Ben and Bekki Bakken

2011-12-23T12:28:00.000-08:00

A naked baby in the bathtub... life's little joys.

Yummmm! Sweet potatoes! Just started on some solid foods this month.

Brothers.

Merry Christmas to you all!

2011-12-23T12:16:00.000-08:00

This sad little picture was taken by Ben after Griff took a hard spill off the chair, while dancing, and singing, on top of the chair. Did I mention he was standing on top of the chair dancing?

Well it was "super cute" until he smoked his face on the way down. Poor guy.

Ben helped heal him up with a cold wash cloth to his chin, a drill, and of course- Buddy Boy.

I just have to show off our nearly 7 month old boy.

Happy!

Look at me Mama! I'm sitting up and playing all by myself!

We LOVE LOVE LOVE you Gus.

County Fair

2011-08-12T12:38:00.000-07:00

Griff driving a big tractor.... I think he's backing up here, ''Beep, Beep, Beep!''

Down the big slide!
We met our friends Jamie and Michelle Stay, and their daughter Katherine at the fair to go on some rides together and see the animals.

Griff was not a huge fan of the slide the 1st time down, but after a few minutes he asked to go down again!

Griff LOVED the carousel!! Oh wait... Nope... He hated it!!

At least Ben didn't bring him on the Zipper with him??

Family vacation up North 2011

2011-08-12T12:24:00.000-07:00

"Good morning Grandma Val. Read me a book!"

July 15-23 we all made our way to the cabin for our family vacation. It was a wonderful, hectic, hot 9 days and we can't wait to do it again next year. Here a are a bunch of photos showing off all the fun we had.

The lovely Auntie Casey introduced Griffin to art of Play-Doh. They played for an hour and a half! He loved it.

Bathtime! There isn't a bathtub at the cabin, only a shower. So we had to get creative by filling a tub, and setting it in the shower. Ta-da: a bathtub.

Gus gets worn out watching everyone swim. Next year he'll be a more willing participant. What a good boy.

2011-08-12T10:42:00.000-07:00

Cousins.

Having some fun in the sun!

Noah having a TON of fun squirting the adults.

Thanks for picking these up Auntie Casey!

Precious.

2011-08-12T10:17:00.000-07:00

Sweet little girl. For being the only girl, among the roudy boys, she holds her own. She really tough-and cute!

What. I'm not supposed to stand inside the turtle?

Smiles at the beach.

Katie and Ruby floating.

2011-08-12T10:04:00.000-07:00

It's amazing what a year can do for a child. Last year up North, Noah was afraid of... well everything. But this year, he was fearless (in a good way). He became quite the swimmer! Jeff surely got a good upper-body workout with the 100's of times Noah jumped to him off the dock.

Ben and Griffin enjoying the water. It was BEAUTIFUL that week. The water was about 79 degrees, ahhh.

Taking a boat ride!

Our trusted tour guide.

2011-08-12T09:53:00.000-07:00

Gus at 7 weeks old. What a honey.

I love this picture. Lounging with Grandma Val.

It is not an easy task to get 4 children, under the age of 3, to sit still for more than 5 seconds. This was our attempts of a mostly naked group photo after some brightly colored popsicles.

2011-08-12T09:49:00.000-07:00

2011-08-12T09:37:00.000-07:00

My naked boys! This is one of our favorite things. Baths are done, lotion is on, but just want to play in their undies/diaper.

A quick family picture before Ben leaves for home. He had a golf tournament the next morning, so he went home a few days early.

One last "love" before he goes.

2011-08-12T09:24:00.000-07:00

Katie and Jeff took the Noah and Ruby on a bike ride to Nisswa. They had a blast!

First time fishing! It was cool for the first 3 minutes, then boring after that. The fish were biting like crazy, just not on our hook. They kept taking our bait!

We never did catch a fish, but he sure liked going fast in the boat.

Back at the dock, Mom was fishing with Noah, Casey, Gus and Katie. They caught 5 fish! Griff got in on the action after the boat ride. Grandma Val knew how to catch the fish.

2011-08-12T09:12:00.000-07:00

The boys walking up from fishing with matching poles.

Dad and Gordy talkin' trees.

There were a few dead trees that needed to be taken down, so they hired a tree service to do just that.

The "Nanny" Casey, wearing Gus and watching the other two. They weren't going anywhere though. They were way to excited to leave because they were watching the guys in the boom truck cut down the trees.

2011-08-12T08:57:00.000-07:00

Needing some time ALONE, away from the noise and kids while we were making supper. And stealing a kiss on the front step.

SMORES! Cheese!

Ahhh!

Yummm!

5 Weeks

2011-07-05T18:36:00.000-07:00

Well, our little man is already 5 weeks old. I can hardly believe it! He is such a good baby despite the crud that he's had. We have been battling a yeast infection, diaper rash and thrush for the past 3 weeks. I'm SO over tired of dealing with it. But we are on the mend!

Gus is laying on the quilt Grandma Val made for him. Isn't it just beautiful?

Bright eyes!

I like hearing funny things.

2011-06-18T14:28:00.000-07:00

This morning while I was nursing Gus, Griff was playing with a toy semi and police car. He was driving the police car in and out of the back of the semi.
I asked him, "where are you going?"
"To a garage sale," he said.
That's my boy!

