The D+V Berg Family

Gavin is 5 today! - 1/17/12

2012-01-17T17:46:00.032-05:00

He is really good at ...

Archery,

blowing bubbles with his spit,

Lego Engineering

Making Linnaea laugh, being a helpful big brother

using scissors,

especially for opening FedEx/UPS packages, which today was a birthday present from my parents,
being a good friend at Preschool, sounding out words, reading a little, feeding the dogs twice a day, riding a bike with no training wheels, and singing/making up songs, which he does constantly.

We love you Gavin!
41.5" tall, 35.6 lbs., and 5 Years Old!

Advent Calendars - Dec '11

2011-12-15T23:25:00.001-05:00

A House, 2 Kids.... and now Dogs ! - Nov '11

2011-12-15T23:15:00.007-05:00

Arizona
(the tan one, 1 1/2 yrs old, Bloodhound/Black Mouth Kerr)
& Copper
(the black one, 5 months, Bloodhound/Black & Tan Coonhound)
We adopted them through a local rescue group of hunting dogs just before Thanksgiving when we went to go "just pet the dogs".

Gavin's 1st Day of Preschool - 9/2/11

2011-09-06T15:20:00.002-04:00

He was VERY excited all morning. At 7am "Wake up mom, I'm going to be late for school". After explaining that we had 2 whole hours and wouldn't be leaving until the first number was 9, he proceeded to ask "What time is it now?" every 5 mins! And, "It's time to go" each time a 9 appeared on the clock. It was a very fun day, and he'll enjoy it every Monday, Wednesday, Friday.

Linnaea wanted in a picture too. She wore his backpack around when he got home in the afternoon. She wants to do everything he does.

We move in 2 weeks!

2011-08-13T09:07:00.003-04:00

We close on the 25th of August and are getting so excited!

I've added more pictures to the album on Picasa. We now have carpet! :
https://picasaweb.google.com/109572013967870896012/TheNewHouseTravisHomesPlan525?authuser=0&feat=directlink

Vanessa's Travels

2011-08-11T18:44:00.005-04:00

This was fun to do. [I was unsure about a few countries, so I didn't check them, but I remember counting 18 with my mom when I was younger, so I'll have to double check]. Only 25 more states to go! (If only Dale and I had more travel funds when we lived in Maryland, we would have crossed off a bunch more in the North East). Someday in the future maybe.

visited 25 states (50%)
Create your own visited map of The United States

visited 13 countries (5.77%)
Create your own visited map of The World

Linnaea's Little Lizard

2011-08-01T09:57:00.004-04:00

We were at the pool Saturday morning, and while chasing Linnaea back and forth, I realized that the wet hair strands on the back of here head, were actually a little baby lizard curled up in here hair. Dale ran to get the camera, and no matter how she shook her head or bobbed and ran, that little guy hung on swinging. So cute, we wanted to keep him.

And here is a glimpse of Gavin's swimming skills, with his beloved snorkel goggles. I am always so impressed.

Summer Update / OUR NEW HOUSE !

2011-07-13T11:28:00.007-04:00

We've been on the move!
Drove from Maryland to Texas over Memorial Day weekend.
Dale started his new job in downtown Houston, TX in June.
I got to visit family in Arizona and Utah with the kids for 2 weeks.
We're building a house in Spring, TX, that we're excited to plant some roots in, starting the end of August.

Here's a link to pictures I keep adding of our house as it grows:
https://picasaweb.google.com/109572013967870896012/TheNewHouseTravisHomesPlan525?authuser=0&feat=directlink

I'll be adding more pictures when blogger will let them go through. I've had several unsuccessful attempts since May, but don't try that often anyway.
Have Fun in the Sun, wear Sunscreen, and stay Cool when you Can!
Love you all ; )

Packn' Baby

2011-05-14T10:22:00.002-04:00

Gavin's Engineering and Construction - 3/'11

2011-03-29T19:20:00.004-04:00

Dale and I often build things with Gavin, usually as directed, but many times he surprises us with a highly detailed design of his own. I was told this model, created by Fisher-Price Trio Blocks, is a "Saturn V Transporter". Other models I've seen looked like Star Shooters from Star Wars with Legos. I just love seeing the products of his imagination, and interests. He's a genius to me, and I'm so proud of him.

The Day She Turned 1 ! - 3/22/11

2011-03-28T22:41:00.001-04:00

Gavin's Sunday Dinner - 3/20/11

2011-03-28T18:49:00.002-04:00

He already opened the Cream of Chicken, so Dale went with it and provided the chicken breast as requested.
Next came Chicken Nuggets, Green Beans (substituted for the original choice of Black Beans), BBQ sauce and Beef Bouillon Cube.
results: Salty

Last Snow Fall of the Season - 2/22/11

2011-03-28T18:34:00.002-04:00

Playing at the State Park across the street

2011-03-28T18:11:00.001-04:00

Hiking in a miraculous 70 deg. - 2/18/11

2011-03-28T18:04:00.000-04:00

Fun at the Archery Range - 2/12/11

2011-03-28T17:39:00.003-04:00

Breastfeeding is now Deductible !

