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News!!

Last Update - Feb 8, 2009

Well - football season is over and we anxiously await the arrival of Spring so that we can begin work on the garden. Yesterday, the temperature reached about 60 degrees farenheit, yet the ground is still frozen like a rock (sadly). Everyone is doing well - we are keeping busy with the same ole' stuff.
Max is now in the pre-school room at his day-care center ("the big kids room"). He has adjusted well and seems to be having fun. He has a great imagination, and will make up stories for his "journal". He's tracing letters nicely and is starting to attempt to sound out some basic words when we read together. He continues to enjoy singing and we have toyed with the idea of perhaps enrolling him in some basic music lessons (piano maybe?) just to see how he does. He received a clean bill of health at his 3 year check-up... so all is well.
Photos have been updated here. You can find pictures from December - including finding a Christmas tree, Max's birthday, and Christmas day. Max's birthday is amusing simply because we lost power that day and had to decorate his cake by candlelight. The photos of Steve's hair on xmas morning is worth a laugh or two as well. We hope to post some more pictures soon - although January was a bit busy so not as many pictures as normal.
Lastly - we had hoped to take a trip to Germany in December, yet things didn't quite work out right. We are now scheduled to travel in March instead - so hopefully we will get some good photos from our trip. Our dear friend Anke (and of course her husband Tom) had their baby in January - so we are looking forward to seeing them and little Sophie.

Updated - Dec 27, 2008

For those who check this website regularly - you may have noticed that we snuck some photo sets up into the "Max section" over the past week. Indeed - we have posted some additional photosets today as well. You can see photos from fall, Halloween, and Thanksgiving all posted in the usual format. Check them all out here.
Max just turned three years old and is doing great. Photos from Christmas and his birthday will be posted shortly (no really - the webmaster means it.) Expect more news items then. In the meantime - enjoy the photos in the link above. (Happy Holidays!)

Updated - Aug 10, 2008

Last night we were in a discussion about birthdays with Max. We were asking him what kind of cake he wanted for his birthday (December) - and the conversation came around to the cake he had for his last birthday. Dawn then checked the website to pull up pictures - and we realized that they were nowhere to be found! After careful investigation, we realized the photos from Max's second birthday in December were never fully posted on the website. This has now been corrected. Albeit now more than seven months old, you can see pictures from Max's second birthday here. Enjoy!

Updated - Aug 3, 2008

A few new photos posted from July. There were so many we split them into two sections. The first set includes fun photos from the garden, the sprinkler, and Max opening presents Dawn brought back from her Paris trip.
The second set of July photos include more garden fun and one of Max's biggest towers ever.
As always, you can access all of the photos of Max here.

Updated - July 31, 2008

Wow - how the summer is flying by.
Max is now just over two and a half years old and about 37 inches tall! His conversations skills are improving - including recently picking up the phrase "Daddy/Mommy... I have an idea... maybe...[fill in the blank request]" He can count to twenty and can count backwards from ten down to one. He has also surprised us that he can still count to ten in german! Finally - he's starting to use reasoning and negotiation tactics with us to get what he wants. We've heard conversations like "just one more...." followed by "just two more..." (after he gets the first item).
Max also really enjoys singing songs and being silly. While out for dinner on Dawn's birthday - he broke into "Happy Birthday" on his own accord and sang to Mommy. At another dinner, Max decided to modify "Old McDonald had a Farm" to include the verse about having a Daddy. He has made up countless renditions of "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" and "Frere Jacques" using his own lyrics.
There are a few new photos posted in the Max photo section. The photo viewer should now open in a separate window - ideally making it easier to see the pictures. The April set includes a quick visit from Grandpa Socha and some early Spring outdoor photos. The May photos feature pictures from Mother's Day, planting the garden, and many fun things outside.
Photos from June include some amusement from Father's Day, the snapping turtle, and the day that all of the cottonwood seeds fell. Finally, photos from our trip to Wisconsin (Garmisch) to see Grandma and Grandpa Schuette include a few boat rides and trips to the beach.