I called Grandma Val to tell her, and she replied, "well I taught you something right!"

We're havin' a baby!

2011-06-17T09:19:00.000-07:00

Arriving at the hospital at 5:30am after my water broke at 2:20am.

2:08pm- a baby boy!!
August Richard 6lbs. 8oz. 19 inches long.
It was such a different experience from my first labor. The nice part was that after I delivered Gus, they put him right on my chest, and he stayed there for 20 minutes. Then I nursed him for nearly an hour, then they cleaned him up and weighed him. It was just wonderful. We had a lot of quiet time as a family.

Daddy and his second son.

Just had myself a little baby. So happy!

2011-06-17T09:08:00.000-07:00

Our first evening with our little boy.

Griff meeting August for the first time.

Proud big cousin Noah.

2011-06-14T19:10:00.000-07:00

Cousins!! I think they will get into a lot of trouble together.

Gus's first bath.

Taking a snooze.

2011-06-14T14:50:00.000-07:00

Grandpa Steve holding August for the first time.

Proud Grandparents! Gus makes #4.

Waiting to leave the hospital. Ben looks a little tired.

Our tiny baby in his carseat leaving the hospital. He barely fit in it! We had to call the nurse into the room as we were leaving to help make some extra adjustments on the backside of the carseat because it just wasn't tight enough!

Ahhh, at home.

I'm not done yet.

2011-06-14T08:39:00.001-07:00

I still have many more pictures to post of our growing family. Look again later this week for more!

2011-06-13T10:02:00.000-07:00

Griffin feeling like just HAS to sit by Gus. I love it.

Kissing.

Out cold. There is nothing like looking at a baby asleep on your chest. Precious.

One of my favorite pictures of Griffin as a baby.

And August.

2011-06-13T09:53:00.000-07:00

Gus is just so tiny that I feel the need to document how little this boy is. I just never thought that I would have small babies! It is still weird to me.

Curled up in my arms. He is such a peanut.

Our Godchild Miley holding Gus. She was pretty excited!

Griff and Cooper.

Griffin is about 9 months older than Cooper, but nearly 2 pounds less. He is a big, solid boy.

Getting some sun, hoping to get rid of a little jaundice.

2011-06-13T09:43:00.000-07:00

I love to watch Griff play. Especially with his trucks, tractors and lawnmower. It is amazing to see his imagination at work.

Gus at one week old.

Yaawwwwn.

Brothers.

Griffin's 2nd Birthday Party

2011-05-20T19:11:00.000-07:00

The helpers. Rita and Katie.

Tonight we celebrated Griffin's 2nd birthday. He doesn't turn 2 until May 28th, but it worked out best to have the party now.

Our big boy. We love you so!

The "Ruby".

Classic, confused, "what?" look she gives. She has the cutest haircut now, so we call her our little Dutch girl.

2011-05-20T19:02:00.000-07:00

Grandpa Ralph and Ben catching up on the couch.

Grandma Gerry

Noah was being too quiet on the porch so I peeked in to see what he was up to. This. He successfully emptied the entire toy bin in a matter of 3 minutes. Funny guy.

Ruby was LOVING the Arnold Palmers we were drinking with supper tonight. Grandma Avonne was nice enough to share with her. No, there was no booze in it.

May be one of the last family pictures we have as a family of 3. It really does make me a little sad in a way, but also really excited to have another baby join our family. We are just starting another chapter in our lives. Griff is going to be an awesome big brother.

2011-05-20T18:52:00.000-07:00

Our Ruby Rae just makes herself at home while opening present. She plopped right down on Griff's lap!

Ben and I got Griffin a Ukulele and recordable microphone.

Soaking up the spotlight. He thought this was pretty awesome.

Checking out the Harley Davidson "motorcycle" Grandma Val and Grandpa Steve got him.

Getting close! 3 weeks (or less?) to go!

Brownies

2011-05-15T05:35:00.000-07:00

Griff and his coursin Katie Bakken at Easter. She's the youngest of the clan... but she had 5 older brothers looking out for her!

Griffin and I made brownies last week. Sampling the product.

Yummy!

"Cheese!"

Nesting? Thanks Ben.

Spring

2011-05-15T05:21:00.000-07:00

Ben's parents Don and Avonne on Don's 77th brithday at the end of March.

We had the Estate Sale at their home April 30/May 1, which was a BIG success. Then this past Friday/Saturday, we had a garage sale to try and sell a few more things. It wasn't quite as successful as the estate sale, but everything was donated to the Goodwill after this sale. Their garage looks AWESOME, and they can park both cars in it!

"Cheese!" Griff LOVES riding his bike. He can't reach the peddles, but that doesn't stop him from going!

A trip to Groth Impliment in Wanamingo to sit on the lawn mowers. Always a hit.

Driving tractor.

This was taken on Ben's 29th brithday, April 20th. We went to the Covered Bridge for supper. It was fun and the food was good!

Estate Sale!!

2011-04-25T19:04:00.001-07:00

Ben's parents are downsizing within the year and are having an estate sale at their home.

Where: 100 West Minnesota St. Cannon Falls, MN

When: Saturday April 30th and Sunday May 1st 9am-3pm.

