Charley's Pup

Charley got a lil puppy (stuffed animal) from Great Grandma Hazelwood.  She carries it no matter if she is sleeping, crawling, standing or being held.  

Christmas Time

This year we had to have a secured perimeter around the tree.  Otherwise, Charley would probably pull it over.   And Max made some reindeer cards to send to some people. 

Little Update

So things have been a little crazy around the house as of late.  Charley is teething and has been a little grumpy.  Uncle Thomas left, which Max was very sad about.  Kate is getting bigger with Myles, Max talks non stop, I am training a new guy and getting ready to start a new job in Jan.  Anyway, Sammy K came over to day for a little bit.  They played with cars, played catch with the football, moved Charley's turn table around the house finished it off with some mini muffins Kate made this morning before she went to work.  Max had a great time, but suffered a bloody nose from some wrestling.   

Another One Bites The Dust

As you all well know, we lost Yellow (Max's fish) a little while ago.   He was replaced with Blue.  If you remember, Yellow died as a result of changing the water to fast and not allowing it to sit out.  Well last night I was changing Blue's water.  I was transferring the water over the sink area in the kitchen.  As I went to place Blue into the new water, he flopped like crazy.  He jumped right into the sink and was stuck in the rubber stopper of the garbage disposal.  I froze.  I quickly grabbed a spoon to get him out.  However, as I went to grab him he slipped and fell into the abyss of the great garbage disposal.  My mouth just about hit the floor.  Kate and the rest of the family were at the table.  By my facial expression she knew what had happened and was laughing.  I tried to retrieve Blue, but I was unable to.  The only thing left to do was flip the switch.  I felt like I was flipping the switch on someone who was on death row.  I turned the water on in an attempt to give blue a lil water to have one last swim....then flipped the switch.  You will be missed Blue.   

Down on the farm

Today we went to work with Uncle Thomas.  Max was so excited all morning.  He told Kate we were going to work.  He said goodbye to everything in the house and grabbed his little farm barn, which looks like an old school lunch pale.  We placed some snacks in it and off we went.  We rode in Uncle Thomas' truck and got to go to the grain elevator, see tractors and combines and meet a lot of people.  It was amazing to see how many combines and tractors were out there and how quickly they worked.  It was interesting to see how high tech the farm machines were and all the intel they could get through the computers as they harvested.  Farming certainly has come a long way.  Not to mention those combines and tractors were huge!!!!  Max did not want to leave, surprise surprise.  As we drove away all he could say was "Where is Thomas?"  He fell asleep in less than 1 minute.  Thank you Uncle Thomas for a great day! 

Vacation Pics

Here are some pics from our vacation.  Check Jenny's blog for some more pics.

We were so blessed to have a great place, great weather and a loving family.

Safe and Sound

We made it safe to Destin!   It is simply amazing down here and we will take pictures to post when we get back.   

Play mates

They love playing together

Number 3

So, today was the big day.  We all got in the car and drove up to Springfield to find out who would be joining our little family.  However, at the pace we are at can we really say "little family"?  Chew on it.  Anyway, Grandma Peggy and Grandma Cindy joined us at the Dr's office.  We all went into the room.  As Charley held her doll with great anticipation while Max chowed down on some mini muffins.   The ultra sound began and for the life of the technician she couldn't find out the sex!  The lil bundle of joy was laying on it's back and curled in a ball refusing to move.  She continued to try and try and then at the last minute we found our answer.  There for all the world to see was a little boy.   She was still unable to check some things such as his lips and mouth to make sure there was no cleft lip and she couldn't see all of his spine.  However for the most of what she could see everything appeared to be good.  We will have to go back soon and have another one done.  So, Myles is on his way and we are so excited to bring him home.  On our way home we stopped by Divernon where Uncle Thomas was working.  Max absolutely loves him and talks about him all the time.  (Thomas is in the area helping with this massive farm)  Max thought the combines and tractors were so cool.  We were offered rides, but had to get home and told them we would be back after vacation.    So it was a good day all around.  Here is Myles' first picture.  Pretty much the same profile as Max

Number 3

We find out on the 21st of this month what number 3 will be.  We are taking a poll, so put your 2 cents in.  

