Still believing in 3!

The brick walls are there not to keep us out, only to make us realize how much we want something.

Thursday, December 3, 2009

THANKSGIVING

The week leading up to Thanksgiving was an extremely emotional week for me. I could not pull myself together. I would think about what I was thankful for this year and I would get overwhelmed and instantly tears would well up in my eyes, and my breathing would start to go awry. I had absolutely no control, it was as if my body was infiltrated with a deep rooted pumping drug right into my veins. It completely took me over. I was at the grocery store one night, just waiting in line with a million other people and tears came streaming down my face. I believe that a magazine cover with a Mother and child on it prompted this kind of reaction. All I could do was pray that the guy staring at me didn't know it was just a magazine! I was leaving for work one morning and my beautiful son Jaid hugged me as he has done before but for some reason it through me into an emotional explosion and I sat in my car...crying. Happy uncontrollable tears. By the time I got to work I looked like shit. One night when I was feeding Jaid and we were playing the dessert game, tears were rolling down my face, and he could not figure out why Mommy's face was wet and black stuff was running down her face. It was not pretty whatsoever. Jess said something nice to me in the morning before we started our Thanksgiving day and again I lost it. Geeze he was just saying that my outfit was cute and I went into a crying frenzy. Seriously if I needed meds, this was the week. I must say that all of the crying was because I am so grateful, so thankful and so happy!

There are certain times that make me reflect on life and this was one of them, however instead of lasting a day it lasted more than a week. This year in particular we are deeply thankful for our child Jaiden, Kelsie, our families, friends both old and new, our jobs, and so much more.

At 10months old Jaiden is "FREE STANDING" alot and for a long time. The other day he took two steps and a half while Jess and I were watching. We screamed with excitement. Although it was exciting it's a little difficult to not want it to slow down. I can not believe his development in the last month, it really is astonishing. He is a total chatter box, talk....talk...talk. He says "bye bye" sometimes, although Mommy and Daddy are the only ones to actually understand him. He says "ba" for his bottle, "uh" for anything and everything, "bu" for bird and "moo" for moon.

We bought Jaiden his first pair of walking shoes, although they are not specific "walking shoes." But who cares cause they are darn cute. He seems to like them even though they are a little heavy. It's funny to watch him as he slowly picks up his foot to move it forward. So methodical.

Jaiden now climbs the stairs from the entry way to the upstairs...a total of 15 stairs. It is adorable. If his Daddy is with him they race up them and of course Jaiden always wins.

The other day Jess and I got to talking about what our life was before Jaiden and the truth is neither one of us can imagine it. Our hearts are fuller than ever before and for that we are so thankful.

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

9 IS DEVINE

On Oct 12th Jaiden turned 9 months old. How is that possible?

Jaiden now weighs over 23lbs and is 30in long. Growing at a consistent rate. He had his immunizations at his 9month Dr's appt, along with a flu shot. He cried and I could barely stand it. I held him so tight and wiped his real watery tears as they poured from his eyes.

Jaiden now says, "da da " which of course just sends a warm chill though Jess. He cruises from one piece of furniture to another, pulls himself up, and makes all kinds of new sounds. It is really funny because you can see him thinking about his next step, whatever it is. When he is cruising he never just goes for it until he is certain there is a place for at least one of his hands. We can see his mind figuring it out. He gets so excited when he makes a transfer and expresses it by turning his head around to make sure someone is watching and then he cracks a huge smile. The other day he went from his tummy to his bottom, something he had not done before so of course now all day long he goes from his tummy to his bottom, over and over again. He is trying to climb up 2 stairs from the living room to the dining room. He can't quite get it but I am sure it wont' be long. The gates will be coming out the attic/storage soon.

A wonderful never to be forgotten moment was yesterday morning. We heard Jaid playing in his crib like he always does in the morning. We both approached his door and quietly opened it. As we started to sing our "good morning" song to him we were caught by surprise to see him "STANDING" in his crib holding onto the rail so proud. Yep "STANDING!" We cheered him on and yahooed him. It was very exciting for all of us. When I got home last night we had to adjust his crib for the second time so that his mattress is low to the ground for safety. Making sure he does not have an opportunity to escape!

