Ethan Ryan Schmidt

A day at the Chelsea Treehouse

2008-08-19T11:33:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago we took a day trip to Chelsea, Michigan and went to the Treehouse which is an indoor playground that is completely enclosed. Parents can go down the slides too and John had just as much fun as Ethan! Going down the big slide by himself- he was a little scared!
Going down the small slide in the toddler area- not scary at all!
John and Ethan climbing up play set
A picture of most of the play area.
We went for a walk outside and Ethan threw a penny in the fountain!

Random Pics from the last month!

2008-04-15T16:26:00.000-07:00

Ok Eva- I'm not posting PG World pics yet but here are some random pictures of Ethan during the last couple of weeks. Getting ready to pull open the cupboards in his pirate gear!
Hanging out with Daddy (John looks so evil)!
Finally playing on his Bounce and Spin Zebra that he got for Christmas!
Wait, I'm supposed to use the fork to get the cottage cheese to my mouth? OH!
What a thrilled little boy and his Mommy!
This picture say's it all!
Ethan has become obsessed with his vacuum and his lawn mower lately- that could work out well for us in a couple of years!
Brushing his teeth on his own!
Enjoying his first Happy Meal!
Spending some quality time with Daddy!

Ohio Weather- all within one week!

2008-03-15T08:04:00.000-07:00

Our spring weather has been kind of crazy- within the last week we have played in the snow and taken our first walk up and down the street (Ethan didn't start walking really well until it was too cold to be outside). Here my smiley boy is walking down the sidewalk with Dad close behind.
His shadow looks like such a big boy's!
Here Ethan is making his first snow angel.
Throwing snowballs at Daddy.
Trying out sledding- he didn't seem to enjoy it too much.

Blowing Bubbles

2008-03-06T08:44:00.000-08:00

Last week we bought some bubbles to see if Ethan would enjoy stomping on them and he seemed to have a good time with them!
A smiley little troublemaker
Stomping out the bubbles
Trying to imitate Mommy blowing the bubbles
This is completely unrelated but the other day the Wiggles were on and Ethan came downstairs and started dancing like they were- it was too cute!

Ethan's new "Toy"

2008-02-29T07:28:00.000-08:00

The other day we put his portable "highchair" on the floor so that we could color (it didn't work out too well- let's just say that there were a lot of crayons consumed). However, Ethan decided that this chair is his new favorite toy and he plays with it all the time! What a handsome boy!
He likes to sit down and pull the tray over him.
Smiling for his daddy.
Look at those eyes!
This is his tricky boy smile- you know when he smiles like this that he thinks he is getting away with something!

Trip to Kalahari

2008-02-26T14:32:00.000-08:00

This past week we spent two day's in Sandusky at the Kalahari water park. We had a great time as a family and Ethan was just so darn cute!

He really loved the bellman suitcase trolley and wanted to be pushed around on it!
This is one of his two new swimsuit outfits that he got for the trip- he's a very stylish 13 month old!
Dad was trying to give Ethan his night night bottle and instead they were both giggling and "screaming" at each other.
This is Ethan in his swim diaper- Mom accidentally bought the Dora Explorer kind so John made fun of me the entire time about our son wearing pink diapers!
Here Ethan is sporting his second outfit!

This is while we were packing the car to leave and we were trying to get Ethan to take a nap- he was being all cute and cuddling underneath Mom's coat.
Ethan posing with Mom on top of the hippo at the little playground in Kalahari.
Ethan going down the tree slide with a little help.

Ethan went on the little merry-go round with some little boy's that he met on the playground.
Ethan's favorite part about the whole trip was walking up and down the halls- he would've done it all day if we'd let him!

Random Pictures with the new camera

2007-12-20T11:16:00.000-08:00

We have a mistletoe bell hanging between our dining room and kitchen and Ethan loves to play with it.

Ethan sooo happy to have caught the bell.

Playing with his Sing A-Long Stage (wow that glass really needs cleaned)

Standing in the middle of the room

A smiling boy in his high chair.

This was Ethan's first time wrapping presents- and we were posing with a present for Uncle Jake.

Lights before Christmas!

2007-12-17T15:06:00.000-08:00

Last week we took Ethan to the Lights before Christmas at the Toledo Zoo. It was very cold out, but he seemed to have a good time! Positing in a cut-out elf
Posing again!

Dad and Ethan on the carousel- this time he went on an animal that actually moved up and down!

Mom & Ethan chilling out! Sorry that these were all the pictures that we got, but our camera died about 30 min. into the zoo trip- good thing we just got a new one for our anniversary :0)

It's Christmas Time!

2007-12-09T15:23:00.000-08:00

Ok, so it's been a while- our apologies. These pictures our from the 180th Christmas party last Sunday.
John and his look-alike son Ethan .

Ethan was very excited about getting his first present.

He sat on Santa's lap for the first time and first was confused and then started crying.

Daddy to the rescue!

Ethan is 8 months old!

2007-09-06T08:58:00.000-07:00

Ethan turned 8 months old on Tuesday. It is getting harder and harder to get him to sit still for a picture! The rocker didn't work so I got the best pictures in his crib. Our little drool machine
Ethan had to have a bath immediately after he destroyed his biter biscuit!

