Nanny Bebe

Bebe came into town last Monday to have a little Jack time. Jack and I picked her up at the airport around noon, hit the mall for lunch, ran a few errands, and then headed back to the house so they could play. Tuesday morning she risked her life by coming to swim lessons so she could film the lessons for Jack (and Nick too who has been dying to make it to a lesson). Thank goodness she was there because Jack woke up really tired that morning, yawned through the whole lesson, and it was so cold that getting him dressed alone in his state would have been a challenge.

Here is a picture of Jack and I after lessons...The color has started to return to his lips in this picture although the teeth chattering was still in full force.

Tuesday we were hoping for an alert Jack which we were granted but would have preferred a happy, alert Jack instead of a grump Jack. He just couldn't get happy all day even with Bebe there to play, play, play. Turns out poor baby had a fever so that explained his lazy day the day before and his mood on Tuesday. I think Bebe was feeling a little down about Jack not being himself while she was in town...UNTIL he took his first steps right before her very eyes. Good thing the Bosses let her skip out on work that week or it would have been old news by the time she saw it in person.

Wednesday I had 2 interviews and some errands to run so Mom stayed home with Jack. They bonded over bananas,

Built towers to knock down,

and read tons of books!

What would a visit with a sleepy, fever baby be without projectile vomit? That's right....Bebe got to experience, wear, and clean it up all 3 times. I think seeing Jack take his first steps and spending time with him regardless of his mood made all the ailments worth it. Thanks for coming to visit Bebe...See you in 2 weeks!

Where you go if you don't walk a straight line

Jack has been logging a lot of practice "runs" of walking.

Here he is tonight when asked to walk the line...since he wasn't able to successfully walk a straight line in addition to the 3 vomit episodes...we had no choice as his authorities to put him in

BAR STOOL PRISON.

Just kidding...well kinda. We didn't actually put him in here...he put himself here where he continued to stay for at least 20 minutes while we watched and laughed as he climbed in and out from all different sides. That boy sure can bend! Now I know when I need a cool adult beverage where to put Jack so he'll be entertained...in the under part of the bar stool that I am sitting on. While I'm at it I'll just toss down my peanut shells because believe me...this boy finds and hands to you any and everything that is on the floor.

Step by Step....and we're not talking New Kids on the Block

Bebe got in town around lunch and we spent the day running the roads "in the city". After dinner she was playing in the kitchen with Jack helping him walk....she let go....and he kept going. From that point on we were bribing him with everything and anything to get him to take steps. In the end Puffs worked really well.....obesity in American Children What?!? He is able to get a few steps in with no help but isn't quite qualifying as a walker yet....won't be long. Check out the video of the little man stepping away!

Karma

For Valentine's Day Nick and I ordered out from Pei Wei. Nick got an order of Sweet and Sour Chicken and I ordered 4 Crab Wontons and a Kid's Order of Honey Seared Chicken....the reason I am telling you what we ordered was because to a person looking at our order it seemed like one adult and one child eating. When we got home the food was not at all the quality that it usually is. The Crab Wontons were way to fishy and the other meals were so dry that we had trouble eating it. Later that night we were both in bed starving and ended up eating granola bars at midnight. Since we don't eat out often and are....well, cheap- the next day I wrote Pei Wei to let them know how unhappy we were with our meal. For dramatic purposes I told them that Jack had saved up his allowance money to buy his Mom Valentine's Dinner....I know...wrong, but I wanted to get my point across and you know....kids are always heart melters....It apparently worked because yesterday there was a Fed Ex package for Jack Relle with the following letter enclosed:

Dear Jack,

Hello Jack, my name is Jeremy Lawson, I am the assistant manager at PeiWei in Allen. Enclosed is a $25 Gift Card for you. I hope you will choose to use this at my location and if not it can be used at any other PeiWei. I am very sorry about your bad experience on Valentine's Day, this is why I am sending you this gift card. Next time you come to PeiWei please ask for me. I would love to meet you and your mother and make sure your dinner is perfect. You are a very nice boy treating your mother to dinner with your hard earned allowance money. Have a wonderful day and I hope to see you soon.

Sincerely,

Jeremy Lawson

PeiWei Asian Diner Allen

Wow- How bad do you think this Karma is going to hurt? At least we get a free meal out of it and pretty sure we aren't going to ask for him because for some reason I think he might guess that I lied about Jack making an allowance and buying me dinner. Although, Jack deserves an allowance just for being so darn cute.

