Only One Thing Left To Do!

That's right, there is only only one thing left to do!! Amy needs to take her online final exam in statistics and she will be done with her Associate's Degree. WOOHOO!! The time is ticking and things are busy as we are rearranging our computer/guest/kid's room. So, with less than two days left to take the final, it could be a late night or two.

Let's hope there is more than one reason to celebrate tomorrow!! We know there will be one for sure and hoping the second and third will be NO MORE SCHOOL, at least for now, and a good grade on the final...

WOW!!!!!

Rather than send an e-mail, I thought this was worth putting on the blog:

This will bring a tear to your eyes and a lump in your throat. THIS is one of the best examples I have seen to define the word... dedication. Wow!

A son asked his father, 'Dad, will you take part in a marathon with me?'. The father who, despite having a heart condition, says 'Yes'. They went on to complete the marathon together. Father and son went on to join other marathons, the father always saying 'Yes' to his son's request of going through the race together. One day, the son asked his father, 'Dad, let's join the Ironman together.' To which, his father said 'Yes' too.For those who don't know, Ironman is the toughest triathlon ever. The race encompasses three endurance events of a 2.4 mile (3.86 kilometer) ocean swim, followed by a 112 mile (180.2 kilometer) bike ride, and ending with a 26.2 mile (42.195 kilometer) marathon run along the coast of the Big Island. Father and son went on to complete the race together.

Jacob Enjoys Camping!

Jacob has now taken his first camping trip and survived quite nicely. We headed up to Standish for five days and four nights. There were many firsts for Jacob and many redos. Some of the firsts he missed because he was napping/sleeping and others were because he just wasn't paying attention. The big first that he missed was the campfire. He fell asleep on the way back from singing Karaoke. He made it almost all the way back, but then crashed.
Jacob sure enjoyed the camper as his mother and I were constantly saying no to him. We didn't think setting the fire extinguisher off inside would be a good thing for him, us or the camper. We kind of thought Jacob forgot about climbing up steps, but he sure has his game back on. He is now working on the steps at home as is more active in the pulling himself up and checking things out, not to mention starting to really walk along the furniture, doors and walls, etc.

The most excited I think Jacob got during the trip was when we were walking to the beach and arrived. Before we even got around to get Jacob out of his stroller, he was already breathing heavily through his teeth like he does when he gets excited. He obviously knew what we were doing next..

The biggest challenge while camping and concern once we got back home was napping and sleeping. We were able to Jacob to nap in the morning and then again later afternoon (after heading to the beach or pool). The morning consisted of putting in a movie while we catnapped with Jacob. Okay, so Amy watched the movie while Jacob and I slept. This worked out pretty well as Jacob would get a great nap in the morning and then a small one in the afternoon. Even with little sleep, Jacob still didn't go to sleep until 10 or 11 pm. He just didn't want to give up because there was so much to do.

Fortunately for Amy and I, Jacob didn't get extremely inquisitive about the outdoors until the last day. We were able to keep him next to the picnic table on some towels and carpet. After he saw what else was around the campsite on Sunday and Monday, he was on the prowl to see what he could find and get into.

Here Jacob is nodding off at the tail end of a walk. He made is with 3 sites of ours before crashing. Amy asked if he was still awake with about 5 sites to go and I said yes. I was working on the other side of the camper when Amy came over and asked me again. Of course, I wasn't sure why, but the picture says it all...

There are many more stories, but too many to list here. We all had a great time as the weather was not overly hot, even though we did run the A/C in the camper on occasion and needed to run the furnace a bit at night and only had a few sprinkles on Sunday night when we were getting ready for bed and had most, if not everything picked up for the night. It was a great time, but Amy and I think it was time to come home and thought Jacob was ready too. We are looking forward to camping again this summer, hopefully in August for a number of days and then a weekend in September.

Look for Jacob's first camping trip pictures coming soon that show many more of Jacob's firsts...

