Smart Kid

Of course every parent thinks that their child is smart and cute...but Quinn has been showing signs of creativity in getting his way. Quinn also had a number of 'Firsts' this week.

First #1: Monday: Quinn really likes it when his mobile over his crib moves, but he can't move it himself. Since the mobile is hanging from the net that surrounds his bed, he found out that if he moves to the side of the bed against the wall, he can rub his feet against the net and move the mobile, making the animals move (you can see the bumblebee in the pic below). Pretty smart!

First #2: yesterday: At our baby swim class, we went underwater for the first time. Surprisingly, he took it really well and didn't cry. I'm not too sure he liked it, but he at least didn't puke on me and cry.

First #3: today: he turned from his belly to his back. I was there for this one (Eva was at her Spanish class). Unfortunately, the triumph was interupted by him hitting his head on the floor after the turn (he rolled off his blanket).

Thanks to Grandma and Grandpa Texas for the new PJ's. He really seemed to like having his legs in pants rather than the sleeping bag. Eva gives me neverending grief, because I thought the animal on the PJ's was a snake. I've got to have my eyes checked.

Celebrating 4 Years in Germany

How time flies. Yesterday was my 4 year anniversary of my arrival in Germany. I can't believe it has been four years already. Looking back, it has been a wild and very exciting ride with Eva and now Quinn. We've seen and done a lot...and it just keeps getting better.

But, you don't want to hear me ramble about my last 4 years here in Germany. I know you're here to see pictures of Quinn.

This is his 'thinking man' pose.
...trying to turn...or maybe trying to do push ups.

Of course, Quinn has to put everything in his mouth...including the rags we use to clean him up when he spits or blows bubbles.
We ordered another shelf for Quinn's room, and I was putting it together on Wednesday evening. Quinn was trying to help out, but I had to take the screwdriver from his hand when he tried to put it in his mouth, and the point almost hit his eye.

I don't think Eva would have been amused if he poked his eye out...

...it's all fun and games until someone pokes his eye out...

Baby Swim

Yesterday, Quinn had his first swimming lesson. OK...that is a bit of an exaggeration, but we enrolled in swimming classes that are for newborns.

I was petrified that he would poop in the pool, but Eva said that babies cannot poop in water. While I believe almost everything that my wife says, I was a bit scared when I saw little gas bubbles coming from Quinn's diapers through the water...thankfully, no poo...

Quinn did a great job and seemed to really enjoy the event. Next week, we go under water!

Vacation on the North Sea

Ahhh...vacation. Since we were going to be in or around Eva's folk's place on the 2nd and the 9th of June, we thought we'd just take off on vacation in between. Since the North Sea is close and favorite of the Göttgens family, we packed our bags and took our first vacation as a family!After a 3 hour drive from Hattingen and a 40 minute ferry, we found ourselves on the North See island of Langeoog - one of the many German islands that dot the North Sea coast.

With any vacation on the North See, the weather can be tricky and ever-changing. Thankfully, we had great weather (and no rain!) all week long. While the weather can be less than optimal on the North Sea, the beaches are awesome - with powder sand beaches that go for miles.
The traditional building material for roofs is reeds from the natural grasses that grow wild on the island. These reed roofs can last for centuries, but present quite a fire hazard.

Quinn experienced sand for the first time. He didn't seem to like the sand between his toes, but I'm sure he'll grow into it - especially when we can build sandcastles together.
The North Sea is a particularly good vacation for families. The kids can play for hours on the beach doing everything from sandcastle building to flying kites. It is especially cool on the North See during the low tide because the ebb is so BIG. The difference between the high and low tides can be kilometers, and it is very cool to walk so far from shore during the low tide.
Thankfully, Eva's parents were with us as well. It allowed us some time to ourselves when they would take Quinn for a walk, and their company is always appreciated. We played cards quite a bit during the evening together, and Eva's dad is teaching Quinn the basics.

...these are the pics that kids hate their parents for...

Andre and Jenny get Hitched

Before leaving for vacation on the North Sea, we had a short stay-over in Hattingen to see Andre and Jenny get married (2nd of June). The whole timing worked out well for vacation since we had events on both Saturdays - the wedding and a Herbert Grönemeyer concert.

Unfortunately, there aren't many pictures because I was stupid and deleted all of our pics from the wedding and our vacation. Thankfully Eva's parents had a few pics (and I had a few thumbnails that I could save) so that we could recognize the events on the blog.The reception was very cool as well - it was in a converted barn. The food was great and very, very plentiful. This was our first night without Quinn, and I think we both took it pretty well. We had a great time with our friends and danced the night away.

Henrik's Taufe

It was a weekend of baptisms. After Quinn's baptism on Saturday (on the 26th of May...it has been a while since I blogged), we went to Henrik's baptism - this time switching the roles from parent to godparent (Tanja and Rene are also the godparents of Quinn).

I think it was one of the only times in my life that I sat in the front row of a church.

Henrik was completely fascinated by the baptismal water.
The proud parents...
...and of course, there was a small celebration afterwards - with cake, coffee, and gifts.

Rollin', Rollin', Rollin'

Well, yesterday, Quinn hit a milestone: he turned for the first time. We thought it would be coming soon...because he had been really kicking up his legs and wobbling around a bit, but his arm kept getting in the way of 'the turn'.

Last night, witnessed by Eva and her parents, he turned.

He found himself on his belly, and thankfully didn't cry when he found himself in this predicament: 'like, what do I do now?'.

The saga of Quinn and the Gould family will continue soon...with some pictures. Eva took video of his second turn, which I hope to post soon as well.