Biggest Fan

Before Jacob was born Michael bought an Astros hat from Babies R' Us. This was sweet since much of our early relationship was spent at Minute Maid Park watching the Astros attempt to get to the World Series. He wasn't thinking about any of that at the time though; he's just a sports guy.
Since buying that hat he has been on a mission to find some Texans gear that fits Jacob. He even agrees to go to baby stores to see if they have any Texans stuff out yet.

Right before the season started I found a cute Texans outfit in Jacob's size and surprised him by putting Jacob in it for the first game. He loved it and took pictures on his phone to show people at the game, then came home in a great mood because they won.

Next week was an away game and once again Jacob had to wear the outfit. Although it was a close game, Texans won again.

For the third game Michael went to the game and I had to go to a baby shower so Jacob had family watch him. Michael trusted me to put the outfit on him again and reminded me several times before heading out. I got the onesie on, but with the crazyness of the morning I didn't get the pants on and instead placed them in the diaper bag with directions to put them on before the game started. That afternoon the Cowboys kicked the Texans butts and Michael blamed me because Jacob never got his pants on.

Guess the luck ran out on that outfit because Michael decided to dress him in this outfit for the last game.The new outfit does include the same pants...guess they're lucky pants since they won again.

Happy (half) Birthday to you

Half birthdays are almost important as birthdays, especially if you haven't had a birthday yet. This explains why I was that annoying mom today and told everyone at his day care while I was subbing that today is Jacob's 1/2 birthday.

Every night after Jacob has gone to sleep Michael and I look at each other and talk about how amazed we are with how much he has grown and how we still can't believe this little man came from us. This discussion every night reminds us how blessed we are.

Some of the things Jacob does now:
-Last night he scooted from the middle of the floor in his room, to the hall, all the way through the hall, and into the living room chasing a magazine.
- Holding the bottle is no longer even a challenge. He goes crazy when he sees the bottle and then grabs and steers the bottle to his mouth.
- On the same note it is impossible to get the bottle from him until he's completely done. Most of the time once he's done he'll chew for a bit and then finally throw the bottle down.
- There are two teeth in the center-bottom of his mouth and more on the way. These first two came easy, but the next few look like they'll be a little more troublesome.
- He said "goo" the other day. Just once, but that's enough for me to count it.
- He slaps, hits, and bangs on everything. Seriously, everything.
- He's sitting for longer and longer stretches. If he has something to lean back on he's steady for a good while with no problem, and if there's nothing around him he can go a few minutes.
- Any time I walk into the room that Jacob's in he looks over towards my voice and gives the biggest most adorable smile.

Picture of my big boy as promised.

Hidden so Obviously

On Saturday night one of Michael's friends came over to watch football and play Madden...typical guy stuff. Since I can handle one football game, but not multiple games back to back plus a football video game thrown in there I decided to bake again and spent the entire night in the kitchen (I wish I had my camera to take pictures of them because the cupcakes came out so delicious and I decorated them all like little pumpkins and pies).

At some point having both ovens running made it extremely too hot in the kitchen so I joined the guys. As Justin was talking to me I had a direct view into the dining room when I noticed the camera battery charger that I had been missing for over a month. I did my best to keep in the conversation for the next couple minutes but all I wanted to do was jump up and grab the charger (and of course call out to Michael that I hadn't lost it after all)!
We've torn the house apart looking for this silly thing and all along it was sitting in plain sight on top of the bar cart where we normally store the camera bag. How had we not seen it before?

Because I have a charged battery now I was able to download the pictures that have been sitting there forever, so as Jacob gets ready to turn 6 months tomorrow, I'm happy to show off some 4 month old pictures of him and his love for the TV remote.

Oh look! There is that beautiful remote.

I must HAVE you.

I got it! I got it!

There is nothing better than the remote.

And the first mess goes to...

Today Michael and I both had day long events going on that took more energy than a normal relaxing Sunday.

Michael had to wake up early (actually it seemed a lot earlier last year before Jacob was in our life and sleeping in was a normal weekend thing) to meet his buddies so they could be one of the first ones at the stadium to tailgate. This is a normal home game thing, but this game was important because it was Texans vs. Cowboys. Yelling at the top of your lungs, playing washers in the sun and drinking can be very exhausting.

