Coolest Kid on the Block

Jake, you have gotten to do some pretty awesome things for a not quite two year old and this counts as one of those things. 

This weekend we visited Daddy's family in Modesto for a quick day. They own a wood mill, it's a super awesome place that you will get to explore someday. But, we went over there because they have a semi truck to make deliveries. You love all things transportation, and especially semi-trucks. When we pass them on the freeway you yell, "Semi...red (or whatever color it is) semi!" So we went over to ride in one. You absolutely loved it!! As soon as you saw the truck, you started running toward it, yelling "semi!! red, red semi...run, run!!" it was very cute to watch you study it as Matt started the engine and pull it out. You didn't hesitate at getting in. When you face new experiences you are usually quite, and taking everything in. Sometimes it is hard to tell if you are enjoying yourself, you are so quite. But, it's easy to tell that you are soaking up every little detail, observing all there is to see. Because come tomorrow you will talk non-stop about that semi! 

Uncle Matt loved driving you around. 

You got to pull the horn...and you wouldn't let go.

Driving for the first time at 21 months...Mama is so proud!! 

Riding with Daddy, Matt and Alex

You rode around and around the property, loving every second.

Happy boy in the red semi!

I love this picture. You love your uncle!

Honking that horn.

We are so blessed to have such cool family and such great opportunities to do these things. Your uncle Alex took these pictures to document your first semi experience, thanks Alex!! I am so blessed by the rich life you have already had. Surrounded by loving family and some great experiences thrown in. You are one blessed boy. Your little sibling has no idea what they are in for...a life full of love!!

Love, 

Mama/I promise, I rode with you in the semi, even with no picture to prove it. 

Funny little happenings...

You say the funniest things. Not only do you repeat almost everything we say but you come up with the funniest sentences. Here are a few cute things you say...

We were in the pool, you were 'painting' with water on the cement. You grabbed my chin and turned it toward you and said "mama, look with eyes", to which I replied "what are you doing Jake?", "Painting, look with eyes." I love when you say 'look with eyes', we are working on not touching everything we see, somethings are not safe, other things are way out of reach and make me almost drop you, somethings you just need to not touch and so on. So I have told you, "Jake, look with you eyes, not your hands, please." or "no touch, look with your eyes." You have picked up on that concept very quickly, you still touch things sometimes and I love that you say it to me...so funny. I just can't get over it...'mama, look with eyes!". When we are out people get such a kick out of you saying such things. You are so very smart...too smart sometimes.

Next story, We were meeting with our young marrieds group trying to find a Giant's game to go to. Prices went up this year because the Giants won the world series last year! So in joking, I said, "Darn the Giant's for winning the worlds series last year." You were walking around not paying any attention to us, just playing with your cars. But as luck would have it you walked over to me and said "dang it!" All of us could not believe it. I quickly explained to you that we don't say that and you went on your way. None of us wanted to make too much of a big deal of it or you would have kept doing it, thinking it was funny. Oh, buddy, mama needs to watch what she says around you...or were going to get called into the nursery!!

In this story you didn't say anything funny just did the funniest thing I have ever seen!! We went to AAA to get car insurance and you were with us. We knew that this would take some time, so I had plenty of cars and snacks. At one point you walked behind us while we were answering some questions. When we turned around you were licking with glass cubical wall. Tongue out, licking back and forth across the glass wall. I didn't laugh, although it was super funny. You got scolded and told to stay in the cubical and play with your cars. But, you had left your mark, two giant spit streaks across a glass wall (we caught you on the second spit streak!). Oh toddler of mine. Some parents might be mortified it this behavior but, what are you to do, it was funny, he was bored and he did get in trouble for doing it. We apologized and the insurance lady laughed. So, no harm done. Some windex and things will be back to normal.

You new favorite thing to tell/ask us is "read to Jake." I think it's funny that you refer to yourself mostly as Jakob and occasionally in certain phrases as Jake, like here. You will bring us books, even some of Mommy's baby magazines and Daddy's car magazines. You love to read, look at pictures and learn.

