A few things...

Nate, Jordan & I...the baby shower planners ;-)

Jordan w/ Grandma Lissa & Grandpa Bob...expecting their 1st grandson in Dec!

Brock, Nate, Mandy & I...we love them so much!

Brock, Bob, Nate, Mandy, (Gavin), Lissa, Jordan & I...the family keeps growing

The food set up...deli sandwiches, pickles, crackers & cheese, veggies & dip, fruit salad & delicious cake

Gavin's diaper cake...100 diapers, 3 teethers, 4 spoons, 4 rattles, 4 pacifiers, travel baby wash/lotion, desitin, pee pee cover & 8 washcloths...we had a ton of fun putting it together ;-)

Jordan & her new baby doll...her present from Mommy to make her feel all better

Smiley girl climbing on Mommy...we just love that face!

Yesterday we threw a family baby shower for Nate's sister, Mandy & our brother in law, Brock. They are expecting their first baby boy, Gavin Michael Behnke on December 2nd. We are all so excited for them. We know they will be wonderful parents. They have been trying for a while now so this is a blessing. We had almost 30 people at our house for the shower. They received a lot of great gifts. They were given a stroller/carseat combo, bassinet, convertible carseat, towels, washcloths, clothes, socks, bibs, baby wash & lotions, books & a ton of diapers! It was a ton of fun & we were so happy to throw 2 of our favorite people a party to celebrate their baby boy.

Today I stayed home from work due to having a sick baby girl ;-( She was up every 2 hours screaming her head off. I would go into comfort her & she was still screaming...finally brought her in our bed & she slept a while. Then an hour or so later it was back to screaming. Thought it was teeth, ears, nose...checked everything we could. She did not have a fever. I couldn't feel any teeth coming in. She wasn't pulling at her ears. Thought it could be stomach pains, but can't tell on the outside. Nothing was working & we do not like a sad Jordan!

Called work to let them know what was going on & they said, "Dr. isn't here today, he is sick as well. If you want to come in go ahead, if not we'll see you tomorrow...get that baby better!" So, my intentions were to take Jordan to the Dr. & then bring her to Grandma Lissa's house & work for a few hours. The Dr. couldn't get her in until 10:45. She weighs 23 lbs 8 oz now. Dr. Omengan loked her over & said everything on the outside is just fine. She may just have a stomach virus. Nothing we can give her for that it just has to pass. Well, we got out of there at 11:15 & she was exhausted. She had her noon time bottle when we got home & she passed right out. The sick bum slept for almost 3 hours!!! Woke up & was full of smiles. Had dinner, played w/ toys & had our night time bottle earlier than usual & she will hopefully sleep like a champ. She is the best sleeper, so as soon as she was up all night we knew something was wrong. Hoping tomorrow is a better day for our Punkins!

Well, we just wanted to keep everyone posted on the everyday life of the Helgerson's. We are enjoying what is left of our summer. This weekend we will be going to my parent's WI cabin for boating, sun, campfires, family & friends ;-) Next time we'll be in WI we will be snowmobiling!!! We hope you have all had a wonderful summer. Enjoy the pictures!!!!

Love xoxox,
Nate, Rachel & Jordan

10 Months...ALREADY??!!

Miss Jordan loves her music ;-)

Daddy's little Vikings fan...he's so proud!

Daddy teaching Jordan the proper technique to fish

The new surprise face....it is hysterical

Telling Mommy a BIG story...she & I love to chat ;-)

The coolest shirt in all of WI...we cut the sleeves off for a bad@$$ pic

My beautiful family...I thank God for them everyday!

The Behnke's w/ their niece, Jordan...they are expecting their 1st, Dec 2nd

Mommy & Daughter....I love her soooooooooooo much!!!

Surprise visit to Grammie & Papa's lake...what a life J has!

Boat rides are so much fun & very windy ;-)

Playing w/ toys on the beach...can life get any better?!

The 3 of us on the rock-it-totter in Indiana

Daddy & Daughter taking a swim...making the best of the crummy weather

Big girl hanging out on friends weekend...she loved everyone & I know they loved her too ;-)

How on earth do we have a 10 month old?! It has been the best 10 months of our lives. We love being parents! Jordan is the best little girl. She entertains us & makes us smile everyday. It is so much fun to watch her change into a little lady. She is starting to look more like a little girl instead of a baby. I miss my snuggly baby, but I am happy to have an independent child.

