The Helmkamps

Friday, February 22, 2013

Poor Guys

The last week or so has not been the most excellent at the Helmkamp house, but we're definitely on the mend. There's nothing like a bout of croup and influenza to make waiting til 40 weeks sound just fine! I was also reminded of what next to no sleep feels like and have SO appreciated the last two nights of relatively good sleep...which doesn't make me quite so anxious to rush into a long stretch of more sleepless nights. There ARE things that are better about being pregnant after all! :)

Little Seal Barker and Influenza Man
Not lookin' so bad in the early stages!

Watching some State Wrestling Finals on TV since he didn't
get to go down to watch his uncle Mitch wrestle at state.

We broke all our "rules" about the thumb and blankie...whatever helps!!

Saturday, February 16, 2013

Weekend Visitors

We got to have my cousin Andrew and his family for part of the weekend last weekend. Andrew's parents live close to us, and Ryan's close to Andrew's family which means we rarely get very much time together, so it was a lot of fun to get some good time with their family.

The boys at the "kid table"
What fun little guys they all are!

Mom & Jack

Ryan threatened to start posting pictures of his choice if I didn't start posting more of myself, so here's to avoiding not having veto power over what gets posted...important to keep those rights while 9 months pregnant and heading into hospital pictures! :)

I love this little guy!

Thursday, February 7, 2013

I think Jack likes having both Ryan and I around again. He often wakes up in the morning talking about us..."Mommy, Daddy, Mommy Daddy..." We're having a lot of fun with him these days...it's such a fun stage of learning and exploring!

All Jack's cars and trucks got clean the other day at Ryan &
Jack's car wash...it's complete with a dryer, as you can see :)

Drawing something funny with mom.

Botanical Center

I figured the Botanical Center was a great way to "get outside" while the weather is still cold, so we met Alisa after school this week and did some exploring. I didn't know how long it'd keep Jack's interest, but exploring trails through a miniature jungle was more fun for a 2-year old than I expected!

First trip...stayed on the trails. Wondering
if I'll have to watch him closer if we go again!

Looking for fish and turtles.

Party with the Brinkmans

I gave Jack the choice of an airplane cake or a tractor cake. He chose a tractor cake, so we had a "farm party". Some of his guests even played along and came in "farm gear"...hence Jack and Bopa's "party hats". :)