Happy Chinese New Year - YESTERDAY!

I had this blog scheduled to post and it never did. Better late then never, right? I wanted to wish all my friends a very happy and prosperous New Year!
This is the year of the Dragon. Baby #2 will be a Dragon!

Personality

Occupying the 5th position in the Chinese Zodiac, the Dragon is the mightiest of the signs. Dragons symbolize such character traits as dominance and ambition. Dragons prefer to live by their own rules and if left on their own, are usually successful. They’re driven, unafraid of challenges, and willing to take risks. They’re passionate in all they do and they do things in grand fashion. Unfortunately, this passion and enthusiasm can leave Dragons feeling exhausted and interestingly, unfulfilled.

While Dragons frequently help others, rarely will they ask for help. Others are attracted to Dragons, especially their colorful personalities, but deep down, Dragons prefer to be alone. Perhaps that is because they’re most successful when working alone. Their preference to be alone can come across as arrogance or conceitedness, but these qualities aren’t applicable. Dragons have tempers that can flare fast!

Health

Considering their hard-working nature, Dragons are healthy overall. They do get stressed and suffer from periodic tension/headaches, likely because they take so many risks. Dragons could benefit from incorporating mild activity into their lives. Yoga or walking would be good as these activities can work both their minds and their bodies.

Career

Dragons prefer leading to being led. Jobs that allow them to express their creativity are good choices. Some good careers include: inventor, manager, computer analyst, lawyer, engineer, architect, broker, and sales person.

Relationships

Dragons will give into love, but won’t give up their independence. Because they have quick, sometimes vengeful tempers, their partners need to be tough-skinned. Dragons enjoy others who are intriguing, and when they find the right partners, they’ll usually commit to that person for life.

Dragons and the 5 elements - water for 2012

Water calms the Dragon’s fire. Water Dragons are able to see things from other points of view. They don’t have the need to always be right. Their decisions, if well-researched, are usually better since they allow other’s to become involved.

Compatibility

Dragons are compatible with the Monkey or Rat and incompatible with the Ox and Goat.

Jake is the year of the Tiger.
Personality

Occupying the 3rd position on the Chinese Zodiac, the Tiger symbolizes such character traits as bravery, competitiveness and unpredictability. Tigers love to be challenged and will accept any challenge if it means protecting a loved one or protecting their honor. They don’t worry about the outcome because they know they’ll always land on their feet. Don’t let their calm appearance fool you though; Tigers will pounce when they feel it’s necessary.

Born to lead, Tigers can be stubborn if they realize they’re not in charge. They have a slight tendency to be selfish but overall, Tigers are extremely generous. They’re very intelligent and they’re always on alert. Tigers are very charming and are well-liked by others. They are not motivated by money or power.

Health

As they do their enemies, Tigers have a tendency to pounce on their work. Afterwards, they’re left feeling exhausted. Although they’ll soon bounce right back, over time this approach can cause problems with their health. Tigers need to develop a more balanced approach to life so they can utilize their energy more efficiently.

Career

Tigers have a continual need to be challenged which may explain why they jump from job to job. This isn’t necessarily a problem because they’re smart and able to quickly master new subjects. The best jobs for Tigers are those that will lead them towards positions of leadership. Some suitable careers for Tigers include: advertising agent, office manager, travel agent, actor, writer, artist, pilot, flight attendant, musician, comedian and chauffeur.

Relationships

Creative in their passion, Tigers will never bore their partners. They’re expressive, polite and trustworthy, but watch out. Tigers tend to dominate their relationships. This tendency is instinctive and when monitored closely, such behavior can be kept under control. Partners need to be equally active to keep up with the Tiger’s sense of adventure.

Tigers and the 5 elements - metal for 2010

Assertive, competitive and sharp, once Metal Tigers set their sights on their goals there’s no stopping them. They’ll always do what’s necessary to remain at the center of attention. Metal Tigers tend to jump to conclusions; a behavior they need to work at improving.