Shopping for Germs

Jack and I headed to the Willowbend Mall today but not for shopping....to play in the kiddie area. This is the first time that he has been even close to the play area because of my fear of germs....but I decided to let go of my fear for him to have a new, fun experience. The Willowbend Mall is posh and the play area is a food theme with a foam floor and low, crawler friendly foam "food". Speaking of food...I looked over to see Jack putting something in his mouth...pretty sure it was a random fruit loop he found laying around...hooked it out before he was able to finish it...bet he thought he won the lottery....playing at the mall and cereal that is way sweeter than puffs.

Here is Jack standing tall against the giant grapefruit that had a cherry on top of it and cherry pie on the plate too...what?!?

This was about the only time that Jack was around us....the rest of the time the boy in the group was across the play area hanging out on the plate with the giant steak and hot pepper on it. Oliva and Kella hung out with the Mom's here at the grapefruit.

I kept bringing him back in fear that someone would run off with him, or that he would find more random food to eat...but off again he would go.

Wish I had more pictures of the kids and Moms but like at Bacchus....both batteries died...why does that keep happening? I am always good with charging both the one in the camera and the spare. Who knows?!?

Swinging and Swimming

Yesterday the weather was beautiful (a bit chilly but really sunny) so Jack and I walked to the park in the Tavares's neighborhood. Ethan and Lisa were going to join us, but we can't seem to get the boys' schedules lined up.

Here is Jack chillin' in the swing...I took a video of him squealing and kicking his legs while I would push him...but Nick had a mild panic attack at how high I let him go so I'll keep that video to myself...but in my defense...he was having fun and is still in one piece.

We crawled up the slide and I let him explore the play equipment. Not much longer and he'll be running around...til then- I stay less than one step behind him and help him slide back down the slide.

Jack and I had swimming lessons this morning. Here he is waiting for our class to start watching everything around him. Shout out to Morgan...his crawfish bathing suit is precious on him. All he needs is a good tan....all I need is.....well we won't even go there.

Jack enjoys the water...not much into kicking or moving his arms yet, but likes to clap at the other kids and watch the elderly people across the pool doing aerobics. Today we went under and he did great. Much better in my opinion than his reaction to getting the shampoo out of his hair in the bath. After class the getting dry and changed part is quite an ordeal...his little lips were blue and chattering while we waited for a bench to lay down on to get dressed. I'm sure with time we'll get it down to a science...for now it is exhausting, especially after a fun swim lesson.

2 Adults, a Highchair, & a Kid's Menu

After last week with everyone being under the weather I was itching to get out. So despite the rainy cold weather...we loaded up the car and headed out to eat at El Fenix. I had packed a bag with a sippy cup, sweet potatoes, and turkey rice all from Gerber for Jack because it is easy...but it requires us feeding him and when he isn't eating he tends to get antsy. So...we asked the waiter for a kids menu and ordered him a cheese quesadilla.

He liked it alot and still got his sweet potatoes....Nick and I were able to enjoy our meal as well. Next time maybe we'll try some chips and salsa and a margarita. Just kidding!

To continue the food adventures for the weekend Jack had his first taste of watermelon. He loved it, would rock back and forth waiting for more, all while making the MMmmmm sound. It was so cute when he would bite into it....you could hear the crunch sound along with him sucking the juice.

Yup- I can see it now....Jack and Papa C in the pool so Jack can show off his swimming lesson tricks and then sharing a watermelon together afterwards.

Last night the family all ate together at the table...the same meal...at the same time. Ground turkey burgers with melted gouda cheese (ours had grilled onions) and baked sweet potato fries (even Nick ate them). Jack is getting better and better everyday at feeding himself and trying new things. It is nice to be able to sit and enjoy a meal rather than taking shifts or having to wait til after he goes to bed.

11 Months

WOW! I can't believe that this time next month I will be doing Jack's One Year Photo Shoot with Mr. Plump. These last 11 months have been the best of my life. It is hard to imagine that Nick and I deciding to have a baby in Europe 2 Summers ago would change our lives this much...God knew that Jack was the little boy for us and he truly made all of our wishes come true. I feel so blessed to have him and the ability to stay at home with him this year, I pray, will help him to become a better toddler, boy, young adult, and man one day. Hopefully I have given him the fondation of good manners, education, and the desire to live, laugh, dream, wonder, and love that his caregivers next year can build upon. Here's a look back to the path that has led us to today...Happy 11 Month Birthday Jack-I love you!

