It's been a long long time

I'm trying to be productive at the moment...

This month has been full of trips to the doctor and new experiences for Jacob. A few weeks back Jacob got his first ear infection following a bronchitis diagnosis along with getting two teeth in the same weekend. He had trouble fighting the ear infection and two rounds of antibiotics later the doctor gave his ears the A-OK. That same night we had a trip to the ER due to a stomach virus and his inability to stop vomiting. I have to selfishly say we are now the proud owners of a prescription of liquid zofran, should another awful situation arise. That all happened the Tuesday before Thanksgiving - but he was ready ready to play Turkey Day.

We had Thanksgiving dinner at my Dad's house and then Saturday Pat and I took Jacob to Mamoth Cave for the Hanson Thanksgiving Dinner. We thought this would be a good time to introduce him to family since we have yet to travel more than 45 minutes with him in the car. I was terrified of how long the trip would take. The trip down went really well. Jacob was able to meet lots of his cousins and great aunts and uncles. That night we had dinner with our good friends the Byers and then headed to Franklin to my grandmother's house to see Mom's side of the family. Sunday was full of more first time visits and Jacob got to meet and play with his 3 month old cousin Gwyneth. We headed home on what we thought would be a no-stop trip, but had to stop for a diaper change and feeding 45 minutes from Lexington. Our 3 hour drive quickly changed to 4 hours.

Since the beginning of November Jacob has been working on sitting up and can now sit very steady and play with his toys. He has also gotten good at grabbing for the remote controls and pressing buttons - so he now has his own Elmo remote to play with instead of ours. Pat has taught him how to stand while holding onto something his height {usually the ottoman or exersaucer} and the other night he was able to stand on his own without holding onto anything for about 10-15 seconds. Onlookers have warned: He'll be walking by Christmas. My comeback has been - no, he has to crawl first and right now he doesn't even creep. So, what did Jacob do Friday night? He creeped backwards under his crib. NICE.

Gimmie food

Jacob had rice cereal for the first time right before Halloween. He seems to be enjoying the new way of eating. It took about a week to build up to his LOVE for cereal, but as you can see, he reaches with his entire body to get a bite. Mouth open, arms and legs outreached - he loves some food in a spoon.

Proof is in the smile

Can you see his teeth? This picture was taken way back on November 1 - but both teeth are there.

TWO Teeth

I am happy (and tired!) to report that yesterday Jacob cut TWO teeth at the same time!! TWO! He is the proud owner of two little itty bitty sharp bottom teeth. Maybe now he'll chew on something besides his own fingers.

Overrated

I like to keep track of some of my friends from high school through their blogs. I love to follow Jenny and her life with twins. She must be super mom... twin kiddos, full time job as a teacher, very involved in her church in Bowling Green, active social life, active blogger and she makes her own baby food - THAT deserves and award all of its own. A few days back she posted something NOT about kids, this post about things that are highly overrated.

I have recently found several things I previously liked to be quite overrated, and a few things that just never hit my radar.

My list would be as follows:
1. My iPhone and the ability to always be accessible
2. Makeup, except mascara
3. Getting up with the sun so as not to "burn daylight"
4. Starbucks coffee
5. Twitter
6. Yankee Candles
7. Fashion jewelry
8. Twilight and Harry Potter series
9. Paying big bucks to go see a movie in a movie theater, just rent it in a few months.
10. Bottle warmers

What about you? What are some things YOU think are "highly overrated?"

Check Up

Jacob had his 4 month checkup last Friday (10/9)... I'm a little behind.
Everything went well at the doctor's office. Jacob is a growing little boy. He's long and lean. Pat often affectionately refers to Jacob as "shorty" but I have a feeling it won't take long for "shorty" to outgrow his name.
I decided it was easier to make a chart that I can add to after doctor visits for my own records... you know me and an excel spread sheet... Laura and Alice, please refrain from snide comments :)

date	weight		height		head
birth	7 lbs 2 oz		20.5 inches		??
2 weeks	8 lbs 4 oz	(25%)	21 ¾ inches	(75%)	36 ¼ cm	(25%)
2 months	10 lbs 11 ½ oz	(25%)	24 1/8 inches	(90%)	39 ½ cm	(45%)
4 months	14 lbs 2.5 oz	(48%)	26 1/8 inches	(92%)	42 ½ cm	(52%)

