Jeff, Angelie and Petra

We are still alive!

2010-11-19T20:07:00.000-08:00

Apparently we haven't posted since Aug. 31st. Sorry all you Petra fans out there. We will have to start at the beginning and this will not be one big post but a series of smaller ones, so you just have to keep coming back for more. We'll do our best to keep it updated from here on out.
We've had visitors, birthdays and fun places to go this Fall and Petra has been enjoying it all.
Jeff had his 30th birthday and the big gift was a Chariot for both Petra and Jeff. It is a bike/ski child carrier. It was a blast this Fall and we are really looking forward to it's capabilities this winter. We should get to use it soon on the snow!
Our great friend Chad has visited us a couple times from Philadelphia. Petra loved his water bottle, so much so she has one of her own now.
In mid-September there was a festival in Boulder and they had a bunch of fun things to do for kids, most of which were for older kids. Well, for a couple bucks we were able to spend 5 minutes on this inflated slide. Taking as many rides down as we could. Petra definitely didn't want to stop and although we took probably 30 rides down in that 5 minutes she still cried when we had to vacate the slide. It was pretty cute.
The other visit we had was from Grandma Peggy and it was a good one! The leaves were starting to fall and Grandma and Petra had lots of quality time together.
(more pics to come soon!)

Mina and Bumpa take a trip with Petra

2010-08-31T20:32:00.000-07:00

From Boulder to Colorado Springs Mina and Bapa (Bumpa) took Petra on a few adventures. They hiked and drove and visited the chairs above Skunk Canyon in Boulder, the Garden of the Gods near Colorado Springs and the Zoo down there too! Petra had a ton of fun! In fact I think everyone did.

I see you looking at my icecream..

2010-08-29T12:21:00.000-07:00

Mina? Bumpa?

2010-08-08T17:33:00.000-07:00

For some reason, I never take pictures of my mom and step-dad when we visit. They'll be here in August, so this is my public vow to take quality photos of them with pdog.

IA!

2010-08-08T17:31:00.000-07:00

Petra had some QT with the grandparents in IA over Bix weekend.

Petra likes to eat dirt.

2010-08-08T17:27:00.000-07:00

Backyard Bliss

2010-08-08T17:14:00.000-07:00

The Stangrets!

2010-08-08T17:11:00.000-07:00

MN!

2010-08-08T17:06:00.000-07:00

Riddle: How many cousins are pictured here?

(Hint: One in the oven)

How many cousins pictured here?

The Paulson's

2010-08-08T17:00:00.000-07:00

This is a little past due, but these are picks from hanging out with Auntie and Uncle Meghan and Joel, cousing Gretta, Auntie Jess, and Grandma Peggy in good old MN. Gretta and Petra are too little peas (princesses) in a pod.

Little Homemaker! (Minus the dreadlocks:)

2010-07-11T16:56:00.000-07:00

This cupboard was made for my mom by my great grandfather, Fred Matz. This apron was also my mom's when she was little. They suit Petra well!

The Denver Zoo

2010-07-06T17:50:00.000-07:00

Our good friend Greg and former resident of Denver is an avid Zoo goer. He told us a while back that the Zoo in Denver is a good one. Today, Joseph, Petra, Jeff and I decided to do away with naps all together and check out the wildlife. Petra can now say "monkey" with great accuracy. We saw a lot of cool stuff and will surely be back.

More friends from the hood....

2010-07-06T17:44:00.001-07:00

This is Jocie and Sarah. They are our good friends that live on our block. Sometimes Jocie comes over to play, and Jeff and I watch Petra's world slowly crumble as she realizes that she is no longer the center of our universe. These visits make us see the importance of maybe having at least one more child.

The man pictured here is another neighbor. He and his wife own the exact same van as Jessi and Jesse, and you can find pictures of the sibling vehicles on their website at spacevan87.blogspot.com. Neighbor: "Oh what a special rock you brought to me. It's special because it's smooth and shaped like a moon!" -Petra then walks away, walks back, hands him the rock, "Oh what a special...." and this was repeated about 20 times. Petra loved it.

4th of July Block Party

2010-07-06T17:37:00.000-07:00

Since September, we have lived in this really cool neighborhood on the edge of town. Every year, the neighbors have a big potluck, beginning with a parade, and ending with games for the kids.

Petra walked up to a woman that lives across the street from us (who she has never met before), demanded to be picked up, and would not come to Jeff or me willingly after that. It was very funny.

Finally, some real friends!