The best picture- he even looks like he's posing!

Ethan's first "vacation"

2007-08-29T08:42:00.000-07:00

We recently had our first family overnight at a hotel. We went to Auburn Hills, Michigan to go to the Wiggles concert! The concert was lots of fun (we forgot our camera there) and besides Ethan not sleeping in his pack n' play we had a great time! Ethan trying to help us pack!
All smiles in his first concert t-shirt ever!

He was getting tired from all the Wiggly dancing!

Playin on the floor of the hotel with Daddy.

Loving the big boy bed where he slept all night since he was being a stinker (and starting to teethe).

Ethan and Daddy

Ethan & Mommy

Swimming & A New Bathtub!

2007-08-27T05:05:00.000-07:00

Ethan (along with his parents) has been swimming in our neighbor's pool quite a bit this past month. Here he is getting ready to party with his swimming trunks on his head and his swim diaper on his bottom! What a sweet boy!
He looks like he's going to jump!

His hat say's crabby- which he usually is a pretty happy baby

Swimming in the float that belongs to the 9 month old girl two doors down.

Hey... wait a minute guy's- I don't think that this works for me!

He looks so serious here

Here he is getting used to his new bathtub that our friend Maria swears is the greatest invention ever. For just $10 at Target I have to kind of agree!

It seems that he's going to like his new tub just fine!

A little young to read!

2007-08-25T15:10:00.000-07:00

This sequence of pictures is about a month old and was the first time that Ethan "crawled" (his crazy army-style version) across his room and attacked his bookshelf (one of his favoite things to do)! Spying the bookshelf out of the corner of his eye!
He made it and started pulling magazines (which are now kept on the top shelf due to the number that he ripped in half)!

That book looks good!

This is lots of fun!

He looks pretty darn proud of himself (and we were proud too)!

I figured out how to download pictures!

2007-08-23T08:35:00.001-07:00

I finaly figured out how to download pictures (take that John)! So now blogs will be posted more frequently ( I promise Eva). I don't have much time so here are some of Ethan's silliest smiles! This is his Look at me- I'm gonna climb out of my crib smile!
This is a being tickled smile

A fresh from a bath smile

Enjoying morning play time with mommy smile

I'm going to go swimming smile!

Ethan's Second Professional Pictures

2007-07-18T09:58:00.000-07:00

Ethan had his pictures taken professionally for the second time today. He was a little bit grumpy and didn't smile as much as he usually does. We worked hard and got some cute ones!
Seconds before he put the shovel in his mouth.

Ditto for the bucket

My boys!

Ethan looks drunk in this picture!

What a sweet little boy!

Our first professional family picture.

Ethan Swimming!

2007-07-06T10:55:00.000-07:00

We took Ethan swimming in a big pool for the first time this week. At first he was a little scared- but once he started splashing around he loved it! Ethan still looking a little scared.
Ethan was kind of enthralled by the handles on his little pool toy

Blinking from the sun!

Ethan and mom before going in the pool (it's at our neighbor's house so you can kind of see our driveway)

Dad and Ethan before jumping in!

4th of July 2007 Family Gathering

2007-07-04T18:56:00.000-07:00

Today, Katie, Ethan and I went to Cleveland to celebrate my grandfather's birthday at my Aunt and Uncle's house. We had fun but we are now really exhausted. Before we went to the party, we stopped at Sunset Memorial Cemetary to visit my grandmother's grave. I wanted to introduce Ethan and Katie to her, since she passed away 17 years ago. It was very moving since I haven't been their in years.

Here I am explaining to Ethan where we were and who his great-grandmother was. We also paid our respects to his great-great grandmother who is right next to her.

Ethan's six month old picture!!

Some Favorite pictures.

2007-07-03T20:05:00.000-07:00

This is a collection of some of my favorite Ethan pictures. I know that it's been over a month since we updated- but better late than never! Leave me a message and let me know which one is your favorite pic! Ethan can scoot himself backwards so here he is going backwards during tummy time.
The boys enjoying a nice day on the porch.

Ethan helping do laundry.

Ethan likes to show his tummy all the time. We'll be going through Krogers and he'll pull his shirt up all the time! Here he is showing off his cute belly.

Being a silly monkey (the shirt say's silly in case you can't see it).

Being one sweet baby.

Making silly faces.

Ethan makes this face all the time- when he is concentrating or grumpy.

We have a little blow-up pool that Ethan went in the other day.

Splashing around in the water.

What a strange way to fall asleep.

Somehow he managed to fit both hands in his mouth!

He fell asleep with his rattle and it looks like he's using it as a phone.

Ethan visiting with family & friends.

2007-07-03T19:58:00.000-07:00

Ethan visiting Grandpa G. in the nursing home in Tiffin.
My college roomate ( and best friend who totally should move home from Montanna) came for a visit. We had lots of fun and Ethan enjoyed meeting his Aunt Carla!

Ethan with Grandpa again.

Ethan with Uncle Ben.

I love my zoo!

