Sunday, November 20, 2011
One small step for baby...one giant leap for babykind
November 20, 2011 - Jak took her first step. Yep, that's right! It was just one, but it was a step...on her own...towards me. It was so cute. She is getting so big. I'm very happy it happened at home and not at daycare. I've been worrying about that. She has a long way to go before she's walking, but she is well on her way. I have a feeling we'll have a walking baby by Christmas.
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Ear tubes and first words
Well, last week Jak was diagnosed with her 4th ear infection in 6 months. Being a concerned mommy (with a high deductible health plan) I asked about the possibility of tubes. The doctor said it was time to discuss it. Since she gets an ear infection each time she has a cold - and it's not even cold season yet! - that it was certain she'd have many more infections. Rather than chance that he recommended tubes.
We had our consultation on Wednesday and her "surgery" is scheduled for December 5th. The process should really help clear out all that fluid, which the doctor said he could tell was still in her ear from her very first ear infection! My poor baby.
Good ears don't seem to run in our family. My brother had terrible ear trouble as a kid and we just found out yesterday that his 1 year old son (Jak's cousin, Owen) has to get tubes too...on the same day as Jak! As my sister-in-law said, the two of them can discuss the procedure at Christmas.
On another note, Jak has learned to say a few words. Right now her favorites are "bye bye," "uh oh," and "mommy is awesome." Okay, I threw that last one in there, but she really can say the other two. And she waves when she says "bye bye"...she is so smart! I bet next she'll learn long division and begin writing her memoir.
Here are some pictures from the past month or so.
We had our consultation on Wednesday and her "surgery" is scheduled for December 5th. The process should really help clear out all that fluid, which the doctor said he could tell was still in her ear from her very first ear infection! My poor baby.
Good ears don't seem to run in our family. My brother had terrible ear trouble as a kid and we just found out yesterday that his 1 year old son (Jak's cousin, Owen) has to get tubes too...on the same day as Jak! As my sister-in-law said, the two of them can discuss the procedure at Christmas.
On another note, Jak has learned to say a few words. Right now her favorites are "bye bye," "uh oh," and "mommy is awesome." Okay, I threw that last one in there, but she really can say the other two. And she waves when she says "bye bye"...she is so smart! I bet next she'll learn long division and begin writing her memoir.
Here are some pictures from the past month or so.
Cuddling with Lablanc
She has started doing this thing where she puts her
pacifier in crooked. It's so funny.
Yo Gabba Gabba must be on.
Eating the Italian sorbet that Mimmy got for her. She LOVED it!
Getting ready for Christmas pictures
She likes to stand in front of the vacuum and pretend she's baby Beyonce.
Yes, this is a different chair. A girl can't have too many seating options.
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
First Halloween
Halloween turned out to be a bigger deal in our house than originally planned. We ordered Jak's costume in early September. I knew exactly what I wanted - a pink elephant. It was perfect...or so I thought. When it arrived, it was horrible. It looked nothing like it did in the picture, so we sent it back and looked for costume #2.
Meredith and I could not agree on anything. I really wanted to buy a peacock that I saw online, but I found out that Jak's friend in daycare had that costume and, well, it's completely out of the question for them to have the same costume. Finally, we saw a skunk that was pretty cute and we ordered it. We waited and waited for it to come and a week before Halloween I got an email saying that they were out of stock and were going to refund my money.
So the hunt was on for costume #3. We went to 3 different Halloween stores. We tried on a ton of stuff and finally it came down to a lady bug or a monkey. So...we bought both. We tried the outfits on for friends and family, took a poll, and ultimately decided to go with the monkey. So Jak went to her daycare Halloween party as a monkey, and boy was she cute! She even had a super cute post-costume outfit to change into at daycare, complete with orange tutu. They just don't come any cuter than my baby!
Meredith and I could not agree on anything. I really wanted to buy a peacock that I saw online, but I found out that Jak's friend in daycare had that costume and, well, it's completely out of the question for them to have the same costume. Finally, we saw a skunk that was pretty cute and we ordered it. We waited and waited for it to come and a week before Halloween I got an email saying that they were out of stock and were going to refund my money.
So the hunt was on for costume #3. We went to 3 different Halloween stores. We tried on a ton of stuff and finally it came down to a lady bug or a monkey. So...we bought both. We tried the outfits on for friends and family, took a poll, and ultimately decided to go with the monkey. So Jak went to her daycare Halloween party as a monkey, and boy was she cute! She even had a super cute post-costume outfit to change into at daycare, complete with orange tutu. They just don't come any cuter than my baby!
A monkey and a Mimmy
A monkey with her mommies
I LOVE THIS OUTFIT!
