The Nelsens

San Diego May 2011

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We spent a week in beautiful San Diego. There is a post for each day. Sat – Fri.

Sat – Sea World

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Dolphin Show

Aurora got to go on three rides and then play on the playground.

Dean got to watch a show and take a nap.

Aurora fell asleep within a minute of getting in the car.

Dean was awake for awhile before falling asleep again.

Sun – San Diego Wildlife Park

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Someone did some dancing while we waited for the park to open.

We went on a behind the scenes safari for junior explorers!

A baby cheetah out for a walk

Aurora got to feed meerkats!

A cheetah out for a walk with its pal.

Mon – San Diego Zoo

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Aurora’s fav animal – the tapir!

another tapir!

Tue – Sea World

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Sea Otter Show

Pets Rule Show (dogs, cats, pigs, kangaroo, birds)

At the end Aurora ‘heard’ the speaker say '”come on down and get a kitty”.

Shamu show

Wed – San Diego Zoo

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Thursday

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The kids played while Mommy was at work

We got in a quick trip to the ocean

Fri – Airport

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April 2011

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Dean is self feeding himself!

"Spring has arrived!”

Minnesota Zoo Farm Babies

Dean has two bottom teeth!

What’s that green stuff?

March 2011

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February

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Finally rolling over more often so we were able to get pictures!

January 2011

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Children’s Museum

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Dean’s First Solid Food

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Dean got rice cereal for the first time on Dec 24, 2010.

He really enjoyed it. The only the time he cried was when Seth took too long to put more in his mouth!

Christmas 2010

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Aurora “Reads”: Too Many Bunnies

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Winter Arrived!

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Sat 11/13 we got snow!

We went sledding in the backyard on Sunday.

Big Sister and Little Brother

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Halloween - 2010

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Aurora was a Tapir for Halloween. Her favorite animal at the Zoo. The lighting was bad – you can’t see the tapir in this picture so here’s one from an earlier visit.

Oct 2010

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Visiting Great-Grandpa and Great-Grandma – Oct 2010

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We probably spent 15 minutes on the dock throwing rocks in.

Visiting GG and Gramps – Oct 2010

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Apple Orchard – Oct 2010

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Jungle Train. First time Aurora went on a ride without us.

She went twice!

Hay ride out to the corn maze.

Someone thought the corn rows were a path and took off running down one of them!

Tired kids.

Update and Summer Pictures

2010-09-04T08:41:00.000-07:00

Well Seth is starting back at school again, so we better get a posting done while we have time. The pictures are not really in order, so just read the captions

Dean had to be bundled up. It was kind of cold as we went to the zoo.

The weather finally turned cold as we went to the zoo. It was amazing. Imagine being outside without feeling like you are melting. We spent over 2 hours walking around.

Aurora was checking out this neat looking rooster. Seth was wondering if he could shave off some feathers for fly-tying.

The moose were looking for the greener grass on the other side, so Aurora and I helped them out. I might have to sneak in some carrots next trip.

Aurora started gymnastics. She did really well. For a two year old she seems very strong. And has pretty good balance. We will have to get her a unicycle soon.

Dean is getting bigger everyday. He gets some tummy time and impresses us with his abiliy to push up and look around. He is 6 weeks old in this picture.

Someone is starting to smile at us.

Aurora and Seth caught a tree frog while swimming in the pool. Aurora wasn't so sure about it touching her, but thought it was hilarious went to jumped and climbed all over her dad.

Aurora got some playtime with cousins during Dean's dedication weekend.

Aurora had to get her 'zoo' mat out and lay with Dean. It was so cute.

Aurora doesn't think the progress on our trip is going fast enough. She decides to take over the driving duties.

Baby moose in the moose.

(or is that mooses, moosen, muchen mooses, I teach science not english.)

Grandpa Moose and Baby Moose

Big Sister is holding her Baby Brother
This is on Grandma N's porch.

Seth made some head table cakes for a wedding we went to in MT.

Aurora tries the big slide. This is where her father spent a lot of time as a child. They definitely don't make slides this big anymore. She thought it was the best.

Ice Cream!!! Nothing beats a trip to the DQ.

We go for a boat ride in Lake Elmo with Great Grandpa Chuck and Great Gradma Hope.

Dean's first boat ride.

Dean Paul Nelsen.........

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is here!!!!!

Dean Paul Nelsen

8 pounds 13 ounces
21 inches

Mom and baby doing great!

Dad holds me for the 1st time.

Big sister meets little brother for the 1st time.

Big hugs!!

