This is a special week

Know why this is a special week? Well, because it’s the Chinese New Year CELEBRATION! This is important to me because my two Beauties (I don’t call them Aunts, I call them Beauties) Zoie and Ellie were born in China. We also have many friends (Wong) that are Chinese and celebrate their culture with their families and friends during this time. Zoie and Ellie told me that they found these special red envelopes in their cereal bowls on Monday morning. Cool! Aren’t the Beauties Boooo-iful in their gorgeous chinese dresses? Remember that I said last Sunday I went bridesmaid dress shopping? Mom, Wong and I went over to Wonger’s sister’s house so I could meet my new friend Max. He’s 11 months. He’s a huge dude. He's really nice.
He was teaching me how to give me high 5.
And, I loved up some Wong time. Her name is Diana but I call her Wong. Mom does too. I love it when she "swhooshes" in my ear. I tried to get some alone time with her but Max kept following us around! Ha! I love you Max. Let's play trucks next time.Yesterday we started getting ready for Shelli, my cool daycare lady. I got my bottles all ready with my name on them! Auntie Laura sent those stickers to me for Christmas and it’s a pretty cool gift. This way, none of the other kids will steal my milk that my mom graciously produces for me every day. That is one thing that I will not share. On Wednesday my mom and I went outside and built a snow fort. Here’s what she dressed me in. Okay, we were pretending in my room because it was so freezing outside but, anyway… And, lastly – I have a crazy mom and dad. When dad watches me he takes me 4-wheelin around on the hardwood floors. I love it. I hope you can see a couple of the videos. This is my and my normal self…in a white onesie because I had barfed all over my clothes, socks up to my knees and I have my new shoes on thanks to Karis! Now I can be a speed racer.

I like my tounge.
Dad took me off-roadin'. I know, I know. I can't touch the floor yet. Boo hoo.
Here's me riding around my race track. Thanks for the push dad.

I wanted to let you know that today is my last day at home with my mom before she returns to work. We’re having so much fun that she’s even taking me to my first Happy Hour tonight with a bunch (40+) of her old work buddies. She said I can only stay for a little bit until dad picks me up to take me home. Hey, mom – can I have a Killians Red? Yum. We'll try to continue to post blog updates but it may not be so often. Shucks!

Next week I get to stay with gma and gpa sherck ALL WEEK LONG getting spoiled while mom is in Ohio for training. Yes!!!!!!!!!!!

The Dreadful Two Month Check-up

I’m one tough cookie. Today I went to the doctor for my TWO MONTH appointment and got shots. Yep, three of them (one oral and one in each of my chubb thighs). Yuk. I do not like those things at all.

On Friday I’ll be 9 weeks old already. It’s really crazy how fast I’m growing. Here’s the low-down from my appointment:

Weight: 10.6 lbs (25th percentile)
Height: 22 inches (25th percentile)
Head Size: (50th percentile)

At my appt I was awake the entire time just chillin’ with my Doctor MaryBeth. She’s one cool cutie. I wore my “handsome” shirt just for her. She told me that I look healthy and seem to be doing great! I’m smiling more and now can hold onto rattles & toys and shake, shake, shake ‘em until they fall out of my hand. I’m sleeping a little bit better – about 3-4 hours straight on average. At night I now get up about two times to drink my bottle and then normally go back to sleep. I fall asleep on my own now in my crib. When I get tired, mom & dad put me in there all comfy and turn on my night light with my swooshing nature music.

I have strong legs. I like to stand and be on my feet – with my mom & dad’s help, of course. Oh yeah, I absolutely hate tummy time. I guess it’s supposed to help me crawl and get strong but let me tell ya, it is no fun. I have a strong neck too. I don't need too much support or help anymore. I can hold my own - THANK YOU!

After we got home, I had a bottle on mommy’s lap (cheers to two months) and then got some rest. Those shots this morning really wore me out. But, when I woke up - I'm back to my normal self! Am I smiling at mom or smiling because I have this crazy bib on?

One last thing. My mom wrote my name on my wall in my room so I would #1 remember my name and #2 remember how to spell my name. I sure hope it works. She's still trying to figure out the spacing thing - but you get the idea. I think it looks awesome. I love my room.

Ba-Ba- BASKETBALL!

Yowzers! My mom scooted me around town like a rag doll yesterday but I loved every minute of it! I'm starting to love car rides - I laugh & smile at the Moose (thanks Sharon) that hangs from my car seat handle and most of the time the Moose puts me to sleep.