While Michael was cheering on the team I was part of a 5 person team hosting a shower for a good friend. My main responsibility for the shower was the invitation, but I got there early to help set up. I have to admit that when I first saw how many people were hosting the shower I was nervous because I thought it would get confusing and there are some strong people on the hosting list that I thought would take over...not even close to reality. I was there first, then came the host with the decorations (that were so amazing and I'm in awe of her craftiness and design abilities) so we got the house set up, then came the food which we all prepped together and everything else fell in place. However, after being there for almost 6 hours I realized I had only sat down for about 45 minutes.

Once I got home Michael didn't want a salad or the chicken I had started to defrost so as we discussed where to get dinner from I prepared pumpkin for Jacob. Michael agreed to feed Jacob while I looked at menus online when from the corner of my eye I saw pumpkin fly through the air as Michael let out a yell. I couldn't help but laugh thinking he dropped the spoon or Jacob had hit it out of his hand.

It was more than just the spoon, the entire bowl of pureed pumpkin had been splashed across the breakfast nook.

Poor Jacob just stared with a contemplative look, either wondering why he was in his chair and not being fed yet, or why his daddy got to throw food all over yet he isn't even allowed to smear his face with food without getting a quick wipe down.

Trick or Treat

The other day I was driving through the back of our neighborhood and saw a house completely decked out in Halloween decor. Now we've never even come close to being in the running for yard of the month but more than a month early is just ridiculous.

I understand it is common practice to decorate for Christmas a month early, if not even a bit earlier, but it just doesn't seem the same for Halloween.

On that note though, more than a month early I am trying to figure out what Jacob's costume will be and we think we're set on an idea.

BAMM BAMM!

I'm trying to find this in an infant costume, or start finding pieces to create it. The best part is I got Michael to agree to as Barney.

Next step after costumes...figuring out what exactly we're getting dressed up for besides just passing out candy.

Graduating

We've been trying sippy cups every now and then without much luck. We tried Playtex First Steps and Dr. Browns training cups, but with two teeth in and more coming all he wanted to do was chew on the spout.
This afternoon while looking for a shower gift for a friend we wandered the aisles of Babies R' Us for things that Jacob "needs." This included foam covers for the fire place area plus coffee table and other safety items that we'll quickly need, a larger bath tub, some books. I also found some soft spouted sippy cups by Pampers that we got to add to our collections of cups to try.
Jacob sat in the cart instead of his carrier for the hour we were there. Although the toys and bright colors in every aisle drew his attention he was absolutely fascinated with the registry list (and later the coupons in my hand when we went to the grocery store - he has something for paper) and he sat so well for the first 45 minutes. A guy can only shop for so long I guess because after intently searching for items that were not in the spot they should have been I turned around and he was leaned over one of the side pillows and fast asleep.
Anyway...the main part of this post: This afternoon I put Jacob's meal in the new sippy cup and after a little chewing and playing he had it down.
My little boy is growing up and moving on from the bottle. Maybe we can get that great sleep schedule back again now too :)

Does Not Share Well

On Thursday I came into the daycare with lesson sheets ready for my class of 2-4 year olds. I had a plan and knew it was going to be a good day.
As I got the room ready for the day I noticed Jacob's teacher wasn't there and began to wonder where she was and who was going to watch the babies. No sooner did I start to think about it when one of the other teachers came over and told me that Valerie was out for the day and I would be covering the nursery. Considering that morning I had just told Michael how badly I wanted to spend the day with Jacob, this was perfect!
It ended up being easier than I thought it would be with the 7 month old that crawls everywhere and over everything (including the babies) and the 4 month old that cries non-stop. I was able to keep them happy and entertained.
Surprisingly, the problem child was my little boy.
Although he never cries and naps for long stretches with Valerie, he wouldn't sleep for more than 5 minutes in his crib that day. In order to get him to sleep he had to be in my arms and the second I put him down to take care of one of the other babies he would scream at the top of his lungs.
On the upside though - he found a new favorite toy to play with while sitting - a mini piano. He gets the biggest smile pounding on the keys.

Role Model

There is a new 7 month old at Jacob's day care and the boy climbs, crawls and walks along the wall. He is just go, go, go and I couldn't be more excited.
Although he is a bit energetic and really strong I have high hopes that he will be a good example for Jacob as he learns to move around.
I've been subbing in the class next to Jacob for the past several days and every now and then I get to go watch the nursery for an hour. Watching the two boys stare at each other and the way Jacob follows every move Caleb makes me believe it will be no time before he's crawling around.

