The Otto Family

Halloween 2009

2009-11-13T09:04:00.000-08:00

Ok, I know I'm behind on my blog but with DJ gone, I've got my hands FULL! Here's a few pictures of the boys from Halloween.

McKenzie looks like she's working hard to help Collin gut his pumpkin while he posed for the picture. Can you tell he's saying "Cheeeeese!"

Cohen wasn't sure what to think of the pumpkins or the mess. He walked around patting the pumpkins & from time to time...

...he'd stop & rest of them, lol! I have no idea why but he thoroughly enjoyed laying on the pumpkins. :)

Mary (dad's girlfriend) sewed the boys' costumes this year. They went as Mario (Collin) & Luigi (Cohen).

Cohen trying to get ANOTHER piece of candy. ;)

Lauryn, Grandpa & "Luigi"

Time FLIES!!!

2009-09-14T14:27:00.000-07:00

The boys & I wore our "Sunday best" in honor of the Vikings season opener last Sunday. Cohen & I in our AP jerseys & Collin in his Favre jersey. Collin was so proud of his Favre jersey, he showed it to EVERYONE, lol! We watched the season opener at Jill & Mike's while we celebrated Lexi's 13th birthday. I can hardly believe Lexi's a teenager! Where did the time go??? Speaking of time...

Our little boy started preschool this morning...boo hoo hoo! :( After he finished brushing his teeth this morning, he came running out of the bathroom & said, "Ok mom, do I look handsome now?" Of course he did!!! A little while later as we were heading out the door, he put on his backpack & told Cohen, "Buddy, when you get bigger you'll be able to wear a backpack JUST LIKE ME!" It was so cute! Then as he was outside taking his 1st day of school picture, he threw his hands in the air & shouted, "Whoo Hoo! I'm going to school today!" It was so funny, I just about died laughing, lol!

It makes me sad to think Collin's old enough to start school but seeing how excited he was this morning, I'm so happy for him! I can't wait to talk to him later about his 1st day!

I haven't uploaded pictures of Collin from this morning but here's a few of the boys & I last Sunday.

I almost forgot...

2009-09-03T06:59:00.000-07:00

I almost forgot I had these pictures of the "boys"at the Dakota County Fair. My entire family went to the Dakota County Fair on Sunday, August 16th to celebrate my Godchild Lauryn's birthday. (we go every year) Cohen & I stayed home so Cohen could nap but DJ & Collin went. Kelly took a few pictures of DJ & Collin on the rides for me. I just love the pictures of DJ & Collin on the bumper cars. They look like they're having so much fun! I wish I could have been there to see for myself. Oh well, maybe next year!

Happy 1st Birthday Cohen!

2009-08-17T07:51:00.000-07:00

I can hardly believe my baby's already 1 year old! My pregnancy with Cohen seemed to last FOREVER considering how impatient Cohen was about making his entrance. (I was on bedrest for several months) Since Cohen entered our lives, time has flown by! He's an incredibly happy little boy, smiling constantly causing everyone around him to smile. He's at such a fun age trying hard to walk & talk. He's still pretty wobbly but is taking more & more steps everyday & surprising us by saying new words. His latest phrase, which comes out as one word is "whatsthat?" Its so cute!

Cohen's 1st Birthday Party was last Saturday afternoon. I've never seen a 1 year old enjoy his/her cake as much as Cohen did. Two seconds after I set the cake down he dove in & kept going. We laughed until we cried...lol!

He didn't even take a break from eating when all the kids crowded around him for a picture. :)

Happy Birthday Sweetheart! We love you very much!!!

Soccer

2009-08-14T08:56:00.000-07:00

Collin's decided to play soccer this summer and let me tell you, it was very entertaining to watch! Collin was the smallest kid on the team & didn't get the ball all that much, although he scored 3 goals 1 night. Little did he know he "scored" in the wrong goal...lol! Oh well, he was proud of himself so that's all that really matters. Anyway here's a couple pictures of our little guy.

Cohen's 1st... beer?!

2009-07-27T09:24:00.001-07:00

First of all, I would like to say this was ALL DJ & Kelly's fault! A couple weeks ago we were at Jill & Mike's for Ethan's birthday party & Cohen was being fussy. Partially because he was tired & partially because the only surface he had to crawl on was the grass, driveway, etc.. The surface didn't bother him much, it was the fact that we kept taking away the rocks & sticks he kept trying to put in his mouth. (Little stinker!) So DJ picked him up & was looking for something, other than rocks & sticks, for Cohen to chew on. He figured a cold can of beer was as good as any considering it would probably feel good on his gums/teeth. Thanks to Kelly we got it all on camera. The last picture absolutely cracks me up!!! Thank God the can was closed...lol!

