Little Man Jake is 1 month old today.
I told Celie that this morning and she suggested that we needed to make a cake for him. Though that sounds like a GREAT idea to me, I don't think any of us, except for maybe Anna, could use the extra calories right now. So, we will celebrate in great spirit today.
Jake is doing very well. I think that he definitely has grown. We have had some difficulty with him sleeping, spitting up and being a little on the irritable side. I called the Dr. and she suggested that I switch him to a soy based formula. It seems to have done the trick. He is spitting up FAR less - no projectile spitting and he is sleeping much better than he was. Bob and I are actually getting a little bit of sleep at night. YEAH!! Now, we are just hoping for a little more time sleeping at night and less during the day.
Happy 1 Month Jake!
Friday, January 30, 2009
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Misc. Pics
Trying to get a family picture. Can you tell that they were watching Kung Fu Panda? I had to stand in front of the TV to get the girls to look at me. Still didn't work - at least for Anna!
Dorky picture of me with a great picture of Anna. This was taken by me - so not bad for the Howie method of taking pics. (long armed).
Celie and I looking weird in our own ways.
Jake - that is what he looks like when he is hungry and lately, unfortunately, he has been hungry every 2 hours. We think he is going through a growth spurt.
Dorky picture of me with a great picture of Anna. This was taken by me - so not bad for the Howie method of taking pics. (long armed).
Celie and I looking weird in our own ways.
Jake - that is what he looks like when he is hungry and lately, unfortunately, he has been hungry every 2 hours. We think he is going through a growth spurt. 
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
I cried today
My brother and I some times comment on the ease in which our father can cry, kind of like those sappy Hallmark commercials. However, we love him for it.
I wish I could blame it on pregnancy hormones, but I am not quite sure how long AFTER delivery that I can actually use that as an excuse. Therefore, I will have to face the facts that it might be genetic and I am more like my father than I thought.
For today, I cried. Bob asked me why I was crying and all I could say was I am not sure why.
I have to admit that I was pretty much glued to the television today. No, there were not all new episodes on HGTV or FoodNetwork, but I was fascinated by all of the Inauguration events that were taking place.
I know that I have not lived as long as some, but I do not remember a time when there were so many expectations, so much celebration, so much media surrounding the festivities of the president elect. I also never thought that I would see what happened today in my life time - not only an african american president elected and sworn into office, but the hope that many have placed upon his shoulders. Many have been calling this an historical event. Yes, I would have to agree. However, what really made me cry today was seeing the mall filled to the brim with people. For some/many that have never been to the mall, it might seem pretty trivial. I had to explain to Bob why I was so amazed at the sight of it. Even on TV it looks pretty massive, however, I have been to the mall on several occassions and found it a wonderful, peaceful and LARGE place. However, every time I have visited, it was during the spring or summer when their were leaves on the trees. The foliage does provide one with the sense of intimacy. The feeling that even in a vast area, there is a cozy, safe feeling. Seeing the mall without the foliage, you could just see the never ending sea of people. People who came from all over to witness the historical moment. It was seeing all of those people, people hoping and wishing for a change, that made me cry. Maybe finally, our country's top officials can work together for the good of the people - for it is the people that put them where they are. I some times think that those in Washington forget that. Actually, I think that many politicians starting from local government to Washington forget that.
I have hopes for a new era. I know it will be hard, but I am hopeful for our future and the future of our children and our children's children.
I know it might sound cliche, but it is the truth. It is how I feel and that is why I cried today.
I wish I could blame it on pregnancy hormones, but I am not quite sure how long AFTER delivery that I can actually use that as an excuse. Therefore, I will have to face the facts that it might be genetic and I am more like my father than I thought.
For today, I cried. Bob asked me why I was crying and all I could say was I am not sure why.
I have to admit that I was pretty much glued to the television today. No, there were not all new episodes on HGTV or FoodNetwork, but I was fascinated by all of the Inauguration events that were taking place.