2007-07-03T19:47:00.000-07:00

On one of the 93 degree days last week we went to the zoo with Grandma Gillig & Uncle Ben. Ethan had tons of fun, and we can't wait to go again! After we got home from the zoo- Ethan had to tell Dad about his day, so he woke him up from his nap to tell him all about it ( you can see John's shorts in the background).

Mom & Ethan going down the slide.

Ethan being silly.

Ethan and Uncle Ben on a giant ape.

Ethan and Mom eating lunch in what used to be the Lion's area ( I actually remember when they had lions there- does that make me old?)

Ethan and Grandma G. on the train ride.

Mom & Ethan on his first carousel ride- he really enjoyed it!

Ethan wanted to stay with the polar bears- probably just because the inside was air conditioned!

Ethan & Mommy outside the polar bear exhibit.

Introduction to Solids!

2007-07-03T19:38:00.000-07:00

I realized after I put all the pictures in that they were backwards- my apologies. Ethan cleaning up after his first solid meal!

After he was finished eating- I gave him the spoon and he pretty much drenched himself in rice cereal.

Look at him flare those nostrils- he's doesn't really like plain rice cereal too much.

He seemed pretty OK with the first bite.

Trying to stick his hand in his rice cereal.

He looks so sneaky here- like he knew what a big mess he was about to make!

Ethan turns five months old!

2007-07-03T19:31:00.000-07:00

Yes, I realize that Ethan turns six months old tommorow- but these pictures were too cute to keep to ourselves! Ethan's official five month picture.

Ethan has recently discovered that he has feet- and he really notices them when I put on his red shoes!

Making cute faces!

Hamming it up for the camera.

What a sweet & clean little boy!

Practicing Sitting!

2007-07-03T19:24:00.001-07:00

Ethan is really working on sitting unsupported. These are a few of my favorite pictures of him taken over the last month. Sitting up in his crib- almost time to take down the mobile!
His onsie has a bottled with spilled milk on the floor and it say's -Happy Hour, I bet that you can guess which parent picked it out!

Look at that string of drool!

He looks so sweet here- like he is reaching for the remote- saying MOM! I want to watch the Wiggles again.

Four months old!- belated

2007-05-23T14:44:00.000-07:00

Practicing sitting and doing a pretty good job!

On Tuesday we went to Lincoln School (where Grandma Gillig has taught for the last 34 years) and introduced Ethan to all of the teachers. He also had his picture taken with Curious George!

Ethan met Mom's neighbor growing up- Erma.

Somehow Grandma Schmidt can get Ethan to nap in his Pack n' Play!

Ethan wearing his new red shoes!

Ethan, his mom and his grandma on Mother's Day (I look bad- I know).

Ethan with his new jumping gym.

John's birthday was the 9th and after we opened presents, we lay Ethan in the wrapping paper because he loved the sound that it made.

Enjoying the wrapping paper!

While this is a little belated, Ethan did celebrate being four months old on the 4th (at least I got the picture posted in the same month)! This is the first time he actually smiled a big smile for the camera!

Update

2007-05-21T07:33:00.000-07:00

Ethan looking very handsome in his mini rocking chair
John gave him his birthday money and Ethan was flashing it around!

Making cute faces at Applebee's

Proud to be with his Daddy.

This is the first time that he ever reached for a stuffed animal and hugged it to him

Enjoying tummy time!

An action shot of the little man rolling over!

Whoah! I did it! I rolled over!

Ethan goes outside!

2007-05-10T04:58:00.000-07:00

Ethan laying in the grass!

John helping Ethan "walk" across the grass.

Ethan getting his first feel of the grass underneath his feet.

Mom & Ethan enjoying being outside.

Visiting Grandpa & being a cutie pie

2007-05-09T12:01:00.000-07:00

John & Ethan have matching Old Navy outfits- they are too adorable.
Ethan playing in his gym.

My men being especially adorable for the camera.

We took Ethan a couple of weeks ago to the 2 Toots & Whistle cafe. There is a train that delivers your food. He thought that it was lots of fun to sit there and watch!

Ethan drooling all over himself and coveting my cheeseburger!

Me & Ethan in the booth (you can see the train in the top right hand side)

My dad has been moved to a rehabilitation center. He is trying to get better with some visits from the best grandson in the world! (Ethan does look a little odd in this picture

Ethan grabbed onto Grandpa G's finger and wouldn't let go!

I know, life is crazy!

2007-05-02T19:32:00.000-07:00

Well, once again I apologize that it has taken me over a month to post again. Life with a baby is busy and wonderful. Most of these pictures are at least two weeks old so once John uploads our memory card I will add some recent pics! Ethan getting ready to go to daycare on Mudhens opening day! For those of you who don't know I work at Packo's at the Park, and baseball season is crazy for us!

Ethan surrounded by his three Easter baskets and sporting his new shades!

Our little Easter bunny.

Ethan wearing his Indian outfit that his Grandma Schmidt got him.

Our baby on 4/4/07 (he was three months old)!

Quite possibly the cutest face in the world.

Sorry that it's been so long!