A sweet pickmeup

Nothing makes me happier than a cold morning and a warm (not too hot that it burns your tongue) cup of french vanilla cappuccino from a gas station. Sugar and caffeine - YUM!
Lately my nights have been late and my mornings early. I am fortunate that Jacob sleeps through the night, with only a few nights a week that he stirs and needs to be calmed down at 2 and 3 am... but I've spent the last 4 months being tired, and I'm sure will spend the next 17 1/2 years that way.
Speedway has $.99 coffee, my preference is the french vanilla cappuccino, it doesn't taste at all like coffee - more like candy - and it's loaded with caffeine! Just enough to keep me going after a late night followed by a morning of getting everyone ready for the day and then heading off to work.

Game Day

Saturday was game day!!

Listen to Jacob getting excited about going to the game. We were up bright and early, ready to cheer on the Cats!

I was lucky enough to score 4 tickets to the UK v Alabama game in the lower level (bench back seats!!) and a parking pass in the blue lot (stadium parking lot) WOO HOO! Since Pat's sister Annie, her husband Carl and friends Matt and Amanda were in town, not all of us could go. So the girls went and took Jacob along. Jacob was SSSSOOOOOOOO good! I can't begin to describe how great of a companion he was. We left the house around 10:30 and didn't get home until almost 4:00. He was such a trooper. He was dressed head to toe in UK attire, and made friends with just about everyone around us in our section. Several UK fans came up to him just to say hi, and were glad to see such a little UK fan. I thought we'd be lucky if he could make it to half time, but he made it all the way to the beginning of the 4th quarter - when the Tide was far enough ahead, there was no way we could come back, so we left early. Jacob really enjoyed people watching, the music and watching the movement on the field. He even took a little nap during the second quarter. The weather was perfect for him to be there... low 60s and sunny with plenty of wind to keep us cool. The sun was to our backs, so I was able to keep him completely shaded since he was in a carrier and had his baseball cap on. Too bad the Cats didn't pull out a W. Oh well, in honor of Alice, Roll Tide!

4 month pictures

4 Months

Jacob is 4 months old as of yesterday/today. With him being born on the 31^st, I never really know how that works during the 30 day months…

Anyway, there has been lots of activity this week. Jacob has been working on his hand/eye coordination and really concentrates to pick up his rattles and put them in him mouth, and his pacifier - he’s almost got the hang of. There has been a little bottle holding going on this week too but I’m pretty sure he might not really know what he’s doing there…just holding on to something.

Sunday Pat and I bought an exersaucer and it’s been a big hit! Jacob loves to “stand” and has really good head control, so we thought we would give it a shot. SUCCESS! Pat put it together Tuesday while I was at a meeting and when I came home Jacob was having a big time. He played for almost an hour! He can only touch one foot to the bottom, but that doesn't seem to keep him from enjoying the new toy and a little bit of freedom.

Yesterday was a big day too. I had been concerned about Jacob’s lack of wanting to hold his head up when he’s on his tummy. Most babies his age have been doing this for a month or more now… not Jacob. I thought maybe we hadn’t given him enough tummy time during the battle with reflux. When ever he has been on his tummy he would just scream, and almost NEVER tried to hold his head up, he would just burry it deep in the carpet. I had seen him hold his head up twice before yesterday. I didn’t say much about my concerns to anyone other than Pat, and we just made an effort to let him play on his play mat on his tummy the past few days. Must have paid off quickly. Yesterday morning after Jacob had his bottle I put him down on his stomach. To my surprise he didn’t scream, he held his head up and looked around! He watched a little GMA and then put his head down. I thought that was a great accomplishment! Until, he picked his head up again! This when on for about 10 minutes…and then my little wiggle worm picked his head up and rolled over! I was in shock. I immediately called Pat and on speaker phone he told Jacob how proud he was of him. I couldn’t get him to do it again before we left for work and daycare, so I thought it was a one time thing. When we got home last night I put out a blanket and put Jacob back on his tummy and just as Pat looked up from the kitchen, Jacob picked his head up and rolled over again! We were able to see him roll over one more time... then about the time I got the video camera out he buried his head in the blanket and started to cry and wouldn’t roll any more. Go figure.

