The Dertiens Blog

Yesterday we had one of Steve’s coworkers over for dinner.  He was in town from Boston working at a client.  He was kind enough to bring Avery a gift.  Besides a snuggly, soft blanket, he brought Avery an elephant that plays music when you tug on it.  So cute!  Even better than how [...]

It is one of the most amazing things to see a child grow and develop.  Part of me rejoices with every new “trick” Avery accomplishes.  A small part of me is sad that my little girl is growing so quickly! 

Just tonight, Avery was laying on her playmat.  We have put her on the [...]

No, not New York City… the big apple at Robinette’s!  Steve, Avery and I met Julie and her girls at Robinette’s yesterday for some fall fun.  That place is great!  And do I have to tell you about their donuts and cider?  Delicious!  I don’t think there is anything more fall to me [...]

Written Sunday, October 18:

At about 11:30 pm last night, I found out that yesterday was Sweetest Day.  Avery and I received flowers from Steve earlier in the day and it still didn’t clue me in to the fact that it was a special day (I am lucky in that Steve is [...]

Avery is the most smiley when she first wakes up in the morning.  Steve and I are not sure where she gets this since neither of us are particularly morning people.  Even though Avery is smiling more and more, her smiles are still tough to catch by camera.  We had some luck this week though, [...]

Before having this little one, everyone told me to “rest up or “get sleep while you can”.  They were not kidding!  Avery is not a bad sleeper.  In fact, we are so grateful that she has done as well as she has.  However, sleep in those first few weeks was harder to come [...]

As I started putting this blog together I wanted something that would have really good photoblog capabilities without being too complicated. I ultimately settled on using WordPress with the NexGen photogallery plugin. The NexGen gallery supports a very nice slideshow feature from a company called Cooliris (cooliris.com). When you view any of [...]

Today Alisa and I took Avery to welcome Cpl. Nick Roush home. While Alisa and I did not know Cpl. Roush, we felt pretty compelled to pay our respects to him during the public processional that was made today from the Gerald Ford Airport to his hometown of Middleville, MI. He died Sunday [...]