Dear Jude :: 13 months

Dear Jude,

In the past month you have totally made the transformation from a baby into a walking and talking toddler.  No baby in this home anymore (at least not for about 7 more weeks when your brother comes). :-)

There was a big transformation when you got your first haircut. :-)  I was nervous, because you didn't quite love your latest doctors appointment, but you did great!  And your hair?  I LOVE it.  I'm so glad you still have your sweet curls.

In the past month your communication has just exploded.  You understand much of what we say.  I am amazed at what you know.  You follow directions so well and you surprise me every day with how smart you are.  You also have a few words under your belt.  Mama, Dada (of course), Doggy (dug-guh), blankie (kuh-kuh), Ball, Diaper, All Done, More, Banana (bah bah), and more that I can't think of right now. :-)

Along with your wonderful understanding of the world has come more frustration when you want to communicate and you can't.  We've seen a few more temper tantrums, most likely due to you trying to tell us something we just aren't understanding.  OR us telling you "no" to something you really want!  You are easily distracted when this happens and clearly understand what is allowed and what isn't.  Sometimes you just don't feel like following the rules. :-)

You are still taking two naps and I'm not going to push this transition!  I love you taking two naps and you clearly still need it!  You have always been a great sleeper and I'm just praying your brother is as well.

You are still taking a bottle at night, but I've recently transitioned to a sippy before bed and you seem to take it okay.  Eventually we'll cut out the right-before-bed cup of milk, but I'm fine with it for now.  You HATE brushing your teeth.  HATE HATE HATE.  But we still do it every night.  And you still fight us.  But you have 8 pearly whites to keep clean.  I think that those 1 year molars are not far off, either.

You are growing like a weed and fully in 18 month clothes and even a few 24 month clothes that fit just a little too well for Mama's liking. :-)  You wear a size 5 shoe and since you are walking (and running) you are now wearing "big boy" shoes!  You also love shoes and socks and feet and are quick to point out where they go and people who don't have shoes or socks on. :-)

We took a nice little weekend getaway this month and you did great!  I was nervous about sleeping in the same room, thinking we would wake you up, but you slept wonderfully.  I think you liked waking up and seeing Mama right there, too. :-)

It is so much fun to spend every day with you.  You are so very sweet and quick to show affection and give kisses.  You have a clear love for your Mama and Dada and it is such a blessing to be your parents.

Love you bubba.  I'm so thankful for another month as your Mama.

Mwa!

Mama

{thankful}

Today I am thankful for...

...the ability for me to stay home to raise my son(s).  I know not many get this privilege.  But, somehow, even though we didn't specifically "plan" for me to, I am able to stay home full-time.  A real blessing.  Exhausting, yes.  But I love that I get to see so many of Jude's firsts and little quirky behaviors as he learns about the world.  Like yesterday, when he grabbed the monitor and walked around the house holding it in the air, shaking his head "no".  That is his thing lately, shaking his head "no" to things he knows are off-limits or no-no's... and doing them anyway.  I don't really care if he plays with the monitor, but it was too cute.

And pointing to the cat as she is at her water dish, and shaking his head "no-no".  Because that is probably my #1 battle with him.  We do NOT eat dog/cat food or put toys in the water dish.  Apparently he wanted to communicate that the dish was off limits to the cat as well.  He's catching on. ;-)

I am thankful for...

...my incredible husband who works. his. tail. off. to provide for our family.  Financially, spiritually, domestically (yeah - I'll admit - he is way tidier than I am).  He did all of the dishes after dinner last night, so I wouldn't have to.  He cleans the cat litter every two days.  He cleans the bathroom and scrubs the tub (because I hate to).  He gets up to meet with the Lord every morning and prays for our family.  He comes home and takes on daddy-duty and wrestles with Jude to tire him out before bed.  He tells me I'm beautiful even when I feel like a whale.  He drives everywhere we go without complaining, even though he drives all over the state all day for his job.  

