themselves. Once they can wipe their own butts, then life will be even better.

All we want for Christmas

2010-11-13T09:43:00.002-06:00

Donovan and Hayden are formulating their Christmas wish lists. After a thorough discussion this morning, here is the list:

(1) A big skinny Chainsaw that goes round and round and round and goes grrrrrrrrrrr grrrrrrrrr GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR.

(2) Remote controls for the Wii

(3) Peddle Tractors

(4) a watch

(5) No new clothes.

(6) donuts

(7) a new shovel for digging in mud

(8) something for momma

So there you have it. Go ahead and deviate from the list and break their hearts. I can't wait to see Santa's face when he hears number 1.

Halloween

2010-10-29T19:01:00.001-05:00

Donovan and Hayden are all set for Halloween. They are going in costume as Bobcats (the contrstruction machines, not weak big cats). Right now though, they are watching Cars while wearing construction helmets. Very cute.

Donovan riding the bus, and time with Donovan and Hayden - Separately!

2010-10-16T22:26:00.000-05:00

Door County 2010!

2010-10-16T21:48:00.001-05:00

Hangin with My two favorite Peeps!

2010-10-09T15:06:00.002-05:00

Melissa is gone this weekend, so it is a testosterone driven weekend of fun between the men of the household! We went out to dinner last night, went to Sears to look at lawn tractors, grills, and snowblowers, and then we went to the movie store to rent scary movies. Today was a little more weak. This morning, we woke up, ate donuts (not me), went to the farmer's market and looked at the crazy people, and then went to the Children's Museum. Now its nap time. I won't post what is on tap for tonight or tomorrow morning, but I will say their is some excitement to have popcorn during the packer game.

Bedtime Chatter

2010-10-06T22:00:00.003-05:00

Ok. So right now, Donovan and Hayden are chattering in their cribs rather than going to sleep. The content of the discussion is a little disturbing. For example, we heard, "If you had a nail on your penis, then that would hurt!" Response: "That is gross, Hayden!" Then we heard from Donovan,"If you had a nightlight on your penis, then that would be funny!" This went on for a few minutes and involved different substances. Then we heard them talking about "blowing fire out of your penis as a one-man show at the circus!" What the heck are they learning at pre-school? I do remember the one-man-show in a book about the circus that we read, and he did blow fire, but that was out of his mouth.

Melissa just went up and ended this discussion and said, "Its night-night time."

Singleton Days

2010-09-28T00:45:00.003-05:00

The last two Monday nights, Grandma Sue and Grandpa Dan have taken one of the boys for some special time with grandma and grandpa. These are the first two nights that Hayden and Donovan have not slept the night in the same room (or at least most of the night).
Melissa spent a wonderfully pleasant night with Hayden last week, and last night Melissa and I spent the wonderfully pleasant similar evening (until the Packer game) with Donovan. Donovan spent time at Sears playing on the tractors, looking at yard equipment, trying on sunglasses, and walking the stroller all around the mall, and playing with the train table at Barnses & Noble.

It was a little wierd being out and about with just one. Following are my thoughts.
(1) At dinner and at the mall with donovan, not once did I sense the "looks of pity" normally bestowed upon me that I normally get as the parent of twin boys. Nor did I sense the "Oh . . . they so cute, I wish I had twins because I have no clue how hard life truly could be and I want to say something really stupid right now" look. Instead, it felt abnormally normal to go unnoticed.
(2) It is really easy to shop with two parents and one child present.
(3) It is really easy to focus your attention and adoration on the one child without another child present
(4) the present twin misses the missing twin more than you think
(5) You miss your kids no matter how many you have when they are not around.

I am looking forward to watching Donovan eat his donut in the morning. I am serious, it will be interesting to spend some alone time with him in the morning too. I don't know when the next chance will happen, so I'd better make it count.

Alright. Time for bed.

Pictures before we go to PreSchool!

2010-09-12T21:34:00.002-05:00

Ummm . . . actually we are excited to go to school, we are not excited for pictures.

Camping this weekend!

2010-09-12T21:27:00.002-05:00

Yo Grandma, you only have one chocolate bar left. Also, your marshmallows are probably in our fridge. And the graham crackers . . . . I guess we need to replenish the smores stash.