2007-04-01T21:11:00.000-07:00

Sorry that it's been so long since I've posted. Life has been crazy. I started back to work on the 19th and then this past week my Dad went in the hospital for surgery and has been there all week (he got transferred to the ICU today). Throughout everything Ethan has been an absolute joy and his little personality has just made everything better. I have tons more pictures but I'm too tired to post more!

Ethan trying on hats (per Mom) - here he is with his moose bucket hat!

He doesn't really look like he's enjoying the airplane bucket hat!

However, the ski cap looks like it is a good time!

2007-03-17T11:36:00.000-07:00

Ethan & Mom in their St. Patrick's Day green.
Ethan waking Dad up with his good morning cries!

Our little baby leprechan!

So far we have been really happy with Ethan's daycare and they asked us to send outfits for him when he makes messes (which he does quite a bit). So I packed several matching outfits but somehow they alway's grab random pieces which leads to an adorabely mismatched baby!

Mastering the art of tummy time!

A sweet smile!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

2007-03-12T17:57:00.000-07:00

Please, Mom- keep the paparazi away from me (in case you can't tell the outfit say's "Rockstar")

It's Superbaby! Ethan gets so excited when you hold him under his arm and he puts his weight on his legs.

Ethan is almost to the point where he enjoys taking a bath- he's still a little fussy but usually doesn't cry the entire time!

This weekend is the first time that we've been able to take Ethan for a walk outdoors. Saturday he went with Grandma G. and mom in the Jeep carrier and on Sunday he went in his stroller with Mom, Dad & the dogs!

The most precious face in the world.

Dressed to go out for a walk.

Ethan sporting his St. Patrick's Day outfit.

Two months old!

2007-03-08T16:56:00.000-08:00

Although it is partially blocked by the boppy- it is Ethan's first smile that was captured on film!

Playing with his dog stuffed animal. If you look closely you can see my toe in the bottom of the picture- how lovely!

What a happy little man!

His "official" two month picture.

He loves to watch the bears when he's in his swing!

Blowing spit bubbles.

He looks like he's barely tolerating yet another kiss from Mommy. Wouldn't he be embarassed if he knew that I posted it on the internet?

Ethan with his Grandma Gillig.

Dad is Back!!

2007-03-02T20:03:00.000-08:00

I finally have some "free time" to update Ethan's blog. Here are some more cute pictures we have taken over the last week.

Here is Ethan in his bouncer and he's not crying!

This is what Ethan likes to do when he is in his swing. He will stare at those bears for a long time. It is very cute!

Here is a grumpy face. He must have been fussy and just fell asleep.

Here he is not so grumpy.

Ethan's gangster pose!

Ethan is trying out his new hat and chair that mom bought for him. Doesn't this remind you of Ralph on "A Christmas Story"?

2007-03-01T04:39:00.000-08:00

Ethan gave us his adorable smile for the first time last week. This is right afterwards and I was trying to capture it on camera- he was being pretty cute but no smile for the camera!
Right after a bath

Our little tough guy posing for the camera!

Ethan has finally decided after almost 8 weeks that the swing is an OK place to be. It's also his new favorite place to take a nap!

He just looks so sweet and innocent here!

2007-02-21T16:27:00.000-08:00

Here is an update on the Schmidt household!

Ethan getting his shirt changed- he hates it so much, but he looks so cute!
Ethan gazing adoringly at his Daddy.

Ethan with his little fire engine butt!

Ethan does not like to sleep in his crib so we've been slowly transitioning him. Here is one of the few occasions where he actually fell asleep!

Here is one of the many occasions where he decided that he wanted to play or cry instead.

Some more of my favorite professional pictures, he has such a stinker look on his face in this picture.

He looks like he's posing here.

What a handsome little man.

Ethan's First Professional Pictures!

2007-02-15T13:59:00.000-08:00

So hard to pick out which of his first pictures we wanted so we got the whole CD! I'll post more pictures later but, these are some of our favorites.

Meeting some Family

2007-02-12T13:24:00.000-08:00

An extreme closeup but look at those beautiful blue eyes!

Ethan got a new Valentine's Day outfit from his Grandma Gillig- he is such a cute baby!

Four generations of Schmidt men in one house. From l-r, ther eis Jake, John & Ethan, Great-Grandpa Schmidt and Grandpa Schmidt- aren't the men so cute?

Great- Grandma Schmidt meeting the newest addition to the family.

Ethan meeting his Great-Uncle John.

Ethan getting held by his cousin Becky (notice the overprotective Mom nearby)

Our little family

Ethan getting some attention from his Great Grandpa Pollack and Great Granny Dee.

Ethan getting some attention from Great-Grandpa Pollack.

Update on Ethan

2007-02-12T13:14:00.000-08:00

The first time that Mom was able to get Ethan to sleep in his bouncer (albeit for 20 minutes), but it was still an accomplishment!

Somehow Ethan fell asleep with a panda on his back- how did that happen? He was so tired because earlier in the day he had his one month visit at the Dr.'s. He has gained two lbs and 1 and 1/4 inches- he is a very healthy sweet boy but boy he did not like getting his Hep B shot! He let out a scream that I'm sure Kathleen heard in Utah and Carla heard in Montanna!