Your vocabulary is growing by leaps and bounds. It seems as though in two weeks you have learned how to put words together and your sentences just keep on growing. I'm always impressed by how quickly you pick things up. Just this week you have nailed down your colors and you are labeling things, blue truck, red semi, yellow jeep. I love it. You never stop talking, well, only to make car noises. We are so proud of you Jake. You are such a great boy, you bring so much joy to our lives!!

So, I forgot a story....Let me start by saying, you don't watch much TV, like maybe an hour a week, and even fewer movies. You have a Toy Story book with little character toys that came with it. You love this book. The other day you walked up to me, pointed to the TV and said, "Mama, show, please." I was stunned, you have never asked to watch TV before. "You would like to watch something on TV, Jake?" was my response. "yes please." well ok, so I asked you what you would like to watch and you said, "Buzz and Woody" this is particularly odd because you have never watched Toy Story or any shows with Buzz or Woody in them. "oh, you want to watch Toy Story?" I clarified. "Yeah" this is your response to everything. I say it and you say it just like me...we spend a lot of time together. Well, I couldn't figure out how to watch Toy Story off of our Apple TV, now I know, so we watched it the next day. You sat and watched the whole movie, we even had a special lunch on the couch of mac and cheese (your fav) while watching Toy Story. You loved it! Funny kid, you know what you want and now how to ask for it! You are growing up so fast. 

Love,
Mama/ proud to teach you!

Family

Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothes yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

Colossians 3:12

Family is such a gift little ones. These are the people the Lord has chose for you to live with. These people will teach you more about life and love than anyone else. 

Take the verse above and apply it everyday. Have love, patience, kindness, gentleness, compassion and humility toward each other.

These are the people that will love you for their lifetime. We will do our best to show you how much God loves you and to love you in the same way.

Do everything out of love.

We will have our moments of craziness and anger. But, Lord willing we can learn and grow and learn to truly value each other for who we are. 

Mommy and Daddy love you both, more than words can even express. We are striving each day to love the Lord, each other and you more. Lord knows we will fail but, the Lord never will. Let us all press on toward the goodness that is the Creator. We will run this race of life together, sharpening each other along the way. 

Love,

Daddy and Mommy

13ish weeks.

There you are sweet baby. 

We had an ultrasound done on the 18th of August to see if you were developing properly. You weren't very cooperative. The ultrasound checks the fluid between the skin and spinal cord and you were hanging out upside down and backwards so, they couldn't get a good measurement. They had me turn on my side, you still didn't move, then they had me pee and you finally flipped over. 

We got to see you. You had your hands up by your face and all over a sudden, one of your little hands came down and 'waved'. We said hello to you and Mommy almost cried. There you were, the size of a lemon and waving, so friendly already. obviously I know you didn't wave but let me live in my happy little pregnant world for now. 

The best news is when the Dr. came in and told us you have a VERY small chance of being born with any birth defects. I don't like calling them defects, they don't make you defective, you will be loved and special to us no matter what. It is just refreshing to know that you are growing and healthy. 

We love you so much, we are so excited to tell people about you and we can't wait for your arrival. Well we can wait a little, we need to narrow down some names before you come. Daddy and I can't decide or agree. Names are such funny things, the more I think about them, the more I don't like any name. They are weird things and sound weird when you say them too much. But, like most things, I'm making it a bigger deal then it should be. People will always have their opinions and we need to pick a name that will fit you and our family...of normal names!

Love,

 Mama/ can't wait to feel you kick!!

20 Months!!

You are 20 Months old. You are bring so much joy to our lives. You are loud and active, kind and compassionate, loving and honest (so far, unless you are joking). You have a cute little sense of humor and you love your family! Not just Mama and Dada but your uncles, Nana, Papa, Grandma and Grandpa too! You love when we are all together.  

You love swimming and playing outside. I can never ask you if you want to go in, the answer will always be "nooo." 

Which of course you learned to say. It is one of the cutest things you say, no, you purse your lips and drag out the 'o', it's really cute. You don't say it to me very often, only when answering questions. 

You have this game that you and Daddy play. He will ask you, "are you mama?" and you say "nooo", "Are you dada?", "nooo", "Who are you?", and you say "I Jakob!". It's very cute to hear you say your own name. You rarely call your self Jake, usually it's Jakob. 