Updated - April 13, 2008

Hmmm... getting a bit dusty around here. Time to update the website.
Max is doing great. He's talking a lot more now - and starting to realize the power he has as a two-year old. Sometimes this is cute... sometimes - not so much. With warmer weather slowly coming upon us - we are getting more time outside with him now... and he's having great fun.
For those who were looking for them months ago - the SOCHA FAMILY PHOTOS have FINALLY been put on the website. (um... only 4 months late - hopefully people haven't changed too much...) You can see them all here or in the miscellaneous photo section.
There are many photos posted from the end of January and February. The January set is a small batch with Max helping mommy make cookies. There are many in the February set featuring Max and the snowman and the snow fort.
Photos from March are broken into two sections. The first set includes photos from a visit with Grandpa and Grandma Schuette. The second set includes photos from Easter and Max helping Mommy plant her seeds.
We just recently an exciting trip to Germany! At the end of March we had the pleasure of seeing our friend Anke and Tom get married in a little town named Metten. Photos primarily of Max dring the trip can be found here. Photos of the wedding and reception can be found here. Pictures we took of things on the trip that were not specific to Max or the wedding can be found here. We all had a great time and are looking forward to our next excuse to go.

Updated - Jan 27, 2008

Max turned two years old on December 19th. He got a clean bill of health from the pediatrician. Weighing in at 28.5 lbs and 35 and 3/4 inches tall, he continues to grow tall and stay thin. His vocabulary is increasing at a steady pace - and his articulation continues to improve (albeit slowly.)
We finally have posted all of the pictures from the holiday season. There are several different sections - so feel free to peruse at your own pace.
There are two sets of photos from November. The first set includes pictures of Max in the leaves and helping make a pumpkin pie. The second set includes photos of getting and decorating a tree for Christmas. Photos from Thanksgiving, including a trip to the Glencoe firestation with Richard, can be found here.
December photos are also divided into two sections. The first set includes playing in the first good snow and our family photos for Christmas cards. The second set includes more fun in the snow, the advent calendar, and making gingerbread cookies. Photos from Christmas (in Fargo as well as back home in Chicago) can be found here.
Lastly, early photos from January 2008 can be found here. These include relaxing on New Year's Day, plowing the snow, and playing with presents from Christmas. As always, you can find all of Max's photos here.

Updated - Nov 28, 2007

Okay - some of you may be thinking that this is a long time between updates. And some of you may even be correct. Webmaster dude has no good excuses.
Max is rapidly approaching two years old. His vocabulary is getting bigger every day. Today he said "Red light stop" and "Green light go". Of course - it sounded like "Reh light bots" and "Geen light doh"... but that will come in due time.
We've migrated to more of a monthly update... so no longer will we guarantee new photos every week (go figure). October was a special month - so you can see photos from Halloween, Max on a visit to the pumpkin patch, and other October photos in the Max photo section here.
Thanksgiving was great fun. We've got many photos from November to post soon - including fun with raking leaves and our visit with Schuette family relatives in Minnesota. Keep an eye out for those in the next few weeks.

Updated - Oct 27, 2007

Max is now more than 22 months old. His vocabulary is growing every day and he's getting better at his alphabet and counting. He counts to 10 pretty well now... when he feels like it.
It is almost Halloween, and we haven't posted any October photos yet. For those who visit this website for the photos - in the next few weeks keep an eye out for some fun photos of Max at the nearby pumpkin fest. In the meantime, however, we have posted some new videos from the last six months here. Highlights include: at the beach, eating a tomato, first tractor ride, digging for potatoes, the new bed, and saying the ABCs.

Updated - Oct 7, 2007

Pictures of Max posted... check the many weeks of updates here. Highlights include: more corn on the cob, baking cookies, helping on the tractor, the potato harvest, the pumpkin harvest, and the NEW BED!

Updated - Aug 16, 2007

WOW! Has it really been that long since we did an update? Where has the summer gone?
Max has started a music class in daycare. He is learning to move his hands with the songs, dance around, and make noises. He seems to be having a great time! We can also see him starting to get pieces of the alphabet and some fun letter recognition. He can count to five (with help)!
Max has learned several words. Good ones include "airplane", "daddy", "mama", "grandpa", "tractor", "deer" and "firetruck". Unfortunately - he has also learned "no". Who taught him that?
Grandpa and Grandma Socha had their 40th wedding anniversary at the end of July. We had a great time visiting with the family... and Max enjoyed playing with his cousins. Even Grandma and Grandpa Schuette (and Uncle Scott) came to visit! You can see pictures of Max during the visit here. In addition, check out some non-Max-centric photos (including some excellent Socha family pictures) from the party here.
Additional photos of Max can be found here. These include pictures of Max helping Mommy in the garden, his first tractor ride with Daddy, his first ear of corn on the cob, and some photos after a bath. Enjoy!