Getting this picture was the most challenging yet. I for sure was sweating and he was out of breath from trying to tackle Plump, get away, and crinkle the paper. This past month Jack has hit new milestones daily. He has now mastered the following and more-

• clapping (he does it ALL DAY)
• standing unassisted (as long as he is distracted & doesn't realize he is doing it)
• high fives (high, low, and in the middle/single and double handed)
• giving kisses (my favorite-nice and wet kisses)
• dancing like a ROCKSTAR (much better than Nick & I)
• holding and drinking from his sippy cup (throwing it too)
• picking up and eating table food
• escaping his cage (is this a milestone?!?...more of a headache for Mom)
• when he hears the garage, he drops everything, and heads to the couch for me to pick him up so he can peer over for Nick to walk in (not really a milestone...but cute & surely the best part of Nick's day)
• in the last 2 days he has starting pointing a little and saying "Dada"
  
  

Update on Nighttime Nanny Ad- Jack was a little sad that there were no applicants...I'm sure there were some responses that just got lost in Cyberspace. Well, Nick and I cleaned the house for Valentine's Day and went to bed early in preperation for another rough night...but Jack slept in his crib THE ENTIRE NIGHT. This morning he was feeling so much better that we went to Gymboree where he was all smiles...must say though that the Level 3 class is quite a work out for me since there is so much time for exploring.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Love,
Jenn, Nick, and JACK

Jack's Valentine's onsie/shirt has been nothing but trouble (how fitting). We searched everywhere for a cute boy Valentine's onsie with no luck-we all should design and sell masculine Valentine's appearal and make a fortune. So...I decided to use leftover iron on paper and make my own. Problem was when I went to iron it I remembered that I hadn't done mirror image when printing...no problem, just print again...WRONG. This time Jack was awake brushing my hair while I managed to break (temporarily I am sure Nick) the printer...so in the end- a little double stick tape on the mess up version and you get the message.

Since Jack and I are staying around the house til we feel better- I (I mean we) enjoyed spending lots of time expoloring all his Valentine's Goodies he had gotten in the mail. He love all of it from the cards, to the clothes, books, oh and especially THE BOX.

I told him to give the frog a kiss....good thing the frog was there because I've been dodging his kisses for days now....no need for both of us to get that lip funk.

We've already read Biscuit's Valentine's Day 3 times...since Nick has faculty meeting this afternoon I'm sure we'll be reading it a lot more to pass time til Dad gets home.

Jack just loved this statue frog that Papa C and Bebe sent him from their trip to San Diego...he kept petting it. When it came time to put it on his bookshelf (out of his reach since it is glass)....boy did he throw a crying fit. Until I brought out the chocolate box.

Jack kept wanting to know why all of the pieces of chocolate had bites out of them...I told him that Uncle Brian shipped it so no telling...but he didn't believe me. The truth is I knew there was candy in the box and yesterday I was needing a little pick me up....so I ate half of each piece because I wanted to share it with Nick. Although if our day continues as fussy as it has thus far...Nick just might be out of luck on the chocolate end.

We hope everyone had a great day! We love you!!

WANTED: Nighttime Nanny

We are looking for someone who has a HUGE heart to help care for our little angel at night. He goes down at 7:30 but then gets up about every hour and a half screaming uncontrollably. Once he is calmed down, no matter what time in the night/morning...he is ready for someone to play with him. Job requirement also includes wiping his nose frequently, diaper changes often from the antibiotic tummy reaction, oinment application to his sores, and constant monitoring since he is able to now break out of the "cage". When he is down we only ask that you don't rest yourself...but rather clean up after little Jack and his sick mother and father.

If you are interested in this position please note thatthere will be no travel rembursement or payment for your time. We will however make sure you get a thank you note in a timely manner.

Attached you will find a picture of baby Jack sleeping so peacefully....disclaimer....you'd probably never see him in this state while under contract with us.

Does Hallmark Make a Happy Birthday Jennifer-Get Well Jack Card?

I guess this is being a Mom...nothing is about you anymore...but that is alright because Jack is so cute he does deserve all the attention...I just wish it wasn't because he was sick. Monday night Jack cried the ENTIRE NIGHT! We tried everything and then when he would finally fall asleep...lightening, thunder, and hail would wake him up. He kept puling at his ears and would only fall asleep sitting up in his swing (good thing he is so skinny and still fits in it!) so Tuesday morning exhausted, I sat with the phone in my hand until 8:30 when I could call the doctor. Our appointment was at 11:30 (my hair appointment was at 12:30 across town- YIKES).

Dr. Mathieu's said his ears were fine but that he had a sinus infection. When I mentioned the sores around his nose he said that when the nose drainage is the color and consistency of Jack's that it is usually bacteria related. So off to my hair appointment we go with antibiotic script in tow. We managed to make it and by the time we got to the pharmacy another sore had popped up. I won't go into details but these things are nasty! After being on the roads all day Jack and I were glad to be home and I was ready for my birthday night on the town.

