Santa

Going to see Santa was quite the event this year.  Last year, Jacob was a mere 6 months, we went before Thanksgiving so there was not a line and he cozied right up to Mr. Claus.
This year in preparation we looked at the picture from last year several times. We would show Jacob and ask if he knew who the man with the white beard was.  We'd point Santa out in movies - and Jacob would get SO excited when he would see a Santa.  Pat and I packed up on Sunday and headed to the mall. We didn't know that Santa took a late lunch, so upon our 2:30 arrival - we were told Santa was going to lunch and would be back in an hour.  The line was blocked off, so we took a stroll through the mall and came back a little before 3:30 - and found about 10 families in line already! We jumped in line and then Pat and I took turns taking Jacob from line to wonder around and kill time. He was SO anxious to get to Santa. 45 minutes later, we were next in line and Jacob was squirming like crazy to get in front of the kid before him - he wanted to go see Santa.  He waited patiently as the little boy and girl ahead of us told Santa what they wanted, and Jacob kept jumping, and trying to run towards Santa... UNTIL the elf lady turned and said - you can go up there now.
Jacob froze. Put all his weight back on me, and wouldn't move.
We picked him up, and he clung to me as we walked towards Santa in his big red chair.
I tried to set him down, he scrambled back up my body.
Santa asked if Jacob would stand next to him, and he did - holding tight to my leg.
We inched Jacob closer and closer, but it wasn't going over well.
Santa got a bright idea - books! Does Jacob like books? He asked. Normally the answer is yes, but not that day.
Finally, Santa sat in the floor, Jacob sat in Santa's chair while I held his hand - and this is what we got.

Not too sure about Santa this year... maybe next?

Reflecting - 18 months gone by

This week, Jacob turned 18 months old - and in the last few weeks Pat and I have really noticed that he has started to not look so much like a baby anymore, and definitely looks like a toddler.

May 31, 2009 - birth day

November 30, 2009 - 6 months

May 2010 - 12 months

November 2010 - 18 months

Jacob still has the same inquisitive blue eyes and mischievous smile he was born with, but the hair doesn't have a single trace of red in it anymore... among many other things that have changed the last 18 months, the hair is just one of them. 

He's growing to have quite the strong personality and opinion - (insert sarcastic font) although I can't image where he gets that from - and he does have a flair for a dramatic cry/tantrum once in a while.  He is SO curious, and hands on :)

We are enjoying watching him experience the world around him.  

p.s. we LOVE Cara Dee Photography

It's Here!

Big Blue Madness has arrived! We've waiting on pins and needles, and now it's here! With football season being a little on the L side lately, nothing is more anticipated than tonight's big event at Rupp.
This is a fan made video - and if you LOVE UK basketball the way we do around here... you will get goosebumps!
GO CATS!



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G6ubMMza3v0&feature=player_embedded

Life's Little Detours

Being a working mom has many challenges - with the challenge of spending quality time with J each day at the top of my list.  At the end of it all I'm lucky to get two hours before bedtime with Jacob.  Of course once we do the daycare pick up there are always chores and errands to run, plus squeezing in dinner and a bath. All before 7:30.

I'm looking for a book at the library this weekend that I've seen recommended a few places. I enjoy words of wisdom and this book, written by a columnist from Cleveland, just might be enjoyable.

God Never Blinks - 50 Lessons for Life's Little Detours by Regina Brett.

Apparently there are stories to go with each nugget of advice. Some I'm looking forward to reading:

~ Overprepare, then go with the flow
~ Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch
~ Read the Psalms. They cover every human emotion
~ Life isn't fair, but it's still good
~ When in doubt, just take the next right step
~ Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone
~ Stay put in the day you are in
~ God loves you because of who God is

We've had a few of our own detours the last five years.  Some have turned out more wonderfully than planned, others have placed us at the bottom of a mountain to climb.  Sometimes a detour is as small as not thinking about giving a 15 month old pasta, next to the white blinds. (And the unplanned purchases that must be made as a result of the stains).