It has been a busy summer for us....a lot different than last summer ;-) We went on our annual friend weekend in Monticello, IN. Our friend's family has a cabin on a lake in Indiana so we pick one weekend every summer & have way too much fun! Jordan came w/ us & got to play w/ her friend, Clayton Heaton. The weather wasn't the best, but we always manage. Jordan & I surprised my parents by venturing up to their cabin in WI for a day of fun in the sun. My Mom didn't believe me when I called to let her know what our plan was, but she was so happy I wasn't messing with her! We also just got back from our week in WI. Nate's family...his Mom, Dad, Sister (Mandy) & our brother-in-law (Brock) & the 3 of us along w/ our dogs spent a week fishing, eating too much, laughing a lot, playing games, reading, napping & whatever else our hearts desired! We had a great time & can't wait for next year w/ another baby around. Jordan was once again a wonderful little traveler. She is so adaptable to her surroundings. She still sleeps like a champ & goes on her merry way with whatever is going on. We are so proud of her.

Well, in 2 months we will have a one year old in our house ;-( The party plans have already begun. Excited to enjoy another milestone in our daughter's life. Most of you will be receiving your invites soon....Minnie Mouse & Friends theme! I don't know who is more excited me or Jordan. ;-)

Once again...we hope you & your family are having a wonderful summer!
Love xoxo,
The Helgerson's

P.S. Thank you to all who prayed for my Grandma LePla...she had several minor strokes last week. She is now home & doing well. Let's pray her health continues to get better!

9 Month Checkup...

Well, Miss Jordan is a PERFECT girl according to our pediatrician, Dr. Omengan ;-) We already knew that though! She is in the 95th percentile for her height & weight. He said she is a very happy baby & moving right along as she should. He told us we must be good parents because she will go to anyone & is doing so well. That was nice to hear! I like to think we are doing well being it is our first baby.

Jordan weighs 22 lbs 9 oz & is 29 3/4 inches long ;-) She has long legs like her Mommy & loves to eat like her Daddy! She has been crawling everywhere & pulling herself up on everything. Walking is just around the corner. When we were leaving the doctor's office yesterday I had to schedule her 1 year check-up...hard to believe she will be a year already. I may have cried a little ;-( Oh well, we get to have a fabulous party....I know most of you will be shocked, but I already have it all planned down to the decor, menu, drinks, games, favors & guest list. Many of you will be receiving an invite in September for her party in October. We love to celebrate!!!

Have a wonderful rest of the summer...we will have lots to update as we are busy until after Labor Day. Fun in the sun for the Helgerson's!

Love xoxo,

Rachel, Nate, Jordan & Doozer ;-)

9 Months!!!

Nate & his princess ;-)

Jordan's first 4th of July...on my parent's boat!

Dinner on the lake before the fireworks...My Family ;-)

Jordan & Mommy taking a nap on Grammie & Papa's boat

Crawling baby girl...chasing the photographer

Mommy & Daddy holding Jordan's hands...she is big stuff!

Walking along the couch in her Disney Princess jammies!

Mommy & Jordan crawling through her tunnel...we got stuck!

Nate & I at the Jimmy Buffett concert...My 12th & Nate's 4th ;-)

Our Parrothead group...about to go in & wait for Jimmy to start singing!!!

Where has the time gone??? We have a 9 month old girl in our home! We can't even believe how fast time has flown....we love every minute of being parents to Jordan. She truly has blessed our lives & everything is so much better w/ her ;-)

Jordan now crawls everywhere, climbs on everything & really would like to start taking her first steps. She loves to hold herself up on the edge of the couch & walk back & forth. The other night Nate & I thought she was going to take her first step. She let go completely & just stood on her own, but no dice. She will be walking before we know it. Everything is going so fast....it's hard to believe she will be 1 year old soon ;-( Our baby is now a big girl.

We have been very busy this summer....with me having a new job (which I love, love, love), Nate working 60+ hours a week & a little Punkin running the house we have still found time to visit w/ friends & family. Nate & I attended my 12th Jimmy Buffett concert w/ my family...it's a tradition ;-) Jordan stayed the night at her G & G Helgerson's. We spent our 4th of July weekend at my parent's WI cabin w/ my family & close family friends. Jordan loves the boat, water, sand & the wind blowing in her face...she falls asleep on the boat every time! We have also been using our pool to the fullest this summer. With the hot temps we get in any chance we get. Jordan has her own pool, but she loves swimming w/ Mommy & Daddy too!

