Mornings with Jake.

I've been slacking a little on the blogging because I've been keeping Jake outside and busy. Summer has been pretty mild and I'm happy about that. The funny thing is that September seems to be the hottest time of year. Only true Californians know that. So, I take advantage of the outdoors while its in the 70s. Jake is used to the sunscreen ordeal I make him go through. ;) Since I have gone through all the skin cancer scares and I have still more removals to go I keep my little guy outside, but with some sunscreen on. Ok, I just put it on his little legs, arms, and face. It really isn't an ordeal. :)

My little character.

Jake and I go on a walk every morning. I pack him up and give him his morning bottle, grab the dog, and were off! Our morning walk is peaceful. It's quite, suns not exactly up, and no one is around. It's my favorite part of the day. We walk around the peninsula and just take in all the sounds. Birds, waves, and boats clanking together. It gets so crowded and loud during the day so it's nice to be alone out there. I find I take this time to talk with Jake, and pray. This is a picture from my morning walk.

I'm in full swing with planning on Jake's birthday. I've already sent out invitations (expect for family... I'm waiting on photos from our last shoot to send to them). Cupcakes, smash cake, and birthday shirt are ordered! The picture below is after my first trip to Michael's. I bought some pre made stuff, but the majority of the decorations I will be making. Jake's birthday theme is "Mickey Mouse Club". Jake ADORES Mickey Mouse! And more than anything else the "Hot Dog Dance"... So, we're having a "Mickey - Hot Dog Dance themed birthday"... sounds interesting, right? Just wait... It's going to be great! 

Just a few things....

 In the afternoons I finish up laundry. Jake loves to help. He grabs stuff out of the basket and even puts things back into the basket. What a little helper. The picture below he's just taking a break watching Mickey.

It's been busy for us... but, I will make sure to keep the pictures and posts coming. Jake has been keeping me busy with his escape tactics. This kid is such a problem solver. He can actually break out of his baby gates. And yes, I bought the extra long, extra tall ones. Hmm. He understands how to unlatch, and how to push the gate forward so that the edges pull forward... Once he pushes the gate forward enough he takes off doing about 100 MPH around the edges. It's actually becoming more challenging to get him. He's quick. I have to watch this kiddo. He's cleaver.

Have a great day all!
Cheers,

11 months old

This is the last month that he is under a year old. Starting September 1st, Jake will be a year old. I can technically start saying years. It's so crazy to think that this is just flying by as it is. It's been an amazing year. Being a mother of Jake Bowman Stone. I am a mother. A stay at home around the clock mommy. I wouldn't trade my life for the world. Children are a true blessing. I'm thankful that God gave Jake to me.

I know we all think are children are amazing and smart. I am one of those moms. It's because everything he does amazes me and I'm just so proud of who he is becoming.

Last week when Jake was sick he was still a happy little guy. His personality is really shinning. Here are a few things about Jake.

1. He loves to give kisses. If you ask for a kiss he comes directly in for a big one! Such a lover!
2. He's finally cutting a tooth! I see it coming in.
3. If he gets frustrated or angry he puts his arms in the air and throws them down. Then he looks back to see if I'm looking and does it again.
4. He likes what he likes. No way anyone is going to talk this kid into doing something.
5. He LOVES hanging upside down.
6. He's trying to walk everywhere... not there just yet though. He get so excited when he gets moving... He looks for Grant and I and puts both his arms in the air and waits for us to say "BIG BOY".
7. He talks a lot. Rambling and laughing. The house is full of life.
8. He's a big boy like his daddy. He's wearing 2T size clothes.
9. Loves water. That kid could play in water for hours.
10. He's really starting to understand what I'm saying and he listens. When I remove the tray from his high chair he tries to climb out. I say, "sit down Jake", and he sits back down. But, tries again when my back is turned.... sneaky kiddo!
11. He knows his mama from his daddy and will call for us specifically.
12. Pretty sure he's a lefty. Everything he does (and has done since the beginning) is with his left hand.