 Other times it's fun physical detours like an unplanned trip to Bowling Green.

Or the big ones like moving 800 miles away, then coming back when you realized it just wasn't working out.  Or adding a new person to the family :)

Or food allergies.

There are all kinds of detours out there, often I think of the song lyric

If you want to hear God laugh tell him your plans

So yeah, picking up the book this weekend.  I hope it won't disappoint.

Shameless Plug for Kelly's Kids

The fall season is coming to a close in the next few weeks, and items are starting to run low!
http://www.kellyskids.com/
If you still want to place an order - I can still accept them :)

Here is Jacob in the Fall Patchwork Line the longalls are reversible.

A Socially Acceptable Form of Stalking

Oh, social media...

So...I'm going to tell on myself.

As briefly mentioned before, Jacob had a First Steps evaluation and he was qualified in communication.  Yesterday the First Steps coordinator called me to schedule the meeting with his speech therapist, and gave me her name.  What did I do when I got off the phone? I immediately searched her on facebook - and found her! Jacob didn't ask to be her friend {so I could see more of her Wall, Info or Photos} that might be TOO bold, but there in the public profile was a link to her blog! And so I followed it, read through it, and before I knew it - I knew this lady's story going back to January 2009. She has two kids, a husband, a large loving family...seems so incredibly nice. Now I'm a million times more comfortable about having this woman in my home. All thanks to a blog I found via facebook.

Don't judge. Most of you do it too... right?

It's All Greek To Me

I am an advisor for Kappa Delta at UK. Pat has recently taken up being an advisor for Phi Delta Theta there too.

On occasion, this means that Jacob has to go visit sorority circle until one of us gets out of our meeting... becuase all my babysitters are KDs.

Jacob has some favorite friends on Columbia Circle.

Lesley... 

 and Samantha...

Holly too, but I don't have a picture of Jacob and Holly.

Danger Will Robinson, Danger...

It's written all over his face, he can't hide it...



Yes, he's standing on the chair, and a few moments later he tried to put his feet on the top of the chair back - who knows what he thought he would do next...



Jacob seeks out danger {maybe he's just being a boy, I call it a heart attack waiting to happen}. Where is something he can climb on top of and then cannon ball to the floor? Wouldn't it be fun to climb over the side of the crib and dangle from the side, maybe let go?  Is that a set of stairs over there? Because he's thinking he could jump and clear at least three of them, or body surf to the bottom. And stop grabbing his arm to try and pull him away! Because watch! He can't talk, but he sure can let you know his opinion, and his opinion is that gates are for sissies, then watch him climb right over it. What about that chair he sits in at the dinner table? Can't you rock yourself hard enough to make it tip over backward? Don't you think that's hilarious too?

Today, for example, we had a meeting with an evaluator from First Steps - more on that later - and as we were wrapping up, and Jacob no longer needed to be preforming cognitive tasks that the evaluator needed to see in order to tell us Jacob's brain is in fact turned on, Jacob had figured out that his Little People barn had a loft for the animals. Or better yet, a stepping ladder for Jacob to propel himself up and scale the five shelf tower that stands next to the TV. Didn't I know that it only takes 3 seconds to get to the 3rd shelf 4 feet off the ground? And that looking down and letting go is the COOLEST idea to a 16 month old? Also cool is taking Nannie's keys, army crawling behind the couch and sticking the keys into the ONLY electrical socket that does not have a cover. KID. YOU. NOT. My child did it. Put the key in the electrical socket.

I've had previous experiences with these kinds of kids, but then I got in my Jeep and drove away.

Now I'm left with the task of figuring out how to deal with him, and the solution is pretty much this: DON'T BLINK. {Or invest in a straight jacket} Because in a second he'll be climbing on the stove with a knife from the dishwasher in his hand and a smirk all over his face that says I can't believe I have to deal with these amateurs.

