18 months/3 weeks - Today is Asher's official due date!

Jake has been 18 months old since March 1. I've been a little busy, so I haven't had a chance to blog about that. He's doing great! At his 18 month appointment he didn't have to have any shots, and he of course surpassed all the "normal" growth markers. Smart little cookie! He's in the 93rd percentile for height, and 90th percentile for weight. The doctor said he's starting to even out now. He's tall and solid.

He loves to color, play with his puzzles, play basketball, and he's starting to like soccer as well. Next month I'm signing Jake up for spring swim classes, and may even look back into Gymboree. I like to keep him busy. :)

Jake has been amazing with Asher. He kisses and hugs him all day. I was concerned at first on how he was going to react to having a brother and only being 17 months apart... I didn't think he would fully understand. I was wrong. He totally understands. Anytime Ash cries or makes a sound he runs to him... and rubs him. It seriously the sweetest thing ever. He's just a sweetheart in general.

Ash is doing great! It's crazy to think that today is actual Asher's due date! But, my little munchkin is 3 weeks! He's getting so big already! It looks like I might be hyper lactating again. So, just like with Jake he's a gassy little man. I am producing so much milk! I have about 30 baggies in the freezer already! I blogged about it back when Jake was 3 weeks old (Hyper Lactation). I have been in contact with the same lactation specialist and we are working out a plan with a little gas medicine. If you read my story last time, I had to pump before I fed him... This time I'm just weighing him weekly and giving him gas medicine. With hyper lactation there is a pretty big weight gain, so that's why weighing Ash is involved. I might have to pump before I feed him again. We'll see... I do know that it all gets adjusted with time! I vaguely remember around 8 weeks, Jake's gas started to get better! I can make it! ;)

Asher is very similar to Jake in his sleeping pattern. My little men eat EVERY 2 hours when there newborns! I sometimes get lucky and they'll weight 3 hours... but, they are pretty consistent with that. Breast milk also runs through their little bodies faster, causing more frequent feedings... I know breastfeeding is so important! I breastfed Jake until he was 9 months... let's hope I can go that long with Asher. There are quite a few sleepless nights over here... but, I know that once I can sleep train... I will get that sleep again. It's been great having Jake on his schedule. That way I know that I only have Asher to care for when Jake is down.

There are some stressful moments during the day with these 2 little ones... but, all in all... it's not nearly as scary as some people prepared me for. Jake is smart. When Ash starts to cry, he stands by and watches. The only time it gets a little stressful, is when Grant is working late. The night time routine is a little more of a challenge with out that extra hand. So, I just try and time it right. Timing is usually as follows: feed Asher, get him sleepy so he takes a nap... and then I feed Jake, bathe him, and put him down. Then all my time goes back to Asher. I bathe him, feed him, and snuggle with him.

Being a mommy of 2 is awesome. I can't wait until Asher is a little older and will play with Jake. I just know they're going to be best friends. I'm excited for the day when there playing sports and going to school together. Buds forever! :)

Lastly, to answer the question about how I am doing... I'm good! The VBAC was great! I'm glad I did my own research, and went forward believing that it would be a success. I feel great! I literally do not feel like I had a baby a few weeks ago! The first week after I had Ash was the toughest. But, I right after I had him, I ate a subway sandwich, went to the restroom, and was walking all over. :) The nurses commented on how active I was. My body has bounced back so quickly! I'm back to the same weight I was before I got pregnant with Asher. I have a personal goal to lost another 10 pounds and then I'll be the same weight I was before my wedding. I'm into SOME of my old jeans! However, I have some working out to do once I'm cleared to tone everything back up again! ha! I'm ready for my spin, walking around the beach, and (gulp) eating healthier. I'm a pretty healthy eater... but, this means more salads, and less carbs. I can do it! Goal: bikini for summer? Perhaps! I go to the doctor the first week of April for my 6 week postpartum appointment. I'm ready for excising!

Well, I better run! I hear Ash calling for me! Jake is running towards him! Have a good weekend!

Here are some pictures from the week:

Asher looks more like his mommy! My mom said that he reminded her a little of me. He of course has Grant's dimples (cheeks and chin). Oh! And he has the longest fingers and toes... just like Grant! So, we think that Ash has my blonde hair, eyes, nose, and lips. :) It's really too early to tell. I'll have to post my baby picture to compare! 

