Grutz says, "Well...........maybe I'll start a church." or "I'm having issues with a rat's nest."

A gift beyond words.

We held our 'Iowa Christmas' last weekend.  A house with 17 wonderful people is a true joy.  And of course, a ridiculous amount of gifts.  One gift though, needs special mention.  My grandfather, Bill Linden, made me a glorious stained glass window.  Frankly, the content is secondary.  I'm gobstruck at the detail and can't imagine the time and effort.  Unfortunately, Papa Bill left the gift for me and I was unable to see him and thank him in person.  I'm going to have to remedy that....

Now I just need to build a house around this.....

CALL THE RAT CATCHER!!!

EEEEEEEEEK!  RATTY!

Hey guy!

Grutz says, "When the sh!t hits the fan, er, rather the floor." or "St. Nicholas comes tonight! But be wary of Krampus!!!"

Little room for deviation.

Into our technically third week of Dad Duty pt. II, and things are going very, very well.  The kids and I have a pretty good routine so far.  Chores get finished, naps are fulfilled, bellies are amply filled, and much time is spent playing, goofing, and baby-talk.  Bowels are evacuated (usually in tandem by the the kids) and they are painstakingly cleaned (by me).  Usually dinner is more or less ready by the time Mommy gets home and all is hunky-dory.  Get to listen to great music or great radio.  Heck, I even send in emails that get on the air on  the fine Talk of Iowa on IPR.  Yeah, I'm "Nick from Chicago".  I post blogs.  Make lists of thing I need to do, lists of things I'd like to do.  All is pretty darn good.

BUT, when life adds a little spice to the routine, well, things can get dicey.  Case in point, our fearless (some may say fear inducing) dog, Arnie, has got a bug or something.  Let's just say rugs have been cleaned, floors scrubbed.  I'm sure he'll be heading to the vet, at some point.  But with his "Oh my I really have to get out or I'm going to use the floor again!" to my "How the hell do you dry a wet 8x10 rug when it won't stop raining and a wicked cold front is coming?" and everything in between, it has been a stretch to maintain a sense of positivity.  (For the rug it takes fans.  And rigging it in such a way your almost-two-year-old won't hurt himself.  And he does try.  Tenacious that one is.)  Now, normally, this incident would not be much of an issue, but with kids, things can become very difficult, very quickly.  Like logarithmically difficult.  There is no more "drop whatever it is you're doing and address this issue", rather it is evolved into "I HAVE to do this now, but A, B, and C have to take place first, and hope that the little ones are in a good mood."  Quick, slip on your shoes and coat is not a reality when a sleeping baby is strapped to your abdomen.  And we don't have a yard so I can't just let him out.  Fortunately, up until today the weather has been wet, but balmy.  And Nolan is very, very compliant.

But this is an example of life, right?  This is what happens and it is all about developing new skills and outlook.  Carleen had a rough day the other day when 12 additional students joined her class for the day due to an absent teacher.  Challenging, I've been there.  So it comes from all fronts.  But you get through it and, usually, you come out the other side better suited to handle the next crisis.  And there will be more crises.  Luckily, I have Carleen to be there at the the end of the day, so we can look into each othes' tired eyes and I mutter something like, "Jeez, I can't remember when I showered last.  I love you." and it makes things better, maybe just a bit, but better non-the-less.

As I walked Arnie this morning I was feeling bad for myself and I stopped and said, aloud ('cos I'm crazy), "You've been through worse."  And I have.  And it turned out all right.  And I smiled.  Life is good.  My boy won't stop yapping and my daughter won't stop giggling.  What's better than playing peek-a-boo with your daughter?  Nothing.  Except watching your son play peek-a-boo with your daughter.

And St. Nicholas comes tonight!!!

Growing up you would put your shoes out on the 5th and if you've been good you'd find the next morning an orange and a candy cane in your shoes, gifts from St. Nicholas.  If you've been naughty you'd get coal, and if coal wasn't readily available, you would get gravel and stcks in your shoes, which did happen to me ONCE.  St. Nicholas would even leave candy canes on our desks at school, too!!  We are excitedly anticipating a visit tonight!!!! Hope you've all been good!

