Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Gingerbread House



Earlier this month, Grama Polly brought over this gingerbread house for Jake. All month long Jake has been climbing up to take a closer look at the house.

Some days, I'll come out from changing the baby and find the pretzel fence is no longer in tact. Or the door has somehow fallen off. Occasionally Jake will appear with a red mouth that he got from sucking on a red candy or two.

A few mornings ago, it was very quiet out in the kitchen and when I came out this is what I found....



He was actually sitting up on the table, but by the time I got the camera he had seen me and was trying to make a quick and innocent get away.

Monday, December 28, 2009

Christmas Nativity



This year we braved the cold, set out with a 10 day old baby and went where all doctors begged me not to go with a new little one....a FAMILY CHRISTMAS PARTY!

The Bagley's (my mom's side of the family) has a Christmas party every year. Although we had decided not to attend this year, my Aunt Marty put together a night of holiday fun and Jake had a part! She had a nativity planned with costumes, lines, background scenery, a choir, the whole nine yards. There was no way, new baby and all, that I was going to miss my little Jake in his debut role as the cow. His line was "Let my manager be his bed." With the help of Whitney (Jake's BFF) he did wonderfully. (I'll have to figure out how to load the video one of these days). I may be a little bias, but I do believe he may be the greatest two year old nativity cow EVER! I was so proud of my little cow.

Thanks Marty for a great party.

Getting to know you



We've spent the better part of December getting to know our little Sam. Having two kids has been an adjustment for us all. I've been really lucky that Mike has worked from home the whole month of December, so there is always two people around in case of two screaming children. My mom has also been around to help all month long.

Sam is a pretty good baby overall. We've had a few days where he cries a lot, but for the most part he is pretty content. He even sleeps 4 -5 hours during the first stretch of the night. Mike and I go to bed these days around 9 with the kids and it helps get a 5 hour stretch of sleep before the first feeding! We've had a few nights where the baby has woken up Jake which aren't that much fun for anyone. But Jake is adjusting well.

Jake tells us all the time how cute baby Sam is, he likes to touch his hands and feet. Jake has gotten a little louder and falls to the ground upset a little more often then he use to, but I think that is pretty mild compared to what other two year olds with a new baby in the house may do. He never takes it out on Sam. Occasionally he'll ask me to lay Sam down so I can hold him, but he isn't upset at Sam so we are lucky that way.



I think everyday will get a little easier. We are just happy that Sam is here and is healthy.

Sunday, December 27, 2009

Blue Hawaii


Once Christmas is over I'm done with the cold, the snow, and ready for flowers, pools to open, tanned faces, and playing outside. Since I live in Utah and that won't be happening anytime soon, I'm itching to get to a warmer location.

We went to Hawaii last February and as I longed for the beach I took a look back at the pictures from that trip and thought I'd share a few. If I can't actually be there, remembering this fun trip may just be the next best thing.


The night we arrived, Jake was so excited!






Jake loved playing at the beach.


Nothing better then a nap on the beach.


Loves the pool.


The view from our room....HEAVEN


Notice the rainbow? Where else can you see that almost daily?


Everyone is happier in Hawaii....




Are you seeing why I want to go back yet?


Jake at the aquarium


Jake trying to layout with me...those lounge chairs can be tricky.

Can't wait to get out of the cold! Anyone have a few free tickets they are trying to get rid of?

Samuel James Latimer




Welcoming Samuel James Latimer into our little family.

Born December 3rd, 2009
9:01 AM
8 lbs 6 oz
20 inches long

I realize this is long overdue. Sam is almost a month old! I thought it was time I introduce him to the rest of the world.



Jake meeting his baby brother for the first time. He thought he was pretty cute.

Friday, December 18, 2009

Hot Chocolate and Toast

Last year I bought a hot chocoloate maker. I was a little sketchy about it at first, but my sister in law told me how much they loved theirs, so I thought what the heck.

We have used the hot chocolate make many times. It is great at frothing right before you pour it. I grew up with hot chocolate and toast as a Sunday night meal now and then on cold winter nights. This is a tradition I have carried on with my family. Jake asks me daily to make hot chocolate in the hot chocolate maker. (We made wassil the other night and he asked if there was a hot wassil maker.)

Buttered toast dipped in hot chocolate for breakfast or a late night snack, nothing better!

I ran across this hot chocolate idea at this blog here
and thought it was a great idea.

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Change is in the wind

Two weeks from today is my delivery date. Over the last few weeks I've been trying everything possible to bring the labor on a little earlier. It just isn't working for me.

This morning I woke up a littler earlier then usual and laid in bed watching my baby Jake sleep. (Yes he ends up next to me every night). As I watched him sleep he looked so peaceful. He stretched a little which reminded me of him doing this as a little baby, and then stretched out so long I forget how tall he's gotten. My baby will only be my little baby for another 2 weeks is what came to my mind. Instead of trying to force this new little bundle out, I should focus my time and energy on Jake. He will only be my only child for such a short amount of time.