Thursday, October 27, 2011
9 month check-up
Jak went for her 9 month check-up yesterday. Below are her stats:
9 months is such a great age. I remember thinking when my nephew, Adam, was 9 months old that it was my favorite time with him. Jak is doing so many cool things. One of her newest tricks is to fake cry when we tell her no or she wants something she knows she can't have. She scrunches her face up and looks at me or Mere and then smiles and goes for it again. We say no, and she does it again. It's become a game. We never see any tears and she is usually smiling in between her fake cries. She has learned what "no" means and she knows she does not like that word. Sorry to say she probably has a lot more years of no's coming her way.
- Weight: 16.7 lbs - 15th percentile
- Height: 27.25 inches - 30th percentile
- Head: 17.1 inches - 45th percentile
9 months is such a great age. I remember thinking when my nephew, Adam, was 9 months old that it was my favorite time with him. Jak is doing so many cool things. One of her newest tricks is to fake cry when we tell her no or she wants something she knows she can't have. She scrunches her face up and looks at me or Mere and then smiles and goes for it again. We say no, and she does it again. It's become a game. We never see any tears and she is usually smiling in between her fake cries. She has learned what "no" means and she knows she does not like that word. Sorry to say she probably has a lot more years of no's coming her way.
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Top 10
Just before I put Jak to bed in her crib the other night, I took a moment to cuddle with her and enjoy some mommy baby time (mimmy was in bed with a headache). I listened to her breathe and watched her lay her head on my shoulder to sleep...and I started to cry, so overwhelmed by how blessed I am to have this perfect baby in my life. It's cliche, but I never knew I was capable of this much love. So that got me to thinking, what do I love about Jak? Well there are a gazillion things, of course, but I'll narrow it down to my top 10:
#10 She is fearless. She'll try anything. Climb anything. Jump off anything. She just doesn't care. And if she falls (which she rarely does because there's always a mommy around waiting to catch her), she gets right back up and does it again.
#9 Her baby feet. She has the cutest baby feet I have ever seen. And they are huge! Even when she was born, everyone kept commenting on her big feet and long toes. I can't wait to paint her toenails (which will have to wait until she stops sucking on her toes). Super cute!
#8 Hiccups. If you look at Jak the wrong way, she'll get the hiccups. She always has them. The smallest giggle sends her into hiccup frenzy. When I was pregnant with her, I would text Meredith 3 or 4 times a day saying "Baby has the hiccups." And it hasn't stopped yet.
#7 She always has to have her foot propped up on something. It doesn't matter if it's a chair, the shopping cart, the side of her playpen, on a stuffed animal....her foot is always on something. She is constantly relaxing. It cracks me up.
#6 Her personality. I see so much of me in her. She is fiesty, impatient, and wants what she wants...and she wants it now! Right now, it's pretty cute. In a few years, it won't be, I'm sure. :)
#5 The way she loves her mimmy. It is so cute to see those two together. Meredith walks into the room and Jak just lights up. She is always crawling to her or putting her arms up to go to her. When Meredith leaves the room, Jak turns her head to look around the corner to see where she is. I love the way they love each other so much.
#4 Her eyelashes. They are so long and everyone comments on them. They are just so beautiful. Movie stars would kill for her eyelashes. This is something that she got from her donor. His profile said he had "long eyelashes and almost perfect eyebrows"... and so does she.
#3 Her laugh. She has the best laugh. No matter what is going on in life, as soon as I hear it, all is right with the world.
#2 Her kisses. Every once in a while, she'll actually give you one when you ask for it. They're sloppy, and she hardly ever hits your lips, but she tries so hard and it's so darn cute.
#1 Her smile. Never ever has anything brought me so much joy as watching my daughter smile at me. She smiles endlessly and I love it. Everyone asks "Is she always this happy?" and we always smile and say "Yes. She is always like this."
There are a million more reasons, but I'll stop at 10...for now.
#10 She is fearless. She'll try anything. Climb anything. Jump off anything. She just doesn't care. And if she falls (which she rarely does because there's always a mommy around waiting to catch her), she gets right back up and does it again.
#9 Her baby feet. She has the cutest baby feet I have ever seen. And they are huge! Even when she was born, everyone kept commenting on her big feet and long toes. I can't wait to paint her toenails (which will have to wait until she stops sucking on her toes). Super cute!
#8 Hiccups. If you look at Jak the wrong way, she'll get the hiccups. She always has them. The smallest giggle sends her into hiccup frenzy. When I was pregnant with her, I would text Meredith 3 or 4 times a day saying "Baby has the hiccups." And it hasn't stopped yet.
#7 She always has to have her foot propped up on something. It doesn't matter if it's a chair, the shopping cart, the side of her playpen, on a stuffed animal....her foot is always on something. She is constantly relaxing. It cracks me up.
#6 Her personality. I see so much of me in her. She is fiesty, impatient, and wants what she wants...and she wants it now! Right now, it's pretty cute. In a few years, it won't be, I'm sure. :)
#5 The way she loves her mimmy. It is so cute to see those two together. Meredith walks into the room and Jak just lights up. She is always crawling to her or putting her arms up to go to her. When Meredith leaves the room, Jak turns her head to look around the corner to see where she is. I love the way they love each other so much.
