Tristan's New Hat

Our little boy is 6 1/2 months old already! He's got one shiny new tooth coming in and is scooting around the house like crazy. We rearranged the living room to help keep him in one spot a bit better. He's in a big boy car seat now since his infant seat just wasn't big enough any more. Last weekend we painted the entry way and living room which went amazingly well with a baby in the house. Daddy took his son shopping on Sunday so Mommy could finish putting things away and cleaning. Well, when they go shopping, something always comes home for the little guy and this time it was a new hat! So now we're adding to our growing collection of camo gear with a new baseball hat that says "My 1st ATV" with a trike on it. When they got home from Fleet Farm, Tristan was smiling so much-I think it was all the attention he got from everyone in the store. He didn't want to take his hat off which is very unusual for him so I think he's going to be living in a baseball hat like his daddy.

Where Did The Year Go?

It seems like it was just yesterday that we were in the snow and cold of January and now it's creeping back up on us again! At lease we're getting one more shot of summer weather in September. Labor Day weekend was beautiful weather with lots of sun and fun up at the Lake with our good friends the Kitzmans and our niece Shawna and nephew Jerod. The weather couldn't have been more perfect so the kids got to spend a lot of time in the lake.

We had a couple of fun dinner too-we did a spaghetti dump for everyone on Saturday night-their faces were priceless when I dumped out the spaghetti on to the table and told them to dig in. I would post pics but I was busy dumping out dinner! Sunday night we celebrated Garin and Papa's birthdays with a Luau Taco Party. My good friend Mia came out for the afternoon and evening with her daughter Ayla so it was a great three day weekend. Wish the summer wouldn't have to come to an end that's for sure!

There is one good thing about fall, Football season! And my dad who has been a loyal Vikings Fan living in Wisconsin for over 35 years has finally gotten his little revenge..........

Happy Half Birthday Tristan!

I can't believe that I am posting our little guy is 6 months old already!!! It seems like it was just a few weeks ago that I was furiously posting pictures and his birth story and now he's celebrating 6 months. As you can see from the picture, we've got quite the little personality on our hands! We had pictures taken on 8/22 and the photographer had a hard time keeping him still enough to get the shot. We fell in love with this one and decided that this was the one. He's working on crawling and can get all around the upstairs now with no trouble. Unfortunately, he's still trying to cut his first tooth and he's got another ear infection but he's such a trooper. Even when he feels badly he's still trying to smile and be a happy baby. The boys have been spending the week up at Grammi and Papa's house for one last summer week of fun. Hockey starts next week and then school shortly after so we will be one uber busy household!!! We've really had a fun summer with all the boys spending time together and just enjoying being a family. Here's the picture that we got of all three handsome guys. What a blessing to have such awesome kids!

We're on the move!

Tristan is mastering the art of crawling! He's up on all fours and going forward, thankfully, not very quickly but it's coming. He has a funny way of getting up on the tips of his toes and pushing his butt up in the air too. The boys are having a great time encouraging their little brother to get around the house-little do they know this will put an end to their freedom too. I can't believe that summer is quickly coming to an end and we're looking at back to school and back to hockey in just two short weeks. I'm ready for everyone to get back on a schedule since it's been a crazy summer driving all over but it will be a new adventure with two big boys in school and hockey and fitting the baby's schedule into the mix. We can do it-we're tough! Here's a few more pictures of my wild boys.

Finally! A weekend at home, kind of.

We had a weekend at home, well sort of, and it was nice not to have to drive 8 hours over a three day period for a change. We did have have a few fun summer parties to attend, one of them being our friend Ehren and April's daughter MaKenzies First Birthday! It was a fun afternoon in St. Charles playing with all the new toys (but don't mess with the birthday girl if she's got her sights on her toy!) and having our first taste of cake frosting and ICE CREAM! Tristan of course loved jumping in the jumparoo-since his legs are so busy all the time anyway. The weather cooperated and it was sunny and warm which was nice considering we haven't had much of a summer this year. I can't wait for TL's birthday to see what he does with a cake of his own.

Class of 89 Reunion

Jenniffer had her 20 year class reunion last weekend in Superior. It was an absolute blast!! It was so great to get together with my girlfriends and catch up-makes us remember why we've been friends for over 30 years! The weekend kicked off with a tour of SSHS and then a social night at Ropers Saloon on Friday night for some mechanical bull riding (which I did NOT do!) and then a live band. Made it too hard to hear to talk but it was fun seeing old friends and seeing how everyone has changed. Then on Saturday some of the Cooper Elementary School gang got together at Grandma's Saloon in Duluth for lunch and some great laughs-I think we scared some people off with all of our rowdiness! Jenn stayed in Souptown on Saturday night with her friends, Mia, Mel, Sherrie and Elizabeth for girls night and getting ready in the room was like old times-lots of silliness and fun. Saturday night's festivities took place at Ace's on 29 for a dinner, class DVD showing and it was much quieter so we could sit and really visit with everyone. It was interesting to hear the stories of where everyone is now. The larger Cooper Kids got together for a picture too! We all made a pact that we wouldn't let so much time to pass before we get together again. I miss my friends so much but it's great that we all have the blessing of families and children.

