My JACK-O-Lantern and Japin

JAPIN

Reading a book with Gambi

Trick or Treat! Do you have a puppy?

Just plain precious!

Daddy and Japin the pumpkin!

Mommy and the Pumpkin...(Mommy had definitely not showered this day.)

Perfect little Pumpkin....

Gambi and her little pumpkin!

Kiss!

Loving hugs from Gambi!

Well- I am a little late on this post but all with good reason.... Boy have we been busy! My mom came in town for Halloween and Jack had such a good time with his Gambi. She taught him to say her name and he says it over and over. :) We really enjoyed our visit and Jack loved the extra hugs and kisses. I got a few action shots on my camera but when mom sends me hers I will post them too because they are even better. Jack loves giving out hugs and kisses now and will even ask you for a few. Gambi went trick or treating with us and then we came home and passed out candy. Jack did really well and although didn't care about getting any candy he loved looking at everyone's pumpkins... (Or punkin as Jack would say...) He also loved it when the owner had a puppy inside. Those were the houses we had to bribe him away from. He loves puppies! I must say I had the cutest pumpkin around! He was so good and even kept his hat on for awhile! We did come home with a hole in our panty hose but I seriously doubt my little boy will be wearing those again anytime soon! He did get called such a beautiful little girl 2 times and while Daddy wasn't too excited Jack and I didn't mind. He likes being pretty but maybe it is time for another visit to the salon. :) Gambi went shopping with us while she was here and bought Jack a new radio and a big boy potty. He likes to play with it for now as ELMO is on the front. Gambi cooked her famous chicken and rice which was my request and we all loved the great dinner! Jack is a fan so it will be a continued item in our house. :) We were very sad for her to leave and enjoyed our short visit. We can't wait to see her again soon! Thanks Gambi/Mom for coming! We miss you already! Ok- so now to explain Japin... Let me start by telling you Jack has developed quite a vocabulary. He loves to chat and talks about all sorts of things... We can make out the meaning of certain phrases but I am not sure if everyone else would be able to so I have developed a quick reference guide for you...

Japin=Jack Man

Hold you=Mommy/Daddy Hold me

Bone= Phone (Which Greg and I commonly say now even in public wo Jack)

Happened?=What is this mark on my leg/arm (insert whatever here)

B=Blanket

T=Television

Booberries=Blueberries

NO=Could mean yes or no depending on the action associated but is said often

Calr=Color and this means he wants to color immediately

Yucky=Anything on the floor that should not be there (fuzz, dirt, leaves)

Wash=I want to wash my hands right now

Cean=Clean

The rest of the words are pretty self explanatory so I won't go into them all.

Every day every second I am reminded of how much I love this little boy.

*I love the way he looks at his own picture and smiles the biggest smile and says "JAPIN!"

*I love when he constantly says "Hold you" because he wants me to squeeze him.

*I love when he points at his leg or better yet a blemish on my face with a very concerned look and says "Happened?"

*I love how he says "WOW" to anything I do out of the ordinary and is so fascinated by the little things, new things or anything Greg or I do.

*I love to watch him get so excited about coloring a page in a coloring book.

*I love how attached he is to his "B"/blanket and how he needs to have it to sleep.

*I love when he looks at pictures of Greg and I and gets a warm smile on his face when he says "Mommy" or "Daddy".

*I love how excited he gets when he sees me walk in the door every day.

*I love how excited he gets every morning when he gets to come snuggle with Greg and I.

*I love it when he plays chase with Greg around the house and you can hear him giggle with excitement 4 rooms away.

*I love how excited he gets about bubbles at bath time.

*I love how when he looks in a mirror he acts like he has just seen the most amazing and beautiful person in the world.

*I love how he freely gives kisses and asks for them from Greg and I.

*I love how he would prefer to sleep like a slug right up next to me every night if I would let him.

*I love how he hates pickles but loves to lick them to watch my face when he makes a sour face and then laughs so hard.

*I love how much he loves to DANCE and how he claps his hands and really feels the beat.

*I love how much he loves to read books!

*I love how he would wash his hands every second of the day if I would let him.

*I love how he picks up pieces of fuzz on the floor and says "Yucky" with a scrunched up face and hands them to me.

*I love how he hates wearing jackets.

*I love how he lays still when you change his diaper just to move like lightening as soon as you take it off.