2011-02-14T09:11:00.002-05:00

I read today that:

"In a surprising move, the IRS announced February 10 that it now believes that money spent on breast pumps and breast-feeding supplies qualifies as a medical expense under section 213(d) and is eligible for the itemized medical expense deduction or reimbursable through tax-favored health flexible spending accounts (FSAs)."

Now for the disclaimer .... the IRS statement does not indicate whether the ruling is retroactive [for last year, 2010] or not. And this is just something I read, not advise from Dale.

after a 10 hr snow fall .... 1-26-11

2011-01-27T08:03:00.003-05:00

This is what it looked like this morning out our window to our parking lot [we have the Tahoe with the little white Corolla next to it, if you can see that]

Gavin's first day in Primary - 1/2/11

2011-01-03T17:31:00.002-05:00

He was excited to be a Sunbeam [the 4 yr old class], and wear his "Future Missionary" badge my mom got for him. He practiced singing "Jesus wants me for a Sunbeam" all week. He picked out his scripture case in his claimed favorite color, Green, to begin bringing his scriptures to church (at least just his very own Book of Mormon, to keep it light weight). The 3 characteristics about him we gave his teacher for the lesson were:
1. Smart
2. A Leader
3. Good Helper
We feel so blessed to be his parents and are excited for the adventure of raising him. He is already such a promising little young man.

Dale's school in DC 12/31/10

2011-01-03T17:12:00.004-05:00

We walked around DC on Friday with Dale's parents, to the Museum of Natural History and then around the Capitol Building square with the Library of Congress and Supreme Court, then walked right up the street to Georgetown to show them around.

He's supporting me in the picture, though I support him when he's at school.

Gavin said "I want to be a little student too Dad". Dale says he's his law school kid anyway, and hasn't known anything different. So now Gavin knows where Daddy goes away to all the time.

Standing right in front of Georgetown you can see the Capital Building to your left, shown here. This is what Dale sees every night he leaves campus to walk to the Metro Subway.

Linnaea's photo op with the Clock tower in the back. Yes, it chimes every hour.

On Frozen Pond - 12/29/10

2011-01-03T16:27:00.003-05:00

We took Dale's parents and sister to the state park across the street with a lake. Thankfully, all the people stayed on dirt while throwing ice chunks on the pond to see how far they would slide. So yes, though it's a "heat wave" here in the 40's, the ice on the lake is still there from our 20's weather. I'm sure there will be more in the future too.

Baby Bunting

The Trail Stragglers ; )

Christmas 2010

2011-01-03T15:58:00.006-05:00

Linnaea is 9 months old 12/22/10

2011-01-03T15:04:00.007-05:00

She found my baby doll, Gaby, and has been dragging her around. She loves to giggle, squeal, be tickled, chase Gavin, test standing on her own, eat things with her own fingers and still be held by Mommy & Daddy a lot. Gavin still loves her so much that he wants "lots" of sisters, but we'll just have him enjoy her for now.
WE LOVE YOU LINNAEA !

journey to Supreme Court - 12/16

2010-12-19T16:33:00.003-05:00

the Big Red Shoe at top of escalators at Union Station that Dale sees every day he goes to school

Gavin and Grandpa Berg
(Dale's dad flew in for the day to see Dale take his "Oath of Admission" to practice law.)

Gloves on toe-cicle pops
First day of real snow, no shoveled sidewalks, walked through snow for 4 blocks (when Dale wasn't carrying me on his back), my toes were frozen. Never knew toes got swollen and numb till then, but lets not focus on that ... ->

Oath of Admission by General Suter, Clerk of The United States Supreme Court

2010-12-19T16:25:00.003-05:00

Thursday, December 16th, 2010.

General Suter (U.S. Army Retired) and Dale in the US Supreme Court Clerk's office (since 1935)

Dale's "I do's" to the practice of Law in Arizona

Dale has promised to be a truthful, honorable, trustworthy, non-offensive, professionally responsible Attorney, once he is officially admitted to the State Bar of Arizona, in Arizona, on 1/11/11.

Gavin, Vanessa, Dale, General Suter, Lee Berg, Linnaea

Supreme Court - 3

2010-12-17T23:37:00.005-05:00

Desk and quills of the 3rd US Supreme Court Clerk, seen in portrait, from early 1800's.
Justice O'Connor and Dale. We enjoyed reviewing her life at her display in the museum.

The real Christmas Tree directly in front of the entrance to the Supreme Court

view of the Capitol Building at the bottom of the steps of the Courthouse.

The entrance to the courthouse (that we didn't take with the stroller)

Supreme Court - 4

2010-12-17T23:03:00.004-05:00

Thanksgiving in VA

2010-12-10T22:47:00.002-05:00

Both of our friends from high school, Steve & Laura Miller, are stationed at the Naval base not too far from D.C. So we spent a couple days with our two little families for Thanksgiving.