Compatibility

Tigers are compatible with a Dog and a Horse and are incompatible with a Goat and an Ox. 

Grant is the year of the Goat (1979), and I'm the year of the Monkey (1980). You can read more about them here: Chinese Zodiac
Have a great day... and a Happy New Year!

Friends are the family you choose.

So often I talk about how important family is. I have always been the supporter of family is the most important thing. And don't get me wrong, I still believe that family is most important. However, recently I have been realizing that friends are oh so important as well.

I have always relied on my family for every kind of support. Whether it's mental, physical, or emotional. And I still rely on them. But, recently I have found that my friends are just as important. They say that friends are the family that you choose. I truly believe that.

Over the last few years I have seen people change, and true colors arise. I altered my life to NO negativity. If people can't be happy for you... it's THEIR own problem. I have said good bye to a few relationships. Some where painful and some were inevitable. But, I did what was best for the family I was creating. I'm not a negative person. I try to help those that need help, and support them when I can. And if people don't ever reciprocate, then what's the point? I have heard people talk about my relationship, family, etc. Those people are unhappy, sad people. I feel bad for them. I am truly happy for those that are doing well, and genuinely happy! Life is short, and it can't be spent around people that just don't frankly matter.

Grant recently has been traveling A LOT. He's been very busy with work. I have been with Jake non stop, by myself. I know that this is just a busy time for Grant, so I support him. It's just a little harder when your 4 months pregnant, have a busy 1 year old, and NO family close by for support. I have learned that I have amazing friends. I am so lucky! I am NOT alone. I have a few special mommy friends that have been there for me, and I have been there for them. All of us going through our own things, but always supporting each other. Having young kids keeping us busy, they are always making time to make sure I'm not alone recently.

Some days I have woken up tired and frustrated. Frustrated, because my mom is a plane ride away and can't be here to help me with Jake. Frustrated, because Grant is so busy traveling. Frustrated, wondering why I even live in California anymore. Then it dawned on me this week. Even though I don't have family near, I have friends that I have known for years close by. During the week I have lots of play dates, lunch dates, breakfast dates, walk dates, etc. I am busy all day. I'm so thankful for my friends and our relationships. I thank God for the women that are in my life. I'm so lucky to be able to call them friends. These women have become my family.

If my parents could be here, they would be. But, with everyone working and Dylan in school, its easier for me to travel to them. It's going to get more challenging when baby #2 is here though. I'm thankful for the closeness of my parents/grandparents, and miss them dearly. But, thankful for the women that I see weekly for their friendship, and support.

I thank God for what he has shown me. Showing me that I can rely on these strong, beautiful ladies. I don't need to say names, they know who they are and I appreciate their friendship. Thank you for always  being there. I look forward to more babies, wine nights (eventually), girly trips, and double date nights. I love you ladies and I'm so proud to call you friends. :)

Tonight Grant is taking me out for a date night... We are going to the KEITH URBAN CONCERT... VIP!!! I'm so excited to #1: have a date night with my main squeeze, #2: get out of the house, and #3: HELLO PEOPLE... SEE KEITH URBAN! This is my 6th time seeing him. Yes, I said 6 times. I love him!

Anyhow, have a great weekend. I'll put up my 17 week photo tomorrow! This pregnancy is just flying by!! Soon I will get to meet this baby boy!

Love,

Jake Bowman

Jake Bowman,

You are an amazing little guy. You are so happy and fill your father's and my life with so much joy. We are so lucky to have you. I wanted to write you a little letter so you know how much we love you. 

Everyday you and I go for walks with our dog Brady and we take in the sunshine. We live at the beach so we play on the beach and at the park at the end of our block. You hang out with Victoria (3 weeks younger than you), and Elijah (a year older). They are your best buddies. 

