19 months

Jack is 19 months old now!  Before you know it, we'll be speaking in years and not months anymore.

There wasn't a doctors appointment this month but Jack is continuing to grown and learn everyday.

This month, Jack:

• is wearing 18 month clothes
• is wearing size 4 diapers and size 5 at night
• has some size 6 shoes that he's growing into
• says "dog"
• walks up the stairs (holding a hand when he can't reach the railing)
• enjoys reading books and will point out things throughout
• loves to play hide & seek with Daddy and Mommy
• puts his cup and snack bowl in the sink when he is finished
• has tantrums...but they are pretty weak (thank goodness)
• can point out several body parts (on himself and others)-head, nose, mouth, ears, toes, belly button
• really likes a good group hug-either Mommy, Daddy and Jack or Scout, Molly and Jack
• favorite foods include: broccoli, black beans, smoothies, animal crackers, kiwi
• had a little sleep regression for a couple weeks but is back to sleeping at least 11 hours a night and a 2 hour nap in the afternoon
• blows kisses, gives high fives and waves to everyone he sees (where does he get his outgoing personality?)
• his legs are finally long enough to use his Fropper properly

This months photo shoot made me giggle quite a bit.  As soon as I pulled his chair out, he sat right down and started smiling.  Then after I took a picture or two, he would have to come over for a hug and kiss.

Another Catch-up

I know there hasn't been any blog updates in quite a while, but...I can explain!  Jack's sleep schedule had taken a turn for the worse and I was using all free time (which was quite limited) to sleep myself.  His schedule got messed up with the second round of swim lessons.  They were at a goofy time and I tried to adjust his schedule accordingly.  Well, it didn't work.  Jack started waking up between 4:30 and 5:30 for the day and then wouldn't take a nap.  If he did decide to take a nap, it would be for 30 minutes.  This mama has been needing an afternoon nap herself so it has been a very stressful time.

I think we are on the mend.  Jack is now sleeping 'til after 6 o'clock in the mornings and takes at least a two hour nap each afternoon.  This has made things a lot better.  I have been able to get some additional sleep, or sew and today I caught up on some blogging.

Here's what we've been up to...

Dave ran a 5k in some hot weather

We celebrated 4th of July with some friends

Jack had a playdate with some lettuce

The Olympic Torch was spotted 

Kori and Levi came to visit 

We checked on Baby #2


Now, that we are back on track...somewhat...I hope to update a little more frequently.

Baby # 2--23 Weeks

I had my monthly OB appointment to check on Baby #2 today.  They also scheduled me for another ultrasound because this is about the time that I started having issues during my pregnancy with Jack and they also wanted to make sure I would be okay to travel to England in a couple weeks. 

A little background information:  When I was pregnant with Jack, I started to experience a lot of pressure and pain around 24 weeks and it turns out that my cervix had shortened to about 2.5 centimeters (not a good thing that early in pregnancy).  I was put on bedrest so as not to aggravate the situation.  I stayed on a modified bedrest for the remainder of my pregnancy and had Jack 21 minutes after my due date.

Now back to our previously scheduled program: So, I go in for this ultrasound and the ultrasound tech measures my cervix.  The cervix should be around 4 to 4.5 centimeters at this point.  She measured mine at 7 centimeters.  She and the doctor were amazed at how long it was and said that we would definitely fine to travel to England.  Baby Boy looks healthy and is measuring right on schedule.  I also got a copy of my chart to take with me on the trip in case something comes up and I need to see a doctor while I'm there.  I like to follow the philosophy that if you take your umbrella, it won't rain!

We are so happy that everything looks great and that we have the green light to travel!  Ready or not England...here we come!

Dave says he looks just like Jack!

My next appointment is scheduled for when we return from England.

Levi and Kori

Aunt Kori is back in the States (from Honduras heading to South Korea) and she wanted to make sure she saw us while she is here.  Uncle Levi is still in North Carolina before he heads up to Massachusetts for college this fall-he decided to tag along with Kori for a visit this morning.