They remodeled their old church into their 6,000 sq. ft. home 10 years ago. It is beautiful, but there is too much stuff! Just wanted to share it with you all. She has great decorating taste, an antiquer's dream! MANY pieces of furniture, linens, tons of home decor, housewares, tools, antiques, dishes, sports memorabilia etc.

Here is a link to their website: e-statesales.com. Check it out!

For Sale

2011-03-26T12:50:00.000-07:00

Ben is selling his 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe. It's a 4 cylinder, 2.4 Liter, 5 speed manual transmission. Has 111,000 miles and gets great gas mileage. We are asking $4,995 or best offer. It has new snow tires, new rotors and drives great in the winter. There is a small ding by the tail light, otherwise clean! It is parked at Mom and Dad's if anyone wants to look at it. Tell your friends!

Bed and Birthday

2011-03-26T11:19:00.000-07:00

Griff's new big-boy bed, equipped with brand new car sheets and toddler rail.

SO EXCITED!!!

Happy 1st Birthday to our favorite little girl- Ruby Rae! Went to Katie and Jeff's house on Saturday to celebrate Ruby turning one.

Griff at the birthday party.

Being super cute in the stairway, talking to his daddy.

Transition

2011-03-15T08:54:00.000-07:00

Griffin has officially become a big boy. He is out of the crib and into a big-boy bed!

Over the last week of illness, Griff hasn't slept in his own bed- which Ben and I are understanding of. However, now that the fever is gone and he is back to good health, we don't feel the need for him to be sleeping in our bed at night.

But he still did.

So we thought he might be phasing out of his crib since it was a dramatic event every night when we try to put him to sleep. So last night, Ben, his parents and I set up a twin bed, dressed with NEW car/truck sheets, pillowcase and bedskirt. Griff was seemingly very excited about this big change happening in his bedroom! After a few books and cuddle sessions to get him to sleep, it was a success! Our little man slept (nearly) all night in his new bed. He looked so cute and little sleeping in that big bed all by himself. Ben and I were so proud of him. Our hope is tonight is just as successful. Pictures to come soon!

Influenza

2011-03-10T14:22:00.000-08:00

The face of a boy with a 103.5 degree fever and refusing to take off his snowman pajamas.

Yup, the three of us were home this week with influenza. Cough, runny nose, fever, body aches, chills and sweating. We had it all. But, on the positive side, I got to cuddle with Griff more than ever! We spent some quality time with Mouse, Curious George and Buddy- his three bedtime friends.

But after some time off from work, prescription medication and cuddling- we are on the mend.

26 Weeks

2011-03-10T12:42:00.000-08:00

Gettin' there...

Feeling good still, I just dread taking my socks on and off. And picking anything up off the ground. I don't remember feeling this uncomfortable this early with my first pregnancy. But it will soon be over and I'll have a wonderful prize.

New thing- "picture Mama!" He's figured out that he gets to see himself after we take a picture.

Again?!?! How can I resist with a face like that?

Ben thinks it's just great to "tuck" Griff in anywhere, like the kitchen floor for example. Griff doesn't mind. As long as he has a soft blanket and something the drink- he's OK with it.

Just Stuff

2011-03-09T09:43:00.000-08:00

Ben had tickets to a Wild hockey game through work, and I was lucky enough to go with! We had a fun night, just the two of us. However, by the third period, I was yawning.

Griff's buddy Simon Grove. They are going to get in a lot of trouble one day.

We went to Louie and Sally's house for supper last week and the boys played and played after supper. SOOOO fun to play with someone else's toys, including an awesome bulldozer!

"Hi Mama!" In the tub with his "guys, " Hulk, Mean Gene and The Shiek. Ben's wrestler guys from his childhood.

Lindell Winter gathering

2011-03-09T09:29:00.000-08:00

Cheese!

Eating a yumy treat- a cupcake!

Sisters.

What a great idea "fishing" was! It was a HUGE hit with the kids.

Daddy and Griff fishing.

I'm not a good recorder of events, and I feel a little selfish. I only took pictures of my kid and sisters. That's it.

Growing...

2011-02-04T14:13:00.000-08:00

What a beautiful day outside! Griff and I dressed up to go and play outside for an hour today before Ben came home. He had a blast! We have tried many other times to "play" in the snow, but it has always been too cold or windy for him to enjoy it. What a guy.

CHEESE!

22 weeks and feeling good! I still have some days when I'm really tired and sluggish, but other days I have endless energy! I like those days.

It was time for pajamas with a little "naked boy" time first! But Griff felt compelled to take off his diaper first.

Showing Katherine Stay our Christmas pictures, while taking off his diaper. She didn't mind.

Fall catch-up continued...

2011-02-04T14:00:00.000-08:00

Griff has a new favorite spot, sitting on his own rocking chair in his room.

Attempting a group photo this past October at the apple orchard in Mazeppa. Katie, Jeff, Noah, Ruby, Griffin and I took a trip to the pumpkin patch and apple orchard. It was a PERFECT fall day, almost hot! The kids loved it, the adults were tired.

Buds. "Come on Griffy, I'll help you!"

The Sjobloms!

Big Changes

2011-01-18T07:15:00.000-08:00

Look at his proud little face!