Pretty cool guy. ;-)  

I am thankful for...

... a long Friday to Monday weekend.  Hubby took some vacation time so we can make some memories as a family of three before it gets even more crazy.  I plan to read, sleep, kick the hubby's butt in Scrabble, and snuggle my little boy LOTS AND LOTS.

I am thankful for...

... this cup of coffee.

  

That is almost gone.  

I am thankful for...

... a God who loves me too much to let me stay my same, sinful, prideful self.  Even when it isn't easy.  I'm being challenged to memorize more scripture.  I have never been good at memorization.  Or maybe I should say, I have never put much effort into it.  Not good.  After reading this passage this week, I feel like this is something that needs to be hidden in my heart.

Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.”  To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. {Romans 12:9-21}

I am thankful for...

... my second baby boy ever so wiggly in my belly.  I had a fantastic OB appointment yesterday.  The doctor had to laugh at how active my boy was as he was trying to get a heartbeat.  I also scheduled my c-section date and can say that we are less than 11 weeks away from meeting this little pumpkin.  Oh, yes, I am having another c-section {unless God has other plans}... I can talk about that later.  But I am thankful for my OB and his surgeon skills and the peace of mind I have in that decision. :-)

I am thankful for...

... my 1 year old, who is now awake from his nap.  I am going in to take advantage of some sleepy snuggles.

What are you thankful for today?

Baby #2 :: 28 weeks

We are in 3rd trimester!  Ummm... wow?  When did that happen?  Again... can't believe how fast time is flying.

But, here we are.

Today's date: April 7, 2012

How far along: 28 weeks

Total weight gain: 15 lbs.   

Size and growth of the baby: By this week, your baby weighs two and a quarter pounds (like a Chinese cabbage) and measures 14.8 inches from the top of his head to his heels.

Sex: Still a baby brother!

Maternity clothes: Umm...EVERYTHING!!

Sleep: Varies every night.  I still have a hard time getting comfy, but I've been doing okay lately.

Best moment(s) of the week:  I loved having a little ladies get-away on Monday and Tuesday.  I spent my first night away from Jude and it went better than expected!!  

Movement: He is crazy.  We are getting to the point where I have to have regular talks with him to tell him NOT to suddenly jab Mama in the bladder and that really, the ribs are not the most comfortable place for him to take a nap.

Food cravings/aversions:  Nothing really, except that I can't eat as much when I eat and then I'm starving 2 hours later again.

Morning sickness: Feeling good!!

 
Symptoms: I never had this with Jude, but my feet just ache.  Sometimes they feel swollen, but I don't think they actually have by looking at them.  They just ache and throb.

 
Labor signs:  Braxton hicks here and there, but not daily right now.

Belly button in or out:   In - but definitely feeling shallower!  And my belly-button is SUPER sensitive.  Yick!

What I miss:  Probably my abs.  Not the fact that I ever had a six-pack (because I didn't), but just using those muscles for everyday things.  Like rolling over in bed.  And moving like a normal person.  Picking up toys off the floor is getting to be a task.  I didn't have to do that when I was pregnant with Jude. :-)

What I'm looking forward to: Easter is tomorrow!  I have another Dr's appt this week.  And a few play-dates lined up.  Then next weekend is a little get-away before baby brother arrives!  

See how things were going when I was 28 weeks pregnant with Jude!

...

Friday Phone-Dump v.5

Future b-ball star.  Loving his Birthday gifts!

Yes, I went to IKEA twice in 9 days.  I'm not complaining.  Jess and Erin were overwhelmed!

Two out of my three boys. :-)

Springtime??  (this is the purple-est tree I've ever seen... had to take a pic)

Love.

Nap-time in the kitchen? 

Or on the play rug? (he's been doing this a ton lately... so cute)

My view. (Mama is getting harder to see these days)

Sporting the shades.

Snuggle bug.

My other snuggle bugs.  HAHA!

Silly boy.

And linking up with...