A number years ago, my Dad told me about Krampus.  Krampus (and his other incarnations) trace back thousands of years to pagan times of central Europe.  He's devil-like entity who punishes naughty kids. He usually joins St. Nicholas, dishing out the fear, while St. Nicholas gives the cheer.  A fine coupling of christian with pagan ritual.  He's quite a big deal in Europe and he's more common in the US.  I definitely believe Krampus should have a more prominent role today.  Best get moving on making a costume and mask now so it'll be ready in few years.  MWAH-HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!  A little fright does a body good.  Here are some photos of Krampus:

Old school St. Nicholas and Krampus.

Present day Krampus in Austria.  (Photo:Kerstin Joensson)

Here's an article and video from 2011 from NPR.  Check it out.  And I hope you've been good this year, if only not keep Krampus at bay........

Grutz says, "Well, um, here's the new reality now. Whew." or "Kicking ass and taking names?"

Day 2 of Carleen's abandons family return to work.

It hasn't been this bad.  Well, not the entire time.

The good.

Frances is taking a bottle.  Sleeps for spells.  Nolan is great.  Getting a considerable amount of work done around the house, more than I anticipated.  Meals made.  Hell, I'm brining a chicken at the moment for dinner tonight. Hell yes I had dinner made and the laundry and the kids were fed, happy, and healthy!  BAM!  

And he kids are beautiful. 

The bad.

See photo above.  When the poop hits the fan, it is intense.  Like a perfect storm, a gut-wrenching, oh-my-god-how-did-Grandma-Barb-do-this type of storm.  Crying kids hurt the heart.  Screaming baby has poop streaming out her diaper, son is crying for Mom while systematically and dangerously pulling heavy non-fiction books off a shelf above his head (something very new) and something's burning on the stove, couch spontaneously combusts into flame, dog starts speaking in tongues, toilet explodes.  At times, very critical times it seems, Nolan is NOT great.  A understandable thing in lieu of the current state of things. Yesterday, our first day sans Mom, I'd say there was about a combined 45-60 minutes of chaos.  What's that Arnie?  Oh, yes, rough!  But it passes and things work out.  I wanted to congratulate myself as Carleen got home (from her own tough job) for a pretty successful day (IMO), but then a little voice in my head said, "This is what's supposed to happen now, the new norm.  Nothing special here big guy.  This is how it is now.  No big deal."  Oh, right.

The ugly.

Me.  Lack of sleep.  Time spent with wife.  Arnie's lack of walks.  I've had tougher jobs in the past, I just can't recall any at the moment.  Bitch, bitch, bitch.....

In conclusion...

Like any new change, it takes time to get into the swing of things.  I can't expect things to be hunky-dory right off the bat.  But it is going much, much better than I thought (at least for 1.5 days!).  We'll manage.  We have to.

Grutz says, "IT'S A GIRL!"

Frances Ingrid Grutz was born at home at 9:31 am on 8/17.  She came in at a whopping 8 lbs, 10 oz and 20 inches.  She's doing well and so is Mom.  Nolan has been great and we are blessed to have such great friends (Paul and Laura) and family (Aunt Peggy) to help out.  We're all pretty worn out, but we're all doing well.

Grutz says, "Carleen says, 'Iowa people just really like each other.'" or "Everybody is just awaitin' and awaitin'."

Around the clock coverage of BabyWatch2013!

We're still waiting for the little one.  Everyone is doing well.  There's a little stress, it comes and goes, but the midwives have been checking on Carleen and all is just dandy.  I'll leave it to her to give specific details, if she wants to.  Frankly, if the baby goes to the end like Nolan did, there will be satisfaction in knowing that the baby will most definitely be born on that day, Friday, or possibly Saturday, if tomorrow's ultrasound shows all is good (apparently its a standard procedure for all moms when they're late.  A procedure the was accidentally overlooked by our midwives back with Nolan....hmmm..?).  But for now, the baby could come in 6 hours or 43 hours or 47 or 66, you get the idea.  Again, all is good and a big thanks in advance to all the family and friends who have offered and/or will be around to give a hand with Nolan when the time does...........ultimately............come.

Iowa Nice - Not just a funny youtube clip about Iowa*!

When Carleen went to the midwives today she found this tucked under the wipers:

Have a great day, indeed.

When life gets you down Mrs. Brown, and things seem hard or tough, and people are stupid, obnoxious or daft, and you've feel like you've had quite enooooooooooooough?  Just remember an Iowan will be there to help pick up your spirits.  Ah, all IS right in the world, huh?

*Here's that funny youtube clip about Iowa Nice, if you're in the mood.  And remember, it's NSFW....

Grutz says, "ATTENTION EVERYONE!!!!" or "HEAR YE, HEAR YE!!!"