2010-07-03T13:08:00.003-07:00

While on Pearl Street today, Petra met some kids that she really connected with. Even though they were made out of bronze, she really enjoyed their overall compliance with her commands and poking. I see some play dates in the future!

In Style Summer Edition

2010-07-03T13:05:00.001-07:00

Petra would like to extend a gracious thank you to all of you who have made it possible for her to have a stylish summer this year. Without you, she would just be a cute face with ugly clothes!

Baby Model of the Year!

2010-07-03T13:01:00.001-07:00

We have been encouraging Petra to work on her headshot "looks" early on in life so that her modeling career can really take off. I realize these don't even compare with "Blue Steel," but here's a preview of her looks entitled "Pink Summer," and "Blazing Sun," (both of which we shouldn't even be talking about right now....)

megapixel shmegapixel

2010-07-03T12:57:00.001-07:00

We took Petra to the Pearl Street Mall this morning for a bit of free entertainment. Jeff's ancient camera of 2 meggapixels takes better pics than our other with 10! Guess there's more to cameras than pixels!!!

Wackiness

2010-06-05T12:04:00.000-07:00

Presents from G-ma

2010-05-30T13:52:00.000-07:00

Broke our camera.....

2010-05-25T18:17:00.001-07:00

We have probably lost all of our followers by now, so here is a note to nobody....we not so recently broke our camera somehow, leaving us with little material for updating our blog. We will probably not get a new camera until I start my new job in September. (By the way, I got a full time music teaching job in South Boulder, and we are completely thrilled!) I am going to just write about Petra and our lives throughout the summer.

Here's what's new: Petra can imitate pretty much any word you say, so watch out potty mouths! She can walk, and run, and is working very hard on jumping. Lately, she has been using a severe scowl that she inherited from her mother when she wants to be sassy, which is most of the time. Tantrums are a regular occurrence, but they are never too severe. Petra can walk all by herself all the way to the park not that close to our house. One of her favorite pass times is eating the dirt in our garden while Daddy waters the plants. Petra's nanny, Parvaneh, moved to Texas for the summer, so Petra went through some clingy separation anxiety stuff recently. Mother and Daughter are at last enjoying some time together after a very long Spring semester!

That's all for now folks:)

Happy 50th Birthday Gma Kelli!

2010-03-09T08:36:00.000-08:00

I LOVE YOU!

skiing with Dad and Uncle Joe

2010-03-09T08:32:00.000-08:00

A collage of silly...

2010-03-09T08:26:00.000-08:00

tooth brushing

2010-03-09T08:24:00.001-08:00

Bad Bloggers

2010-02-09T18:17:00.001-08:00

Sooooo.....I have not been a good blogger lately! Sorry to all of you who diligently check this sight every day for updates. I (Angelie) have been putting in 60 hrs a week between student teaching, my private music students, and my church job, leaving me little time for Petra and relaxing, cleaning and everything else a family life entails. Please don't give up on this blog and keep checking because who knows....you just might find some really cute pics like these!

Petra's Last Visit with Her Great Grandma Dorothy

2010-01-24T13:39:00.000-08:00

Petra's Great Grandma Dorothy (Angelie's Grandma from her Dad's side) died on Friday. This came as a shock to those who knew and loved her because, as you can see in this video, she was her sassy little self during our Christmas visit (aside from some shortness of breath and circulation issue). Shortly after the new year, she went in for triple bypass heart surgery and never fully recovered. She was recovering, however, and was moved out of the ICU. Unfortunately, her almost 82 year old body could not handle such a major surgery and she has now passed on to bigger and better things. Rest in peace Grandma. WE MISS YOU AND LOVE YOU!

Baby Book Worm...

2010-01-18T21:50:00.000-08:00

If you watch this whole video, you will get an idea of how quirky Petra is. We are convinced she has some imaginary friends.

Ben blowing bubbles....Petra unsure about it...

2010-01-18T12:57:00.000-08:00

The little mermaid?

2009-12-07T19:03:00.000-08:00

Quite possibly the cutest underwater creature ever! Don't ask us why she does this....she just started dipping her face in the water, eyes open and all.

Tis' the season!

2009-12-07T18:53:00.000-08:00

We put up a the christmas tree and then had a stocking party. Next we went to the Holiday parade in downtown Boulder. Petra is a little young yet to understand why we were standing in the cold as fire trucks drove by, but she was a trooper anyway.

Eva...here and gone:(

2009-11-30T19:42:00.000-08:00

Petra got to spend some quality time with Eva in November. We miss you Eva!!!!!!!!!!!