I bought a potty chair a few weeks ago anticipating potty training in the future. To my surprise, Griff was all on board to sit on it. So I took off his diaper, he sat down and actually peed! I was so surprised and happy- we called Ben and Katie to tell them to news. But since then, he has not wanted to sit on there. At all. So my eagerness to try potty training will have to wait a little while longer. Maybe in March?

The three of us went to our friend's house, Taylor and Mindi Pagel, at the beginning of January to have supper and celebrate our Goddaughter's 3rd Birthday. It was a fun and hectic night with three kids under 3. This is their 11 month old Cooper, so cute!

This was Miley's third dress of the evening. She felt the need to dress like the princesses on her scooter we gave her. She was so excited! What an expressive girl.

Belly pic at 18 weeks. I'll be 20 weeks tomorrow (Wednesday). Still feeling good, but I have my days of tiredness. So blessed to have a husband to pick up my slack on those days.

Painting! Ben and I have been attempting to sell our house for nearly a year and a half with no success. So we had another realtor come into our home and take a look. We wanted an opinion on a price adjustment, as well as what other updates or changes could be made to appeal to buyers. So, after a lovely visit with our realtor, she determined some painting needed to be done to "neutralize" our home. I agreed. Three days later, I was painting the front porch and our bedroom. My only regret is that I wish I had done it years ago- I love the change! Ben took this picture while I was up on top of the closet in the porch. Never again. I didn't think I would ever make it down I was so terrified.

Christmas 2010

2011-01-18T07:02:00.000-08:00

Three pictures. That's it. I took three pictures over all of our Christmas celebrations.

Mom's face can be explained from Ben telling a funny story.

Jeff, Katie and Casey on the couch at Mom and Dad's on Christmas morning. I did take quite a bit of video of opening presents, so there is some record of this day!

Noah sitting in Ruby's new rocking chair, reading Grandpa Steve's tool magazine. Such a boy.

Kids

2011-01-17T11:22:00.000-08:00

Ruby Rae is pulling herself up and becoming mobile!

Griff was playing with a puzzle wearing my headband and a play necklace. Ben was getting a little nervous of his outfit, and the fact that Griff was really enjoying wearing it.

No worries.

Fall catch- up

2010-12-08T07:29:00.000-08:00

Every parent's most favorite sight: a sleeping boy with his butt in the air. Ahh.

Playing the drums.

Spaghetti was REALLY good this night.

Funny guy.

We did it again!

2010-11-11T08:31:00.000-08:00

Well, Griffin is going to be a big brother!

Yup, Ben and I are having another baby! We are due June 8, 2011, making me 10 weeks along. Feeling pretty good, except for being REALLY tired. We are very excited for this little person to join our family! Now we have to do some more remodeling of our office to accomidate this new addition.

I'll post some update pictures of our family soon.

The Loose Cannons are Playing!!

2010-11-07T06:45:00.000-08:00

Friday November 12, 2010 at the St. James Hotel in Red Wing, MN. Playing from 8-11:00 pm in the Summit Room. We are playing for South East Minnesota flood relief. Hope you can make it! We haven't played in a while, so we are really looking forward to it.

Weekend trip to Wisconsin

2010-08-24T08:52:00.000-07:00

Nap time was approaching, so Griffy needed to let me know he was getting tired by laying down on the kitchen floor and sucking his thumb. I got the hint.
Last weekend, the three of us and two friends drove to Rice Lake, Wisconsin for a friends wedding. From the hotel to the wedding, Griff fell asleep. He REALLY needed a nap, so I told Ben to go in and I'll wait in the car until he wakes up. An hour goes by, still sleeping. We missed the ceremony but he was a happy camper the rest of the night!

The wedding was the the Enchanted Barn in Hillsdale, WI. It was adorable.

Ben's parents, Don and Avonne, were also at the wedding. Don officiated the ceremony, and I sang a song for their first dance. It was a fun night.

UP NORTH!!! July 2010

2010-08-24T08:48:00.000-07:00

Grandma Val and Griff playing toys the first morning.

Big boy.

2010-08-24T08:39:00.000-07:00

The first weekend up North, Ben and I went out with some couples from Ben's work. One of their families have a cabin on Cross Lake, so we spent the afternoon with them! We played cards, went out on the pontoon, had supper, then out to Moonlight Bay for some drinks and dancing. It was fun!

It's very difficult to just stand still and smile.

The Nanny, aka Auntie Casey, is a pro at babysitting. Miss Ruby needs to be bounced to sleep, so we take turns getting her down.

Playing in the sand.

Noah and Grandpa. Love this one.

2010-08-24T08:32:00.000-07:00

Messy smile after spaghetti dinner.
Grandpa and Griff reading.

Yikes! 3 Haggstrom's without makeup! Welcome to the cabin.

First dip in the lake! He loved it!

Big Walker!

2010-08-24T08:22:00.000-07:00

On Friday night, when we arrived up North, Griff decided he could walk! He was walking back and forth just between Ben and I, then refused to walk at all for a month. And now is walking everywhere!
His signature tongue hanging out, concentrating.

Playing? Or defending his toys from Griffin?

Noah "hugging" his Mommy.

Don't smile. He really didn't want his picture taken. Too bad!