Happy 10 Month Birthday Jacob

Jacob Finds New Interest

With Amy's classes coming to a close and the fact that the summer is, can you believe it, over half over, we have decided it is time to get a camping trip in. Yep, this will be the first time for Jacob ever and the first for the rest of us this year. The camper has finally been opened this year and has been somewhat checked over to see if everything is okay. My little helper was there to check everything out as well. He checked to see how the safety was put on the fire extinguisher, punched around the CO2 detecter, played with the buttons on the radio, checked out some latches and well, you get the drift. It was time to get out of the camper as I was standing outside and Amy inside when he knew I was going to pick him up and take him out... I didn't think he was to this point yet, but he must have known because he quickly started crawling toward the back of the camper and away from the door.

I don't know if Jacob was quite at home in the camper, but he sure was checking everything out and willing to learn all about the camper. The fact that he didn't want to leave was a good sign too. Looks like we will have a challenging time and fun time while Jacob learns to camp. Amy and I have made a secret vow to spend as much time out of the camper as possible so that we aren't battling Jacob with the buttons on the microwave, Frankie's food and water, etc. We are looking forward to getting away and having some relaxing fun!!!

What Did Grandma Do?

To give Jacob a bath or not... Jacob had some funny hair going on... Oh yeah!! For all you jokers about Jacob not having hair ;)! He really has some now. Not sure what was up with it last night, but it was sure "moldable"... The picture doesn't do his new "do" justice as it was pretty funny and his mother just made it worse. Guess grandma must have had some suntan lotion or something in it. Of course, it could have been some of the goo that daddy put on him the night before. Either way, his hair was a grease ball... :D!

Two Down, One To Go! AND Thank You!

Amy finished the last of her on campus classes today after taking two exams. It was bitter sweet as this would be the last regularly scheduled day that Grandma P. would be able to see Jacob, but also means that Amy will be able to find a job doing something that she enjoys. Grandma P. has been an immense help over the past 6 months while Amy finished her degree. Jacob, Amy and I REALLY appreciate the time, caring and support that we have received. THANK YOU for all that you have done AND of course Randy too!! He was also a big help when Amy had classes later in the day.

The time keeps ticking down to when Amy will be completely done with her requirements for graduation. Only one class left!!!

Rainy Day Picnic In The Park

Okay, so maybe it wasn't a picnic and it wasn't in the park, but we did have picnic foods and it was raining... It was day of hanging out with the family. The fun wasn't to be stopped just because it was raining outside. Although some didn't want to get in the pool because it was raining, others enjoyed it regardless of the weather.

Will Amy rock it out and jam on Guitar Hero III or will she get booed off the stage? Watch the video to see if you were right!!

Jacob hung out with grandma for a little while so that he could get some much needed shut eye. Grandma might have snuck in a little too.
Just a lazy relaxing day in the rain...

Internship Class Complete

Amy turned in her final assignments and attended her last class for her internship. So, this makes one ended and two more two go. She has an exam and a final exam to take in Biology on Monday (yes, two exams in the same class and the same day...).

Internship Hours Are Complete!

After meeting with Amy's supervisor tonight and filling out the necessary school paperwork, Amy has officially completed her 180 hours plus for her internship. This is a huge monkey off of our backs as Amy was pretty much able to get the bulk of her hours in on the weekends. The weekends were by design so that we didn't need to figure out daycare during the week. I did take some time off last week to get the hours in a week early. This was also to give us some relief in knowing that it was done and also allows Amy to turn her paperwork in during her last class instead of at a later date and a special trip...

During the paperwork review, etc. with Amy's supervisor (I'm not sure of her title, but pretty high up at the center), job opportunities were brought up. It sounds like there are a few opportunities for Amy with this agency. One of which sounded really good in Lathrup Village, but at the same time makes Amy a little anxious. We will know more in the future, but there is definitely a few openings that she would be qualified for.