Your smile lights up the room. Everyone says how happy and adorable you are. I totally agree... but, I'm bias. You look so much like your daddy. Your dad is so proud of you. Everywhere we go your dad wants to hold you. You are so loved. I'm lucky enough to be a stay at home mommy, so I see all your milestones the second they happen. We play, read, walk, run, and laugh all day. Now, I currently chase you all around the house! Your fast little guy! 

Our family is in different states, but this has made our relationship as a family so strong. We rely on each other. I have learned everything by reading and watching you. I didn't think I would ever be able to do this without my mom. But, I am! It's not as hard as I thought it would be. Your Ya Ya and Pop Pop call you everyday! You get really excited when you hear their voices! You try and grab the phone and talk back! Such the little chatter you are! We are going to Boise in July! I seriously CAN'T WAIT!!!!!!! You will be able to play in their yard and chase after Coco and Casey (your grandparents dogs). Soon we'll have you on the golf course with Dylan!

You are taking a nap right now, so I wanted to write a quick letter to you. Before I put you down I held you tight and thanked God that I'm your mommy. I'm truly blessed beyond belief. I'm excited to see you grow into a little person. Always remember that I love you more than anything and that I will do anything for you! 

Love always and forever,

Your mommy.

Lately...

It's always busy over here at The Stone house. But, sometimes it's even too busy to blog! I know... it's hard to believe. But, my family said they wanted an update with more pics... Hope this is what you were looking for mom! ;)

My little monster is teething. He's been teething... runny nose, sore gums, a little whiney when they hurt him. When will they come in? He is chewing on everything! His fingers, his cup, his bottle, his spoon, or anything he gets in his little hands!

Playing with his girlfriend Victoria.

He's so mobile. He is crawling fast! And he pulls up on everything. I started baby proofing the areas he's in the most. I think this weekend I will invest in baby gates.

Tearing apart the book selves.

My aunt Michele, uncle Jack, and cousin Nicole were in town visiting so they came by and saw Jake. Michele is my dad's sister (don't they look alike?). We had a great time catching up! Grant and I might try and go out to Utah this summer so he can meet more of my family!  Thank you Ferguson family for stopping by and saying hello! Love you!

 I have a whole area for Jake to play in now. A huge Alphabet foam mat, with millions of toys... and this kid prefers to play under his jumper with books. haha. He pulls them all off the shelf. So, I decided to clear out the bottom 2 levels.

Apparently I should have cleared 3 levels? I forget that my little man is actually pretty tall. He's already reaching for the next shelf! 

 This week I also went and met London Myers. She's perfect! It was nice seeing Heather and just catching up! It kinda gave me baby fever... How is that possible? Am I ready for another baby?

Hope everyone has a wonderful Friday. I'll blog more this weekend.
Cheers,

8 months old.

Jake is 8 months old! Can you believe it? Time is just flying by! I'm loving every minute of this journey!

Here is the latest with Jake Bowman:

* Still wearing size 4 diapers (since 5 months old I believe).

* Wearing 18-24 size clothes.

* Happy baby!

* He's standing!

* Crawling all over the place. I can't keep him in one room.

* Saying mama, dada, and baba (for Brady).

* Absolutely LOVES the animals. No matter what mood he's in... he'll light up with the animals are near him.

* Loves wearing his sunglasses.

* Teething... but, no teeth yet!

* AND THIS BIGGEST ACCOMPLISHMENT ... READY PEOPLE... WELL, ARE YOU???

HE'S SLEEPING THROUGH THE NIGHT!!!! 
He goes to bed at 8pm and wakes up at 6:30am. 

Here is a video of my little man standing for the first time. I was folding his clothes, and when I looked up... He was standing! I grabbed my camera and got a little of it. This was when he was 7 1/2 months though. I was just so excited for this milestone. Or any milestone. I'm a proud mommy! I have more videos of him actually pulling himself up for the camera. But, this was his first one.  On another note... I didn't realize how annoying my voice is... so, for future videos... I'll be working on that!:)

Taking pictures of my little man with his "monthly number" on is almost impossible. But, I still managed to snap a few!

