Mona's Grandma Passes Away.

My Grandma Johnson passed away on Saturday. She would be turning 100 years old next month. She is a wonderful woman and although death is often sad, I am happy that she has left her mortal body and is reunited with her spouse. It is times like these that I am grateful that I belong to an eternal family, that death cannot break our family ties and I know that I will see her again. I will not be able to go to the funeral, but have enjoyed reminiscing my favorite memories with her over the last few days. A link to her obituary: http://www.legacy.com/Link.asp?I=LS000112115019X
Here is a 4 generation picture that was taken last summer with her.

Happy Half-Birthday to You!

I decided that I did not like celebrating Bridger's real birthday (December 19). It is too much at once and made Christmas a little anti-climatic. So, we are now celebrating his half birthday instead. We had a BBQ with our friends and Bridger had a great time. He got lots of really cool books, a bubble-blower, sidewalk chalk, and a tricycle. So much more fun in the summer!

Cupcake Bugs

Bubbles- so much fun

Three little neighbors: Bridger, Barret and Eliza. They are all within 2 months of age and have alot of fun playing together. Bridger has started saying "Mine" and of course, although he semi-shares, everything is to him is "Mine." The night after the party, he woke up around 2 a.m. in a nightmare crying and screaming, "Mine! Mine! Mine!" I thought it was pretty funny.




Bridger wants to be just like daddy. He loves his "Bike hat" and wants to wear it all the time.

Happy Half- Birthday Bridger Man!

Ready for Number Two?

Well, I have 6 weeks to go and many people, including myself, have been asking, "So, are you ready for number two?" When I think of not being pregnant anymore, I definately say, "YES!!" I have had alot of back and hip pain and just found out that I am anemic which may be the reason that I am always exhausted--or else chasing and lifting Bridger all day long--it is hard to tell the reason. The real question to me is "Am I ready for a newborn?" Now, we have admitted several times that Bridger has spoiled us. I don't really take credit for anything that we as parents have necessarily done (although I am sure the pediatrician in the house might differ) But Bridger has been a great baby. Never in his newborn life has he been awake past 1 a.m.... or actually, ever in his life. He started sleeping at least 6 hours straight at 3 weeks old at night time, and by 4 months he would go 12 hours...he has been a great eater, he has a happy disposition and the most he ever cried in his life was when he went through his separation anxiety stage... which really, was pretty tolerable. When it comes to sickness, he has only had 1 ear infection and has only thrown up once. I could really go on and on about how easy it has been, but I don't want anyone who has had a "normal newborn" to hate us for being so lucky, nor do I want to jinx myself. Well, OK, to be fair and completely honest, he does have one problem... he drools.... alot. And I am sure that the terrible twos might bring some bad behavior, or the teenage years. There has to be some kind of balance, right? So, the long answer to the question "Are you ready for number two?" is, "Yes...as long as he is a clone of Bridger!"

(I am not proud to post my preggo pictures on the blog, but I wanted to show that I am just as big now as when I delivered Bridger.)

Iza

Bridger acts pretty well around other children. He shares, he talks to them and will semi-play with them, except when it comes to our next door neighbor, Eliza. (Or "Iza" as Bridger calls her) I think Bridger is already showing signs of having the "Johnson Boy Gene" causing him to be reclusive and awkward around a cute girl. Here is a picture of them on the swings, Eliza has a death grip of Bridger's hand and he is barely noticing her.

Going Green

If you know us, you will know that we are not the most environmentally conscious people. But living in Madison (a liberal island in a sea of conservatives) we have been slowly rubbed off on and reduced to this. We are not sure if we should be proud or embarrassed.... Regardless, our ecofootprint is getting smaller by the day. But don't worry, we don't plan on voting Democrat any time soon. Here are a few examples...

Ben rides his bike daily to work. It is faster and can park alot closer than if he were to drive. We also bought a bike trailer to take Bridger wherever we want to. We are using the closeline instead of the dryer now that the chance of snow has finally passed.

Even Bridger is going green by wearing homemade cloth diapers. (This is really happening in hopes that is will get him to potty train sooner)

Ben purchased a lawn clipper that runs strictly by "Ben power." It actually works really well!

Brat Fest

There is a big event in Madison called the Brat Fest where you eat as many Brats as you can. You may be asking, what is a Brat? Well it's like a sausage that you cook and eat like a hotdog. It is a very popular food item here. Ben likes them and Mona thinks they are disgusting. We ate a few (meaning Ben ate 2 and a half and Mona took a bite) and yes Madison did break the record this year of more than 200K Brats. Can you just feel your arteries clogging?