*I love how he tells you when he is "tee teeing or poo pooing" but won't get on the potty first yet.

*I love how he likes to help me clean and he says "Cean" over and over.

*I love the way he hold my neck so tight and asks me to rock him before bedtime.

*I love how excited he gets when Daddy is on his way home or when he sees him at the door.

*I love love love how he is happiest in my arms...

*I love this little boy more than words can say. He has my heart and always will!

17 Months

Already time for another trim!

This is his "You are ridiculous face" where he appeases us but clearly things we are crazy.

We love Elmo!

Playing in the kitchen...

At the festival with Daddy looking at a pig....

What?

Deep thought or looking for a plane...

I love this one....

Loving the outdoors!

Working for me!

We have been busy lately with work and normal events so I haven't had much time to write. Jack is now 17 months old. He is really good at giving kisses. :) He is also obsessed with washing his hands and still loves baths (especially bubble baths) and being outside more than ever. He hates clothes especially jackets and long sleeves but if it were up to him he would rather be completely naked. He still does not like juice and only drinks milk and water. He loves ketchup and anything involving dipping your food. He likes Mexican food and will try just about anything once now. He does not like pickles but thinks it is funny to lick them. He is still a Mommy's boy but he is really good for Greg as long as I am not around. He likes it when Greg and I hug or kiss and has to be right in the middle partaking. He has a strong love for his "B" (blanket), Elmo, Cookie, and he like a particular Baby Einstein Movie as well as Praise Baby, Seasame Street, and Barney. We limit his TV but he definitely looks forward to it. He now knows what Pigs say and he always tells you when he sees a plane, bird, pumpkin, or school bus. He is getting good at temper fits and does his best to get his way. He is very dramatic. He is a joy and we love him very much. On my end I am feeling well and almost 26 weeks. The baby is moving and seems low maintenance. Sometimes when in the midest of busy days there are moments I forget I am pregnant until I look in the mirror! :) Of course that is when I am not counting my blessings as I would never forget then! Some of the pictures above are from when Jack came to work with me on my day off, when we went to a festival here, and others from around the house. We hope you enjoy them!

Our Little Man

My Super Angel!

Just playing...

Spaghetti and watermelon.... :)

This picture looks just like Uncle Spencer to me....

They must have made a bad call on the game Jack was watching....

Innocence

Profile while in thought...

This picture looks just like Greg to me.

He loves to be in control of the remote.

Posing for the camera..

Trying to look cool.

Updates on Jack- Well he hasn't had his flu shot yet. I'll just start with that. I say this because if he had already had his flu shot and if I had gotten mine prior to Friday we would be in Texas right now with Greg. Instead we are here lonely missing family, friends, and daddy! We had a wedding to go to for one of Greg's friends in Dallas which I am super sad to miss. I also had a surprise baby shower to go to given by 2 of my dear friends in Dallas Sarah and Jessica. (Thanks sweet ladies!) So here we sit- missing everyone and hoping everyone knows where our hearts are. Jack was really looking forward to the trip and so was I! Both the pediatrican and my OB recommended I cancel the trip due to Jack and myself being high risk and because of the flu rate in TX. So Greg flew there alone today and notified me that the plane was half empty. Just our luck! However- I was reminded by many that the way back might not be as lucky! :) We still hope and pray Greg stays well. I had already given Miss Joy the week off for her trip to Canada so I stayed home with Jack today and will tomorrow also. Jack was excellent today. We had so much fun he skipped his second nap and was asleep by 6:30 which typically means he will not sleep past 5:00am tomorrow and might even wake up at 4:00am. Usually 10 hours is his max but sometimes we get lucky. Let's hope for my sake tomorrow is one of those lucky days! :) So- about Jack- He is so much fun right now! He has so many new words and surprises me each day with something new. He can tell you where his hair, head, eyes, nose, mouth, arms, legs, belly button, tummy, feet, and toes are. He also knows what sounds Lions, Monkeys, Elephants, Cows, Horses, Dogs, Cats, and sometimes Ducks make. He LOVES LOVES LOVES Elmo! He also loves Cookie Monster. He calls him "Cookie". He looked at me the other day and right before he came over to hug me he said "Ove You!" This means I Love You. My heart melted. He says this often when we say it but this was the first time on his own accord. He loves baths again and likes to lay on his tummy and hang out half the time. He has gotten much better about holding my hand when walking. He still loves to be outside and would spend the whole day outside if we would let him. He really likes to play in my make up while Greg and I get ready for work each morning. :) He also has a dance marathon at least once a day. The radio goes on and he dances his heart out. I have tried to capture him on video but the problem is just how he goes crazy for the camera he does the same for the video camera. He is really into books and enjoys learning new words. His favorite foods right now are peas and corn on the cobb. He also loves Blueberries, watermelons, and grapes. He also loves his friend Grace. He talks about her all the time! They hug when she leaves and she kisses him on the cheek. So cute! All in all he is growing up so quickly. He makes me stop and thank God every day for such a blessing. He is literally growing up before my eyes. There are times I just sit back and get so sad with tears of joy watching him interact and learn. It is amazing how a little 16 month old has taught me so much and continues to teach me more about the world, myself, and others each and every day. His innocence is precious to me. Ok- enough of the sappy post. I hope you enjoy the pictures of my blessing as much as I do! :) XOXOXOXOXO