As he started to wake up, he rolled over to be spooned into a hug by Mike. When he finally opened his eyes, he rolled back over to me for the same little hug. How I love our morning ritual of waking up to this happy little boy. Over the past 2 years I've woken up to have him starring at me with a big smile. Or I've tried to wake him up and hear him mumble "I'm tired mom" as he rolls over and goes back to sleep. We often lay in bed for awhile after we wake up, playing a game, singing, watching a cartoon. Its time that we have together 1- because Mike and I are both tired and don't want to get up yet but 2 - has turned into such fun memories of hugs and kisses. Jake's first words and sentenances. Telling us what he wants to do that day. All these little memories we will forever have with him because of our morning ritual.

As I laid watching him this morning I wondered how our mornings would change. I'm sure with a new baby waking up, we might not have many of these mornings left in us for awhile. As ready as I am to not be pregnant, and to meet our new little guy, I don't know if I'm ready to give up these precious moments that may be hard to come by as the family grows. The moral of my morning is to enjoy the time I have left with Jake as the only child. It will only be for a few more days.

Does everyone have anxiety about bringing the 2nd child home? I worry so much about how Jake will react. What will he be thinking? How will this change his world? His personality? I know within a few months all will seem normal and he will love having a baby around, but the initial shock of it all is what worries me. Will he want us to send his brother back? When we were flying to California we saw a few babies on the flight. He said "look at the cute baby, he's so tiny." That little statement gives me hope and I can hear Jakes cute little voice saying it over and over in my head, hoping he has the same reaction when he meets his new little brother.

Until that day, I'll continue to cherish my mornings, as I will never have this "only child" time again.

GiveAway Day

So I have a cousin with the best blog out there Mwrites. She has been hosting Thursday giveaways all month long, and I am lucky enough to be featured on her blog today. So head on over and take a look. Enter to win not 1 but 2 of the prizes.

I'll see you over there!

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Pesto Chicken Pasta


A delicious HEALTHY recipe I saw on Oprah.

from Cristina Ferrare
Ingredients:
Pesto:
4 cups fresh basil leaves
4 cups Italian parsley springs
4 large cloves garlic
1 1/2 cups olive oil
1/4 tsp. salt
Roasted Chicken Salad:
1 cup diced Roasted Chicken
1 cucumber , peeled, seeded and diced (I leave out)
2 cups mixed greens
1/4 cup roasted pine nuts
1/2 lemon , juiced
Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup sliced black olives (I leave out)
1/2 pound farfalle pasta
Handful pomegranate seeds (I use more then a handful)

To prepare the pesto: Chop basil, parsley and garlic in a food processor. Slowly add olive oil and keep chopping. Add salt.

To prepare the chicken mixture and final dish: Place , cucumber, pine nuts, 1 Tbsp. of
pesto and olives in a bowl and mix together.
Cook pasta until al dente. Add 2 tablespoons of pesto to the
pasta and mix well.
Top off with 2 cups of mixed greens and the juice of 1/2 a lemon.
Add the chicken mixture to pasta and toss.
Garnish with Parmesan cheese and pomegranate seeds

2 weeks and counting

My due date is coming up. December 3rd to be exact at 7:30am is when I'm currently scheduled for my c section.

Jake was 3 weeks early. Shouldn't that mean that this little man should also be 3 weeks early? I know that isn't exactly how it works, but boy am I ready.

I said to my doctor 3 days before Jake was born "We need to move on to the next stage in this relationship. He is sick of me, I am sick of lugging him around, its time for us to meet." I just knew he would be coming early.

I've known everyday for the last month that I would be giving birth to this new little man that day....he isn't really listening to me. Is that a bad sign already? I just can't convince him what fun a zoombie, tired, mom I'll be if he'd just come and meet me. Stubborn little guy. Keep your fingers crossed. Hopefully any day now.

Monday, November 16, 2009

Pomegranates


There were two of these sold in a package.

I ate one whole bowl with a spoon. Is that weird? Love this season with the holidays coming and pomegranates in stores now! I say spend the extra money and get the big bowls of already extracted seeds. Makes life so much easier.

Saturday, November 7, 2009

California


Mike and I went to Disneyland once about 6 years ago. We both hadn't been there since we were little, and when we left I think we both felt a little let down. It just wasn't quite as magical as we had remembered.

IN WALKS JAKE - Since having Jake (2 years now) we have now been to Disneyland 3 times. Maybe that is a little excessive to some, but we love it. Jake loves it, and oh is the place ever so magical once again.

We took a trip to Newport Beach the last week in October. We stayed at the Marriott Villa's which were wonderful. Beautiful views of the golf course and ocean from our room. We relaxed, took naps, some of us golfed, swam, went to the beach, and of course hit Disneyland.




Mike's parents were nice enough to go with us. We had a great time with them. I love watching Jake interact with his grandparents. Grandpa chased him around the condo and we could hear Jake scream with delight when he got caught. Grandma read him book after book and played bubbletown with him on the computer. It was so fun to watch him be so content and happy playing with them. I'm so happy they came along for the trip.

Here are a few pictures from the trip to Disneyland.







Sunday, November 1, 2009

Happy Halloween


Jake was Squirt the turtle from Finding Nemo. I think he looked pretty dang cute. He loves to say "Trick or Treat" and was all about the "kids" coming to the house. Ran to the door everytime he heard the doorbell.