Jordan has her 9 month check up this coming Wed....can't wait to find out what a big girl we really do have ;-) She is a great sleeper & a wonderful eater! She is eating stage 3 foods, oatmeal, 3--8 ounce bottles a day, whatever food is on Mommy's plate & some finger foods too. We have yet to find a food Jordan doesn't like...which we love...we do not want a picky eater. Nate & I love food too much & hope she will like to try new things w/ us. We still have some wonderful things planned for the rest of our summer....our annual pool party, Indiana w/ friends, Lake Lawrence w/ Nate's family for a week, my Mom's bday weekend, my 29th bday weekend, & Labor Day weekend @ my parent's cabin. Typing all of that makes me realize how quickly summer has gone...boo!!!!

Well, we hope you & your family are well. We will continue to update when new things come up in our world. Have a wonderful rest of your summer!
Love xoxo,
The Helgerson's (Nate, Rachel, Jordan & Doozer)

8 Months Old...

I'm ready to go to the beach...I'm all you should need ;-)

At Grammie & Papa's WI cabin coloring w/ Mommy

Big fish swimming in her pool ;-)

Mommy I'm having so much fun at my playdate w/ Xoe & Megan!

I'm keeping Daddy company & helping him w/ his work

I will drive the boat Papa...I'm a big girl now!

Jordan's first time on the boat...she loved it!!!

We now have a big girl in our house ;-) She is 8 months old & growing up fast! It has been so much fun to watch all of Jordan's accomplishments. She is so curious about everything & nothing gets past her. She loves everyone & always has a smile to share. When you are feeling down, just look at Jordan & she cheers you up every time! Jordan has been a very busy girl...retirement party for Nate's aunt, graduation parties, helping a friend of ours unpack from their big move, playdates w/ new friends, swimming in her baby pool, our big pool, my parent's pool, & her great aunt Cindy's pool....in other words Jordan loves swimming. She just splashes the water....when it gets in her face she just does it again. We also went to my parent's WI cabin for a few days. Just Jordan, Mom, Aimee & myself...4 days of just the girls. Nate was able to have a guys fishing trip so we both had a great time doing what we love!

Jordan has been rolling all around the house. From one end of a room to the other she is very mobile. She isn't too interested in crawling....she definitely would love to walk right now. If you hold her hands & walk w/ her she will take off & sometimes she just likes to let go & thinks she can do it herself. She is our little daredevil...definitely doesn't get that from me, I am a huge chicken! Lately she has taken a few "crawls" & then gets sick of it & rolls around. With time she will do whatever she wants ;-) She is such a great eater....loves anything you give her to eat. She is on stage 3 foods, a bit thicker in consistency & some have chunks of food to help her chew. Jordan also loves to eat whatever Mommy & Daddy have....gives us a huge smile & a wave so we will think she is so cute & give her a bite. It always works too! Her wave she does is hysterical...we call it the beauty queen. She rotates her wrist like a beauty queen....we are going to have a princess on our hands! We are having so much fun watching her develop & learn new things in her world. Everyday is something new & being parents really is the greatest job ever! The last 8 months have flown by...our family always tells us that time flies, but my goodness. Now if only I could make time slow down that would be wonderful.

On another note...Nate is back to work after his knee surgery on his left knee. He will have his right knee done in September. He now works Monday thru Friday like most normal people ;-) We are very excited about that. He is also #1 in seniority in his work group. That means he gets to pick shifts & vacations before anyone else & will not have to be on-call or work holidays! Yeah!!!!!!!! Everything happens for a reason...now that we have a family we are both working wonderful family oriented hours. I started a new job last week...the old one was a bit dramatic everyday & it is best that I'm out of there. My new job is at a dentist office...going back to my old love of dentistry. I have an obsession w/ teeth for those of you who do not know. I am now working Mon, Tues & Thurs 7:30 to 5:00, Wed OFF, Fri 7:30 to 1:30 ;-) PERFECT!!!! I am working as a front desk receptionist/dental assistant....so I am the jack of all trades there. It has been a wonderful first week & I am loving the job.

Well, as always thanks for keeping track of our little family. Hope you enjoy some of the pics. We wish you & your family a safe & fun summer.

Love xoxoxo, The Helgerson's

7 months old....Soooo big!!!

I love being a big girl in the bathtub now!

Hi Mommy...I'm a big girl ;-)

Jordan & her Daddy watching the History Channel...fun, fun, fun!

Figuring out this whole crawling thing...got the arms & the legs, just not together

Jordan makes her Daddy smile all the time....he's hooked!