Precious Ruby Rae

2010-08-24T08:15:00.000-07:00

Happy girl!
Oh my goodness. Does she get any cuter???
With the mohawk, big eyes and curious finger- adorable!

Yawn...

Need to check out what's happinging outside.

By the water

2010-08-24T08:08:00.000-07:00

Mom and Dad made a pretty good looking family huh?

After this, we headed to Taco Tuesday at the Pequot Legion. Ymmm!

Watching the boats.

Boat Ride

2010-08-24T07:56:00.000-07:00

Giving Griff a much needed haircut. He sat so good! Noah, Ben and Grandpa Steve also got haircuts.
On the pontoon! Gordy was nice enough to let us borrow is pontoon for the evening to tool around the lake.

Helping Grandpa drive the boat.

Ruby wasn't a fan of the boat ride. Between the wind and mild showers during the drive, she had enough. So Daddy to the rescue! Jeff bounced her to sleep, covered with a blanket.

4th of July

2010-08-23T18:41:00.000-07:00

We had some fun visitors on the 4th of July before the parade. These are the "kids" that grew up in our house! They were back in Wanamingo to visit their Mom over the 4th, asked to stop by and see the house they grew up in. It was really nice to meet them and hear their stories of when they were young, growing up in this house. They loved to see how it has changed since we remodeled, and were really pleased to see some the original character left in the house.

Laying a big one on Ruby.

Sweaty family pic.

Noah was not feeling good at all this day. He ended up having an ear infection with a really high fever. He didn't enjoy the parade at all, just sat on Katie's lap. Poor guy.

Front row seat for the parade!!

Catching up from Summer

2010-08-23T18:28:00.000-07:00

My friend Sally and I took our boys to the Wanamingo pool in June. It was Griff's first dip in a pool- he loved it!!!

Ruby and Noah at our house for the afternoon.

Griffy LOVES LOVES LOVES babies! He always has to kiss babies, which is cute, but scarey. Good thing Ruby loves smiles when Griff loves her up.

Precious girl!

Happy 1st Birthday to our big boy Griffin Benjamin!

2010-06-10T15:08:00.000-07:00

Having breakfast, and I'm reminiscing about this day one year ago. I had no idea how this little baby could bring so much joy to Ben and I. You are a blessing Griffy and we love you dearly!

Grandma Grove and Olive

Isaac Hedeen and Griff playing before the party started.

Family picture. We love you Griffin!

2010-06-10T14:10:00.000-07:00

Our good friends- the Hedeens; Ria and Rob with Eli and Isaac

Great picture!

Little Ruby Rae

Kissing cousins- Griffin and Simon Grove

2010-06-10T13:56:00.000-07:00

Left to Right: Gavin Sommer, his dad Nate, Louie Grove holding Griffin and Simon (Louie's son) and Grandma Grove.

Katie and Ruby Rae- don't' you LOVE her hair?? Unbelievable. She has a mohawk no matter how hard they try.

I love this one: Ben, Don and brother Chris. Looks like Don is giving them a lesson.

Katherine Anna Bakken- the littlest Bakken with 5 older brothers.

Grandpa and Grandma Haggstrom. So glad they could be there.

2010-06-10T13:42:00.000-07:00

Oh boy- should I be having this?

Yeah, this is awesome.

YUMMM!

Miley and Mindi!

2010-06-10T13:35:00.000-07:00

Opening presents.

Jeff and Ruby Rae

We are geeks.

There was a double rainbow over Wanamingo last week, so I took a picture of it. Even worse, Ben shot a home video of it. It really was pretty, but a picture and video? Really?

Big Boy Haircut May 27th

2010-06-10T13:17:00.001-07:00

The "before" mullet.

The day before Griffin turned 1, we walked to downtown Wanamingo to get his first haircut. I was so excited, but a little sad. My baby is a big boy now.

Shaggy "before"

And After! Thanks Jamie!

Griffin even got an official "first haircut certificate" congratulating him on graduating from babyhood.

I'm awesome!

That same evening, Ben, Griff and I went to Cannon Falls to grill at the Pagel's house; Taylor, Mindi, Miley and Cooper. Griff was playing in the back yard, tripped in the dirt, and scraped his nose and lip. Ben and I felt so bad for him because I think it really hurt! He had a mouthful of dirt. Gross. So I ran in the house to get a wet rag, and when I came out, Griff had a bloody nose! Isn't that such a boy, to have a scrape on the end of your nose for your first birthday, and a bloody nose to go with it.

Wisconsin Weekend, May 20-23

2010-06-10T12:49:00.000-07:00

The three of us went to Waukesha Wisconsin to visit some of Ben's family. His Aunt Betty, Uncle John and their children. It was about a 4 1/2 hour drive and Griffin was awesome! I was so nervous the weeks leading up to the trip because of the long drive, but the little bugger surprised me and was a perfect angel!

Above is a picture of Griff and Brady (3) riding in the Burley with John. John is a an avid bicycler, so he has this cart that hooks on the back of his bike- and they loved it! While John rode his bike to the park, Ben and I rode their SCOOTERS!! Way fun!

Riding horse in the back yard.

Having dinner at one of their favorite restaurants.

