Tavis and Maclain Koltz

ONE YEAR LATER!

2010-05-10T18:26:00.000-07:00

Maclain's 1st Birthday

2009-05-12T08:14:00.000-07:00

2009-05-12T08:10:00.000-07:00

Clean Plate Club Members Only
"Sharing time is sharing time" Tavis Koltz

Future riders?

Easter!

2009-05-12T08:07:00.000-07:00

We had just as much fun eating the eggs as decorating them. Easter brunch at GG's house--always fun to dress up a bit and get together.

Random pictures

2009-01-19T17:33:00.000-08:00

Tavis the "brachiosaurus" is eating his lunch. (raw broccoli)

If this picture looks familiar, you're a long-time viewer of this blog. Check out "Cutest Picture Ever" in 2006...we have a contender.

Christmas 2008

2009-01-19T17:20:00.001-08:00

The visit to Santa Claus went pretty well this year. Ben and I were a little embarrassed when Tavis asked for a "parrot with poop on its head". Santa chuckled and was not the least bit bothered.

A few days after Christmas we enjoyed a visit from the Bellingham side of the family. Christmas lasted all week and poor Tavis still thinks we should be celebrating!

Looks like Tavis and Maclain enjoyed the gifts that Santa had left for Christmas morning.

This year we spent a wonderful Christmas Evening at GG Mason's house. The boys played Santa's elves and were even visited by the big Man himself.

The First Snow

2009-01-19T17:13:00.000-08:00

Photos by Jessica Pfundt-

2008-12-15T12:01:00.000-08:00

For Becca:

2008-11-10T13:39:00.000-08:00

This post is dedicated to Auntie Becca who routinely looks at the blog every day at lunch. We're sorry we are such lame-os and haven't updated in a while. Hopefully we can catch you up with a few autumn photos.

Another Day At The Aquarium

Tavis feels right at home here, we visit at least once a month.
Chasing pigeons on the pier.
Getting strangled by an octopus. Tavis encouraged other kids to try it too.

Halloween:

We visited GG, saw Grandma, Grandpa, Mick & Sue; then went to Paul and Randi's for a bit. Later we did some trick-or-treating on our street. Tavis had a great time going up to the doors and Maclain stayed remarkably awake in the stroller.
A friend made this t-shirt for Mac, just in time for Halloween.

Grandma dressed up as a lion and fooled the boys (for a minute)! Tavis was a monster and Maclain was a spider.

Pumpkin patch:

Tavis and Alexis, still hugging each other. Good friends!

Time for School!

2008-10-05T16:40:00.000-07:00

Proud Parents: Karie & Ben

Tavis has started his second year in co-op preschool. He goes to school 3 days a week/2hrs each day. Karie works in the classroom on Wed's while Grandma comes over to take care of Maclain. On the other days, Mac goes along to drop Tavis up and pick him up. Here they are both dressed and ready for school.

Maclain is 5 months old as of Sept 29th. He has been showing off this "crawling" position for about a month. He rocks back and forth and looks like he's about to take off! I tried the bib to catch the drool but decided that it looks kind of silly when he doesn't even eat yet. Guess I'll just go back to changing his shirt every few hours...

This is a bit of a somber moment. They are both lying on the floor and waiting for me to take the picture.

Tav is wearing all my fave clothes on our way up to Bellingham. He's listening to the iPod read to him: Finding Nemo, Monsters, Inc, and A Bug's Life. Great alternative from the actual movies since we don't have a dvd player in the car.

Brotherly Love

2008-08-18T10:52:00.000-07:00

Tavis and Maclain get along great! Tavis is still proving to be a protective and loving big brother and Mac cracks up at everything Tav does. Here are some pics of them playing around...

Summer birthday for Tav

2008-08-18T10:42:00.000-07:00

Tavis had his 3rd Birthday party with a few friends. His dad made the cake, it's "Mike Wazowski" from Monsters, Inc. We all had a great time.

Tavis got a betta fish for his birthday. He named him Andy, short for Anemone, a term he picked up from Finding Nemo. (Are you seeing a trend here? He's really into movies!)

Here Tavis is helping Dad do some push ups. He coaches him along by counting. I think the most is 26...pretty good Dad!