More birthday celebrations

Today is Max's birthday.  Obviously it started with some doughnuts from Jubelts, followed by playing with some toys and a shower before our trip to the zoo.  Max was very excited about the animals and could not wait to get there.  Once we got to the zoo Max was in heaven.  I have never heard him talk so much before.  I mean he was throwing out words I had never heard him say and putting them in sentences.  So here are some pictures from our trip to the zoo.  You might see the hippo almost has a smile on his/her face.  That is because seconds before I took the picture it had a massive dropping right in front of the window for all zoo goers to see.   On our way home we stopped by Toy R' Us and let Max pick out a toy for his birthday.  He picked Handy Manny with a motorcycle.  Needless to say it was a great day and we all enjoyed it.  Max you are so special to us.   We are so thankful God placed you in our lives and allowed us the chance to be your parents.  We love you!

Happy Birthday Max!

Saturday we had the fam over for Max's birthday party.  It was some good food, fellowship and presents for the birthday boy.  We are blessed to have such a loving family and thanks for coming.  Here are some pictures from the evening.  

Spider Man's Kitten

Max has been playing with the kittens a lot lately.  Therefore, when he comes in they cry for him to come back.  So the other day we were going to bible study when I heard the kittens crying.  I went to the door and saw this....

... what have we gotten ourselves into?

On The Move

Charley is crawling now.  Not so much the standard crawl, rather the army style.  She can get moving pretty fast on the wood floors.  Max loves that she is mobile now.

Family Day

Even though it has rained for the last 48 hours today was just about perfect.  The day started off with Max and I going to Jubelt's this morning for doughnuts.  Kate and I then cleaned up the house for Max's birthday bash tomorrow.  Then Max and I went to DQ where he picked out his birthday cake.  Currently, Kate is making some chili for tomorrow's activities. As she is making it Max and Charley are playing together.  The overcast day, smell of chili and cool temps all adds up to a perfect fall day.  Granted there is rain, I still love it.  The only thing that would be better is if there was football on.  Do not worry there is golf, so I am very content.  Here are some pics from today.  You will also noticed that Blue has arrived.  He is the new fish in town, since yellow's dreadful passing.  

Drum Line

Max loves the drums.  He is getting warmed up for seeing the band at the football game tomorrow.  He is all business when it comes to drumming, as you can tell.

Max's new friend

There are three little kittens that are always in our back yard.  Max was not a big fan of them at first.  However, now he absolutely loves them and plays with them when they are around.  No, we wont be getting him a cat.  One reason is I am a dog guy and and two my allergies don't do well with cats.  

Charley Almost Mobile

Charley is starting to scoot around.  She does not crawl yet, but we think in the next week or so she will be there.   She was reading a book here before bed.  

R.I.P. Yellow

2 days ago Max and I cleaned out Yellows fish bowl.  For those of you who don't know, Max HAD a little yellow fish.  His name was Yellow.  Anyway, I was told I could use normal water when I clean out and refilled his little tank.  Apparently I was misinformed.  Yellow swam and swam for one day and then just stopped.  Max has taken the death of Yellow well.  However, he still wants to feed him.  This morning we had a lovely little ceremony in the bathroom and said goodbye to Yellow as he was flushed to heaven via the Litchfield sewer system.  Max has already moved on and is talking about Blue...his soon to be new fish.

Special Patrol

Max figured since I was off today, the streets needed extra patrol.  Well, not so much the streets, but our driveway definitely had extra patrol and was the safest place in town.  His dispo was; 2, citation other 2, written warning other 5.  (Chad and my dad may be the only ones to understand that last part).  We will just say Max had a busy day and put fear into all those who traveled near the driveway today.  

  

It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year!