 Precious!

 Loving on my baby!

 Out for a walk with the new stroller! 

 Walked into the kitchen and found this banana. Jake is so tall he grabbed it, took a bite, and put it back. He ate right from the skin! I peeled it and gave it right back to him. He LOVES bananas!

 Jake likes to rock Asher back to sleep. 

 I have a great life! 

Happy Valentines Day!

I have ALWAYS liked Valentines Day. Even as a child! My mom would always do a little something special for every holiday. So, I will continue this tradition with my family. I will always make cards, and give small thoughtful gifts to the ones I love. That's what my mom did, and I always looked forward to the goodies, and it's what my children will look forward to as well... and of course I do something special for my husband as well.

Today/Tonight will be a mellow night at home, and then Grant is setting something special up for Saturday night. Date night. :)

Make sure you tell your loved ones that you love them. Tomorrow is not promised. Happy Valentines Day friends!

Look at where Jake was just last year. What a difference a year makes. How fast they grow! Maybe by St. Patricks Day we will have our second son!? EXCITED!!

17 months old.

Jake's almost a year and a half! He's my big boy now. I miss those babies stages. Actually, every stage has truly been great. I love seeing this little guy grow, and I do have a hard time seeing him grow up. He's so amazing to me. I have been lucky enough to be home with him everyday and see him grow from a baby to a toddler. And soon I'll get to see Jake be the best big brother to his little brother.

He's so funny. He's a little character. A few things this little guy is up is:

1. If I say, "no, no, no", Jake will respond with a big smile (and pointing his finger like me), "nah, nah, nah".

2. He LOVES his puzzles. He figures them out so quickly. Then depending what kind of puzzle it is he'll point to things and say there names. For example, he has a car/truck puzzle, so he's constantly pointing and saying car!

3. He has 10 teeth that I can see. He hasn't cried much or complained about teething. I haven't given him any kind of medicine for teething either.

4. We are moving away from the bottle. In the morning he likes his "baba", so we are working on just sippy cups. 

5. He loves "wa wa (water)! He likes juice too, but I rarely give it to him (probably a few times a week). I mainly give him water, and milk.

6. He's still in size 5 diapers. 

7. He wears 3T clothing.

8. His shoe size is a 7.

9. He's napping mainly once a day. Around 11am until about 12:30/1pm. He's not much of a napper. He does sleep from 7pm until 6:30/7am.

10. He loves to run outside, play with the dog, play basketball, and he even likes to color. 

11. His favorite foods are peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, grilled cheese, potato pie (or Shepard's pie),  any kind of rice, peas, chicken, turkey meatloaf, etc. He's a pretty good eater.

12. He drinks water, milk, apple juice, orange juice, and a little cranberry.

13. One of my favorite things he does (and he has for awhile now), is if he does something good he'll say, "DID IT" super loud! And he'll either clap for himself or put his arms in the air! 

Those are just a few things. Thought I should maintain my blogging for reference with baby #2. Hope you all have a good day!

Winter in California

It rained all day Monday... and now back to sunny skies! Today was about 80 degrees. I know it's hard to believe, but its true.

Today, I was going to head to Disneyland with my friend Liz and her daughter, and then I remembered that I'm 8 months pregnant and have to use the restroom every hour. Plus, lifting Jake is a little more of a challagene. I decided to wait to do that with my muscle man... and stay home and play here!

So, we took it outside!

Jake has play stations all over. Outside, inside, in the car, etc. ;) 

He first started on his mat.

Played a little bball.

Went on the swings and on his slide. 

 He was so dirty we took a bath early! 

 Then we had tangelos from the tree in our backyard. 

We finally read books and colored.

Today was a good day!

32 weeks - 8 months

I turned 8 months yesterday. I went from small belly to big belly overnight! I've been reading old blog posts from when I was pregnant with Jake and it brings tears in my eyes. Being pregnant is such a gift. Life is a gift! 

Weight gain:

I believe I'm at about 15 pounds. I'm so active with Jake, I'm pretty sure I'm burning lots of calories. Plus, with the heartburn I've been eating pretty darn healthy and light. I just make sure I'm snacking all day! 

Pregnancy symptoms:

The heartburn has gotten worse. Grant swears I was like this with Jake too. I slept on the couch 3 times last week, because almost sitting straight up is better. Plus, this baby is moving like crazy. Not so much the kicking... It's the rolling and moving that keeps me up. He's pretty active!  