All in all we spent lots of time outside while our kids rode bikes, Dale played football, Dale sprained his ankle (and still in a brace 3 wks later), spent lots of time talking and at most 30 minutes eating our long labored over meal.

Gavin and Jack did get to camp out together on a cot for 2 nights. We heard them 'till 10:30 at night talking, such as "I like Lighting McQueen. Do you like Lightning McQueen? Yah."
Gavin finally got how to ride the big boy bike as we were loading the car.

He still talks about it, but he'll have his trike 'till his 5th birthday.
Thanks for having us Steve & Laura.

us at the Stake Talent Show - nov. 20

2010-12-10T22:36:00.002-05:00

Linnaea was being a crack up again. We're pretty sure she made up a couple's mind that they want a little girl now.

They both wanted to sit on my lap, or they just wanted to sit together. We can never tell, but that's a good thing. I just think they're cute.

Pumpkin Soup - so so yummy

2010-12-08T15:03:00.019-05:00

Pumpkin Soup

with chicken and rice
(easy to change with what you have, and add what you want)

Prepared Rice - 1 cup Rice (wild, brown or white) heated in 2 cups water till fluffy

2Tbsp - Butter or Margarine
1 cup - Onions, (or 1/3cup Dehydrated Onions & 2/3 cup water)
1 can - Cream of Celery Soup
2 cups - Chicken Broth (from carton,can or seasoning cube)
1 can 16oz - Pumpkin (or ~2cups Pumpkin puree)
1-2 cups - Mixed Vegetables (frozen or canned)
2 cups - Chicken, cooked and cubed (or 1 can ~12oz Chicken)
1/2 - 1 cup - Milk /or half&half /or can of Carnation milk
1/2 Tbsp - Ground Cinnamon
1 tsp. - Salt (2 tsp if needed)

Prepare Rice. Then in Large pot, ~6 quart, cook butter with onions. Add celery soup, broth and pumpkin and heat to boil. Stir in rice, vegetables, chicken, milk, cinnamon and salt. Heat to serving temperature, no boiling needed. Still tastes great when reheated for leftovers as well.

Playing in the Leaves - Nov. 15, '10

2010-12-07T13:17:00.001-05:00

My Penny girl's 15th Birthday - Nov. 4

2010-11-17T23:04:00.003-05:00

Happy 15th Birthday Penny !

Linnaea was sporting her winter puppy outfit in your honor.

We love you Penny girl !

A New View of the World - 10/27/10

2010-11-15T23:12:00.003-05:00

This was the funniest thing ever. I caught her in this pose, and she stayed that way long enough for me to get a picture of it.

It's her 5th day crawling and she is sure out to explore.

Linnaea is 7 months old - 10/22/10

2010-11-15T22:47:00.002-05:00

She is learning lots from Gavin and he loves teaching her, like how to ride his scooter.

here they are hug wrestling

She LOVES Mommy and likes to be held often.
She also says "Muh Muh" all the time.
[Gavin tells her "I'm not Mama, I'm Gavin"]

And barely making the cut at 11 pm, she actually began crawling the day she turned 7m!

[she also loves playing with Gavin's toys by herself when he goes to bed. shhh]

Pickn' our Pumpkin in a Patch - 10/20/10

2010-11-15T22:20:00.006-05:00

The children and I drove out to the country, even turned left at a Mennonite Church, and went out to a farm to pick our own pumpkin:

Gavin picking Mr. Pumpkin
Linnaea sizing up Mr. Pumpkin
Enjoyed playing at the farm

"Scary" Mr. Pumpkin from Gavin's sketch
[I said it was "cute" and was told it wasn't cute, it was scary. Dale was then told that he had to make a silly one, because we already had a scary one]

Down on the Farm - 10/20/10

2010-11-15T19:21:00.002-05:00

We went to pick our own pumpkin, but had more fun than that:

more october pictures

2010-11-15T18:56:00.002-05:00

Linnaea helped me take the clothes down to the washer and rode back up in the basket!

Gavin helped Dale make a pumpkin pie from a pumpkin we bought.

Gavin and Dale also came home from a run to the store with caramel for apples.

We went to the old train station from 1890's, saw the old engine on display, and browsed antique shops, carefully.

Halloween

2010-10-30T23:44:00.003-04:00

Prince Phillip and Princess Aurora before Trick-or-Treating at Church.

Dale passed out candy for Trunk-or-Treat

Vanessa walked with the kids for candy

Gavin's pumpkin. He created the rough sketch and Dale carved. I was very impressed.

watching Conference on the couch - Oct, 2,3

2010-10-13T22:57:00.003-04:00

Everyone was happy snacking on carrots

teething baby got her fair "share" as well.

And this is how I sleep during the day, when I do,
and many hours at night. Linnaea loves her mommy.
Good thing I lover her too.

What we've all been waiting for... Oct. 8

2010-10-13T22:47:00.007-04:00

Dale passed the Arizona Bar !!!!!

view press release here:
http://azcourts.gov/Portals/26/710Results.pdf

once he gets sworn in, he will officially be Esquire.
He has been his happiest self in 3 years, relieved the wait is over.
He can now be called.... a Lawyer.