Ethan hanging out with his panda stuffed animal.

More Pictures!

2007-02-05T12:05:00.000-08:00

Another picture of Ethan and Winnie on his one month birthday!

Ethan's official one month old picture. Look at how tiny he is in comparison to the rocker!

Ethan trying to eat the nose of his Winnie the Pooh stuffed animal.

Ethan's first big boy bath in the tub- to say that he didn't like it would be quite an understatement!

Ethan fell asleep with his thumb and forefinger in this position so I had to copy it- excuse my eyes, it was one of those severely sleep deprived nights!

Sorry that it's been two weeks since we posted. John decided to be a big bumski so I decided to take over since my baby is now one month old! It's hard to believe it but here are some pictures to prove it.

Katie takes over!

2007-02-05T11:52:00.000-08:00

Grandma Gillig and me with my new "mom" haircut (aka. easy and quick to style). We had a fun day in Tiffin visiting both sets of grandparents- even though Ethan slept most of the time and then stayed up most of the night!

Grandma Schmidt giving Ethan a bottle.

Grandpa Schmidt was scared that Ethan was going to spit up on him so he covered himself completely!

Ethan enjoying his tummy time. He likes it for about 5 min. and then usually starts screaming to be held.

Ethan chilling on his pack n' play's changing table. I can't believe how cute his feet look in those socks.

Ethan chilling out with dad and with his panda stuffed animal that Grandma Schmidt gave him.

More Gillig Visits

2007-01-22T09:00:00.000-08:00

This past weekend, Grandma Gillig stayed overnight to help with Ethan. Her visit was more than welcomed as we had two homecooked meals in a row!

Uncle Ben holding Ethan with Ginny keeping them company. This is Ginny's spot and she will get mad if anyone is sitting there. She just loves to sleep there.

Dad and Ethan after Mom and me went on our first date after he was born.

Documented proof that Grandpa Gillig did hold Ethan!

Ethan being grumpy.

This was a first. Ginny actually took up the whole couch last night. Of course, we had to seize this opportunity...

Cute Pics and a Visit at Katie's Work

2007-01-18T14:51:00.000-08:00

We stopped at Katie's work, Packo's at the Park, and Ethan was stolen again. All the ladies oohed and awwed over how cute Ethan is. Do you blame them? He is the cutest baby on Earth!

Ethan is already getting kisses from the ladies! This is Gina, Katie's boss, planting one on old Eth. Kelly is in the background with the yellow sweatshirt who practically ripped Ethan right out of his car seat!

When he's actually sleeping in the pack n' play.

Getting ready for a long night of staying awake.

Fun With Ethan...

2007-01-18T14:46:00.000-08:00

We had a nurse from "Help Me Grow" come out and visit us on Wednesday. It was free and she checked Ethan over, so what the heck?! Anyways, she gave us this big packet of newsletters and information about caring for your baby. It was a nice visit and reassuring for us that Ethan is doing well. The nurse went over everything that was in the packet except the pack of condoms which she hid and threw into the bag. Of course, I got a hold of it and had some fun. So, here it is...

He's learning at an early age!

Guess What? More Pictures!

2007-01-16T08:34:00.000-08:00

Just some more random pictures of Ethan, the cutest baby in the world. Plus, I have to post more often so I can beat out Eva. This is a bad picture of me in my pjs. But, Ethan and I are passed out.

Katie and Ethan passed out. I was sleeping right next to Ethan before I woke up to take this picture. Don't worry, Ethan wasn't in any harm. I picked him up after this picture was taken.

Documented proof that Uncle Jake finally came to see his nephew. His style changes and I guess he is going back to the old school ways of the amish.

Our little police officer asleep in his car seat.

Our little frog after his second bath.

Godmother Brandi stopped by for her first visit.

Ethan just chillin' with his outfit he got from his great-granny Dee.

Ethan and I playing.

Corbin and Ethan's First Visit

2007-01-16T08:25:00.000-08:00

The Fritch's came over to the house on Friday, 12 Jan 2007, to visit Ethan and to bring us dinner. We had a wonderful time and wish to thank them again for their kindness. Here are some pictures that were taken.

Eva, Corbin and Cory

Dad's and their son's.

Ethan with his new present from the Fritch's. This is the best picture I could get. It says, "My real name is JACK BAUER".

