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,

Giving back.

This holiday I got to thinking... what am I doing to give back? Grant and I do our usually charities, and ones that come along the way.... but, what are we doing for families in need right now? What am I being called to do for other families in need?

The other day I was driving, and I came to a light and gave a man money. He said God bless you to me as I gave him money. His sign said, "hungry, please help". I know that there are LOTS of people out there that have signs and reasons, but I felt for this person. I got tears in my eyes. I have lots of food, a nice car, a warm home, people I love, and that love me, etc. I always have a home to go to. Then I started thinking... what are the families that are having a hard time getting by going to do for food this holiday season? I began to sob. My heart breaks for the people that are working so very hard in this world and still not making ends meet. I knew I needed to do something.

I called my church on Wednesday. How can I help? Can I help at the pantry give away? Can I donate a meal to a family... But, I was too late. The meals were already collected and passed out. This was NOT good enough for me. I called another church. A church closer to my home and asked how I could help. Same answer. No one was present, and the food was already donated.

I began to think. Then it dawned on me. Rescue Missions! Women's shelters! I called the Long Beach Rescue Mission. They said that they were serving dinner the night before Thanksgiving, and serving a breakfast on Thanksgiving. The dinner would be served at 3pm. I didn't have enough time to get a whole dinner to the mission in time so I decided to supply a breakfast.

I went to my local grocery store where I bought my makings for our Thanksgiving dinner and picked up breakfast makings. This was the least I could do!

I donated 5 dozen eggs, 4 boxes of pancake mix, milk, and orange juice. I know it can't feed an entire city... but, I know this will help many families! I also dropped off clothes, a baby bath, baby blankets, and much more to the Lydia house. The women's shelter.

As I pulled up there was a line around the corner. People waiting in line for there Thanksgiving meal. I began to cry. I began to thank God for all that I have. I'm so lucky. I made a vow to myself right then and there. I told myself that EVERY holiday I would do for either my church or mission. I have donated food, school supplies, clothes, etc... but, never have I gone to a home and dropped it off. Jake was with me. He of course had no idea what was going on... but, I will make sure my boys go with me. They will see how to help others and to be thankful. The people thanked me. It took everything in me to not cry in front of them. They kept saying, "God bless you", but I said it right back. I will be praying for those people.

This Christmas I will be in Boise. I am calling our pastor to see how I can help there. Whether I work at a shelter, or supply food. I will be doing something.

I pray that other's donate time or food if possible. I encourage you to do more.

This year, Grant ran the Turkey Trot here in Long Beach (Jake and I went along for support... and of course Grant ran is pretty darn quick without even training), went to a local restaurant for breakfast, and then I made our Thanksgiving fest while Grant played with Jake. It was relaxing, and one of the most fun holidays! I love my little family! Later my brother and his wife came over and we had dessert. Lots of pies, cookies, and ice cream. It was very nice to see them. Ashley is due with their first baby girl this December. Madison will be the first girl grandchild, and my grandma's first great granddaughter! So cool, right?

Tonight we are having a friends dinner. I'm so thankful for the people that surround us!

Here is my little man on Thanksgiving (It's so hard to get a picture of him nowadays):

Month of Thanks... week 4

This Thanksgiving I'm feeling so thankful! I'm thankful for everything in my life. My growing family, my parents, my husbands family, and our friends. We have a wonderful circle of people that surround us. 

This week I'm thankful for the 2 1/2 men in my life! Grant, Jake, baby boy #2! They're what makes my heart beat. They make me so happy! 

I'm glad I chose Grant to spend the rest of my life with, and that he chose me. He understands me. He knows how to make me happy, even when I'm sad. And loves me unconditionally. It's so nice to have someone that is caring and thoughtful in your life. I love that no matter how stressful his day is he walks in, kisses and hugs me, and grabs our son. I love that he kisses me and hugs me like we are still dating. I love the moments we spend as a family, and our date nights. He is my best friend. I'm a lucky lady! 

God has blessed me with 2 little boys. My little monkey that is 14 months old, and my unborn lil monkey that is only 23 1/2 weeks along. Watching Jake grow from a newborn, to an infant, into a toddler is amazing. They grow so fast. Seeing how they discover new things, and learn is so cool. I love that he kisses and hugs me during the day. I love that he is the sweetest little boys I know. 

And lastly, I'm thankful for those little kicks. Even the kicks in the middle of the night. The kind of kicks that startle you because there so strong. I'm thankful for those. A little reminder that life is growing! I pray for his health and happiness. I pray that I'm the best mommy to these boys. I will do everything in my power to make sure they are happy and successful. That is my purpose.

I hope everyone is thankful for all they have. Happy Thanksgiving friends and family! :)

23 Weeks

This pregnancy seems to be flying by. I remember with Jake each week too forever! I read every book I could get my hands on and worked on my registry like it was a second job! jk. ha ha. Now, I'm just going along with the flow. I know I'm so busy with Jake so I don't have much time to think about what's going on. I am keeping my eye on the prize. That's my due date! ;)

So far, I've gained a total of 5 pounds, and I feel good! Just tired. I'm not much of a sleeper, and when I'm pregnant I wake up for a few hours in the middle of the night. I'm usually up around 2am. I have good nights and bad nights with sleep. And the heartburn is back. So, does that mean the wives tale will be true with baby #2? Will he have a full head of hair as well? ;)

Baby number 2 is measuring 2 weeks ahead! The due date is a true date as well. I went in when I was only 4 weeks, so my doctor isn't going to change the date. So, either my little man has either had a growth spurt or he's going to be a big one! Either way I pray for a healthy baby boy!

On Saturday, Grant said he was going to take me out. He asked what I wanted to do and I told him jokingly, "I'd like a massage". Well, the first stop on our night out was Burke Williams. My favorite local spa. We went in for massages, and then we went to one of my favorite local restaurants, Mahe. I ordered lots of cooked rolls, and even had a veggie roll. It was for sure one of my favorite dates we've had! So relaxing! It was awesome. I appreciate my husband so much! He always does little things like this to make me happy! Oh... and I've been sleeping through the night since Saturday. Looks like I need to make sure I'm getting pregnancy massages every month...  (hint hint babe). ;)

I'm eating lots of Thai/Chinese, Mexican, and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. When all less fails I eat the peanut butter and jelly. Chicken is NOT something I want with this pregnancy either. I drink lots of water and cranberry juice! I LOVE CRANBERRY JUICE! And the sweets. Oh the sweets. I've been doing a little browsing on Pinterest and found some great recipes. So, I will continue to make the things that look yummy!

Jake has been such a wonderful little guy! He's getting so big. When I hold him he's half the size of me. When Grant holds him... he still looks like a baby. I love being a mom. I can't wait for my second son to get here! I know it's going to be crazy with 2 boys under 2, but I'm looking forward to the challenge. I have a feeling that Jake will be an excellent big brother!

Here is an updated picture of me. I wore this dress when I was 6 months pregnant last year! Next week... I'm 6 months! I can almost start the count down!

Cheers,