The Koltz boys

2008-07-08T07:57:00.000-07:00

Tavis has started "reading" to his baby brother. Maclain can't keep his eyes off of his older brother.
Mac is already protesting Tavis' many kisses.
Maclain is 13 lbs and 23 inches now, getting bigger every day!
Tavis, Alexis, and Justin up waayy past their bedtime for their first fireworks show down on Alki beach.

A Day at the Aquarium

2008-06-22T11:59:00.000-07:00

My friend Troi and I decided to take the kids to the aquarium. We met in the morning on Alki and took the Water Taxi over to the waterfront. It's about a 15-20 minute ride across the water. We are members at the Aquarium and Tavis was a gracious tour guide. We got there early enough to see the diver in the great tank of the lobby. While that freaked Alexis out, Tavis did his routine of pushing his way up front to put his hand on the glass and wave at the diver. Then we were off to see the octopus and wolf eel, both of which were sleeping. Maclain and I missed most of the tour due to feeding time so Troi was on triple duty of chasing Alexis and Tavis while carrying 9-month old Justin in the Baby Bjorn. Needless to say, we all needed a nap by the time we got back to West Seattle! Thanks Helmers for a great day!

Holding Maclain

2008-06-22T11:47:00.000-07:00

Mom and Maclain checking each other out.
Auntie Liz and Joe holding Mac for the first time.
Daddy and Maclain relax after a long day.
He's such a sweet baby.
Tavis is exploring the backyard while Dad gets it ready for the remodel. Here Tavis is showing me a centipede. It bites so he's wearing gloves. Look closely at his right hand...you might have to click on the photo to see it better!

The Favorite Onesie is Back!

2008-06-17T19:55:00.001-07:00

Check out Tavis sporting this tee back in 2005.

Pretty cute.

Cute Pics

2008-06-11T08:11:00.000-07:00

"Tavis and Alexis sittin' in a tree..."
Picnic in the park with G & G Koltz
Maclain is already looking up to Tavis.

Look a-likes

2008-06-08T19:23:00.000-07:00

When I saw this picture of Maclain, I got deja vu. Wow.

Spring fling

2008-06-04T10:38:00.000-07:00

Maclain is doing great, steadily growing and getting more used to his surroundings every day. Tavis is a protective big brother, often "loving" Baby Mac a little too much.
We made our first full family outing at the end of May. We went up to Bellingham for the Ski to Sea parade and to visit Karie's side of the family. We stayed two nights with Great Grandma Carpenter and had a great time. Tavis really enjoyed the parade and was able to spend some time with his cousin Max. We are planning on all going up again in August for Karie's 20th high school reunion...should be a blast!

2 Weeks Old

2008-05-12T14:46:00.000-07:00

Coming Home

2008-05-02T15:25:00.001-07:00

We've been home for a couple of days and things are going great. Ben took some time off to be Mr. Mom, even working at Tavis' preschool. Tavis is proving to be a most helpful big brother. He is very good with Maclain. He often tells me how cute Baby Mac is and is very concerned when he is crying. (Which, thankfully, is not very often).
Yeah, I'm pretty proud of my boys. I think I'll keep 'em.

Introducing Maclain Benjamin Koltz

2008-04-30T19:03:00.000-07:00

Maclain was born on Tuesday, April 29th at 2:02pm. He weighs 7lbs 4.6oz and is 21 inches long. Here are some pics from the hospital:

Happy Monday!

2008-04-28T07:10:00.000-07:00

Today I have an appt with my Dr. who is fresh off of a birthday vacation where she was fishing in Montana. More good news is that I'm finally in the 'latent phase' of the first stage of labor. I pulled out my trusty book and read about this stage this morning. Basically, I'm having contractions that are trackable although not yet painful. This could last for hours or days until I go into active labor. I don't need a book to remind me of active labor, I remember that part! So, the book says I should go for a walk, listen to music, visit with friends, dance or play cards to get my mind off the mild contractions. What I plan to do is finish the laundry, clean the dishes in the sink, scrub the bathroom floor and take care of my sick toddler before I drop him off at his GG's house this afternoon. Not quite the "me time" I had the first time around but it'll definately do the trick of distracting me. I will update more after the appt unless she sends me straight to the hospital...then I'll have Ben update.

Nada...

2008-04-25T08:56:00.001-07:00

Due Date: April 22

2008-04-23T20:50:00.000-07:00

Umm...nope.

Any baby news? Nah, not yet...