Updated - Jul 7, 2007

Everyone is doing well. Max had his 18 month check-up and clocked in at 33.5 inches tall (90th percentile) and 25 lbs, 4 oz (right on target).
Dawn's garden is amazing this year... perhaps the best cauliflower ever!
Max had a very nice time on vacation. He got first-time experience with boat rides, fishing, and playing at the beach. Needless to say - most of the pictures you will find in this update are from the vacation.
For photos of Max on vacation at Garmisch USA (Cable Wisconisin), you can click here for the first weekend - which includes visiting with the Swiatek family at Angler's Haven and Max at the beach.
For more photos of Max on vacation click here for the rest of the week - including fishing, more boating, and some quality time with Uncle Roger and a piece of carrot cake.
For some photos without Max - but beautiful sunset shots nonetheless - click here.
To see more photos of Max in the garden - check out recent activity here.

Updated - Jun 19, 2007

Max turned 18 months today. We've got no new stats on his height and weight because his doctor appointment is not until Friday morning. We can say that he's getting taller every day.
Max's vocabulary is increasing (although his pronounciation still needs some work.) His words now include "bath", "bye bye", "help", "please", "peas" (okay - they sound pretty much the same), "buckle" and "truck" (sort of). Lastly, when we say "M", "A", "X", and ask him what it spells - he says a pretty good "Max" and gives a heart-warming smile.
We've had our first few harvests from the garden... some sumptuous broccoli and spinach for salads. Everything else is growing nicely.
Dawn has started at her new job now - with Threshold Acoustics. It's been exciting and krazy-go-nuts at the same time.
Finally - we've put some new pictures on the web. Check out photos of Max learning about cicada bugs, trying on Mommy's sandals, playing with cars, looking for toads, celebrating Father's day, and running through the Elmo sprinkler here.

Updated - May 20, 2007

There's not really any new and exciting news. Mother's day was a nice time for everyone. With the good weather, we have more time outside. This update does include pictures of Max in the garden, on the tractor, and playing with his new cool sandtable. Check out all four weeks here.

Updated - Apr 29, 2007

Everyone is doing fine these days. Max has been enjoying time outside on the patio. We are breaking out 24 month clothes for him - as the 18 month stuff is reaching the limit with him getting so tall. Max really enjoys the sitting on the tractor, but doesn't quite care for it when the engine is turned on. Ahh.. someday..../LI>
Max has officially said his first two syllable word... bubble. (To be complete - it does sound like "ball ball"... but it's definitely in context.)
Four more weeks of photos of Max are now available on the the Max Photos link. These include fun pictures of Max at Easter, more fun with Mommy and Max at the piano, and a soon-to-be famous set of photos of Max and the wheelbarrow.

Last Update - Mar 25, 2007

Max had his 15 month checkup this past week. He is 24lbs 11oz now... right on target for his age. He's about 32.5 inches tall - at 80th percentile for his age - likely to become a star basketball player. He is walking nicely and getting a bit more courageous about exploring. He enjoys going outside and seeing the pond, the stream, and getting the mail. (in fact, Max gets quite obstinate if we DONT go check to see if there is mail)
Max is showing signs of increasing vocabulary and word association - although beginning consonants are still a chore - unless of course the word starts with "b". He is getting good at "fish" (ish). "cheese" is also coming along nicely (eeze). He recoginzes pictures of things and knows what they are when we ask him to point at them (tomato, grapes, ball, dog, etc.)
For those of you who only come to this website to see pictures of Max (and we know who you are... ha)... four weeks of updates are now available from the Max Photos link.
Finally, the virtual growth chart has also been udpated with pictures of Max from recent weeks. See it here.