The snow storm and Halloween!

2009-11-30T19:33:00.000-08:00

We had a freak snow storm before halloween. Petra dressed up in her Winnie the Pooh fatsuit and was escorted by Prince himself for trick or treating.

We're starting her young...

2009-11-30T19:27:00.000-08:00

Petra had her first climbing lesson last week at The Spot, a local climbing gym. Not really, but she did get to traverse a little.

Party People!

2009-11-30T19:23:00.000-08:00

November 21st, 2009: 1 Year Old!

2009-11-30T19:17:00.000-08:00

Birthday Time!!!!

2009-11-30T19:12:00.000-08:00

Red tunnel, tupperware, and Great Grandpa Matz

2009-11-30T18:57:00.000-08:00

Petra got this tunnel for her birthday.

She likes to play in the tupperware.

My great grandpa Matz (Pepsi) made this toy cupboard for my mom when she was little. For Petra's birthday, we set it up in her room. She loves it! I have memories of playing with a similar cupboard my grandpa made at my great grandma Pepsi's house, so seeing this piece of furniture in her room is very meaningful to me.

Mustache Party '09!!!!

2009-11-30T18:50:00.000-08:00

The new thing in Boulder, CO is the weekly theme party. Dinner at the Paulson residence is no longer just an ordinary experience.

Soooooooooo big!

2009-10-25T17:34:00.000-07:00

Our little punkin!

2009-10-25T17:27:00.000-07:00

2009-10-25T17:25:00.000-07:00

Lost in the corn maze!

2009-10-25T17:21:00.000-07:00

Do these pics really need and explanation? One word: Cute.

Family Fall Fun!

2009-10-25T17:16:00.000-07:00

Colorado Fall festivities do not even compare to Minnesota, but it was still a wonderful day at the pumpkin patch. We were missing the colorful trees, hot apple cider, apple trees, honey sticks, wild rice soup, and of course, the family. We will make a Fall trip to MN when Petra can appreciate it more.

Turtleneck Party 09!

2009-10-25T17:10:00.000-07:00

On Friday we hosted a Fall colored turtleneck party. Those in attendance were: Eric, Petra, Jeff, Angelie, Esther, Ben and Joe.

2009-10-03T20:19:00.002-07:00

THANKS ARJUNA!

2009-10-03T20:13:00.001-07:00

Petra loves her skull and crossbones cup from Arj and her fairies. I often come in after her nap and she is talking to the shelf on her wall. I am pretty sure the fairies come to life to entertain her!

Silly to the core:)

2009-10-03T20:08:00.003-07:00

Judging from these pics alone, Petra must be silly and healthy.

2009-10-03T20:08:00.001-07:00

Goofballs!!

2009-10-03T20:01:00.000-07:00

So, Petra loves her Dad. Traditionally in our society, kids spend a majority of their waking minutes exclusively with their mommy dearest, which, I feel, leads to sentiments such as "DADDY IS SO AWESOME!" and "my mom's pretty cool, but I see her all the time." I actually think its pretty cute and don't mind it all...for now:)

Petra loves Peg!!!

2009-10-03T19:51:00.001-07:00

Grandma Peggy visited us in September and it was a treat as usual. Petra LOVES to read books with Grandma, especially the monkey book and the barnyard dance book. Petra and Peg also have this exclusive ritual where they touch fingertips. I have tried to do this with Petra on several occasions since Peggy's visit, but she looks at me like, "who do you think you are?" In addition to Petra loving having her Grandma around, Jeff and I were able to get a lot done around the house. We painted the walls, hung shelves, etc . The worst part of it all was when Peg left...a price you pay when living far from home:(

Benny T, a spoon, and Sunday's best.

2009-10-03T19:45:00.000-07:00

Ben and Joe are finally permanently located in Boulder, which Petra has been thoroughly enjoying. Also, she goes to church with Mom on Sunday mornings and spends time in the nursery. She loves getting dressed up (or does Mom love dressing her up?)!

The many faces..

2009-10-03T19:38:00.000-07:00

...of our little Petra Jo.

2009-10-03T19:31:00.001-07:00

Parvaneh is Petra's babysitter about 4 times a week when I teach lessons and go to class. She is Iranian and her name means "butterfly" in Persian. Petra loves her and she love Petra...a great match! The next photos are of Petra with some serious bedhead. Lastly, she looks like a feminine lumberjack with her overalls on and her increasingly sturdy build:)

at last!

2009-09-07T11:22:00.000-07:00

2009-09-07T11:18:00.000-07:00

2009-09-07T11:10:00.000-07:00

We found it!

