March 18th, 2008

It was finally the Official Adoption Day!
March 18th, 2008 Eleni officially became, Eleni Kate Schmitz and legally "My Daughter".
It was a very exciting day and we were joined by our Families and all went out to dinner afterwards. Aunt Kari got balloons which we released after exchanging special words. And of course we also had Cake and Ice Cream... It was an eventful day, and one that Eleni and I have been looking forward to.

Nicole is now at 38 Weeks and the excitement of our little bee-bop's arrival is rising!
Nicole's sister Katie called the other night and said, "I just bought milk with an April 4th expiration date, you know it's close when the milk expires after your due date!" We'll let's hope our due date isn't too far past the milks! Here is some recent belly shot... Isn't she cute?!

Grand Superior Lodge

Nicole and I got away on a little "Babymoon" weekend. A little relaxing getaway by ourselves to venture up to the North Shore and enjoy some time together prior to our new arrival.
We stayed at Grand Superior Lodge just north of Two Harbors (40 miles north of Duluth).
We headed out early Saturday January 26th (Mikey & Jade's Birthdays) and made a stop in Duluth and had lunch with some Friends (Ryan & Jane and their new little baby girl, Andi) We then did some bumming around in Canal Park prior to heading north up the shore. We arrived at the Lodge around 4pm took a swim in the pool, and relaxed. Sunday we did some snowshoeing at Gooseberry Falls State Park and had an early dinner at Betty's Pies. We watched a movie and Nicole got in a good nap and I read a little. Monday we were up early after a good nights plus rest and did an early morning ski at Gooseberry at sun up right along the shore of Lake Superior. Then back to the lodge to shower up and to Duluth for lunch and some shopping. It was a great getaway and very relaxing, The baby loved it! The baby is really starting to push and stretch in Nicole's tummy, it's fun too feel it's little limbs and joints push on my hand (and Eleni's). Nicole is feeling good and her comfort level is creeping a little more towards the uncomfortable level but she's hanging tough! I've been busy with the baby's room too, sanded the hardwood floor, painted the ceiling and walls, just stained the floor last night, just need to do the top/finish coats and it's time to start moving stuff in.... Exciting!...That's all for now.... -Tony and crew.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Happy New Year everyone!
We've had a great holiday week celebrating with our families and friends. Christmas Eve at my parents house and Christmas Day at Nicole's Mom's. Eleni and I got out Ice Fishing a couple of times catching a few bluegills and crappies enjoying a fish fry one evening. I've been out skiing a few times with Eleni and Nicole getting out one time too! (see pictures) Eleni is really starting to get the hang of skiing which is good as she is getting a little heavy to lug around in the backpack. Yesterday afternoon I spent out at Maplelag skiing while an Alberta clipper rolled through dusting us with an inch of fresh snow. last night for New Year's Eve Katie, Eric, Trish, Bruce and Nicole and I went out to eat at the Fireside and made some rounds visiting friends at some house parties taking advantage of Nicole being our DD for the night. Hopefully you all had a great Chirstmas and wishing you all a great 2008!
Tony, Nicole & Eleni (and baby!)

24 weeks

Snow has arrived and it looks like winter. Current temp is 1 degree above Zero and we've received 19 inches of snow since November 30th (Thanks to Jay@ Maplelag for keeping us updated) I've made it out XC skiing a couple of times but haven't been out ice fishing yet. Hoping to get out this Sunday to test my luck. Last weekend We had the McFarren's side Christmas gathering at Breezy Point Resort in Osage, MN. We had 4 Cabins and around 40 family members celebrating the season. It was a good time being with everyone.
In the baby new dept. We are at 24 weeks now and Nicole is really starting to show... and as you can see she looks so damn cute! (she is going to love that!...2 points for me, or maybe -2 depending on how she takes it.) The baby is starting to be more active and I've been able to feel some of the action and even Eleni has been able to feel some of the kicks.
This weekend it's off to Park Rapids for the Schmitz Family Christmas gathering at the C'mon Inn. Hope the Holiday season is bringing you good cheer and your all staying warm.
Happy Holidays from the Schmitz's!

Weekend Road Trip

Nicole, Eleni and I got back late last night from a weekend road trip to Iowa. With a stop in the Cities Friday night to stay with some friends with an early departure Saturday morning for Iowa.
We went down to visit Nicole's Grandpa Blaine and Grandma Margaret Klingsporn, and Eleni's Great Grandparents. We then ventured to Mountain Lake, MN, Nicole's Dad's Hometown and stayed with her Aunt Carol and Uncle Moe. I got in an Sunday Pheasant hunt with Moe prior to a late lunch and getting back on the road for Home. I did get to feel the Baby's movement for the first time once we got home and relaxed into our own beds. So that's the baby news for this report. It's Thanksgiving week, So safe travels to all and Happy Thanksgiving!

20 Week Appointment

Nicole and I went to the Doctor today. 20 weeks already!

Here's an ultrasound picture and a 3D front of the face and hands.

We'll be going back in 4 weeks for another 3D as the facial features are not all developed yet,
so they said they'll get a better picture then.

We watched it's Hands move up to it's face and stuff and the heart beating, but for the most part it was pretty chill.
They told Nicole to drink a Mountain Dew before coming next time to put a little pep in it's step.

Everything is looking good, Heart Rate, Measurements, 2 Legs, 2 Arms, and all that jazz,
A very exciting day..... Due Date is still looking around April 2nd'ish...
and NO, We are not finding out What the sex is..........
We are going to wait for the only true happy surprise in life.

Hope all is well.

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Follow us through the next 20 weeks, and keep updated with our pregnancy in the Schmitz Family Adventures Blog.