My 1st days visitors!

Grandma Nelsen

Grandma Porter

Grandpa Porter

Great Grandpa Chuck

Great Grandma Hope

Great Grandpa Dick

Great Grandma Jean

Finally I wake up for mom and dad!!

18 hours old

Second day in this world....

Grandpa "Paul" Nelsen gets here.

Big sister returns!

They say I can go home early!

The WHOLE family returns from the hospital together.

I like being home!

1st night at home together.

The richest man in the world!

Aurora says it's time to eat fleischkuechle!

Spring Pictures

2010-07-03T16:59:00.000-07:00

My first corn on the cob! I just lick the butter and salt off some times.

Check out my new wheels!

First swim of the summer. The pregnant women seem to like the cold water too.

Happy Birthday to Aurora! 2 years old

Winter and Spring Pictures

2010-05-23T18:40:00.000-07:00

Grandma is making new curtains!!

Going down the slide!

Bathtime fun.

Blowing out my 2 candles!!!!

Tickets Please!?!?!?!

I see you!!!

Mozart, Beethoven, Nelsen???????

Easter Egg Hunting

Aurora discovers the sprinkler. We had a very warm early spring.

Farm Babies! A 2 day old goat comes over to say good morning!

Story time for the dinosaurs. Aurora set this up all by herself.

She thinks the education of plastic toys is very important.

Let's all rock.

Swimming lessons with dad.

Liz at 26 weeks. She is currently 32 weeks!

Baby #2 at 20 weeks.

Massive Picture Update

2010-03-03T19:37:00.001-08:00

Sledding is our new favorite winter hobby.

Abbi can share my house to get out of the cold.

Back inside on the couch with my dog.

I really didn't think Dr. Seuss was so serious.

My shades.

Halloween at the zoo.

VOLCANO!!!!!!!

Rainforest Cafe with Mom, Dad, Grandma, and Grandpa.

Christmas picture with the cousins.

Park rides with Dad. Somebody asked for more everytime the rides would stop.

Baking with Mom.

Loving my dog.

Just being silly.

September

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Mid-September Seth, Liz and Aurora went to an Apple Orchard.

Aurora had a lot of fun!

Fun in the house!

Late Summer

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My New Old Truck

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Rust adds character.

Summer Time Pictures

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Fun in the Pool

(Ever see a fat guy try and ride a purple dinosaur?)

Another attempt!

Dad's Hat

I know how to work this thing!

Don't dunk me Daddy!

Want to take a ride?

"Chariots of Fire" was playing in the background.

Walking down the Mississippi in Itasca State Park.

Too much fun.

At the headwaters of the Mississippi.

Trip to ND and Grandma's house.

I'm not sure I like this?!?!? (She really did.)

Memorial Day Weekend

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Aurora being silly.

Aurora at the Zoo

Aurora and a bear looking at each other

Aurora's First Birthday Party

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Happy First Birthday Aurora!

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Walking

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First steps with help April 10.
First steps on own April 17.
Walked 7 feet on own May 10.
Now walking like a 'pro'.

Trip to Pella, Iowa

2009-06-03T12:28:00.000-07:00

Bluebirds Moving In???

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Our bluebird houses have been homes for many birds, but not fo bluebirds yet. We have a pair looking like they might move in, but we have competition from other houses put up by the middle school behind our house.

Trip to the Zoo

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Dad took Aurora to see the "Farm Babies" exhibit at the MN Zoo.

We stopped and looked at the otters.

Baby Chicks!!!!!

That's a lot of BULL!!!! (2300 lbs)

Petting a Shetland Baby Lamb!

Hanging out by the barn.

Goats!!!

Baby Calves

What are they doing to the bottom of the cow?!?!?!?

Time to go home and eat lunch.

Trip to Washington

2009-04-10T06:47:00.000-07:00

My first plane ride!!!!

The welcoming committee of Sport and Dutchess.

Coffee shop by the Pacific. Aurora wanted to watch the water.

I get to meet Aunt Shandra. Uncle Severin hasn't held me since I was 4 days old.

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Aurora was very happy during the rehearsal. All dressed up with cousins before the wedding.

The dress dad made for me tastes very good.

With Uncle Severin right before he gets married.

No pictures of the wedding recpetion. What happens in Bellingham stays in Bellingham. Aurora turns out to be quite the dancer.

The next morning we say goodbye to Grandma and Grandpa at IHOP.

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We got to stay in a Victorian style hotel. The building was built in 1876.

