More Good Times with Tyler and Miss Kim

Miss Kim has been so good and helped out a lot taking care of Jon David the past two Wednesdays. It's a bonus because I was able to get my hair done one day and then we had the big ultrasound this week. Tyler loves having his buddy come over and they play together really nicely. I'm so surprised and pleased that they have not had any drama over toys or whatever. It's neat to think that they can grow up together. And I could not ask for a sweeter friend than Kim. So, it's just such a blessing. Though, I do have one issue - look at what Kim put on my son (see above)?? He looks like, "Ummm - what are these weird things?" Actually, I think it's a fantastic photo and am glad she was able to capture it.

More Ultrasound Pictures

Here are some pictures of my oh so handsome son! I think I'll go ahead and send these to babyGap for this year's contest (which, by the way, should start in October/November - so get your pictures ready to enter!!). Per the lab tech, "Cupcake" (which now sounds a little too feminine for my new son) has big feet. Interesting...

More to write later. Today has been a blah sort of day. Maybe it's the suddenly cool weather and rain or it could be all the running from the long weekend we had catching up to us. Either way, I'm looking no different at this moment than I did when my sweet husband left for work this morning. Poor guy!

It's a...

I could be like Ryan Seacrest on American Idol and draw this out and just make everyone crazy with anticipation... that could almost be fun in a not nice sort of way. But, I'll be a good blogger and spill the beans.





IT'S A BOY!!!!!!

I was right. Him's a boy, alright. No doubt about that! We are thrilled and I have visions of my two boys playing and maybe sharing bunk beds one day. A girl would have been a blessing but I know boys. I always say, "Boys love their mamas!" and I think it's true. And it was so wonderful to watch our baby moving. I still can't feel him and it was such a relief to hear the doctor say that he looks great. Apparently, he has big feet which is a trait that I sort of have and that JD does not. So, maybe there is a slight chance that this baby will bear some resemblance to the woman carrying him around all these months. I won't complain though; both my son and husband are terribly handsome. I'm crazy about them both. And now I have another to just adore, hug and love forever and ever. And, to boot, I will still be the queen and not having to share the affections of my guys.

Now, what to name this fella???


Just because I subscribe to the "it's not a post if it ain't got a picture..." club, here is big brother.

I'm Back!

You've heard of storm chasers, the folks who hop in their cars to see some big storm. Well, my family spent a weekend as baby chasers. My brother-in-law and his wife had their baby girl on Friday and though we missed the actual birth, we were there soon after. Hop in the car the next day and spend another 7.5 hours in the car heading back home, stay the night and then leave Sunday for VA to see baby #2. We were actually there in the waiting room along with my sweet nephew when my sister-in-law and her husband welcomed their baby girl. Both babies are cute, cute, cute and doing well! Praise the Lord!

I've got to get back in the blogging groove and I think my inspiration will come tomorrow when we find out if we're having a boy or a girl! :) CAN'T wait! Though many are claiming this is a girl, I'm thinking it's a boy. We shall see!

Until then, here is a picture of another of Jon David's firsts - his first "injury." The incident occurred while visiting his grandparents on their driveway. Doesn't he look just like a boy showing off his cuts and scrapes?? I have a feeling that there are many more of these in our future. Help!

Just after a bath and before bed... Daddy is making him laugh!

The World's Most Catchable Ball

Never buy an averageball again! Introducing the world's most catchable balls - a Gertie Ball!

While in a toy store, a fellow Mommy approached us as we were looking to buy Jon David a ball. She went on and on about the wonders of the Gertie ball. Though strange looking, how can you not listen to such high praise for such weird looking balls and from an unsolicited, reputable source. What makes them really neat is that you adjust the amount of air in the ball (because you inflate it yourself). Most regular balls are filled with so much air that little hands cannot get a good grasp on them, but not our Gertie.

We have one that is the Bumpie and is really strange looking as you can see. I should note that all their balls are not weird looking; some are even pretty. We just picked a weird one because we thought Jon would like the bumps. Our next purchase will probably be the Large Sports Bundle. Big surprise there!

Fellow Mommies - please post back and share your favorite toys! I'd especially like to hear of ones that may not be well known.

Spring is here!

I'm double posting today so be sure to click below on the previous post and see Jon David doing a little jig in his onesie and socks while holding his phone. VERY cute. :)

Spring is here!! Praise the Lord! We are indeed in spring and it feels so good! Though, officially ours is a "fall" family with the autumn being our favorite season, spring is a close second. Jon David and I took to the outdoors and played bubbles and he just took it all in. He now often asks, "Ut oh???" and points to things. I think this is his way of doing the following: asking permission to explore something, making sure what he's looking at is not going to hurt him and just an overall way of checking that all is well in his little world. So, for example, when examining some dirt under a tree, he asks, "Ut oh??"