Wordless Wednesday

Briar

http://flynnscapturephotography.blogspot.com/2010/09/update-sweet-briar.html

What a Great Day to Remember

9/11/2010

It's a cool September morning where I am.  And it's game day.
I'm looking forward to attending the game and am prepared to get to our seats early - because I can't wait to be with 50,000 other people today when the National Anthem is played at that game.
What a way to remember.  Tonight we get to cheer on the Red White and Blue of KY. It seems quite suiting and patriotic to me - all wrapped up in a football game.

You Can't Come to School Today

Jacob wore this to school today:

If you look close you can see the WKU hiding behind his hands, Big Red is also on his shirt

When we walked in the door his teacher said... Is he wearing LOUISVILLE colors?
I told her... No, WKU!
She informed me...He has to go home. He can't come to school today. He has to wear UK.
I tried to explain... But my husband and I both graduated from WKU.
She stood firm... We don't wear red here, it's not in our color wheel.

I promptly pulled out his UK windbreaker from his diaper bag and put it on him.  Thankfully, Jacob was then allowed to stay at school

Well it has been over a month...

We've been busy busy busy!
Since my last post (besides B, B & B) we've been on the run.

After Pat and I went to St. John the last week in July,

August weekends started with a trip to Bowling Green, where I wrapped up my first set of Kelly's Kids parties (I'm having another round this coming weekend, would you like to come?). 

Kelly's Kids Reversible Longall to denim with turkey applique

Kelly's Kids Fall 2010

The next weekend we stayed home and celebrated Pat's {GASP} 30th birthday. He survived just fine, and we had a BIG turnout! It was great, he had a wonderful time with everyone. I even was able to surprise him and get him to a restaurant he had never been to here in Lexington, but reminds us all of his favorite one back in Baltimore, Schultz's.

Pat's Bucket of Beer Cake

Gag gifts are always a hit

The top of one of the beer bottles

The next weekend I went away for Brownie weekend in Alabama.  The 5 brownies took a long road trip to northern Alabama and spent that Saturday on the lake! It was loads of fun, relaxing and reminded me of being back at Kamaji - just girls in the wilderness, no electricity (but we had it anyway) or makeup required.  The last weekend in August we went back to Bowling Green for my cousin's wedding, and turned right back around Sunday morning and came back for a play date at Monkey Joe's - FUN! 

This weekend we headed to Lake Cumberland for our first time this summer, and since last Labor Day - how time has flown!  We have ourselves a little water baby.  Jacob had a great time out on the boat, took a trip on the molecule, and got in the lake twice to splash and float around. And we even snuck in a family picture.

Hanson Family picture - watch for the Christmas Card

Jacob and Aunt SJ on the boat

I expect September to be full of football games, WEG and then "birthday season" - it will be here before I know it. 

Jacob turned 15 months a week ago today, and Friday he had his check up and shots.  Did I mention that we've also had a staph infection at our house? Two weeks ago poor Jacob had quite a traumatic experience at the doctor's office.  He had developed a skin infection on his upper right thigh and resulted in having the spot drained, a week of antibiotics and warm baths three times a day.  He's all better now, but he's still a little leery when you change his diaper and need to undo the right side...

Anyway, he made it through the shot (only one!) with only a few kicks and screams, once it was over he was all better.  He weighs 22.5 pounds (25th percentile)  and is 30.5 inches tall (also, 25th percentile). 

{Flashback - 12 months - weight: 21 lbs 8 oz (25th percentile) height: 29.5 inches (50th percentile)}

Jacob remains strong and a busy body.

We also had a checkup at the allergist and Jacob has been given an epipen.  Daycare asked if he could have one and after a chat with the allergist, it was determined we should have been given one the first time he was there.  So Pat and I have been trained, and we'll be showing those who take care of Jacob how to use it.  Hopefully it will NEVER be needed, but it is nice "peace of mind" to know it's accessible if we needed it. Jacob's been doing really well on his egg free diet.  We have seen great improvements in his overall health and his skin.  We just have trouble looking for new things to eat - so we tend to eat the same things and go to the exact same places. I don't mind, I hope Jacob doesn't get bored with the food selection.

