Christmas 2007

I had to post this photo because I think it's so funny. My mom and dad wrapped up our letter jackets from high school and gave them to Mary and I for Christmas....ha ha! Lance and Ben just HAD to try them on!!
Evan actually got into ripping open his presents this year!! He really likes tearing tissue paper.
My mom sewed this ragtime quilt for Evan. He loves it!
Jenean, Ben's mom, had all the grandkids put on a Christmas skit. Evan enjoyed his debut as his starring role of baby Jesus in his "manger."

A Christmas Miracle???

On December 23, 2007, Evan finally decided that he could walk between Ben and I without help. After practicing that day, he could walk about 15 feet in between us. He is SO proud, and so are we!!! He's on his way to walking all by himself!!!!! Afterall, he is almost 19 months old!!

18 months

Here are Evan's latest photos.

He's still not walking yet. The photo below was a really quick shot!

We just hope he will be able to walk by the time we go to Florida in March.

A little about Evan these days:
Evan loves bouncing on his bed, reading and looking at books, playing ball, slamming cabinets and opening drawers, and being chased (well, he scoots instead of running). He calls Daddy "Da" and Mommy "De." He likes to hide objects behind his back or head and under the couches. We've had the Christmas tree up for a
week now, and he just discovered it yesterday! Evan also
loves to be outside. He doesn't even mind the cold weather, just like his dad!
Happy Holidays!!!

Fall 2007 update

At 16 months, Evan finally learned how to walk by himself behind his push walker. He's not very fluid yet, and he can't turn corners, but at least it's a start.

At 17 months, Evan was finally able to get into a sit position from lying on his back on the floor. It looks awkward, but it works!

Evan at the apple orchard/pumpkin patch on Mary's 26th birthday (Oct. 21).























Halloween 2007. Evan was a dragon/dinosaur. We actually went around to a few of our neighbors' houses to say hi!

Proud Mama!

We are proud to announce that Evan has finally learned how to CLAP!!! Two weeks ago we had a play date with his friends and when we were trying to get them to stay in one spot and look at the camera, we had them clap.....except Evan.....he was the only one who didn't know how. I've been working with him all summer on it, and finally when I was at my tennis meeting tonight, Ben got EJ to clap on demand!!! I'm so happy!! :) Also, he is finally getting more confident with getting on his knee to reach for toys. I believe that he'll be crawling or walking by the time he's 16 months old! He's got a month and a half! Hopefully I'm right!

Heckman Family Reunion

On July 21st, 2007, we had our first official family reunion with t-shirts and all! This was also the day that Evan finally decided to "wave" hello or bye-bye to people!!!!

4th of July, 2007

Although it was not Evan's first 4th of July, it was his first time to Canterbury Park to see the horse races.
Giddy up, Daddy!
When we got back from the races, some of the Ericksons were still at Ben's parent's place, so they came over to see little Evan. Uncle Mike can always find a way to make Evan laugh! Isn't his giggle face hilarious?!!!
Here are Kiana and Katlyn with Evan. Katlyn just thinks it is so cool that she can carry Evan on her hip!

some first outdoor adventures

first time playing in the frog box (sandbox)!




first bike ride!


first time in my frog pool!






first time swimming in our refreshing brown lake!

First younger cousin

Here is Evan (1 year) and his first cousin younger than him, Jacob (6 weeks).
Jacob was born to Kate and Matt (my 1st cousin) on Cinco de Mayo, 2007!

Evan's 1 year photos

Evan's 1st Birthday Party

We had 42 people at our house on Saturday, June 2nd for Evan's 1st birthday, Katlyn's 8th birthday, and Kiana's 7th birthday party.
I can't believe we all fit into our house (it was raining, of course).
Thank you to everyone who came and for the generous gifts!

Evan's 1st bonfire

We had a big day on Sunday, May 27.
Evan went to the zoo, played the piano, and went to a bonfire for the first time.
He's finally experiencing the world!

Baby Mozart !

Evan is finally big enough to sit on my lap and play the piano.
He loves it!

(May 27, 2007)