12 months

I totally forgot to post these pictures when Jake turned 1... Almost a month ago now!

Jake is really turning into a big boy. As sad as that makes me, it also makes me very proud! Here are the monthly updates on my little guy...

~ Jake started walking the week of his birthday.
~ Jake is 26 lbs, and 32 inches long. He's in the 90%.
~ He's wearing 2T/3T shirts, and 24 month pants.
~ He's talking all day long. Some words are the standard momma, Dada, baba, etc. Then he has some new words like, "get". He says get when he wants something! And the other day after I told him no he repeated it. hmm.
~ No longer on formula. I stopped breastfeeding when he was 9 months old. And started formula. He is now only on organic whole milk.
~ Jake is down to one bottle at night. Only sippy cups for this big boy!
~ He loves the swings, and playing with other kids. He loves watching older boys play. He's going to be so excited to have a brother to play with in the future. ;)
~ Still in size 4 diapers. He's been that size for months! The still fit good.
~ He loves to help me clean up. If he sees me putting things away, he helps me.
~ HE LOVES PUZZLES. I have a puzzle that he takes the pieces out and puts them back according to shape and color and he plays with that a lot.

Here are some pictures with his last picky sticky's on!

Proud mommy!

Jake's 1st Trip to Disneyland!

I managed to wait until Jake was officially 1 to take him to Disneyland. I figured any early and he wouldn't really enjoy it. He's still a little young, but he did have a blast. He loves music and will start dancing as soon as he hears a melody!

Cousin Amanda drove down from Burbank and we all went on Sunday. It was pretty crowded so we only got on a few rides. We went into the Tiki Room, Jungle Cruise, and Small World. Jake was laughing, and talking so much! People were laughing and smiling at Jake because he was enjoying it so much. He loved those. We ate lunch, and then got our annual passes! Yes, folks... we are now officially pass holders. Anyone that knows me, knows that this is NOT my thing. I have lived in So Cal my entire life and can count on both hands how many times I've been. I was not a Disney kid. But, my child is. So, now I am. :) 

Grant and I had so much fun! Watching Jake and looking at his expressions made the decision clear. We would be going back again and again. It is very busy and lots of walking so I don't know how long I'll make it in the future with being pregnant... But, going with Grant is great. He holds everything. I almost can't believe how strong Grant is. Holding the stroller, baby, and backpack as we entered the bus to Disneyland (when you park off Harbor you have to collapse the strollers and ride the bus over to the park). I just walked on and off with my camera bag. I asked to help... but, G wouldn't let me. I'll be going back all by myself in a few weeks... so, I'll only carry what we for sure need. :)

Here are a few pictures from the day. I can't wait to go back and attempt Toon Town where Jake can actually run around! :)

Clapping like crazy in the Tiki Room!

Leaning forward to listen to the tour guide on the Jungle Cruise.

Jake started getting a little tired... He missed his nap with all the excitement.

Kisses for mama.

Holding on and looking side to side on Small World. 

Getting ready for Halloween!!

Watching Goofy dance live! He loved the music and characters!

Cheers.

It's a....

BOY! 

We're SO excited! Lots of people thought I was having a girl, but I'm so happy I'm having another boy! I know exactly what to do and how to do it. I am totally a boy mommy! BRING ON THE SPORTS!!! This does mean we MAY have another baby in the future? My cousins all have 2 boys and 1 girl, and Grant's family its that way too. So, maybe we'll have one more baby.... BUT, NOT FOR AWHILE! This mama is going to need some time from making babies until at least one is in school! AND SOME WINE! ;)

Jake is going to have a best friend only 17 months younger than him! We think we even have a name. But, I'm not ready to post that. Grant and I have not fought about names. We actually agree on most of them. So, that has been nice. Grant and I will teach these little boys that they are best friends, and that while they will be competitive, they must strive to be the best THEY can be as individuals, and always protect each other. Brothers should be best friends. I will make sure that I give everything I have in me to teach them that. Us Greeks stick together ya know! ;)

THEY GUYS!

Last night I was able to celebrate my 31st birthday. Some of my closest friends and I went to dinner and then we had the baby reveal. I just had my cake decorated with the color blue. Pretty simple. I had so much fun! After dinner we even danced. Then we pretty much all turned into pumpkins around 11pm and needed to get back to our babies and baby sitters watching our little ones. So funny how things have changed with all of us over the years! Thank you so much for all that came and celebrated with Grant and I. I'm so fortunate for such wonderful friends.

