9 Months

I can't believe that Jacob has been in our lives for 9 months now. The time has really flown by as many people have shared with us that it would. We have seen Jacob make many strides toward becoming a toddler. We have seen him from not really being able to move, to making big stretches, to smiling and giggling, to interacting, to problem solving, to becoming very mobile and honing his skills as he goes. It is still somewhat unbelievable at times that we have a child/son. I have to chuckle to myself on occasion because the realization of Jacob being in our lives and not being a dream sets in. I think, where are his parents and why haven't they picked him up yet and then realize that we really are parents and quickly calm down with a heavy sigh and great warmth in knowing that he is ours!!! A guy at work that has a daughter and is about 2 - 2-1/2 will ask how he is doing and then he will say it only gets better as he smiles from ear to ear. I have to say I completely agree with him. Jacob is an amazing child and I look forward to sharing more and more with him every day!!!

Just Singing In The Rain

Jacob and I headed out early so that I could show Jacob the ropes at Lowes as we needed to get a few things for some smaller projects around the house. It was pretty exciting for Jacob as our adventure led us to many different parts of the store.

Upon returning home, Jacob still wasn't really ready for a nap, at least in his eyes and since it was still a nice morning, I decided we should go for a walk. We ventured out and actually stopped to a garage that Jacob had his eyes set on. Must have been the toys that he could see. We ended up seeing the next door neighbor there... We didn't get anything, but did take some notes in case mommy got done with her internship early enough. Jacob really liked the garage sale thing and wanted to hit another one. I was okay with it, but wasn't sure about the clouds that were rolling in. I thought the street it was on wasn't very far down, so we headed for it. Little did I know, it was waaaayyy down there. It was alright though because we were out for a walk and that is just what we did. However, it wasn't long after we were there that it started sprinkling and quickly turned to rain. W were at least 3/4 mile from home and no raincoats. Fortunately, we had the bigger stroller so Jacob was mostly covered. So, it was run, run, run between the trees and then relax and walk while under the trees and then run, run, run while in the open. We made it back pretty quickly and dad was ready for a shower as he was pretty soaked and more than likely stinky... I wasn't sure, but I thought I could hear Jacob humming because we he was ffflllllyin' in his stroller which gave him a good vibration. He might have even been humming 'Good Vibrations'... ;)!

Just Swinging In The Wind

Amy promised Jacob that he could go swing in the park today like he did yesterday. He was a good boy so we loaded up the stroller when I got home and headed over there. It was pretty windy and Jacob usually doesn't like being out in the wind, but when you are a thrill seeker, you don't think too much about the wind. Daddy pushed the limit compared to how high mommy wanted Jacob to go, but he was pretty bored with mama's level. Soooo, there were many more giggles and laughs when daddy was pushing him (not on tape).

Jacob is still a little congested, but continues to get better every day. We are still running the vaporizer in his room even though it is summer time and the humidity is higher than like it is in the winter. We figured it can't hurt.

Jacob's Cold

Jacob is doing much better than he was over the last week and a half. Amy was actually able to sleep in bed for most of the night instead of her and I alternating (her taking most of it) who Jacob was sleeping on. He still has a cough, but it's not near as bad and his smiles abound once again. We can even get some good giggles.

The true test is now as Amy is taking Jacob upstairs to read him a story, fill him up with what is remaining in his bottle from his cereal and going to sleep...

A Trip To Urgent Care

Amy left this morning for her internship with Jacob hacking a bit. Upon her arrival to the Lahser Home, she was greeted by the assistant manager who basically said to go home and be with your baby, so she did.

As you know, Jacob was at the doctor for and found to have an ear infection and a cough. The cough was dry and was thought to potentially be related to allergies. His cough turned into more of a barking cough and was rather loose. Amy's boss made some comments about her experience with something like this, so we tossed the idea back and forth about going to urgent care. We decided to go once Amy got back home and we were off... The first trip to the hospital found that urgent care after hours didn't open until 1pm while we were talking to security at the emergency room. Knowing that he probably wouldn't be admitted and it wasn't life or death, we decided to wait a little less than 2 hours for the urgent care to open. This would guarantee that we would see a pediatrician and not just an ER doctor that is assigned to babies, so we went home.