Four known facts about the last 48 hours:

1. I had playdate #2 with Rylan, Mia and Gabriel. Picture below is me with Rylan and Mia. Shucks. Gabriel was taking a nap when the camerattzi was there.
My main gal Mia. She's almost sitting up now by herself. I was watching her all day so I can learn how to do that. I love you Mia. Thanks for always being so happy. I've never had a girlfriend before that is so happy all of the time like you are. 2. I went to my first basketball game in my whole life. Yesterday was soo much fun! We picked up dad from work and headed to St. Paul to watch the Concordia/Northwestern girls college basketball game. Know why? Duh - cuz Aunt Cami was reffing! We were waiting for Cam to give one of the coaches a technical foul for some sort of exitement but she didn't. Ugh. Maybe next game we go see... And, ps: 62-53, Northwestern State I told her I wanted to blow her whistle but she said no. Not fair. On the ride home mom told me all about how Grandpa Becker was a ref too!3. I heard "Eye of the Tiger" for the first time. Da...Da-Da-Da, Da-Da-Da.........Da-Da-Da.

4. Went to the Mall of America with my dad. We saw legoland, the Amusement Park, the crowds of people (c'mon, seriously)and I even got a bottle at DSW! I helped dad pick out some new shoes. I love wheelin' around in my stroller like a race car driver.

I'm a little exhausted from all of the traveling around but dad told me this: "Son, your mom and I have a very active lifestyle and we'd like you to be a part of it. Why? Because it's good for the soul." Um, what does that really mean? I'm not quite sure but I know I've had some fun the past few days.

I better go drink my milk, read some books and get ready for bed. Mom is taking me on ANOTHER outing tomorrow for brunch with the girls and then to try on bridesmaid dresses for Wongers wedding! What? I'm boy! I do not want to go dress shopping!!! Dad - even though it's zero degrees, can I come ice fishing with you instead?

My new hang-out spot...

This is the third day in a row that mom & I have gone out on "adventures" during the day. Tues & Wed we met some of mom's friends for lunch and yesterday we even got to go to daddy's office and hang out for a bit! I love going to visit him at his work. I love all of those fishing lures he has on the wall. Today we went to Cabelas - WOW, I'll tell you...sensory overload.

Check out my new cool hang-out place. Yep, the bathroom sink. I actually like sitting in the sink and stairing up at the lights. My mom is nuts for putting me here and my dad is even more nuts for taking this picture. This was from Tuesday - check out my red/white/blue inaugural outfit. Go Obama! Note to Obama if you're reading this: please help our economy get stronger. Thank you.
And, this is a pic of me hangin' in my crib this morning just chillin out in my new Penguin onesie from mom's friend Wong. I look like one heck of a stud if you ask me...


Tomorrow another play date and then Auntie Cami is reffing the Concordia basketball game in St. Paul during the night. I can't wait to see her. I've never been to a basketball game but I hear they're pretty fun and noisy. Maybe I'll be able to meet some more girls my age...

Now THIS is how I like my bottle...

I like my bottle.......lounging out on the floor with daddy's knee cap right in the back of my head. He has the magic touch. So, mom was going nuts with the camera again this morning. She dressed me up all pretty (whatever) in this new outfit I got from Susie & Peter so we could get ready to head out for lunch with Wonger to Buffalo Wild Wings today. She said I looked so handsome so she wanted to take a picture of me. Well, don't tell anyone else, but I had to poop so bad and so big that I messed the whole outfit up! I cried and told mom that I was sooo sorry and she said she'd forgive me. I guess, her being on top of her camera isn't a bad thing, huh? That outfit is soaking in stain remover, I'm in a new outfit & ready for some wings! I told mom that I wanted to try some spicy garlic sauce on my lips but she doesn't think that would be a good idea...she said not until I'm atleast three months old.

A Visit from Cali and a Power Walk

For once, it's Katie here. Brady has been stealing all of the blogging time away lately!

We've had a fun past three days! We had a long weekend visit from Gma Karen & Gpa Gerry from California! Funny - they both flew in on Friday. California weather was 85 degrees and Minnesota weather when we woke on Friday am was -24. Chilly! Bill and Gerry spent time on Saturday ice fishing on Mille Lacs while Brady, Gma and I relaxed by the fire. The boys came home with NO FISH. Bill...What's up with that?

Sunday we relaxed, watched football and had Gma and Gpa Sherck over for dinner of Walleye & Pheasant Pot Pie. Yes, our house still smells like fish but it was absolutely worth it because chef Bill can cook up one hot meal!

Of course, this weekend we went camera crazy on Saturday when the boys were fishing. Brady wore his ice fishing outfit too! I know he looks like a serious bald man in these pictures - but he's really starting to grow some fuzz for hair. It's blonde. We'll see if it stays that way... It's so refreshing that Brady is now smiling (a lot) - it makes those 2am feedings so much easier when he's coo-ing, laughing and smiling at the ceiling. In the past week we've been feeding him a bottle a lot more and I think he's eating DOUBLE what he was before - therefore, the reason for him looking like he's a stuffed chicken in his blue outfit below. Ha! He may be 10-11lbs now. Newborn clothes will be out the window shortly because his torso is so long...

I had the most refreshing 3 mile power walk (in the blizzard-like conditions) yesterday afternoon. I think I'm getting my old self back. #1 - I feel like exercising again #2 - I feel like drinking my daily glass (or four) of Shiraz. I wish I could say #3 is fitting in my pants but I'm not quite there yet:) During my walk I even got a little wind burn on my cheeks! I wonder if any of the neighbors heard me singing out loud to my MP3 player as I was truckin' through the snow?

