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.