To have another small celebration, we headed off to Bennigans since Jacob seemed to be in a good mood. Little did we know, kids eat free on Mondays. So, we forewent a portion of what we had brought Jacob to eat and ordered off the menu for the first time!! Nothing special, just the typical Kraft mac n cheese and mashed potatoes. He went for the mac n cheese, but wasn't a real fan of the mashed potatoes. It was probably due to the fact that they looked like they nuked them to oblivion. Oh well, the mac n cheese kept him busy and satisfied. Oh, we also ordered some apple juice and watered it down...

Jacob Is Pleasantly Plump!

After running some errands around town during the afternoon, we decided to head out to eat eventhough Jacob was obviously tired. He did great for dinner regardless of how tired he was. He seem somewhat satisfied with his container of green beans for dinner.

Satisfaction with baby food grew slim as Jacob saw his mother cutting up some food... Somehow he knew that this was his chance to get something good or he was just getting impatient for what he knew was his as he started grabbing for the plate. Jacob had his first real almost meal at the restaurant. He had cooked carrots, mac n cheese and mashed potatoes with a touch of beef gravy. At this point, we thought he was done eating because in addition to the food, he sucked down 5 ounces of formula too... Well, his mother had gotten some dessert, chocolate mousse to be more exact. I was holding Jacob in my lap as the mousse came across the table on a spoon. Jacob apprehensively opened his mouth and boy!! was he pleasantly surprised with this experience. The next bite wasn't quite in his mouth and it couldn't get there fast enough, so he lunged forward and bit down on that bite to help mommy get it in there faster. After that, it was all she wrote and even though Jacob was tired and ready to leave, he was all about the mousse and was showing his excitement by smiling ear to ear all the way out of the restaurant.

Another Day At The Beach

With a lot of work started around the house and still a couple of days left before I need to go back to work, we decided to head back to the beach for the day. We weren't sure about the weather at first, but it sounded like we had the all clear or at least until we got back, so we headed out.

Jacob took a nap most of the way to gear up for the days events. After unloading the car and loading up the stroller, you could tell that Jacob knew what was going to happen next. Once those wheels hit the sand, you could hear him getting excited as he was breathing through his teeth and had a huge smile on his face. He just couldn't wait to get out of the stroller and into the dirt and water. Amy got him all covered in suntan lotion and then headed off to get changed. It wasn't long before Jacob was rolling in the dirt... literally... He was covered in sand by the time his mother got back. So, we headed out to the water even without his mother. Jacob walked right out into the water and plopped down a few feet in. He sat and played for a while. On another occasion Jacob sat in water almost to his shoulders. I don't think he thought this was the best idea, but he still liked it.

Jacob was all over the place today and just couldn't sit still. If he wasn't scootin' all over the blanket he was climbing onto the cooler so that he could get up onto the lounge chair. Looks like Jacob is definitely going to have a passion for the beach and hopefully he will continue to grow into loving the water as well. He has a great start!! He was FULL of smiles ALL day while were there. I'm sure he won't mind if we go back again...

Tooth Count...

Jacob's tooth count is now up to six. He has four on top and two on the bottom. One of the top ones came in about a week or two ago and the fourth top one came in during the last week or so. At least enough to say that it is in.

A Day At The Beach

Today was such a nice day out that we had to take advantage of it and head to the beach. Jacob's second nap of the day was timed for the drive up so that he was at least a little rejuvenated before hitting the water and sand.

We set up camp partly under a huge umbrella that is on the beach so that there was shade for Jacob and I and sun for Amy. It wasn't long before we were all in the shade, but it worked out okay anyway as the sun was no longer at it's strong point for Amy.

Jacob loved to walk in the water, but wasn't too sure about the covered floaty thing that he was able to sit in. The water was a little chilly and we basically got him right in it. He was definitely fine with kicking his feet in the water and splashing with his hands while sitting on one of us. There was also a lot of pleasure in walking in the water as well as long as it wasn't too deep.

