L.C.O. Headstart Graduation

Cristian had his headstart graduation ceremony on Wednesday May 14th at the L.C.O. Lodge and Convention Center. They had a tribal elder say a prayer in Ojibwa and the Pipestone singers to sing and drum while the kids marched onto the stage. They all were wearing these blue caps and gowns with boutonnieres and tassels that said 2008. They had a little presentation of diplomas in which they called each child by name and shook their hand. Afterward there was cake and all of the kids were given brand new bikes. Cristian was really proud of himself and he felt special in his cap and gown.

Cristian's hockey picture 2008

These pics are from Josh's cell phone from various practices.

This picture is his professional one that was taken to purchase.

Updates

Sorry it has been so long since I have written on here! We have been very busy. I had my post partum check up in January which went well except for the post partum depression. Dr. Kelley put me on Zoloft to help with all of my weepiness, sadness, irritability, and other moods. This has been helping a lot and the only side effect is that it makes me tired.

Ava has had some great check ups and she is doing amazing! At her last check up which was on April 14th. She weighed a little over 14 pounds and was 26 inches tall. She got her shots except for the last hepatitis one due to a shortage for the vaccination. She now rolls over and can kind of move herself on the floor. She is a very good girl and is happy almost all of the time. She has begun to sleep through the night and we started on some solid foods which she absolutely loves!!!!! She is also VERY fond of Cristian and loves to give him kisses. She amazes us everyday because she is such a smart girl! We had her baptized on March 29th with Josh's brother, Jamie, as godfather and Mandy's friend, Stephanie, as godmother.

Cristian finished up his hockey season in March and we are getting into the baseball season! He will be graduating from head start on May 14th. Josh took him for his kindergarten screening and did very well!! He told the lady giving out the name tags that they had spelled his name wrong. The only concern they had was his speech and pronunciation of his "F" sounds. They said that this would be monitored and it shouldn't be a problem and was probably caused by all of his ear infections from when he was a toddler. He is definitely looking forward to starting kindergarten!

In February, we closed on a manufactured home in a small community of Pre-fabricated homes. We moved into it on March 22nd and we love it. It is one level which is really great for the kids and they each have their own little bedrooms!! Cristian was also very excited because he had saved some money and we finally let him get a kitten. We got Garfield in April (Cristian picked the name) and we are very happy to have him as part of our family! The kids love him and the kitten REALLY LOVES Josh.

In April, Mandy returned to work and Ava went to daycare. She is doing very well there and enjoys being with the other children.