Jacob played happily while coughing less, after all, he wasn't laying down in his crib and was having fun. We loaded back up and went back to urgent care. On the way, Jacob started coughing pretty hard again and actually lost his lunch that we just fed him during the wait. He waaasss a mmmmesssss!!! We were able to get in and out in about 35 minutes. It turns out that he has a cold that has just gotten worse and was not related to allergies as originally thought. Unfortunately, there is nothing to do, but wait it out. However, we have reinstated the vaporizor in his room until he is better.

After having the adventure at the emergency room, Jacob and I headed up to see grandma a few hours later that we had originally planned so Amy could get some homework done for the week. Plus, grandma hadn't seen Jacob in a while and earlier plans fell through when she was sick. Quite a difference in Jacob since the last time. He was fine on the way and while we were there and started hacking a bit again on the way home. It was enoughing coughing to make another mess, but nothing like earlier. Let's hope we can get through this soon because we, especially Amy, aren't getting the rest that she/we really need. With Jacob being almost 9 months old, we are very fortunate that this is the first time that he has really been sick. Yes, there has been other issues, but nothing that we couldn't handle as part of the routine. It was only last night that Aunt Abby jinxed us in noting how lucky we were.... ;)!

A Fun Filled Day

The morning started off with Amy leaving for her internship. Upon her return, we quickly got cleaned up and were off to the twins first birthday party. Unfortunately, we were only able to stay a short time because we also had a wedding to go to. After changing in the car on the way, we made it just in time for the wedding (birthday at 3, wedding at 4...).

Amy's cousin was the one to get hitched. It was probably a good thing that we timed it so Jacob would have to wait a long period of time (which may be a short time to us...) before the wedding. He didn't get much sleep before we left and wasn't able to really get any sleep between the wedding and the reception, although he gave it a good try and did get to squeeze a tad in. Jacob got his first taste of wedding cake frosting (has had frosting before though) and really enjoyed the globs that his dad allowed him to get. He liked it so well he made sure to get his hand covered with frosting that was on his mother's plate so that he could savor this new found flavor. It put the groove back in Jacob's booty as he shook it a bit on the dance floor. The shakin' was actually before the sugar, but you wouldn't have known, unless told you... ;)! Oh well, the cat's out of the bag now.

First Ear Infection

Jacob has been increasingly irritable over the past couple of days/nights. Last night Jacob slept on his mother in the rocking chair and wouldn't let her put him down. He had a pretty rough night before getting to bed time, so we figured something was up, but weren't sure what it was. Then with the long night and increased unhappiness (screaming bloody murder...) along with the bigger rash spots and a different color (bags) under his eyes, Amy called the doctor and took him in.

Jacob was cranky on the way there, to everyone along the way and immediately started smiling once the doctor came in. He has only seen this doctor a few times and hasn't been his favorite in the past. He was immediately smiling as if to say I know who this guy is and he is going to help me. After checking him out, it was found that Jacob has developed his first ear infection and is on an antibiotic for it. His eczema was/is flared up worse, so a prescription of stronger cortisone was written. Direction was given to keep Jacob away from grass in the yard and especially when it is freshly cut. The doctor said it is too early to say whether or not he will have allergies, but to watch him now while he is still pretty young when it comes to being outdoors, etc. Guess the picture from the other night shows how he was enjoying the grass and lets you know who was the culprit with the grass contact... Oh well, now we know another item that may/is causing the flare up of his eczema. We thought it had to do with the heat and when he would sweat, which is still part of the cause...

Jacob did get weighed and we can call him a 20 pounder now. He was 19 pounds, 14 ounces. Those two ounces can be made up in one feeding... ;)! So, it is probably safe to say that at his 9-month appointment in a couple weeks that we have reached this milestone for sure. I remember hearing a statistic around the time Jacob was born that a baby doubles their birthweight in the first 6 months and triple their birth weight at one year old. At this rate, he will probably be the norm or just a little head of it...

