(long post, but a ton of great memories to share! Pictures at the bottom of entry)
John's first Christmas was incredible - although in hind site - I think our next baby will just get rolls of wrapping paper under the tree. John had so much fun playing the trash than he did anything else. :)
Christmas Eve was spent at Nana and Grandpa's house. Uncle Chris and Aunt Adrienne came down from Oklahoma (Cousin Tyler was with his Dad, but we sure missed him!) We spent the day cooking a great turkey dinner with all the fixins' - and an incredible "sweet potato crunch" side dish (compliments of Aunt Adrienne) that I MUST get the receipe for - as it needs to be shared with the Richards and Rouse families - it is right up their alley. John danced with Elmo and showed off his walking skills. We all talked and laughed and played with John, it was a great evening!
Nana and Grandpa could not wait until later in the evening to give John his first christmas present - so he got to open a rocking horse with a baby saddle (picture in slideshow) that nays when you touch it - it is pretty cool.
Later that evening, after dinner (at which John tried desperately to take a poo) we all dove into presents - incredible gifts and memories were shared! John got fabulous toys, some books, a CD that he can dance to, and much more....THANK YOU!
The Jones have a tradition at their house around Christmas - these little "elves" come by the house and leave presents when the kids are good. Each year, the elves bring PJ's for everyone on Christmas Eve. No one has actually seen these elves, but the gifts just magically appear. This year, I was sworn in as an elf helper - and I botched it real good - doubt they ask me to help again. After leaving a bag of goodies on the front porch, I was going to let myself back in the nursery door and no one would have been the wiser - oh ya - I LOCKED MYSELF OUT! Needless to say the elves will be making their own deliveries from now on. This is a great tradition that will continue forever! (This year the elves brought Carl an extra special pair of glow in the dark adult footsie pajamas!)
I think John knew Santa was coming - he WOULD NOT go to bed. The plan was to put him down over there and then scoop him up and take him home. John liked his plan better - he got to stay up and play with Uncle Chris until after 9:00. Then he finally took a poo and was able to get comfortable - so we headed home.
Around 6:30 Christmas morning I went in and woke up John. We headed down stairs (although I am so glad we captured this moment on film - I am sorry that I did not have enough time to get ready yet!) to find that Santa had left John a big stuffed dog under the tree. He loved it.
After breakfast - off we went to Edmond for Christmas Day party at Grammy and Granddaddy's house.
We opened presents from the gift exchange in the early afternoon - there were so many presents and people, it went by so fast! While we were cooking dinner, Grammy presented all the girls with a red apron with a little christmas charm sewed on the front. So cute - Thank you! Then it was time for a prime rib dinner with a ton of sides and deserts to compliment. (note: dinner time was stated at 2:00, we ate at 3:30 - NOT BAD GIRLS!)
After dinner we talked and cleaned and laughed and talked and cleaned some more. Janna & crowd and Suzi & Gary had another Christmas function to be at later that night - not sure how they did it!
John got a bath in the infamous blue tub and then it was off to bed. The rest of us settled into a movie - of which, I (yes me) was THE ONLY one who stayed awake through the whole thing. Carl did not make it more than 5 minutes! Finally we all went to bed - only to have John wake up and stay up until 2:00. Awesome.
Friday we slept in a bit and then had breakfast when Uncle Brent, Aunt Abbey (+1) and cousin Brendan came over. After breakfast - you guessed it - MORE presents! Another incredible spread of presents and memories were made. Once again, John played in the torn up wrapping paper the most. Amognst other things, John got a minature OU football helmet signed by all of the 2008 running backs, a "quad-cycle" (tricycle, but had 4 wheels), and a personalized elmo backpack.
The rest of the day was spent watching TV, taking naps (only the kids this time, although I think all of us could have used one), talking, cleaning some more, playing, preparing dinner, running to the store becuase Suzi threw out Grammy's rosemary :), playing outside with Brendan's new big wheel toy thing, and making stockings! Abbey and I were the only ones who actually made stockings, but everyone stopped in the kitchen at some point to give their opinion - or lack there of! Yes, I know there is 365 days untl next Christmas, but this way - they are all ready! And we jsut need to make the new baby one when we have a name.
Grammy made a great dinner (I can not remember the name) and we all sat down to eat - only to find John was trying to take another poo. I do not know what it is about him pooing at dinner! I told everyone one to look away and stop laughing becuase they were going to give him a complex! Grammy played with him on the floor and he was able to make stinky pants!