Doctor blogging:

I go to the OBGYN every 2 weeks now! I actually go in tomorrow. So, I will update on that blog!

Here is an updated picture of me:

This weekend was busy... like usual! I had 2 birthdays to attend and 2 important games to watch! ha! I celebrated my good friend Liz's birthday at the race track on Friday night, and my other good friend Katy's birthday was celebrated on Saturday! 

I seriously have a knack for the horse races! I'm not kidding. This is my 6th time going and I always leave a winner. I've learned how to read the stats and then with luck... I win! I usually play the winning horse, and I do an exacta box (with 3 horses). That means, I bet on the horse I feel will win the entire race, and then I choose the top 3 finishers (and with the exacta box they can come in any order). Anyhow, mama got a pair of Tom Ford glasses out of this trip! woo hoo! ;)

I also took Jake to get his hair cut... again! I take him every month. This kiddo has lots of hair! It's thick, wavy, and blonde. I'd like to think he has my hair... but, I'm sure he's got Grant's hair too! ;) Look at how cute my little monkey is! Jake is such a happy boy. The older he gets the sweeter he gets! I'm serious! If I say, "Jake, give momma a kiss", he comes running up to me and plants a big one on me! And then he hugs me and pats my back. I just melt! I wonder how he'll be with his brother? I'm sure he'll wonder what the heck the baby is doing here... but, he'll adjust and love him like crazy! The thing we'll have to work on is sharing. Jake is used to being the only one... so, the challenge will be sharing me, toys, and time. But, I will do my best to keep things as "normal" as possible. I read a great article my friend posted on becoming a mommy of 2. It was a good read, and it gave me some tips. The majority of what I hear is that it's tough in the beginning and then it gets easier as they get older. They will be about 17 months apart... I'm up for the challenge... obviously! 

Well, until my doctor appointment blogging... have a wonderful Monday!

Christmas in Boise!

My camera arrived, and I have downloaded the pictures I took over our Christmas vacation. We had such a fun time! We spent about 10 days there. I swear it seems like we're there only a short week. Jake was loved on the entire time we were there. He was so spoiled. He followed Dylan everywhere! Dylan is the best. He played so much with him. And when Dylan's friends would come over they'd all play with Jake too. He was so happy to be playing with the "big boys".

This was the first year I'd spent in Boise over Christmas without snow. It was cold, but not too bad. There was snow one morning, but it quickly burned off. The boys were able to play golf a few times, and us girls were able to get our coffee's, massages, lunches, and even some shopping. It was nice and relaxing.

We went to a nice church service and even went back and met with our pastor there. Pastor Tom is great! It was nice to catch up and tell him all about what we've been up to. We even talked about dedicating our next son over the fall. It's nice to have someone to talk to about things that are going on, and have someone pray with you. I just wish we could attend his church more regularly. Who knows what the future will bring, right? ;)

Well, after those 10 days, it was time for us to head home. Grant needed to get back to work, and I needed to get myself and Jake back on track. After spending that time with my family and seeing Jake play with another boy, I'm so excited to have my next son. I know that the 17 month age difference will be hard, but I know that they will be best friends. I'm so happy to be having another boy. I love watching him play, and get into things. The exploring is so exciting for him... it makes me a little nervous at times... but, I'm never too far away.

Thank you mom, dad, grandma, and Dylan for making our trip so fun! It was one of the best Christmas's to date! In fact, this year as a whole has been so fun! Every holiday just gets better with having kids and a full house. Thank you each and every one of you for making 2011 so memorable. Cheers to a new year full of blessings!

Here are some pictures of our trip:

 My dad gave him a few gifts to open on Christmas Eve.

 The family came down to this... my mom is so talented! She needs to be an event planner! Maybe we'll do something in Boise next year??? ;)

GORGE!

 Our family of 3... or 4 actually! 

 Getting help with all of his presents.

 Jake got so many toys! I had to leave most of them... and ship the others!

 Silly boy.

 Jake was so spoiled by his grandparents!

 Hugs!

 On way to a family breakfast in downtown Boise.

Our favorite... GOLDY'S.

 Grant and his boys.

 Pop Pop and Ya Ya with Jake.

 On a walk around the city of Boise.

