Feet, Toes, and Rolling Over

It has been a while since I have last posted any entries because I felt like not much has happened. As I started thinking about it, I realized I do have some moments to share. In the past week, or so, Jack has discovered his feet and toes. Now each time he is on the changing table, he tries to put his toes in his mouth. I'm impressed with his flexibilty. Maybe I should get him into some baby Yoga!

 

He has also mastered rolling over from his back to his stomach. He still can't go the other way, but I am sure that it won't be long before his is able to do that too.  I love watching him roll over. It always involves lots of grunting! Check out the video below to see what I mean!

 

I've made a big decision in my life. After many conversations and prayer, I've decided to take next year off from teaching. This was a very difficult decision for me to make. I love being home with Jack and watching as he experiences his world. I also love teaching. I will really miss the students and wonderful friends that I've made at Highland over the past 6 1/2 years. The good news is that teaching will always be there. I plan to do some subbing next year. This will help me to stay up-to-date with the profession and also provide me with my teaching "fix" every once in a while. I feel good about my decision and am excited to have some more time at home with Jack.

 

    

    

A Whole Lotta Firsts!

We got home yesterday evening after spending 4 days in Scottsdale, Arizona with the Roddas. It was a trip full of "firsts" for Jack. He had his first plane ride and slept the entire time on our laps!  When we arrived in Arizona, it was really Jack's first experience with sunshine. We had a blast showing him all the fun things that you can do when it's not raining.  We took morning walks, played in the shade at the pool, and most fun of all....swam!

 

We wasted no time getting Jack into the water. We eased him into the water and Tom expertly moved him around in it. The first time in, Jack didn't know quite what to think, but after a couple of trips into the water, he actually started kicking his legs!  There were no tears at any time, only smiles and laughter!  We had so much fun playing in the water with Jack. It has definitely made us very excited for summer!

 

Tom also had a first. His first time driving a minivan!  When offered the chance to "upgrade" the rental car to a minivan for free, he took it. Who would have thought that Tom would be excited about driving a minivan?

 

Today Jack had his four-month check up. It is so hard to believe that he is already four months old. The little guy weighed in at 15 lbs. 8.5 oz and was 26 inches long. The doctor says he's doing lots of growing...which is great! 

 

        

     

 
Video: Swimming

Pictures:

1. A morning walk with Jane, Tom, Melissa, Jack, and Grandpa John (who's taking the picture)

2. Tom and Jack ready for a dip in the pool

3. Chilling in his sunglasses

4. Swimming with Dad

5. Tom and the minivan

6. Video: Jack Swimming

Jumping Jack!

In an attempt to get a few things accomplished in the kitchen today, I set Jack in the jumpy seat. At first he could only twirl around, but it didn't take him long to figure out how to bounce himself. He loves it!  I'm loving it too because I can cook and keep him entertained. A whole new way to multitask!

 

Jack has also been trying hard to roll over from his back to his stomach. He has done it a few times by himself, but hasn't yet mastered it. He is really good at rolling over if he can grab someone's hand and get a little leverage. It is exciting to watch him, but I know that this means a whole new level of mobility. Are we ready for this?

     

Video: Jumping Jack

 

Visiting the Lund Twins

Today Jack, Grandma Diane, and I went and visited the Lund twins at Children's Hospital. Emma and Mia are now six weeks old and have been busy growing since we last saw them. They've already outgrown their preemie clothes and diapers! Jack watched as Grandma Diane held Emma and he seemed fascinated at the girls' movements and tiny cries. At about 15 pounds, Jack looked like a giant next to the twins. I can't believe how much he has already changed since he was a newborn.  He is quickly becoming a little boy!

 

I'm so excited for the Lunds and am looking forward to many future playdates together. While they seem so different now, two months age difference between Jack and the girls is nothing. What fun we are all going to have!

   

 

Pictures:

1. Jack checks out Emma

2. Megan, Melissa, Emma and Jack

3. Proud grandmas with Emma and Jack

4. Grandma Diane holds Emma

5. Mia (on left) and Emma (on right)

Lunch with Dad

Today Jack and I ventured downtown to visit Dad at work. We had a super yummy sandwich at The Other Coast Cafe and ate in the ELM lunchroom. Jack got to meet many of the people that his dad works with. He was a real hit among the ladies and charmed them with his gummy smile. Jack didn't seem too interested in his dad's office, but he sure liked getting to see Dad in the middle of the day!  As I drove home, I started wondering about what Jack might be when he grows up. A lawyer like his dad and uncle, an accountant like his aunt and great-grandpa, a teacher like his mom, or maybe some other profession that hasn't even been dreamed up yet!

 

      

Sawing Logs

When Jack sleeps, it is anything but quiet. Most new parents worry that their baby isn't breathing and find themselves checking their sleeping baby constantly. Not us. Jack was born with a snore that rivals many grown men. It is just one of the MANY things that we love about him. There is nothing more precious than a sleeping baby and I just couldn't resist capturing a few of Jack's nap sessions on film. Check out the video to hear firsthand what the little guy sounds like.