Stephanie came over to visit for a bit, but was cut short due to bed time for both the boys - once 7:00 hits - it is all down hill. John warmed up to her immediately. They tickled the tree and she helped get him changed and ready for bed.
What a great Christmas to remember!
Happy Birthday Jesus!
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
10th month
It seems this month flew by faster than the others - I am sure that trend will continue as he gets older.
A few things from this month
- took first steps
- cuddles when he is tired
- plays hide and seek really well
- hates the car seat
- transitioned to formula
- throws full blow temper tantrums - face and palms on the carpet and the saddest (tearless) cry you have ever heard
- started wearing size 4 diapers
- 6th tooth started to break through
- solid 2 naps a day (anywhere from 1 hour to 2 hours)
- intensified the sippy cup training
A few things from this month
- took first steps
- cuddles when he is tired
- plays hide and seek really well
- hates the car seat
- transitioned to formula
- throws full blow temper tantrums - face and palms on the carpet and the saddest (tearless) cry you have ever heard
- started wearing size 4 diapers
- 6th tooth started to break through
- solid 2 naps a day (anywhere from 1 hour to 2 hours)
- intensified the sippy cup training
Friday, December 19, 2008
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Love Thursday: Learning
I am amazed every day at the learning I watch happening before my eyes. John gets smarter every day and it is so much fun! I now know what it is like to claim that every age is my favorite age.
He is a little over 9 months and is a sponge. You can literally see the learning on his face - when he drops something he looks down at it with a bit of confusion and then looks up at you like "did you not see that? why are you just sitting there?". Or when the microwave will beep, he looks at me like "what was that? come on Mom, we need to go find it" and then off he goes to find where the noise came from. Or when the dogs bark he sits up so straight and makes a sound like he is startled and then remembers that it usually means Daddy is home, so he stands up and turns his head towards the door and starts smiling and talking. He has not only learned, but perfected the act of pulling on my pant leg when he wants me to pick him up, he knows I can not resist it. And to my dismay, he has learned that the remote control relates to the TV and will literally point it at the TV and talk about it. And then of course, when he pushes a button on a toy, or does something that he thinks is cool, he looks up and waits for his "YEAH" and clapping from whomever is watching.
It is so much fun because he is starting to play WITH us. For so long we have been trying to entertain him - but the tables of have turned and he now entertains us!
He is a little over 9 months and is a sponge. You can literally see the learning on his face - when he drops something he looks down at it with a bit of confusion and then looks up at you like "did you not see that? why are you just sitting there?". Or when the microwave will beep, he looks at me like "what was that? come on Mom, we need to go find it" and then off he goes to find where the noise came from. Or when the dogs bark he sits up so straight and makes a sound like he is startled and then remembers that it usually means Daddy is home, so he stands up and turns his head towards the door and starts smiling and talking. He has not only learned, but perfected the act of pulling on my pant leg when he wants me to pick him up, he knows I can not resist it. And to my dismay, he has learned that the remote control relates to the TV and will literally point it at the TV and talk about it. And then of course, when he pushes a button on a toy, or does something that he thinks is cool, he looks up and waits for his "YEAH" and clapping from whomever is watching.
It is so much fun because he is starting to play WITH us. For so long we have been trying to entertain him - but the tables of have turned and he now entertains us!
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Love Thursdays: Cuddle Bug
When John gets sleepy at night (and sometimes at nap time) he has turned into a cuddle bug!
It is normally after his bath and a few minutes of play time that John crawls over the the chair or couch and wants to be picked up. His thumb immediately goes into his mouth, mom or dad wrap him up in a blanket and he sits there so lovingly and cuddles until it is bedtime.
This has become on of our favorite parts of the day!
It is normally after his bath and a few minutes of play time that John crawls over the the chair or couch and wants to be picked up. His thumb immediately goes into his mouth, mom or dad wrap him up in a blanket and he sits there so lovingly and cuddles until it is bedtime.
This has become on of our favorite parts of the day!
Summary of development
This post is more for me and possibly mothers with babies younger than John - but I wanted to document John's development from month to month a bit more - so from my memory and from pictures here is a summary of the last 9 months.
9th month (November 2008)milestones/development
- Cruising all over the place, he can get anywhere he wants as long as there is something to hold onto.
- He has 5 teeth, but 3 more on the way
- Eating table foods of any sort like a champ (except meats, he can not figure those out unless they are pureed), but still on jarred or frozen baby food too.
- Says what we think is "dog" ALL THE TIME. Obviously it really is just "du", but he always looks for the dogs.
- Just the last few days he has started to crawl on hands and knees more than the army crawl.