 Pop Pop carried Jake everywhere!

 Inside the Capital of Idaho. My stylish little dude.

 My little brother Dylan. Isn't he cute?

15 month check up.

Jake is actually 16 months tomorrow, but we've been traveling visiting my parents. I wanted to at least post a little update on Jake.

Jake had his 15 month baby well check last week and he's doing great! He's growing like crazy. He's in the 90th percentile for weight, and over a 100th for height. He's 28 pounds and 34 1/2 inches. The doctor checked his height twice just to confirm. I guess they see me and can't believe how tall my little man is. Then I remind them that my husband is 6'8, and it all makes sense. ;)

Our little guy is talking like crazy. Mainly lots of chatter. And then he has his core words. It's so cool hearing his new words. He loves to point at things so I can explain what they are. He's very inquisitive.

He's running all over and climbing on everything. He is so much fun to play with. He loves to play outside and hang out with older kids. He's not too interested in younger kids or babies. Just the older ones. Perhaps because they are more his size and are playing actual sports. While he's been in Idaho he's been kicking around the soccer ball, throwing a football, and playing basketball. My little sports fan. Next time we are here he'll be on the golf course with his uncle! :)

Here is a video of this silly monkey:

I will post about Christmas, and our vacation soon! Hope everyone has a wonderful New Years!

Mom of boys...

I have read so many blogs, emails, poems, and so on in regards to this topic. All are heart felt. All are great. I started to think... why haven't I written on this topic? After all, I am a mom to a boy... and another on the way, right?

Growing up I wasn't sure I would have kids. I thought a career, and buying all the designer items was the ONLY way to live. WRONG. Dylan (my younger brother was born when I was 23), my life changed. This little boy was everything to my family (and still is), and I wanted one... one day! Then, I met the man of my dreams. Loving, kind, loyal, sensitive, and most of all... patient. Someone I wanted to spend the rest of my life with. Then the talks began. Kids. My husband wanted lots of kids (He told me this from the start... and he wanted them right after we got married too). I knew I wanted 2. I knew I wanted a boy. I always knew I wanted a little boy named Jake. Then God blessed us with him.

How amazing is that? How amazing is it that God is blessing me with another little boy? This will be a house full of little men. Wait, nothing is little in this house... but, ME! I'm 5'4. These boys will protect and love me FOREVER! I'm so lucky!

I have written many letters to my little monkey Jake, and I will continue to. Just like my mom did for my brother and I. When she was happy with us... and when she was mad with us. ;) Grant and I have talked over and over if we will have more kiddos one day and that is still undecided... as for now. I will love and cherish the men in my life. I will strive to be the best mommy/wife I can be. That is what I was meant to be.

Until, March... Here is a letter to my main little man:

Jake Bowman,

 You are beautiful, inside and out. I look at you several times a day and wonder how I got so lucky to be your mommy. I love hearing you say... mama. Even if your screaming it. ;) They are the sweetest words. I am your mommy. A very proud mommy. You are so special to me, and everything you do amazes me. Watching you grow into a little boy is priceless. Your growing so fast! Sometimes I wish time would stop. Mainly while I'm holding you and your staring back.

I know there will be many bruises, stitches, and perhaps broken bones in the future... I am prepared to be your nurse. I'm excited to sit on the side lines and scream for you at ALL your sporting events. I'm prepared to take you to your first day of school... and NOT cry. I'm ready for that first heartbreak too. And it will take everything your father has to hold me back from getting involved. I will be here for everything you go through. I will try and make you happy when your sad, and laugh with you when your happy!

I will raise you to love your brother more than anything. I will raise you both to care and protect each other... even when your so mad at each other. You both will fight... but, you will ALWAYS make up. If I do anything in this world it will be for you 2 to be very successful, in everything you do. Always striving for the absolute best.

Thank you for enchring my life with so much love and happiness everyday.

Love you forever,
Mommy

PS. Your dad loves you so much, and is just as proud as I am. He's not a blogger though. ;) Here is a song that your dad had me listen to when we found out that you were a boy. I had tears in my eyes, and still get teary eyed listening to it. You look so much like your daddy! We'll have to see "if your anything like him".

Brad Paisley - Anything like me.

Our growing family!

This past week we flew to Oklahoma to visit family. This was Jake's 5th time on a plane, so I wasn't too worried about the way he would react. However, now that he's super mobile I didn't realize how much of a difference that could make!