Linnaea stats 6 1/2 months - Oct. 7

2010-10-13T22:42:00.004-04:00

at Dr.'s appointment today, she was:
16lbs. 4 oz. (~50%)
26 3/4 in. (~75%)

Dr. was surprised at how strong she is. Lots of muscle strength.
[The girl has abs! She can do almost a full sit up from lying down, which makes diaper time a struggle now and then.]

just for me, I love them like this

2010-10-01T17:29:00.005-04:00

Do you see why Gavin loves our new mall? I love that he loves all things space, and NASA and rocket ships since his 2nd birthday. He's just so brilliant, which provides it's own challenges, but I love being able to teach him and read to him and have the most interesting conversations with him as he learns. And I can always count on him to help by entertain Linnaea and make her giggle like no one else can.

My sweet girl. I love feeling so important and loved by such a tiny person. I also love when she enjoys sleeping in her own crib. Will she always squeeze hug me like she does when I
pick her up and let me smooch her cheeks? I hope so.

My Day - Sept 29

2010-10-01T16:20:00.023-04:00

Awoke feeling yucky haven needed to shower the night before. Threw on my new Georgetown Law Hoodie, thanks Dale, since its that weather outside in the 60's. Put in a load in my building's washer before quickly loading kids in car to drop off Dale at the subway. Returned home, feeling on my game, to find washer had stopped full of water with all my clothes in it. Gavin and I then spent some good Pioneer time wringing out each and every piece of clothing before drying, though not clean. Reported out of order machines, the other having been full of water also for a week it self, to the laundry company and paid for 3 dry cycles to get clothes dry. Had already missed most of Play Group while wringing clothes, so did I get to take a relaxing warm shower? Nope, sorry, no hot water today, with no notice. So baby was cleaned with wipes all day. But did receive notice of a mandatory clean out for my whole building of all cabinets and counter tops for pest control first thing in the morning. I was excited to have everything in the dinning, living and bed rooms. At least I had Dale to help finish that process.

But then ...

I got to watch Gavin & Linnaea play boat. (I love how they interact so lovingly)
Remembered how big Gavin has gotten, and later will remember him the same way as how little he was.

Saw Linnaea fall asleep while eating for the first time, between bites, and got a bow to hold her duck fluff!

Linnaea turns 6 months - Sept. 22

2010-10-01T15:56:00.003-04:00

Gavin's first day of Joy School, year 2 -Sep. 20

2010-10-01T15:49:00.002-04:00

Gavin, Rebecca, Andrew, Desmond, Reed

The New Arrivals! - Sept 17 & 18

2010-09-19T20:53:00.002-04:00

Tooth #1 (bottom right) Fri. Sept. 17th

Tooth #2 (bottom left) Sat. Sept. 18th

Two before 6 months, wow!

hike to fishing spot - Sept. 11

2010-09-19T20:25:00.003-04:00

Dale found a good fishing spot on our hike the day before.
We took the short cut with the poles.

We've never caught anything over 3", sadly, but it's the experience he'll remember.

the unlicensed girls hanging out on the "beach"

QUOTES OF THE DAY:
#1:
me: Gavin, stop putting your head in the water. You're not suppose to take a shower in the lake.
Gavin: "MOM, THIS IS HOW GUYS DO IT. YOU WOULDN'T UNDERSTAND, BUT I DO."

#2
dale, while driving: Look Gavin, Deer!
Gavin: "WHERE'S MY BOW!? I NEED TO SHOOT 'EM"

-we're so proud ; )

Miller-Berg Zoo Day - Sept. 4

2010-09-19T20:08:00.004-04:00

little Steve Miller (Jack) & little Dale Berg (Gavin), together at last...instant friends...and sure trouble in 13 yrs.

The Smithsonian Zoo's Panda

Jack doing all the work

all tuckered out, just how I like 'em.

I Love my bath baby - Sept. 2

2010-09-02T23:38:00.004-04:00

This was a well needed bath after a messy encounter with oatmeal cereal

Daddy play time

2010-09-02T23:27:00.002-04:00

Gavin makes the most creative toys. This weeks has been these extra telephone plugs that are currently being modeled atop Dale's head as King Stephan's crown. Earlier, it was a work belt hooked through the loops of Gavin's pants.

This is our super fun new racing floor to zoom cars across

and Gavin and his toys are the best thing Linnaea could ever ask for.

his last 1st day of school ... Ever! - Aug. 30

2010-09-02T23:08:00.005-04:00

All set, with his official Georgetown ID and new water proof backpack from Costco
(he'll thank me more when it rains and snows)

Dropped off at the Metro

there he goes ...

into the subway,
and Gavin saying "I want to go with him",
and then "can we pick him up now?"