A new situation has come up every time I take babylicious out of the bathtub. He screams so loud the neighbors probably think something fishy is going on. He LOVES the bath, and even if he is freezing, and his fingers look like prunes and his teeth are chattering he still does not want to come out. It's actually quite cute. The other day Jess and I had to stradegize about how we would take him out , I must say it worked somewhat now we just have to perfect it.

A year ago Oct 31st I received "the call' from my sister Gaby about Jaid. I remember clear as day, and I remember exactly what she said. I called my sister to tell her it was a year ago and we both reminisced about our phone call that day. The phenomenal thing is that now we have a 9month old son whom we love like no other.

Halloween was wonderful. We celebrated with some friends and family. Our "hood" is quite the place to be on Halloween. So much fun...Jaid went trick or treating in his pirate costume. Arr-He was so darn cute! This day meant so much more to me than just Halloween.

Every day we learn more and more about our little angel and every day we are so grateful. He brings with him more joy than we ever imagined, he makes our lives more complete!

Monday, September 21, 2009

8 MONTHS OLD

Babylicious is now over 8 months old. My guess is weighs 24lbs but we have not been to the Doctors in the last month so I am not quite sure. His hair is growing in, but still not sure what color it is. Sometimes it looks brown, other days blond and some times even red.

He is doing this strange crawl where he actually scoots on just one leg and one arm. It is damn cute. He can get anywhere in a matter of seconds! The other night Jaiden and I were playing on his mat, which takes up the living room, and we both heard Daddy pull up on his loud Harley. I watched Jaiden as he looked up and listened. I was astonished that he was putting it together, that Daddy was home. With his head still in the up position listening, he waited and then heard Daddy coming down the stair in his boots. When Jess appeared, Jaiden began to shake his arms, kick his legs and smile from ear to ear. He even began to squeal. We were dying, and just when we thought it could not get any better, Jess waived his hand and said, "come here, come here" and for the first time Jaiden quickly got on his stomach, and scooched all the way to Daddy. It was the best ever. Both Jess and I were moved to tears , it was a moment that neither one of us will ever forget.

We took Jaiden to the park the other day and for the first time we put him on the swing. He LOVED it. He was fascinated by the movement and the air blowing on his face. It was fun for him to watch all the other children playing too. As soon as he can walk he is gonna be all over that park. I can see it now....the slide...the swing...the monkey bars...and back to the slide. I better prepare myself...


Jaiden celebrated his first Rosh Hashanah- with traditional foods and family. He did not indulge in the foods, but I did tell him next year he will get to try Grandmom's brisket which is by far the best brisket on this earth.

Yesterday Jaid had his first biscuit/teether cracker. It was totally cool until he got a big wet sticky piece lodged on the top of his mouth. I realized it when he started to gag and twist his face. I quickly put my finger in his mouth- dislodged this honkin piece. I think the problem is he shoves the who 3 inch biscuit in his mouth, gets it all wet, and chunks break off. If only he ate it like he was supposed to then this would not be an issue. Anyways, this will not keep us from giving him biscuits we'll just stay close by with a finger ready to dis-lodge!

We went out on the boat again the other day. The water completely soothes Jaid. He LOVES it! He now likes to stand on the seat in the back of the boat looking out to the water, holding on with his hands, and watches the water, the duckies, the birds, and the boats coming and going. So cute. While we played cards, Jaid fell asleep on the seat between us and we just smiled at one another with complete joy.

It is still hard to believe that we have an 8 1/2 month old...each day we are in awe of all the wonderful new things he does and the joy he brings to us.

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

7 MONTHS OLD

Our wonderful little boy turned 7 months old the other day...how is that possible? I love the way it feels to say,"our little boy."

I can't imagine life without him. It is as if we have been 3 forever. For so long we dreamt about what it would be like to have a child in our prescence but had no idea the profound effect he would have on us.

This last month we experienced alot of firsts. We had our first swim lesson, and I must say Jaid is a natural. Kicking under the water without any instruction to do so. Splashing and moving his arms in a way that would make you think this kid has been in the pool before. Jaid went to his first concert...Big Bad Voodoo Daddy and he LOVED it. Jaid was exposed to many first solid foods this last month. To say he is a great eater is an understatement... so far he likes everything. He is sitting up by himself for the first time, seeing everything from a different perspective. It is a wonder to watch him explore, feel, taste, and play. Each day it is something new.