First off, he didn't sleep... at all! ;) He was pretty good... but, he just wanted to get down and check out everything. Finally after 3 hours of play (on our laps) we were there!

It was nice seeing my sisters in laws, brother in law, and mother in law. It's pretty cool seeing our families grow. All the little boys are going to have fun growing up together. They are all close in age too. Jackson is 4, Jake is 1, and Miller is 3 months. Lee Anne and I are both pregnant with little boys too. Looks like our due dates are like 2 days apart. So, we just may have these little ones on the same day or close! Can you imagine getting the family together when there are 5 boy cousins running around? ;)

The second night we were there Grant and I had a little scare. Jake woke up around 10pm screaming. I couldn't console him. After 2 hours of crying, he threw up all over me. Mass amounts too. The screaming continued. If you know Jake... you know that this is a very happy child! And this is also a child that sleeps completely through the night as well. He didn't have a fever, but something was off. I called our pediatrician in CA. The pediatrician said to take him to the ER. So, Grant and I went to the Children's Hospital ER. Turns out he may have just had a little virus he picked up from the plane or ate something funny during the day. Either way, he was OK! No medicine necessary. I just gave him LOTS of liquids and made his diet easy on his tummy. It was pretty scary. Being far from home and worried about getting home. He was so much better the next day, so our flight was actually pretty pleasant.

Here is a little video of Jake in the ER (at 3am). Being his normal silly self!

Other than that... everything else was great! It was so wonderful seeing Grant's family! I love spending time with Jackson, and now Miller! I'm glad I was able to spend time with Miller, feeding him, watching him sleep and snuggling. The time goes by so fast! I'll never forget it. I love my nephews to pieces!

Here are some pics from the trip. I didn't take many... we were so busy!

 Jake giving Miller kisses!

 Brother and sister... and their babies!

 Jake's new thing... He puts his arms in the air and says. "DID IT"! So cute!

On our way home at the airport an elderly lady said my daughter was beautiful... I said, "Thank you, but Jake is a boy". She said he was so pretty, and had beautiful hair! So, today... I decided to take Jake in for another hair cut! This kid has LOTS of hair! He LOVED the place I took him today. He got to sit in a car, watch Elmo, and have fun. It was super kid friendly, and the hairdressers are great!

Hope you all had a great weekend!

15 months

Jake is 15 months old. He's such a big boy! He loves to explore and get into everything. It's funny when you look back at pictures from just a few months ago and see how different they look. They do grow up fast, so I'm just trying to take it all in. Not only does he have 4 teeth now... but, he's also getting 4 more in! His teeth come in 4's. Poor little monkey! He's doesn't even complain about them. I heard the molars are the worst though... Bracing myself for that one!

Grant and I have actually been utilizing our passes to Disneyland! I LOVE CHRISTMAS! Have I mentioned that before? I have been really excited to head there for all the decorations! We have only been going in the morning lately. So, our next trip will have to be in the early evening... I heard it's snowing on Main St! The only snow we'll have down here unless we head to the mountains, or fly to visit family. ;)

I just wanted to share a few pics. Jake is REALLY big into giving kisses right now. I guess it's a combination of him seeing Grant and I kiss... and Grant and I kissing him. Grant literally has this little guy come running up to us kissing us! It's adorable. He's so cuddly. I just love the affection. Hoping he loves his brother this much in March too! Wonder if they'll look alike? Or maybe this baby boy will look like me? What are the chances? ;)

 He's loves the Tiki Room, Small World, and EVERYTHING in Toon Town. He mainly loves to run off on his own and explore. Now that I'm 6 months pregnant, I need Grant to go and chase after him. I just take pictures and push the stroller. he he.

 Jake marched right into Mickey's house. Here is Jake sitting on Mickey's chair! That kid LOVES Mickey Mouse. He officially has 6 Mickey's. Yep. No lie.

 Yesterday we went to South Coast Plaza to see Santa. I made sure I did a little research first though. Santa's have always scared me... just a little. This Santa didn't look so scary. He was pretty friendly as well. It's not like Victoria and Jake can tell him what they want for Christmas. It's more for the memories we can give them later. Remember when... right?

Here is Jake and his best friend Victoria. They are 3 weeks apart. :)

Cheers,