Friends Forever

Jack and Trevin- Looks like they are really great friends...
See what's going on behind the scenes...


The Brewers were playing in the background- Jack is obviously more involved in the TV, rather than his friend. I'm wondering if Jack will be as big of Fan as Dan is, My instincts tell me "YES!"

Together...

It started out sarcastic- Dan telling me that doing the dishes was more fun because we did it together, or running errands, or even going for a walk. However, I think he is figuring it out that some things really are more fun when we do it together...

Eating dinner on Tuesday night with Grandma Diane and Grandpa Damon.
Filling water balloons Tuesday night for my water activity Wed. night. (Dan already had changed- but this is me after his "help")

In life, things are always more fun when we do it together.

Our little monster...

We went to go visit Dr. Dan last week for Jack's 4 month appointment. He was 26 inches long, 16 lb. 4 oz. and his head is big. No surprises there. He is very strong and Dr. Dan said he is healthy!!! Shots did not go nearly as well as last time, but he survived.

The only thing Dr. Dan said that gave me a little concern is that we should be working towards 2 naps a day. I know we don't have to be doing that tomorrow, but we should maybe cut back from our 5 naps a day... at least to 4.

So... in my attempt to cut back, I was listening and watching for the cues and Jack stayed up for the first 3+ hours of the day. I fed him again and thought he would take a nice 2 hour nap. BOY WAS I WRONG!!! He fell asleep for about 20 minutes and then cried and fought sleep for HOURS!!! It continued throughout the day-it was terrible.

This week (Monday- Wednesday) he has decided the same at daycare- only 1 hour of naps total (2 or 3, 15-30 minute naps) and he has been terribly tired in the afternoon, no interest in sleep though.

Wednesday I hit my limit. This is him and me at 7:30 Wed. night...
After three days of no nighttime play, I decided that I had to "request" that he nap before his morning bottle, even if he does not act like he is tired. I think it has worked!!! Tonight we played, and played, and played. I love the evening play- tummy time and all- and am so glad to have our happy baby back.

So- when people ask me what I am doing this weekend- it is figuring out and practicing a good napping schedule, whatever it may be. 5 naps, or 3 naps, as along as he is happy!

I survived!

Dan went to NC for a couple of days to go golfing and left Jack and me home, ALONE. My mom and Dad were out of town too! Days were long, but we survived.

I guess when he is not there, you really come to realize the great things he does to make your life easier... puts the baby to sleep, watches him when I need to run errands, listens at the end of the day and mows the lawn (are just a few- there is a long list! I know I couldn't do it on my own for long, so I was happy to have him home!

Just in time for Fathers Day! He is the greatest Dad!

We met Dan at the airport before he flew out. And of course, Dan's First Father's Day!

Help Me, Help Me!!!

7:30-8:30 PM Every Night, our family enjoys this torturous activity. Why? Because the Dr. says so, and sometimes it's kind of funny!




What are babies thinking when we make them do these TERRIBLE things?

Sacrifices

I remember from an old Sunday School lesson that a sacrifice is giving up something good, for something better. It took me only 5 days to figure this one out, but it is a sacrifice I have come to live with!

Last Friday was a busy night, and Saturday I was extra tired. So I enjoyed a good old caffeinated PEPSI Saturday afternoon. Then Jack was awake during the night and I had another PEPSI on Sunday. This continued until Wednesday... Me enjoying a PEPSI, baby Jack awake during the night.
(You should know I do not drink PEPSI for the caffeine. I just LOVE carbonation and it is the only soda I really love. I think of it as a motivator for when I have had a long night or a long morning, it is a great reward!!!)

On Wednesday I decided to skip the PEPSI, and Jack was back to sleeping the night. Thursday night too!

So, do I want that delicious, cold, mouthwatering PEPSI or a good night's rest for Jack and Me??? I think the sleep wins out!

Busy weeks, Busy weekends...

I used to think our weeks were busy, but I'm starting to think our weekends are even busier!!!

Last weekend, Manda and her husband Ben came to Wisconsin for a reception/open house. Friday night was spent arranging flowers, Saturday day I helped with a YW service project, taught piano lessons, cleaned our house, and fit a nap in all before we went to the reception. It was a very busy day, but beautiful and very exciting to see all of our friends and family.
As for baby Jack... He is getting stronger and stronger every day! This week he is really showing us what he can do on his tummy (which is not much because he has a HUGE head!) and is really enjoying his Bumbo seat. Jack's best trick... He stands all by himself!!!

(Listen for Manda's father in law pointing out Jack's mullet!)

The tables have turned...

We are BOTH sleep talkers.

Before Baby Jack came around, I was the one that always got caught saying something stupid in my sleep, Dan would reply or ask a question, and sooner or later I would figure out what he was doing and I would say "I don't know! Let me sleep!"

Now that I am up feeding Jack at 5 AMish, I get greeted with some odd comment from Dan.

Yesterday it was "We need a smooth getaway." I don't know from what, but something."
And today "Don't lose those." I ask "Don't loose what?" He responds, "matches."

Being married is great!

I've got it good...

Life is good. What a great feeling it is to go to bed at night and know that when I wake up it will be a great day! Well, not everything about my day may be wonderful, but there are a couple things I can count on: A happy (and predictable) baby and a husband who works so hard to take care of us.
I count my blessings everyday and consider myself very lucky!

Jack took his first walk at daycare on Friday. I didn't have a coat for him so we doubled up on the onesies under his outfit and I had a hat. It was like 65 degrees, but a little windy.
At Papa Russ & Grandma Cindy's, waiting to go home after a short visit. Like baby.. like dad (?)
Sunday dinner with papa and grandma, and Great Grandma Betty.
Jack's newest toy- the BUMBO! He loves it, and does much better with it during the afternoon, rather than right before bedtime like here.

We are all healthy now! I can tell because Jack is back to pooping every morning and is sleeping through the night again. I'm telling you- he is PREDICTABLE! I love it!One of my favorite nicknames for baby Jack, "Mullet Man." He has had this since he was born and we LOVE IT! It's his signature style!