Football is back!  Friday after I got home from work I asked Max if he wanted to go watch a football game.  YEAH!  was his response.  So, I packed him up and we headed to Greenville to watch Litchfield open up there season against the Comets.  We could not have asked for better weather.  Nice, cool and a touch of fog gave way to a perfect setting for a high school football game.  We were only able to stay for the first half, but Max was very excited to experience the atmosphere at the game.  The Panthers did lose, but we are hopeful they will have a great year.

  

Pie!

Clean it up

Max really is not a bath fan anymore.  He loves showers!  Sad because it makes me feel like he is growing up so fast.  So since he takes showers like a big boy now, We wrap him in a towel like a big boy as he parades around the house in all his glory

It's Back!!

The jump-a-roo has returned from the depths of Aunt Jenny's basement. Max use to dominate this when he was young.  Charley is catching on though and just giggles.

Good Times

Yes, Jenny had this on her Blog a little while ago.  However, it is just so funny.  He is coming to the Missouri at then end of the month.  Who wants to go?

Surprise!

Over the Fourth of July Kate and I found out we were  expecting!  Once again proving that God does have a sense of humor, as this was no where close to our plans.   There was much anticipation with the possibility of twins being in the picture, as it does run in Kates family.  Thankfully at our doctor visit yesterday we saw only one little one in there.  Our due date is March 10, 2010.  Charley's birthday is March 18.   So yeah...... this lil one will be here before Charley is one.  Three kids in 2 1/2 years.  Who would have thought.  After the initial shock we have realized we are truly blessed and are excited to bring this lil one into our expanding family.  By the way, donations to the Yenchko family fund are always excepted ;)  

Lil Cadet

Max Found my cadet cover, or hat as some may call it...but in the academy its a cover (Rowdy, ask your dad).  He thought it was the coolest thing and had it on most of the afternoon.  I hope he chooses a different profession though...one that doesn't rely on the state budget. 

                                        

Hard Knock Life

Charley's first black eye.  Thats my girl!

Yaa hooooo

Party in the Park was here this weekend.  Last night we went with the Tammanys for an enjoyable evening.  The weather was perfect.  Once we got there we saw the giant slide.  Now, this is not the picture of the actual slide because we forgot our camera, but Max just wanted to let you see the kind of slide he can go down.  It took some coaching but once he went down he didn't want to stop.  Thankfully he is easily distracted and we quickly moved onto some ice cream other activities.  

Handy Manny

Tonight When I got home from work Max and I took the half block stroll to Casey's.  While on our way to check out I noticed Max had stopped.  Max was captivated by a small set of Black & Decker tool kit.  He said "Daddy tools".   Max is a huge Handy Manny fan, so how could I resist.  Not to mention it was $2.  He was so excited on the walk home that once dinner was over Max started construction.   

Joy

Constant joy fills our lil girl.

Drumstick Experience

Max had his first drumstick.  Messy?  Nah, not really

Ice Cream

I don't know who taught him how to eat his ice cream like this.  

Not Cool....

As many of you know, I am a Cubs fan.  Why?  I do not have the slightest clue why I am or how I became one.  Nevertheless, I am one.  However, it drives me crazy and makes me lose respect for the team I love to cheer for when I hear such news as the latest in regards to the team.  No, not them being swept...again or playing like a lil league team, but the fact that Geovany Soto tested positive for pot.   How stupid are you?  Seriously?  You get played to play a game!     Yet in your infinite wisdom you make the brilliant decision to smoke some dope, but don't worry it is an  "isolated incident".   I just find it hard to trust pro athletes with in the past couple of years after all the steroid lies.  Perhaps it is my profession that makes me not tolerate drugs.  Do I forgive, yes.  I just do not understand why people will risk losing something they worked so hard for, just to "have fun".  Guess what.. it's illegal.  Deal with it.  Do not worry, Soto is not the only person I am irritated with this evening.  Neither MLB or the Cubs will penalize him because it is not a "performance enhancing drug".   Wow, that sends a strong message.  Next thing you know Meth and Cocaine will be fine to because they are not performance enhancing drugs.  They just kill you.  Granted, the positive test came from a random test during the WBC where he played for Puerto Rico.  In my opinion it doesn't matter.  I will end with a saying once used by the principal in Napoleon Dynomite.  "I don't know how they run things down in Puerto Rico, but up here we have a little thing called self respect"

Pardon my venting...  It was just one of those days

Yogurt?