Unfortunately Jaid got a bacterial infection last week. His excema was getting very bad in the back of his leg and there was a little pimple like thing next to it so we decided to take him in. Thank goodness because it turns out he has MRSA which is a bacteria - staph infection. They say it is transferred skin to skin or a carrier may have it in there nose without even knowing. Gross. Apparently because his excema got so bad- it penetrated the area. So we are nursing him back to himself. Actually he's been great through it all...he's a trooper. It hurts me more than it hurts him!

I think about my favorite time with Jaid and every time is my favorite time. My favorite time is when he awakes in the moring and we hear him talking and playing with himself. My favorite time is when we walk into his room first thing in the morning and he just looks up at us with a huge beautiful smile. My favorite time is when Jesse brings him into bed to cuddle after his first bottle. My favorite it time his when we set him up in his play area in the morning. My favorite time is when I get home from work, Daddy is holding him and he stretches his arms out for me to take him into my arms and sqeeeeeeeeze him. My favorite time is when he is in his high chair and he is feeding himself with his spoon. My favorite time is when we give Jaid his bath and he splashes with all his toys. My favorite time is when he has his last bottle and we begin our nightly routine. My favorite time is when I read to him at night and he holds the book with interest until I am finished. Then I kiss his forehead, say "night night" and our eyes lock. Without exchanging any more words I begin to walk out. We both know it is safe to leave one another because when we awake tomorrow my favorite time will come again.

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

UPDATE

Jaiden celebrated his first 4th of July (the 3 of us had our matching Old Navy t-shirts on)by enjoying a bbq with friends. Before the actual fireworks went off we were home and Jaiden was in bed. We figured he was a little too young and that the noise might bother his ears... next year.

Jesse went on a 5 day fishing trip...guess what I have been eating since his return? You got it...fish...fish tacos...fish and chips....fish fillet....and more fish! My Mom came to hang out with me while Jess was gone. We had so much fun and it was great that she got to enjoy alot of time with her grandson. One night we were watching Jaiden lay on his back and play on his blanket and before we knew it he had rolled to the side, got that one big thigh in the front of the other leg, and pushed himself over on his tummy. He just looked up at us like, hey did you just see that? Mom and I were screaming...he must of thought we were nuts...and we were. Then we decided to see if he would do it again..and wamo...right before our very eyes again he rolled from his back to his tummy. I was definitely a proud Momma!

On July 12th our Jaiden turned 6 months old...how is that possible? It seems like just yesterday we were home from the Ukraine childless. I was reading some of the posts from the Ukraine blog the other day, ( I like to torture myself sometimes) and so many of you left comments encouraging us not to give up , that our child was out there, and we would be 3. How right you were. And here we are with a 6 month old.

Late in the afternoon on the 12th we took the video camera out for the taping of Jaiden's first solid food experience. We sat him in his chair, put a big dab of rice cereal on the his tray for him to play with. He was not sure what to do with it but he was absolutely sure what to do with the spoon. He's brilliant what can I say. First I put a little on his lips and he mushed it around for a minute, then swallowed...another tiny spoonful in his mouth...no look of disgust whatsoever only a look like geeze it's about time you feed me some solid food! Then the next spoonful he actually grabbed the spoon and stuck it right in his mouth. And so the fight of who gets the spoon begins. He now basically feeds himself! We watch the video over and over...and laugh.

I know this will be surprise but Jaiden has 2 teef on the bottom. They are barely out but they are there.

Two days ago we gave Jaiden a sippy cup. OMG...he grabbed on and did not let go, drinking like a big boy. Even if he could not get any water out of it he was entertaining himself by holding it, and chomping on the tip. When I went to take it away from him he screamed...yep that's right...screamed. It was the first time I have ever taken anything away from him and gotten that reaction. So immediately I gave it back to him...I mean I only took it away cause I figured he was done with it...how wrong was I... and he told me so! When the time came a little later to take it away, I just distracted him with something else and he was fine. He never even realized the sippy cup was gone.

Each day parenthood brings new experiences. The three of us learn, teach, and love constantly and freely. It's a wonderful thing!

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Jesse's first Father's Day!