Week One

2007-01-10T19:13:00.000-08:00

It has almost been a week since Ethan was born and he has brought us so much joy. Each day there is something new that we learn about Ethan and about Katie and I as a couple. Ethan is doing fantastic. Katie is still recovering after batteling a slight infection. Grandma Gillig stayed the night with us on Monday and Tuesday night. She was such a big help that there is no way we can repay her. Katie and I were hurting on Monday after only getting maybe an hour and a half of sleep. Tonight will be different since we don't have a shift rotation. But, we will get the hang of it. Tuesday, we went to Bay Park to see Dr. Credico for Katie. Ethan came along and after we went into the exam room, Dr. Credico stole Ethan and we didn't see him until we left! He was passed around the whole office. I asked the nurse if they did that to all the babies or just the cute ones. She said just the cute ones. We then went to Labor and Delivery in the hospital to drop off cookies for the nurses. The nurses seemed so shocked that we actually came back to thank them for their kindness and helpfulness. They were really wonderful and I couldn't have asked for a better hospital. Everyone just loved Ethan. Our last stop was Big Apple Deli in Oregon. This was a place that Katie and I would go after every doctor's visit to get lunch. The ladies there have always been wonderful. I even stopped there after both inductions, so the ladies have always asked if Katie had her baby. Both our parents have been there and bragged about their new grandbaby. Well, we made our appearence and they just went crazy over Ethan. They were shocked that we actually showed up. They didn't think we would be back until he was 1. Below are some more pictures of Ethan at home and his first bath here. Enjoy!

Ethan before his offical hospital photo and right before he peed on his face.

After a brand new outfit. This was his going home outfit. The jacket is actually supposed to be a puppy with little ears on his hood.

Here I am before we left.

Katie before we left on Sunday evening.

Picture of Ethan right next to the nursery with his stats on the blue foot.

Grandma Gillig on one of the nights she spent with us. This is her helping us take off the edge!

Ethan, Saddie and I upstairs in the master bedroom on Monday night. All three of us were watching the Buckeyes get destroyed while Katie and Grandma Gillig were resting downstairs. Ethan still wanted to show his support.

Grandma enjoying her grandson.

The shirt says it all.

Ethan, Ginny and I after Ethan woke up from his nap. Deacon is in the background.

After his first bath at home. He is struting the "Hef" style in his duck bathrobe.

More Pictures!

2007-01-06T08:01:00.000-08:00

The very proud Grandma and Grandpa Schmidt.

This is the passing of the baby to Grandma Gillig. Grandpa Gillig was in the background and had a little cold. He didn't want to get to close to the baby. On a side note, Grandma Gillig snuck a peek of Ethan when he was getting his first bath. I, of course, yelled at her and told her that I will get everyone when he is ready!

Grandma Gillig and Grandma Schmidt with Ethan.

And finally, the proud parents of Ethan Ryan Schmidt!

Ethan Ryan Schmidt's Birthday!

2007-01-06T07:34:00.000-08:00

He's finally here! Ethan was born on Thursday, Janurary 4, 2007 at 7:17 p.m. at Bay Park Community Hospital. He was delivered via c-section since Katie only dialated to 3 cm. Ethan was also "sunny side up", so he would have eventually needed a c-section. He weighed in at 7 lbs. 8 oz. and 20 inches long. He is extremelly cute and I have been told he looks alot like the father! Both our families have been here and have been a tremendous help. Katie and Ethan are fine and keep progressing as we move along. Below are some of the numerous pictures to follow. Enjoy! This is Katie just starting her Pitocin drip.

Katie just minutes before being wheeled into the OR.

Here I am all scrubbed up!

Here he is! Just moments after delivery, Ethan is getting cleaned off and being a little fussy.

Here he is being weighed. I know it reads 7 lbs. 9 oz. but I think he just moved and it went up an ounce.

Here is Ethan when he just arrived back in the room. Right after this he got his first bath and was nice and clean.

Here is mom and her baby right after she got back from the OR.

Final Shots

2007-01-04T08:05:00.000-08:00

Here is the final shot of Katie and her 9 month belly at home before going to the hospital. Enjoy!

Induction, 4 Janurary 2007...

2007-01-04T07:47:00.000-08:00

Well, we are here for round 2. We went to the Dr.'s on Tueday and he said he wants to induce us on Thursday, today. We arrived at Bay Park around 8 a.m. and was sent to room 2318. We have the same nurse as last week and she started Katie on Pitocin, increasing the dose every 30 minutes. The nurse also stated that when Katie does start hard labor, she will increase 1 cm every hour. So, the wait begins...

Here is Katie again hooked up to the IV and Pitocin.

No Ethan Yet!

2006-12-30T15:26:00.000-08:00

For those of you who we haven't talked too (which really isn't many since we've been on the phone quite a bit these last couple of days), Ethan decided not to make an appearance on Thursday. The nurses tried to induce three times with a pill (something that ends in ocin) and while I had some contractions they just didn't do any good and my cervix never opened up to let the baby through. Since my blood pressure and swelling were down while I was in the hospital bed the Dr. decided that I could just go home. It was a frustrating 14 hour experience and now we know that our little boy is a stubborn German!

Induction, 28 December 2006...

2006-12-28T12:00:00.000-08:00

Well, this morning we arrived at Bay Park Community Hospital in Oregon, OH. We were admitted to room 2317. At around 0900, the first induction started. It was pretty normal and boring. Katie napped a little and I laid down on the couch. Both our families waitied in the waiting room and I told them that this process would take awhile. I took my mom to get lunch for Katie and I at Big Apple Deli. The ladies their were so happy to hear that Katie is about to have a baby! They must know us since we stop their after every doctor visit. The second induction occured around 1300, and this one brought around some activity. Katie felt more and better contractions but, as I write this, they have subsided. The nurse said that Ethan's heartbeat rises when the contractions go up, and that's a good sign that his brain activity is normal. His heartbeat is terrific and in the normal range. It will be just a matter of time before he arrives. I will write more as the progress continues.