Our daughter is now 7 months old ;-) She is getting so grown up & is turning into a funny little girl. We just love being parents...she is a wonderful baby girl. She sleeps through the night (has since she was 8 weeks old), rolls over, eats a variety of fruits, veggies, oatmeal & baby food meals. She loves when you hold her hands so she can walk....she gets so excited that she starts to jump up & down & then she laughs at herself. We think she is going to completely skip crawling & just start walking. She has no interest in crawling, she just loves to stand up & walk w/ you. Her personality is hysterical...we are constantly laughing with her, not at her! She has a wonderful smile & is so great with everyone...she is definitely not a shy girl (gets that from her Mommy).

She loves to eat...some of her favorites are bananas, pears, chicken & noodle, macaroni & cheese, carrots, squash, & of course her bottle which she has 3--8 oz bottles a day! The child loves to eat...a lot like her Daddy ;-)

On to other news....I had a wonderful first Mother's Day....Jordan got me a charm for my charm bracelet that has a heart & says "Mom" on it & also a very sweet card. We spent the day going to church in the morning & then had lunch w/ Nate's family. Then we went to dinner at my parents house to celebrate Mother's Day & my sister, Aimee's 16th birthday! It was a great day ;-)

Also, Nate will be having knee surgery this Thursday 5/20...he has a torn meniscus in both knees....they can only do one knee at a time. His left knee is the worst, so they will operate on Thursday & then do the right knee another time. We are not sure how long it will take for his recovery, but we are hoping for the best! We would appreciate all of your prayers.

Again...here are a few pictures for you to enjoy. We hope everything is going well in your life. Have a wonderful summer...we will update again soon!

Love oxox,
The Helgerson's

6 months old ;-(

Mommy showing Jordan how to blow bubbles at the vacation house

The LePla kids w/ baby J...family spring cleaning weekend in WI

Jordan's first time in the grass...wasn't too sure about it

Jordan loves her exersaucer while getting some sun ;-)

Jordan's newest toy & Mommy's bargain find....I love a bargain ;-)

Our baby girl is no longer a little baby girl...she is now 18 lbs 7 oz & 27 inches. She is our mini tank! We had our 6 month check-up last week & our pediatrician, Dr. Omengan said she is a "perfect" 6 month old baby girl. I said, "we already knew that." He also said she has amazing hand/eye coordination...it's above average for a 6 month old. We are so proud of her! She is a smart little cookie.

She is now eating all of the stage 1 solid foods....she will begin stage 2 at 7 months & then stage 3 at 8 months. She rolls over from front to back & also back to front. She is a big daredevil too....we caught her trying to stand up to reach the water faucet in the bathtub, she tried to sit up in her swing & almost got out (thank God for safety straps), she loves to bounce for hours in her jump n go (it connects to the doorway & lets her jump up & down)....she is hilarious to watch & listen to. Jordan has become quite the talker...while she is talking you must look at her because she is hysterical.

Jordan has now grown out of 1/2 of the clothes we had for her....she is now growing out of 6-9 months & is getting very cozy in 9 month & some 12 month clothes. Her problem area is her arms...they are short so we have to always roll the sleeves. Nate calls her his little "T-Rex" We can't wait for a fun filled summer w/ Jordan. She will be camping, swimming, hiking, boating, fishing, campfires, sandcastles & so much more. She will be spending a lot of time at Grammie & Papa's WI cabin this summer...she loves it up there already, I've told her it's a lot more fun in the summer time! She has her bathing suits, life jacket & fishing pole all ready to go....can't wait for the warm weather to stay ;-)

We love being parents to Miss Jordan...she makes us smile all the time & we are so thankful God has given us such a special blessing. We can't imagine what life was like w/out her!

Nate is still working 6 days a week....Verizon has hired more guys to work in his area....the #1 guy in his work area is his dad, Bob & now Bob has the opportunity to work inside doing different work for Verizon....which means Nate would now be #1 in seniority & not have to work holidays, weekends & no more oncall!!!!! I'm a little excited ;-)

I'm still working 5 days a week at the OB/GYN clinic...still loving my work & the people I work with, but hoping to have just one permanent day off a week. There are talks of my clinic going to 4 days a week, 10 hours a day which I would absolutely LOVE!! Our clinic is building a new office just 5 minutes from our house....it doesn't get any better than that.

Other good news in our family is....Nate's sister, Mandy & brother-in-law, Brock are expecting their 1st baby due December 2nd!!!! We are so excited for them to become parents....it's an amazing experience & we are also anxious to be an aunt & uncle...plus, Jordan will have a new friend. She has so many friends already....we always have room for more.

Well, once again we hope things in your life are going well. We wish you & your family a wonderful summer & hope to see some of you soon.

Love xoxoxo,
The Helgerson's