Road trip/Flight #4 (Part one)

IDEEEHO!

Figured this blog should be in 2 parts. I've been here so long that I have a ton of pictures and stories!

Let's start with part one of our Boise trip!

Grant parked and walked us in to LAX. He made sure we were all check in before he left us at the security check point. I didn't find out until later that I could have gotten Grant a pass so that he could have taken us all the way to the gate. It didn't matter this trip, but if we had more children that would have been super helpful! The other pics are of Jake on the plane. He did great. We fed on the way up and down. We played in between. He didn't sleep much on the plane. He flirted with all the women that walked by. No lie. I'm in trouble with this little flirt!

My grandma picked us up at the airport. We went to lunch and then we went home to hang out and wait for the rest of the family to get off work. I was so happy to be home!

My little brother Dylan is getting so big! He's going to be 8 on 4/3. 

My parents couldn't wait to hold him!

Jake was in awe of Dylan. He just lights up when Dyl walks in the room.

Jake's first haircut. Sitting on Grandma Spellman's lap.

I learned how to crochet while I have been here. Yes, people... me! I'm making a blanket for my bedroom now. It's a work in progress. The picture below was at the knitting shop. Knit one/Quilt two! ;) Jake was playing peek a boo with his auntie Kim!

A week into our trip Jake started suffering from allergies. The allergies turned into a secondary infection. We were in urgent care 2 nights in a row. Finally with antibiotics he's doing great! We ended up extending our trip another week because Jake wasn't feeling well. I didn't want him to fly all stuffed up. I was worried that his ears wouldn't pop, and that he would feel more miserable. I ended up getting sick as well. Pretty much the same thing happened to me. Allergies on hiatus... then secondary infection. I'm feeling better after antibiotics as well. We'll be home next Wednesday. I will be sad to leave my family... but, I miss my husband terribly!

It was been such a fun trip. Jake and I have had a lot of firsts together! First plane ride, first sickness, new foods, first haircut (in a salon where I got my hair done), and new appreciation for California weather.

Part two coming soon...
Cheers,

27 weeks - weekly update - 6 month baby well check up!

Last night, I was holding Jake while he slept in my arms. I treasured that moment. I didn't want to put him in his crib right away. I let him sleep on my chest. I held him and prayed. I thanked God for the blessing of this child. I thanked God for the opportunity to become a mother. It's inevitable that one day he will have to move on and grow as an adult. But, until then... I am his mommy and I will love on my son as much as I like. I can't spoil this infant. I want him to be happy, and that in turn makes me happy!

It's hard to believe how fast time flies. I feel like I say this all the time. But, seriously... He's 6 months old already! I'm amazed when I look at him everyday. He does something new that makes me smile. Becoming a mother has been the toughest thing I have EVER done. However, the most rewarding. Watching him grow and explore is priceless. It was a difficult transition at first... from working everyday to not working and being a stay at home mom... but, I get to watch this little guy make every move. I'm fortunate to be able to be home. I wouldn't want it any other way. It's so rewarding watching him grow from a newborn to a little boy. I'm learning that I can still be me and be a mom. As it turns out, Jake likes to be active as well. :)

On to more important matters! Let's talk about how big my baby is getting. He did great. I love our pediatrician. Dr. Lao is super sweet and patient. If you know me, you know I ask many questions. In fact, I bring a list. I place Jake's next appointment in my blackberry and as questions come up, I place them in my phone. Then I don't forget anything. 

My baby love is doing great! He's still off the charts. His stats are the same as last appointment. He's 28 1/2 inches (95% percentile), and 20 pounds (90% percentile). He gained 3 pounds and grew 2 1/2 inches! Big boy. He's eating everything! He loves to eat. His favorite so far is green beans and sweet potatoes. However, he loves bananas and pears too. OK, he has liked everything but sweet peas. :)

He reaching and pulling things down. He's in the crawl position (getting onto his knees), but he's still scooting around. He's almost officially crawling! Yikes! Jake also is trying to pull himself up on things. Can't really leave him alone because he's quite mobile. 