Jacob is now getting back to himself. We have now been able to get a few smiles and a couple of giggles, so the drugs are kicking in.

Father's Day Number One

Jacob and I didn't have our special time on the actual day of Father's Day, but we definitely had father/son time on Monday. It started off by feeding him in the middle of the night, but really got started at 8:00 am when he got up and was hungry. We played and played the morning away. We had a ball playing with his toys and getting him to giggle at the smallet things. Then it got a little later and he began to get really sleepy. It wasn't long after getting his morning cereal with fruit that it was time for his nap, ya' know, the one that he usually has an hour or so after he gets up... Well, it must have been much needed because he ended up/we were able to bond for almost 3 whole hours. After getting up, getting fed (both of us) and getting changed, we headed out for a little shopping and then a stop at the play area of the mall. Jacob had a riot crawling all over the frogs and turtles as well as through the alligator, etc. This is a common occurrence with his grandma and cousin, but I haven't been able to partake in such an even yet. It was great to see. We didn't stay real long because there were quite a few kids that of course weren't paying attention to the little guy in the area.

After getting home and hanging out a bit, we went outside to the plant thingy and were pulling weeds. It was a bonding moment as Jacob was able to get used to the grass and of course pull himself up on the blocks around the garden thingy. Little did I know that there was an intruder lurking about with the camera and we were busted having fun without mom...

Although it wasn't intentional, this is a photo of three generations and may become a tradition of Jacob and I's. The story behind the picture is that the lighthouse you see was purchased shortly after my dad, Jacob's grandpa had passed as a reminder/memorial of/for him. Jacob will never know him or have ever met him, but I will still be able to share my memories of him. In a 1-1/2 weeks or so, it will have been 11 years since his passing.......

It Doesn't Rain On Race Day...

Amy and I ventured off to with 150,000 others to the big metropolis of Brooklyn, MI. Okay, so may Brooklyn isn't that big, but definitely is at least two weekends out of the year, one of which is Father's Day Weekend. We were able to get there early this year and do some relaxed shopping both trackside and across the street. It seems that this was the year for lasts... We bought the last Kasey Kahne shirt that Amy wanted and gasped when we got back to the rack and found one of two that she was interested in and then went digging for her first choice when a lady grabbed it and asked her husband if she had that one or not. Fortunately for Amy, the gentleman said that she already had it, so Amy was able to get her first choice. In addition to this last one, we bought the last event shot glass and after getting inside of the track we decided to buy ponchos and purchased the last two... We end ed up not needing them, but it did start sprinkling shortly after the race and just after we got back in the truck to head home. The stars must have been aligned once again because we were home before 8:00 pm even after stopping and picking up Jacob and Frankie!

It just amazes me about the number of people at MIS and how you know so many people that are there, but you never see them. Well, I have now seen my cousins twice, but I know where their seats are and they are one stand section, so not really a big story there... However, I have seen a coworker/former coworker now twice. The first was at time trials a couple of years ago and this year it was at the Croc tent. Leave it to Amy to want some Crocs and I see somebody I know... Heck, we have even lost people that we were with and were in a much smaller area in the past...

As for Jacob, he had his own good 'ol time with his grandparents and great grandparents. We made sure he was ready for the trip with his swim suit, matching shirt, hat, sunglasses and lotion (Amy of course needs him to match...). The plan was to head out on their boat, but it was just too windy for a big trip. However, we hear that Jacob was grinning from ear to ear when he had his hands on the helm and the one in charge!!

All I Want For Christmas Is...........

Jacob won't be wantin' his two front teeth for Christmas this year. Both of his top two front teeth have broken through and are trying to catch up in length with the bottom. This is some new found fun or maybe it is just coincidence with some new facial moves. He clinching his lips (maybe just so that we don't feed and are teasing us), but also to show his everchanging and developing personality.