New baby update!

A large baby head.  That is all. (from flickr)

There is no new baby.  Due date has come and gone.  Carleen is doing well, a bit tired.  The weather has been nice and cool (by Chicago standards) and it's been great having Karen around to help, especially with Nolan.  We'll keep you posted.  Until then, we're just waiting to call the midwives.  No pun intended....ugh.

Grutz says, "We've been traveling. And getting ready." or "Boy, time flies when you're getting ready for a homebirth."

Sacrificing bathing and sleeping for a photo update.
So here you go, chronologically.

TT came to town and Nolan was stoked!  He was really excited to hear all about Springfield!  Go Lincoln!

Grandma TT and Grandpa Jere enjoying the paintings.  Notice Mom and Dad NOT in the photo!  Yes, Carleen and I had some respite!

K-k-k-k-k-kissing beauties!

Life's always better with Oma!

You can take the boys out of the country, but you can't take the country out of the boys.

Nolan's already working on his resentful teenage look.  Well.....!

Life's good, we're doing well.  Here's what's putting the shuffle in Nolan's step, other than bulldozers;

Villagers!

We'll keep you posted when another Grutz comes into the world.......

Grutz says, "Rain? Yeah, a little." or "Wet fun is like regular fun, but it's just wet. And kinda cold, too."

Demanding son.

Nolan insisted I take his picture this morning.  Ok, he didn't insist he asked.  He even said and signed 'please'.

Happy, happy, happy boy.

West of the Mississippi.  Barely.

We traveled back to Iowa over the weekend.  A graduation party for my cousin Jamie on Friday in Solon.  There was NO rain on that day.

On Saturday it rained.  On Sunday it rained.  We got to go to one of our favorite bookstores, River Lights 2nd Ed., and managed to NOT break the bank.  We also had a party for Mom and Jere at Eagle Point Park in Dubuque (Eagle Point Park is one of my favorite places in the whole world).  It was wonderful.  And, did I mention, a little on the wet side?  Many, many friends and family were in attendance and a good time was had by all AND we had the place cleaned up by 10 pm!  Thanks to everyone who helped!  And for everyone we missed (Jon, 'Stube, and super thanks Paula!) we'll see you when we see you......

Oh, and the best part was the sculpture my Uncle Tim made for Mom and Jere.  It's stunning, and of course, I don't have any pics of it.  Will post when I get some.

"The Mississippi IS mighty, Dad!" 

"Whad'ya mean 'Mom has reservations about living in Iowa'?  What is she thinking?  Look at this place!"*

Cousins Nolan, Avanlee, and Waylon.

*This is NOT a factual statement and has been included because I, Nick, think it's funny and I'm always promoting/plugging Iowa and Dubuque.  No, as of now, we are NOT moving to Iowa or anywhere for that matter.  And Carleen DOES NOT have any issues with Iowa.  Just living there, kinda, sorta, maybe.

Grutz says, "DESTINATION:IOWA!" or "Nolan likes bins and good books."

Homeward bound!

We'll be traveling to Iowa tomorrow for a visit.  Nolan and I are very, very excited.  Nolan's been reading up on Iowa lately, because, well, what 15 month old doesn't like reading about Iowa?!

"Dad, I had no idea.......Iowa......it's, it's....wonderful, words fail me.  But I can say, without hesitation, that I am stoked!"

Toys?  We don't need no stinkin' toys.  We have bins.

Grutz says, "Why yes, Nolan's always up early for the vernal equinox, because he's got the SPIRIT!" or "Yes, you have to wear Iowa Hawkeye gear. Why? Because I said so. Go Hawkeyes."

Saint............Nolan?
I'm not saying my boy's sacred or holy.  But a halo is a halo.  And preforming miracles.

"So let me get this straight, Dad.  You want me to turn water into to beer?  I can't see any harm in that...Ummm wait, what would Mom say?  Oh, 'our little secret', riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiight (wink)."

"SHAZAM!!!!!!!!!" (Poof/flash/smoke) "OK, Dad, there's the beer, what's next?  Make you a world-class guitar player AND put us on a 50 acre farm/retreat on the banks of Mississippi?  On the Iowa side, of course.  Hmmmmmm, gonna have to stretch for this one....."

"Seeeeeeeeeeeeee?  My teeth are clean.  Can I get down now?  Yes, Dad.  I know, I know.  You don't have any cavities and blah blah blah blah blah blah. I mean, bless you, Dad." 