Updated - Feb 26, 2007

Yet again - it's been some time since the webpage has been udpated. Many exciting things are transpiring. Max is finally WALKING! His first steps happened around January 27th. We finally caught him taking several unassisted steps on tape on Feb 12th. On Feb 14th, Max stood on his own and walked to daddy at the end of a long day at daycare. Since then - he has been continuing to practice and get better. Crawling is still faster... but that will only be for a matter of time.
Max has a very limited vocabulary to date. He can say (something not unlike) "juice" when he wants it. He is also quite good at "baa" when referring to a sheep. He is pointing at just about everything - looking for names of items and affirmation that we are paying attention.
Max has started to recognize like items and match them. He loves to read - and when recurring items or characters appear in a book, he will go back and forth letting us know he has found them.
Photos have been sparse lately. We managed a few photos during the few weeks after the superbowl - mostly of Max at the piano. See a small collection of photos from weeks 58-60 here.
Photos from week 61 include Max sledding again in our most recent snowfall. See them here.
During week 62, we got some new photos of Max walking, playing, and getting a bath. Click here to see them.
Since it was so pretty - we snapped a few shots of the snow we got this month. check those photos out here .
FINALLY, to make up for the long time since we have updated the website - check out our features page to see several new videos - including samples from Max's birthday, some old video from Max first learning to crawl, Max playing, and indeed Max first walking. Check out all of them here.

Updated - Jan 26, 2007

Well, it's been a while since we've done an update. Things have been pretty busy around here. Max now has ten (10) teeth poking through and is getting very close to walking. We find him standing on his own without support - clearly entertaining taking that first step.
New Year's was reasonably quiet for us. Max got a second haircut that day. You can see photos of the experience here.
Max participated in another Daycare pageant - Winter Festival. He and the other infants were in the buggy and were supposed to be shaking jingle bells. Apparently the whole class must have had another plan - as they were too busy looking around at the smiling parents to worry themselves over bells. See photos of this and the great cardboard brick tower bridge adventure here.
FINALLY we got some snow. About 3 inches during the Bears NFC championship game allowed us to take Max out for his first adventure sledding. Check out photos from this and our visit to see Anthony, Sato - and their new baby Kai here.

Updated - December 30th, 2006

Happy Holidays to everyone! These past few weeks have been quite exciting. Max had his one year checkup and did great. He is now 31.5 inches tall - which puts him at the 90th percentile. He weighs 22.5 lbs - which is right on target for his age. We think he's going to be quite tall.
We put up a Chirstmas tree after we returned from Germany. Max got to help decorate it. He's been quite good about keeping away from it this year. Check out photos of the festivities here.
Of course, Max celebrated his first birthday on December 19th. He had a fun time - and really enjoyed his cake. We will post some video in a few days - but for now you can see pictures of the party here.
Christmas brought a lot of travelling - up to Minnesota to see the Schuette family - and then up north of Fargo (Halstad Minnesota) to see Grandma and Grandpa Socha. It was nice to get together with so many family members this year. See photos of the festivities in the week 54 update here.

Updated - December 9th, 2006

Everyone is doing well. We got back from our big trip to Nuernberg, Germany on Wednesday. This was an interesting experiment in travelling with Max at this age. He handled the flight out like a pro - slept most of the way. The return trip was another story... sadly Max became overtired... and simply would not sleep. He did have enough energy to cry quite a bit though. The Lufthansa people were very nice about it.
While in Germany, Max got an ear infection. We were fortunate that Anke's friend Mary was able to help us find a pediatrician and go with us to get Max some antibiotics. The doctor was great - very friendly to Max and to us. Max is feeling better now.
Max is getting bigger now. He has five teeth now - and we can count 3 others that are about to pop. He is wearing 18 month clothes because he is so tall. He can finally reach the floor with his toes while he is sitting on his John Deere ATV toy. Pictures of this can be seen in the photos from week 50 here.
We did take a few (ha!) photos of Max while in Germany. You can see them in the week 51 photos here.
While we were on vacation, our friends Jerry and Danya came with us and then went on to Berlin. In addition, our dear friend Anke let us stay at her place in Nuernberg. You can see other photos of them and the city in our Nuernberg 2006 photoset here.

Updated - November 29th, 2006

Video from Max's first haircut can be found on the Features page here.

Updated - November 28th, 2006

Max is currently sporting 4 teeth. It seems like the process is taking FOREVER.
Max had his first haircut (whew... about time!). Catch some photos from the event here. Additional video of haircut will be posted very soon. WARNING: This video is NOT for the faint of heart.
Max will (somtimes) put a telephone to his head and pretend to say hello. See photos of this and his efforts to drink from a (real) water bottle from week 48 here.
Thanksgiving in Fargo forms the backdrop for pictures from week 49. See shots of (early) Christmas present fun - as well as the highlight of the season - the first annual hayride behind the Farmall 400. Photos of Max from the event can be found here. Other fun photos from Thanksgiving can be found here.