A rainy 4th of July

2009-07-27T08:06:00.000-07:00

I don't have a lot of time but I wanted to post a couple pictures of the boys from the 4th of July. Enjoy!

Collin didn't enjoy the rain so he hid under a bowl to protect himself...lol! Gosh, my boys make me laugh constantly. :)

Cohen wasn't the least bit bothered by the rain. He just sat there & played with a balloon.

Despite the rain, we hope everyone had a great 4th of July!

Cohen's 1st Vacation

2009-06-29T09:32:00.000-07:00

When Jill, Kelly & I decided we were going to Florida, DJ & I decided it would be easier for both of us if Cohen came with. So at 10 months old, Cohen flew for the 1st time. He did sooo good! I can't tell you how many passengers commented on the plane or stopped us as we were leaving to tell me what a good little boy he was. I am so proud of him!

Here's a picture of us shortly after boarding our 1st flight.

After a long day of traveling, Cohen CRASHED! He was one tired little boy!

It was HOT while we were in Pensacola. It was 100-110 degrees with 80-85% humidity everyday. It was almost unbearable unless you were in or on the water. Jill, Kelly & I kept cool on Rusty's boat & the little boys kept cool by playing in the sprinkler. Isn't JB's sprinkler cute?! Its a large beach ball that shoots water out the sides. The boys had so much fun playing in the sprinkler. They weren't the least bit phased to go right up to it & get wet. They absolutely loved it! I hope I can find one like it in MN before Cohen's 1st birthday. I think it would be the perfect gift for him.

Here's my smiley guy catchin' some rays after playing in the sprinkler. Ok, so he's really not catchin' any rays because he's covered head to toe (lol), but can you blame me??? Cohen is as white as DJ's legs are...lol! In case you haven't seen DJ's legs, which you probably haven't because DJ NEVER wears shorts, they practically glow in the dark!!!

This was taken at the Aviation Museum located on the airbase in Pensacola. The boys were awed looking at all of the planes... if they only knew what they were looking at. :)

JB's pool has a hole in it so Bridget filled it with balls. It was one of Cohen's favorite places to play.

Boy did Cohen LOOOVE Rusty. He followed him EVERYWHERE! This picture was taken when Rusty went outside to fry fish. Cohen had to check where he went, then watched him from the patio door. JB wanted to know what was so exciting & came over to check it out for himself. Those 2 are quite a pair!

This was taken at the airport on our way home. At that point, we were both anxious to get home to see DJ & Collin. I can only hope the next time Cohen flies, he'll behave half as well as he did this time.

My Chunkey Monkey's almost 9 months!

2009-05-07T09:58:00.000-07:00

Doesn't this picture just about break your heart!!! Everyone that has seen it takes one look & says, "Aaaaawwwww..." He looks sad but I promise you he isn't. When its time to neubulize (sp) Cohen, he sits back, holds the mask & watches Baby Einstein. He's a really good little boy!

Now here's a picture of my smiley little boy you're used to seeing. :) He's trying SO hard to crawl. He gets up on all 4's & rocks back-n-forth. I think he looks like "Dopey" (Snow White & the 7 Dwarfs) in this picture & it makes me laugh...lol!

Here's another picture of Cohen trying to crawl. He's growling like a little tiger here...lol!

Random pictures of the boys

2009-04-20T13:26:00.000-07:00

Cohen just sat there & smiled while my mom's grandchildren hunted for Easter eggs on Easter Sunday. (8 months)

Cohen chilled on the floor while the rest of the grandchildren decorated Easter cookies at my dad's.

As you can see in the pictures above & below, Collin thought he was pretty cool wearing uncle Jamey's sunglasses. (taken on Easter)

Happy 4th Birthday Collin!

2009-03-05T08:47:00.000-08:00

Collin's Golden Birthday was yesterday. Gosh the last 4 years have flown by! I can't believe Collin's 4 & will be eligible to go to preschool in the fall! We haven't decided if we're going to send Collin to preschool or leave him at Karen's another year but we have plenty of time to decide.

Collin celebrated his birthday with treats, treats & more treats! DJ started the morning off with a donut from the bakery for breakfast. Shortly after breakfast my dad showed up with a sugar cookie that had mountains of frosting on it. (Thanks dad!) Yesterday afternoon, Collin brought cupcakes with him to Karen's (daycare) for his party with his daycare friends. And last night, Grandma Jill made brownies for Collin. Needless to say, Collin was on a sugar high all day & night...hahaha! We're going to celebrate Collin AND my mom's birthday (they share a birthday), this Sunday at our house. Collin's very excited! Happy Birthday Collin & Mom!!!