Your favorite food is Mac-and-cheese. You ask for other foods occasionally but that is your all time favorite right now. You also enjoy, all fruit, corn, chicken, pizza, rice and beans and anything on my plate. 

Your favorite color is Orange followed closely by yellow. You know your colors but you want everything to be yellow and orange. 

You are starting to learn some numbers and letter. You know what 2 of something looks like, so that's helpful...pick out two books to read or grab two cars and you know what I mean...although 4 of something is more your style. 

You stuff your hands full of hot wheel cars, then you look at me with questioning eyes and nod...asking if you can take all of those cars with you where ever we are going. You love playing with cars, they are you favorite toys. 

You have also recently enjoyed playing in your kitchen. You make food and bring it to me to eat. 

You watch very little TV, when you do it's Sprout and Caillou is our favorite! 

You enjoy coloring and playing with play-dough. We have started playing with puzzles together and you seem to really like them. You match the shapes just fine, but you have little patience for putting the shapes in the right way...it's a work in progress. 

Your vocabulary is growing each day and you repeat almost everything we say. You even mimic our tone and inflection. You are our little parrot.

You love cuddling with your Daddy. You cuddle with me occasionally but you will sit with your Daddy every chance you get. You soak up your time with him!

You enjoy church and the nursery and it's never hard to leave you in there. You run off and play right away. 

You love reading books. We read 4 stories at nap time and at least one story at bed time. You really enjoy the Berenstain Bears stories. You have a shelf of books in your room and in the family room that you can get to any time. You walk over and pull books off the shelf and read to your self or bring them to us, to read to you. I am so glad that you love reading!

You love animals, all kinds, you even enjoyed watching Shark week with Daddy, just not the shark attack shows!! 

You love the Moon and stars, and all of nature, especially dirt!

Here are some other things you like...

Stickers. You are totally obsessed with stickers. You get a sticker at the grocery store when you have been good and I'm pretty sure you think fruit is only good for the stickers. You put the all over you, as seen in this picture below. Nana brought you these stickers and you insisted that they be all over your arms. We went to dinner this way. 

 You Hair being done. Whenever I'm getting ready you watch me do my hair and you always ask for me to do your hair. I never did you hair before you asked, I think it's funny that you wanted it done. You look so proud when your hair is styled, I think you feel like a big boy!

 Chocolate, you don't have it very often. This was the first time you have some. It's Dove dark chocolate, so at least there are some health benefits. You loved it, to say the least. You took one bite and went, "Mmmmmm". It was the funniest thing. Then you turned back to me and opened your mouth for more. You eat chocolate like your Mama, take a bite and suck on it till it devolves, then take another bite. It's a great way to not eat a lot but really enjoy it!!

 Cameras, you say cheese whenever you see one. I haven't been so good about busting out my big camera lately. I have been feeling tired, and it's hard to be inspired when you are exhausted. When you are in the mood you love having your picture taken. You love Photobooth on my computer because you get to look at yourself. It have been so funny to watch you become self aware and now totally into yourself. 

You can see in this picture that spot on the side of your head. You went strolling through the kitchen while something was being cooked with hot oil. It's splattered and you got burned. You might have a tiny, barley visible, scar. But you are safe and have learned to not play in the kitchen while people are cooking. 

You are quite the little ball of energy, running and jumping all around. You being so much joy to our lives Jake and we couldn't ask for a better boy. We love you so much. It is an honor to help you grow up. 

Love, Mama/ so proud of the boy you are becoming!

