So the holidays are upon us.  We actually have everything (I think) for Nick that he will be getting (courtesy of Mom on Black Friday) .  We are getting everything in place for the next one as we hope to get a good deduction this year - come on baby, Papa needs a new [insert Gadget].  Our first rite of holiday passage is Zoo Lights.  Nick enjoyed the "pretty lights" and the talking Giraffe.  He even stayed awake till 9:30 when we left and was in a good mood the whole time.  See Nick, if you take a nap the rest of the day is Better!

Nick by the pretty lights.

For those observent types you might be wondering why we didn't clean his nose.  Actually he did something overnight and rubbed a layer of skin off his nose so that isn't a nose bleed, it is a scab.  Hopefully to be gone soon so we can get a nice Xmas picture.

Well the new guy is certainly making our lives interesting.  We moved Nick into his new room to make way for the new kiddo and Nick loves it so far.  We are still working on a few things but it is 99% done.

Jen went to the doc this week and got plenty of information.  First is that the baby weighs 6lbs and per the ultrasound is 36 weeks in (versus the 32 it "should" be).  Also the baby is breech right now so Jen is doing some exercises to try to get him in the right spot.  Ultimately this leads us to believe we may have a scheduled birth this year though the doc still says Jan 12.  We shall see soon no matter what.

The little squigles say the baby has plenty of hair.

Also, seeing as the baby may show his little face sooner then later we need to figure out a name.  The leaders as of today are: 1. Adam, 2. Andrew, 3. Neal, 4. Matthew, 5. Kyle.

What can I say, job well done.

This past weekend was sporting event outings weekend.  On Friday we went to the Roadrunners (closer and way cheaper) to watch some hockey.  Nick had a good first period but the second period proved to be his undoing so we didn't make it to the 3rd (the game started at 7pm so we didn't really expect to make it much longer).  Overall he loved the Hockey game and he learned how to yell so he liked that too.

Then on Sunday we took him to his first Cardinal game.  Unfortunately he didn't take a nap on the way so it took a toll (on all of us :O).  Nick was excited to go to the Football game and clap.  Parking was easy, the walk was a little long but no biggie.  We stopped for a few pictures at the big 1 and then on inside.  We were pretty high up and tickets there weren't cheap, the Cards must be raking in some cash these days.  We had a good time but left at the beginning of the 4th and beat the rush out (we didn't miss much as the Cards took the 4th quarter off).  Of course Nick was out in 5 minutes...

The Big One (and the important 2)

Ohhhhhh Pizza

Funny anecdote: So hockey is one of those sports where you learn colorful language.  After a goal by our team the crowd cheerfully notes to their goalie: "He shoots, he scores, hey goalie, You Suck".  Guess what part Nick picked up on...  So at the football game while we were walking around he was clapping he would again cheerfully say "You suck".  Lovely.

So when you've got something that works keep it rolling.  Nick loves the outdoors (known) and now loves Hole in the Rock.  So this time the whole family went and enjoyed it (well Mom worried about crazy Nick a little).  Below are a couple of cute pictures with the little guy that we got - not such a little one anymore...

Mom and Nick in the windy spot.

The other news is that while Nick's room was ready to go we noticed that the bed we just got for Nick was crack on the side.  Seeing as it was the second time and Nick only slept on it once (yep, he took a Nap! on it) we decided it had to go.  Luckily Mom remembered that the crib actually is meant to turn into a toddler bed so it should work out pretty good.  Still need a crib for the new kiddo but Nick can stay in his crib until he desires to change it to the toddler style.

There are two major sources of noise in the garage door, the wheels and the door opener itself.  We had metal wheels and a screw type garage door (we bought thinking it was quiet).  Lacking the desire or skill to replace the door opener we had a professional do it, we replaced it with a belt drive Liftmaster model.  When this was done the difference was striking but not quiet enough.  So we had him change out the wheels.  And here is the trick, he removed the guide on one side and rolled the door down and popped out each wheel and replaced with a nylon wheel.  Very quick and easy.  This is a trick that I had not seen anywhere so I was a bit disappointed in Home Depot and Lowes when I saw how easy it was.  Anyway, after the nylon wheels were installed the door openning is Very quiet.  

Seeing as we have two doors and no desire to pay for another opener, I just changed out the wheels.  It is quieter but not nearly as quiet as the Liftmaster.  So for those out there looking for a quiet door get a belt drive door opener and replace the wheels with nylon ones.  If you think it is still to loud you are insane and should get some help.

Now Nick can get some sleep and we can open the garage door without fear!  A new day at the Andresen household.

Just a little closer...

Nick and Mom spending quality time together.

Also, the due date for the next kiddo got moved up from Jan 20 to the 12th.  The doc also said the baby was big so they may want to induce even earlier.  Maybe we will get a tax break this year, yeah team.

Meet little Tigger, aka Nick.  Yesterday was Halloween and may I say, Nick's first real attempt at it.  Other then scary stuff at some houses he did awesome.  He walked almost the whole time and said Trick or Treat and thank you to everyone.  We stayed out for 40minute and he really enjoyed it.  Once we got back he even helped Mom and Dad pass out candy to the other kids.  A very successful Halloween.

Little Tigger

Meet Big Tigger