I know that I have not lived as long as some, but I do not remember a time when there were so many expectations, so much celebration, so much media surrounding the festivities of the president elect. I also never thought that I would see what happened today in my life time - not only an african american president elected and sworn into office, but the hope that many have placed upon his shoulders. Many have been calling this an historical event. Yes, I would have to agree. However, what really made me cry today was seeing the mall filled to the brim with people. For some/many that have never been to the mall, it might seem pretty trivial. I had to explain to Bob why I was so amazed at the sight of it. Even on TV it looks pretty massive, however, I have been to the mall on several occassions and found it a wonderful, peaceful and LARGE place. However, every time I have visited, it was during the spring or summer when their were leaves on the trees. The foliage does provide one with the sense of intimacy. The feeling that even in a vast area, there is a cozy, safe feeling. Seeing the mall without the foliage, you could just see the never ending sea of people. People who came from all over to witness the historical moment. It was seeing all of those people, people hoping and wishing for a change, that made me cry. Maybe finally, our country's top officials can work together for the good of the people - for it is the people that put them where they are. I some times think that those in Washington forget that. Actually, I think that many politicians starting from local government to Washington forget that.
I have hopes for a new era. I know it will be hard, but I am hopeful for our future and the future of our children and our children's children.
I know it might sound cliche, but it is the truth. It is how I feel and that is why I cried today.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Celie the Snow Bunny
The weather outside is too cold for me, but not for my Polar Bears. The temp out is about 23 and with the "real" feel of about 16. Bob bundled up Celie and the two of them were outside for almost 2 hours. I captured some of their adventures through the warm comfort of the dining room.
My Polar bears coming up from the sled run that goes between our house and our neighbor Jim's house. Bob created a sledding run that has banks along the edges so that riders can avoid the trees and the creek. Yeah, thank goodness.
Celie taking a break from sledding and helping Bob shovel the snow off of the driveway and sidewalk.
Here is video of Celie sledding down the hill toward the ravine in our back yard. I was pretty shocked the first time that I saw her do this. I thought for sure that she was going into the creek. Thank goodness for the embankment Bob put in place.
My Polar bears coming up from the sled run that goes between our house and our neighbor Jim's house. Bob created a sledding run that has banks along the edges so that riders can avoid the trees and the creek. Yeah, thank goodness.
Celie taking a break from sledding and helping Bob shovel the snow off of the driveway and sidewalk.
Here is video of Celie sledding down the hill toward the ravine in our back yard. I was pretty shocked the first time that I saw her do this. I thought for sure that she was going into the creek. Thank goodness for the embankment Bob put in place.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Dress Up Girls
Celie decided that she wanted to put on her Cinderella dress. (I think she is too big for it, so I think she won't be wearing it much longer). So, of course, Anna had to put on one as well. She started out with the Aurora dress on. However, it was too big for her. Then I found her Snow White dress and that was more to her liking. Then we went all down stairs for their princess photo op. Had to snap a few of Jake as well. Enjoy!
Anna with her best princess proper pose.
Celie NOT striking a princess pose.
Anna saying "cheese" for the camera.
I know she is thinking - why won't mom let me watch WALL-E again today.
Jake unphased by the princesses.
Twirling princess Anna.
Stinker princess.
Anna with her best princess proper pose.
Celie NOT striking a princess pose.
Anna saying "cheese" for the camera.
I know she is thinking - why won't mom let me watch WALL-E again today.
Jake unphased by the princesses.
Twirling princess Anna.
Stinker princess.
Jake's 1st Bath
We have given Jake a few sponge baths, but we had to wait for his umbilical cord to fall off before we could give him a "real" bath. However, since we cannot find the small baby bath and I didn't feel like cleaning out the sink and such to give him a dunk type bath, I decided another sponge bath would be just fine. So, I cleaned and cleared the island thinking this would be a great photo opportunity as well. It could have been. However, Bob was upstairs doing something while I was bathing him, so I wasn't able to grab the camera until after I was finished with him. He was tolerant of the bath, but didn't like it very much. He doesn't like to be cold. He does take after me, I think. :)
He is not happy about all of the pictures that I am taking.
Look at Mr. Lanky here. You would never know that he is that long because he bunches his legs up inside of his sleepers. I am sure that will change soon. I still have to remember that he is only 2 1/2 weeks old.