We traveled all over the Northwest corner of Washington. Here is a picture of the Hoh rain forest along the "Hall of Mosses."

Aurora hitched a ride on Mom.

Waiting for the ferry to Port Townsend.

Dad carries Aurora in Deception Pass State Park. You can see the bridge in the far background.

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In February the family went to the Children's Museum in St. Paul. Aurora loved all the exhibits, but especially loved to play in the water.

We are working on having Aurora feed herself. She is coming along.

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Aurora is now crawling (last video entry), and any day now we expect her to be walking. She will often climb up on the furniture and walk around using it as a support. She will even take a few steps with Mom and Dad holding her. (sorry, we can't seem to capture that on video)

She does love to chase Taylor around and play with her chew toys and play tug of war.

In Februrary and March we battled cold after cold. That rhino virus can be annoying.

Crawling!!!!!

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We managed to capture this exciting video!!!!

Massive Picture Update

2009-01-24T15:25:00.000-08:00

My first trip to "The Olive Garden"

My cousin's got a new dog.

At the Nelsen grandparents.

Spaghetti is funny!

My new teeth

"Don't tell Mom I'm peeking at presents."

Opening presents from Grandma and Grandpa Porter.

Party with my dogs!

Practicing for white water rafting someday.

Rolling Along

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"As Aurora....., goes rolling...., along"

Aurora's First Solid Food

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Not sure if she likes it.

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Aurora being funny!

Below is Aurora learning to sit.

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Fall pictures

Singing along with Great-Grandpa Chuck at 3M's Minising!

The moose was up and about at the MN Zoo!

Halloween - a caterpillar!

Sitting Pretty and playing with pumpkins.

Playing with Daddy in the leaves.

Apple Picking

2008-10-07T20:06:00.000-07:00

Aurora and Liz went apple picking at an orchard in Hastings. Dad was busy helping to put a new roof on a house and was not able to go.

New Trick

2008-10-07T20:01:00.000-07:00

Someone has learned a new trick. Although sometimes she gets herself stuck in a postion she does not like and mom or dad has to rescue her.

Lot's of new pictures

2008-09-07T09:42:00.001-07:00

Trying to move around!!

"My what big eyes you have!"

"Cousin Anna, look out, it's a shark!!"

Here I am with my Great (Excellent) Aunt Mae and Uncle Carrol

I'm so happy!

This ride just isn't that exciting anymore.

It's trying to carry me away.

Tired

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Falling asleep while jumping. That's a first.

Learning to Roll

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Halfway There!!!!

Packers Fan??

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Learning to Talk

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Aurora is learning to talk. It can be hard to hear what she is saying, but listen closely and you can hear it in there.

Little Drummer

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Aurora's new favorite instrument; Dad's tummy!!

Little Jumper

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Sorry this is sideways, but I could not turn the image. This is Aurora in her new favorite toy.

First Doctor Visit

2008-05-24T18:28:00.000-07:00

I got to go to my first doctor visit. He said I am doing great and Mom is doing an "exceptional" job at helping me grow.

They made me strip down for this wierd event. I was not happy.

Yep, I am still a big girl. Upper percentile in weight, and off the chart on height.

The doc gives a listen adn I sound great. No sounds of a murmur, and I didn't even cry while he stuck that cold round thing on me.

Photos

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Various Photos

Arriving Home

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Dad is getting me out of my first car ride!!

This house is so bright. We should put up some shades.

I met my two older sisters. They don't really seem to pay much attention to me. They are also hard to see in pictures because they have such dark fur. Abbi is sniffing my head and Taylor is sniffing my feet.
We all decided to take a nap in Mom and Dad's room. It is so relaxing to be at home instead of that hospital.

SHE GETS TO GO HOME

2008-05-24T18:11:00.000-07:00

After telling Mom and Dad we would have to stay another day in the hospital, the doctors found a mistake in my tests (for the better) that would allow me to go home.

This is my reaction to the news.

Before they let me go they gave me a bath. Brrrrrrrr!!!

Then like some sort of criminal they take my prints and mug shot.

The very last picture of Mom, Dad, and me before we get to go home.

The outfit I am wearing is the same outfit my father went home in. Trust me, polyester is not nearly as soft as cotton

Time in the Hospital =(

2008-05-24T18:04:00.000-07:00

After a couple hours with Mom and Dad the doctors decided I needed to spend some time in the NICU. It was not very fun, especially for Mom who had to travel 4 floors to be with me. But

Mom was amzing and spent lots of time feeding and holding me.

Here I am with all my sensors and tubes going into me.