He's talking so much. He's making all kinds of sounds. And he is trying to communicate without crying. I just love his sounds. He isn't much of a crier. He's pretty easy going. I'm hoping he stays easy going while we travel next week. Just him and I are going to Boise, Idaho. I'm not going to lie... I'm a little nervous traveling with him alone. I'm not sure what to expect. I'm sure he'll be a good boy though. I mainly worried about carrying everything. What is important to bring? Tylenol (in case), pacifier, food, etc. Thank goodness I'm still breastfeeding. That is built in! I haven't seen my parents since Christmas. That is too long. We plan on going back for the Fourth of July as well. We'll see! I like placing times on the calendar. Then I have something to look forward to. It doesn't make it as hard to leave knowing I'm going back! 

Here is a picture from the doctors office taken on Grant's cell phone.

Potty training at 4 months old?

Um... am I already behind? I was watching Good Morning America this morning and saw a clip of mother's going to Potty training workshops. Actually, at first I thought... What a good idea, get your children used to the idea of the toilet and then I saw something that really disturbed me. A mother holding her 4 month old over the toilet. The mother holding his "item" (we all know what I'm taking about) over the toilet as her baby pees. What are your thoughts on this? Does a 4 month old really know what's going on? There was another mother holding what looked like a newborn as well! Then it shows mothers giving their children excessive amounts of liquid so their children pee more so they can be trained. YIKES.

To each their own. I just saw that and actually got upset. Can't we just leave our children grow on their own time? I thought children start getting potty trained when they can walk to the toilet on their own. Or at least by the time they are 2 1/2 or 3? What is that age marker now?

I guess I'm still learning. My baby is still 5 months old. We are concentrating on sleeping in his crib and eating new veggies. :)

Hope everyone has a good Wednesday!

Click here for the GMA potty training link

24 weeks - weekly update

This has already been a busy week. I swear I say this every week! First off, Jake started eating sweet potatoes on Saturday. He LOVES them! I have continued giving him those since then. This week I'll be mixing it up. Not sure what I'm moving to, but, excited to try something new! I heard you shouldn't mix veggies and fruit (not together... but, introducing)? Just give veggies for awhile and then start in on fruits? Thoughts moms?

Tuesday mommy group went to the Orange Circle Antique Mall. It was really fun! We walked around, had lunch, and even stayed away from dessert. A rarity... I know! :) 

I used to go as a child. My mom would drag my brother and I. I hated it. I hated it with a passion and would cry every time she would take us. She would have to bribe my brother and I with food and gifts. Poor lady. Now look.... I'm doing it too! ha. I didn't find anything in particular. I do love antiques. I have certain things I look for. Ever heard of Jadite (Jadite depression glass)? When we were little my mom came across 2 sets of Jadite dishes, cups, and saucers and bought them for Marty and I. Once we got married my mom shipped us the boxes of the glass. It was made during the depression period and is worth quite a bit. I haven't used them though. I still have them in the box my mom sent me. I'm so afraid of breaking them. The are not replaceable. The fact my mom kept them as long as she had is more priceless than the dollar amount. I would love to pass this on to my children. I rarely see or hear about Jadite. Sometimes I get lucky and find an item here or there. And it's usually expensive. So, every time I go looking for antiques, that is what I look for.

Here are a few pieces of my collection:

My baby love on the adventure with me:

He's trying to grab my camera cord here... He's touching everything!

Happy boy!

On Wednesday, Grant was out of town, so my girlfriends came over and we had a potluck dinner! When I say potluck... it was seriously out of control! So much food and wine! I'm so lucky to be surrounded by these girls. I have the best friends. Bestie Katy came late so she wasn't in the group shot.