THE GIRLY GIRLS!

Thank you Grant for celebrating my birthday all week. Making me feel special by all that you did for me. I'm one lucky girl. I swear my birthday is officially over now. 2 BOYS! We've always talked about creating a family... and look at us! You are a great dad! Jake loves you so much! He lights up when you walk in the room! I do too! You are my best friend and the love of my life! Thank you for working so hard so that I can stay home and raise our children. Thank you for loving me even when I'm cranky because I'm pregnant and not sleeping again! Thank you for letting me be me. Your my rock, and I appreciate you! Love you more everyday!

Belly pictures to come. I'm officially 14 weeks today! I will post them every weekend. I can't believe I'm back to taking these pictures! I swear I just stopped taking them! ha ha. This go round, no actual bare belly shots. :)

Cheers to health and happiness!

Coming St. Patty's Day 2012...

Baby Stone #2!

Yes, it's true! I'm pregnant with our second baby! I am due March 18, 2012! Jake and baby #2 will be 17 months apart! Grant and I are so excited! We have been praying so much, and feel so lucky that God is going to let us be parents again for the second time!

I've have know for the longest time! I found out when we were visiting my parents over the Fourth of July! Grant had just flown home (a few days earlier for work), and I stayed a little longer with my parents. I wasn't feeling great, so I went to the store and got a test. I took the test... positive! And then I thought... could it be? SO SOON? I decided to take 2 more! All positive. I immediately screamed my mom's name and she came up stairs for the news... and then told my dad, and grandma. Then my mom and I plotted how we would tell Grant! I took a picture of the test, and emailed it to him... I waited patiently for him to get it and call me! He was SOSOSO excited! I went to the doctor when I got home and found out that I was only a little over 4 weeks. Like I said, I have been patiently waiting to scream this news!

Grant and I went yesterday to an early detection ultrasound and already know the sex of the baby as well! We are having a little reveal at my birthday dinner this Friday night. So, check back Saturday for the update! Today was my regular OB appointment. Everything went great, and baby #2 is well on their way! I'm such a happy mommy!

The last few years have been so wonderful. I just feel so lucky and blessed for this opportunity to be a mommy again. I'm so happy, and cannot wait for our second baby to be here! I'm 13 weeks and 3 days. So, I have quite awhile to go... but, it's already going by so fast! Perhaps it's because Jake keeps me so busy? :)

My 30th birthday was exciting because Jake was born just a few days before it, and now my 31st birthday I have the news of baby 2! Thank you to all my friends and family that have called, texted, and facebooked me. I feel so special, and have had an awesome day!

Cheers to another year!

San Diego Weekend

Over the weekend Grant and I went to San Diego for Kevin and Samantha's wedding. Grant was a groomsmen. I went back and forth for about 6 months what I was going to do. Bring our babysitter down with us or leave Jake in his home comfortable. I've been using Michelle since Jake was 4 weeks old. She is a professional nanny and also my best friends cousin. I'm totally comfortable with her, but not totally comfortable without my sidekick Jakey poo. Michelle and Grant convinced me that it was better to leave Jake in his own home to play and do his normal activities rather than take him to a hotel for 2 days. Jake has stayed in hotels, but never without me. Grant thought I wouldn't have any fun if Jake was with us because I'd still want to spend all my time with him. I think he would have been right. We decided to keep Jake back with Michelle for 2 days.

This was Grant's and my first trip without our little guy. On the ride down I was really nervous and uneasy, but by the time we got there I was better. We were busy the entire weekend. Grant and I had so much fun! It was so nice not having to worry and have to get back by a certain time. The wedding was gorgeous and it was fun dancing with our friends! 

There were times I just sat down and didn't have to move. I know, what is that? I didn't have to do anything. All I had to do is get myself ready... at my own pace. I was able to hang out with the wives during the day to lunch and shop. 

San Diego is beautiful. I can't wait to plan a trip next summer for Jake so he can play at Legoland, Sea World, and the Wild Animal Park! I missed my little man, but it was nice spending alone time with Grant. Grant and I do go on date nights, but never overnighters. One day we even slept in until 8am!