I have a cute Collin story I want to share with you...

My sister Kelly brought Collin with to my niece, McKenzie's birthday party last Saturday night. McKenzie had 18 girls & 1 boy (Collin) at her party. Collin being the only boy at the party was doted on the entire night! As a result, Collin developed a HUGE crush on one of McKenzie's friends, Elizabeth Freeberg. The stories Kelly told me were so stinkin' cute! Collin wouldn't let Elizabeth go ANYWHERE without him and smiled from ear to ear whenever she was around. When I picked Collin up on Sunday morning, Kelly told him to tell me who was at the party. He immediately lit up, smiled and said, "You tell her Kelly!" He was too embarrassed to tell me that Elizabeth was at the party. I've never seen Collin act quite like that, especially about a girl! I think we're going to have our hands full...lol! Below is a picture of Collin & Elizabeth. Just look at his little grin...lol! Thanks Elizabeth for being so sweet to my little boy!

2009-02-20T09:53:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone,

Yeah, I am a slacker! It's been a while sorry! Ok, lets see well Cohen is now 6 months old and a big boy too! On Wednesday he just had his six-month appointment with Dr. McKenzie. He now weighs 17.2 lbs. and is 29 inches long! Wow, that is a big boy compared to his older brother Collin.

I do have to share this story of how much Collin loves his brother Cohen. So, as most of you know at these "well baby checks" the baby usually gets shots so when they leave they are not well!!!

Laurie, our nurse walks in with the tray of four shots for Cohen. Collin just looks at the tray goes running to the opposite side of the room and covers his eyes! Of course I bust out laughing along with Laurie and had to reassure him that he would not be getting the shots. So Laurie starts one, two, three, and last but not least four! Oh poor Cohen........... he just cried and cried...........! But then Collin comes running over to his brother and starts rubbing his head and telling him "oh buddy its ok" and then he looks at Laurie with his big brown eyes and growls at her and tells her to "leave Cohen alone!!!" OK, now I am laughing historically at this point (tears and all) and Laurie is doing her best not to bust out and laugh too......... Of course she apologizes to Cohen! Oh my goodness needless to say I sure hope he is still that protective of his little brother as they get older.

Other then that not too much has happened since the last post. However, I will be uploading some pictures very soon. I hope everyone enjoyed their Christmas, New Year, and Valentines Day. Speaking of New Years well one of my resolutions was to keep up on this blog well I guess I haven't done a very good job so far. YIKES, but I promise I will start to do better.

That's it for now!

Deena

Bathtime Fun!

2008-11-07T06:31:00.000-08:00

For those of you that didn't know, Bridget, Rusty & JB came back to MN late Monday night. We've been with them every night since they got here. We went to my dad's on Tuesday night, Jill & Mike's on Wednesday night and my Mom's last night. These snap shots were taken of the boys (Cohen & JB) after supper on Wednesday night. Isn't JB's inflated bat tub the cutest?! I just love it! JB is probably the most well behave little boy I've ever met - compared to my boys of course! He's constantly "talking" and smiling. I'm going to miss him terribly when he leaves on Sunday.

Happy Halloween!

2008-11-04T07:44:00.000-08:00

The boys dressed up as Bats for Halloween. Colling LOVED dressing up! Cohen, being as little as he is, didn't have a clue what we were doing to him...lol! He just sat there & smiled! It was a busy night running from one grandparent's house to the other, but the boys enjoyed themselves & so did we! We hope everyone had a safe & Happy Halloween!

Say cheese!

2008-10-15T11:26:00.000-07:00

My little sweetheart was all smiles when Kelly & the girls stopped over on Monday night. Just look at him smile! He's got his daddy's smile - sooo big! He's just precious!

Our "Chunky Monkey"

2008-10-07T11:55:00.000-07:00

8 weeks (exactly)
6 weeks

5 weeks

Cohen - a.k.a. Chunky Monkey - is getting sooo big! It seems like just yesterday we brought him home from the hospital and now he's two months old! Where did the time go?!

Cohen's been more of a challenge for us than Collin was. He doesn't sleep as well as Collin did & when he wants to eat, HE WANTS TO EAT...lol!!! DJ & I joke that he's going to out grow Collin in no time! That's ok with usthough, as long as he healthy.

I went back to work on Monday, so this week has been exceptionally emotional & difficult for me. It was sooo hard to leave the boys!!! I'm incredibly thankful for the time I've at home with them the last two months! I wouldn't have traded that time for the world! I was relieved to hear that both the boys were well behaved on Monday. Karen - our daycare mom - said she thought Collin really enjoyed his day & getting back into the swing of things. I can only imagine how much more fun he has with the kids at daycare, than with me. I was a little nervous about how Cohen would behave, but Karen said he too adjusted well. Whew!

