Dr. Wood - Radiologist

Jon has been working a lot since he started residency. He told me that so far this month he has worked over 300 hours. There have been many dinners missed, scary-lonely nights at home, and I've had to learn to just do things around the house myself or else it may not get done (just picture a 6 month pregnant woman mowing the lawn...doesn't happen all the time). I am glad that this won't be our permanent way of life. Jon went into a great field with great hours, once we get there. I saw this article on Radiologist and thought I would share. We just want Jon to know that even though we don't always show it, especially since I'm in such a hormonal stage of life, that we appreciate all that he does for us and are so proud of him.

Happy Birthday Benjamin

Benjamin turned three years old yesterday. It's hard to believe that it was that long ago he was born. The time sure has flown by. We celebrated Ben's birthday twice. The first time was while my mom was out here for a visit. We decided to drive up to New Braunfels, which is about an hour away. We had lunch and then went to the Children's Museum. It has been hard going to museums here, especially after being spoiled with the Strong Museum in Rochester. However, they had a few interesting things, like the picture of the smokers lung, yes it's an actual lung. The red button next to it you pushed and it started to make raspy breathing sounds. Ben also spent a little time in the hospital part taking care of the baby. He spent most of his time with the trains so after a few hours we decided that he could play with his trains at home while we got a few things done around the house. We opened presents and had cake. Then on his actual birthday the three of us went to Chuck E. Cheese. Jon had just gotten off a 30 hour shift but was a trooper as we went out. We then came home opened a present that Grandma Lark sent and had cake again. Ben did well with gifts, Grandma and Grandpa Andreas got him a table for his trains and a few trucks. He also got money from Grandma and Grandpa Christensen which went to his savings account since he doesn't need anymore toys, plus a Thomas book. We got him a few trains and tracks, plus a camera so he doesn't have to use ours anymore, and cards from his other grandma and grandpas. Overall, I think he had a great birthday. It's amazing how much he has changed over the years. He is starting to talk a lot better now we can usually understand eachother. He loves to sing and is starting to learn a few primary songs. He has about 7-10 songs he'll rotate through while playing. Potty training is still a struggle, but hopefully we can master it before he starts pre-school in the fall. We are so happy to have you in our family Benjamin. We love you! Happy Birthday!

Trip to New Hampshire

Benjamin and I went up to New Hampshire a couple weeks ago to surprise Jon's dad at his 60th birthday party. We had arrived at the party early and when Grandpa Wood walked in the room Ben saw him, ran to him yelling "Grandpa", and hugged him. I think Rodger was really happy to see Ben and surprised. His eyes watered a little. It was neat to see how Ben is starting to recognize people and the excitement in his face when he sees them. He did the same thing when he saw Grandma Andreas at the airport. While in New Hampshire Jon's mom really wanted to take Ben a couple of the amusement parks that are around geared more towards little kids. The first one we went to was Santa's village. Ben had fun riding all of the rides. The scarier the better. He begged to go on the roller coaster, but since I'm pregnant I wasn't able to go with him. But Grandma was a sport and went with him. He loved it so much he though I need to enjoy the fun and got upset when I wouldn't go on. I told him I would go on a different ride with him, which seemed to make it all better. I think we have a ride enthusiast on our hands. Maybe I have a roller coaster riding buddy in the future. Later that week we went to Storyland. Unfortunately while we were in New Hampshire we only had one day of sunshine. Grandma was determined that we went, so we got our ponchos and went for it. I love the picture of Ben just standing under cover watching. We were waiting for the train to come by and pick us up and was eagerly looking for it asking when it would come. Storyland was the wettest I've ever been at an amusement park, I must say it was a first for me. Most places close when it's raining, but all of the rides were going strong at Storyland. Plus, the lines were short, and Ben got to ride most of the rides several times without having to get off. We were there for about 4 hours, and were soaked to the bone by the time we were done, but look how happy Ben is in all of the pictures. He was having so much fun it was hard to tell him it was time to go. I don't think I would do it again in the rain, but when you only have so much time to do certain things, you can't let the weather stop you. The night before we left there was a 4th of July carnival going on in town so we headed down to ride a few of the rides. Ben again loved the rides. Because it's a small town he was able to ride most of the rides several times without having to get off. I love the picture of Ben on the motorcycle, he has such a Jon expression on his face. You would think by the end of a fun filled week of rides he would be done, but anytime we go into a store that has one of those quarter rides he always asks to ride it. Of course, I tell him that riding rides is something we only do with Grandma. We also went to Sea World with Jon when we got home and Jon took him on the little roller coaster. It wasn't that big of a ride compared to the ones in New Hampshire, but he still loved it. Thank you Grandma and Grandpa Andreas for letting us come and stay with you, letting us play in a way that Ben has never played before, and also for spoiling us as usual. Thanks Grandpa Wood and Carolyn for making it happen by flying use out for the party and having Ben stay for a night. Even though Jon couldn't come we're glad that we were able to come and have a great week. We love and miss you all!

A Day With Thomas

Before we left Rochester we took Benjamin to see Thomas the Train. We got up early and took the little over and hour drive to go see him. Once we were there we did a little face painting. Ben wasn't really into it, so Mommy had to go first before Ben would attempt it. Since Ben was shy about it and I didn't want paint on my face we had our hands done instead. After that we were able to get onto the train. Ben was really excited. He kept saying, "Train!" We took the 20 minute ride back and forth. It started to rain and one point during the ride which Ben was mesmerized by. The conductor on the train came by and took our tickets and then came back to take pictures with the kids that wanted them. He was a little unsure about it but we got a few cute shots of Ben looking up to him. If you couldn't tell from the photo's we were all very tired. Jon had just graduated the day before, which was a long day and late night. Then we had to be up by 7 to go and see Thomas. Because we were all so tired we didn't do much after riding Thomas. We went through the little gift shop and bought Ben a new train for his train set and Grandma got him a bubble making Thomas. Over all I think Ben had fun. Next time I would do it on a day when we aren't all so tired.