Auntie Andie

Auntie Andrea is in town to celebrate Jules' birthday. She arrived Tuesday night and surprised Jules at work the next day. Jules flipped, then we went out for lunch.

We're going out on a double-date tonight with Timm and Andrea. Weird doesn't even begin to describe it, but we're looking forward to trying a new restaurant.

Timm's documentary is finished. Visit his site at www.polkamovie.com. The DVD is 20 bucks. And, he produced his first commercial this week. It was for the Milwaukee Transit System, of which I am a proud participant. He's planning to make a film about the Stratman brothers. Not sure on the title, yet. Suggestions are requested.

(sorry about the upside down picture. I can't quite figure that one out, but it is a cute picture.)

Ben's girlfriend

Although the family is quite interested in the burgeoning relationship between Andrea and our little Timmers, please note the little ladies man in the mickey mouse bib. Ben tells me the young "girds" are quite attracted to men in colorful bibs. Clara is the young princess pictured. Nothing says romantic like a mid-afternoon buggy ride at daycare.

The first picture is Ben's first toe grab--already surpassing his old man and his uncle. Flexibility is not a Stratman trait.

Random Pics

Here are a few random pics from Jules. Grandma and Grandpa (along with Uncle Bob and Aunt Linda) are in town for John's big 5-0. We're having a good time, and Ben is feeling much better. He is sleeping through the night and laughing again, so we know he's on the mend.

Sick boy

We just returned from the doctor's office. Ben gets a 10-day dose of antibiotics to ward off any chances of pneumonia. He's sleeping now. I'll stay home with him for a couple days, so he won't get any other kid sick--or himself sicker.

I took this picture on Mother's day. Ben gave Jules a card and helped me fix dinner. But then he ran a low-grade temperature, so he was pretty useless for the rest of the night.

Thinking Ben

I'd like to say Ben is deep in thought, but chances are he's watching TV.

some firsts

Ben is now on solid foods. He likes rice cereal, squash, and sweet potatoes. I made the sweet taters myself. My plan is to make all his food--avocadoes and pears are next. His new sound is "bah," which he repeats constantly. And, he can sorta hold his balance when we sit him up in the boppy. The picture shows the beginning of his "bah" sound and his balance. His poops are almost epic with the introduction of new foods. Jules is still working up the strength to approach such bodily wonders. We're off to a party tonight . . . Ben has his first non-family babysitter . . . and the Springfield horse came in third--Go Steppenwolfer. Not a bad day.