Two more weeks with my baby until I go back to work & Brady starts daycare with Shelli. I'm going to enjoy every minute of it. Brady and I discussed hittin' up Target to walk the aisles this afternoon after his early pm nap.

Will I play soccer?

It's me, Brady. First of all, I slept FIVE HOURS straight lastnight. Yeah for me! My mom is starting to feed me out of a bottle so I'm eating more at one time and don't get hungry so fast.

Do you think I'm gonna look like this when I get older? This is my dad when he was little. He's gonna kill me for letting all of you see...but, I giggle every time I see it. He keeps telling me that I'm gonna play soccer and hockey when I get older. We'll see!

Proof that I'm now smiling!

We've had fun the past few days spending time with friends! The attached pic above of me smiling is from this morning - I was smiling at my friend Fuzz. He came over to play! He was also trying to kiss me too. I think he's practicing for when his little Sweet Pea sister arrives in May. His mom Ryerse is so cool. She brought mom pasta & sweet potato fries. Yum!
Also, I got a chance to see my friends Cooper and Crosby again too two times since Sunday! Aren't we goofballs? And a pic of us boys with our moms...Wait, where are Cooper's pants? I think he just wants to show off his new underwear since he's peeing on the toilet now. What a show-off.

I also wanted to let all of you readers know one thing: I love my dad. We have gotten some serious bonding time lately watching hockey, listening to music, drinking milk and taking naps together. He lets me nap with him in their bed and mom doesn't let me do that. I'm home with her all day long and she doesn't let me nap in their cozy bed? What a rip off. He's teaching me that it's okay for boys to cry - just as long as the cry doesn't sound like a girl cry. Therefore, sometimes he lets me cry until I get too tired and then just zonk out. Even though mom & dad hate it when I scream, I know it's good for me. It's teaching me a lesson that crying is over-rated.One last thing before I wrap this up. Know what? I slept for 3.5 hours straight two days in a row! Mom was acting so crazy when I woke up she was dancing and singing (like she actually got some sleep) So, mom...if you're reading this, I'm working on the sleeping thing. I promise.

Five updates by Brady Sherck...

#1. I love, love, love my bath time. Mom & Dad use this as a secret weapon when I need "de-fussing"...whatever that means. I have BLUE eyes!#2. Playdate time! We me up with moms friends Carissa, Melissa & Kara today and I got to meet two new friends! (Mia and I already go waaaay back...) Our moms went camera crazy as you can tell. Here's me and my buddies...left to right (Mia-Natalie-Me-Rylan)And a picture of us with our hot moms...And, me and my new girlfriend Natalie. Did you know that Natalie was due the same date that I was? Yep, and she was born four days after me. In this picture I think I was trying to smile.

#3. Mommy has accepted a new job! She is so happy, relieved and feels like it is going to be a great opportunity for her while I'm young. Because she'll be working from home, she can bring me to daycare in my new bike trailer when the weather gets warmer. Heck yeah! She says that I'll be going to this super cool lady named Shelli who lives about four blocks from our house.

#4. Happy Birthday to me. Yep, today I'm six weeks old. Time flies when all I do is eat, sleep and poop. Mom and I even went to see her doctor today...the lady that delivered me at the hospital. She said mom is doing great! Because I was crying when mom was in the doctors office, the nice nurses came and got me. When mom was done, she went out into the lab area and found me smiling at all of the nurses. Don't tell her, but...I was just flirting. They were such nice ladies. I over-heard the doc talking to my mom about birth control!!! Because I was conceived so quickly, the doctor wants to make sure that I don't get a brother or sister in 9 months. Ha...

#5. Shhhhh. Don't tell mom, but dad let me nap in their bed this morning for a bit while mom was getting ready. It was soo comfy. I wish they would let me do that more often...geez.

Thanks again to everyone for taking care of me (all of my gmas and gpas) and praying for our family...continued health, happiness and a better economy for all of us!

Ticket Envy

Fun times at the Shercks the past few days! The Beckers came to visit and it was so nice since Bill was in South Dakota pheasant hunting for work (in blizzard conditions). Some pictures attached...
The first: Friday night we made a stop for dinner to Space Aliens! Zoie and Ellie loved the game room and both won tickets. But, I had to snap a photo here...look at how many tickets these guys had? Z&E were pretty jealous... Zoie & Brady have become best buddies...The girls gave Brady a puppet show...Here's what Brady did all night when they were visiting...Ha! Brady with Grandma Lisa...

And the little man with my Grandpa Becker! Whenever he cries - Gpa B claps his hands and it makes him calm down (sometimes) They were in the cities to attend the musical "Grease" - sounds like it was a hit!

Bill made it home from South Dakota and we're starting a new week full of fun adventures. We can't believe Brady is already 5 weeks old. We're starting to see some possible smiles...so, hopefully we'll be able to post some smiling pics in the next couple weeks.