First taste of sand for Jacob went okay with him, but not so much for his mother. No bothers though as he is definitely all boy. We have seen some inclination of actually getting off his belly and crawling and today was the day he decided to sport his new talent. Of course, it wasn't just for naught as he kept crawling over the cooler next to us so that he could chew on the strap. The sand was very exciting for Jacob as he was able to roll in the sand and wander all around. Even got to play in a little bit of mud while he got the sand all in his bathing suit...

The day was growing to a close as Jacob was getting tired and a growing number of people were staking their claim for the fireworks, we decided to pack up and head out for dinner. We went to Don Pablo's and had a great time with Jacob. He is generally good anyway (as long as the restaurant is timely...), but this time was the best ever. Of course, he was flirting with all of the waitresses and spent a lot of time checking out the sites. It probably helped too that he was fed right before we were and gave us a little more time. We were concerned that the 15 minute power nap wouldn't be effective as it wasn't the day before. Amy and I both told him how good of a boy he was at separate times so he will continue to be good and that he would be able to enjoy going out too as long as he is good... We'll see if the praise works in the future... ;)!

4th of July Picnic

Jacob's first fourth as noted on the sleeve of his onesie began with the start of his 9-month shoot. It wasn't long before he needed to get some grub and a snack as we didn't start early enough. Then it was time for a nap and then get ready to go.

The first stop was Grandma G's house. It wasn't long before Jacob found a large drawer and figured out how to open it. He totally thought he had won the lottery because no one was telling him no and he was able to play with all of the plastic containers that were in it. After destroying his grandma's drawer and showing off his new moves on the patio door, we ventured off to a picnic.

We attended Jacob's first 4th of July picnic in style at Vicki and Phil's house. Jacob's fans from North Carolina were in town for their annual trip and we were able to catch up with them and see how much Spencer and Maddy had grown since Christmas. It didn't take long for Jacob to disappear off into the sunset to meet and see everyone there without his parent's. It's funny how we become "chopped liver" now that Jacob has come into our lives... LOL!!! I guess we have understood our new role in being 2nd and 3rd fiddle because it didn't even phase us when Joy said hi after speaking to Jacob for 5 minutes. (just kidding, we had fun with it...)

It was a great day for a picnic with the sun beaming down and the temperature wasn't overly steamy. Emma ate lunch with us as Jacob stuffed in his puffs and a few bits of pasta that he wasn't overly thrilled with. We did try some Jello later which I think he might have liked if we had a different flavor first, but we won't know now. Jill and Amy both admitted that they didn't like Jello, so they gave Jacob a reprieve on that one...

Joy was kind enough to get Jacob out for a few cart rides around the hood. Okay, so living in the middle of nowhere isn't the hood, but let's just pretend for now... No gangstas here!! Jacob needed a nap and Emma goes to sleep without much work (she went to sleep after a few rides) so off he went. I think this was more of something new for Jacob and he was taking in everything and even had to take a taste of the steering wheel. After taking a couple of rides, Amy was holding Jacob while the kids rearranged for the next ride so that they could see them off, but Jacob still was yearning for another ride. My guess is that Joy was taking it slow, but knowing Jacob, he wanted another ride like a big kid and going a lot faster. He'll just have to wait for another time when he is a little bigger to do that. Thanks Joy for trying to put him to sleep.

Jacob had some play time with Maddy as he was climbing all over her. Of course, due to some "positions", there were some "comments" made in friendly banter. After playing around for a while and trying to knock off the "edge" with a power nap, it was a dipsy of his feet in the pool, a ride on Emma's swing and testing out of a slide. More photos posted in 4th of July Photos.
The power nap wasn't enough to recover as much as we would have liked and the timing of a nap in the car, etc. made it time to go after a long day. So, we said our see ya' laters, packed off and made the trek home.