I'm so glad we went and spent some alone time. It's so important to put each other first even though that's hard to do with a little munchkin! I feel fortunate for a wonderful husband, beautiful healthy boy, and good friends. 

Here are some pictures from the weekend:

On way to the rehearsal dinner.

View from the rooftop at the venue

The other side of the venue.

Boys will be boys.

Jake's 1st Birthday fun!

Yesterday Liz and I took the kiddos back to The Aquarium of The Pacific in Long Beach. I wanted to do something special for this actual birthday... but, nothing crazy since we celebrated on Saturday. It was beautiful yesterday. We thought that with schools back in it wouldn't be crowded... wrong! It was super crowded, so we couldn't really let the kiddos run around. And at their age that's all they want to do. Explore. They did great though. Thank you Liz and Victoria for being such good friends of ours. :)

We also had lunch there. There was so much going on, so they didn't eat much. But, we brought lots of snacks for them to munch on. I love watching Jake's face figure things out. Looking at everything, and touching things. Children are so smart. 

Telling Jake what he's looking at.

Grant and I bought Jake this Radio Flyer wagon and have been taking family walks every night. Jake loves his wagon. He likes to take his pal Mickey with him.

Have a good weekend friends!

Happy 1st Birthday son!

Jake Bowman,

Happy Birthday sweetheart! I can't believe that this day is here. It's so hard to believe that this last year has flown by as fast as it has. From watching you grow in my belly, to watching you grow from a newborn into an infant, and now to see you grow as a toddler. I'm in awe of you. You are perfect. You light up the room with your smile and energy. You are pure joy. 

I have written you many letters, but this letter will be my last journal entry. I am turning this blog into your baby book. I have monitored all your doctor appointments, milestones, family happenings, and our travels. This book I will give your wife one day. 

I am very emotional today. In a good way. You make me so happy! How did I ever live without you? 

God has blessed your father and I with you. I see you and wonder how I got this lucky. I'll never forget the feeling of seeing you for the first time. You were and are perfect. You are the best thing that we've created. You amaze me.

Your little personality is shinning! You like to problem solve. You look at the situation (what ever it may be), and you figure out how to solve it. You're so smart. When you were just weeks old people (including doctors) would say how alert you were. Always ready from the start. You did everything before you were supposed to. You were due September 9th. But, you decided to come on September 1st. I was scheduled for a c section because you were in a breech position. Your father and I were planning on going to one more romantic dinner.... and then my water broke. So, instead of dinner we went straight to the hospital. It was a good thing I packed WEEKS before you were born. We were ready. Here's that story: Jake Bowman Stone.

You are sweet. You LOVE your daddy, but I can tell you are a mommas boy. We play, read, go to the park, beach, shopping, breakfast/lunches, aquarium, and all kinds of fun stuff. When your daddy walks in the room you smile. Your daddy bathes and puts you down to bed at night. It's your special time together. Just you and your dad. Your father looks forward to that time with you. Your dad also can't wait until you are playing sports with him. He's already started with basketball with you!

You look just like your father. Every where I go people tell me that. But, it's true. You are a spitting image of your father. You are half the size of me already! When your standing next to me you almost go to my waist. Soon, you will be taller than me. Your father thinks you'll be taller than me when your in school. He's probably right. You love sports! You love to throw the ball in the basketball hoop! After we get done playing, you help me put all your toys away. You started putting all your toys back in there bins all by yourself. 

Right now you are chatting, smiling, waving, clapping, giving high fives, and dancing. YOU LOVE TO DANCE! Last night we moved your car seat around so you are sitting like a big boy. You like it so much better. You look out and are talking the entire time I'm driving. Plus, you dance while listening to the music. You love Keith Urban, and Michael Jackson. It's so strange? Hmm... Like Mother like son? hehe.

Thank you for enriching my life with such happiness. I'm truly blessed and thankful for all of God's blessings. I look forward to more years to come!

Love you more than anything,

Mommy

Here are some pictures from each month of your life:

Newborn - 1 month photo

2 Months

3 Months

4 Months

 5 Months

 6 Months

 7 Months

 8 Months

9 Months

10 Months

 11 Months

12 Months - 9/1/2011

Love you forever and always.