Here is Jack helping me open my birthday cards. We kept looking for one that said Happy Birthday Jennifer-Get Well Jack but no such luck. He was just as happy though helping me tear them open and really enjoyed dancing to Blake's since it played "Happy Birthday!"

"Happy Birthday to you. Happy Birthday to you. Happy Birthday Dear Mommy, Happy Birthday to you!"

"I know you don't want my germs Mom but it tickles when you kiss my ear."

"Enough already Mom...go out with your friends and enjoy what is left of your Birthday. I have a little present for Dad and it doesn't involve watching ESPN or sleeping."

Angela, Ashley, Morgan, and prego Lisa (my designated driver) took me out to Kelly's Eastside in Plano for drinks, dinner, and they even had a cake with the number 29 (not 92) candles on it. It's been awhile since I've gone out to drink at a restaurant with the girls and I HAD A BLAST! Can't wait to do it again soon, but on a night when Nick is around to tend to Jack the next day. Thanks Girls-Love ya!

Once I got home Jack had finally settled down for the night and did well (the house on the other hand was a DISASTER). The sores got worse this morning so Dr. Mathieu's called in an ointment to put on them instead of Neosporin and we are just monitoring fever and how he is acting to make sure the bacteria doesn't enter his bloodstream....scary sounding huh?! He is in better sprits and we've decided we are going to skip swimming and Gymboree (even though he isn't contagious) so that he can get back to feeling good. Now we have Nick to tend to because he too is under the weather and spent this afternoon at Dr. Wright's office for the throat funk. Good Times!

What's For Dinner Mom?!?!

Jack has been having more and more table food lately. Some has been a hit...and some has not...

Last night was beef in beef gravy (Gerber puree) with mashed potatoes and peas. As you can see...he likes to check out his meal...sniff, touch, play, throw-he used all his senses to explore it.

The mashed potatoes were a bit too mushy for him so...he would take a bite, reach back in, and of course wipe his eyes and nose...which results in the picture above.

Here he was after we finally gave up once he started taking it out his mouth and throwing it across the kitchen. Here I thought he just didn't like the mashed potatoes...turns out he didn't like the peas either and had been hiding them in his bib so that we thought he ate them.

"Enough with the picture, clean me up, and just give me a bottle. Can't a boy eat in peace?!?"

Tonight's dinner went much better. Vegetables in beef (Gerber puree) and Annie's Organic White Cheddar Macoroni and Cheese...just like the big kids eat...shells and all.

Much cleaner and he actually enjoyed it. I had it too with my roast...even though I had some on my plate Jack would eat a shell then feed me one...he is so good at sharing!

"Yea Mom...much better than the mashed potatoes!"

He finally learned how to clap and has been good at giving us positive reinforcement when we do things he likes. Now on to walking...

Could The Weather Be Any More Perfect?!?

This weekend has been very nice. Friday after Gymobree Ashley and Nathan came over so the boys could play. Saturday Nick and Jack headed out for the day (Birthday shopping I think-hope!) and I was able to finally start Jack's scrapbook and got as far as his birth. My back was killing me but I am determined to get it done by his First Birthday....so we are going to leave it spread out all over the kitchen table in hopes that during the week I can work some too. Maybe the motivation of getting it picked up will help me get it done quicker.

Today the weather was absolutely beautiful so we headed for a picnic on the lake in Mckinney.

Jack is in a phase where he gives everything to everyone....including crushed up leaves. The whole time we were there he would reach back, grab a fistful, and then pass them on to us. Of course there were a few fistfuls that didn't make it to us...got sidetracked into his mouth.

What a little angel!

No worries...he was holding our empty chip bag while eating Puffs!

"Is this how you want me to pose Mom?"

"Want some leaves?!?"

No words, pictures, or video can caputre how much I love this little boy! He is my heart.

Sniff, Sniff....don't those teeth make him look like a two year old?!? Oh well, he is almost one and gets more fun everyday!

"It's hot out here...should ya'll reapply my sunscreen?"

"I'm brining home some crushed up leaves and dirt. Won't my Mommy be so proud of me."

We knew at this point that Jack was getting a little too adventurous and that it was time to strap him in and walk the lake in hopes of a nap. Didn't nap, enjoyed looking around, and is sound asleep in his crib right now dreaming about his fun time at the Lake with Mom and Dad...well, probably about the leaves and dogs he saw at the Lake.