2008-04-18T13:07:00.000-07:00

Hope Tavis doesn't mind sharing the limelight for a bit, we will update news on baby brother on this same blog so keep checking!
I'm due next week and I'll keep you posted of the impending event. In the meantime, here are a few photos from Easter and a baby shower at Aunt Randi's...

The Mason side: Pauline, Randi, Karie and Dianne

The Carpenter/Heath side: Kristi, Ethel, Karlee, Karie, Jamie, Robin and Haylee

Tavis playing with new "cousin" Kosmo

Life is good.

2008-03-02T20:52:00.000-08:00

Tavis made a new friend this winter. Justin came over 2 days a week for about 3 months and Tavis got great experience having a baby around. (Yes, he's only 5 months old!) He's all set for his own baby brother due to arrive in April.

After 4 solid days of Christmas this year we were wiped out! Had a great time with the families though and Tavis really enjoyed his new toys.
/>

Chocolate shakes and lunch dates with Mom and Dad. Life is good.

Pumpkin patch

2007-10-15T08:31:00.000-07:00

Sunday, Oct. 14th, 2007
We had a great morning in the pumpkin patch. It started off a little spooky and foggy and turned into a beautiful autumn day. With longtime friend, Alexis, her little brother Justin and parents, we picked out the coolest pumpkins to take home and make into Jack-O-Lanterns.

Birthday party at the park!

2007-10-15T08:22:00.000-07:00

Tavis and his "Under the Sea Nemo cake"

Tavis with Aunties Haylee and Karlee, and Sockeye.

href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_3KFbQ6y0RyI/RxOGUF3KW5I/AAAAAAAAADY/HjErVY0JRww/s1600-h/122_2273.JPG">

Vacation to Wisconsin

2007-10-15T08:13:00.001-07:00

First boat ride!

Already driving?!

At the water park with Uncle Erik and Grandpa

Say "Cheese"!

Tavis turns 2!

2007-10-15T07:56:00.000-07:00

Tavis smiles again

2007-06-23T18:21:00.000-07:00

Music Class

2007-03-19T10:27:00.000-07:00

Tavis enjoys going to music class every Tuesday morning with Alexis. Here they learn the valuable lessons on sharing, taking turns, and playing well with others as well as an introductory experience of all kinds of music. Lately, his favorites are the drum and the microphone (heh heh).

Swinging together after class.

Practicing at home with new drum.

What's Tavis been up to?

2007-01-11T14:31:00.000-08:00

Becoming quite the little artist!

Looking more like his Dad every day!

Spending New Years on Hood River, Oregon.

Enjoying Christmas dinner with the Koltzs, Neyharts and the Johnsons.

Opening some cool presents on Christmas morning!

Tavis is helping with some holiday baking.

Happy Halloween, Pumpkin!

2006-11-06T07:36:00.000-08:00

Trick or treating with Alexis (the rooster!)

Karie, Tavis & Ben

Finally, a picture with the Moms! Troi, Alexis, Karie & Tavis

Oh, the things I can do now!

2006-09-22T19:29:00.000-07:00

Feed myself...
Walk and smile for the camera...
Pick my own outfits...
Sit on the motorcycle with my Dad...
Drink through a straw...

September '06-

2006-09-11T20:57:00.000-07:00

He's walking all over now so it's hard to get him to hold still for pictures! Here's a few I managed to get...

Tavis is giving "loves".
Not sure if Alexis knew that.

Tavis and Alexis in Sept. (Alexis modeling the dress Karie knitted for her...so cute!)

Hamming it up-even in the bathtub. Great bribery pic for later!

Looks like he's really working on something here, maybe I'll let him update the blog next!

July Events

2006-08-03T22:07:00.000-07:00

Not a fan of the hat...

Snazzy new haircut for the 1 year old
Playing with cool new toys; this one is part of the "Band in a Box"
Happy Birthday Tavis! (More b'day pics to come)
At the wading pool with friend Alexis (check out "Play date" in previous posts to see these two when they were only 4 months old!)
New favorite food: peanut butter!!

Visiting with Cousin Kris from Wisconsin
At Great Grandpa Koltz's 89th birthday party
Up to Bellingham to play with Cousin Max

Fun in the park with Mom & Dad

2006-07-05T22:01:00.000-07:00

Splashing in the wading pool. (Yes, we brought bath toys.)

Tavis doing "Rocky" as he's swinging high in the sky!

Hey! Look at that little girl! (It's not polite to point!)