Texas Hugs!

Cutest Picture of Everyone!!!

Still sleepy!

How can I get out of doing this?

Hey- it is WAY to early for pictures people!

Why is G-Paws hand there?

Cheese!

Give me the camera!

Hello!!!???

Give me that camera!

Mommy! I want that camera!

What? I learned it from Daddy!

Hang on- I think I am swinging it right....

My in-laws came in town to visit this past weekend. We had a wonderful time! They are great guests to have around and Jack loved seeing his Grammie and G-Paw! He even said Paw a few times on his own. He can try and say Grammie but it doesn't come out right. We went out to eat several times and went to the park with Jack. Grammie and I walked the "big" hill to the park and let Jack play on the jungle gym. He had a great time. He enjoyed swinging and just being outside. He is definitely an "Outdoors" boy. He screams when it is time to go inside unless he is worn out. Grammie and I also took Jack to the mall- we were hoping to get a little shopping done but Jack changed our minds pretty quickly. He was not interested in being in a stroller and he would not walk when I put him on the ground. He wanted to sit and play with the floor and watch the people so we decided after a quick trip we had to head home to see our new clean garage that Greg and G-Paw had cleaned and organized! Thanks again Gary! The next day Greg and G-paw took care of Jack after meeting us for lunch. They took Jack home for a nap so Grammie (Diane) and I got to finish a little shopping. We found a few gifts in our search for flip flops for Gary and we looked at gliders for the baby's room because I hate our current one. We enjoyed the quiet time but missed little Jack Man! One night Diane cooked a fantastic meal with pork chops, mashed potatoes, pinto beans, green beans, and homemade peach cobbler! We were spoiled!!! She also unloaded and loaded the dishwasher before I could help with anything. Not only did Jack get spoiled this trip but I did too! I love my in-laws and we were sad for them to leave. Jack let Grammie rock him to sleep the last night which was HUGE considering he is usually the grouchiest at bedtime! He waved good-bye the next day to both of them and I know a little boy who is going to miss those 2 people along with us! We didn't get to take many pictures because Jack still attacks cameras but we did get a few.

On a side note-Jack had been very sick this past week before Grammie and G-Paw came in town, (he had 103.8 fever!!!!) and I spoiled him by giving him extra hugs and kisses. I may have created a Mommy's boy because since since being sick when I am around he attaches himself to my hip. He is still in this clingy funk and I can not get anything done! If I leave the house he crys but then he is completely fine. It is wearing me out! I love the attention but he literally wants to be at my side to do everything!

Anyway- we are glad he is feeling better and hoping for a long run of no more germs! Hope you are all doing great!

OH!!!! I forgot I have not updated many of you... We went to the doctor a few weeks ago and found out - It is a girl! Jack will have a little sister! I am 20 weeks and feeling large and in charge! The second one for me has been much faster at getting a big tummy! I feel like I look 8 months preggo! I would venture to say I have already gained 15 pounds. Aside from my sweet mother-in-laws cooking- I really don't eat bad! I even asked the Dr. and she said I was on track and that my stomach muscles were recently streched from Jack so with them being so close together my stomach expanded faster. Not sure if that was a nice line or what. LOL Oh well- Dieting can be done next year I guess! :)

Summer Fun 2009

My poor baby!

