The Stasher

The magnet is the Life in Messiah magnet we received from Kathee's cousin Sarah.


Kathee and I just bought the book On Becoming Toddlerwise. I read Kathee the first two chapters, and somewhere in there it talks about the toddler becoming more curious as they become mobile. So just a second ago, Kathee called me into the kitchen to show me something new that Gideon has started doing. She shared that Gideon has been stashing things in the cupboards "for later use." So tonight we found one of his favorite books in the loaf pan, and a magnet in the dry goods cupboard. We had a great laugh about this new development.

My Son the Ham

Gideon talks incessantly when we are at home. So tonight I tried to go all incognito at the supper table and get him on video while he was in mid-antics. Although this is after he settled down and wasn't talking as much (no lie), this will give you a glimpse of him at home! Enjoy.

Here are pictures of Katie, Adam, A.J., and Aiden, along with Kathee and Gideon.

Mom and Gideon at John Deere Commons

Gideon and Dad At John Deere Commons

In downtown, John Deere has a big interactive building where you can see the John Deere tractors and climb all over them. So Matt, my best friend growing up (my other one being Craig D- gotta give props where props are due) brought his family down for the day and we headed down so their three boys and Gideon and I (Kathee and Katie came along, too) could have fun on the tractors.

Fight with Cream of Wheat!

At first, Gideon was not real pleased about having Cream of Wheat all over his face.

A bit quizzical after he touched it and took a small taste.

Then the joy set in.

And back to all smiles!

The Dolphin

For Gideon, things that we see as everyday occurances are reason for HUGE celebration when Gideon masters them. The video here is Gideon climbing the small ledge from the sidewalk in the backyard to the back stoop. However, the stoop has only emerged as the sidewalk shifts. For us, it's a little step. For Gideon... well... it's party time. Enjoy!

Gideon's Backyard Trot

Gideon and Martha

For whatever reason, I'm having some issues uploading this last picture from our time in Dubuque. And I'm bummed that Gideon didn't cooperate more (oh, that's right, he was being a little boy). I was hoping to get a good picture of Martha holding Gideon. Martha (and her husband Mark) have been my parents' best friends for as long as I can remember. Martha is the person who led me to Christ at VBS when I was very young. How cool that the lady who led me to Christ, is still involved in my family, and will have a great impact on my child(ren) for years to come (my parents and Mark and Martha live side-by-side in a townhouse). I hope that Martha will have the spiritual impact on Gideon that she has and had on me!

Gideon with Most of the Cousins

As you can see from the pictures, Gideon is still very much in the parallel play stage. However, he did notice the cousins more and watched them A LOT more this time than even a few months back. It won't be long and he'll be joining in the meyhem! I'm super-excited for that day to come! I hope his cousins are!

Gideon Opening His Birthday Presents from Nathan's Family

This is meant as no knock on Nathan's family, but I just want to put it out there that, yes, Gideon's birthday is in May. However, this is the prefect time for Nathan's family to give Gideon a few gifts for his birthday.

Grandpa's 60th Birthday Celebration

On Sunday, Kath, Gideon, and I went to Dubuque to join the rest of the Terwilleger family (Grandpa Sam & Grandma Julia, brother Nathan, Kris, Samuel, Ava, Otto, brother Aaron, Jenn, Noah, Jonah, Elijah, Miriam, brother Zachary, Uncle Larry and Aunt Beth, and long-time family friends Mark and Martha Hansen) to celebrate Grandpa's (my dad) 60th birthday. Here are some pictures of the day.

Granpa T talking with Gideon

This is the closest Gideon would come to putting on the hat. He, like his dad and uncles have definite opinions about wearing birthday hats.

Mom, with a cup of coffee in her hand (surprise) and Gideon trying to communicate with her about what he thinks of her pirate hat.

Granpa opening presents

Gideon and Buckshot

Our good friends the Jones' are away camping this weekend, so we are watching their dog Buckshot. Gideon has loved playing with Buckshot and doesn't appear to be nervous around him. See what you think.