He has been able to roll to get where he wants for a while now, but normally stays near his blanket (never on it though), but last night when I got home Michael even noted that you have to watch him because he's traveling so much now. Jacob was on the blanket when Michael went to grab Kleenex. He turned around to see Jacob across the room by the fireplace.

On the same line of role models, I've met a few not so good ones while working at the center. Mainly they're in my class - 2-4 year olds. There are nine in my class; 7 girls and 2 boys, and about 6 of them are alpha kids. I'm surprised I still have a voice after constantly explaining why we do not hit each other under any circumstance and then repeatedly saying, "go to time out."

I truly can't stand the bullying going on, but the worst part is the lack of potty training. I've had to change two poopy diapers for a 3 year old. These kids barely fit on the changing table.

I'm ready to get in the classroom with older children, but this experience had definitely shown me a few ways I want to make sure I raise Jacob.

Back to Work

I've taken about a month off from blogging, but am finally getting back to it. In fact I've taken a month off a lot of things, and have spent 99% of my time with Jacob. I admit for the past several weeks I have become an over involved mom...and I've loved every minute of it to be honest.

I'm ready to enter the real world again.

Jacob is now 5 months and moving all over the place. He isn't crawling, but he scoots and rolls across the room to reach whatever toy he's focused on or to just explore. He doesn't see the point of staying on the soft, clean blanket that I lay out for him.

He also has his two bottom teeth. They aren't completely there yet, but have fully poked through the gums.

His personality is showing more and more every day and I can't wait to start sharing again, but first I need to find the charger for my camera battery. Really hope I can find it before Michael realizes I can't find it.

Crazy Busy

I've been really lack with my posts lately. I just never realized how busy I would be staying at home. With him scooting around now and always wanting to play the only free-time I get is when he's napping.

The only problem is the only way that Jacob takes a good nap is if I'm holding or near him. We're working on the crib napping, but that means there are only 10 minute breaks between calming him down.

I have loved every second of it though, and hopefully we'll get into more of a routine and I can get back to updating regularly.

Tomorrow Jacob goes to daycare in the morning so that I can go take my last test for teaching and I'm thinking of keeping him in for the day so I can start packing for an upcoming trip and finish the laundry that has been building up.

I love how Jacob has playmates at day care and the interaction he gets there, but does it make me a bad mom to take a day off from being mom to get stuff done?

Ready...Set...GO!

Ok, we haven't really gotten to the go part but, it's easy to see on the horizon.

As of Friday morning I hadn't seen Jacob roll over yet. By the end of the day he had shown off his new skill twice.
Now I can't put him down for a second without him quickly turning over to his stomach. Yesterday he even started rolling over and over and over. He's not quite sure how he gets from his stomach to his back, but he's working on it now too.

All day long we play on the blanket now. He rolls over and spends up to 15 minutes throwing his bottom in the air and scooting forward slowly but surely. Even though there is no crawling yet I can't keep him on his blanket. It seriously takes him less than a minute to find his way off the blanket and onto the carpet. Even with several blankets this activity continues.

I didn't realize I'd already have to start watching where he goes.

Feet!

Jacob is all about his feet now.
It started with the right foot constantly raising high with his hand wrapped around the toes and slowly transformed into both feet.
We can't put him down or sit him in his chair with out the feet coming up. He's obsessed and it is adorable.
The only down side...diaper changes are next to impossible now. Having those legs up help for part of it, but then I find myself trying to pull them down so I can get the diaper positioned. As soon as I get one leg down the other pops up.




If you're new to this blog...welcome! I hope you enjoy.