Here is Katie in the hospital bed trying to get some sleep, but I had to take a picture.

Graduation!

2006-12-26T13:34:00.000-08:00

I finally graduated on Thursday, December 14th, 2006. My wife and parents were in attendance. I graduated from Owens Community College with an Associates Degree in Criminal Justice. I also graduated cum laude with a cumulative GPA of 3.64. I was also inducted into the Phi Theta Kappa international honors society. This was a very proud moment for me as this was three plus years in the making. I couldn't have done it without the patience of my wife and family. Now onto my Bachelors Degree from Tiffin University!

This was the banquet for the graduates with honors. I'm in the back row towards the left.

My wife and I after the banquet. I had to show them were the reception was going to be since they got lost trying to get to Owens, even though I printed off to maps with directions.

I had to show my family were EXACTLY I was sitting so they could see me.

My wife and I after the reception. Here I am with my honors chords.

My parents and I after graduation.

Lt. Christopher Goertz

2006-12-26T13:27:00.000-08:00

Katie and I took apart in the pinning of the lieutenant bars onto Chris Goertz on Thursday, December 14th, 2006. I have known Goertz since I first came into the guard. He was also one of my groomsmen. Fortunately, we were able to attend since the timing was in between my graduation rehearsal and my graduation. We wish Goertz the best of luck in his new assignment in the Air Force.

Grandma Gillig's Baby Shower

2006-12-07T07:46:00.000-08:00

This was Katie's second shower for Ethan on December 3, 2006. Again, we received some wonderful presents from everyone. Thanks to everyone for caring. Ethan will appreciate it.

Here is the layout of food on table number 1.

Here are the beverages on table number 2.

Here is the auction with Grandma Gillig as the auctioneer.

Here is Katie unwrapping some presents.

A family picture with the grandma's. I think grandma Gillig is trying to hide.

Katie is with our newly appointed Godmother, Brandi. Her husband James is Ethan's Godfather. Apparently, he likes the title of Godfather and we warned him not to eat oranges.

Grandma Schmidt's Baby Shower

2006-12-07T07:21:00.001-08:00

This was Katie's first baby shower for Ethan on November 26, 2006. The following are only a couple of pictures that were taken on that day. Enjoy!

Here are some lighted rubber duckies floating in a pond. I thought that was cool plus it will be fun during bath time.

The food is about ready to be served. In the background from left to right are Grandma Gillig, Grandma Schmidt and Great-Grandma Schmidt.

Here are the twenty or so guests for Katie's first shower. Katie and I enjoyed all of the gift's that were given. Thank you so much!

And here is the aftermath. This is back home in Toledo after unloading all the presents. This is Jaber doing what he does best. He always wants to be on top of something that is new that he doesn't recognize.

Still Working...

2006-11-28T12:19:00.000-08:00

We are still working on Ethan's room but we are almost near completion. The painting is all done, the dresser/tower is up, and the crib is assembled. Here is our progress...

Here is dad painting the door and trim. What a wonderful job he did!

Here is the dresser/tower out of the box. The painting is all done and dried. Now comes the fun part!

Here is mom sticking out her belly. Ginny is sniffing because they aren't allowed to go into the baby's room just yet. The dresser is still in pieces.

The dresser is done! Now on to the more difficult task, the crib!

Here is the mess just from the crib. Dad had a fun time cleaning this mess up.

The final product...for now. The dresser is very nice and fits perfectly. The crib is equally as cool and Ethan will be very comfortable.

There is dad's old toy box that great-grandpa Schmidt made for him when he was little. Now, it is being passed on to Ethan. It also fits our farm theme.

Here is Ethan's dresser. It has been a long week, but I am glad to see the accomplishment that mom and dad put forth. Ethan will be pleased. We will post more once things get rolling.

Something For Mom and Dad...

2006-11-14T08:33:00.000-08:00

Here is one of the things that we accomplished this past weekend. Thanks to Joe Styer, we now have cable in our master bedroom. As I stated before, now we have a place to retreat to and we have a comfy bed to lay on. The baby's room is still on hold until I have time to paint the trim. When that is complete, I will post the pictures.

This is our 20" flat screen tv with a DVD player. We have enjoyed it immensly. Thanks again to Joe for helping me accomplish this, for I would have never been able to do this myself.

Before, During...

2006-11-12T21:30:00.000-08:00

So, Katie, my parents and brother, Chad and Leigh helped us make some big changes to Ethan's new room. My other friend, Joe Styer, also help us put cable into the masterbed and hang up our tv. This way, mom and dad can have refuge in the bedroom with some tv to entertain us. I wish to thank everyone that helped us this weekend. We could not have done it without the support and love from our friends and family. Even though we are not done, we don't have that much to go. So, here are the before and during pictures with the after pics soon to come. Enjoy.

Here is what Ethan's room looked like in the beginning. This was our office.

