Meeting the Man in Red

A few weeks ago, we took our annual trek to meet Santa Claus.  Kyle was very excited this year, but then became quite shy the minute he asked a question.  Jack was bewildered and spent his time trying to pull the jolly man's beard.  The next day at a breakfast with Santa, Kyle warmed up to Mrs. Claus enough to let her know she would like a "real" reindeer.  Jack continued to be bewildered.

Seven Month Crawl

This last month brought a lot of "movement" for Jack.  Before we might have been ready, Jack started crawling.  This apparently was not enough because soon he began pulling up and most recently tried to climb the stairs.  This guy is definitely going places - typically wherever any member of his family might be.  Jack also began tackling solid food - this has not proven to quite as exciting as crawling.  It might be due to the fact his first tooth finally popped through.  Those grins are no longer gums only, but they are still just as happy.  Jack also began doing a lot of chatting.  We may not recognize the words yet but he is definitely very animated.

The joy of crawling does not always lead to the best places.

 

High Tips

After a bath, Jack's hair has a style that many would pay great money for.  It will be a sad day when it lays flat, but for know, Mama cannot get enough of those frocks.  Jack is happy to  oblige...although he's not so willing to slow down the milestones.

 



First bath in the big tub

WHAT???  How is he starting to stand?




 

Family Blessings

For the Thanksgiving holiday, we trekked back to Iowa for Jack's first visit.  It was wonderful to spend time with family and experience more than a dusting of snow.  It's possible we could have skipped the low temperatures and fierce winds, but luckily it did not slow down the fun.  For Kyle, the best part was spending time with her cousin, Rhapsody.  Grammi and Grampi loved seeing all   their grandkids in one spot.

My Guy

It's been pretty amazing watching this guy discover new things!

 

 

Six Months and Going

I'd heard time seems to fly faster with two kids.  Today, it definitely feels that way.  Jack is SIX months old.  In many ways, it seems like only yesterday I held his tiny pink body, wrinkly fingers, and counted long toes.  In others, he seems to have grown eons and our life is so different than only months ago. 

 

Jack is no longer tiny nor wrinkly.  He is all chubbs with the baby body of a lineman - squat and powerful.  His thigh rolls are intense and squishy.  His hair has taken on a light socket experience that is amazing and quite charming.  Jack's smile is all encompassing.  He does not hold much back.  When he smiles, his whole face lights up.  When he is angry, it is sudden and fierce.  I anticipate Jack will be my child of extremes. 

 

This past month has brought movement into the picture.  There is no denying Jack is determined.  He will slowly army crawl from one area to another, typically wishing to be near his sister.  He has already started lifting up on all fours and scooting back and forth.  It won't be long until he is going anywhere he wants to go.  For now, he is content being close to a member of his family while loudly chatting and playing with his toys.  He loves books, his zebra, and Sophie the giraffe.  Essentially Jack loves anything he can put in his mouth that will help him forget the pain of teething for a moment.  Other favorite things include being outdoors, Ace, and when Dad gets home from work.  Jack sits mesmerized in his high chair as Kyle wrestles and plays. It will not be long before he is chiming in. 

 

Jack - you have finalized our family.  Kyle asked the other day who will be our baby, when Jack grows up.  I explained this was our family.  She noted that was pretty good.  It's better than good.  We love you, Baby Jack.  Thank you for the giggles that seem endless, the midnight snuggles, the sleeping snorts, and pure delight you seem to have in being you. 

STATS - Length: 24.7 in (79%); Weight: 18 lbs 11 oz (69%); Head 17.99 in (92%)

Put Me In, Coach!

Perhaps the Seahawks need a punt-sized preschooler to break open in the field - especially one who rocks purple boots!

Plus she knows how to relax after a long run.

As for this guy, he loves all HAWKS.