The Waiting Game

Hey baby,
I'm not sure what else to call you...little one comes out a lot but, it's hard for me to admit that your brother is not my little one any more. These past few weeks have been interesting. This time in pregnancy is not my favorite. I don't really look pregnant...you are showing up a little earlier than Jake did but I still look like I ate too much not full on pregnant belly. I feel off, not miserable, but off. My jaw has been killing me...this happened with your brother too...we thought is was a root canal issue but no, just my jaw. My whole left side of my neck gets really tight, my ear aches and my jaw throbs. So weird. It's just one of those things that happens. I took some Tylenol and applied heat and now it's mostly gone. But this time in pregnancy is most hard because there is a possibility of loosing you. It's in my mind most of the time, I try to shove out the worry and let the Lord hold you as He knits you together but my mind is still consumed. Not being able to feel you and only feeling slight symptoms of you even being there is scary to me. I love knowing that you are healthy and growing. So on the 9th of August I went to the Dr. and I got to hear your heart beat!! It took a while for her to find it, you were hiding...little stinker. When she found you and the rhythmic whooshing started my heart felt so full and warm.  You were alive and your heart was beating. You turned and the whooshing turned to galloping. I felt a huge sense of peace. Then the Dr. turned on the ultrasound machine and I got to take a peek. There you were...all 12 weeks of you. Perfect and being created right before my eyes. Carrying a child is truly a magical experience. I feel such an honor to be chosen to be your mama, to carry you for 9 months, to love you your whole life through, to teach you about the one who created you. I am truly honored. Well, I get to see you again tomorrow. I am so excited to see you, but this ultra sound makes me nervous. They are checking to make sure you are growing and developing properly. I don't get this ultra sound so we can end your life...that will never happen. I get this ultrasound mainly because I am obsessed with seeing you and secondly I really want to be prepared, for whatever the Lord has for us. We love you already baby, your daddy can't wait to find out if you are a boy or girl and we have our own predictions...but we must wait. It seems like an eternity! Wow, your mom is dramatic! We have to wait and that is that.

See you soon.

Love, Mama/ so in love with you already!

The first time

Hey Baby,

This past Thursday I had my first doctors appointment. I peed in a cup, got lots of gifts and magazines and best of all I got to meet you!! I was so excited when my sweet mid-wife, Maria, slathered that jelly on my tummy and I got to see your little heart beating wildly...at this stage you don't resemble that cute thing you will be later but miraculously you have all you need. You are already forming your brain and brain stem...lungs, eyes, heart, fingernails and cute little nose. You already know if you are a boy or girl, you just get to hold out on us for a few more months...let your mama dream and everyone come up with predictions!! This Dr. visit made everything so real to me. Yes, I had been feeling the symptoms of you but it is always such a joy to meet you. We will get to know each other quite well over the next nine months. These are some of my favorite times...feeling you kick and spin. I am already starting to show...I have the tiniest baby bump. I have switched out of regular pants and into nice stretchy pregnant pants (as to not squish you!). I'm not sure why people are against pregnant clothes. Mine are cute and oh, so, super comfy!! So, I have heard that you show earlier the second time but woah...here you are!! Just promise me one thing, you will come out face down...your big brother had trouble with that...so if you could...face down please!! Either way we will all be crazy about you and love you like crazy. You have a great big brother who is currently confused as to how there can be a baby in mommy's tummy. He will be so excited to feel you kick and maybe we can bring him with us to an appointment to see you!! He is going to take a big brother class at the hospital where you will be born so he can be all prepared for you! We are very excited about you and the addition you will bring to our family...I think we might be complete! 

Love, Mama/you're such a cute gummy bear!! (that's what 8 week olds fetus look like)

OH....PS...I am about 9 weeks along and you are due the 25th of February 2012!!

4th of July and a Video!!

We had a great 4th of July. We all hung out at Nana and Papa's house. All of your Uncles and Grandparents were there. Even your Great Grandma and Grandpa! And of course Mama and Dada. You were so anxious to go swimming when we got there. We ate a quick lunch and hopped in the pool! You weren't a big fan of sitting in your floaty thing but I think as you get more comfortable with the water you will like it more. You hung out with me for a little while, while you got used to the water. This was the first time you have been in a big pool since you were 6 months old. So, it took you some time to check things out and feel comfortable. Once you did though you had a great time. 

Playing with Uncle Steve!

You loved being on your tummy. I can't wait to teach you how to swim!!

Your floaty thing...it's ok...

Sitting on the steps with Mom

Chillin' with Uncle Matt

This is your jet, you love this thing...I'm sure this will get a lot of use as you get older!!

Some more floating

While you napped I napped with Ted!!

Smiling on your jet!