A little scared....

Don't look at me....

I look so ugly! (Not really just adorable but it looks like he is saying that.)

My pumpkin pie!

Photography by Greg Graham :)

He likes to climb UP the slide..... Lovely!

I spend most of my life chasing him now... :)

Sliding down!

Hello World!

Who me?

Im going down the slide!

I love driving!

Come on Mom- enough pictures!

Twins

Greg's shoe and my shoe....

Greg walking barefoot

Jack dancing because he knows he won!

Awe...

Cool Kid!

Greg in action

I'll show her!

The before pic.....Notice meat and veggies...

Now how do I walk in these things?

Easy...One step at a time.... I am styling profiling!

Up close and personal

I am a Big Brother!

Hanging out

Lilttle Einstein

Who does this look like?

As you know I am long over due on updating my blog with pictures. We have had so much fun with Jack lately I am not sure where to begin. The first pictures (From the bottom up) I will include are from the water park. He still isn't to sure what to think about it. He loves water but would rather sit in it than run through it. Jack and I had met a friend to eat lunch oneday and completely unprepaid I decided to take him walking in the fountains. We bought a swimsuit (we didn't have one with us) and I borrowed sunscreen. (Greg was not with us or he would have died of embarrassment that I took my child and then borrowed sunscreen.) He would have been even more embarrassed if he knew we didn't have a towel either so we dried off with the new clothes I had bought him while shopping for a swimsuit. :) Bottom line- with my spontaneous spirit that day Jack had a blast. Look how cute he looks! :) I couldn't resist. He started out testing the water with his fingertips and slowly crept in...The next set of pictures are random around the house. He is in one of his "I'm a big brother shirts here." Sarah made him this one. It is so cute. Jessica sent us another one but the pictures didn't come out. What thoughtful Sweet girlfriends I have! Jack is riding on his horse in one picture and his hair looks like Einstein so I had to post it. He rides his horse wild and crazy! The next pictures are Jack in his FIRST pair of official cowboy boots! Yep- you heard me! Jack's Uncle Spencer and Aunt Lauren sent him the boots for his birthday. They are so cute and super trendy must I say for a pair of cowboy boots! Jack still doesn't know how to walk in them but he enjoys trying them on. They are a little big so he has plenty of time to grow into them. Thanks Uncle Spencer and Aunt Lauren! Sorry the post is so late! The next set of pictures was during a little walk Jack and Mommy took. We walked to the club to watch Daddy play volleyball. Jack wouldn't eat his lunch at home so I fed it to him from his stroller. (This usually seems to work- he likes to cruise and eat while enjoying the scenary.) I posted the view I had for all to see. Corn dog (check), lima beans (check), cute baby (check).... But soon after I got a glimpse of what Jack was really doing with his veggies! Yes- he was already plotting how to get rid of them! This my friends is probably why his nick name around here is STINK. He is a li'l stinker!!!! See Hottie Daddy in the green shirt sporting his BU Love playing volleyball with the neighbors... Jack was clapping and cheering too cute! Sorry no picture of that. :( Next set of pictures is from our trip to the zoo. We were really excited about this trip and ended up being pretty let down. It rained and rained our entire way down there so when we got there all the animals were hiding. It is very hard to point out an animal far far away hiding to a 15 month old. Not very exciting. Our child also was the only one that decided to sit down in the middle of the road and scream if we tried to walk forward or pick him up. You can't tell but this zoo was REALLY busy and very spread out. Tons of people passed us as Jack had the most fun just playing on the trail while everyone walked around him. The picture above looks like Jack is dancing with excitment because Greg gave up on trying to pick him up and Jack refused to hold his hand and walk. So- I mentioned how spread out this zoo was- well- we literally walked for miles and of course my flip flop broke. You know the middle part between your toes? That came right out. If you have ever had that happen to you- then you know there is absolutely nothing you can do. So while I had to drag my foot to stay in my shoe (because I was not going barefoot on the filthy street as Greg suggested I do), Greg got a little impatient and decided to be the hero and lend me his shoe. He walked all the way back without a shoe.. It was hilarious... Here are the pics to prove it... If you know Greg- you know this is a big deal bc he doesn't deal with humilation well... It was soooo funny!!!! Here is his feet and then mine.... Next are pictures from dinner one night. We had dinner and then went to the playground. Jack and Greg look just alike in these. Jack loves the playground. He enjoys getting to be a big boy! Yes- Mommy was in high heels on the playset. Lovely! This year for Halloween Jack will be a JACK-O-Lantern of course! So here is a preview of the outfit.... I love it! I think I have the cutest pumpkin ever! Hopefully he will keep it on! Last but not least... Our first haircut! Meredith one of my good friends here had the honor. Jack was very good!!! He didn't move and only teared up when she wet his hair. He wasn't very excited though and was happy when the experience was over. We only got a little trim but it was well over due! Love you all!