Pre-School and Summer

2010-09-07T23:35:00.002-05:00

The boys began their first day at pre-school today. They were so excited to start, but a little ticked off that they didn't get to ride a school bus. They both picked out their back packs and couldn't stop talking about their cameras, back packs, and going to school over the last few days. Melissa and I both went this morning to drop them off. They did well.

Summer has gone by too fast. Following are some highlights and lowlights of the summer:
(1) Pacause
(2) Dinos went from the highest of highs to the lowest of lows in the stuffed animal hierarchy. Blue dinosaur has fallen the hardest.
(3) Hailey is greeted by the boys ("Goo' mornin' Haiylye"
(4) tricycles are slowly being replaced by scooters, at least for a day or two.
(5) camping is still a favorite
(6) Bob the Builder still rules
(7) Peeing on trees
(8) going potty all on our own (except for being wiped)
(9) holding daddy's coffee
(10) hide from momma . . . .

We'll write more and post some pictures from today.

Honor Guard

2010-08-21T16:16:00.003-05:00

Donovan and Hayden's grandfathers both proudly served the United States. Great Grandpa Everett, a devote Navy man and submariner, recently got to serve our country again when he participated in the northeast Wisconsin Honor Flight which took off and landed at the EAA. Everett was welcomed home by all of us (Melissa, me, Donovan, Hayden, Karolyn, Carson, Sonja, Grandpa Dan and Grandma Sue)in the proudest of fashions.
We had a great time and we are very proud of Great Grandpa Everett!!!

Madison's Children's Museum

2010-08-21T15:59:00.002-05:00

We went to the Madison Children's Museum today, along with all of the other children in Dane County other than my sister's kids. It was fun, worth seeing, worth going to again, but I have concerns. Frankly, I am confused. I am not raising my child to become Stanley Kubrick. I want my child to develop a normal imagination. Yet some of the displays and activities at the Museum are frankly creepy.

On the ground level, there is the pointless water room on the ground level smack dab on the edge of the Wilder Ness area which mixes a rustic native american theme with dinosaur bones. There is also the deafening musical instrument hut. They should hand out excedrin at the door before you go into that hut. There is a sheep/buffalo mix pulling a wagon and driver. There is also the lawsuit-waiting-to-happen slide with climbing wall that was probably sponsored by a personal injury firm.

On the upper level, there is a series of old-electrical contraptions that don't work, including a telephone booth with astronomy grafitti. There is also a wood City of Madison playset where kids can build small buildings (nothing taller than the Capital please) and use little cars and equipment. There is also four lego contraptions. There is the giant hamster wheel which D & H loved.

And that brings me to the "Hodge-Podge Mahal." If anyone can tell me what the heck the jungle gym with the tube and rust-looking cage structure, World War II mine-like bobbers, random snake slide, and even-more random screwed up 60's car is based on, then please enlighten me. Donovan and Hayden loved it, but I can only imagine some children will look at it and have nightmares as to how some twisted person could create something so . . . twisted. Here is a theme that you can make a playstructure with: Flowers, trees, or MMSD's sewer system. All would make some sense. Instead, I fear this will untap and bring out the even darker side of our children. A few other preliminary thoughts on the structure: If any child throws up in it, then good luck below. If your child gets stuck in it and you are over 5'8" or 200 lbs., then just leave and go have another child. It would probably be easier to give birth and raise that child anew than to climb and extract your child.

Madison's Farmer's Market

2010-08-21T15:38:00.002-05:00

Donovan, Hayden and I went to the Farmer’s Market today on our way to the Children’s Museum. We had a nice time, but for all the wrong reasons. Donovan and Hayden enjoyed people watching, eating their $.43 apple (each), eating big honkin’ venison sticks, M&M cookies (thanks big dude at Stella’s bakery!!!), and drinking from their thermos. On the other hand, I had the jogging stroller with the cow-catcher front end which means only one thing: I get to imagine doing the following scenario--you cut me off, you get the stroller to the back of the calf, and I get to dole out a few punishing blows to people who stand in the middle of the walkway to fight over whether they should by Kohlrabi crap from this stand or from the stand a block-and-a-half back from the crazy organic farmer wearing the ridiculous hat and scarf in the middle of summer to draw attention to himself.