2009-09-04T13:36:00.000-07:00

But now we don't have internet. Once we have that, your lives will be complete with new pictures of Petra and all her new tricks.

Reverting to old camera...pics coming soon

2009-08-26T16:11:00.000-07:00

We don't have pics, but I will share her newest achievements. Petra pretty much eats anything now except for the do not eat foods for babies. She eats cheerio type cereal all by herself, she loves spaghetti, she can't get enough of sweets (which grandma Kelli gives her way too much of, but what are Grandmas for??), and she ate a whole prime rib herself (joking). She drinks out of a sippy cup with a straw, and this makes her look way to grown up looking in my opinion. Why can't they just stay your little babies? I suppose this is why people eventually choose to have more children even though they are committing to no sleep for about 6-12 months

She crawls like a pro, stands while holding on to an edge and makes increasingly hilarious expressions every day. She loves dogs and continues to sing like a mini-me. She does not like when her Grandma Kelli sings and cries when she does. It's kind of sad, but funny. (Bruce and Kelli are visiting right now, hence the anecdotes.)

We are in the process of moving, and Petra seems not to really notice. She's a pretty adaptable little girl! Oh yes, and once again the Grandma's conquered and got her sleeping through the night again. 12 hours in a row! How do they do it?

Guess what....

2009-08-21T08:52:00.000-07:00

Petra is now a crawler.

Have you seen our camera?

2009-08-15T09:43:00.001-07:00

I want to update the blog, but our camera has been missing since our Minnesota trip. Petra has been making some really goofy faces that I want to catch on camera for you all to see. Let me know if you find it.

Watching the Tour de France with Daddy

2009-07-10T12:03:00.000-07:00

Jeff is obsessed with the Tour this year, so whenever he is in charge of Petra, guess what? they watch the cycling. I guess its better than letting her watch Sponge Bob Square Pants, right?

Our little tadpole.

2009-07-10T11:59:00.001-07:00

Jeff and I took Petra to the outdoor pool in Boulder yesterday. She loved her little floaty thing and enjoyed every minute as she kicked her chubby little legs as hard as she could.

Little Latte Lover

2009-07-08T20:20:00.000-07:00

Splish splashing back in Colorado.

2009-07-08T20:08:00.000-07:00

A message from Petra: Thanks for the visits everyone!!!! I went on my biggest trip ever over the last few weeks. First I drove from Boulder to Iowa where I stayed for a week and hung out with grandma and grandpa and the rest of the fam during double Jessie's wedding. Next I ditched my mom and dad for a week and half of partying in Minnesota with my other grandma and grandpa. I even got to chill with my other grandma, my auntie and my super cool cousin Gretta. She gave me lots of kisses. Then my mommy came back and we partied at Taylor's wedding with friends and family. I am so tired today after traveling, but I had so much fun. However, I don't think I ever want to leave my mommy for that long again because she told me she missed me way too much. I love you guys and I miss you!!! Thanks for everything, even waking up with me at night:)

"But where's my Gama Kelli?"

2009-07-08T20:07:00.000-07:00

Madelyn and Petra

2009-07-08T20:04:00.000-07:00

I love when Petra does her weird little magician hand wave thingy. (Patty, you escaped this photo shoot, but I will get you next time!)

Splish! Splash! I was takin' a bath...

2009-07-08T20:01:00.000-07:00

...with great grandma marcia's help.

Kid Sister, kid sister, kid sister and me!!!

2009-07-08T19:57:00.000-07:00

Petra ponders what it would be like to actually have a younger sister.

Land of 10,000 lakes (and 10 billion mosquitos)

2009-07-08T19:51:00.000-07:00

Green peas=green face, clothes, mom, etc..

2009-07-08T19:48:00.000-07:00

That's where the tall corn grows!

2009-07-08T19:40:00.000-07:00

My Dad and Carolyn's fabulous back yard designed by Keith Timm himself. Great Grandma Dort in her PJ's, Petra and her first Starbucks, and Uncle Benny.

Thanks Nicolette!!!!!

2009-06-30T08:37:00.000-07:00

My friend Nicolette gave these clothes and stuffed animal friends to Petra a while ago. They finally fit!

Outdated pice, but nevertheless, cute.

2009-06-30T08:22:00.000-07:00

We took a blog hiatus before the Iowa trip, so here is a blast from the past. Petra & Meghan, Petra at a bike race.

We Miss you Petra!!!!