Jack's T Shirt

Ok- So this weekend I had an important post to add and my computer crashed. I am now typing on a new laptop after a pretty penny later. We have been so busy lately and I have plenty of cute pictures to post. Unfortunately you will not get to view them now as I will have to find my old CD which had my camera info on it and redownload or order a new one before you get new pics... However- I will give you a sneak peek about a few of them. But first- have any of you read my sisters blog? Bass Family? Well- She is preggo! Yes I said it! Meredith is Pregnant! I have been waiting forever for her to be able to tell the world! We are oh so excited about this and can not wait to meet Little Bass! She knows I also had a secret to spill but what she didn't know was I was waiting on her news to be posted so I didn't steal her thunder... Yep- You guessed it - I am Preggo too. :) That is why the title of this is Jack's T Shirt. I got the cutest picture of Jack in his "I am a Big Brother" Shirt and that was going to be my post but of course the computer had to crash! Tomorrow I am officially 16 weeks so as you can tell I am a little late with my news...Now Jack will have a sibling and another cousin! This is serious I will tell you! In my family we had four kiddos yes, but we only had 1 cousin. I couldn't wait to grow up and for my kids to have cousins! Jack will be 2 and already have 2 cousins! That is a big deal! We are very excited and I will keep you all posted. I am feeling great and haven't a clue what it is. All my friends say girl because I had more of an upset stomach feeling with this one but Greg promises it is a boy. I will find out in a little over a week so we will see who is right. Greg was right last time and he said he is always right so I kind of want to prove him wrong. However- we will be happy with whatever the baby is and are thankful and excited. Please keep us in your prayers! Love you all!

14 months

He is so long! Look at the teeth marks on the crib.... :(


Brush Brush Brush your teeth!
Do you think he can see it?
This is how he prefers to watch TV in the playroom...




Jack is officially 14 months old. WOW is he a talker! It is so funny to hear him pronounce some words. He won't go down the grocery store aisle without screaming CRACKER. He also says Cookie (which he has never had but thinks he has), he said blueberries today when I put them in front of him. He will say Buppy for Puppy and Cucckers for Colors. He enjoys coloring when he doesn't decide to break and eat them. He says Boon for balloon and will hold the phone up to his ear all day if I let him carrying on a fake conversation. He has prank called a few people and when they answer he brings the phone to me. He tried ketchup yesterday and really liked it. His favorite food is blueberries and lasagna. He really likes Sesame Street right now and will beg to turn it on. He brings you the remote and turns it on own his own. He dances away. He still sings in the car and Seal yes Seal sings one of his favorite songs. He will walk around in the baby pool at the club and get brave and go under only to then want out. He likes Greg's golf club and hits any ball with it. He is really into climbing. He will climb on anything including coffee tables. He can tell you where your nose, eyes, and mouth are and on Friday Ms. Joy taught him to tell me what and elephant, puppy dog, and kitty say. It was so neat to watch him. He picks and chooses now when to answer those questions. He really does amaze me everyday with things he picks up on and new words he will say. He seems like such a BIG boy now! So sad! I took a picture of him sleeping tonight because he is stretched out like a big boy vs in a ball like he slept as a baby. He has always been a tummy boy-even before it was ok! You can't tell but in this picture he almost is the length of his crib! CRAZY! It turns into a day bed and toddler bed. This boy is tall! The other pics are from the pool. None turned out good but I figured we would post them. A few are from when he was playing with Greg's golf club but when I pulled out the camera he went crazy trying to steal it from me. The red cheek pictures are that way because we just came in from outside. He had been mowing the sidewalk with his bubble mower. :) In the playroom he sits REALLY close to the TV. It drives me crazy! I will move him back and he moves right back in front. I am including a pic bc it looks so silly. Miss you all!