He is not happy about all of the pictures that I am taking.
Look at Mr. Lanky here. You would never know that he is that long because he bunches his legs up inside of his sleepers. I am sure that will change soon. I still have to remember that he is only 2 1/2 weeks old.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
2 weeks Old
Jake is 2 weeks old today. Therefore, he had his 2 week check up at the Ped's office. He has regained all of the weight that he lost in the hospital. And he has grown a 1/4 of an inch. The Dr. said that he is doing really well. She did give us a rec to have an ultrasound done at 6-8 weeks for his hips. Even though it is uncommon for boys to have hip issues, she said that with Celie's and Anna's history, she would rather be safe than sorry. No shots for him today, but he will have a series of them at his next visit - at 2 months.
Our Last X-mas
We had a great time visiting with Aunt Sue & Uncle Tom. They braved some pretty icky weather to come see us. It took them over 9 hours to drive to OH. But we had a great visit and were able to celebrate our last x-mas with them, Mr & Mrs O and Mike.
Mike made it back from Manchu Piccu in one piece and without any sniffles or ills. He had some great pictures and it was wonderful to see his slide show and hear all about his trip. It sounded like he and Ezra, his friend that went with him, were the most prepared travelers, besides the guides, in the group. He had a wonderful time.
For our last x-mas meal, I made a beef tenderloin, roasted potatoes, steamed carrots, and a frou frou salad. It was very yummy and there were hardly any leftovers.
It was good to visit with everyone and the girls had a great time chasing and being chased by the Uncs.
Mike made it back from Manchu Piccu in one piece and without any sniffles or ills. He had some great pictures and it was wonderful to see his slide show and hear all about his trip. It sounded like he and Ezra, his friend that went with him, were the most prepared travelers, besides the guides, in the group. He had a wonderful time.
For our last x-mas meal, I made a beef tenderloin, roasted potatoes, steamed carrots, and a frou frou salad. It was very yummy and there were hardly any leftovers.
It was good to visit with everyone and the girls had a great time chasing and being chased by the Uncs.
Thursday, January 08, 2009
Christmas #5
We are heading into the home stretch of our celebrations of X-mas this year. Tomorrow Aunt Sue & Uncle Tom will be coming into town to welcome Uncle Mike back from his hiking trip to Manchu Piccu. On Sunday, we are going to celebrate x-mas with Aunt Sue, Uncle Tom, Uncle Mike, and Mr. & Mrs. O. It should be a lot of fun.
So, in preparation for the celebration, I thought that I would take a cue from my friend Samantha. She decorated a gingerbread house with her daughter Mallory (who is 3 weeks younger than Anna & she is due with her 2nd in 12 weeks). When I read her blog about it, I thought what a great idea. However, I was still on "bed rest" and the thought of doing that type of project with the girls was a little overwhelming. So, on my latest trip to Joann fabrics to pick up a few things - o.k. a lot of things (because they were having some great sales), I found that they had a gingerbread house kit in a box - the house pieces already made, icing mix to make, and candies. AND it was 50% off. So, I thought it might be a fun project for the girls to do. Boy howdy was I right on that one. Of course the girls had to try the icing and the candies. I tried to limit them, but I know they snuck tastes in when I wasn't looking. I assembled the basic house together last night so the girls could concentrate on decorating without having to wait for the house to "set up." They were very into it.
I decided that it would be easier for them to work on it together if they could each have a "side." So, I figured it would be best for them to work at their little table. It worked out perfectly, well, as perfectly as a 4 & 2 year old can work on something together with frosting and small candies. And, yes, they are still in their PJs. That is because they are wearing their new Aurora nightgowns and won't take them off. Hmmmm. I think I have created some monsters with those nightgowns.
This activity occupied them for more than 45 minutes. That is pretty good in my book. I was very surprised. I had to bribe them with some mini chocolate chips so that I could finally clean up the mess and get them from devouring the rest of the frosting and candies.
I even took a shot at decorating a little bit. I enjoyed it very much - so much so that next year, I have some great plans for our own little village. Hmmmmmm.