Anyway, there is much more with my precious little one. But, here is what he's up to now. Next month I will turn my blog into his baby book. Very excited to do that. I have been planning this since I was pregnant with him.

Taking pictures of him gets increasingly hard... but, I keep trying. He just loves to play and get into things. Sitting still isn't his cup of tea.

Then he started getting upset because I wouldn't let him have the camera! 

 Then he got over it and started smiling again! 

Love my little guy!

Cheers,

Stupid Fever!

This weekend I had a babysitter all lined up and Grant and I were ready for a date night out. Grant and I wanted to go to a dinner and a movie. We haven't seen a movie since I was pregnant. Saturday morning Jake was fine, we went to breakfast, ran a few errands, and then at about 11am he just started crying in the car. Jake doesn't cry a whole lot, so it worried us. I climbed in the back of our SUV (while G was stopped of course), and sat next to my little guy. He calmed down, but he was still really upset. He whimpered the majority of the way home, so when we walked in the house we put him in his crib for a nap.

He woke up an hour later and I went in to get him. He was on FIRE! He was really hot. Jake already runs a little warm, but this was clearly different. I knew at that point that something was off. I called our babysitter and canceled. There was no way I was leaving if the little guy wasn't feeling good. Grant agreed. We would have been thinking about Jake the entire time. Grant and I made it a night in with our little monkey. Brought dinner in and rented a movie. And to be honest, that is just as nice!

We put him down to sleep at his normal time and I gave him some acetaminophen. A few hours later I went in to check on him. He was super hot. My motherly instincts kicked in. I grabbed him and took his temp. The ear thermometer was at 102.2. Usually the ear thermometer isn't accurate and I knew it was higher than that. So, I used my other thermometer... His temp was 104! I immediately called our doctor. I was told to also give him Ibuprofen. I didn't have any so I had Grant hold the baby and I went to a 24 hour pharmacy. When I got home I gave it to him. I put him back down about 45 minutes later and checked on him soon after. He was better! Thank God. I was praying like crazy.

The next day he was off. Still happy Jake, but a little fussy. Fever continued through the day, so I continued with the medicine. Last night I had Grant put the pack and play in our room so I could literally watch him sleep. Yes, I am that mom. AND I DON'T CARE WHAT ANYONE THINKS! It's also a lot cooler in our room too. I knew that would also help. But, the same thing happened last night. Total spike in temperature. I had the Ibuprofen ready though. He was pretty warm through the night even with the medicine. He was talking in his sleep and tossing and turning. Poor thing. I of course didn't sleep.

This morning I took him to the doctor. He has a virus. Something you can't take medicine for. The virus just has to run it's course. I feel so relieved I went today. They checked everything to make sure there wasn't an infection anywhere. So, now we wait. The virus is typically a 5 day thing. I think I'll put him in his room tonight, but still check on him. Poor little guy.

Thank you to all my family and friends that have been calling about Jake's health. I really appreciate it! It's hard having my momma far, so knowing I have such wonderful people around me that I can count on is wonderful.

This is the first of many little viruses he will get. Scary, but true!

Love,

10 months old (July 1st)

Yes, Jake is well on his way to 11 months old. But, like I said, I'm still catching up on posts. Here are some pictures I took when we got back with his stickers on! My big boy is 10 months.

He's quite the eater. He refuses baby food. He eats it from time to time but prefers big people food. He loves veggie/turkey dogs, chicken, turkey, beef, spaghetti with meat balls, meatloaf (I make turkey meatloaf), wheat bread, cheese (any kind... but, favorites are cheddar, mozzarella, and Munster), apples, strawberries, bananas, lemons, oranges, grapes, yogurt, graham crackers, beans (black), rice (cous cous is his favorite), etc. Gives you a little idea. He pretty much eats everything I do.

He's cruising along the furniture and lets go of it to try and balance. He walks along his baby gate and pushes it forward in hopes it opens wide enough for him to sneak out. When the gate is open or he's put on the ground he really scoots along! He's already a hand full. I love it!