- Sleeps through the night unless something is wrong (teeth or sick)
- This month he has really started to oppose people that he does not know. He gets the sad face and starts to cry, but is quickly consoled by snuggling in closer to me or Dad. This is not one of the happier milestones
- 2 naps a day around an hour and 15 minutes a piece
- hates getting dressed and undressed
- Balls are probably his favorite toy
8 months (October 2008) milestones/developments:
- Started standing with assistance and pulling up to a standing position
- had 2 bottom teeth with 2 on the way up top
- really starting to engage whomever he is playing with
- perfected the army crawl and is the main source of transportation
7 months (September 2008) milestones/developments:
- really likes tummy time now, and is transitioning from scooting on his belly to the army crawl.
- sits up in the bath (blow up bath)
- starting to grow out of the activity toys (jumparoo, activity table, activity center, etc.) he wants to be mobile now.
- had his first cold :(
- sitting up really well without assistance
- full out laughter starts!
6 months (August 2008) milestones/developments:
- had his first pancake
- went from sitting up with assistance (hands, boppy, etc.) to no assistance, but still falls over a lot.
- LOVES his walker and other activity centers
- I think this was the month that he went from 3 naps to 2 naps.
- the spit up that has plagued us for the last 6 months is starting to subside with him sitting up
- 1st tooth
- started sleeping through the night (11hours), but teeth really interrupted that
- starts to entertain himself
5 months (July 2008) milestones/developments:
- rolling all over the place
- enjoys tummy time
- loves everyone, no preferences at this point
- loves the hammock out back, goes right to sleep if you swing him for a bit.
- first time in the jumparoo - he loves it, but only if you are in the room with him
- break the swaddle habit by months end
4 months (June 2008) milestones/developments:
- started sitting in his highchair and eating solids - introducing one food at a time for 3 days
- grabs his feet and put them in his mouth
- got him out of the swing for naps per Dr. orders.
3 months (May 2008) milestones/developments:
- will hold his head up right when sitting (with assistance)
- still does not LOVE tummy time
- not really on a nap schedule, he is normally just awake for an hour and half to two hours before he falls asleep again.
- Carl and I went on our first trip without him
2 months (April 2008) milestones/developments:
- naps only in his swing (need to break this habit)
- sleeps in his crib but only if he is swaddled TIGHT.
- smiling!!!!!
- we started using the baby bjorn
1 month (March 2008) milestones/developments:
- sleeps
- eats every 2 hours
- started sleeping in his crib after about 2 weeks (swaddled)
9th month (November 2008)milestones/development
- Cruising all over the place, he can get anywhere he wants as long as there is something to hold onto.
- He has 5 teeth, but 3 more on the way
- Eating table foods of any sort like a champ (except meats, he can not figure those out unless they are pureed), but still on jarred or frozen baby food too.
- Says what we think is "dog" ALL THE TIME. Obviously it really is just "du", but he always looks for the dogs.
- Just the last few days he has started to crawl on hands and knees more than the army crawl.
- Sleeps through the night unless something is wrong (teeth or sick)
- This month he has really started to oppose people that he does not know. He gets the sad face and starts to cry, but is quickly consoled by snuggling in closer to me or Dad. This is not one of the happier milestones
- 2 naps a day around an hour and 15 minutes a piece
- hates getting dressed and undressed
- Balls are probably his favorite toy
8 months (October 2008) milestones/developments:
- Started standing with assistance and pulling up to a standing position
- had 2 bottom teeth with 2 on the way up top
- really starting to engage whomever he is playing with
- perfected the army crawl and is the main source of transportation
7 months (September 2008) milestones/developments:
- really likes tummy time now, and is transitioning from scooting on his belly to the army crawl.
- sits up in the bath (blow up bath)
- starting to grow out of the activity toys (jumparoo, activity table, activity center, etc.) he wants to be mobile now.
- had his first cold :(
- sitting up really well without assistance
- full out laughter starts!
6 months (August 2008) milestones/developments:
- had his first pancake
- went from sitting up with assistance (hands, boppy, etc.) to no assistance, but still falls over a lot.
- LOVES his walker and other activity centers
- I think this was the month that he went from 3 naps to 2 naps.
- the spit up that has plagued us for the last 6 months is starting to subside with him sitting up
- 1st tooth
- started sleeping through the night (11hours), but teeth really interrupted that
- starts to entertain himself
5 months (July 2008) milestones/developments:
- rolling all over the place
- enjoys tummy time
- loves everyone, no preferences at this point
- loves the hammock out back, goes right to sleep if you swing him for a bit.