Cousin Katie and I took the boys to the Milwaukee Zoo that Saturday. The weather was perfect and the boys were so well behaved. Katie has a season pass to the zoo, so Brady knew just where to take us! It was a fun afternoon with Griffy, and he loved looking at all the animals.

While us girls were at the zoo, Ben went golfing with his cousin Julie, and Katie's husband Chuck. They had a fun time together, but were very tired when they got home.

That evening, the Twin's were playing the Milwaukee Brewers, so we grilled at Katie and Chuck's house. It was a really LOUD game since we had fans cheering for both teams!

Auntie Betty and Griffy on the porch Sunday morning before church. We had a fabulous weekend, and can't wait to go back again.

More to come...

2010-06-05T10:01:00.001-07:00

I have many more pictures to post, birthday party etc. Don't have time at the moment to keep blogging, but I will soon! Have a great weeked family!

Favorite hobby- pushing things!

2010-06-05T09:54:00.000-07:00

Funny boy. Why the red, blotchy face? Read on.
I'm pretty awesome, look Mom!

Do you think I could push this up the stairs?

Another favorite hobby- emptying Mommy's purse! There's a lot of stuff in here, and he takes every last thing out!

Bug bites? Chiggers? Chicken pox? Hives? Yes, hives.

2010-06-05T09:47:00.000-07:00

Griffy came home from daycare with these "bites" on this body. But none of the other daycare kids had them...
Hmmm... he was on his Amoxicillin, but on the 9th day of a 10 day course. It couldn't be a reaction? Right?

Wrong.

Uh-oh.

Crap, I think it's hives.

Maybe Amoxicillin isn't our drug of choice anymore...

2010-06-05T09:39:00.000-07:00

Holy scary.

Our hearts just ached for him. He was absolutely miserable that weekend, and I couldn't really do anything for him.

Hard to beleive, but this wasn't the worst of it! He got even worse that night, but quickly resolved in the next two days. Hopefully never again.

Ben's 28th Birthday

2010-06-05T09:33:00.000-07:00

On April 20th, Ben celebrated his 28th birthday! Griffy came down with an ear infection that day, so we spent the afternoon at the doctors office. But they prescribed Amoxicillin for him again, and he felt better after just one dose.
Grandpa Steve and Griff

Happy Birthday Daddy!

Twins' Opener!

2010-06-05T09:22:00.000-07:00

Ben was able to go to the Twins home opener in April at new Target Field through work. He had a really fun time with his buddies at work.

Just awesome.

They were on the "Bud roof deck." Great view and free beer.

Happy 1st Birthday Griffin!!

2010-05-30T14:13:00.000-07:00

On Friday, May 28, Griffy turned 1! He's been the biggest blessing to Ben and I. It's been a really fun year, and I'm so excited to see what the next year is going to bring. We had a big birthday party on Friday evening with all our family and friends at the Wanamingo park shelter. It was a fun and hectic evening with beautiful weather! Griffy received some cute outfits and fun summer toys- thank you everyone! I'll post some pictures of the party and more this week.

Just another day...

2010-04-11T20:13:00.000-07:00

Busted.
Bath time!!

Chewing on his "cow-duck."

Too cute!

Huh?

#2

2010-02-11T06:09:00.000-08:00

Ben and I are excited to announce that Griffin got his second tooth this week!!!! He's getting to be a big boy.

Bad Mom Moment...

2010-02-11T05:49:00.000-08:00

I'm sure I'm not the only person to have done this.

The end of January is the Cannon Falls Alumni Tournament where many of the CF graduates come back and play in a basketball and volleyball tournament. Being a good wife, I brought Griffy to the high school to watch Ben play that Saturday afternoon. Now, my car has a fancy automatic door-locking system. If I hit the lock button ONCE, the doors will lock within 10 seconds of the doors closing. If I hit the button TWICE, it locks all the doors immediately. So, I turned off my car, grabbed my keys, purse and diaper bag, opened my door, hit the lock button ONCE, and crawled in the back seat to take him out of his car seat. He's sleeping of course. As I'm unbuckling Griff, my phone rings.

Now, hindsight- I should have just let it ring. But it's Katie and what if it's something important, and Griff was sleeping anyway so it's not like he was waiting for me. Right? So I answer it and think to myself, "I'll just step outside to talk so Griff can keep sleeping." I step outside and quietly close the door. Talk, talk, talk, lock.

Uh oh. %*$&#! KATIE, I JUST LOCKED GRIFF AND MY KEYS IN THE CAR!

A frantic and cold 20 minutes later, Mr. Towtruck/locksmith/lifesaver unlocked my car and I scooped up my still sleeping boy and we went to finish watching Ben's basketball game.

So Cute

2010-02-11T05:39:00.000-08:00

I was watching Noah at our house yesterday for a little while when Katie was getting a well-deserved massage. We were looking at a picture book and I was pointing to each picture so Noah could tell me what each thing was. There was a little blonde boy crying on one page, and he said, "Logan!" It struck me by surprise- first that he knew who Logan was (probably from the Christmas picture? or blog?), and that he associated a crying boy with Logan. I don't think he's seen Logan cry lately, but I do have to give Noah a little credit, the boy really did resemble Logan. Funny kid.

Grandpa and Grandma Bakken's house

2010-01-05T17:52:00.000-08:00

Don let Griffy play on his face- it was so funny! Griff loved it!
Ben's brother Chris has 5 boys and new baby girl- making 6 kids! It is pretty special to have one of our kids be close in age.