Here is what Anna did on her side of the Gingerbread house. She also contributed some candies to Celie's side as well.
Here is Celie's side of the house. Once she got into the hang of it, she was all about putting the various candies on the roof.
Now we have a great centerpiece for our X-mas celebration.
So, in preparation for the celebration, I thought that I would take a cue from my friend Samantha. She decorated a gingerbread house with her daughter Mallory (who is 3 weeks younger than Anna & she is due with her 2nd in 12 weeks). When I read her blog about it, I thought what a great idea. However, I was still on "bed rest" and the thought of doing that type of project with the girls was a little overwhelming. So, on my latest trip to Joann fabrics to pick up a few things - o.k. a lot of things (because they were having some great sales), I found that they had a gingerbread house kit in a box - the house pieces already made, icing mix to make, and candies. AND it was 50% off. So, I thought it might be a fun project for the girls to do. Boy howdy was I right on that one. Of course the girls had to try the icing and the candies. I tried to limit them, but I know they snuck tastes in when I wasn't looking. I assembled the basic house together last night so the girls could concentrate on decorating without having to wait for the house to "set up." They were very into it.
I decided that it would be easier for them to work on it together if they could each have a "side." So, I figured it would be best for them to work at their little table. It worked out perfectly, well, as perfectly as a 4 & 2 year old can work on something together with frosting and small candies. And, yes, they are still in their PJs. That is because they are wearing their new Aurora nightgowns and won't take them off. Hmmmm. I think I have created some monsters with those nightgowns.
This activity occupied them for more than 45 minutes. That is pretty good in my book. I was very surprised. I had to bribe them with some mini chocolate chips so that I could finally clean up the mess and get them from devouring the rest of the frosting and candies.
I even took a shot at decorating a little bit. I enjoyed it very much - so much so that next year, I have some great plans for our own little village. Hmmmmmm.
Here is what Anna did on her side of the Gingerbread house. She also contributed some candies to Celie's side as well.
Here is Celie's side of the house. Once she got into the hang of it, she was all about putting the various candies on the roof.
Now we have a great centerpiece for our X-mas celebration.
Jake Update
Jake continues to be an awesome little man. (yes, I am knocking on wood right now). He has been sleeping about 3-4 hours at a time at night. And once he is changed and fed, he goes right back to sleep. That is AWESOME!! Especially, compared to his sisters who were up every 2 hours at least. At 1 week & 2 days, things are going along very well. We are truly blessed.
Big Sis
Celie and Anna are both developing into great big sisters. We are very lucky.
Big Sister Celie Feeding Jake. Don't you just love her "Cheesy" smile?
Big Sister Celie Feeding Jake. Don't you just love her "Cheesy" smile?
Sunday, January 04, 2009
Miscellaneous items
Visitors
We have been blessed with visitors from out of town. Sarah & Kathryn drove from MI to us to visit with us for a few hours and then headed back. We had a great time catching up with each of them and the girls enjoyed playing and being chased by them as well. They were able to hold Baby Jake and he enjoyed the extra attention. Both Bob and I were very grateful for the effort they took to come and visit. Hopefully, the next time, they will stay longer.
My mom also came into town yesterday. She arrived in the late afternoon after a very lengthy drive from northern MI. She had car trouble that made the trip more difficult and we are currently waiting to hear the prognosis of her car. Depending on when her car is finished, she will either leave for home tonight or tomorrow.
Uncle Mike will return this weekend and Aunt Sue & Uncle Tom will be coming in this weekend as well. So, we will continue to have a stream of visitors in and out for a little while. That is always fun - especially now that I can do some things.
Forgotten
There are many things that I have forgotten recently. I had been able to blame it on my pregnancy brain, but I am not able to blame it on that any more. Both Bob and I forgot what today was. Our Anniversary. I did remember at 5 am, but forgot again. I did remember to buy him 2 cards a month ago, but forgot to get them ready - I guess I better go do that while he is still napping.