Continued proof that children really will do what they want in their own time.

Happy Birthday!

What I refer to as Birthday Season is here!!

Sunday was Gracie's birthday. We had a big time celebrating 7 years of Gracie!!

Gracie and some of her friends...

Sarah Jane helped keep Jacob at his first birthday party.

There was a parachute drop race... and a pinata...

A driveway race...

and face painting...
It was a big day and lots of fun!

Today is Pappy's Birthday! We'll be celebrating at dinner tonight.

Thursday is cousin Gavin's 1st birthday, next Thursday (the 8th) is Mimi's birthday, the 11th is Uncle Dave's birthday, and the 15th is Uncle Bob's birthday. We get a two week break then it's Sissy's Sweet 16 - Aunt SJ to Jacob, but I still refer to her as Sissy all the time. He'll be nice and confused when he gets older...I refer to Aunt SJ as Sissy, Gracie calling him little brother...

Anyway - Happy Birthdays all around!! Look for cards in the mail!

Summerzcool

It's icky and raining out, and man I wish there was a beach in sight... Jacob's getting over being sick and being on antibiotics for 5 days, hopefully he can continue to kick the ick!
In the mean time, I've been trying to lift my spirits, mainly with some Buffett.
I came across this video from his summer tour... new song, not released yet, but makes me a little happier to hear some new tunes.

Jacob and Woody

Jacob's Baptism was this weekend. More pictures to come!

Looavul

I saw a funny commercial this weekend when the Cats were beating the Cards.



Couldn't help but share. Very creative.

Could It Be??

Jacob's drooling a LOT, he's chewing on his fist, pulling at his ears and hair above his ears, has a runny nose, has become a little cranky and is waking up earlier than normal...

We made a trip to the doctor last week at the request of day care - gotta love it - and the doctor's conversation with me went a little something like this:

Dr. W - He's not sick, but it could be early teething.

Me - No, Don't tell me that!

Dr. W - Okay, I won't. I'll just step outside and slip you a note under the door. He's probably teething!

He's 3 months old!! He'll be 16 weeks Sunday, so I guess he could fall into the 4-7 month age range that teething falls into. But, seriously? Already!?!

On another note - this weekend we had Jacob's 3 month pictures taken. Pat and I (well, me really) decided that since he has gotten a little personality we'd take family pictures and go ahead and get him in his Christening outfit. We used Cara Dee Photography, and WOW! She's amazing! The picture below is one of my favorites and the picture at the top of the blog is my absolute favorite! I don't have all the images yet. I've hijacked these two off her facebook page. There will be more to come! Don't worry, and I'll upload the higher quality images.

This weekend is Jacob's Baptism at church. Tom and Carolyn are coming into town for the occasion and to meet Jacob for the first time. We're also excited to have David (Jacob's Godfather and Pat's oldest brother) and Laura (Jacob's Godmother) coming in from Maryland and Indianapolis, respectively. Lots of grandparents, aunts, uncles and friends will be at our house this weekend! When the world stops spinning from all of this, I'll report on the events of the weekend.

Happy Friday!

Where were you...

I will never forget.

Simply put. How could anyone?

I awoke that morning, got dressed for my swim for fitness class and walked from PFT to Preston on WKU's campus, oblivious to what was going on in NYC. There was a big screen TV in the lobby outside the pool in Preston, and about 20 people were standing around just watching it. That's when I saw the black clouds and the flames. That's when I turned around and went back to my dorm and called my parents. My uncle, at the time, had been working on and off at the Pentagon and no one in my family had spoken to him. He finally got ahold of my grandfather to let us know he hadn't been at the Pentagon, but things were really bad and they might pack up and come to Kentucky for a while. I was to leave PFT immediately, as it was the tallest building in the area and we were close enough to Ft. Knox that it could become an issue if there were more planes out there.