Luckily I had lots of visitors like my Great Grandparents!!!!

Mom let Dad change my diapers. He got some practice while I had to stay in the NICU.

A Little Girl!!!!

2008-05-24T17:59:00.001-07:00

Please Welcome

Aurora Hope Nelsen

My first minutes into the world were not so fun. It was bright and people kept poking me.

They measure me to see how long (a little over 22 inches). Check the tape.

The scale was in the dark for Dad's picture, but it read 9 lbs even.

The first time dad gets to hold me. About 1 hour after I was out.

Winter Unicycling

2008-03-30T19:40:00.000-07:00

Seth's brother Severin was for a visit recently (back from Antarctica) and we decided to break out the unicycles.

Severin bounces around.

I didn't put any pictures of Severin trying to climb the 6 foot unicycle. (It was funny) Seth decided not to try and hurt himself and got a ladder.

Severin tall Seth short.
Seth tall Severin short

33 weeks into pregnancy, better get the basement done!

2008-03-30T19:32:00.000-07:00

Seth has been rushing to get the basement done with the baby coming so soon. Here is a picure of the current progress.

Rough-in construction 90% done
Rough in electrical 30% done

Baby Shower

2008-03-30T19:16:00.000-07:00

Liz's family baby shower was held during Feb (pictures are getting dusty).
The author of this blog was not in attendance for the entire event
but he did make all the food. Here are some pics.

Seth puts the finishing touches on the food.

The Menu
Crab Stuffed Mushrooms
Crab Noodle Salad
(all imitation crab for pregnant women)
Schrimp Cocktail
Roast Beef Pinwheels
Deviled Eggs
Angel Food Cake Rolls
Fruit Pizza
and other goodies!!!

Liz opens presents!!
I wanted to add a lot more pictures of this event, but I do not have permission to put all the faces of the many people in them. So just imagine decorating onsies, conversation, fun games, and more presents. That will help you picture all the ones that are not in here.

28 and 30 weeks Pregnant

2008-03-30T19:10:00.001-07:00

Here are some pictures of Liz from previous weeks.

30 Weeks

28 Weeks

Second Round on Baby's Room

2008-02-10T16:59:00.000-08:00

Here are some pictures of Seth assembling baby furniture. It was a good thing to do inside since temperatures outside were below zero.

Here he puts together the crib!!

Here it is fully assembled in the living room.

Now all we have to do is take it apart to get it up into the Baby's room!! Poor planning can really make a job take longer.

Next up is the changing table and dresser.

Finally the finished product with animals on the wall and our patterns show off the theme.

Baby's Room Painted

2008-01-30T19:20:00.000-08:00

Well, we decided to finish the baby's room before the basement (will get pictures of that project later). Liz's mom was a huge help during painting. Here are the beginning and end of the project.

Beginning

The End

Pictures of Liz

2008-01-30T18:53:00.000-08:00

Many people have been asking about Liz and her growing tummy. Since we won't have baby pictures for another 3 months, we decided to show you the progression of growth.

8 Weeks

16 Weeks

20 Weeks

24 Weeks

New Ultrasound Pictures

2008-01-01T20:24:00.000-08:00

On Dec 26th we went to an ultrasound appointment. The doctor said everything looked great and the baby's size is right in the middle. We enjoyed watching as our little one gave us a little wave and blew some kisses at us. We did not find out the sex, even though Seth tried to take a peek. Apparently reading ultrasounds is difficult if you have never seen one before.

The first picture below is the baby "blowing a kiss." You can see the lips and nose (top and sideways) and the back of the hand and elbow (bottom).

In this picture you can see the baby's right foot.

The last picture is the baby's profile. You should be able to make out the lips, nose, and ears. You can also see the little hand that was opening and closing to give us a wave as we watched.

Liz is just starting to feel the baby move. We are getting excited to start preparing for the little Nelsen to arrive. It's mind blowing what a miracle a baby is as we watch this one grow.

Names Have Been Decided

Boy: Porter Dean Nelsen

Girl: Aurora Hope Nelsen

Expecting A Baby

2007-11-05T09:45:00.001-08:00

Yes, we are going to add a new member to our family. The scheduled due date is May 18th, 2008.

We don't have any ultrasound pictures yet. Liz and I went to her second appointment yesterday and got to hear our new baby for the first time. The recording sounded something like the dopler heartbeat heard here
http://pregnancy.about.com/cs/pregnancyphotos/l/blheartbeat.htm

Just click on the icon and it should play.

We will keep updating this site as we have more to share.