Annual Ward Barn Party

2010-09-02T22:42:00.002-04:00

Dale was loving driving out to the countryside and eventually down a one lane dirt road where he got to honk the horn going up little hills and around bends where you can't see other cars through the trees. [He has a fantasy of one day becoming a farmer]. We beat a little mini cooper to the dirt road and felt bad for "that guy" that opted to stay a half mile back behind our dust, to find that coincidentally enough he parked right next to us at the same event and was recognized as ... our new bishop.

the Angus cows are the dots in the field, and on the other side of the wooden fence is the coral of...

2+ dozen Shetland Ponies!

Yes, those are the tractor keys in Gavin's hand, and good thing I asked and found out that the guy didn't give them to him and this wasn't his tractor.
Dale had found Gavin before this on a motorcycle at the barn he successfully started.
moral: Don't underestimate a 3 year old!

our little Linnaea flower, happy in the grass.

you just got to laugh

2010-09-02T22:18:00.003-04:00

Sometimes, i get surprised with odd pictures on my camera when i browse through.

I was told that this is Gavin's monster face:

And this is what it looks like inside his mouth
(this is a common one):

Happy Birthday Dale! - Aug. 26

2010-09-02T21:00:00.003-04:00

Cold Stone Yummyness
1st of 4 Ice Cream Shops we redeemed free birthday treats at.
We were going to visit Jack in the Box for a free churo, but no one on the east coast had heard of it, so... off to Costco we went where we knew we could buy one.

Gavin was so excited to help dump things in for Daddy's surprise birthday cake. He'll have to practice more with the surprise part, because as we picked up Dale at the subway he says "Daddy, we have a surprise for you at home. I won't tell you what it is... it's a cake!"
oh, so cute.

Finally being allowed to lick it

Ta Da!

Linnaea helped how she could too.

Kayaking on Little Seneca Lake

2010-08-30T13:09:00.002-04:00

This is the 1st time we went.
The next time we got the comment from shore: "Is that the mini van of kayaks?"
Dale responded that they were all out of suv's.

our faithful rower

our determined rower

the passengers

the boys even did a little fishing, still no fish though.

Our State Park, right up the street

2010-08-29T23:22:00.002-04:00

after two street lights up the road is a state park, with a pretty lake, a tire playground, and the beautiful forests of our new Maryland home.

there was even a sweet baby at the park

At the entrance is a 1760's log cabin moved from Germantown.

And a zip line

Pretty fun ; )

Linnaea, 5 months on Aug. 22

2010-08-29T22:57:00.003-04:00

Our little giggles, still as happy as can be

can sit up all on her own!
(just like Gavin, the day they turned 5 months)

She has discovered Tongue, and all the noises she can make with it.

She is such a wonderful little girl, and we love her.

Walk across D.C. - 2 , Aug. 19

2010-08-29T22:24:00.003-04:00

"Look at Us.... we're tourists!"

First time underground, in the Subway
(the other 3, not Vanessa's)

Capital Building

Lincoln Memorial
(we had to take turns. I had to wait till I could feel my legs again after pushing 30-40 lbs in a stroller all the way across D.C.)

more Gavin photography
really...proof I walked up all those stairs after walking all that way. Gavin on the other hand walked up and down a total of 3 times. 1st with Dale, 2nd with me, 3rd when he decided to mention when we reached the bottom that now he would like to pee....of course Dale inherited that 3rd trip as well.

Walk across D.C. - 1 , Aug. 19

2010-08-23T19:04:00.002-04:00

We went to the Smithsonian's Air and Space Museum:
Gavin photography of me in front of the Wright Brother's 1903 first succesful flying machine

Gavin learning to fly old style

Some day he'll make his mark on this world, or another.

Happy to finally be in D.C. , and out of the stroller.

On the Red Line subway

more summer fun photos

2010-08-23T19:03:00.001-04:00

(pics coming)

Family Photos at my sister's wedding

2010-08-23T19:02:00.000-04:00

(pics coming)

Linnaea's Baby Blessing

2010-08-23T19:00:00.000-04:00

(pics coming)

Flight to Phoenix

2010-08-23T18:59:00.002-04:00

1 mommy, 2 children, better than expected (pics to come)

Farewell Houston

2010-08-23T18:59:00.001-04:00

Our farewell party with all our friends (pics coming)

Sea World 1:3 - April 30

2010-06-17T12:25:00.010-04:00

I just love
reality photography
from our 3 year old.

The scenes he captures ; )

Sea World - April 30

2010-06-17T12:11:00.004-04:00

Sea World San Antonio - April 30

2010-06-17T11:40:00.006-04:00

Gavin's 1st roller coaster ride on the Shamu Express

The Sea World Water Works Playground

The special Shamu shaped ice cream that made him feel all better after a kid dunked water on him at the playground.

The 1st Shamu show we went to where Daddy sent Mommy down in the splash zone with Gavin to get a close look at the show. Gavin wanted to sit in Row 1, but I said "No, I don't think so. There's still puddles on the seats". Gavin got wet enough on Row 9 when I instinctively sacrificed him to the waves while ducking behind him. He was the one wearing a swim suit after all. He only cried a little bit.
Gavin LOVES "beetle cars" and now he loves Shamu, so super excitedness came from seeing the parking lot car.