I didn’t purposefully hit anyone today. But I did get to tell a good man that Stella’s Spicy Cheesebread is the only reason to come to the Farmer’s Market. I was promptly corrected by an older lady that there are a lot of good places to shop at the Farmer’s Market. I forgot. Steep N Brew coffee is also a good place to go, but not a reason to go to the Farmer’s Market since Starbucks is also right on the trip.

All that said, I love the farmer’s market. It is one of the best people watching places in the State. Also, I can think of no greater bastion of hypocrisy or place to prove that you are a glutton for punishment than Madison's Farmer's Market. I’ll explain. A family gets into their car, drives ten miles in their SUV to purchase goods from multiple stores. The rest of Wisconsinites do that too when they go to . . . the Mall. Only going to the Mall has much less of an uppity feel to it and there is less price fixing at the mall (all the pints of raspberrys that I saw today were $4.00 per pint . . . you tell me something ain’t up). Also, when I shop at the Mall, I don’t have to be told by numerous people smarter than me that Israel is evil, killing fetuses is acceptable, or that I am not a good father because I do not attend marriage camp. Also, when I go to the mall, I am not forced to walk at 0.7 mph, shoulder to shoulder, on a cramped 10-foot-wide sidewalk, stopping every ten feet. So I guess it is not quite like the mall. Instead, it is like a group of cattle being lead to slaughter. But I like it anyway, especially because Stella’s Bakery gave my kids free cookies.

Yes, we are still alive.

2010-07-11T21:25:00.001-05:00

Is there a good restaurant in Sun Prairie?

2010-06-12T19:49:00.001-05:00

Seriously? we have been perpetually dissappointed. La Tolteca . . . gross. The Cannery Grill . . . below average in every sense except atmosphere. Gus's . . . unremarkable.

Who has two thumbs and misses his kids right now?

2010-06-05T15:46:00.000-05:00

. . . .

BF Marshmallows!

2010-06-03T22:06:00.001-05:00

I tracked down some BF marshmallows at Pritzls the other day. They take forever to cook and they make a massive mess, but darn it, they are really good and the boys really like them!

Mo Fishin and Ridin' Dirtay at the lake!

2010-06-03T22:01:00.003-05:00

Welcome Hayden and Donovan's new Cousin, Nathaniel James Schiffner!!!

2010-06-03T21:56:00.002-05:00

Nathaniel sleeps alot, like this thing:

Memorial Day Weekend 2010

2010-06-03T21:52:00.003-05:00

Fun with our new fishing poles! Guess who fell in the lake off the back of the pier, while clutching his pole?

Happy Mother's Day to the Best Mom!!!

2010-05-08T21:42:00.002-05:00

Our Third Birthday Party!

2010-05-08T21:36:00.002-05:00

Happy Third Birthday, Now Gimme Some Cake!

2010-05-08T21:30:00.002-05:00

Happy Birthday Great Grandpa Butler!

2010-05-08T21:26:00.003-05:00

Great Grandpa Butler shares the same birthday as Donovan and Hayden! He turns 88 on May 9! Happy Birthday Great Grandpa!

Hanging Out

2010-05-08T21:23:00.001-05:00

Boogie All Night

2010-04-18T14:29:00.003-05:00

Over the past 7 hours, the most common word among our household has been Boogie! Donovan has a runny nose. I think he is not feeling well. So I did what any good parent does, I took Hayden and Donovan to the gym so they could play in the day care area. I guess while I was working out, Donovan told a few of the ladies there, "I got boogie," and they would then wipe his runny nose off with a tissue. When I picked them up at the end of my workout, Donovan again said, "I got boogie" to one of the workers. Only this time, one of the workers acted almost repulsed that a child would say "Boogie." I was ready to lash back a few choice words like, "Don't act like you never heard the word Boogie before, after all you probably lived through the 70s;" or "Boogie is his code word for giant duece"; or with the proverbial "He's 2, give him a break."

I don't know if she was unimpressed that he was misusing the term Booger, when he should have used the term snot or mucus. Today, I will begin teaching Donovan the proper scientific term for the mucus problem that Donovan has since it is not truly a booger, which is dried up mucus. Donovan, please say "I have snot" which is the proper term for runny nose. If it's dried up, then say Booger, not Boogie.