Jack was so excited that some of his favorite people came to see him.  As soon as Kori and Levi walked in the door, Jack was running around showing them all of his really cool toys.  Jack has always loved his Aunt Kori, but today he had a very special place in his heart for Uncle Levi.  He would just go up to him and snuggle in.  I am always touched when someone loves my child...but there is something extra special about a teenaged boy appreciating how awesome my kid is.  The Browns hold a very special place in my heart and I love that they take the time to keep in touch and love my family as much as I love theirs.

As some of you probably know, I was the Brown's nanny for several years when the kids were younger (before Levi was even in school, Kori was in elementary and Teva was in middle).  Levi always introduced me to everyone as his girlfriend.  It was a pretty serious relationship...until I moved away and came back to visit.  Levi and I went on a walk and I vividly remember him "letting me down easy".  Levi just graduated high school and it was kind of surreal taking Jack to Levi's graduation.  Jack is only a little bit younger than Levi was when I first met him.  To see how sweet and gentle Levi is with Jack truly melts my heart.  Kori and I have always been close and I am certain that she loves Jack as much as I do.

If my boys can grow up to be as awesome as the Brown children, then Dave and I have done something right!

Jack knew how to smile for the camera

Levi, Jack and Kori

Levi trying to get Jack to make a face

Family portrait

Levi was starving so he shared a snack with Jack

good sharing

Teaching Jack how to open the package

Jack settled in

Jack figuring out Levi's phone...while holding him hostage

Levi attempting to sweet talk his way out

Jack and Levi

Kori getting some good snuggles

Jack attacking Levi with love

Levi using Jack in his workout

Kori, Jack and Levi

Olympic Torch

Nanna and Grandad saw the Olympic Torch go by today!  Not long until we are in England visiting family and attending the Olympics!!!

The Olympic Torch!

Jack's Lettuce

Jack and I had a playdate with our friend and famed photographer, Annie and her girls this morning.  We drove to Durham to go to the Museum of Life and Science and Jack was so excited to hang with Annie's girls.  Norah is 7 and Kristen is 4 and they were as smitten with Jack as he was with them.  Norah was like a mother duck with Jack.  She was always engaging him and holding his hand and trying to carry him around as much as possible.  Kristen also loved holding Jack's hand, but would occasionally be distracted by something shiny.

Norah pointing out the big dinosaur on their adventure

And there's a littler dinosaur

Jack and his ladies on the train

Norah telling Jack about the pigs...

and the sheep

Throughout the day, we kept calling the girls "Jack's Ladies" and they loved their new title.  After exploring the museum inside and out, we had some lunch before Jack and I headed home for naps.  When we were packing up and getting ready to head out, one of the girls said, "Jack, you need your lettuce".  I was confused and asked what his lettuce was and I was quickly corrected by Annie, who said, "That's the fancy way of saying his ladies".  So Jack took a hold of his lettuce  and we were off.  Jack has since been missing the ladies and would very much like to see them again...soon (hint, hint)!

Happy Fourth of July!

Crafty Sue and her family invited us over for their annual 4th of July cookout and we were happy to attend.  Her kids, Liam and Logan, are beyond awesome with Jack and are so sweet to play with him whenever we are over there.  Not once did they act like they were being pestered by a little toddler! 

A couple funny things that happened while we were there:

• All the ladies were sitting around the kitchen table chatting, when Jack ran in and went right up to Crafty Sue.  He then proceeded to pull up his shirt (Mardi Gras style) and show her his belly button.  Once he got the reaction he wanted, he ran away as quickly as he came.

• While doing some laps around the kitchen table, he got a little caught up by Steph's chair.  She scooted her chair in so he could get by.  He got past her and then turned and said, "Good girl!".  Steph then decided that she is not told that she is a good girl nearly enough.  Over the course of the night, Jack reminded her that she was a good girl several more times.

I, sadly, only took one picture while we were over there (I may or may not have been busy shoveling food in my face), but it was too cute to not share.

Liam and Jack playing a duet on the piano