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.

42 weeks

Jake is really getting fun! He's cruising on furniture, enjoying meals with us in his high chair, eating "big people" food, laughing, etc. He's becoming a big boy! The Bjorn is almost impossible for me to use. He's getting too heavy for me. I still use it... but, only when I have to.

This is a big weekend for me. On Saturday I'm going with a girlfriend wine tasting, and then having a spa day on Sunday. Why is that a big deal? It's my first night away from Jake! He's almost 10 months old! Even though I was conflicted with booking this weekend, I just feel like I need a little me time. I'm thankful that my husband will be with my little man while I get a night out with a spa day! Jake is in the best of hands! I'm glad I'm going with a girlfriend that has a little one as well. This will be her first time away from her baby too. We will have each other to talk to about our nerves and our excitement! I have not been away from Jake for a long period of time yet. As nervous as I am... I'm in need of wine and spa day!

Here are some pictures from the week. I will post pictures of this weekend on Monday morning.

Little man and I lounging.

Stroll and Savor over the week. Went with some of our friends... Jakey even went and treated us to dinner. 

I took this picture during a walk that Jake and I took. Beautiful, right?

Hope everyone has a blessed weekend!

Love and cheers,

EXCITING NEWS!!

Today I'm proud to announce...

That my baby brother (OK, he's 29 and has been married since 2007) is going to be a daddy!!

We are 17 months apart! We grew up like twins!

I'm just so excited!! Can you tell?

Ashley is 13 weeks today! I couldn't be happier for them! Growing up Marty and I didn't have cousins close in age. My uncle Phil (Mom's brother) didn't have his first baby until I was 14. And even though we are close now... growing up Marty and I only had each other. We always said that we wanted to have kids close in age... AND... BAM. Jake is 9 months and Baby Spellman is due December 20th.

My sister in law Ashley :)

I just can't believe that we are going to have babies close in age. This is the most exciting thing ... ever! I'm pretty sure this is going to make me want baby #2 now. Then Jake can protect baby Spellman (if it's a boy they are naming him Martin John Spellman V - HOW COOL IS THAT), and then Jake and Baby Spellman can protect Stone baby #2. OK, I'm really getting ahead of myself. I just am so happy!

Marty and Ashley are high school sweethearts. Ash has been in my life for 11 years! She has become a sister and most importantly a close friend of mine. :)

Mart and Ash's wedding 11-11-2007

My wedding. 4-18-2009

The day I found out I was pregnant. We went to watch my cousin Bryan play hockey.

Uncle Marty there from the beginning of Jake's life!

 This is such a wonderful year for our family. I mentioned back in April that Ginny (Grant's sister) is due in August as well! I can't wait to meet that little boy! Jake is a lucky little guy to have Jackson (Ren and Lee's son), Ginny and Dave's baby due in August, and then Marty and Ashley's due in December to grow up with!

Happy Tuesday friends/family!
Cheers,

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.

Easter at The Stone house

Who doesn't LOVE the holidays? I love EVERY holiday. Perhaps it's because the way I was raised. My mother and family in general always made such a big deal about them all. The Spellman's have the best food, perfect decorations, and a house full of loud outgoing people! Family is everything. Grant and I decided for this holiday to stay home. I was in Boise last month, and just last week we were in Oklahoma. It was nice to celebrate our anniversary on Friday night, and then be mellow at home on Sunday.

Jake had 2 Easter baskets this year. One from us, and another from my parents. Growing up we always ate Ham and Turkey... well Grant and I didn't really feel like that so we altered the menu to what we really like! We made filet mignon, roasted asparagus, mashed red potatoes, and a spinach salad with cranberries, and goat cheese. 

It was a nice relaxing evening. Just what we needed. Grant and I travel for family so often that it's nice to spend time home, just us.

Here are some pictures of my little Easter bunny! Hope you all had a Happy Easter!

My little bunny! 

Brady even participated with the bunny ears!

Cheers,

Sleep training by: Brooke Stone

After 4 books, 1 DVD, and countless sleepless nights I have the solution for Jake Bowman Stone.

I have learned quite a bit from all the books, DVDs, friends/family, and theories. However, what I came to realize is that all babies are different. We all know that our precious angels are different so why wouldn't that go for their sleeping patterns too? Why must we be sticklers for the cry it out method or the strict schedules we can barely maintain if we travel or live a life on the go (Baby Wise)? I have decided to take the bull by the horns and do things my way. Something within my comfort level. I LOVE order and organization. But, one that works for Grant and I.