It was a very scary morning. I high tailed my butt to Chestnut Street, and as Alice says, reamined glued the the TV for the remaineder of the day with my new sorority sisters. What a bonding experience we had. Just 4 weeks into school our freshman year. It's hard enough to do the college thing and learn to be out on your own, much less have such an event happen during the first month. I was VERY thankful that day for Lauren Millard and my pledge sisters. Without them I had no one. Lauren sat with all of us that day in the floor of the living room. She sat and cried with us, hugged us and talked with all of us. We could not have asked for a better pledge educator that day, what we got was a friend.

This is our time to remember. This is our time to take pride in a country that has risen from the ashes. I loudly play my patriotic mysic and sing at the top of my lungs with the windows down, and I will all day. I was more inclined today to get up and put on my red, white and blue than I was on the 4th of July. Jacob and I are dressed in honor of those who didn't come home 8 years ago, and those who boldly and bravely have fought and continue to fight for the principles of freedom. Thank you. And we will never forget.

...And the #1 way to tell if a child's parents are Republican or Democrat

So, this is not a story about Jacob or Pat or me, but somehow I couldn't resist a laugh, or at least the shock factor involved...

Today was a historical day in the schools across the United States. For the first time children were addressed directly by the President. During his speech, my youngest sister Gracie, age 6, apparently decided it was appropriate to ask her teacher (and the rest of her class) some questions. It went a little something like this...

"Why is President Obama trying to take all our money to give to the poor?
Won't that make us poor?
And will he give it back?"

Yes. Yes, she did. In the middle of class. In the middle of President Obama's speech.

Obviously someone has been listening to the political talk in her house. Listening a little closer than anyone probably ever gave her credit for.

Jacob Talking

Use this link to listen to Jacob talking. He just wanted to say good morning :)
Be sure to turn the volume all the way up so you can hear him.

Just what you need, another friend named Laura...

Today's a big day! Months ago I was sent the following message from a dear sorority sister:

Hi ladies!
I find this incredibly ironic so I must pass it on. Although you two ladies are friends that I don't see on a regular basis, I know you're friends I can rely on in a jiffy.
How interesting that you're both named Laura, that you were both LH initials before you got married, that you both have not-so-little anymore brothers to protect, that you're both EXPECTING BABY BOYS THE FIRST WEEK IN JUNE and you both live in Lexington. You both like classy things, unique clothing and jewelry and vacations at the beach.
Laura's fave vacation spot is Massachusetts, and LB lived in Maryland as a newlywed.
Also, you both went to Baby Belly Spa recently (your mommas aren't the only ones reading those blogs!) and you'll both make great mommas yourselves.
So on top of all these little things you have in common, I really think you guys could be great friends. Certainly there's a playdate in your future! Maybe Dane and Jacob will share a birthday :)
So without further adieu, Laura Camic, meet my sorority sister from WKU, Laura Beth McKew, aka LB. She lived across the hall in the sorority house.
LB, meet Laura Hughes, my middle and high school friend who lived one street away.
Here's to healthy babies and newfound friends!
Love Jackie

Turns out Laura and I have loads of mutual friends and our boys were born 4 days apart. We've kept in touch during our pregnancies and the last 11 weeks of these boys lives via facebook and blogs, and today we meet! We scheduled a "play date" for today and after some shifting we moved the big event, back to today. So off I go to meet my first "internet friend". We've always been warned not to go meet internet friends in person, they could be creapy people... but I have no doubt that is not the case here!
So, here's to healthy babies and new found friends!
Thanks Jack!!!

New Toys

This past week, my video camera died. After a very LONG trip to Best Buy without Jacob and a lot of researching... after several beers Pat agreed to let me get the SONY Cyber-shot HX1 Digital Camera. Drum roll please.....
TA-DA:I'm in LOVE!! It's not only a digital camera with some pretty stinkin cool features, but it's also a video camera!! And, my favorite feature: it takes up to 10 frames per second when it's it "burst" mode. What more could a girl ask for when trying to catch a 10 week old baby at his finest? On another note, Pat left yesterday for a job outside of Ashland, KY. He'll be gone all of this week, come home to celebrate his birthday this weekend and then will leave on Sunday for the next week too. Boo! Jacob managed to get a stomach bug just in time for Pat to need to leave. I'm sure Pat felt great leaving us at home with Jacob unable to keep any food down. The good news is Jacob should be on the mend. The doctor gave him a once over today and said the worst should be over. So, Nannie has Jacob at the house today and will keep him again this week while I tough it out at the office.