San Antonio River Walk - April 29

2010-06-10T15:07:00.004-04:00

Peaceful stroll by the river and restaurants, lower than the street above.

Gavin chose to eat at Rainforest Cafe. We don't know when he'll be ok for that again after the Gorilla I had to carry him past to go to the bathroom, and the scary snake that came from the ceiling, made him cry once, and then warned everyone who walked by afterward, "Watch out, there's a snake".
Dale found Gavin his sheriff badge after we took an old time photo. Dale and Gavin got to be cowboys.

Here's our favorite little smiler! She's is the happiest little person, and so adorable.

Visiting the Alamo ...

2010-06-04T17:42:00.002-04:00

... with the completed, one of a kind diaper bag Dale sewed completely on his own.
(don't you love the versatile backpack feature)

Wow! Now this gun is just my size.

I wonder what I can find to blast in this thing

Oh look! Mommy does fit!

Like Brother Like Sister

2010-06-04T17:38:00.002-04:00

ok, here they look like each other. I'm gonna have two pretty silly kids.

Joy School Grad. / swim party

2010-06-04T17:10:00.005-04:00

Gavin loves and misses all of his friends from Joy School in Houston.

Savannah, James, Aubrey, Maya, Maria, Gavin, Sarah, Kate, AnnabelleLinnaea hung out in the shade with Mommy.

She found her other older brother

2010-06-04T17:07:00.001-04:00

1st Camping Trip (family of 4)

2010-06-04T17:00:00.000-04:00

Gavin's 1st Fish - April 23

2010-06-04T16:39:00.005-04:00

aka "Dinosaur Fish"
our little Texas fisherman ; )
Little "The Dinosaur" Fish

He was Sooooooo excited! And did such a great job helping to set up and being patient, for a little bit. He even stuck his hand right in the bag of minnos and snatched one out! We were so impressed. What a little man. We were happy when we got something.
"Look Mom! It's a DINOSAUR FISH!"
he said. And yep, it had a spiney back, just like a dinosaur. I thought that was so cute. He was sort of sad when his daddy said they needed to put it back.
"No, I wanna eat em!"
he protested, but he consented and tells me that small fish he sees, are too little to eat, and you have to wait till they get big to eat them. So, lesson learned. But we were so happy for him and enjoyed seeing his excitement.

just cute stuff

2010-06-04T16:29:00.002-04:00

Linnaea's 1st bathtub bath

2010-05-05T17:05:00.005-04:00

She only cried for a few seconds from water shock, then realized... this feels goooood. Gavin was the designated leg wetter and she eventually got all cleaned. She fell asleep after being wrapped up warm.

Banquet - 4/16

2010-05-05T17:01:00.002-04:00

Our 1st Picnic together

2010-05-05T16:37:00.009-04:00

The girls snuggled and napped on the blanket...

And the boys flew the helicopter and tossed the football...

Life is wonderful !

Aw, they love each other!

2010-05-05T16:18:00.002-04:00

When Gavin pleads to hold his baby sister, this is what he usually means, just lay her across me as I sit here.

But she doesn't mind. She really likes Gavin.

She's happy just staring at him while he plays with her hands. (He's always wanted to see/hold her hand)

One of these days she'll finally laugh at him trying to entertain her.

Mommy and Gavin

2010-05-05T16:11:00.002-04:00

We were actually both awake at the same time to have breakfast together again. Mornings are hard, but I've managed to get out a lot lately, closer to noon. When we do get out, Gavin never wants to go home. He would prefer a park be in our back yard, instead of our porch.

Linnaea 3wks - 4/14

2010-05-05T16:04:00.003-04:00

She started smiling at her daddy at 1 1/2 wks (not gas), really responding 5 times in a row. She's so quiet, loves to be held and sung to by Gavin. She'll sleep for 5-6hrs as long as her daddy is holding her. We just love her and her little smiles.

The CALI Awards - 4/14

2010-05-05T15:47:00.003-04:00

Dale received 3 CALI Awards, (a nationally recognized award for the person at each law school who receives the highest grade in a class), for last semester, and 1 Bankruptcy scholarship/award. The Kids ; ) and I met him at his school for the ceremony and yummy food afterward.

Linnaea was snuggly warm and asleep on her daddy, so she got to go up there with him. She's one of our two most important awards anyway.

Green Eggs

2010-05-05T15:20:00.000-04:00

Breakfast on the Patio - 4/3

2010-05-02T22:51:00.001-04:00

2wks - 4/5

2010-04-21T20:34:00.025-04:00

at the Dr.'s office today,
Linnaea was:

8lbs. 2oz
&
21 1/2 in. long
(with a clean diaper & onesie on, so she really weighs less than that)

Mommy and Baby - March '10

2010-04-21T18:15:00.002-04:00

This is a picture just like my mom has of her when I was born.

This is us waiting for our "vallet" leaving the hospital.

4 days old, full, cute and sleeping.

