The archives: 2010

MOVING DAY

SEP 9 2010

moving day

This picture says it all. We're excited to be moving to the suburbs this weekend, starting with an extended stay with Geno and Patti. We will miss the city and being so close to all the action, but it's time for us to find a place that will let our family lay down some roots and grow. They have fests in the suburbs, right?

LABOR DAY

SEP 7 2010

Labor Day weekend is in the books. Here's the rundown:

Friday: Jake and Kate's wedding by all accounts rocked. They survived a freak cold snap on the only day of the summer that it dropped below 70 degrees, but I think it only added to the uniqueness of the event. Everyone packed inside a converted barn and the party was on. Ain't no party like a Wieczorek party! The bar was in an attached grain silo. I appreciated all these city folk marveling at it, and thinking "you guys didn't think these were so cool when you blew through my hometown at 80 miles an hour". And if you're wondering, yes, all silos are actually bars, so who thinks the country sucks now?

Jake and Kate are a special couple. It doesn't take long to notice how fun and easygoing they are, how much they care about other people, and how comfortable they seem with themselves and each other. Congrats to two of my favorite people.

Saturday: The Hawkeyes are back! After that win, a BBQ at the newlyweds' place. This was the most ambitious post-wedding event I've ever seen attempted. I think Beck, Jake and Kate all attempted to nap in the Pack n Play.

Sunday: Zach's tribute Cubs game. A great day with the Iowa City gang. Bobbie, Dylan, friends and family took over left field for a few hours and got to enjoy each other, share some memories and have a few laughs. We're all so grateful for this event each year; it means so much to everyone. Bobbie and the family are top notch. We get to see Dylan grow into a little man while spending a summer day together with the people that mean so much to us all. And yes Bobbie, I get to remember "how awesome I am around you". Want more gems like that? No worries, I think we're all due for a trip to Kansas City... it's not like the baseball is any better up here.

Monday: Good grief how many BBQs can one family handle!?! Geno and Patti hosted a huge bash for all the family members, and it was quite a show. The highlight for me (since we're moving there next week) was to see my name WRITTEN on the mower, snowblower and various tools. Special. That Geno Pirate is one crazy dude.

As if you needed pictures to enhance my spot on recap?

CH-CH-CHANGES

AUG 25 2010

This has become the month of crazy! We are in the process of selling our place, and Geno & Patti have offered to let us stay with them for awhile. We're headed to the suburbs in the coming weeks. Our plan is to enjoy the family atmosphere and recoup some savings (housing market 1, holstads 0).

Part of the crazy-fest is that we lost our nanny this week to an injury. Long story short, I had a chance to be a stay at home dad today. Heather covers all the other days, but hey, I'm writing this, so yay me. I love getting to spend that much time with Beck, but I have learned in the past few months that parenting by yourself for an entire day is a LOT of work. While I know I have it relatively easy most of the time, I have a newfound respect for those that pull it off day in, day out. Here are some pics of our trip to the lake this afternoon.

MY FIRST FATHER'S DAY

JUN 6 2010

Well, my first Father's Day hadn't even arrived, and it's already been wonderful! Heather and Beck took me to buy the Nikon camera I've been dreaming about. I'm a lucky guy. Here's my first effort:

OBAMA

JUN 19 2010

My new favorite Obama quote: "Don't let the perfect be the enemy of the good."

BECK GO NIGHT NIGHT?

MAY 10 2010

Hi everyone! Beck is learning to sleep in his own crib, so I'll write for as long as he...

Ok, I'm back. Things are going really great here, parenthood is amazing beyond words... we're feeling very blessed these days. He's starting to come out of the infant stage a little: lots of smiles, trying to work those pesky thumbs to suck on, and starting to notice the world around him. Beck is two months old as of yesterday, and still staying around the 90-95% range on height and weight... he looks like dad in a lot of ways!

Mother's Day was nice, but Beck didn't need a holiday to appreciate his mom; he lights up when she appears; it is really special to see. When I show up it's more of the "oh great, the pokey-faced guy. Go get my bottle".

We've walked more in the last two months than ever in our lives, and we're looking forward to even more sunshine and all of the Chicago fests that kick off soon. Let us know if you're around, there's a good chance we'll be up for few hours in the sun. If you're one of those that dress up in full German garb, bonus points will be awarded. Here's looking at you, entire Goodman family.

SIX WEEKS

APR 19 2010

Hi everyone. Beck is doing great! He's six weeks old on Tuesday... time really flies. We had a blast with my Mom & Dave in town for Easter and then my Dad, Steph & Selia joined us a week later for a trip to Navy Pier. It has been so great to see my family in Chicago, it had been too long. And as usual the Piets have been around and are just amazing and generous with their time for us.

We wrapped up this crazy month at Dylan Harsch's FIRST birthday party. He's awesome, and Bobbie is so much fun and made a lot of time for us. Incredible to see that little man at one year already; he looks so much like his dad... and a little like the eTrade baby. Both compliments of course. Hopefully we see both of them a lot this summer (I mean Bobbie and Dylan, that commercial kid can fend for himself).

I realize this wasn't my best writeup, but I'm delirious from sleep deprivation at this point. Oh, and a bunch of new pics posted, check 'em out.

Love, The Freshie Express.

EASTER

APR 4 2010

Happy Easter everyone! The Beckster is one month old on Tuesday. We couldn't be happier with him, he's a happy, wonderful kid. Lately he's started to focus on some objects, including us. He's eating and growing like a champ and doing just great. We're still new to all of this and are working on getting a routine figured out, but so far we're still pretty tired. At this point we know that without two long naps we're in trouble, and 8-10pm is usually a rough time for Dad as Heather tries to steal a few hours of sleep; Beck seems to get pretty fiesty around then. Sometimes he needs Mom to get up and make him settle down, but at some point the boys will get it figured out. Tonight we're watching the Yankees game together, and I see a lot more baseball nights ahead. Beck already thinks that Joe Morgan is too opinionated and has serious doubts about the fans at Fenway. He's a bright kid.

We had my Mom and Dave here this weekend for Easter and had a wonderful time, and Dad, Steph & Selia are coming next week. We're finally starting to rejoin society, but we have a lot of friends left to call and/or visit. Sorry we're a little hard to get ahold of, but we'll be around soon!

More pics are posted: Week 2 to Easter

PRESENTING BECK CHARLES HOLSTAD

MAR 9 2010

BECK IS HERE!

Beck Charles Holstad arrived Tuesday night at 10pm! He was 21 inches long, and an impressive 9 lbs. Apparently he looks a lot like me, lucky dude! We had no idea he would be such a big guy. Heather did an amazing job and is doing well, if a little tired. She's already showing what a wonderful mom she will be. Beck is such a sweet kid; he always seems calm and content. We're doing great and are very excited to have a couple of weeks together to enjoy our new family.

Check out the rest of Beck's Debut Album and Beck Week One

A huge thanks to everyone for the kind words, gifts and prayers. We're so lucky to have Beck join us; I promise this site will be much more active now that we have the little guy to provide entertainment!