Aunt Jenny thinks that when Max says yogurt, he is saying a bad word.  What do you think?  I say give the kid a break he is not even 2 yet.  Funny thing is when I showed Max this video clip all he says is, "uh oh...fries?"

Construction Completed

Here are some pictures of the new kitchen.  

If you can not remember the old kitchen- 

there were black cabinets, grey countertops, 

silver sink.  Some of the new additions include 

a breakfast bar and suspended lights.  Kate

 was so happy to see it when she got home 

from her trip.  Stop by and see it sometime.  

We still need to get some bar stools and finish 

up some odds and ends.  We also painted the 

master bedroom and got a new armoire, since 

Charley is taking over my closet.  

Back Onlne

So, I know it has been a long time since I posted something, but May is always busy for me.  I had at least 40 hours of overtime and then there are the daddy responsibilities.  Do not worry though, I know have some free time.  Kate went to Florida for 3-4 days to go to a hair show.  I had the kids all to myself and let me say....I do not know how single parents it.  The fact that I was also trying to remodel the kitchen every time the kids were sleeping also may have also attributed to me being worn down, but I wanted to surprise Kate.  I am going to get some pictures on here some point today.   A HUGE thanks goes to Justin, who gave an entire day to help.  It was truly  a blessing to have you help Justin and Kate absolutely loves the kitchen.  Thank you so much.   I will try to get some pictures of before on here as well, but we have a new computer now and not sure if I can find old pics of the kitchen.   So stay tuned.

 

The Boys Outside

Things you can do when you are older

Cousins Tug and Sam came over to play. As usual they all worked up a hunger. While waiting for their snacks Tug reminded the lil ones who was in charge.

Some Snap Shots

Update

Things are running rather smooth around the house, so I thought I would update the blog a lil bit. Charley is now 2 weeks old and Max loves her to death, which has been a blessing. Charley is sleeping very well and is on the brink of sleeping through the night! She is back up to 8 lbs and is healthy as a horse. I love being home with the family so much, I really dont want to go back to work, but I know I have to. Thanks to everyone who has given us a meal, a card or a gift. It has truly been a blessing. We love you all. Pics are to follow.

Spring is here....right?

Sunday Morning...

Monday morning....

Charley is here!

Here We Go!

Today we will be leaving to go and stay up at my parents house because tomorrow morning we are going to the hospital to be induced at 5:30 am!! Lil Charley will soon be here and we can hardly wait. Max might not be as excited though. He can tell something is going on and he has not been himself lately. We are praying that he takes it all well and loves Charley from the first time he sees her. We will let you all know when she arrives!

Batter Up!

Yesterday, while Max and I were playing outside I realized that he doesn't have many toys for outside. So, while we were out and about today I bought him a t-ball set. He was so excited to open it when we got home. I set it up inside so he could play with it and he just loves it. Tug, we might need you to come over and be Max's swing coach.

The Back Yard

Max was introduced to the back yard yesterday, since the weather was so nice. He just loved it. I am hoping that since we will be playing alot out there this year that the snakes will go away. PS if anyone knows how to get rid of snakes, let us know. I have slaughtered many over the last 2 summers and the numbers are shrinking, but there is still the occasional one.

Pathetic

Did anyone see the Penn State /Illinois game last night??? 38-33 was the final score in case you didn't see or hear about it. Oh yeah, the Illini lost. And no, it was not because of suffocating defense, but rather a show of horrific shooting. Field goal percentages : 28% for Penn State and 30 % for the Illini, respectivley...then again not so much. I feel for you Illini fans because it's been a very inconsistent year. I read where one fan yelled I want my money back. By golly, I think they should give everyone their money back for that game. They could have seen an equally entertaining, or better, high school game for 1/4 the price of the shenanigans they saw.