Jacob and his Daddy before he left yesterday

2 months.. and some days

Hi, my name is Jacob and I have blue eyes. Nothing amazes me more than the shade of blue in Jacob's eyes (nothing like his parents' eyes, we have brown and green eyes). It's pure blue, so far they haven't darkened any, not even around the rim. I don't know if they'll stay this color much longer, but I love it.

Jacob is officially 2 months old, and has 3 stick marks on his thighs from shots to prove it. Poor kiddo was a champ through his first round of vaccinations and managed to only appear mad at me for a minute or two. I was a champ too and didn't shed a single solitary tear during the event! I had been told at previous visits that he would be put on the exam table for his shots, the nurse would give him three "pinches" and then I would pick him up and comfort him. So, the nurse came in. I put him on the table and stepped back to watch and then the nurse turned to me and said, "I'm going to need your help".

EXCUSE ME???

I'm pretty sure I had the most dumbfounded look on my face as she repeated her request and pulled me towards the exam table. I was told to hold both of his hands and press my arm across his chest to help keep him still. And, "talk to him while I do this"

UM, NO WAY! I'M NOT PARTICIPATING IN THIS!
I was not prepared. I was not properly informed. I am NOT supposed to be associated with the pain that is getting ready to take place. I'm just supposed to swoop in and be the knight and shinning armor that makes it all better.

I WAS WRONG! And I had to help.

We both survived just fine. I still didn't cry thankyouverymuch.

Before the trauma drama of shots, Jacob was measured and weighed:

10 lbs 11.5 oz, 25 %tile (same as at 2 weeks)

24 1/8 inches, 90 %tile (up from 75 %tile at 2 weeks)

head: something I can't remember right now but 40 %tile (up from 25 %tile at 2 weeks)

He's doing good.

Swimming in 1920

Pat and I get a kick out of putting this romper on Jacob.

Something about it just makes us think of 1920s swim suits...

SMILES

Eczema

Eczema is a disease in a form of dermatitis, or inflammation of the epidermis.  The term eczema is broadly applied to a range of persistent skin conditions.  These include dryness and recurring skin rashes which are characterized by one or more of these symptoms: redness, skin edema (swelling), itching and dryness, crusting, flaking, blistering, cracking, oozing or bleeding.

Jacob has all but the last two symptoms!

These two pictures don't even begin to show the degree to which Jacob has eczema on his face. One day his face looked similar to a few days after a really bad sun burn on his cheeks, ear lobes and under his chin. It blisters and peels then starts again. He even has a small amount on his elbows. Poor kiddo.

I kept thinking Jacob had bad baby acne and was going to ride it out until his two month appointment next Friday.

Enough people commented on his "rash" that I called Dr. Wilkes yesterday. The nurse had us come right in and it took all of two seconds for Dr. Wilkes to say "he had dermatitis". HUH?? (aka eczema, pretty bad) I can document back to 6/30 when we took Jacob's 1 month pictures when I know for sure this started. So yesterday was 3 weeks that I had let this go... 3 WEEKS! What kind of a mother am I? I just kept thinking it needed to run it's course and would go away on it's own. I WAS WRONG!! Some days were better than others, but none the less it kept coming back and finally spread all the way to his little ears and to the top of his chest :(

So, Dr. Wilkes prescribed a skin gel that is to be applied twice a day. I stopped by Walgreens on the way home, dropped the Rx off and went back later to pick it up. Pat and I put it on his face last night and this morning... and this is what he looked like at 9am.

HIS PRECIOUS CHEEKS ARE BACK!! It totally took out the redness. His skin isn't smooth yet, it's been less than 24 hours and it has some SERIOUS healing to do, but it's on the fast track to recovery. His face is like one big scab, no wonder he's been some what fussy this past month. I'm thankful that he shouldn't be irritated any longer and that strangers won't look at him so sorrowfully any longer and comment on his "rash".