Our New beds in the Camper (Good Bye Pack N Plays)

2010-04-17T21:56:00.003-05:00

Easter 2010

2010-04-17T09:24:00.003-05:00

Yes, we have a birthday coming up

2010-04-17T09:03:00.004-05:00

Donovan and Hayden turn 3 next month. Regardless of whether we celebrate their birthday or plan a party, your gifts of frankensense and muir are always appreciated. We asked Donovan and Hayden to pick a toy that they would like for their birthdays. Here is what we heard back for possible ideas:

(1) Starbucks "My Very Own Barrista" Kit

(2) Gold and Diamonds, preferrably at least 1 carat E, VS1 or better.

(3) Bob the Builder: The Lost Episodes, including "Thanksgiving Special 2007: Bob shares a Turkey with the Investigating OSHA Inspector"; "Payroll Taxes Too!?! Bob's Visit with the IRS"; "Turf War 2008: Handy "Mass Bloodshed" Manny v. Bob THE Builder"; "Dizzy's New Hobby: Cocaine"; and "Bob and the Five-Finger Discount at Home Depot."

(4) Season Six of "Sewing with Nancy"

(5) New Parents!

(6) The Mother of All Sandboxes!

(7) Sears Gift Cards

(8) A Trip to Vegas for their parents!

(9) Continued Happiness

If you have any good ideas that you'd like to share with Donovan and Hayden, then please let them know.

Oh the things we do!

2010-04-03T09:55:00.002-05:00

Donovan and Hayden are largely pretty good kids. We generally don't worry too much about a cell phone being flushed down the toilet, arms being ground by the garbage disposal, paint being dumped on daddy's beloved tvs, stabbings, or climbing into skill-crane machines. That makes me happy.

Watching them grow and mature is even more fun. This morning, the boys were playing in the camper and they were behaving like very responsible little boys. They can now put on their strap sunglasses by themselves (sometimes with help), wind up toys and go and fetch their other toys from obscure spots in the camper. We had to break up a few squirmishes, but in all they are showing self sufficiency. Even eating breakfast (Life Cereal over milk) was so much easier than before.

Aside from the excessive roaring while wearing sun glassess, this has been a nice morning. Now if only Aunt Laura would have her baby (which we are trying to stress her out and set her off so she has it soon) . . . .

Huggin' By The Cows

2010-03-18T22:46:00.001-05:00

Ridin' the Train at the MKE Zoo!

2010-03-18T22:44:00.001-05:00

Cousins

2010-03-18T22:40:00.002-05:00

Hangin' out with Sonja and Carson!

St. Patrick's Day Parade!

2010-03-14T21:19:00.002-05:00

What has four thumbs and sleeps all night without diapers?

2010-03-08T09:46:00.003-06:00

We woke up this morning to no pee, no poo, and no terror. Dry all around. We were not shocked. They have been potty trained for 4 - 8 months now and the diaper era is nearly over. Way to go!

El Rey (or, death by iguana to Cancun's ruins)

2010-03-01T20:55:00.001-06:00

More Excrat!

2010-03-01T20:52:00.000-06:00

Xcrat!

2010-03-01T20:45:00.002-06:00

Turtles, Turtles, Turtles! Melissa loved the Sea Turtles (and I liked the rays)

When Grandsons Attack!

2010-03-01T20:42:00.002-06:00

Cancun - Mo' Pics.

2010-03-01T20:35:00.003-06:00

Cancun

2010-03-01T20:20:00.003-06:00

Donovan and Hayden did not get to go to Cancun for their parents' vacation this year (Donovan and Hayden were not invited and in fact they were forbidden from going to Cancun with their parents). Donovan and Hayden got to spend the last nine days and nights with their Grandma Carol at our house and with Grandma Sue and Grandpa Dan. Mega, Mega thanks to the grandparents for watching the boys and making this trip happen. The boys had a nice time and we know they missed us. It was refreshing to see their smiling faces tonight when we got home.

Melissa and I relaxed a lot, tried to unwind, chased iquanas, went to Xcrat, went snorkeling in shallow and deep water coral reefs, bought nothing at Cartier and Louis Viutton (thank god!), hung out in a cabana and chaises around the pool, had a lot of food and drinks, and a really nice time. The best part of the trip was seeing how happy Melissa was to see Donovan and Hayden in their cribs and waking them up when we got home. Happy scene! Here are some pictures from our trip:

Trip number 3 to Starbucks!

All-inclusive included edible plants.