Happiness is . . . .
being able to fit into my pre-pregnancy pants this morning and they are even a little loose. It definitely gives me motivation to keep on my goal of getting into shape. That is my goal for 2009. I am not setting a weight goal - to be or to lose - but I am setting the goal of being in shape and being able to walk into any store and buy anything I want off the rack.
Jake
He is doing great on day 5. He is eating pretty regularly and is giving us at least 4 hours of sleep at night between feedings. He is pretty laid back otherwise. He is fabulous.
Celie & Anna
are wonderful big sisters. They are having possession issues over toys today. We had a lot of time outs today. Hopefully, that will diminish in the coming days.
Schedule
Now that I am feeling better, it is time to get back on schedule. In the next couple of weeks, we will be working on restoring order to our routines, our house, and our activities. Back to the grind now. Thank goodness.
We have been blessed with visitors from out of town. Sarah & Kathryn drove from MI to us to visit with us for a few hours and then headed back. We had a great time catching up with each of them and the girls enjoyed playing and being chased by them as well. They were able to hold Baby Jake and he enjoyed the extra attention. Both Bob and I were very grateful for the effort they took to come and visit. Hopefully, the next time, they will stay longer.
My mom also came into town yesterday. She arrived in the late afternoon after a very lengthy drive from northern MI. She had car trouble that made the trip more difficult and we are currently waiting to hear the prognosis of her car. Depending on when her car is finished, she will either leave for home tonight or tomorrow.
Uncle Mike will return this weekend and Aunt Sue & Uncle Tom will be coming in this weekend as well. So, we will continue to have a stream of visitors in and out for a little while. That is always fun - especially now that I can do some things.
Forgotten
There are many things that I have forgotten recently. I had been able to blame it on my pregnancy brain, but I am not able to blame it on that any more. Both Bob and I forgot what today was. Our Anniversary. I did remember at 5 am, but forgot again. I did remember to buy him 2 cards a month ago, but forgot to get them ready - I guess I better go do that while he is still napping.
Happiness is . . . .
being able to fit into my pre-pregnancy pants this morning and they are even a little loose. It definitely gives me motivation to keep on my goal of getting into shape. That is my goal for 2009. I am not setting a weight goal - to be or to lose - but I am setting the goal of being in shape and being able to walk into any store and buy anything I want off the rack.
Jake
He is doing great on day 5. He is eating pretty regularly and is giving us at least 4 hours of sleep at night between feedings. He is pretty laid back otherwise. He is fabulous.
Celie & Anna
are wonderful big sisters. They are having possession issues over toys today. We had a lot of time outs today. Hopefully, that will diminish in the coming days.
Schedule
Now that I am feeling better, it is time to get back on schedule. In the next couple of weeks, we will be working on restoring order to our routines, our house, and our activities. Back to the grind now. Thank goodness.
Friday, January 02, 2009
We're Home
Both Bob and I were a little concerned on how the girls were going to react to their new baby brother.
We couldn't have asked for a better transition home - really. The girls were fantastic. Celie greeted us at the door and hugged both Bob and I. Anna was no where to be found. Bob had Jake in his car carrier. Celie peaked in to see Jake. And she said - "Is that Jake?" We said, "yes, honey, that is Jake." She responded, "WOW!"
Anna was totally into a movie in the living room and couldn't be persuaded to join us out in the foyer/hearth room. So, we took Jake in his carrier into the living room. As soon as Jake entered the room, Anna forgot about the movie. She went to the carrier and peaked in. She was very careful to move his cover over to the side so she could see him. She didn't leave his side for over 2 hours.
We had to keep reminding Anna to be gentle because she wanted to squeeze and take him with her.
Celie held him very well on her own. She did a great job supporting his head.
The girls and I holding Jake. Below - I am holding Jake while Anna HAS to have a least one hand on him.
I think the novelty of him is wearing off a little bit, but they are still a great help. We are very lucky to have 3 great kids.
We couldn't have asked for a better transition home - really. The girls were fantastic. Celie greeted us at the door and hugged both Bob and I. Anna was no where to be found. Bob had Jake in his car carrier. Celie peaked in to see Jake. And she said - "Is that Jake?" We said, "yes, honey, that is Jake." She responded, "WOW!"