Introduction to Government

I feel awkward in the house when the housekeeper comes to clean. I feel like I should be jumping up to pitch in. Then again, I'm also one of those people that cleans before she gets here.
So yesterday morning after Jacob and I woke up, instead of playing and reading before his morning nap I ran around the house picking up odd ball object strewn across the house. Many were put away, but the majority were thrown into the guest room (which needs a week long reservation so we can clear a path for the guest to get to the bed, and forget about closet room). Then as Jacob started to close his eyes I packed him up so we could get out of the house and do something I've been trying to do for a while.
I have made three attempts to change my last name to Michael's but was rejected each time because I just couldn't get the right documents together. If you are planning on changing your name after marriage, DO NOT throw away your license with your maiden name once you get your new one, and/or KEEP your passport with your maiden. I have no official documents with my maiden name and it seemed impossible to get my SS card changed.
We pulled up to the office 30 minutes before they opened and got in line behind the 18 other people needing help who must have gotten there an hour early to stand out in the already high 90's temps. As they opened the doors and we filtered in I heard a lady behind me say that she had come after lunch the other day and there were 100 people in front of her...a little heat to be number 19 seemed to have been the smarter option.
Just before my number was called Jacob began to stir for his bottle and I realized how happy I am he can hold his own bottle now. We walked up to our window and explained to the lady how hard I've tried and handed over my folder of documents to state who I am from birth certificate to college ID, and even expired club membership card from when I was a teen. She explained that it would be difficult, but she thought she could do it.
10 minutes of silence later she explained that officially she needed another document of identification, but since it had only been 2 years she let it slide. Woo Hoo!
This morning as I woke up I started to wonder about the two years part since when I had read through the paper work it said anything over two years (which I am by about 3 months) would require more explanation; when suddenly it hit me that maybe having Jacob with me helped out.
Can you really guilt trip the government by wanting the same last name as your adorable child?
I'm not sure if that's what helped me get through without the proper pieces, but I'm so not against it.

Yummy Sweet Potatoes

We aren't starting with sweet potatoes for a while, but they freeze well and seemed easy to make. This is the start to my baby food stash.

I used the Wiltons's individual brownie silicone pan to freeze cubes and it worked out perfectly.
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Below are a few pictures to show off my first attempt at my new found domesticness.

Bag of sweet potato cubes

Frozen sweet potato cubes ready for Jacob

My Little Mover

Jacob rolled over again today, and of course I didn't see it.

I thought he was getting ready to fall asleep, so as he settled in I got on the computer to look for shower invites for a friend. All of a sudden when I looked down he wasn't in eye view. I move forward to see if he had just scooted to a different area (which he does often now) and was surprised to see him laying on his belly head up in the air just looking around.

So...roll number 3 and I have yet to see one.

Helpful People

People love to say that the younger generations have no manners and only care about themselves. I've never really seen this, I mean there are people out there who could use a lesson or two from Mrs. Post, but for the greater whole people are nice.

I hear "please" and "thank you" every day, watch people hold the door open for others, and pick up and return dropped items.

Maybe it is just a different type of good manners and helping when needed instead of just interjecting that people aren't noticing.

One of my biggest pet peeves, and Michael agrees, is when we're out in public and Jacob lets out a little cry; people come out of the woodwork to say he's hungry. If I fed Jacob every time he let out a little sigh he would be the biggest baby you've ever seen. I think it gets on my nerves as bad as nails on a chalkboard because they are so freaking persistent and if you don't reply, "oh my gosh, you are so right. I'll go feed him now," they just stare at you like you don't know what you're doing.

Any way, I had two helpful incidents today, one I liked and one that was just uncomfortable.

1) I was standing in line at Barnes & Noble hoping the line would actually start moving because I was running late for my lunch date. The whole time in the store Jacob had been smiling and laughing as I showed him pictures in books. Not a single frown or cry the entire time in the store. As we're standing in line he let out a small cough. Nothing drastic at all, just a quick one cough. I bent over to ask him if he was alright. The older gentleman in front of me told me he knew why he did that, so I smiled to listen if maybe I had him positioned in a way that was constricting or something I had never heard of.
"He cries because the light is bright and he can't process it like our eyes, you should put the shade up over him so it doesn't bother him. Most mothers don't know that."
I told him he was happy and didn't cry, it was just a cough and he repeated himself.
I said thank you and smiled then picked up a book to comb through while waiting.
Two minutes later, "you aren't going to put the shade up?" as he glared at me.
Seriously?!?

2) After lunch we ran to the grocery store. I'm a bit of a nut when it comes to parking at the store. I normally don't care how far I am unless it is about to storm and care mostly about parking next to a cart return because I always return my cart. It feels weird to me to leave it in an empty spot or just floating around. For the past week it has been over 100 hot with sticky humidity so I was checking the lot to find a spot near a return and closer to the store. Finally I pulled in as the cart guy emptied the return near me.
I grabbed Jacob in his carrier, diaper bag, and my coupon/shopping list binder and started walking to the store without a second thought about it.
There is one cart guy that I see every time I go and when we pass I smile and say hi. Well I see him start coming down the lane where I parked and turn back around as I'm walking to store, but I just thought he was checking to see if his partner had cleared the lane. As I get up to the front he is rolling a cart out and meets me in the drive lane with a cart and then helps me load Jacob's carrier in it.
That simple action went so far and beyond anything he ever had to do and although I didn't mind carrying everything, it was really nice to have that help.