Having a good time cooling off in the hot sun. Tavis refuses to wear a hat, guess he just wants to show off his signature mop-top!

This is how he crawls on cement...pretty smart!

Fun times in May

2006-06-02T11:45:00.000-07:00

Mommy was having fun with Tavis' hair after a bath. (Check out the toes!)
We went to the Woodland Park Zoo and got a personal tour from our friend Dinah who volunteers there every weekend. So much fun! We'll bring Daddy next time...

Ben is sharing the mike with Tav, singing Roadhouse Blues by The Doors.

More photos of the cute "faux hawk". Really going for that rock star look!

Here's some more...

2006-05-25T21:21:00.000-07:00

Cutest picture ever!

2006-05-24T10:28:00.000-07:00

NINE MONTHS OLD TODAY!

2006-04-27T15:03:00.000-07:00

Two teeth.

Playing with blocks.

Smiling at G.G.

Loves to crawl.

Photos for April-8 months old

2006-04-14T11:06:00.000-07:00

First Haircut...at 7 1/2 months!

2006-04-02T11:56:00.000-07:00

Tavis is now 8 months old and there is a lot rockin' his world. He is crawling and getting better at it every day. He is getting his first two teeth in the bottom front; and he has just been introduced to the amazing Cheerios! He is having so much fun with his newfound independence and it keeps us on our toes every second of the day. We've been doing more video than pictures lately but promise to post more pictures later this month!

Here's a "before and after". The front was getting in his eyes so I wanted to trim it up but Daddy still wanted it to "look crazy". You'll see in future pictures that there's no taming that 'do!

Happy Guy

2006-02-23T10:41:00.000-08:00

Tavis will be 7 months old on the 27th of February. We have had a pretty busy winter so far; he has been eating all the "first foods" without much fuss, been up to the mountains twice and swimming for the first time last week. He loves his Johnny Jump-up that Grandma and Grandpa Koltz got for him and seems to be an all-around happy kid. He misses his relatives in Bellingham, and Washington DC and hopes to visit with them soon!

Already on the move...

2006-01-06T17:39:00.000-08:00

I'll just let the photos speak for themselves.

Holiday Pics

2005-12-15T11:08:00.000-08:00

Tavis just LOVES getting his picture taken! Here are a couple pics from his first professional photo shoot...

Play Date

2005-12-05T19:13:00.000-08:00

Here are some pictures of Tavis' lady-friend, Alexis Helmer. She and Tavis have been meeting weekly with their moms for morning walks on Alki. Now that it's getting so cold out, we've been doing some indoor playing. Lexie is 3 weeks younger than Tav...aren't they cute together? Their moms sure think so!

4 months old? No way!

2005-11-11T09:28:00.000-08:00

Tavis is about 4 months old! He likes to suck on his hands, hold his toys and is sitting up by himself. He has shown some interest in cartoons, especially Sponge Bob and Cow and Chicken. He seems aware of his surroundings and recognizes familiar faces.

Who do you think he looks like?

2005-11-01T10:29:00.000-08:00

Pictures from 1st trip to B'ham

2005-10-20T10:51:00.000-07:00

Wearing a UW Huskie onesie, Tavis watched some football with the Carpenters...

then we went down the street to visit Great Grandma & Grandpa Heath.

2005-10-18T18:02:00.000-07:00

Tavis's hair has gotten lighter but it's still "rockin'"...thanks to some help from Mom!

3 months old already?!

2005-10-11T19:39:00.000-07:00

What's Tavis been up to lately? Well, we took a trip up to Bellingham to see his Great Grandparents. When he's not at knitting with Mom visiting the ladies in the family he likes to listen to Daddy's music and fall asleep in his skeleton sweat suit. His Mom went back to work part time and he loves hanging out with Grandma Koltz on Wednesdays and Great Gramdma and Grandpa Mason on Thursdays. He's a pretty busy little guy!

Photo Shoot

2005-09-10T17:41:00.000-07:00

Is this Tavis or Ben?

2005-09-09T13:38:00.000-07:00

Pretty amazing resemblance, huh?

Tavis is 6 weeks old-more pics!

2005-09-08T10:40:00.000-07:00

How you doin'?

Morning Kisses

Trying to crawl?

Ben "fixed" Tavis' hair...

Tavis is 4 weeks old today!