Because he is often "redirected" in his day, anytime I tell him "okay" or give him a positive sign, he wants to hear my approval again and again. So, we do this non-stop. It's really really cute and I'll have to get it on video for you to see.

Enjoy the pix! Enjoy the pretty spring weather! Thank you, Lord, for SEASONS!

He loves to carry the bottle of bubb-buls.

So brooding - what a look!

Deep thoughts...

"Ut oh???" Translation: "Mom, what is this stuff?"

Happy Feet!

Ahhhhh... My New Pillow!

Well, it's that time of my pregnancy when my husband starts to learn to sleep in about 1/5 of the space that he is used to. All cuddling will probably cease too due to the arrival of my new pregnancy pillow! I did not need a pillow like this until well into my third trimester with Jon David. But, this pregnancy is much more physically challenging for me and my back has been hurting pretty good. I am thrilled that my mammoth pillow is finally here and I may get some relief. I am a bit sad to think that I won't be seeing much of my sweet husband in the night since this thing is pretty massive. Good thing for me that he is very understanding and accepts his new, much more reduced, cuddle-free space!

A Daddy's Love

"There is something ultimate in a father's love, something to be believed in against the whole world." - Frederick W. Faber

I know this was the good Lord's doing but sometimes I get really proud of myself for picking out for my children the most wonderful daddy. While looking at my growing belly and thinking of life for "Cupcake," I was so excited for this new baby who will get to share with Jon David in the joy of having a daddy who shows unconditional love for his family. Of course, this kind of fatherly love is but a glimpse of the perfect love we have in our heavenly Father. Praise God for daddies!!
I found a great quote while scrapbooking this weekend and included it with a picture of Jon David when he was 8 months old. My two guys with the same name... I'm so blessed!

Chatting over breakfast

Short post today. Here's my little man chatting and eating waffles. I just love the "Ohhhh Wow!" that he says.

My Son, the Vampire!

OUCH!!!

Lest there be any danger in me remaining poetic and philosophical about this blessing called motherhood, I was QUICKLY brought back to reality around 7:45 this morning. While playing with Jon David, I went to pick him up to put him in his high chair. He was giggling; all was well in our little world. Then, out of the blue, he clamps down on my collarbone and held on for dear life. I was so not expecting anything like this and it's sort of a miracle that I did not drop him out of shock not to mention pain. The little booger held on for a few seconds until I could get him situated to force him to move. When I, in my stern mommy voice, told him, "No, Sir! No bite! That hurts Mommy!", he did not seem to get it. I know this because he now has started to often give a raspberry sound when I scold him and proceeds to find a place to either bang his head or he'll fall on the floor. This time, he just sort of looked at me as if I were the one with the problem. Ugh! He has only done this a few times over the past few months but he has started to sometimes pinch me when I am changing his diaper (which is the topic for another blog). I use my mommy voice and move out of his range. Could this be the terrible 2s coming a wee bit early? He's such an over-achiever! Starting the terrible 2s early! ;) Any parenting advice is welcome.

Here is a picture of my injury taken almost 12 hours after the "incident." I will not be pressing charges because I love him and he's so cute...

A Prayer for Our Son

As Jon David and I were playing outside today, I was struck by watching him walk along the winding sidewalk. I found myself getting all philosophical about how we are growing him to one day be strong and, we pray, follow the Lord's leading in his life. And, from what I hear, if we do our job really well, he will one day leave the comforts of life with me and his daddy and go and find his own way in the world. And, if we really get it right, he will often return because he loves (and likes!) us.

Though days like today where the whining is plentiful and the tears for very small (perceived!) injustices are quick to flow, I know deep in my heart that this season is short- far, far too short. And, I pray that Jon David will learn to call upon the Lord for his salvation and grace at an early age. Yes, I want him to be a happy boy but more than his happiness, I want the peace which surpasses all understanding that only comes from our Heavenly Father. I do pray that Jon David will call upon the name of Jesus Christ and know the blessed assurance that only the Savior's love allows.

It's scary to watch my boy walk. He often falls; he often gets hurt. Guess what, same goes for his parents. I bet it's also hard for the Lord to watch us walk and stumble as we do. So, you see, all this running through my mind as I'm snapping away at the most precious baby boy who is actually not really even a baby.

Lord, I can't keep him from falling and I don't think you even want me to. I recognize that he is ultimately YOURS and in Your hands, I trust him. I pray that you protect him every step of the way. Make me the mommy that he needs and the mommy that brings you glory. I know you are working on this already in his daddy. We trust you, Lord, for you are GOOD all the time. You are the Potter and we are your clay! Use us to your glory!

Today's blog is brought to you by...

Luke 2:19 is brought to you today by Smoothie King! America's #1 Juice Bar!