Updated - November 6th, 2006

Max now has a third lower tooth. His upper teeth are still working on breaking through - although one is VERY close.
Halloween was a big hit. See photos of Max in costume, trick-or-treating, and helping to carve a pumpkin here.
Catch some photos of the jack-o-lantern that Max helped with and other neat Halloween decor here.

Updated - October 29th, 2006

My how time flies. Finally an update to the website. Photos of Max from week 43 can be found here. Photos of Max from week 44 can be found here.
Max is doing quite well. He's not yet walking - but he's very capable at crawling everywhere. He's discovered the DVD drawer (see week 45 photos). His upper teeth are still "in progress"... but he is eating more real food and generally doesn't care for babyfood now.
This past week, Max tried on his Halloween costume so he could be ready for his big Week fall harvest pageant at daycare. See photos in his costume and other pictures from week 45 here. Additionally - some video clips from the pageant can be found on the Features page here.

Updated - October 8th, 2006

Max had his 9 month doctor's appointment in late September. He passed all of the tests with flying colors. As of September 29th, he weighed 20lbs 8oz and was topping out at 29 inches tall. He is still working on getting his four top teeth... but nothing yet.
Grandpa and Grandma Schuette came to visit last weekend. See photos from the visit and photos of Max with some seasonal pumpkins here.
Week 42 photos, including some garden harvests, are posted here.

Updated - September 24th, 2006

Grandpa and Grandma Socha and Aunt Shannon visited for a family wedding last weekend. See photos from the visit and a series from Max in his highchair here.
This past week, Dawn was out of town for a few days. Max is very happy she came home. (so is Steve). See a few photos from week 40 here.

Updated - September 10th, 2006

FINALLY... an update to the website! Things have been crazy around here. Max is CRAWLING EVERYWHERE.
His first crawling came in Week 35... you can see photos of him getting around and playing in the kitchen. here.
In Week 36, Max spent time at work with Dawn. Check out those photos and his early experiences with baby-proofing here.
Labor Day weekend came in Week 37. We spent some nice time outside enjoying the weather. See Max discover grass and the swing at the Locascio's here.
Finally, in Week 38, Max learned to crawl under things. See a few photos of this adventure here.

Updated - August 12th, 2006

New photos of Max have been posted for both week 33 and week 34.
Max now has a second tooth.
He can now sit up on his own (from lying down) and is dangerously close to crawling. He can move backwards pretty well.
Tomatoes are freely flowing from the garden now. It's one of the best times of the year.

Last Update - July 30th, 2006

New photos of Max (week 32) have been posted here. These include photos of his new tooth.

Update - July 22nd, 2006

Well, we survived the trip to Fargo. Max did well on the plane TO Fargo, but not so well on the way back. He's discovered being louder and crying more. Thank goodness it was only an hour and 20 minute flight.
Photos of Max while in Fargo (week 31) have been posted here. In addition - you can see other photos from our Fargo trip here. These include working on the garage roof, the big Birthday party, and the Croquet tournament.
Max's first tooth is now poking through. It's not far enough along for a good photo yet... maybe next week.

Update - July 15th, 2006

Photos of Max from week 30 have been posted here. Only a few new pictures this week.
Today we leave for Fargo to see Grandpa and Grandma Socha, Uncle Stephen, Aunt Jen, and cousins Andrew, Kyle, and Nathan. This will be Max's first trip on an airplane. We promise to take many photos - and post them when we return.

Updated - July 8th, 2006

Photos of Max from week 28 have been posted here. These include photos of Max working on his new hobbies - playing with both computer and piano keyboards. There are also a few photos of Max's totally cool Fender Apprentice outfit from (Great) Aunt Jinx.
Newly posted week 29 photos of Max include a visit with Meg, Jim, Gwen and the newest Locascio - Sara. In addition, you will find photos of his new high chair (hooray) and soon to be famous photos of the great tickle incident with Mommy over the 4th of July. To see these and more, click here.
The garden is doing GREAT. The code for the virtual garden tour is doing "less GREAT"... and will be out as soon as Steve can get it all organized. In the meantime, the peas are tasting most excellent - and we expect zucchini and cucumbers in the next days/weeks.