I couldn't bare another cry it out session. I also think the every 5 minute check in is a little much. Again, this is for Jake. I'm not talking about all children. Just mine.

Yesterday I prayed. I prayed for strength. I prayed for God to lead me in a path which is good for Jake and myself. One that could give Jake sleep and myself a piece of mind. Who needs sleep anyway? I'd rather have peace of mind that my angel is asleep and NOT screaming. Anyhow, I wasn't sure if it was going to be "the night". I started Jake's routine. Fed, bathe, book, starry lights on the wall, and then noise maker on. Breast fed him and changed his diaper again and put him down. At first he was playing and whimpering. Then began the screaming and crying. I knew he was tired. His eyes were red and he was rubbing them. I left the room at 8:30pm. I turned the video monitor on and then Grant and I took turns checking on him. We went in ABOUT every 5 minutes and stayed in their until we felt comfortable and then left again. We rubbed his back, put his pacifier in, talked to him, etc. After 30 minutes of that I decided to pull back the time. I waited. 15 minutes later... my baby was dead asleep. Snoring. On his stomach, legs under him, and face down. I went in to reposition him. That was a challenge, because I didn't want to wake him. He was so tired he let me move him around. Passed out by 9:22pm.

He woke up at 1:16am for a feeding and then back into crib. Woke up again at 5:10am for a feeding and back down until 7:15am. I'm OK with the feedings for now. Let him get into his sleep routine a few more days and then I can start weaning the feedings.

I know that was only night 1, but I'm excited. We all slept great. I'm excited for Jake to get more rest in the night. He woke up this morning so very happy. He's a happy baby, but even happier. In fact, he is playing in his pack n' play right now. He never plays in that thing! He's been playing in there for 30 minutes already. He ate all of his breakfast and isn't fussy in the slightest. We are getting ready for a walk along the bay and then beach. Post pictures later.

Thank you Lord for the strength and courage to try new things. I'm so happy and looking forward to sleeping again.

Amen.

Beach Day and Babblings.

Last minute I called my friend Liz to see what she was doing today. She said to come down and see her in Huntington Beach. I was excited to get out of the house. Jake and I have been going on so many walks lately. The weather has been absolutely beautiful. Not too hot, not too cold. Just perfect. I got to her house and we walked to lunch. Then we went on a walk to dog beach and back to her house. It was just what I needed. 

Since I've been home Jake has been getting back into the swing of things. He is getting familiar with our house again. It's been a process. Being gone for almost 3 weeks has really affected him. I have been walking with him and Brady and introducing him back to his crib and room. Next weekend we are going out of town again so I assume I will have to do it all over again? I have a feeling my traveling will be to a minimum soon. After Jake getting sick and then coming back confused I'm scared to leave again. Praying that he assimilates faster next time. Or perhaps if the trips are short it's not that big of a deal. 

I have a feeling this is going to be a great week. I'm excited to start our "bedtime routine" again, date night with my boys, and back to my workouts. Next week I have my skin surgery. I'm thankful for early detection. All those years in college and frying my skin in the sun and in the tanning salon. I'm paying for it all now. I had 4 moles removed last month and one came back "abnormal". I go in on Monday for surgery and then back again in May for another skin check. Then every 4 months after. I wear SPF 50 on my face and body. I'm not messing around with the sun. If I want a tan going forward I will spray it on (like I have been doing the last few years). I'm sure I'll have more removed next month so I just pray for normal results and going forward protect myself. I haven't tanned in a salon since 2007. And when I was on my honeymoon didn't even get too much into direct sun. My moles are appearing now from years of damage. So, when your in the sun put your sunscreen on.

Here are some pictures from our day today. No matter where I travel to this is my home. California with all of its faults has so many things to offer. Today I feel lucky that I live somewhere that is so beautiful. 

Hope everyone is having a good day!

Huntington Beach

My baby love at the beach.

Princess Victoria

Liz and I

Jake and I

Cheers,

7 months old - 30 weeks

Jake is 7 months today! My little character is getting so big! Like I said in my last post, he's all over! He's crawling and pulling up on everything! I can't leave him anywhere unattended! He's getting adjusted to being back home after being gone for 2 1/2 weeks. I love watching him grow and change. Every month gets more and more fun! He's a big one. He's wearing 18/24 month size clothes. When I hold him he looks as long as me! :)

This month we are going to Oklahoma to see family and celebrate Grandmother Stone's 60th birthday! Jake is becoming quite the little traveler!

Hope you all have a great Friday!

Cheers,