Birthday planning is well on its way! I'm planning on a dessert table and a fun parent BBQ. Let's be honest, the 1st birthday party is for parents, right? Doesn't mean the party planner in me can't get creative though too. We are going to do something mellow here at our house. Probably similar to Grant's birthday. Party here for the food and then games at the bay!

Here are some pics of my big boy!

Next up... 11 months!
Cheers,

4th of July and Boise trip. (part two)

I got home from Boise on Tuesday evening and realized I forgot my laptop. So, I had to have my family send it to me. I just got it this afternoon. I'm so behind on pictures and posts. So, let me get right to it.

The 4th of July was so much fun! We hung out and ate lots of food! Good wine, laughter, and lots of fireworks. My parents backyard is pretty much on the 11th hole. It's beautiful. Grant set off fireworks in the back and so did all the other neighbors. You could see fireworks from 3 other surrounding cities. It was so beautiful. Another thing I love about Boise is that the sun doesn't set until 10pm. So, you can stay up and out longer. It's great! 

Jake did great with his sleep schedule. It didn't bother him at all. He adjusted to the time right away. He's so wonderful on the plane too. He cuddles up to me and sleeps the entire time. What a trooper! He's getting so big though. Like I said in a few blogs ago... The baby carriers are done. My back is usually so sore after I walk around with him in it.  Now, I just carry him or put him in the BOB stroller. I have the whole baby travel thing down packed. I never over pack and it's just the right amount. 

Grant and I have a little family vacation planned in August. We're going to Scottsdale, AZ. I haven't been in years. So, I'm excited to be taking a trip just our family of 3. :)

Here are some pics:

We made smores on the fire pit. This picture was taken at 9:30pm!

 A few pictures at Indian Creek Winery on the 4th of July.

Ya Ya with Jake.

 My grandma bought Jake a baby pool to stay cool in. We made Dylan get in too! ha! 

 JAKE LOVED IT!! He loves water.

 Such a happy baby!

Cheers,

Jake's Dedication and our Boise trip. (Part one.)

This trip was especially special to Grant and I. Not only having family together, but getting our son dedicated. We decided to have the pastor that married us in 2009 dedicate our son. He has prayed for us and continues to pray for us. He is an incredible man. A man that Jake will look up to. When I am in town we go to the church on Sunday's. This is a special church to Grant and I. My parents, my grandma, and Grant's mom where all there as well. It was so special. I cried 8 times during the service. Tears of pure joy! So proud of my little man already! He is such a good baby. He looked right at the pastor and smiled at him. Not scared at all. Smiled on the stage to all the people looking at him. 

This has been a trip to remember! So many wonderful things have been going on. I'm so thankful for everything in my life. I know I say it a lot... but, I feel truly blessed. I'm so happy! :)

Here are some pictures from our trip so far (I'm actually still here):

Great Grandma Hodges.

10 MONTHS OLD!

Little scratch never hurt no one! ;) My little toughie!

Jake's play area at his grandparents house. 

The boys! Getting ready to golf.

LOVES the most random things!

Grandmother Stone and Jake.

Sheriff Jake in town! 

Grant throwing the football to the boys in the front!

My little family of 3. :)

4 generations.

Pop Pop with the boys.

Pastor Tom praying for Jake. 

The guys have been playing golf everyday. The girls have been shopping, cooking, sitting outside, and site seeing. We've even hung out with friends that moved here from college. It's been very relaxing. I love it here. Sitting in my parents backyard, music playing, laughing, and staring at the golf course! It stays light until about 10pm! Seriously, it really does! Jumping on the golf course at any hour to hit some balls. Yes, please! So fun!

Grant went home last night. I was sad to see him leave. I come home this weekend. It will be sad to leave, but I know another trip will be in the making!

More pictures to come! I still need to download the 4th of July and other pictures.

Cheers,