In an effort to raise some cash, I have an idea. I'll open my blog up to sponsors! I mean, people have done things like sold the naming rights to their babies (their parenting card should be permanently taken away), put tattoos of casinos on their chests and many other ridiculous ideas. All I'm saying is that I am willing to put my good name behind a few products. To keep my credibility, I am only willing to allow sponsors for products that I truly love.

I guess you could say that babyGap is already a sponsor for our family especially since they are clothing us for a year (thank you, babyGap!!) and they did spoil us for a week in Hawaii, etc., etc. But, here are some other companies (if you are out there reading this blog) that I would be willing to entertain some sort of business/financial relationship...

1. Bobbi Brown Cosmetics. Love it - so wearable, so fun. Even if I only wear make-up maybe 3xs a week, I like for it to look nice.





2. Huggies Baby Wipes, Shea Butter. If I gotta be in there cleaning up, I at least want the wipe to smell nice and for it to be sturdy enough so that my hand does not break through.







3. Peeps. Sooo fantastic and FAT-FREE! Sugary dee-light!







4. Select Comfort Sleep Number Bed. Disclaimer: we don't yet have one but I'm SURE we'd love it! Trust me, we could use a good night of sleep. With all the moving around I do and getting up 3xs a night with a teeny tiny bladder, we need all the help we can get!







5. Fisher-Price and LeapFrog. What fantastic toy companies! How many mommies can sing along with me, "A says Aaah. A says Aaaah. Every letter makes a sound. A say Aaah."

A Breakthrough Moment

After literally 9 months of using sign language with Jon David, he finally "spoke" to me using his hands! I've kept the signing super simple and only done a few: eat, drink, all done, more and please. Can you guess which one he now knows? EAT! I was so so excited to watch him mirror me and tell me that he wants to eat. Of course, I still say the actual words but this is so nice because he has a way of telling me what he wants and needs. He's VERY proud of himself and because of this, he has been eating quite frequently lately. I am trying to reinforce his communication and pretty much get him food anytime those little fingers make their way to his mouth in the "Eat" manner. It's just SO cool because he is really starting to "get it." I can tell him to go see his bear (the big babyGap bear) and he'll go; when he asks to go "Nigh Nigh" and I actually tell him, "Okay. Now go to your room.", off he goes. It's like the whole world is starting to open up for him. He is indeed "wonderfully and fearfully made." - Psalm 139:14. Thank you, Lord!

What Hunks!

I felt like the belle of the ball. I had not one, but TWO fantastically handsome fellas going to church with me this morning. Jon David wore a tie for the first time and my sweet husband (who earns a million bonus points for allowing me to rest a bunch this weekend) looked irrestible in his corduroy pants. I am one blessed, blessed woman!

You've Got a Friend in Me

It's so neat to see aspects of Jon David's personality emerge. He's become rather affectionate and it melts my heart. He can't resist hugging me when I am on the floor playing with him and kind of slumped over. He even says, "Awwwwww." He'll pick up a favorite toy, or at least favorite for the moment, even if it's a toy car and put it up to his check and again say, "Awwwwww." He gets SO excited when Da Da comes home and asks for him all day long. How sweet is that?!

And, something else new is his friendship with Tyler. Most of the time, kids do parallel play and that's often how he interacts with everyone including Tyler. But, usually upon seeing his buddy, he just feels the need to go hug the big lug. I don't know if it's just that Tyler is terribly huggable with his Winnie the Pooh belly but, whatever the reason, Jon David loves his buddy. I even think Tyler enjoys the hug though he has a macho 16-month old stance while being embraced. But, something in Tyler's eyes tells me that he also likes Jon David's hugs. It's also neat because the people in the Bible for whom Jon David was named were Jonathan and David. Theirs was an amazing friendship.

Here are a few pictures of the guys hangin' out at the gym (aka "Little Gym"). I also included the words to a great song from Toy Story by Randy Newman. It kinda fits these little guys who were born about 48 hours apart. (EXTRA bonus - Tyler's mommy, Kim, is one of my favorite friends and I'm soooo thankful for her friendship!!).

You've got a friend in me

You've got a friend in me

When the road looks rough ahead

And you're miles and miles

From your nice warm bed

You just remember what your old pal said

Boy, you've got a friend in me

If you've got troubles, I've got 'em too

There isn't anything I wouldn't do for you

We stick together and can see it through

Cause you've got a friend in me

You've got a friend in me

Crocs? For me? Really??