2009-06-25T07:41:00.001-07:00

Petra is spending the week in Minnesota with Grandma Kelli. It was very hard to part with her for so long and Jeff and I don't know what to do with ourselves. We are so well rested and we have all of this free time. Yesterday I was waiting for Jeff to get home from work so I could go to my voice lesson. I sat waiting and waiting and was getting increasingly frustrated by his tardiness until I realized that I could leave the house at any time...Petra is being taken care of! When he got home, he kept wishing he could go for a bikeride, but he didn't because he was the only one home and was subconsciously thinking he had to stay home to be with Petra. We are not used to this freedom! It's great, but we're glad its only temporary because we miss our beautiful daughter immensely.

Four inch heels=Jeff carrying Angelie

2009-06-25T07:33:00.000-07:00

Thanks for making my dress Grandma Peg!

2009-06-25T07:29:00.000-07:00

Jesse and Jessi's wedding in IA

2009-06-25T07:19:00.001-07:00

Quantity vs. quality..

2009-05-24T13:39:00.000-07:00

When we have a photo shoot, I take as many pictures as I can in hopes that one or two turn out. With Petra being so cute and all, I can never choose the best one, so I will leave that up to you.

Teeth and goofy pictures...

2009-05-22T14:29:00.000-07:00

Check out Petra Jo's two bottom teeth! Also, check out Petra and Angelie's goofy photo shoot.

Baby Kisses XOXOXO

2009-05-22T14:12:00.001-07:00

petra perfect!

2009-05-22T13:39:00.000-07:00

all smiles

2009-05-22T13:32:00.002-07:00

2009-05-22T13:32:00.001-07:00

Thanks for the visit!

2009-05-22T13:29:00.000-07:00

Petra was clearly satisfied with the visit Grandma Kelli, Pepe, Dora and Franka paid her last week.

Channeling Gretta...

2009-05-13T12:25:00.001-07:00

Petra's cousin Gretta likes to scrunch up her nose when she's happy. Shortly after our visit to MN where the two were able to meet again, Petra starting making the same face!

It Burley time!

2009-05-13T12:22:00.001-07:00

Jeff's coworkers at Neptunes gave us a Burley for our shower so we had to get Petra a helmet. Super cute, huh?!

Adam and Susie visit CO

2009-05-13T12:18:00.000-07:00

Adam was the last of the uncles to finally meet Petra!

MORE TO COME...

2009-05-07T08:48:00.001-07:00

These are not the last of Minnesota pictures. Stay posted for pictures of Grandpa Keith, Great Grandma Dorothy, bingo at the VFW and more!

Great GREAT Grandma Carolyn, You're so great, Grandma!

2009-05-07T08:46:00.000-07:00

Petra and Pepe!

2009-05-07T08:45:00.000-07:00

Solid food...

2009-05-07T08:43:00.000-07:00

Petra loves rice cereal and bananas.

Thanks Grandmas!

2009-05-07T08:35:00.001-07:00

Thanks Grandma Peg for the visit! It was a lot of fun and we are glad the weather was beautiful.

Thanks Grandma Carolyn for the adorable summer outfit. Petra had a chance to wear it and loved it!

Sorry for Slacking!

2009-05-07T08:28:00.000-07:00

We have had non stop visitors since Ben and Esther were here and then Petra and Mom took a trip to MN. All this activity put the blog on the back burner. Grandma Kelli visited, Jesse and Jessi visited over Easter, then Grandma Peg came for a week. This weekend Adam and Susie are visiting and then Grandma Kelli and the crew come to visit again! Crazy! Little did we know that having a baby would make us this popular!

Happy Easter!

2009-04-13T18:37:00.001-07:00

Petra got all dressed up and went to church so she could watch mommy and uncle Jesse sing in the choir. She was very well behaved and enjoyed the music. She paid special attention when she heard her mom singing a solo.

Father Daughter Love

2009-04-13T18:31:00.000-07:00

Check out my hair!

2009-04-02T13:51:00.000-07:00

Petra's hair is growing in slowly but surely and she now looks less like a balding man.

2009-04-02T13:49:00.000-07:00

Nakey time is Petra's favorite time of day.

Mmmmmmmmmmmmmilk!

2009-04-02T13:46:00.000-07:00

Our little Petra is quite the glutton!

The Cat's Pajamas...Thanks Cousin Gretta!

2009-04-02T13:40:00.000-07:00

Petra got a lot of awesome hand-me-downs from her cousin Gretta over the holidays. "Thanks for boosting my wardrobe and helping me look cute daily!" -Petra