Thanks Aunt Jill!

My sister was kind enough to post a few pictures for us all to enjoy. Thank you!

The Giggle Monster

Did you ever wonder if I was kidding about the monkey stuff? I'm not, proof's in the picture.

Kolten modeling my hat. How cute is that!



Max teaching Unlcle Matt the fine art of chillin' out.

Weekend at Gradma and Grandpa's

We were in Denison this past weekend for a visit with Gradma and Granpda. There is a family calendar (grandpa's family) made every year with each month dedicated to one of the siblings. Yes, there are that many! In order to have the most updated photos available...Picture Time! Max hammed it up for the camera, here are some of the final products.

First time on a "real" swing.

Gosh Mom, that pesky sun just won't leave my eyes alone!

Max with Gradma Lois and Grandpa Dave. His first (of many I'm sure) time on the bike.

More swing time.


You can't see this much of his onesie in the other pics, but it ways "COOL Just Like Daddy".

More Birthday Fun

So Melissa's bday starts the busy season for us : ) Next came Riley's 1st bday, and then Max's 1/2 bday this past Sunday. Next is Mom Hanson's bday (& our anniversary), Kolten's bday, Chris' bday, my bday, Evan's bday, Sheldon's bday. There are a couple assorted friends bday's in there too. There are others that follow not too far behind the last one, Jan. 4, but isn't that enough already?!

Max continues to grow and develope. It's amazing to watch him discover and learn to do new things in his world. I can't believe we're lucky enough to be a part of his wonder. His field of accomplishment grows everday, I'll have to have a separate post on that at a later date. Meanwhile, I know you're really checking this for new pictures of the monkey, so as not to dissappoint...

Riley's 1st Birthday Party:

Riley, David, Tina

Riley, David, Max, Mike

Max and Daddy having fun at Riley's party.

Max was really diggin' his half bday. Or it could be that he was just excited to get a visit from Brian and Amanda. Max seemed to think everything A. did was hilarious. I guess that means they should come by more often!

Happy Birthday Aunt Mel!

Aunt Melissa had a birthday today (or yesterday by the time this actually posts).
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MELISSA! Aunt Mel and Uncle Matt are rocking out San Francisco for the next couple of years (literally as Mel is attending the San Francisco Conservatory of Music [voice]<--we r so proud of u!), but we celebrated as if she were here : ) We spent the night singing, dancing, and laughing.

Max is singing with Mike . . . . . . . .and I obviously interupted his good time.

(where have I seen this look before....)

Here are some pics of our fav monkey and his one and only Aunt Melissa.


And Uncle Matt, too!

Birth of a Rock Star

We've had a good week and a fabulous weekend. There are tons of pictures and a few videos. We had an awesome Saturday. Our oldest nephew, Sheldon, came to spend the day and night with us yesterday. Mike already had plans to spend the day with his brother Chris. So SIL Karyn and I took Max and Sheldon to the Science Center of Iowa. We had a great afternoon at SCI, and then went back to Chris and Karyn's. Karyn and Shel put together a homemade pizza, and then Shel got to rock out. Chris and Karyn have a drum set and piano and guitars set up in a spare bedroom. Shel decided to try his hand at the drums. Karyn helped him out at first, but soon he was rocking all on his own. Mike, and eventually Karyn, joined him on the bass and guitar. All in all, a great day. Thanks to all who helped make it that way!

Also, Max is finally big enough to really play with some toys he got at his baby shower. A big THANK YOU to Uncle Chris and Aunt Karyn for these wonderful entertainment devices! I took a couple photos of him really getting into his toys for the first time. Enjoy!

Max taking in his first soccer game with Aunt Jill.

Sheldon is on the left.

Max entertaining himself (finally)!

Playing in Rockets!

Max with Aunt Karyn at SCI.

Shel with a peg imprint of himself.

The one that didn't get away.

Shel building a Wonderbot to wash dishes.

The "Before" picture. See video for after : )

After: The Domino Effect

Shel (left) practicing on the green screen.

Max enjoying the music & Aunt Karyn's company.

Shel on the drums!

Karyn showing Shel the drums (above) and Mike, Shel, & Karyn rocking out (below).

Mike and Shel rocking out. (sorry for the poor quality of the video, I was sneaking the video so the subjects and lighting aren't properly prepared for recording)

No More Paparazzi

Here are the promised pics:

Mmm, cereal.

Naked baby!

I've got a good, clean feeling.

Wha'choo lookin' at?

Max and Mike creating a new playlist. Any requests?

Baby "Babble-On"

Weighing In

So the kiddo had two doctor appointments yesterday. One with Blank Children's Hopsital for his 4 month developemental screening. The other his regular well baby visit, four shots included. He did well with both. He is right on target for his adjusted age (just under 3 months) for all his skills. Physically, he is getting closer to the size of his peers! We have one big baby boy.
Mike was able to come to the well baby visit; it was his first. He did well, even holding Max's legs for the shots....although he hid his face. I think it was both self preservation (he hates needles) and not wanting Max to see he was contributing to his discomfort ; )
Here's a recap of Max's growth:

Age Weight Length (inches)

Birth 4#14oz 18

1 mo 6#09oz 19 3/4

2 mo 9#14oz 21 1/2

4 mo 14#14oz 25

We'll try to post some pictures and video later this week. Hope all is well in your world(s).