Update - July 2nd, 2006

Last weekend, Grandma and Grandpa Schuette came to visit Max. See pictures of the weekend fun here.
Week 28 photos of Max and the much anticipated Virtual Garden Tour will be posted shortly.
Max had his 6 month checkup this week. He now eights 17lbs 4oz, is 27 inches long, and has graduated to a wider variety of solid foods. He is using his sippy-cup like he's a pro, and is now holding his own bottle. He's still not crawling - but he looks SO CLOSE. He can roll quickly though - so be careful of turning your back when you put him in the middle of a big bed. (whew - that one was close.)
New videos of Max can be found on the features page here. These include videos from a few months ago... WOW has he grown.

Update - June 19th, 2006

Today is Max's 6 month birthday. HOORAY!!!! If he had teeth - we might actually give him some cake. Next time perhaps.
Max is now rolling over from back to tummy and back again. He can scoot on his back and front in a most inefficient way... but he seems to like it. No matter what position we put him in when he goes to bed - he always ends up on his stomach and twisted into a corner in the crib. Always...
New photos of Max have been posted here. This week features: New Pajamas, The Sippy Cup, Max's commitment to local baseball world champs, and of course - Father's Day.
Be sure to check back in the next few days for the arrival of a new feature at www.schuettes.com... THE VIRTUAL GARDEN TOUR!!!!! It should be very exciting.

Update - June 11th, 2006

New photos of Max have been posted here.
Dawn's was out of town this past week for three nights (longest time yet away from home since Max arrived.) Everyone did just fine (including Steve!). Max was VERY happy to have Mom come home though.

Update - June 5th, 2006

Memorial Day photos of Max have been posted for week 23 here. These photos include the soon-to-be-famous "krazy sneer" photo in the Junior Mints collection. Enjoy.
Week 24 photos of Max have also been posted. This set includes very exciting action shots from his jumper... as well as some action photos from the bath time. Check them out here.

Update - May 28th, 2006

New photos of Max have been posted here.
We did not take any new pictures of Max during week 23. So - we are taking several over Memorial Day weekend and will post those shortly.
The garden is about 70% planted. We will be taking pictures of the early vegetables soon.

Update - May 14th, 2006

For those who are regular visitors to this website - you may have noticed that no updates were posted last week. The webmaster apologizes for the unacceptable delay. We did not have many new picturs of Max for Week 20, but they have (finally) been posted here.
Last week, Grandpa Socha visited on his way to China. You can see photos of him with Max - as well as Max's first Mother's Day in the Week 21 update here.
Max is now rolling over from his back to his stomach pretty well. He can scoot around on his back fairly easily. We are practicing "sitting up" - but still have more work to do. He is now eating rice cereal, sweet potatoes, and - his favorite - carrots.
This last week, Max had his first sinus/ear infection. The doctor said it was fairly mild - but decided to treat him with antibiotics anyway. So many "firsts" these past two weeks.

Update - April 30th, 2006

Max is getting bigger. Check out new photos here.
We finished rototilling the rest of the garden before the rain... but we are now officially delayed by one more week....

Update - April 26th, 2006

Week 18 photos of Max have been posted. Check them out here.
We had a beautiful weekend. The garden is 2/3s rototilled... and the grass has been cut and fertilized. Spring is definitely in the air.
Max has started eating some rice cereal. He's learning quickly - and we are both so proud of him. Watch this website for some video of his progress.
So far, Max has adjusted well to his daycare. The staff there absolutely adore him... and they miss him when we take him home. Well.. who wouldn't really....?

Update - April 20th, 2006

Week 16 photos of Max were posted late last week. Delays in updating this page can be attributed to eating too much ham over Easter weekend. Check out pictures of Max - as well as a sneak peak at early photos of garlic growing in Dawn's garden right here.
The Easter Weekend trip to Minneapolis and Fargo was well worth the effort. Max was able to meet some cousins and aunts/uncles. Check out proof here.
If you haven't looked for a while, the weekly slideshow of pictures of Max has been updated through week 17.... and it's pretty neat. (He's growing SO FAST). Click here to see the latest.