2005-08-24T15:09:00.000-07:00

Tavis modeling a sweater made for him by his great Aunt Randi

Tavis with Aunties Haylee and Karlee

Tavis with grandpa Heath

Tavis modeling his mother's first baby sweater; what a handsome little man!

Tavis with his great grandpa Koltz

Tavis with Grandma Koltz

T-A-V-I-S (no "R")

2005-08-14T17:06:00.000-07:00

Tavis is 2 wks old! Since birth he has grown 2 inches annd gained 12 ounces. He has made it through all the week's events incuding the rehersal, rehersal dinner, pictures, wedding and finally the reception. Mom and Tavis are gioing to take it easy this week, we're pretty worn out!

First Dr.'s appt and more pics!

2005-08-01T19:51:00.000-07:00

August 1: Tavis had his first check-up today and passed with flying colors! Most newborns lose weight the first week or two but because of a good latch (youch!) and an insatiable appetite, he only managed to lose about an ounce or so.
Here are some "artsy" photos taken at the hospital.

Tavis's First Photos of Life

2005-07-29T16:42:00.000-07:00

Tavis with "Auntie" Dani

Rock Star Baby!

He's here

2005-07-28T14:37:00.000-07:00

Hello All,

Tavis Luck Koltz was born on July 27th at 9:45 pm. He weighed in at 8 lbs 1.2 ounces and measured 19.5" long. So far he eats, sleeps, and poos just like a pro, and i've got to say he's a beautiful baby. Mom did an awesome job but i'll let her fill everyone in on the labor when she comes home. We also have lots of pictures to post but I left the camera at the hospital so those will have to come later. We'll keep everyone posted on any developments.

July 27th update (you've been so patient!)

2005-07-27T04:51:00.000-07:00

Had a Dr.'s appt Tues the 26th and am dialated 4 cm. Started having contractions that afternoon. Called Ben home from work early, called Jenny (Ben's cousin, our doula) to come over and spent the evening working through some contractions and going on long walks. Went to bed around 11pm and water broke this morning at 4:30am. We're now headed to the hospital, things are looking good...wish us "luck"!!!!

Ummm...not yet

2005-07-21T16:24:00.000-07:00

I know a lot of you are checking this daily so I want to keep you updated. My contractions leveled off in the evening of the 20th, and the baby has been super mellow since then. However, today I have had some signs of progress (sorry, no gory details!) and as most of you know, it's anyone's guess at this point!

Could this be it?

2005-07-20T05:42:00.000-07:00

July 19th, Due Date: I had a Dr's appt today and she said that I am on my way past pre-labor (non-committal contractions for the last week or so) to early labor, the next stage. I am wary of this news as I don't want to get my hopes up, it seems too good to be true at this point! After a long walk in the sun on Alki I started getting stronger contractions in the evening around 7pm. (Ben said, "No kid of mine is going to be late" so baby did the best he/she could!) Soon they were 10 minutes apart and we called our doula, Ben's cousin Jenny. We were excited but knew that this is the longest phase and should try and get some sleep. It's now 5:30 am, Jenny is anxiously awaiting our next phone call, Ben stayed home from work and I continue to have contractions every 10 minutes. That's all for now, folks...next update will probably be from the proud daddy!

Ben & Karie (8 months pregnant)

2005-07-02T21:52:00.000-07:00

As requested: a recent picture of us

As of today, July 2nd I am about 38 weeks pregnant. Studies say that 80% of all births happen between weeks 38 and 42. I'm still fixated on the magic date of July 19th but trying to have an open mind. We just hope that the baby isn't too late because the upcoming wedding of Ben's sister, Becca is on Aug. 13th. Of course we'll take what we can get because we have to. We better get used to being flexible, I'm told it'll make life with a baby much easier.

Our friend Tammy has created a pool for the baby's arrival; she's taking bets on the weight and length of baby Koltz as well as a birthdate. Let me know if you'd like a part of the action; 50% of the proceeds will go to the baby's savings account. Nothing like a little gambling to include everyone in the fun!

The Nursery

2005-06-25T21:30:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures of the nursery that Ben and I created. Ben drew the animals and designed the decor of the room and I picked out the colors. It was a really fun project, let us know what you think!

The nursery decor was inspired by John Lennon's Musical Parade.

This changing table was made from a dresser that was given to us by Grandma & Grandpa Mason, Ben made the top to match and cut the legs for a
more manageable height.

Lots of animals for the safari scene. The Pooh Bear was hand-made by Shawn Noble.