Each day brings wonderment, excitement and extended joy with Jaiden. From the time he awakes in the morning until the time he lays his heavy and I mean heavy head down in his crib.

We have our schedule and for the most part we keep pretty true to it. It seems to make everyone happy and it's easier for all of us. Jaiden usually awakes around 7am or 7:30am always with a big smile. He has a few long naps during the day and as long as we are on schedule he has his last bottle which is his 5th bottle for the day around 7pm or 7:30pm. He is in bed by 8pm.

We have our ritual... I put him down, read him his book, "Goodnight Moon", kiss him goodnight, shut his curtain, turn on his little light, swaddle him( yes he likes to be swaddled...still) give him his Binky, turn on his mobile, kiss him goodnight again and walk out. Asleep he goes...until morning. Sometimes he wakes around 4am for his Binky and then back to sleep until he really wakes up which is around 7am.

Jesse has his morning ritual with him. He feeds him at 7am, sings to him, plays with him and does his guy thing with him. I hear both of them laughing and laughing bringing a huge smile to my face. It is in those moments that the world is simply perfect.

We celebrated Jesse's first Father's Day. Oh how I wanted it to be extra special and apparently I succeeded. I let Jess stay in bed and I fed Jaiden at 7am, and then I brought him into bed with us and we all hung out in the big white puffy cloud. Jesse opened his gifts and Jaiden helped by ripping the paper. How fun is that? The day continued to be so much fun celebrating all day with my parents and then Jesse's parents. At one point in the morning I thought to myself how glorious... Jesse is loving up his little son and by the look in his son's eyes you could tell he was loving up his Daddy. Daddy... what a great word...Jesse is now officially a Daddy. Sometimes I still refer to him as MacDaddy...cause Daddy's got it goin on!

Monday, June 15, 2009

5 MONTH BD

Where has the time gone?...can't believe the last time I wrote Jaiden was just 4 months old and on last Friday he turned 5 months old. He is more delicious than I ever imagined, and I still eat him every chance I get.

This last month has been so much fun. The constant giggling, rolling over, yes he has rolled over from his tummy to his back. Still working on going from his back to his tummy but it ain't easy when you have such a heavy thigh! We bought a Bumbo chair for Jaiden to sit in. The first time we sat him in it, we had to squeeze his left thigh between the leg separator because it would not fit in any other way. The funniest was when we took him out. I picked him up and the chair stuck to his bottom...like glue! We were busting up. He joins us at the dinner table in his big boy chair, sitting up tall, and eye balling us while we stuff our faces. He's going to like food, which we are going to introduce him to next month. Our pediatrician is big on not starting food until 6 months unless the child is having trouble sleeping or needs to gain weight. Thankfully we do not have a problem with either one.

Just the other day, Jaiden found his voice. He will lay on his back and screech as loud and long as he can, and then he waits for us to do it back to him, so he can do it again. We play this over and over again...both Jess and I can't help but crack up. He also gets laughing for a long time, and we laugh with him and just as hard. Thinking about it makes me laugh.

This weekend my dear nephew Zach who was the Jaiden connection was married. We traveled up North for the weekend to celebrate. Zach's Mother-in-law who was also our connection to Jaiden got to see Jaiden and she had not seen him since he was 8 days old. It was wonderful to see the Minnesota bunch. The wedding was absolutely magical...held at the Firestone Winery...and Zach's bride Darcie was stunningly beautiful. Everyone had an amazing time.

Our first overnight weekend with the little guy went very well except for the first night. Not sure if it was completely him, or both he and I. Neither one of us slept very well that night, I guess it took us a day to get into our groove. No one could tell that Jaiden didn't sleep well cause he was as happy as could be, now for me, that's a different story. The bags under my eyes said it all, I tried to cover them up with make-up but not sure it really worked. And the reason I say this is more than one person said to me, " you look tired." Not a good sign.

Each day I fall more deeply in love with little Jaid...how can I love him more than yesterday? I suppose my heart is growing and expanding. Never knew this kind of love before...it's deep, raw, electric, explosive and so much more.

My guess is Jaiden is now close to 22lbs and growing in length for sure. We are not going to a 5 month appointment so I will not get a true weight and length until next month. All I know is that Jaiden is our bundle of joy!