Crocs

2010-02-13T08:34:00.000-06:00

We are going to Kalahari soon. Melissa brought the boys Crocs. The boys are pretty good at pronouncing things. Unfortunately for them, there is no "R" in Crocs. They would still like to tell you all the great things about their new c_ocs. I guess this just goes with being 2. The other fun one was Donovan's s#!t snake the other day.

Superbowl

2010-02-07T21:58:00.002-06:00

Donovan and Hayden celebrated their third Superbowl today. In addition to the Giants of New York and the Steelers of Two Pickets to . . . , the Saints of Sodom joined the ranks of Superbowl victors during Hayden and Donovan's existence. The boys celebrated the Superbowl by playin with their trucks and tractors, dodging the camera, and eating chili . . . really good chili.

Monster

2010-01-26T20:28:00.001-06:00

Donovan and Hayden have a new game. Its called Monster. Its kind of like Tizzle Wizzle, but without the knives, medications, glowsticks, darkness and murder. Instead, Donovan and Hayden just run around in a circle constantly screaming monster. And unlike Tizzle Wizzle, its a game with no winner. If you want to come play Monster, then stop by!

I'd classify Donovan and Hayden as fully potty trained now--sans when they sleep and when they are at the Prairie Athletic Club. Donovan is pretty rock solid reliable at the PAC. Hayden still has an accident here and there at the club. Regardless, I am very proud of them, especially the quartet of craptastic bowel movements that Hayden had on Sunday. It was only a short time ago when a fight would ensue as to who had to do clean up on aisle H.

Melissa and I are headed on vacation to Mexico, alone, soon. God help those who have volunteered to watch Hayden and Donovan. It should be fun times for all. We have not been on vacation alone since before they were born. It is crazy to think they will be turning three in 4.5 months. I have already lost track of their childhood. It is also crazy to think that in the month of January 2010, we have not taken one picture of them yet. We need to get on that.

Hmm, this was a nice photo.

2010-01-24T22:49:00.003-06:00

Asleep on the job

2010-01-24T22:39:00.000-06:00

Conference Championship Picks

2010-01-23T09:14:00.003-06:00

Donovan and Hayden have again given a lot of thoughts to this weeks games again. Here are their picks:

Vikings 34 Saints 28. Because they want their daddy's good friend "Keg" to be happy (and the Vikings are the better all around team at this point, with or without Harvin).

Colts 23 Jets 20. This one could go either way. The Jets D is playing well.

We are off to the gym now.

Divisional Round Picks

2010-01-15T01:55:00.002-06:00

Donovan and Hayden were irate Sunday night when the Packers lost. They have been spoiled by the Packers so far in their short existence. Their first year on this earth, the Packers made it to the NFC Championship game, this year the playoffs, and they watching Aaron Rodgers develop into the next Peyton Manning with legs that can run.

This weeks Picks:

Chargers 37, Jets 17

Indianapolis 27, Baltimore 23

New Orleans 44, Arizona 30 (Take the over)

Minnesota 30, Dallas 17 - no way this one is close. Dallas will get destroyed.

Wild Card Round Playoff Picks

2010-01-05T09:05:00.002-06:00

Donovan and Hayden have given serious consideration to the Wild Card Round of the NFL Playoffs. In the past several years, several Superbowl teams and Superbowl winners have played in the Wild Card Rounds (NYG 08, Pitt 09). Green Bay could be one of those teams this year.

This is probably the most difficult wild card round in recent years to make picks. Even the odds makers are struggling as each game is overly close in the spread. This weeks picks by Donovan and Hayden are as follows:

New England over Baltimore 30-17. Donovan and Hayden don't like this game either way. Brady is very hurt and Welker is out, yet New England, and particularly Tom Brady, find ways to win playoff games. Donovan thinks the Ravens, however, can really run the ball well and if they control the clock this could easily flip the other way, but Hayden thinks Joe Flacco is not playing well and is sticking with New England.

Cincinatti over J-E-T-S 20-13. Donovan thinks Cincinatti was in a funk the last two weeks following Chris Henry's death, and Donovan and Hayden call this an upset win against a Jets team that can run and has a great defense.

Philadelphia over Dallas 24-20 Because Donovan and Hayden hate the Dallas Cowboys. Take the over.

Green Bay over Arizona 31-23 Arizona has only put up more than 31 points once this season. Green Bay has done it five times and four of those in the last six weeks. Whatever the over/under is, take the over in this barn burner.