FINALLY-an update!

I know, it's taken me forever to post an update but better late then never right? It's been a busy summer and the boys are all growing like crazy. Tristan is 5 1/2 months old now and weighs in at 19 pounds and 27 inches tall. He's starting to learn to crawl so nothing will be safe in our house soon. The Connor and Garin have been back and forth to Grammi and Papa's house at the lake, Connor went to hockey camp in North Dakota in July and they took a family trip with their dad in August to Brainerd so we feel like we don't hardly see them these days! Guess that's what being a kid is all about...having fun in the summer. We took a fun Sunday trip to the Como Zoo in late July which was a fun day for all of us. Tristan slept through most of the day but what he did see he liked! Tristan also had his first trip to the swimming pool and that boy loves the water! Jim had him in the big pool splashing and he kicked his legs like crazy. He did try and drink the pool water though so tummy time in the water is a challenge for sure. He's such a joy for our whole family. I'm so lucky to have three beautiful, healthy boys and I feel blessed every single day.

2 month Check Up

Tristan's 2 month check up was May 1 and our little man is now 13.2 pounds and a little over 13 inches long!!! He had his shots which wasn't a lot of fun but he was a trooper about it. It's so much fun to watch him interact with his brothers now too-he responds to their voices and smiles and "talks" to them now. Garin is getting to be such an attentive big brother, making sure Tristan is happy and trying to help out when he cries. Now, if I could have gotten help with the big blow out last night-I didn't think one little body could produce so much poop!! It was up the front, the back and out the sides-getting the kid to the tub without everything getting covered in the stuff was a real challenge. Of course, all I got was a huge smile from him! Oh well, that's what babies do!! But he sure does love his daddy.

Jadda's Reception Fun!

April 25-26 we took the family to Otter Tail, MN-5 hours from Rochester-to attend a Wedding Reception for our cousin Jadda. We stayed at the Thumper Pond resort and it was a great time! There was an awesome water park for the kids and our room was on the same floor just steps away from the reception room and water park so it was so conveinent for everyone. We left bright and early on Saturday morning and arrived just after noon. Of course the boys hit the water park early and Tristan got to show off his new swim duds-no swimming in all that clorine just yet for the little man.

The afternoon was a lot of fun visiting with everyone in the Misbe clan and introducing Tristan. Cocktail hour began at 5 pm and the room was decorated absolutely beautifully and in true Jadda style with hot pink and white. The bride was gorgeous also, looking like a super model in her white strapless ballerina gown. I just didn't get that gene in the family I can tell you that! Dinner was fun sitting with the Cheney family catching up and teaching the kids how to eat a more formal dinner.

I don't have any girls in my house so I have to borrow other people's! And McKenzie is about one of the prettiest little girls I could hope to borrow. I have to confess that I would be totally lost trying to do her hair on a daily basis though!

Connor and Garin had fun talking to Tristan-he's getting to be so much fun!!!!

The dance got underway and fun was had by all. Tristan got his jammies on and partied in style.

Everyone hit the dance floor throughout the night-even mommy and daddy got out to dance to a few slow songs like in the old days. The DJ played lots of fun music from Country to Disco. Garin definitly got his grove on jamming to the beat. Mom tried to keep up but it was a real work out dancing with him!!!

Connor just chilled on the sidelines....

He did get brave and dance with his Gram-it was a special moment for both I think!!!

Two Months Already!

I can't believe that it's been 2 months since Tristan came into our lives already! He's getting to the fun stage now, smiling and "talking" to us-instead of crying when he's awake.

He's getting so big wearing 3-6 month cloths. We've had a really busy April. Easter weekend we went up to Grammi and Papa's house in NW Wisconsin for a three day weekend-the weather was beautiful so we spent quite a bit of time outside. Here's a picture of the boys on the deck in the sunshine on Easter Sunday up at our friends the Rossmeisl's house after the Easter Egg Hunt.

We had a great time introducing Tristan to our Family up north.