Grandpa Don and Katherine Anna.

Griffin got a new John Deer stocking cap from Don and Avonne.

He looks so cute in it.

My guys.

Christmas Eve

2010-01-05T17:42:00.000-08:00

We stopped at Ben's Grandma's house in Zumbrota on Christmas Eve. She is such a wonderfully tiny lady.
Playing with Dad.

The boys by the tree! About 2 seconds after this was taken, Griff took a nose-dive onto the floor. The floor was slippery, and Griffy is wiggley. He was not a happy camper for a few minutes.

Playing on the floor.

Having so much fun!!!

He is such a happy baby. What a blessing.

Mom's 53rd Birthday at Casey's- Dec. 14, 2009

2010-01-05T17:33:00.000-08:00

This was taken at our house one night when Ben and I were watching Noah. Before putting on his pajamas, he wanted to be "Nakey Noah!" OK- just let him run around in his diaper! Easy enough.
Happy Birthday Grandma Val, or Gamma Bal as Noah would say.

Sweet boy.

Sissy at 26 weeks.

We had really good supper of delivered pizza and vanilla cheesecake. It was wonderful, but bitterly cold that night. I guess it was a foretaste was what was to come.

Christm... New Years House Tour, kind of

2010-01-05T17:28:00.000-08:00

A snowy evening in Wanamingo.
We had our tree in the front porch, and hung our 3 stockings in the window.

Little Ben.

Awesome bangs. Thanks Mom!

It seems I may have forgotten to take a picture of our tree all decorated. Well, there's always next year.

PEAS!!

2010-01-05T17:18:00.000-08:00

"Them some good peas ma!" Hungry little boy.

Absolutely miserable.

Dec. 1, the Bakken's got a cold. Poor Griffy had it the worst. Runny nose, cough, sore throat (we think), goopy, watery eyes... it was aweful. He didn't sleep for a week, which means I didn't sleep for a week. He didn't eat well or sleep well. He just whined and moaned, but I could do anything for the poor guy. I ended up taking him to his doctor to find out he had an ear infection and was given an antibiotic. After one dose- he was a differnt boy.

As Heidi would say, here's some "post-bath cuteness!"

Why are kids 100x cuter after a bath? They just are, and I love it. A warm bath can make any baby feel better, and it did.

Retirement and Halloween

2009-11-04T08:57:00.000-08:00

Sunday November 1 was a big day for Ben's parents. His dad Don, retired after 28 years of service at Our Saviours Lutheran church in Cannon Falls. Avonne also retired as the church secretary. It was a very special day for the both of them. After the morning service, there was lunch and a special program at 2:00. Don and Avonne sat up front and for an hour, we sang and told stories. People stood up and told them how their ministry impacted their lives. They are wonderful people, and the church was blessed to have them serve for 28 years. Happy retirement!!!!
Happy Halloween!! Our dragon was pretty tired. He slept through most of the trick-or-treating.

A visit to Grandma Lindell's house. Noah was a frog, and Griff was a dragon. They were soooooooo stinkin' cute!

Playing with Dad.

Bekki's Burthday and more

2009-11-04T08:49:00.000-08:00

Sunday Oct. 25, we went to Mom and Dad's for supper to celebrate my 25th Birthday. It was fun and low-key. Here are a couple of pictures of Griffy. He looked so old-fashioned in his pajamas and mom's old blanket.

Rolling outside.

Sitting up in his high chair.

Hello, I'm 5 months old today! Just looking as cute as ever.

Visit at Grandma Lindell's Oct. 24

2009-11-04T08:41:00.000-08:00

By the end of the visit, Griffy was wiped out. He fell asleep with his thumb in his mouth, just as I was holding him. Precious.
Griffin and Mandy talking away! He thought she was pretty fun!

Sissys! It was just soooo much fun to see Kelly and her kiddos. You too Mrs. Michelle!

Little Anna is getting so big. She is just adorable!! Who knew Justin could make someone so cute??

Rolling to his tummy, big boy!

Dad's Birthday Oct. 13, 2009

2009-10-27T10:39:00.000-07:00

Mom and Griffin

2009-10-27T10:29:00.000-07:00

This was taken when we were celebrating Katie's birthday at Mom and Dad's house at the beginning of October. Griffy thinks Grandma Val is very funny!

Katie's Birthday

2009-10-26T09:19:00.000-07:00

4 months old today!! Sept. 28, 2009

2009-09-28T08:36:00.000-07:00

Griffin is 4 months old today. He was soooo happy this morning after sleeping for 9 hours straight!!! Awesome! He usually sleeps for 5-6 hours, then 3 hours, so last night was a treat!

Playing in his Jump-a-roo!

Camping September 26

2009-09-28T08:30:00.000-07:00

Camping makes a little boy very tired.
Telling stories by the fire.

Katherine was throwing up all day Saturday. She did not feel good and it showed. Poor girl.

Michelle and Katherine. She only wanted Mom that day. No one else would do.