We've had fun getting dressed everyday... with a bow ; )

1st day out and about. Playgroup with Gavin 3/31.

Daddy and his Little Girl - March '10

2010-04-20T14:08:00.006-04:00

Already giving her what we now know she likes, to be held by her Daddy. (she succors him all the time)

Getting ready to take us girls home.

They're so sweet together.

1st Sunday Snuggle.

Gavin and his Baby Sister - March '10

2010-04-20T13:42:00.003-04:00

The 1st time Gavin saw Linnaea, he went straight to the bassinet, patted her and said "It's ok baby sister. I'm right here". He is such a wonderful helpful brother.
When we woke up Friday, our first day home, we all played in Gavin's room the whole morning. He wanted to read letters to her. He's excited to have her around.

Gavin comforts her when she's crying. You'll hear "I'm coming baby sister!", or "Oh, I'll get her pacifier (or silky blankey)". Or sometimes, he covers his ears with both hands and says "Feed her".

I think he has much more fun riding on the stroller this way, now that I let him.

Our New Baby Girl !!! - 3/22/10

2010-03-30T15:05:00.050-04:00

Dale Lee Berg III + Vanessa Mae George =

* Linnaea Mae Berg *

7lbs 10oz. , 20 3/4 in. long
March 22, 2010
1:32 pm
Shenandoah, TX

Linnaea

We officially named her Linnaea on 3/23 @ 5pm.
Around Thanksgiving time, I thought to browse through nature names and names of flowers and came across "Linnaea". I thought it was so pretty I added it to the 3 other names I liked. I also thought "I know when Dale reads this name he's really going to like it and get stuck on it, so if I want him to keep browsing, maybe I should just leave it off my official list for now". But, I don't like keeping things from him, so I stuck it in the middle of my long list of names from over the years and suggested when he got a chance, he could take a look at my names if he'd like. I watched as he quietly sounded out the names... and then stopped. "I really like this name. I really feel this is the one". (I knew it, I knew exactly which he was talking about). I still asked "What, which one?" and of course, it was Linnaea. We didn't actively search the next couple of months, but we kept it open and reffered to it as "that name". And so after 3 1/2 months, we still didn't tire of it, and talked about other names we liked in the hospital, but the next day Dale said he was sure he liked it for real, not just being nice because it was on my list and not his, and we couldn't picture calling her anything else. So she officially became our little pink flower: Linnaea
Mae
I did a complete review of all my genealogy I have access to for an inspiration for a middle name for her. In December, Dale suggested I think about "Mae" as her middle name. He's always thought it was pretty. That hadn't even occurred to me before, but I was very happy with that.
Mae is my middle name, from my Dad's grandma (his mother's mom) whom he was very close to his whole life, and I've always loved being named after her. He told me when I was little that everything great about him, and everything good that's happened to him was because of her and what she taught him.
Berg
Dale's last name, obviously, that derived from his ancestors from Sweden, which was even more fitting that Linnaea is a Swedish named flower, and a popular emblem in Sweden.

Link to view ALL hospital/newborn pictures

2010-03-30T10:15:00.017-04:00

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Professional Hospital Photo Shoot :
http://www.our365.com/NewbornPortraits/BabyDetail.aspx?birthid=48628359-7f5b-4a17-b442-dc32f5fa5375
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
- - - - - - - - -
My Snapfish photo album (the photo company Costco uses) :
http://www5.snapfish.com/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=4105946014/a=106896036_106896036/otsc=SHR/otsi=SALBlink/COBRAND_NAME=snapfish/
- - - - - - - - -

My last Dr. Gavin checkup - 3/21

2010-03-30T10:09:00.003-04:00

We've been practicing Dr. check ups for a while. Gavin would ask "Can I check your belly please?", and he'd check my belly and insist I call him "Dr. Gavin", and he'd call me "Patient Mommy". The key chain lanyard he found and fashioned just like a stethoscope all by himself. I would only get slightly nervous when he wanted to fix me with a screw driver. I prefer the airplane method.

Gavin was even wonderful for a great belly lube. We had some great belly times.

Spring Break Weekend - 3/13

2010-03-30T09:37:00.004-04:00

Before we were glad the baby hadn't come yet because we were sick for the whole Spring Break, we were able to have some fun atleast...

He wants to be just like Daddy, because Daddy has cooler toys!

He got up by himself, but wasn't sure about the getting down part.

When Daddy is in charge of ice cream, He gets the big bowl.

And this is Sundays at our house. Dale baking something, under any circumstance.

My Belly Ball

2010-03-17T19:35:00.005-04:00

While I was at the park with Gavin last week, I decided to occupy myself with the camera, and took pictures of my belly. I showed them to Dale and couldn't believe how completely round it looked. He said that's why he's always saying it looks fake, like I strapped on a fake belly at Motherhood Maternity or something, because from the back I look completely normal. That would explain the "Oh, congratulations" sort of comments I seem to get a lot in public.
In any matter, I'm going to miss my little belly when its gone. I now only have less than 5 days with her so close, and my pregnancy cuteness will be all over. Bitter Sweet.