Anna was totally into a movie in the living room and couldn't be persuaded to join us out in the foyer/hearth room. So, we took Jake in his carrier into the living room. As soon as Jake entered the room, Anna forgot about the movie. She went to the carrier and peaked in. She was very careful to move his cover over to the side so she could see him. She didn't leave his side for over 2 hours.
We had to keep reminding Anna to be gentle because she wanted to squeeze and take him with her.
Celie held him very well on her own. She did a great job supporting his head.
The girls and I holding Jake. Below - I am holding Jake while Anna HAS to have a least one hand on him.
I think the novelty of him is wearing off a little bit, but they are still a great help. We are very lucky to have 3 great kids.
He's Here!
Bob and I went to my Drs. appt. on Tuesday morning. I was monitored and checked out. My blood pressure was slightly up and some of my symptoms were still in existence.
After my entire exam, my Dr said that it really could go either way. She said that I definitely would not make it full term and I might make it just a couple of days more. She was confident in inducing if we needed/wanted to. So, we chose to go to the hospital and be induced.
Bob and I made our way to the hospital and we were admitted. To room #7, where we had been before. Once I got settled in, they put me on the monitor, started an IV and began the induction.
After a while on the drugs, they broke my water. My labor progressed and I got an epidural. After a while, I called for the nurse because the epidural seemed to be doing some funny reactions. I had strange contraction pressures/feelings. My nurse checked me and said that I was complete. She called my Dr. and called to get everything ready. There was a flurry of activity of nurses, Drs., etc. My Dr. arrived just in time. She scrubbed up and checked me - I think she was expecting me to be nearly ready - the expression on her face was priceless. "Oh, I see his head - it is right there - do not push until your next contraction." We waited for the next contraction, I pushed, I pushed again, I pushed again and there was Jake. It was amazing. I saw him come out. Bob cut his umbilical cord and he let out a HUGE wail.
They cleaned him up and then brought him over to me.
He was amazing and tiny. Absolutely adorable.
He was born at 6:48pm. He weighed 7 lbs. and was 21 inches long. He has black hair and we are still trying to determine what color his eyes are. He opens them, but usually the lighting isn't good enough to really figure it out. However, I know that his eye color won't really be set until he is 6 months old.
We spent 2 days in the hospital. That is typical for a vaginal birth in the state of OH. Bob, Jake & I rang in the new year in our hospital room. 2008 was great because of Jake. However, we are looking forward to 2009 being much better.
After my entire exam, my Dr said that it really could go either way. She said that I definitely would not make it full term and I might make it just a couple of days more. She was confident in inducing if we needed/wanted to. So, we chose to go to the hospital and be induced.
Bob and I made our way to the hospital and we were admitted. To room #7, where we had been before. Once I got settled in, they put me on the monitor, started an IV and began the induction.
After a while on the drugs, they broke my water. My labor progressed and I got an epidural. After a while, I called for the nurse because the epidural seemed to be doing some funny reactions. I had strange contraction pressures/feelings. My nurse checked me and said that I was complete. She called my Dr. and called to get everything ready. There was a flurry of activity of nurses, Drs., etc. My Dr. arrived just in time. She scrubbed up and checked me - I think she was expecting me to be nearly ready - the expression on her face was priceless. "Oh, I see his head - it is right there - do not push until your next contraction." We waited for the next contraction, I pushed, I pushed again, I pushed again and there was Jake. It was amazing. I saw him come out. Bob cut his umbilical cord and he let out a HUGE wail.
They cleaned him up and then brought him over to me.
He was amazing and tiny. Absolutely adorable.He was born at 6:48pm. He weighed 7 lbs. and was 21 inches long. He has black hair and we are still trying to determine what color his eyes are. He opens them, but usually the lighting isn't good enough to really figure it out. However, I know that his eye color won't really be set until he is 6 months old.
We spent 2 days in the hospital. That is typical for a vaginal birth in the state of OH. Bob, Jake & I rang in the new year in our hospital room. 2008 was great because of Jake. However, we are looking forward to 2009 being much better.
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