Camping and More

2009-09-28T08:22:00.000-07:00

Jamie and Michelle Stay invited us for the weekend to their camper in Winona, so this past weekend, we went!! It was very relaxing, especially for Griffin. He was getting tired, so Ben set him behind me because he needed to do something. The little guy found his thumb and put himself to sleep, right there. Funny boy.
Don't worry Mom, he wasn't there for long. And I made sure he could breathe.

Smiling at Dad.

My guys.

2009-09-28T08:13:00.000-07:00

Ben blowing bubbles with his gum for the kids. They loved it.
Katherine, William and Ryan.

Griff figured out how to hold onto a raddle and get it to his mouth! He figured it out this weekend and he just loves it.

Oops, it fell on my face. How do I get this off of here?

Early September

2009-09-28T07:46:00.000-07:00

Hanging around the house.
Noah and Griff playing on the floor. Noah's goofy smile.

Smiley boy!

Sept. 4, me, Ben, Katie, Jeff, Mom, Dad, Justin, Mandy, Brendon and Shelly went to see Jim Gaffigan (spelling??) at Treasure Island. We went to a Mexican Restaurant before the show and the boys were REALLY feeling festive and ordered strawberry margaritas! They were really tasty and really girly. And the show was very fun.

Cute Sunday outfit.

Griffin Talking to Ben

2009-09-28T07:28:00.000-07:00

Making Salsa

2009-09-28T07:18:00.000-07:00

So Katie and I decided we need to start canning. Good idea. I learned to wear a glove when chopping jalepeno peppers. My hand burned for hours, so this is me soaking my hand in cold milk. Surprisingly, it really helped... until I took it out.
Here is picture of our 17 jars of salsa!! We were so very proud of ourselves that it acutally turned out! All those years of watching Mom can tomatoes paid off!

Exhausted.

P.S. No, we did not plan to wear to same outfit, it just happens. All the time.

Katie brought down the Jump-a-roo for Griff to try. He loved it!!!!! But Noah thought he should give it a whirl again too. He was just a little too big for it. It was so funny.

Griff in his Jump-a-roo. So much fun!!

August 23, 2009 Griffin's Baptism

2009-09-25T12:25:00.000-07:00

Three little heads peeking over the pew.

Grandpa Don putting the water over his head and blessing him.

A prayer for our little man. This was really special to have Don baptize his son Ben, and his Grandson.

Griff's Godparents Pam and Chris Bakken (Ben's brother and wife.) They had baby number 6 yesterday Sept. 24. A little girl with 5 big brothers.

2009-09-24T10:26:00.000-07:00

2009-09-24T10:20:00.000-07:00

Hanging out on the porch. It was a beautiful day.
Ben's Godmother Olive and a crabby Griff. I soon discovered why he was so crabby when I changed his diaper.

Some of the Bakken boys- Daniel, Matthew and John.

Dad looked so sharp that day.

The grill master. We had a great lunch of grilled pork loin, cheesy potatoes, salad, homemade bread, corn on the cob, lime dessert and root beer floats. Yummm.

2009-09-24T10:09:00.000-07:00

Grandpa Don picking a fight.

Sitting in the shade by the tree before lunch.

This is what Noah is doing when you say, "Smile!" What a goof. He also took a dive into the gravel the day before and scraped up his nose and forehead. Poor guy.

Griffy's newest discovery... his thumb!!! What a lifesaver, and it is so darn cute.

12 Weeks Old

2009-08-20T09:28:00.000-07:00

Here is our big boy- 12 weeks old today! He is soooo darn much fun! He is laughing and smiling all the time. He found his left thumb last night too! He has been sucking on his hands like crazy, but can only get the knuckle of his pointer finger in his mouth. Last night when he was done nursing, he got his thumb in his mouth!
Smiley boy! I got back to work on Monday and I can't tell you how much I am dreading it. I'm not anxious about his daycare, I just haven't been away from him for more than 4 hours and that is PLENTY. I'm very ready to be with him after 4 hours of being away. So I'm really axious about going to work all day. When people ask when I' m going back to work, I get all teary-eyed
when I talk about it. Uh.

The last three months have been such a joy. Being home with Griff has been the biggest blessing to me.

Griff talking

2009-08-19T06:26:00.000-07:00

Griffin Smiling

2009-08-18T16:39:00.000-07:00

VACATION!! July 31- August 9

2009-08-18T16:31:00.000-07:00

Griffin was ticked he had to wear this polka dot jacket with bear ears on it. It was chilly and we were going for a walk. Too bad!
Ben's walley! Three pounds!

Dad cleaning fish.

Noah reading to Casey.

Kissing cousins.

2009-08-18T16:23:00.000-07:00

Katie Ann getting a wet kiss from Nogi. He hasn't learned the art of a closed-mouth kiss.
Chubs.

Noah thinks it's very fun to wear to boppy, and even more fun to suck on Griff's pasifier when he finds it lying around.

Distress?

Watching a movie. I cried throughout the whole thing. I think I was hormonal.

2009-08-18T16:14:00.000-07:00

A cuddley evening at the cabin.
Going for a pontoon ride! Gordy let us borrow his pontoon for the evening. This was taken shortly before Naoh cut our boat ride short by breaking out into a rash, uncontrolable runny nose and leaky diaper. It was fun anyway.

Grandpa Steve and Noah.

Good thing Griffy doesn't know how dorky that hat is.