I think everyone tries to help others just some action are more bold than others...which doesn't make them better.

Yum Yum Time

During Jacob's 4 month appointment it was decided that cereal should be started.

Admittedly I've been ready; there was a box of cereal and package of spoons sitting on our dining room table not so patiently waiting to be used. Although I was ready, I also know that the time to start solids is debatable and I wanted to talk to our doctor before moving ahead in case waiting til we were closer to 6 months was better.

We discussed his spit up issue and how it is a constant thing (she doesn't believe it is an issue since he's gaining weight so well, but wants to watch if it gets worse or doesn't start easing up soon) and also about how we cut back the amount we were feeding him because it was way too much. We try to keep Jacob at 36 oz a day, but still sometimes go over because he demands more.

That's when the dr. said to start cereal now to help with both those issues.

The next afternoon Jacob had his first feeding in his high chair, and he loved every minute of it.

First he was determined to tip over the bowl.


Then he started stealing the spoon from me and returning it once it was empty.



And at the end he was upset there wasn't any more.


I love that he likes this new feeding time so much, but just a couple days into and I'm already trying to find a way to push diaper changes off on Michael now.

4 Months

Today Jacob is 4 months old!

I honestly can't believe that 4 months have gone by and what an amazing kid Jacob has become. When he smiles his whole face brightens and no matter what mood you're in, you can't help but smile back.

- He started laughing at the beginning of this month, but it scared him. Now he smiles big and laughs with no fear of the noise. Sometimes just talking to him can bring out a laugh, but kisses and dips are always good for a guaranteed laugh.
- Jacob began showing interest in his toes a few weeks ago, but only when he was sitting scrunched over and they were easy to get to. Then he started reaching for them whenever he was sitting and just last night he began to bring them up to play with while laying down. He looks like a little monkey in his play gym holding toys with his hands and feet.
- So, so, so close to rolling over. He's done it once completely from each side, but is trying from back to tummy all the time. Once he gets his arm out of the way he'll be rolling all over the place.
- Sitting doesn't seem too far off. He can balance him self in my lap and is starting to put his arms on his legs to balance by himself. He is still learning to push with his arms though because most the time he puts his arms down and then just folds completely in half.
- Toys all the time! He loves all his toys now.
- Teething toys make him so happy. They can be bumpy plastic, water filled, chilled or even vibrating. He loves them all and drools all over them.
- The walker is the best thing on Earth. He loves to stand in the walker, and although he is learning how to make the lights and sounds go off, he is happy as a clam just standing there and chewing on the seat. This has made making dinner so much easier. Jacob plays in his walker in the kitchen and scoots around (always backwards and sideways) the whole time we cook.
- He loves to talk. I have never seen a baby talk so much. I think he even gets louder every day.

Home All Day

I'm no longer employed. Actually, I'm still on payroll for today, but it is my first day not going in the office.

We woke up with Michael, got ready for the day and have played, played, played. It is so different than when I was on maternity leave. During those first 12 weeks I fed Jacob, held and talked to him for 20 minutes until he fell asleep then repeated through the day.

Now we play with toys and explore new things. His personality dominates everything we do.

We actually have a busy day planned of waiting in line at government offices, grocery shopping and tons of laundry, and I'm sure we'll get to it, but we've had so much fun this morning and now as Jacob naps it is nice to take a little break.

Grown Up Time

For the past couple days I've noticed Michael and I get snippy with each other and taking offense to things that were said in jest. This is completely not like us, especially over stupid stuff.

For example:
1:20 AM Thursday morning. I've just sat down in bed with Jacob in my arms.
Michael: Did he wake up?
Me: No, I just decided it was a good time to wake up and hold him.
Michael: I was just asking. (with a humph and then he was back to sleep in 5 seconds)

I was a little snarky saying it, but in all honesty I was just joking at what a silly question it was.

There have been a hundred of those examples just as pointless and I blame exhaustion and the fact that we don't take time out for each other as much as we should. The time we have with Jacob is so limited we spend every spare minute playing with him or doing chores.

Finally last night, after another feelings hurt joke and then checking to make sure everything was ok, I said we need a date night.

I don't know if it was just saying it or planning to go to the movies, but when Jacob fell asleep we were back to our old selves. Joking without feelings getting hurt. Laughing and smiling non-stop. It was the best.

From now on we will definitely make room for grown up time. It doesn't have to be much, but a little goes a long way.