I'm probably one of the last people to actually own a pair of these wacky things. And, I'm not even sure that I'll really wear them much. But, maybe I will. DH swears that they will be exactly what I want/need when my feet get nice and big and I can't bend down to tie shoelaces. Side note: my girlfriend said you can always tell a pregnant woman by the way her shoelaces are tied. They are always tied way to the inside because we have to bend over so funky and can't get the bow in the center. Anyway, DH came home with Crocs for the two of us. His are blue and mine are hot pink. I have friends and family who swear by these things (and even put little decorations on them) and I think the shoes are fine - for them. I just never thought I'd have a pair. So, do YOU wear Crocs? Help sell me on them please. Tell me that it'll take the attention away from my expanding bum and people will just think how cute my feet look. :) Please, tell me your Croc story! :)









Here is what the folks at Crocs.com have to say about why I should wear their shoes.

1.) Really soft, super comfortable, molds to your feet
2.) Barely there, weighing only 6 ounces
3.) Vented so air passes through, keeping feet cool
4.) Non-marking slip-resistant soles
5.) Bacteria and odor resistant
6.) Ultra-hip Italian styling
7.) Port holes allow water and sand to pass through
8.) Can be sterilized in water and bleach
9.) Easy maintenance, just wipe clean
10.) Orthotic molded foot bed for ultimate comfort and support

The Ut Oh Song

I should have noted that "ut oh" can also be used as a song. Enjoy!

Jon David's Vocabulary

From what I read, parents need to count the number of words their children can say. It's good for milestone tracking. So, I've been keeping a running tally and here's what my little one is saying these days.

1. "Ooooh Wow!" This is our family motto for 2007.


2. "Ut oh" - he uses this when the phone rings, the oven timer goes off, a lovey jumps overboard out of his crib and any other time he is surprised. Terribly cute!


3. "Da Da" - such a sweet sound the way he says it.


4. "Ma ma" - sometimes he draws it out and sounds so sweet; other times, it's like he is saying "Mooooom!" the way I anticipate him using it when he's older.


5. "Baaay bee" - used to describe anyone under the age of 10. He loves to see pictures of babies.


6. "Bub bules" - we LOVE bubbles!!


7. "Nigh Nigh" - yes, if you can believe it, Jon David will often ask to go to bed. Before you get all jealous, sometimes when in his crib, he changes his mind and no longer wants to go to sleep.

Also, I included in this post a photo of my other Valentine's Day present from my sweet husband. Jon David made the cover of my hometown paper (The Naperville Sun in Naperville, IL). The picture of him is HUGE. JD framed it for me and I just love it!

1st Trip to the ER

The good news is that I believe that we have turned the corner but my little guy had a rough weekend which concluded in his first trip to the ER. Saturday morning he became ill though we hoped it was just a fluke and that he was okay. But, by the time he had thrown up three times, we figured that he was officially not well. Saturday night was marked by a high fever and lots of wakings. Daddy slept on the floor next to him which helped reassure him that everything was going to be okay. Sunday we kept the fever, ditched the nausea and moved to good ol' diarrhea (which I now know how to correctly spell). :) Because his fluid intake was pretty much non-existent, the high fever and lethargy, we decided to not risk him getting dehydrated and took him to the ER. A few hours later, we were reassured that he was just the victim of a nasty GI virus making its way around and that he was not dehydrated. While at the hospital, he started to drink again and was a happy camper by the time we put him to bed. He slept well and has shown all the good signs we wanted to see this morning. Having a sick baby is the WORST (except for the fact that they really want lots of hugs and kisses from Mommy and Daddy). I praise God for healing our little one and pray that he continue to improve.

PS - not that it's important, but the Billy Joel concert was amazing (see previous post). Thanks to Grandma who took such good care of Jon David while we had a night out. Billy Joel played all the songs I wanted with the exception of "So It Goes" and "Just the Way You Are." What an entertainer!

Billy Joel!

How cool is this??? We're going to see Billy Joel tonight! I've ALWAYS wanted to see him and can't believe that tonight I will. Grandma and Grandpa will be babysitting and we'll enjoy a night out. Here are some of the songs I hope to hear...

1. Piano Man (I'll rush the stage if he does not play this one, I swear!)



2. And So It Goes (doubt he'll play it)



3. Scenes from an Italian Restaurant



4. Just the Way You Are



5. She's Got a Way



6. An Innocent Man

I'll report back about how the night goes!

Our Reading List

What we're reading these days:

1. JD: Amazing Grace: William Wilberforce and the Heroic Campaign to End Slavery. He says that it's awesome, very inspirational.
2. Me: Shepherding a Child's Heart given as a gift from our dear friends, Denise and Chris. I love how the focus is not so much on having perfect children who never disobey but rather preparing their hearts for what God wants to teach them.
3. Jon David: I Love You, Stinky Face is the book he's reading in this picture. He also enjoys some picture books about babies "Bubb Bies" and The Very Busy Spider gets a lot of play as well.

I'd love to hear what you are reading and any recommendations you may have!