This might come across as vain but, as I told Pat last night... I never understood until the last few weeks how my parents looked at me when I had horrid acne and told me I looked beautiful. I get it now. Jacob now looks to others the way I have been able to see him the past few weeks. Perfectly precious and sweet. Now everyone else can enjoy it too.

Safety in the Kitchen

Kitchen Safety Reminder:

Keep a lid, baking soda, or a fire extinguisher handy in the kitchen.

Laura was in town this weekend and I had asked her to share her recipe for a home made es special. Pat's favorite dish from his favorite Mexican restaurant in college. By the end of the cooking process Laura wanted to warm the chips... and then the chips caught on fire. I looked over and saw flames shooting out of the oven. We couldn't reach above the oven to turn it off, they were too big. So Laura and I proceeded to scream for Pat - who in true fireman like fashion ran in the kitchen, saw the flames, ran into the garage and stormed the oven with fire extinguisher in hand to put out the fire. Way to go Pat! Luckily nothing was burnt except the chips and the inside of the oven. Pat and Laura cleaned it out, but I still haven't used it again yet. I'll be buying some oven cleaner first and making sure all the fire extinguisher stuff is gone before we deem her ready to bake again.

It’s been a while…

Yes I know, it’s been a while… but we’ve had some great times recently.

Since I last posted we’ve experienced Pat’s first Father’s Day, Jacob’s first holiday: 4^th of July and Jacob’s first social smiles. Jacob’s gotten to meet more of our friends and family and had some nice little outings along the way. He’s only had one visit to the pediatrician and I’ve only made two phone calls. I figure we’re doing pretty good. He goes to the doctor next Friday for his 2 month visit and first round of shots!! I have two other posts coming today, so bear with me. Yesterday at the doctor he weighed in at 10 lbs 7 oz. Almost 10 ½ pounds!!! He’s a happy growing boy. I’ve returned to work, almost completely full time. I’ve been fortunate enough to be able to bring Jacob with me for these first few weeks and the plan is for him to head off to daycare around September 1. Last week Pat was able to keep him 3 days while I got my feet under me at the office. This week I’m flying solo with Jacob and next week Nannie will be coming to stay with us for two weeks and help with J while Pat works a job outside of Ashland, KY.

Father’s Day:For Pat’s first Father’s Day Jennifer had fresh Maryland steamed crabs flown in. All the grandpa’s were able to get together the Saturday night before Father’s Day and we had a crab feast. This was Pop’s first time to see and hold Jacob, and he seemed to be a very proud Great-Grandpa. John and Rebecca Gilbert joined us and also got to meet Jacob. I have a few pictures here, but out of all the pictures I took that night, there isn’t ONE picture of Jacob and his Daddy. I’m not quite sure how that got missed. :(












Fourth of July Weekend:
We had a busy 4^th. It started off with a day at the Lodmell’s followed by game playing at Chuck E. Cheese. I’m pretty sure this was the first time Pat had stepped foot back in a Chuck E. Cheese since his glory days there. Jacob seemed to enjoy himself, but was definitely over stimulated by all the lights and sounds. Once we finally got him to sleep that night, he slept for 6 hours!!! He was WORN OUT! For the Fourth we ventured to downtown Lexington and spent the morning strolling around checking everything out. Once Jacob gets bigger there is kids area all set up, and I’m pretty sure we’d have hours of guaranteed fun. We watched fireworks from the car in the rain that night. Sunday was John Lodmell’s baptism. Pat cleaned up nicely for the event and is a very proud God Father.



Jacob and John together and quiet (not something we're expecting to last very long...)

New Faces: Jacob has gotten to meet his fair share of friends and family in the last month.

David and Granny Nell with Jacob

Jill, Jeremiah and Emma came down for a Saturday in Lexington

Alice with Jacob


Exercising with Daddy:
Jacob and Pat have an exercise routine. Pat says they work on bicep curls, squats and then go for walks together…