The next weekend was Tristan's baptism at Rochester Covenant Church-we are waiting for the pictures from Papa's camera! Tristan was quite the little performer at the service-cooing and smiling at the congregation during his introduction. He wore the same baptismal gown that Connor and Garin wore that was given to us by my Grandma Dorothy who is looking down at all of us from heaven now-I am sure she's very proud of all her great grandsons.

Mommy went back to work on April 20-sad, sad day for sure! It was hard leaving my favorite job-Mommy but Tristan is in the loving and very capable hands of our good friend Jeanne at Jeanne's Tiny Tots Daycare right across the street so we know he's getting lots and lots of hugs and kisses while we are at work. He's adjusted very well and everyone is getting into our new routine.

A few more pictures before I have to get off the computer

So, the baby is crying and I only have a few more seconds to post a few pictures of our family...Tristan is starting to coo and smile which is so cool. Connor and Garin are the best big brothers and Jim couldn't be any more of a proud daddy.

Kiss the Cup!

The Stanley Cup made it's way into Rochester on March 30 so we had the opportunity to go and kiss the cup. Garin and I had our 15 seconds of fame with the hockey legend and it was an awesome experience!

Our life so far

It's been a very busy first five weeks with a new baby in the house! We finished up the hockey season and Tristan was at the rink five days after he was born. Both Connor and Garin's hockey teams finished in first place for their divisions for Rochester Youth Hockey-Congrats!

We headed up to Minneapolis for our final tournament of the season March 13-15 and had our first night in a hotel-it went very well. Connor's team placed 4th overall and Garin's team was 6th. We are all very glad that hockey is over for the year. Connor is playing in Spring League but that won't be nearly as much running as the regular season.

It's only taken me 5 weeks but...Introducing Tristan Leonard Groski!

I know, I know, it's taken me FOREVER but better late than never right? Tristan Leonard Groski was born on February 27 at 9:43 p.m. weighing in at 8 pounds, 3 ounces and measuring 19.5 inches.

It was a long day but once everything got moving, it only took about 2 hours to bring him into the world.

38 Weeks-and holding...

No news to report-had another Dr. appointment this morning and little Tristan is still very happy just where he is for now. I am so grateful that he's healthy and handling his last weeks in the "hopper" well but I have to admit, I'm ready for him any time now! I miss my ankles and calves...sigh..... As soon as he decides to make his grand entrance, you'll all be the first to know!

Happy Birthday Jim!

Today is Jim's 26 Birthday-wish he would get what he really wants which is of course is new baby but I don't see that happening today. Everything looked great at my NST/Ultrasound appointment today-the little guy is getting pretty cramped in there though! One of his feet is up by his head! Maybe he just likes being contorted, who knows. The most important thing is he's doing well and healthy so we'll just try and be patient. Happy Birthday Daddy!!!

37 Weeks and still cookin'!

O.K. This picture was actually taken on Super Bowl Sunday but you get the idea-I'm looking pretty pregnant these days! I had two Non-Stress Tests/Ultrasounds/OB appointments this week and little Mr. Tristan is happy as a clam in there. He's measuring about a week ahead of schedule, probably about 7-7.5 lbs right now so perfect size. His crib is up, Jim is picking his dresser up today and we're ready to go. I am so grateful that we have been given this gift and even though I am sore, tired and hormonally challenged, I have an attitude of gratitude about these last few weeks. Garin has his Squirt B hockey tournament this weekend and Grammy and Papa are coming down to visit so it will be a fun, busy time at our house. Thanks for all your prayers and we'll keep everyone posted on what's happening at the Groski ranch!!!

Groski Family Shower

My Sisters-in-Law Jolene and Pam along with Grandma Betty had a baby shower for us on Saturday, February 7. It was a lot of fun to have our friends and family from the Eyota/St. Charles area come and celebrate the upcoming arrival of yet another Groski boy! We played games, measured my baby belly with TP and of course had lots of yummy food. Jolene spent MANY hours putting together a diaper cake filled with all kinds of baby goodies like blankets, toys, onesies, that it took me an hour to get apart and put away. Thanks to everyone for all the wonderful gifts!!!

Here's our neice Grace with our friend Ehren and April's daughter MaKenzie-I have to enjoy everyone else's girls since I just don't seem to make that kind!!!

An end to the crib drama and Tristan's room-getting ready!

FINALLY-an end to the crib drama. The first crib was a recall nightmare that after three weeks ended in us getting a new crib-and we like it SO much better! It matches the room perfectly and it's a much nicer piece of furniture and it's just perfect. We've got the room pretty much all set up now and it's ready for the baby.

Cute stuff that our neighbor Jeanne found that we just HAD to have!!!

Here's the adorable picture frame that my very creative cousin Erin made for the room and the bassinette ready for Baby Tristan to come home and sleep in.