Hope everyone had a Happy Halloween!

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Jake's Big Day


Jake turned 2 in October and I'm finally getting around to posting some pictures from his big day.

Because I am an extra large 9 month pregnant full time working mom, I didn't have much energy this year, so I outsourced Jake's party. My sister Whitney and her husband Jason swooned in and took over everything!

Whit made a delicious little baby cake for Jake, and cupcakes for all the guests. Jason the great chef that he is made homemade pizza's for everyone. We had a small celebration with my parents, Ty, Mel, Whit and Jason. The Latimer's were out of town so we had another WEEK long party the following week(more to come on that later).

Jake was so excited to blow out his candles and open his presents. He got the submarine and rocket ship he had been asking for as well as some great other gifts. We are so lucky to have such a great family close by to share these good times.

Thanks everyone for coming, and especially to Whit and Jason for throwing such a great party!

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Happy Birthday Jake

Jake -

I can't believe you are already two. The last two years have been the best in my life. I have loved every minute of having you with me. I have loved watching your little personality grow. You were determined to be on the go from an early age, and you were not happy until you achived that goal. You have always had a very defined personality. Known what you wanted, can be independent if you want to be, but would prefer to have your mom or dad by your side. You are such a smart, happy little boy. You love to explore in the backyard, love to see the "kids" outside, always wanting to go somewhere. You've recently started using your scarry voice when you talk or sing. You are quite the character, always making us laugh at something new you're saying (and we have no idea where you got it from). You pick up on everything you see and hear. Your memory AMAZES me. The things you talk about months later I barely remember, yet they are still in that little brain of yours.

I remember the moment I saw you and the instant love I felt for you. The need to protect you and make sure you were happy at all cost consumed me and I'm sure it will for years to come. We will always have a special bond as you were my first. You have changed my life and my heart in ways I didn't realize were possible. I love seeing life through a childs eyes again.

I have loved every minute with you and can't wait for the years to come. I hope you have a wonderful birthday with cake, hot air balloons, rocket ships and submarines.

I love you,
Mom

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Two Years Old



Jake will be two tomorrow. I can't believe it! My little baby isn't a baby anymore. I can't believe how fast it has gone by. I thought I'd list out 21 things in honor of his birthday which in on the 21st that you may not know about Jake.




- walked at 9 months
- loves looking through books and has from a very young age (3-4 months)
- says his alphabet
- can count to 13
- sings twinkle twinkle little star
- has many accents (ends words with a's computa, caaaaar, toasta, etc)
- loves fruit
- when he fake cries, he says "I'm crying mom"
- loves his "baby" puppy
- can play games on the computer
- LOVES cartoons
- wants everything in life to turn into a rocket ship or a submarine
- loves to clean, especially to vacuum
- plays games on the iphone
- throws the iphone when he gets frustrated
- is very stubborn and finds a way to get himself what he wants
- can open the doors leading outside in my house (SCARY)
- likes to crash anything that can be built up
- puts his own shoes on
- knows all his animals and their sounds
- says "I love you so much" to Mike and I randomly and often

Jake has been the light in our lives for the past 2 years and I can't imagine what life would be without him. How time flies....

Monday, October 19, 2009

Pie in a jar





I am amazed at all the smart bloggers out there. What will they think of next? Here is one of the cutest, most different ideas I’ve seen yet. Click here


Can’t wait to whip a few up!


(picture from Ourbestbites.com)

Friday, October 16, 2009

The Song Remembers When

It is always amazing to me how a song can take you back to a different time. I found a bunch of cd’s that were the first cds I ever burned right after high school. All of the songs took me back to riding around in my orange “pumpkin” jetta as we called it. Late nights driving around doing nothing, but singing to the radio, doing “drive bys”, an occasional adventure on state street, or road trippin it to a basketball game. Oh the good times we had.

But, I digress… the music, the power of a song and the ability to take you back 15 years is amazing to me. When my grandparents were alive we use to have sing alongs. We sang old songs, Edelweiss, Show me the way to go home, Tators in the oven, songs I’m sure a lot of people have never heard before. Songs I hadn’t sung or thought about in years, but as soon as my little Jake was born they became part of our bedtime routine. It is fun now for me to hear him sing along, or even just get a word in here or there, but they always seem to calm him down and grab his attention.

Take a trip down memory lane. Use Napster, Pandora, itunes, old cds, whatever you can find to take you back to those special moments. I forget sometimes what a powerful hold music has in our lives. Without even realizing it a song can take you back years to a memory you had long forgotten. I try to keep this in mind now with having a little guy of my own. I wonder what songs he’ll remember from his childhood and hope in 20 years when he hears Edelweiss he’ll remember how his mom use to sing it to him at night.

Thursday, October 15, 2009

I know....Its about time!

Hi, I’m Abby and I’ve been stalking people’s blogs for years now. I know it’s a little late to be getting in the game, but I thought why not? I need another project that I get crazy over and then have no time left in the day to complete it…..that being said I’ll do my best to keep my blog updated and interesting as much as possible. Hope you’ll come back and say hi.