The older I get the more I realize that friendships should be effortless. Sure you have to work on relationships, but there shouldn't be anything you can't work through. The girls below have been my friends for years. Some for over 12 years. My grandfather once said, "A friend is someone that will be inconvenienced for you". This is true. The girls below are always there for me, and I'm always there for them. Without asking. It's so awesome to see us all change and grow as women. It's hard to believe we were once young sorority sisters trying to figure it all out.

3 of the girls below are growing there hair to donate to another one of our girlfriends. That is amazing to me. What a wonderful group of girls. *I will also be sending another blog out about the hair drive shortly*

Grant and I have a busy weekend ahead... I will post my photography lessons on Sunday and send another blog on our wine tasting adventure!
Love and cheers,

21 weeks continued...

This was a fun week. Monday I went to my college sorority house to meet the girls. I am the new PR Advisor for the house. They are an amazing group of girls that I can't wait to get to know. This week I also realized how old I actually am. 30 is a big number, isn't it? YIKES. Anyhow, while Monday night meeting was going on... I looked at the girls calendars and was wondering when we were going to go over the dates (like we used to do... take out our clip boards and write in the info)... well much to my amaze they don't do that anymore. Why? Because dates and events are emailed to the girls... The reminders are sent to the entire house by the president or girls in office. That's when I realized... I'm old. We didn't have email addresses... I had a college email address that I barely used. We just started using cell phones then. Facebook... what the heck was that? My junior year Myspace and AOL instant messenger were becoming popular. Too funny. We are so "connected" now. Makes me wonder if we are too connected?

Tuesday late afternoon Grant needed to speak at a meeting in San Diego (impromptu) so he asked if I wanted to go down with him. I called my friend Julie to see if she could watch the house and she agreed... So, without planning I grabbed a bag of things that Jake would need and a few things in case we spent the night and we jumped on the road. It was so fun! We carpooled down and got there in an hour and a half. Not bad for leaving at 5pm! Grant made it on time and went to speak. I went shopping. Then when Grant was done we went to dinner. Grant had an early morning but we thought it would be better if we just got up and went around 5 am. It was a pretty far drive down so we didn't know how Jake would do driving back that late, so we made the decision to stay the night. We went to dinner at 8:30pm and thought there would be no problems with the time and Jake. Not taking into consideration he hadn't taken a very long nap, and  the long drive down... Jake became fussy. I took out the bottle and asked the waiter for hot water. I started heating the bottle up... Jake was now officially screaming... time was now 8:45pm. Bottle was ready, but he was fussing with the bottle. He was crying and choking on the bottle. So, Grant shot me a look. Hooter hider out... baby now on me. Grant asked the waiter to pack up our food and paid the waiter. By the time the food hit the table 9pm Jake was fast asleep. We decided to open the take out boxes, ordered a beer and let Jake sleep on us while we ate. Then we went to our hotel and watched TV till we fell asleep. It ended up being such a fun spontaneous trip! And Jake did so well considering the long drive with no naps. We have learned that we don't go to restaurants past 8pm. ha ha.

The rest of the week was cleaning and playing with Jake. The weekend was so fun! Grant, Jake and I went on a date Saturday night. We went to a new Mediterranean restaurant. It was yummy! I also started back rice cereal for Jake last night. I first started rice cereal on December 28th (J was 3 1/2 months), then after seeing the doctor for his baby well check up (4 month appointment) I was advised to stop until he is 6 months so that he doesn't develop allergies. But, after the last week of waking every 2-3 hours I decided to start again. Jake will be 5 months on Feb 1st. Last night Jake slept 5 hours before waking for the next feeding and then slept another 4 hours. Poor little man was probably starving. Tonight I will try and give him the cereal via spoon. I bought a tray for his Bumbo chair so he can sit up with us! I can't wait to see how that goes!

Hope you all had a great weekend... Here are some more pictures of our little muffin:

Hat I bought in San Diego. Super cute!

Fills my heart with joy!

Playing...

He grabs the bottle on his own!

Back to the rice cereal!

Super Jakey!