I'm getting Induced..... again

2010-03-17T19:26:00.008-04:00

My babies must like being well done. I had my 40 week OB appointment on Monday. I'm doing great, but just like before, I've been scheduled to be induced a week late, if nothing happens before then. So I expect to have a baby by March 22nd or 23rd.

Girlying It Up!

2010-03-09T10:19:00.005-05:00

My lampshade I made to coordinate the "Rose Cottage" fabric Dale made her quilt out of and other crib coordinates my mom is making. When she has a room, it'll be very cute.
I get to use the lamp sooner though.
Hopefully next week when I wake up to feed a baby.

I've begun Bowing, thanks to my fabulous friends and our "Bow nights" that usually last till midnight. In the two hours I learned to make them, I managed to complete 1, the yellow, white & green one. Thankfully Julie had me over to her house and whipped out the others for me. I completed her little white headband with sheer pink roses and bows to match her outfit for the hospital.
I always learn such wonderful things from my friends.
Can I just take them with me if I go?

"Arizonan beats Texans with Chili" - Feb. 26

2010-03-09T09:35:00.019-05:00

[Although it was CREATED in Texas, and could still be considered Texas chili]

- Dale had been working on a recipe all of his own since August. By November, his critic (guess who), had nothing but "It's Good!" to say, and CHILI #5 had been born.
- We tried it out on the missionaries, and deemed it worthy of entry in the Ward Chili Cook Off.
- Despite me being in charge of compiling it while Dale was at work, and fearing I would cause his downfall, Dale's chili was the first to be gone and successful in winning the
1st Place blue ribbon. Yay!!Gavin is such a cool dancer. His moves could teach a teenager a thing or two, and I want to record every minute.

Gavin adorning the centerpiece (without the flowers in it) that Dale got to take home with his 1st place ribbon. We are so proud.

Baby Shower - Feb. 20

2010-03-09T09:07:00.008-05:00

37 wks, +23.5 lbs, 37" around.

Thanks to Kelly who hosted and all my wonderful friends who came to my Girly Baby Shower. I loved the pink, the strawberries, and the little girl clothes that were just as cute and sweet.

I actually tasted the baby food, all for Kelly. I couldn't believe it, and I failed miserably at guessing. But, I got great advise about little girls, and such wonderful encouragement. I'm now so excited to have little girl clothes hanging in the closet. I feel so loved.

Love, Love, lovelovelovelove

2010-03-09T08:48:00.004-05:00

I made these cute hearts of us and put them as our background Valentines weekend as a fun surprise when Dale got on the computer. I still have one up. I'm so proud of my creativity. And this year, Dale's the one that got Godiva chocolates.

So Dale never ceases to amaze me. I never expect anything specific on Valentine's Day because he's always doing different things. This year Vday came early due to a mail delivered "refrigeration required" package. As you can see, I was a little hasty to sample, so I quickly took a picture while I could when Dale was at a meeting. I shared the rest later with Dale and Gavin. Yes, they were really yummy.

Gavin + Mommy's Day of Fun - Feb.9

2010-03-08T12:01:00.017-05:00

Tuesday was FREE Breakfast at Denny's, and since I'm all about free, and inside when it's freezing cold, I thought we'd venture out of the house. So we enjoyed a great breakfast at the restaurant, just the two of us. That was fun.
And since it was 40 degrees with wind, and we hadn't been out to play for a few days, we went to the playplace at the mall.

We went to Godiva and got Daddy's Valentines present, and my free monthly gift. Gavin was happy too because I shared "Mommy's expensive chocolates" with him, as he calls them.
Gavin is very good at jumping from the log to the mushrooms, and he learned to climb up and in to the big tree stumps there, just like he always sees the big kids do. He finally learned to do it himself, and was so happy.

He even got a hold of the camera and got me and my belly on the bench (missed my head a bit), and went down the row of candy machines and took a picture of almost everyone. You can tell what he likes when you flip through ________________________ the pictures on the camera.
So few days left of just me and him. I'm trying to make the most of it, and enjoy every minute.

34 1/2 wks, Feb 1

2010-02-05T13:57:00.005-05:00

another Gavin photography photo. He's learned the focus feature, so pictures come out much more clear more often now.
I'm 36" around, have gained 22lbs total and am 34cm curvature. (2lbs away from when i delivered Gavin, and 1cm shy). I still don't feel very big, and I like this little belly. She can stay in as long as she'd like, as long as it's not till April.

Today, Fri. Feb. 4th, I'm actually 35 wks, according to how she's been measuring all along, and I just wrote on facebook that I was thinking this morning that I'm now on an "expected shipment time" where my baby should arrive in 4-6 wks. 5wks from tomorrow would be perfect, when Dale starts his spring break. We'll see.

And this is Gavin on Wed., helping to organize Walmart. The next row you don't see was red and green race cars. I wonder where he gets this from! [Dale & I both, really]. He makes me smile ; )