Worth the Read

Beautiful pictures that tell a touching story of old friends of mine. They could use your prayers and encouragement, as they continue on their journey. 

http://flynnscapturephotography.blogspot.com/2010/09/maternity-brandon-brooke-briar.html

photo: Jessica Flynn - Capture Photography

I feel fortunate to know them and keep up with their life in the little ways I do.  Brandon's mother and my mom work together, and Brooke and I have been able to reconnect sometimes through blogs and her dedication to taking care of her body - in ways I only wish I could want to do.

This was Brooke and I in Baltimore the night before she did an Iron Girl Triathlon. YES. TRIATHLON. 

She had contacted me since I was in Baltimore and she and a buddy of hers had dinner with me after work one night. It was one of the best nights I ever had when I lived there. Lots of old stories... lots of new stories and catching up, as if time had not passed us from high school.  I'm not sure I ever told her, but there were few positive things I took from my two years "up north" and that night with her was one of them {Thank you for that night}.  Brooke is honest, sweet, thoughtful and loving.  She is a God fearing and loving lady.

Oh and Brandon... if you only knew Brandon (and if you do, you understand that statement).  He is one of the funniest guys you will ever meet. Always up for an adventure, always a "grand idea", he has very little fear to try crazy things...and has even tried to breast feed a baby --- you can read about that here.

Brandon and I swam together (and against each other's teams) in middle school and high school, did the class officer thing together, he even did a stint teaching me the 8 Seconds dance for Mr. TCHS (that began my days teaching boys dances for group performances...it all started in the halls of TCHS and in the Hahn's basement) he even introduced me to my first Cheech and Chong movie.  Brandon is a hoot, he is grounded in his faith and a genuinely good soul. 

Read their story on Brooke's Blog.  Follow it - it's always worth the read, no matter the topic.  Add this precious family to your prayer list and be mindful of them. 

6 Day, 5 Night Anxiety err... Vacation

Raise your hand if you have been a new mom and remember the first time you were going away for a trip, leaving your baby for the first time for more than 24 hours. 
Folks, we. are. there. 
Jacob has been at his grandmothers house for overnights here and there.  Our first outing was for a wedding in September last year when J was 4 months old. Since then he has had a few other slumber parties at GiGi's, but just one nighters.  This Sunday Pat and I will leave for 6 days. SIX. J will stay home with Nannie and GiGi will come and spend the night at our house too.  Six days.  I'm having trouble breathing thinking about it.  I'm SO excited for our trip. We are going to the Caribbean.  I am not excited to leave Jacob, but this trip is not appropriate for a fair skinned 1 year old with tubes in his ears.  He'd be a fried lobster with blue ear plugs in 0.5 seconds.  Six Days.  I'm not worried about who's keeping him. Let's face it, he'll probably be in better hands than when he's with me.  No one does spoiling and loving better than Nannie.  Toss in a nightly GiGi visit, and this child won't want me to come home.  I am worried that something will happen, out of every one's control, while we're gone. SIX Days.  Have I ever told the story about my brother getting sick while my parents were in Key West? Nannie and Grandaddy came to our house to keep us during their trip, and RT got a little sick.  A small fever, vomiting coming and going - no one thought too much of it.  Mom took him to the doctor as soon as they got back and he was admitted to the hospital IMMEDIATELY! He was there for a week and had a portable IV for a few weeks after that.  Tell me that experience wouldn't scare a new mom.  SIX DAYS.
I've been having nightmares about Jacob and Gracie.  Things like them stopping breathing, or Gracie jumping into the lake with out a life jacket on... and not being able to get to her - and in my dreams she can't swim, but in real life, she can. I've had such a time that on Friday night after Jacob woke up from a storm I brought him into our bed and slept with my hand on his back, to make sure I could feel him breathing... at one point I couldn't feel him breathing and checked several spots and then Pat SWEARS I palmed Jacob as I picked him up and yelled his name. He was okay, and gave me the most ridiculous look and then went right back to sleep. I'm paranoid I'm tell you! Paranoid. Pat's still laughing about the incident.