Grutz says, "What's better than St. Patrick's Day on the 17th? Carleen's birthday on the 14th!!!!" or "Life is good."

Mornings are good.

Nolan loves his homemade berry waffles.

"It's quite simple, Father.  By using this device called a 'fork', one can eat without dirtying one's fingers.  Even you can do it."

Visits are good.

Carleen's Aunt Mary Jo visited this weekend and it was a blast.

Fun times with Mary Jo!!!

Project with Dad are, well, enjoyable.

I try to get some projects accomplished.  Completion is often elusive.  But hey, it's the trip, not the destination, right?

"Wow Dad!  These shavings are awesome!  But you know what's NOT awesome?  Turtlenecks.  Veeeeery fattering, I mean, flattering.  Ahem."

Lastly, tomorrow is my wonderful wife's birthday.

Let Carleen know how special she is on her 33rd birthday.  Yep, life is pretty good.  When the worst part of my day is putting up with Public Radio* fundraisers, my life is pretty damn good.

* We've given, have you?  Iowa Public Radio and Chicago Public Radio.

Grutz sings, "The boys are back in town!" or "Let's hear it for the boys, awwwwwwwww let's give the boys a haaaaa-aaaaand!"

Glutton for punishment or a sucker for a good time?

The latter, my friends, the latter.  Today I'm not just watching 1 little boy, I'm watching two!  And as of 1:00 CST, all is well.  Hawk is spending this snowy day with Nolan and me.  Quick photo montage...

Nolan:  "Hawk did it!"

Hawk:  "Hi Mom and Dad!  Uncle Nick said that safety belts are for sissies.  Oh wait, he also said not to tell you  that.  Ooops."

Nolan:  "You see, this monitor is your ticket to get what you want.  Trust me."

Nolan:  "Dad, that joke was TERRIBLE."

Grutz says, "Some boys like hugs, some boys don't."

Fun toys.  Fun boys.  Hug fail.
Here's the link to Youtube.  Nolan's being needy right now.  NOW DAD!

It's Gus and Nolan.

Grutz says, "Spoiler Alert!!" or "Good, no great cause." or "It's post-modern, fool."

I spoil my son with....

time
books
music


and peanut butter.  What baby wants, baby gets.

"So Dad, have I told you of my peanut allergy?"

"Spoons are good, hands are better."

Nolan and chores....

Yesterday, it was folding laundry.

"Dad. Dad.  DAD!! Check out my accessory."

Uhhhh, yeah, those are Carleen's unmentionables.

Old photo from last April I just stumbled across.....

"dadbabydog:control?"
by Nick Grutz

Lastly, but most importantly.....

My Aunt Peggy and Aunt Patty and cousins are walking in the MDA walk tomorrow.  Here's a link to Team Clayton's page.  Help them out if you can (I did, yeah, that's right.  What 'bout you?), THERE'S STILL TIME BUT TODAY'S THE LAST DAY!  A couple of cups of Starbuck's can be sacrificed for a great cause, right?

Grutz says, "My, are you as busy as us?" or "Yes, we survived the Mayan apocalypse."

1 year olds keep your tasks tiny.

Nolan usually gives me a 3-5 minute windows to get things done.  Gotta hurry!*

What a handsome Hawkeye.  One of the few times when he's not trying to run or jump!

Someone really, really likes not wearing any clothes.

* This time he gave me about 55 seconds.  How he loves his books!

Grutz says, "Here be dragons. OK, here be A dragon."

A brief Halloween for Nolan.

"Yep, Dad, I'm  going to get some candy!"

"What do you mean, 'I'm too young for candy'?"

"Ok, no candy, so I'll play with this noisemaker with Mom."

  This post took me 15 minutes to post.  Life during baby-time, huh?  Hopefully I'll post something soon, like "Hey is this water or pee?  Oh, it's pee." or "I love the smell of urine in morning." or "Wha, it's Friday?!?!"  Happy Friday everyone!

Grutz says, "Rumors of my death are greatly exaggerated."

Quick photo ketchup.  He he.

"Look Aunt Peggy, moose!!!"

Crawling at the park.

King of the jungle gym.

At the Children's Museum today.  Oh, is that shaving cream?

Oh it is!!!!

Nolan and Gus.

Metal-thingies!

I'll write with the details of Nick, Nolan, Kristina, & Gus' adventure to visit Mary Sue at the kids' museum.