Beggar's Night

Several months ago, Kyle declared she wanted to be a mermaid for Halloween.  At the same time, she announced her brother would be a crab.  This began a vast search for the perfect mermaid costume, which sadly could not be found.  Luckily, a wonderful friend came to the rescue and designed a t costume that literally stole the show.  While the costume was outstanding, Kyle was more worried about the lack of water and how would she be able to swim for candy.  Well, her fear did not pan out, as it poured.  Not sure that is what she had in mind.  Although we hit fewer candy spots, she still ha d a blast and was most thrilled by cookies at the bakery.  In true Kyle fashion, she was more than thrilled to let them know Jack wanted a cookie, too.  He obliged by smiling!

Muddy boots and Giant Pumpkins

This weekend, we took advantage of a mini-break in the rain for our annual pumpkin patch trek.  Surprisingly, this was also the first year Kyle braved the event without a meltdown.  She had a blast on the cow train and hitting targets with the apple canyon.  Jack enjoyed the sights and hay ride.  Not much time was spent picking pumpkins, but great fun was had splashing in puddles and getting muddy. 

 

Best moment was Kyle asking for a snack and getting the response she had to find her pumpkin first.  Kyle grabbed the first small pumpkin she could find, handed it to mom, and then ran as quickly as she could for popcorn. 

 

 

May it ALWAYS be like this

Right now, Kyle is Jack's most favorite person.  He lights up when he sees hear.  Each morning, she loves to go into his room and peek over the crib the minute we hear him stir.  She gets him toys, bottles, and anything else he might need (while also maintaining ownership of what she wants).  Kyle was suited to be a big brother, and baby Jack has been lucky enough to fulfill that little brother role. 

I suspect there will be days where they will irritate each other, but in the long run, I hope their love is always as great as this!

 

Little Fish

Kyle completed her first round of swimming lessons.  Based on her reactions and intense need for thrills, they have been a success.

Yes, this is Miss Kyle going down a two-story water slide all by herself.

Dancing Skeletons

A great thing about siblings - matching pajamas that glow in the dark.

Johnny Appleseed

With the recent visit of Grammi and Grampi, we decided to do the tourist thing and pick some apples.  Kyle had a blast, and the apple orchard was pretty amazing.  Who does not love tasty and healthy snacks?  Now if Mommy can only figure out to bake an apple pie.

Skipping into Fall

We continue to set record number of days above 80 in these parts, so it does not really feel like Fall.  Yet despite the warm temps, pumpkins are about, football is on the TV, and heavy fog of a NW morning is afoot.  Therefore, we started off the Fall Festival season by visiting on of our favorite farms. 

Not quite as fun when Mommy tells you to keep your hands in the boat!

Great day had by all!

Gummy Grins

There is something about this smile that brightens a room.  Plus the hair rocks right now!

He's not always smiling.  There is a rare mad face.  Along with some wonderful chubby cheeks when sleeping.

1/3 of a YEAR

Jack is now 4 months old.  This past month has definitely been one of awareness, smiles and sweet chuckles.  Jack loves his family - any time mommy, daddy, or Kyle is in the area,  he is all smiles.  He has started playing with toys and spends each morning on his way to daycare, pulling on his favorite frog.  When the opportunity is there, he desires to see everything.  Luckily he can now sit in the stroller.  By far, Jack loves chewing on his fingers and any rag he can get a firm grasp on. He rolls tummy to back, which makes nap time a bit of an issue.  Since the minute he ends up on his back, he seems to turn into a frustrated turtle who only wants to roll over.  Sleep has been a bit difficult lately, meaning he gets a lot more cuddles with mommy at wee hours of the morning.  He is chubby, sweet and our little man!

Stats: 25.79in (77%); 17 pounds 7 ounces (89%); and head 17.3 inches (79%).

 

Kickoff to the Season

On Labor Day, I participated in my first 5K since Jack's birth.  Amazingly I set a near PR, which was likely a result of flat course.  We ran downtown near the stadiums and headed on the 50-yard-line at CenturyLink field.  The 12s were out to celebrate.  The best part though was running the final 400 yards with Kyle.  She was smiling and loving every minute.  They announced one of the littlest

 runners was finishing and her picture flashed on the jumbotron.  Plus she got a medal!  I loved how fascinated she was by the turf and the expectation we would do this every weekend. 

All that running wore something out.

Even better, the Seahawks started off the season with a WIN.  Two little fans were definitely excited.