- first time in the jumparoo - he loves it, but only if you are in the room with him
- break the swaddle habit by months end
4 months (June 2008) milestones/developments:
- started sitting in his highchair and eating solids - introducing one food at a time for 3 days
- grabs his feet and put them in his mouth
- got him out of the swing for naps per Dr. orders.
3 months (May 2008) milestones/developments:
- will hold his head up right when sitting (with assistance)
- still does not LOVE tummy time
- not really on a nap schedule, he is normally just awake for an hour and half to two hours before he falls asleep again.
- Carl and I went on our first trip without him
2 months (April 2008) milestones/developments:
- naps only in his swing (need to break this habit)
- sleeps in his crib but only if he is swaddled TIGHT.
- smiling!!!!!
- we started using the baby bjorn
1 month (March 2008) milestones/developments:
- sleeps
- eats every 2 hours
- started sleeping in his crib after about 2 weeks (swaddled)
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
9 month appointment
John had his 9 month appointment yesterday. He got a clean bill of health.
The Dr. wants us to really start using a sippy cup more and more - so I am going to Target today to pick up a couple different kinds, as the ones he has he just plays with like a toy.
We also are going for a blood test later today to see if he is anemic. If he is not, then the Dr. wants us to start him on whole milk at night! Exciting stuff.
I am putting a summary of his stats over the last 9 months below:
9 months
Weight 20 lbs & 11 oz (47%)
Height 30'' (91%)
Head 18'' (58%)
6 month
Weight 17 lbs & 15.5 oz (57%)
Height 27.5'' (82%)
Head 17.5'' (68%)
4 month
Weight 15 lbs & 13 oz (66%)
Height 25.5'' (68%)
Head 17'' (72%)
2 month
Weight 12 lbs & 4 oz (64%)
Height 23.5'' (69%)
Head 15.75'' (51%)
Day 1
Weight 6 lbs and 13.5 oz
Height 20.5''
I am planning to do a blog entry later tonight (maybe tomorrow morning) about his non statistical development over the past 9 months. I want to do a better job of documenting his milestones. To be continued....
The Dr. wants us to really start using a sippy cup more and more - so I am going to Target today to pick up a couple different kinds, as the ones he has he just plays with like a toy.
We also are going for a blood test later today to see if he is anemic. If he is not, then the Dr. wants us to start him on whole milk at night! Exciting stuff.
I am putting a summary of his stats over the last 9 months below:
9 months
Weight 20 lbs & 11 oz (47%)
Height 30'' (91%)
Head 18'' (58%)
6 month
Weight 17 lbs & 15.5 oz (57%)
Height 27.5'' (82%)
Head 17.5'' (68%)
4 month
Weight 15 lbs & 13 oz (66%)
Height 25.5'' (68%)
Head 17'' (72%)
2 month
Weight 12 lbs & 4 oz (64%)
Height 23.5'' (69%)
Head 15.75'' (51%)
Day 1
Weight 6 lbs and 13.5 oz
Height 20.5''
I am planning to do a blog entry later tonight (maybe tomorrow morning) about his non statistical development over the past 9 months. I want to do a better job of documenting his milestones. To be continued....
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Love Thursdays: Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving day is a great day to kick off the Holiday season! Every night I thank the Lord for the miracles and blessings in my life, but Thanksgiving day stands out as a day to do just that - give thanks even louder than you normally do!
This year I am thankful for so many things but I have to say I am most thankful for our beautiful son and his health! This was his first Thanksgiving and it was great! The day was awesome, it was a bit chilly, but the sun was shining and the rain stayed away. We surprised Nana and Grandpa at the front door with John's new outfit (he was adorable and he knew it!) and they laughed until they cried about that hat!
Nana had prepared an awesome Turkey dinner with all the traditional sides. Grandpa said a prayer before dinner that filled my eyes with tears (tears? from me?). It was picture perfect!
We busted out the old home videos and watched some of Bob and Carolyn's wedding and then of course, Chris and Carl when they were babies. I caught glimpses of John in Carl as a baby, but they are not mirror images by any means.
Then of course we finished the day with football, no Thanksgiving would be complete without it.
We shoveled in some pecan pie and then headed home happy and several pounds heavier.
We missed the Oklahoma crowd, but we look forward to seeing Chris and Adrienne on Christmas Eve and the rest of the crew on Christmas Day.