Happy 4th of July!!

Sorry, no firecracker picture of the little firecracker... yet! We were starting to take his 9 month photos instead. Will try and have one tomorrow or tonight...

Graduation Counter

If you have been following the countdown to graduation for Amy, you will have noticed that it just jumped up a few days. That is because I had a wrong date initially and didn't get confirmation until recently. Amy has 3 different classes and they all end at different times. The last of which is her statistics class of which her final begins on July 30th. So, she could be done with her requirements then, but still needs to wait a couple of days for the semester and her Associates Degree to officially end.

The funny thing about the counter is I think Amy thought it was pretty silly months ago when I put it up. She didn't say to take it off, but I kinda got a look of it just not being something that was needed. Well, she admitted the other day when I put up the countdown to Jacob's first birthday, it wasn't long before she was asking, where did my countdown to graduation go? I had to QUICKLY tell her that it was still there and just to scroll down... ;)! So, knowing that she has been watching it, she might be a little frustrated to know that I originally used the class that ended first...

On a school note, Amy will be finishing her internship hours next week (it has been a long time coming). I am actually planning to take a few days off so that she can go in and we can just get those done!! Also, Amy's last trip to WCC for classes this semester should be the 21st. The end is near!!!

Go To Sleep, Go To Sleep, Go To Sleep...

The largest topic of discussion while at the doctor yesterday was Jacob's sleeping habits. This means how he gets to sleep, stays asleep and waking up in the middle of the night. Amy spilled her guts as to what was going on and the doctor kept nodding her head and just listened so that she could take it all in. Jacob was a little tired so I wasn't completely paying attention to this part as I was digging through the diaper bag for some entertainment for Jacob. However, when the doctor started talking, I started listening... ;)! Amy even made a comment that this part may have been the only reason why I was going to the doctor with her... So, the doctor basically started with her "information" and noted that she would break it down a bit.

Part I - The doctor started off by calling Amy, well me too, but focused on Amy as an "enabler" for Jacob. With all of the training that Amy has had for her degree, she knows all too well what she meant when she said it. This all by no means an attack or in any way shape or form an attack on what Amy has been doing as she was doing it for her love for Jacob. Basically, Amy was enabling Jacob to keep her up (and me) while it was time to go to bed or during the middle of the night. Amy and I have gotten into a routine for putting Jacob to bed which has been great, except for the part that I have kept to myself for the most part. This is the fact that he should be groggy and not completely asleep when he gets put down and if he wakes up, don't pick him up. Amy isn't the only guilty of this, but has guilted me into her trap as well. We had actually already tried the cry it out method (there is actually a more technically name, but it just gives credit to whoever wrote the book of common knowledge...) the night before we went to the doctor. Jacob cried for about 40 - 45 minutes or so with me going in and comforting him twice. This wasn't easy to do, which is why I was the only one that made the trek up the stairs. Amy was convinced that she would pick Jacob up and therefore nullifying any progress we may have made. This gave me much relief because I thought it was going to be more like 3 hours of crying making it much more difficult to keep Amy at bay.

After getting advice from the doctor which only allowed us to hone our skills, we adjusted our routine a bit, but then put Jacob down and walked away. To our amazement, he only cried for out 3, maybe 4 minutes and was fast asleep. This may have also been a result of getting the shots and not really getting enough sleep during the day, so he just crashed.

Part II - This is where Amy and I were unsure what we should do. Jacob has been waking up in the middle of the night usually between 2 and 3 because he is hungry, or this is how we perceived it. Jacob would basically inhale at least 5 ounces and usually 6 while still going strong and could probably take more. On occasion, Jacob would take advantage of this and stay awake which generally means keeping Amy awake. He would not be fussy, but would enjoy this socialization time as we found out. We didn't do this last night because I am working and Amy had school today, but tonight we will not be feeding Jacob in the middle of the night and will only console and reassure him that we are there for him, but he needs to sleep. Again, this may mean some more sleepless time, but it will be short term pain for long term gain.