This is the during picture. Left to right is Grandpa Schmidt, Uncle Jake, Grandma Schmidt, and Katie (mom).

This is another during picture. Again, Uncle Jake, dad, and Grandpa Schmidt. Almost done painting.

This was after the painting was done. What's left is painting the base board and setting up the crib and dresser.

This is where our office is now, in the basement. We still have to put some books away before its done. Ginny is in the pick and it looks like she is watching tv. I couldn't get Sadie in the picture cause I ran out of room, but she's done there! Again, thanks for everyone that made this possible.

Grasyn Rettig

2006-11-10T19:57:00.000-08:00

This morning, we paid a visit to Arin and Kristin Rettig to see their new baby, and future friend of Ethan's, Grasyn. He was very cute and his parents gave us excellent advise for when it's our turn in the delivery room. Here are the pictures from this mornings visit.

Here is a picture of Katie before Ethan figured out she was holding Grasyn and he started kicking!

Here is Arin burping baby Grasyn. In the background is Kristin, trying to take it easy.

Here is Arin teaching us valuable skills in feeding while expressing the horror stories! Much love to the Rettigs!

Dad's Incentive Flight, Snowbird '06

2006-11-09T08:06:00.000-08:00

Like I said before, these pictures are not in chronological order. For this, I apologize. But, I thought that our son would like to see me flying one of our F-16's back in Janurary 2006. So here they are...

Here I am with my pilot, "Stinky". This probably doesn't show it, but I am nervous as hell! I also might add that I worked 12 hours the night before and know I am getting into a jet for the first time!

Here I am being strapped in and doing my pre-flight checks. I have never been so nervious. All in all, this was one of the best experiences I have ever had.

Here is a picture of the men and women I worked with during our stay. We all had a wonderful time and this was a deployment I was actually looking forward too! As Katie can tell you, I did not sleep the night before because I was so excitied. Hopefully some time I will be able to go back.

Babymoon

2006-11-08T18:45:00.000-08:00

I know our posts are not in chronological order, but we just figured out how to use it and we just came up with the name of our baby. Here are some pictures from our babymoon back in September. We spent the night at Hocking Hills Cabins in Logan, OH. We were down there last year for our 1 year anniversary and fell in love with it. It is so secluded and so relaxing. Enjoy the pictures!

This is the picture of our cabin that we stayed in called the Sunset.

This is the view from the road to the cabins. In the background, you can see the vast hills that surrond the area.

This is a picture of Katie and I before leaving the relaxing atmosphere of our cabin. Hopefully, when we return, it will be with Ethan!

Kyndra and Karis Knaggs

2006-11-08T18:24:00.000-08:00

This evening we visited the new edition to the Knaggs family. Kyndra was so adorable and tiny! Katie and I had a blast with our visit. It was also nice to see Karis. I haven't seen her in quite some time. She has grown so much!

This is me with Kyndra. Of course, she slept the whole time. Chad and Leigh better be prepared when baby Ethan comes to visit!

Here is Karis with her dad Chad. She was so cute and energetic, it was funny! This is her pose as she seemed a little mad that her sister got her picture taken first. So, I told Katie to get a picture of Karis. She stuck out her tummy like when her mom was pregnant. It was adorable!

Ethan's Family

2006-11-08T09:36:00.000-08:00

Ethan has a lot of family that are very excited to see him. Here are future mom & dad (Katie & John) on their last baby-free vacation to Vegas in March of this year.
This is John's family. From the left there is John (duh), Mom Schmidt, Jake- John's brother, and Dad Schmidt.
This is Katie's family. From the left is Guido (Katie's Dad), Grandma Gillig, Katie, Annie Gillig (soon to-be Grandma Gillig herself), Uncle Roger and brother Ben with the crazy goatee is in the back.
This is Hermione. We have had her the longest of all our pets. We adopted her in May of 2003 for John's 23rd birthday. She is the shiest of all of our pets and will probably hide from the baby.

This is Jaber, our little Michael Jackson cat (he is a black cat with two white gloves). He loves to cuddle and is the reason we registered for a crib tent!

These are Ethan's Dog-Sisters. On the left is Ginny, we adopted her as a puppy in June of 2005- she is a very sweet girl and will hopefully be very good with the baby. On the right is Sadie, we adopted her about two weeks before we found out we were pregnant with baby Ethan. Sadie is very rambunctious, it will be interesting to see how she will deal with not being the center of attention!

2006-11-03T05:45:00.000-08:00

This is our recent photo of Ethan. This was taken in August. In the upper right corner, you can clearly make out his head, nose, arms and fists. The bottom right picture confirms he is a boy! If you cant figure it out, you can see his butt, legs, and something in between! Our doctor just received a 3D ultrasound machine so hopefully we will get a chance to use it and post the pictures later on!

Childbirth Class

2006-11-02T17:57:00.000-08:00

Today was our first day of childbirth class- preparing for our little boy to come into the world. Except, class really doesn't start until November30th. We were kind of disappointed (Ok, Katie was just a tad grumpy). Class just seems one step closer to having our little boy with us. We will post our most recent ultrasound pictures as soon as we know how.