PS (we added more pictures to this slideshow)
This year I am thankful for so many things but I have to say I am most thankful for our beautiful son and his health! This was his first Thanksgiving and it was great! The day was awesome, it was a bit chilly, but the sun was shining and the rain stayed away. We surprised Nana and Grandpa at the front door with John's new outfit (he was adorable and he knew it!) and they laughed until they cried about that hat!
Nana had prepared an awesome Turkey dinner with all the traditional sides. Grandpa said a prayer before dinner that filled my eyes with tears (tears? from me?). It was picture perfect!
We busted out the old home videos and watched some of Bob and Carolyn's wedding and then of course, Chris and Carl when they were babies. I caught glimpses of John in Carl as a baby, but they are not mirror images by any means.
Then of course we finished the day with football, no Thanksgiving would be complete without it.
We shoveled in some pecan pie and then headed home happy and several pounds heavier.
We missed the Oklahoma crowd, but we look forward to seeing Chris and Adrienne on Christmas Eve and the rest of the crew on Christmas Day.
PS (we added more pictures to this slideshow)
Monday, November 24, 2008
7 things you never knew about me
Summer has tagged me with the topic "7 things you never knew about me" Obviously, some of you will know some of these things - but I will give it a go.
1) My favorite TV Show is "Gilmore Girls". It went off the air in 2006; it is only on in syndication on ABC Family - and I try to watch it everyday at 4:00.
2) I HATE to drive at night! Will avoid it at all cost.
3) I am slightly claustrophobic. If I can not move my arms I freak out.
4) I was in the band and played the cornet in the 7th grade - and I was good, I was first chair!
5) I do not know how to french braid - another reason I would make a good 'boymom'
6) I am scared of the ocean, well, I am scared of what is in the ocean that I can not see.
7) Peonies are my favorite flower
Okay, I am tagging Abbey, Janna and Sandy.
1) My favorite TV Show is "Gilmore Girls". It went off the air in 2006; it is only on in syndication on ABC Family - and I try to watch it everyday at 4:00.
2) I HATE to drive at night! Will avoid it at all cost.
3) I am slightly claustrophobic. If I can not move my arms I freak out.
4) I was in the band and played the cornet in the 7th grade - and I was good, I was first chair!
5) I do not know how to french braid - another reason I would make a good 'boymom'
6) I am scared of the ocean, well, I am scared of what is in the ocean that I can not see.
7) Peonies are my favorite flower
Okay, I am tagging Abbey, Janna and Sandy.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Love Thursdays: Pictures
Today we had our 9 month professional pictures with Jonnye , so it is fitting to talk about how much I LOVE pictures! I have taken the opportunity to update slide shows and pictures on this blog - see slide shows to the left and then at the VERY bottom for slides of our wedding. Thanks to Summer's blog, I stumbled upon a new website for slide shows that are really cool http://www.slide.com/.
I am obsessed with pictures, even more so now because John changes with every passing day. I could (and often do) look at the same picture albums every day of the week and never get tired of it. In fact, most of the time I find new things in the pictures each time. Some would say I over analyze...okay, so all of you would say this. But I can not not help it, I look at every detail in every picture.
I used to be so picky, that I would only find a select few that I could live with and not ever really "love" any of them, as there was always something that could be better. However, ever since I discovered "journalistic" style photography and we had Bob Sutton (link) shoot our wedding pictures, my idea of "a good picture" has relaxed. Now I think capturing the world as it is and letting the pictures tell the story and set the mood is what makes a good picture.
I truly believe that taking pictures is a difficult and beautiful talent, and sadly, one I do not have. I think that Carl and Granddaddy both have this talent. In fact, I still think about the basic stuff that Granddaddy (my Daddy) taught me when I take pictures today (see Daddy, you only THOUGHT I wasn't listening).
I am obsessed with pictures, even more so now because John changes with every passing day. I could (and often do) look at the same picture albums every day of the week and never get tired of it. In fact, most of the time I find new things in the pictures each time. Some would say I over analyze...okay, so all of you would say this. But I can not not help it, I look at every detail in every picture.
I used to be so picky, that I would only find a select few that I could live with and not ever really "love" any of them, as there was always something that could be better. However, ever since I discovered "journalistic" style photography and we had Bob Sutton (link) shoot our wedding pictures, my idea of "a good picture" has relaxed. Now I think capturing the world as it is and letting the pictures tell the story and set the mood is what makes a good picture.
I truly believe that taking pictures is a difficult and beautiful talent, and sadly, one I do not have. I think that Carl and Granddaddy both have this talent. In fact, I still think about the basic stuff that Granddaddy (my Daddy) taught me when I take pictures today (see Daddy, you only THOUGHT I wasn't listening).
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