Best and Worst Awards of 2009

2010-01-03T23:02:00.003-06:00

2009 was a wonderful year for Donovan and Hayden. They are definitely growing into two fine toddlers, and they have handled the curve balls dealt to them quite well. From the mid-year house move to a new community, to going through the motions of potty training, spending time away from mom and dad, and learning to share toys (which they are still learning), they have handled the ups and downs.

Its time for Donovan's and Hayden's Best and Worst List of 2009!

Best Diapers: We don't wear diapers during the day any more. But if we had to, it doesn't matter because we go potty in the potty.
Worst Diapers: Huggies still.

Best Accomplishment: Potty Training, close second: Talking in coversation, playing together, sharing and caring for each other
Worst Accomplishment: Tantrums. challenging the effectiveness of time outs, Lippin' off.

Best Parent: Momma
Worst Parent: Kate Gosselin, hands down. The world could handle 8 jackasses like John, and that would be better than 8 more of Kate.

Best Emergency Room Visit: None!!!!

Best outfits: Any sleeper with Zippers
Worst Outfits: Anything else

Best travel provider: 1995 Chevy Astrovan, Jayco Edition
Worst travel provider: The umbrella strollers have been epic failures. Also, the shopping carts where the kids sit directly across from each other = scratch-time hell.

Best Sportsman: Tie - Charles Woodson Aaron Rodgers.
Worst: Brent

Best Dog: Hailey
Best Cat: Tie: Moose and Heretic

Best Song: Actually, the boys pretty much like all kinds of music.
Worst Song: The Black Eyed Peas are too overplayed, and not that good.

Best toys: Tie: the small Bobcats and the mechanical Forklifts Close Second: Little Tykes Firetruck and Police Car are still fan favorites.

Best Movie: Finding Nemo

Best TV Show: Wordworld, close second: Super Why and Sesame Street

Best Fish: Suckerfish #1 who died earlier this year. Sucker fish #2 died last week.

Best drink: Tanqueray & Tonic

Best Tuesday Morning Activity: Laying in the big bed watching Sesame Street while Momma sleeps. Close Second: Activity time at the Sun Prairie library

Best Aunt Karolyn: Aunt Karolyn

Best Aunt "Yara": Aunt Laura

Favorite Friend: Daddy's friend "Keg" (Craig W.)

Favorite Park: Angel Park

Who would win in an all-out brawl, Bob the Builder or Thomas the Train: Bob the Builder

Favorite team in the 2009-2010 NFL Playoffs: The Green Bay Packers

Thanks for being a part of the boys' lives!

Santa Came!

2009-12-24T23:59:00.003-06:00

Santa came and dropped off the presents while I was upstairs getting ready for bed. He is fast. Now we will wait to see how Christmas morning goes.

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-23T23:08:00.002-06:00

We want to wish all of you a Merry Christmas! Donovan and Hayden had a wonderful year, and they are very excited for Christmas. Every morning they demand that the Christmas tree be turned on promptly. They are still timid around Santa, but they know they had to ask Santa for presents, like the Big Fork Lift by Caterpillar that they may or may not be receiving Friday morning from Santa. We'll post pictures if the boys are so lucky.

We have Kyle's parents and little sister and Great Grandpa Everet in town this weekend which should be fun. God help me, I just saw that Pee Wee Herman is going to be on Jimmy Kimmel. I must go now. I don't know how this man could still have a career when he was never funny or interesting in the first place, theater incident or not.

Mall run

2009-12-17T12:09:00.003-06:00

Headed to the mall tonight with Donovan and Hayden to find Momma a Christmas present. we already got her something, but I am not pleased with it. I really don't know what she would do with a Super Why doll.

Last night the boys went to Melissa's Uncle Larry's music presentation. They really enjoyed the music. At the conclusion of each song, the boys kept saying "more, more"! When Santa showed up, he came up to Donovan, Santa said nothing except smiled at him, and Donovan said in haste, "I want Big Bobcat!" In an "a Christmas Story" moment, Donovan meant to say Two Big Forklifts, not big bobcat, since the second one would be for Hayden. I think Santa will get the right message, since Santa has been told on separate ocasions already.

Mr. and Mrs. Gulya - 2 Years and Seven Months later

2009-12-09T21:38:00.002-06:00