Stay tuned for a couple more pictures later today or tomorrow. Kelly took a couple great pictures of Cohen with a BIG smile on his face!

Collin & Cohen

2008-08-24T12:08:00.000-07:00

Our two little boys snuggled up together...priceless! The pictures of the boys were taken when Cohen was just 3 days old. The picture of just Cohen was taken yesterday (10 days old). I can't believe how much he changes everyday! Collin is thoroughly enjoying being a big brother & loves to hold his little brother...its so cute!!! Our days are still pretty hectic but we're adapting to having a baby in the house again more & more every day. I'll write again when things settle down a bit more. Take care!

Our Family of Four

2008-08-14T10:30:00.000-07:00

The newest addition to our family is here! Cohen Kimmes Otto was born yeterday, August 13th at 9:30 a.m. He weighed 6 pounds, 4 ounces and was 19 inches long. More details to follow!

Dakota County Fair

2008-08-12T10:36:00.000-07:00

DJ & Collin went with my family to the Dakota County Fair to celebrate my niece & Godchild, Lauryn's birthday last Sunday afternoon. I wasn't able to go because I'm still on bed rest. (only a few more days...yeah!) DJ went on a couple rides with Collin because he was too small to ride alone or too scared. My sister told me that Collin's face was to die for while he rode the Dragon roller coaster. She said one second he looked scared out of his mind & the next he was giggling uncontrollably. Wish I could have seen it! Oh well, maybe next year!

Doesn't DJ look like he's having a blast with the kids riding the Dragon...lol!

Our little fish

2008-07-17T06:03:00.000-07:00

LOL - I can't help but laugh when I see this picture! Grandma Jill bought Collin a new pool this week. Last night Kenzie & Collin went swimming & Collin had to wear DJ's goggles. They were so big! Everytime he stuck his head in the water, they'd fill up with water & he couldn't figure out how to get the water out. Gosh did we laugh...lol!!!

An update from the couch - #2

2008-07-15T06:26:00.001-07:00

Hey everyone! I suppose its about time I post another update on Baby Otto & I.

Well, we've made it to almost 33 weeks - yea!!! My appointment last week was somewhat disappointing. We found out that my contractions are now causing me to dilate. Dr. McKenzie is hoping Baby Otto will wait until at least 34 weeks before making his/her entrance into the world - we're close! We hope & pray every day that Baby Otto will wait just a little bit longer, but considering we've made it much further than Dr. McKenzie anticipated, we're feeling pretty good about the situation.

DJ worked really hard to get the baby's room cleaned & ready last weekend. (Collin's old room) I felt guilty that I couldn't help but since laying low is what the doctor ordered, there isn't much I can do about it. I washed & put away all of Collin's neutral outfits so the 'Lil one will have something to wear when s/he comes home from the hospital. If this baby comes soon, we're going to need some premiee clothes - I don't think anything we have will fit the 'Lil one! The only thing we still need to get done before the baby is born is clean the car seat. So all-n-all I think we're ready!

We've decided on a girl's & boy's name, but we're not going to tell you.... ha ha ha! We decided on the girl's name together & DJ chose the boy's name. We love them both & can't wait to call him/her something other than "Baby" or "Baby Otto".

Collin's taking his second round of swimming lessons & is doing a great job! The first opportunity he had to jump off the diving board, he crawled up the ladder, walked down the board & leaped! We're so proud of him! :)

Collin put two of his old teddy bears in the crib for "her". (He's very insistant that we're having a girl.) It was really cute! He doesn't think he'll have to share any of his tractors because s/he will be too little to play with them. Boy is he in for a surprise... ha ha ha!

Well that's all for now. I've got a busy day ahead of me. I have to lay on the couch, lay on the couch, and oh, lay on the couch. Just kidding!

Hope everyone is doing well!

Deena

Collin dresses himself

2008-06-12T14:46:00.000-07:00

As you can tell by these snapshots, Collin's become very independent & enjoys dressing himself. Don't you just love his boots?! Anyway, I thought the pictures are pretty cute so I thought I'd post 'em. Enjoy!

A Message From The Couch

2008-06-02T12:26:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone!

I thought I'd give you a little update (from the couch) about the baby & I. If you've read my sister's blog, you probably already know that I'm on bed rest full-time again. Its disappointing, but I'll do whatever I need to do to keep this baby in as long as possible! I've been doctoring weekly. From one appointment to the next, I'm hoping the my contractions will lesson & my placenta will shift so I can get back to work. But if not, you know where to find me!