So, based on part II, it will be just that much more important that we and those that care for him while we are not around go for the formula first when Jacob is hungry and then feeding the solids. Jacob will no longer be feeding in the middle of the night and needs to step up his intake during the day... Doctor's orders... :D!!

With only two days of the change in routine/direction for bedtime, Amy already feels more relaxed and relieved about it. I know she hasn't wanted to take the roll of "tough love" with Jacob and this matter for quite some time, but she is already reaping the benefits. Our doctor is eagerly waiting to hear at the one year appointment how much better we all feel since we are ALL getting sleep. Amy has since made the comment that we are going back in a month and that she can't wait to tell her about it then...

Dr. Appointment - 9 Months

Today was a milestone well baby doctor appointment as it was Jacob's 9-monther... Jacob was woke up to be put into his carseat and was actually happier than we anticipated since he was only asleep for about a half hour before leaving.

Jacob weighed 20 pounds, 1 ounce and is 28-1/4 inches long. This puts him right on the average line for height and about as close as you can get without being on it for his weight (smidgen under). Jacob's ear is clear of infection, but does have a little fluid in it. The doctor assured us that this is completely normal and expected shortly after ending antiobiotics for the infection. Jacob is in great health and only has some annoying eczema at the moment. We hope that he will grow out of this soon and is just more annoying to us than anything. It sometimes can look pretty bad, but we just need to put stuff on him so it doesn't get worse.

Many questions were asked and answered. Most of the questions were to confirm what we were already thinking, planning on doing or have already started doing. Jacob will be expanding his repertoire in the realm of baby edibles as we can beginning feeding him baby foods that contain meat as well as other soft foods that we have already given him on occasion. (wedding cake frosting, mashed potatoes, applesauce and whatever else Grandma P. has snuck in... ;) Sydney has tattled on occasion... heehee!) Okay, so a side story... Grandma P took her grandkids to lunch yesterday and forgot Jacob's diaper bag which had his food in it. So, Jacob became hungry and was ordered some applesauce so that he could get his belly filled too! From the story I hear, it doesn't sound like Grandma was going to let the cat out of the bag (partly because she is allergic heehee!), but Sydbear opened that bag right up. It's okay though, Jacob already had some homemade applesauce that his Uncle Rob and Aunt Lynn made last weekend. Okay, so back to the foods. Amy asked about an egg and the doctor first said no, but then said that the yolk would be okay, but not the white. The white is the part of the egg that most allergies stem from. So, Amy and I will not be feeding him any eggs anytime soon, or at least not until after he is a year old. Another issue that was brought up was the fact that Jacob is not getting quite enough formula a day. Jacob enjoys his solid food, but he is going to have to get used to having formula before he gets the solids... The only way we will be able to work in more of it. I'll save the third and quite possibly the biggest topic for tomorrow as this is getting to be on the long side. Also, it will give me something to post another day... ;)!

Jacob is one of the unfortunate souls that was started on the HIB (hepatitis B) 3-shot vaccination series. The first of the series was given to him in the hospital before he even came home for the first time. Unfortunately, there were some complications with the vaccination so it was recalled voluntarily by the supplier. In the meantime, another supplier has a 4-shot series which Jacob has also received so that he was covered. Since the voluntary recall, it was confirmed that there wasn't anything wrong with the vaccination and is now back on the market, but in limited quantites due to the recall. Now that Jacob has started both and due to the shortage, he is now stuck with the 4-shot series. This means that he had two shots today instead of only the one that we were planning on. Jacob wasn't happy about the pokes, but quickly settled down and once again became a tough guy about it.

So, we are going back in a month to check his ears out and then his next regular appointment is his ONE year appointment. As a part of Jacob's reward for being a good boy, well most of the time, we ventured over to the park so that he could swing for a while.