Maybe once I'm there I'll sleep.  But for now, sleeping isn't my strong suit.  I know I just need to get through this week and enjoy my vacation.  Goodness knows we need it.  Once we get back, we'll evaluate that trip I want to take next spring to celebrate our 5 year anniversary.  Maybe we won't go somewhere that only has one flight in and out a day, and a 45 minute ferry ride to get to the island that the airport is on...

Ready for blue skies and clear oceans...

Quiet Morning Air

It's 9:49 AM and Jacob still isn't up yet! HA! Part of the reason for that is that we kept him up WAY past his 7:30/8:00 bedtime until 10:15 last night and the other reason is he was up at 3:30 and 6:45 to visit, and enjoy a thunderstorm.  Pat's at work this morning, so it's just me and Jacob. And it is SO quiet. I have things to do, but I'm enjoying the stillness of the house.
I can hear the air coming out of the vents in our room, it's THAT QUIET!

Happy To Report

I am THRILLED to give an update on Miss T & Baby G.
In my last entry (almost a month ago), I was trying to help out one of Jacob's teachers at school.   I have had some contacts, and a few things here and there donated to her, and it has been fantastic.  Clothes, diapers, towels, blankets, baby wash, coats... it has all been so wonderful and such a fantastic display of compassion to others.  I'm not normally a big "charity for THIS person" kind of person.  Our family gives to the Goodwill when we no longer need items, we often help in our church's mission drives and requests and I try to pass down clothes and baby items where I can.  But this, this has been so fun, so rewarding and has made gloomy days SO MUCH BRIGHTER.  Just bringing a box of diapers, and seeing the joy from Miss T, the tears of happiness and the whisper... she only had a few diapers left and we don't get paid until Friday. It has been so rewarding to me and it does make me want to do more.  I want to teach J that too... how to give with a gracious heart, and without a closed fist, expecting nothing in return. 
The highlight of this experience came yesterday when I received a voicemail from my own mom who had just been to the bank and struck up a conversation with a closing attorney there.  *Somehow* they started talking kids, *somehow* the talked about Jacob and her son, *somehow* the attorney started talking about her adopted daughter, *somehow* my mom said...maybe you might know how to tell us to help a young lady and before you knew it this wonderful lady had volunteered to help.  VERY enthusiastically. *I know the somehow, and doesn't it just make you look up and say, Thanks with a big smile!* 
She provided her home and cell phone number on the back of her business card and asked Miss T to call her immediately! She helped another young lady with a similar case a few years back, and knows just what to do!  Miss T will be able to adopt Baby G. Hopefully quickly, hopefully smoothly - and you just can't imagine the joy that it brought to her yesterday afternoon when I delivered the news, and handed her the business card.
AH-MAZING.
Tears of joy, tears of relief and the thought that she shouldn't have to worry about losing Baby G to the foster system.  The entire room cried for her. It was so moving, and I was just so thankful that I had been put in a position to really help. 
Things won't immediately be easy for Miss T.  She still has very little and until she is the legal guardian for Baby G, there will be huge hurdles she will have to get over and many road blocks.  But right now, in this moment there is celebration that a hand is there to help her and guide her.  That some wonderful people have been given enough themselves and have been able to pass on to Miss T baby essentials and clothes. She will continue to be in need for baby items during this legal process, and if those of you who have contacted me still have items, they can still be used.
Pat and I have talked about it a lot lately, we don't always have much ourselves, and then other times things are plentiful - so when we're able, we love to help.  THANK YOU for helping her.  Thank you for allowing me to be a part of the process too.  It has really been wonderful.  I will keep the updates coming as I have them.