Luke on the Go

Luke is walking! He loves to motor around and explore new areas. He took his first steps before we left for vacation -- but didn't really get going until we returned home. Since we've been back, he hardly ever resorts to crawling. It's so fun to see how having more mobility brings out more of his personality.

Belly Buttons

I was helping Hannah get dressed this morning and as she lifted up her shirt so I could put her belt on, she looked down at her belly button and asked me "Does God have a belly button?"

Hmmmmm.....

Fall Update

Jacob started kindergarten a few weeks ago. He loves riding the bus to school (which picks up right at the end of our quad). He made a new friend on the bus - Sveras (a 3rd grader from Lithuania). They ride the bus together most mornings. He had a little problem adjusting the first week of school -- he was having a hard time getting along with the girls -- but last week he did much better. He enjoys working on his homework assignments and is having fun learning Spanish.

Hannah started preschool last week. She loves it! This morning she couldn't wait to get her backpack and go to school. She is attending the same preschool that Jacob attended last year Monday and Wednesday mornings. I will be helping in her classroom about once a month throughout the year.

We started Community Bible Study last week. We're studying Mark & Ephesians this year. Hannah and Luke are both coming to Bible study with me. There is a children's ministry program for kids 2-6 years - they sing, listen to Bible stories, and do a craft that coordinates with the story they're learning. They have a staffed nursery for kids under 2. I am so glad Ft. Collins has a CBS program! I missed this community in North Dakota.

The biggest news -- is I'm expecting! The baby is due to arrive mid-April. We are excited as we anticipate the newest Haertel's arrival!

Happy Birthday, Hannah!

Hannah turned three on August 29th. We had a small birthday party for her on her birthday. She asked for a pink horsey birthday. And her menu request was hotdogs. So we grilled hotdogs but ended up inside for the party instead of a picnic outside because it was thundering and sprinkling. We had 11 people inside our tiny apartment -- but it was still a fun party!

I made an angel food cake with whipped cream and strawberries and decorated it with horses and a pink fence which I made out of mini craft sticks. Hannah had fun opening presents and playing with her new toys -- especially the horses and tinker toys.

I can't believe our little girl is three and will start preschool in a few days!! Wow!
We love you Hannah!