Blowing Bubbles!!! (Mama sings this funny song...I had a tiny turtle, his name was tiny tim, I put him in my bath tub to see if he could swim (splish, splash), he drank up all the water (glub, glub), he ate up all the soap (chom,chomp) and now my tiny turtle, has bubbles in his throat...then you blow bubbles in the water. Oh the things you learn when teaching kids how to swim!!)

This was after your nap and you begged to get in the pool again...shimming...shimming as you call it!

You like it, you really like it!!

A shot from under water...you were so happy being on your tummy in the pool. I am so excited for you to be in the pool more often. Your daddy and I grew up being part fish. We both love the water and know how to swim well. We are excited to teach you how to swim so you too can love the water with us!! 

This is a video of you "jumping" in the pool to your Daddy!

Announcement Time!!

Hey Baby, 

Your daddy got the great opportunity of speaking at our churches first Sunday service (our contemporary night service). Because he was speaking all of our family was there to hear him. It was July 3rd and we were planning on telling everyone on the 4th. But, we thought people might be expecting something and we just couldn't hold the news about you any longer. After Daddy spoke we went out to eat at BJ's. Which just happens to be the restaurant we announced our first pregnancy in. Not the same place just the same restaurant. Apparently BJ's is our announcement place. So, we were seated and I got up with Jake to change his diaper in the bathroom. While in there, he changed into his big brother shirt we had bought him and few days earlier. We came out of the bathroom and I said "Jake has an announcement!!". Everyone looked up at Jake and then slowly realized what was going on...Everyone was so excited!!! Hugs, clapping and some tears took place. Some had their suspicions that I was pregnant....but now it's official...people know about you are we can begin to share our joy with the world!! People normally don't announce anything this early. With our family we will always tell them first and then we tell the world a few weeks later. This is still a scary time...every mother worries about loosing a baby. Every twinge and cramp make me nervous. I hope that you have taken up a mostly permanent residence in there. You have been causing me some trouble...your brother was not like this early on. You have been making pretzels my favorite food and my joints feel like I'm 90 years old...thats not fair, I'm sure some 90 year old people have great joints. The thing is every time I have to get up or down to the floor to play with your toddler big brother my knees feel as if they might explode. And the nausea...is not so fun. But I'm sure people have had worse. Really I have nothing to complain about. I am carrying you and with that there are some symptoms to ignore! I love being pregnant and we are so excited that the Lord has blessed us with the joy of another child. I am so excited to meet you all ready. I can't wait to feel you and see you in ultra sounds. This whole process is a miracle and I am blessed to be witness to it!! You are all ready a joy!! Maybe we should work that into your name somehow...we are starting to roll some names around. So, if you decide to let us see if you are a boy or girl...we will be prepared! love you already baby!

Love, Mama/so glad our family knows about you, I might have gone crazy!

The Best News

Well Jake, a lot is going to be changing around here....Mama took 5 pregnancy tests and they all came back positive!! It was Thursday June, 16 and I had a feeling something was different. I had been super ditzy the past week and my joints were starting to feel old! So I tested, your daddy was at work and getting ready to leave for Mexico for a week, needless to say, I was a wreck all day keeping the new to myself. 

When Daddy got home that night I stuck three pregnancy tests in a box...grossest gift ever, I know...wrote him a simple card about what a great daddy he has been to you so....SURPRISE!!! At first Dad thought the tests were negative. In a barley lit room and the tests were super light...but, no, I told him to look again. He did and he looked at me, said "really?", like I was playing some not funny joke..."yes, really!". We hugged and talked about what a great big brother you were going to be and how to keep our news a secret long enough to tell everyone at one time. 

this is the box daddy received...

with three tests inside!

So Jake you are going to be a big brother, and a great one at that. It still hasn't set in yet, this is a game changer all over again. First having you changed our world and now this will change our little family all over again! It's so exciting, slightly nerve wracking and I am so thankful!! 

So...now we have to change the name of this cute little blog...it's no longer just you Jake. Sharing your world with another child might be hard at first but, it's such a joy. Siblings are like live in friends...at least they should be. The occasional fight but lots of love! Being a big brother is going to teach you so much about sharing and giving and loving. I am so excited to be on this journey with you and to teach you how to be a great older sibling...daddy and I both have lots of experience!! 

Love, Mama/loving both her babies!