Update - April 2nd, 2006

It's garden time! Dawn's tomato and pepper seeds are now in their little pots of dirt under a warm light in the basement. We can hardly wait to get them in the ground. Watch this site for more udpates soon.
Dawn went away for a work trip on Saturday, April 1st. Max and Steve survived the one day alone just fine. They visited the Muellers and Swiateks so as to not get too lonely. Check out a few pictures of their visit in this week's udpate of pictures of Max.
With Easter fast approaching, Steve couldn't stop himself from buying a cute duck for Max. Let the spoling begin. (pictures of the alleged duck can be found in this week's photos.)

Update - March 27th, 2006

This last weekend was a big one. Maureen and Craig (and Sarah, AuraLee, Hannah, Andrew, and MeiYing) came by to visit with Max. We got a little bit of hiking on the property in as well. This week also featured Max in his "pirate" outfit and a special greeting for Aunt Shannon - a regular visitor to this webpage. Check out some pictures here.

Last Update - March 19th, 2006

Max is now officially 3 months old. He has started to grab things with purpose (and it appears that the purpose is to put the things in his mouth.) Check out some new pictures of him here.

Update - March 12th, 2006

More pictures of Max have been posted. Check them all out here.
A new Special Features page has been created. It includes VIDEOS of Max as well as a slide show of Max week over week. (Please let us know if you have difficulty with the videos/slides.)
Max is starting to grab items now. Once he gets them... he's not sure what to do with him... but its fun nonetheless.

Update - March 5th, 2006

New pictures of Max have been posted. (Extra special pictures for Vikings fans - plus incriminating photos of daddy making Max laugh). Max is now sleeping in his nursery.. in his crib (hooray!).

Update - Feb 25th, 2006

The last two weeks have been busy... we must have been pretty tired out from the baptism activities. You will notice that there are fewer new pictures of Max... and he is sleeping in many of them. Check out all of the pictures of Max here.

Dawn and Max managed just fine while Steve was out of town for 4 days (whew!).

Max will be 10 weeks old on Monday. He is now sleeping through the night (most of the time) and losing some of his baby hair. During his visit with the doctor this past week, he received four shots (ouch) and now weighs 11lbs and 1/2 oz and measures 23.5 inches in length.

Update - Feb 15th, 2006

Max just turned 8 weeks old on Monday. Pictures from the past week (including superbowl gathering with Paul, Julia, Ben, Meg, Jim and Gwen) can be found here.

We had the baptism ceremony this past weekend. Dawn and Steve's parents both came in for the event - as did special guests Sean, Stehpen, Jen, Andrew, Kyle, and Nathan. See pictures from the ceremony here. Check out cute pictures of Max and his cousin Nathan (along with other well wishers) here.

Update - Feb 5th, 2006

Max is now almost 7 weeks old. Steve was out of town for a few days these past weeks, and Dawn and Max managed just fine. They even got in a visit with the Swiatek family... check out pictures here

Max's baptism has been scheduled for next weekend - Feb 12th, 2006 - at St. Alphonsus church in Lemont, IL. Many people will be visiting - so the next website update should have lots of new pictures of Max and his extended family. If you would like more information about the baptism, please feel free to drop us a line via the "contact us" link on the left

Big changes to the website are in the works. Check out the pictures link to the left to find some pictures from Dawn's garden. More pictures will be coming over the next weeks.

January 21st, 2006

Max is now almost 5 weeks old. This past week - he smiled several times at Dawn, and once or twice at Steve... but he was definitely SMILING! He's doing great!

Grandpa Socha came through town this week on his way to China for business. He wouldn't let us take any pictures of him holding Max... but it was cute when he said goodbye the next day. Maybe next time...

It snowed Friday night. Pictures of Saturday snow-frolicking will be added shortly.

For those who follow the Chronicles of Dawn's Garden... earlier this week Dawn went out to get carrots that had been left in the ground. It hasn't been too cold - so they should have been just fine. Unfortunately - all she found was a "not-so-hungry" vole.

Time to call Elmer Fudd.

Update - January 15th, 2006

Our website is finally up. Bear with us as we add content, change format, and probably break a few things along the way

Max is now 4 weeks old. He can (sort-of) hold his head up. His fussy times are pretty well defined too... he especially likes to remind us he's around when we sit down to dinner.