The latest toy/interest has been the dishwasher... He has been pulling himself up on it while the dirty dishes are being put it in. We think he likes the fact that he can push and pull the drawer in and out. After venturing out to the bbq last weekend and realizing he can go up a step, he has enjoyed this same freedom of being able to climb up onto the stairway landing. He has now found the gate to be an obstacle other than just being upstairs. Currently, he doesn't seem to mind and doesn't realize what it is stopping him from. I'm sure it is only a matter of time before his inquisitive nature will cause him to want to burst through this new obstacle.

Jacob's Practicing For School

That's right!! Jacob is working on his riding the bus skills. So far he hasn't pulled any girl's hair, shot spit wads at the bus driver or any of those other things that unruly kids do. Not that I have ever done that or know what any of those things would be...

Storm...

We have weathered the storm and it appears that we have no issues. Unfortunately, some of our friends and co-workers were not so lucky...

BBQ or Phoenix's Birthday Party?

The mystery to this question still remains as we celebrated good friends and Phoenix's birthday. Yes, Phoenix is a miniature Yorkie and is the proud son of our friends Julie and Rob. We received an invitation with a picture of Phoenix on it noting Phoenix's first birthday and to join them for a bbq... You be the judge... ;)! After the grilling was complete and we were done eating, it was time for Phoenix to strap on the feed bag (after all, we did...) and dive into a "dog friendly" carrot cake made just for him. He must have known what was coming because he wasn't eating his food all day. Of course, it might have been the fact that 2-year old Chloe was feeding him pototato chips... Tough call!!

From earlier pictures, it didn't appear that Jacob was sure what to make of Kevin. It wasn't long before they were the best of buds. The numerous pieces of cookies and the attempts to slurp some Molson probably had something to do with it. All kidding and cooties aside, Jacob and Chloe sat on Kevin's lap for a kiddie photo.

The evening ended with the kiddies needing to go to bed along with carrot cake and other goodies for our pets. By the way, our dogter just turned 14!!!

Double Whammy!

Bam! Bam! That's what we should be hearing very shortly. Jacob has loaded his double barrel tooth gun and is ready to fire. Yep, Jacob didn't think it was fun for one tooth at a time, so he decided that he would get his top two front teeth in at once. The video is from a day or two ago right before/as he was having a teeth meltdown. Jacob has been taking steps toward you when you are holding his hands and steps up on you now and has been for a little bit. He still doesn't like to stand flat footed so he doesn't have the "balancing act" really started yet. If our living room furniture was a little lower, we think he would be pulling himself up on it. Although he didn't do this at the time of taping, he is now putting his fingers and hands into the VCR. Good think he isn't eating PB&J......... Yet!!......

A Celebration Of Birthdays

Yesterday was the day to celebrate Amy and Uncle Rob's birthday (both on May 29th). There was much uncertainty as to whether or not this would happen when Jacob's grandma called and said she wouldn't be able to make it. She sounded horrible on the phone, so we knew when we answered the phone what the reason for the call was. After some delay in reaching Uncle Rob, we connected and still got together.

Uncle Rob and Aunt Lynn know how much Amy loves "Sex And The City" and had offered on Friday to watch Jacob so that Amy (and me as a tag-a-long ;)...) could go see the movie on its opening weekend. Obviously Lynn knew more about the movie coming out than any male would because I had to ask if it was even out or not as I didn't have a clue. Little did I know that Amy had just gotten over a two day depression because she didn't think she was going to be able to see the movie on its opening weekend. So, we were able to sneak out for a late matinee. You'll have to ask Amy if the movie was good or not... This was definitely a chick flick with a few moments for the guys...

Jacob must have had a great time while we were away because even though he took a nap for his aunt and uncle, he was still worn out from all of the fun. Although Amy thought about calling a few times, she didn't. She was concerned if Jacob was being good or not as he didn't get a nap before we left. It was good to know that he did get some sleep and Uncle Rob was the one that actually got him to sleep!! Way to go Uncle Rob!!! Thank you Rob and Lynn for surprising Amy, and I of course, for allowing Amy to see one of her favorite shows at the movies opening weekend!!