PS- go Kansas

Big Helper

Max loves to help put dishes away. Today the cycle had just ended and the dishes were really hot. I told Max they were hot and he began to blow on them

Snuggie

Thats right. You have seen it on TV, now see it at the Yenchko's house. A snuggie! Justin and Martha got Kate a snuggie for her birthday. If you recall seeing them on TV they are absolultely stunning. They can be worn around the house or even to outdoor sporting events! I know you are already wondering...will that snuggie make an appearence this fall at an LHS game? The chances are strong, to quite strong

Baby TuTu....Jigga What??

The Tammany's and Schwab's came over for dinner last night, which is always a good time. After dinner, Ben, Justin and I dominated the Wii. The ladys however were creating something on the table. While taking a break from the intense competition I asked the ladys what they were making. Kate says, "a tutu for Charley". My first thought was, jigga what?? Kate said it will be so cute and it will probably be her Easter outfit. Will I ever get use to tutu's and dresses? I guess with this lil girl coming into our lives I am going to have to. Good news is that I have already started preparing a 50 page questionare for that dreaded day some young man wants to ask her out. Wherever you are lil man...I am already watching you.

Here is the tutu and a website incase you want to make one.

http://www.ourlittlepeapod.com/baby_tutu.htm

Toliet Brush Incident

Kate's birthday was at the begining of this month. While I was putting together her birthday present Jenny dropped Tug and Sam off for a little bit while she ran some errands. Well Max and Sam went down for a nap, so Tug helped me put together Kates present, which was a jewelry box/ stand that goes in the bathroom. Upon finishing putting it together I began transferring all jewelry from her old one to the new one. Meanwhile, Tug is right by my side saying, "What's this?, what's this? what's this?" I told him, a neckless, a ring, a hair brush. Well, he then says, "What's this?" and is brushing my head with something. I look up to see him brushing my head with the toliet brush- believe it! I told Tug thats nasty and we dont play with that and took several showers that day.

DMV Family Trip

On Friday I told Kate I needed to run to the Secretary Of State to get the registration for the buick renewed. Kate then became ghostly white and said, " You know what, I think my driver's license is expired". I started to laugh and I said it probably is. Sure enough that sucker was expired by 9 days!! I was going to get my ticket book and issue her a ticket, since she had just come back from doing some hair...but I thought for the betterment of our marriage I would allow this one to slide. On our way over to the DMV she started getting a little nervous about if she had to take a test. I told her she would- just to get her going. As we stepped up to the counter I said (with a smile on my face) ,"I need to renew my registration and her license is expired" The lady then ran Kates information in the computer and confirmed she would have to take a written test because she received a ticket with in the last 4 years. I couldnt help but to chuckle a lil but. Even Max chuckled. Well, needless to say Kate passed and only missed a couple. We praised the Lord because if she would have had to take a driving test we both agreed she would have failed.

We're Having A Heat Wave

The weather over the last couple days has been so nice. I am pretty sure during the winter Max had forgotten about playing outside, but now thats all he thinks about. He loves being back behind of the wheel of his car and the trips over to Aunt Jenny's for lunches with Tug and Sam. It should be a fun spring and summer.

Big Boy Bed!!

Max has slept in his big boy bed the last two nights! This morning we were playing and he grabbed his night nights and went down the hall and got in his bed. I went down to see what he was doing. He looks at me and says " Nigh nigh dad". I tucked him in for his nap and we said a lil prayed and he was out like a light. He is jus getting so big. Oh yeah..here is his new layout in his room since Charley has all his baby bedroom stuff.

Charley's Pad

We finished preparing Charley's room the other day. We just can't believe our house will soon hold another child. I heard going from one kid to two is quite the adjustment. The Lord doesn't give us more than we can handle though, so we should be good.

Sneak Peek

The other day we went to the doctor's office to get a 3-D sonogram. It was the cooliest thing I have seen in a while. So ladies and gents... here is a preview of Charley Yenchko. Some say there is a strong resemblance of Max there, you be the judge. Can't wait to meet you Charley!