You would think after having SO many ultrasounds, we'd know the sex of the baby. I've been very adamant at each ultrasound that Don (we're on a first name basis now) does not tell me the sex of the baby. So far, so good!

We haven't picked out any names yet, but we figure we have some time before we need to do that. I'll let you know when we finally do decide on a name.

Well that's all for now! Hope all is well with all of you!

Deena

Watch for a picture of Collin a little bit later!

Collin's First Golf Outting of the Season

2008-05-13T06:37:00.000-07:00

Jamey, Kelly & the girls took Collin golfing last Thursday night so the baby & I could rest (just what I need is MORE rest) while DJ worked. Here's a few snapshots that Kelly took of Collin. Jamey & Kelly both said Collin wouldn't leave Jamey's side the entire time they golfed, which is kind of strange because Collin's usually attached to Kelly's hip. Its obvious from the pictures that Collin had a great time!!! Collin can't wait until he gets to go golfing again. :)

Sorry Everyone!

2008-04-21T13:53:00.000-07:00

Hey Everyone:

OK, sorry about the incomplete thoughts that I had wrote in the last posting! Geez....... now you all know how tired I really am!!! And its MONDAY!!!

In the second paragraph I am trying to explain to everyone what a wonderful time I had at Jenny & Little's Wedding. And then I am trying to tell you about James my new nephew. Geez... I just confused myself after reading that!!!

However, you all know how I am when I am pregnant. I can't remember anything and when I get a quick thought I have to act very very fast!!! Sorry I will TRY to do better on this!

Talk to you all later!

Deens

21 Weeks and still growing!!!

2008-04-21T09:46:00.000-07:00

Hello All!

Well I know it has been a little bit since I have last updated! (YIKES) But all I can say it well not much has changed since the last the time I updated besides the size of my belly!!! I think over this past weekend I have literally just popped which is just fine with me! I am working on getting some pictures of the family, my belly and the baby! We did have our ultra-sound a couple of weeks ago and things are going alright as of now! And the sex of the baby is..... WE DON'T KNOW!!! Gotcha didn't I? We have decided not to find out what the sex of the baby is.

Other then Jenny & Little's Wedding we have not done much of anything to exciting. And I have to say that was such a wonderI do have a new nephew as of last week on April 15th 2008. James Bauer Simpson was born and boy oh boy is he ever so cute!!! I am in hopes to go some time and see the little guy but time will tell as to when that will happen. Well that's if for now and I will hopefully do a better job at updating things as they happen and change!

Take Care!

Deens

2008-03-18T07:35:00.000-07:00

16 Weeks

All I can say is Wow this pregnancy is sure is going by so fast! (YIKES) We have not went to the doctor yet as she is out on Vacation for the next two weeks. However, I have definitely got the distinguished "baby bump" you can see it and no it isn't a beer gut! I have felt the little peanut swirling around in there also that is pretty neat! Well at least I think it is the baby swirling around in there??? But other then that so far not to much is new at this point. I will hopefully have some pictures on my blog next week some time. And give you a update on the peanut when I see our Dr. on April 1st.

However, things have been a little more busy these days. We had Collin's 3rd Birthday recently. And we have also potty trained Collin too! I wish you could see how big I am smiling right now as I type those words!!! He is becoming more involved in the conversations of his "baby sister"?!? No, we do not know what the sex of the baby is. However, Collin seems to think that it is a girl. He is so set on it being a girl he thinks we should go and buy pink stuff! My thoughts on the situation are I kind of think that the baby is a little boy. Which DJ and I really don't care what the baby is we just want everything to be healthy and things to keep rolling smoothly!

Well that is it for now and I will hopefully get some pictures and more info posted next time!!!

Deena

2008-02-26T13:03:00.000-08:00

13 Weeks

"Well so far so good" Dr. McKenzie explains to DJ, Collin and I last Wednesday at our regular OB check up! We all got to hear the "very fast" heart beat of the little bundle of joy. Collin well I don't know if he was more concerned about why Dr. McKenzie put gel on my belly and was rubbing it around or more concerned about the noise that was coming out of "mom's tummy"!

When the Dr. found the baby's heartbeat she asked Collin "do you hear the baby in mommy's tummy" and he just started giggling. This visit wasn't quiet so exciting as the first one I guess you could say. But we are so excited and can't wait for the little peanut to make its Debut! And no we are not going to find out what the sex is.

Well that's it for now and I hope to update again soon! I hope all is well for everyone!

Deena

I created a blog

2008-02-11T12:15:00.001-08:00

Renee is helping me