#4 Her eyelashes. They are so long and everyone comments on them. They are just so beautiful. Movie stars would kill for her eyelashes. This is something that she got from her donor. His profile said he had "long eyelashes and almost perfect eyebrows"... and so does she.
#3 Her laugh. She has the best laugh. No matter what is going on in life, as soon as I hear it, all is right with the world.
#2 Her kisses. Every once in a while, she'll actually give you one when you ask for it. They're sloppy, and she hardly ever hits your lips, but she tries so hard and it's so darn cute.
#1 Her smile. Never ever has anything brought me so much joy as watching my daughter smile at me. She smiles endlessly and I love it. Everyone asks "Is she always this happy?" and we always smile and say "Yes. She is always like this."
There are a million more reasons, but I'll stop at 10...for now.
My wonderful little girl
Saturday, October 8, 2011
Jak-O-Lantern Time!
We took our little pumpkin to the pumpkin patch today. We all had so much fun! Jak cruised around in her brand new wagon, occasionally stopping for a photo op. It was unseasonably warm for Ohio in October - 82 degrees! I never thought Jak would have to put on sunscreen and wear a sunhat to go pumpkin picking, but we all had a good time anyway. Check it out!
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Birthday planning is underway
I'm in a birthday party planning frenzy. Yes, it's true - Jak won't turn 1 until the end of January, but I'm a Virgo and we believe in planning!
I have already picked the theme - Yo Gabba Gabba. That is Jak's favorite show. In fact, she's watching it right now. I've been online looking up decorations from other parents who threw Yo Gabba Gabba birthday parties. I found an invitation I like and my friend (a graphic designer) is going to replicate it for me. I also found Jak's birthday party outfit, which I'll order closer to her birthday just to make sure we get the right size. I've sent different pictures of cakes to my brother who will be making her cake. Lucky for me (probably not so lucky for him in this case) he is a fantastic baker and one hell of an artist so I know he can do just about anything I want him to do, but we haven't come to an agreement on the cake just yet. :) Below are pics of the cakes he made for my nephew's 1st birthday. He had a Veggie Tales birthday!
I've looked into several places to host the party because our house is just not big enough. I think I found a good place and need to book it soon because believe it or not, I'm not the only crazy parent planning for winter birthday parties.
I know Jak won't remember any of this party. I know she doesn't need all of this. I know it'll only last 2 hours and be over in a flash, but I don't care. She's my baby and she's going to have one kick butt birthday! Besides, how could you not want to throw a party for this cute little thing....
I have already picked the theme - Yo Gabba Gabba. That is Jak's favorite show. In fact, she's watching it right now. I've been online looking up decorations from other parents who threw Yo Gabba Gabba birthday parties. I found an invitation I like and my friend (a graphic designer) is going to replicate it for me. I also found Jak's birthday party outfit, which I'll order closer to her birthday just to make sure we get the right size. I've sent different pictures of cakes to my brother who will be making her cake. Lucky for me (probably not so lucky for him in this case) he is a fantastic baker and one hell of an artist so I know he can do just about anything I want him to do, but we haven't come to an agreement on the cake just yet. :) Below are pics of the cakes he made for my nephew's 1st birthday. He had a Veggie Tales birthday!
I've looked into several places to host the party because our house is just not big enough. I think I found a good place and need to book it soon because believe it or not, I'm not the only crazy parent planning for winter birthday parties.
I know Jak won't remember any of this party. I know she doesn't need all of this. I know it'll only last 2 hours and be over in a flash, but I don't care. She's my baby and she's going to have one kick butt birthday! Besides, how could you not want to throw a party for this cute little thing....
Monday, September 19, 2011
Mommy turns 31
I turned 31 on Friday. Or should I say it was the 2nd anniversary of my 29th birthday. Anything past 30 I don't want to celebrate. I probably would have had a break down when I turned 30 if I hadn't been pregnant.
Jak and Meredith sent me a HUGE bouquet of flowers with a teddy bear and took me out to dinner to my favorite restaurant. Jak was so well behaved that it was probably the best gift she could have given me.
Later, Meredith gave me the cards they got me. She said she agonized over finding the perfect card for me, from Jak. She finally found one that was perfect - It had the Superman emblem on on the front in pink, which matches a pink Superman onesie Jak had as a newborn. I opened it and gave her a weird look, which she interpreted as "Yes. The perfect card!" I read it and looked at her again and then said "You know this is the EXACT same card that I got you for your birthday from Jak, right?" She was mortified. She had totally forgotten. It wouldn't have really been that funny except for the fact that Meredith went on and on about how perfect that card was when I gave it to her and she loved it and couldn't imagine a better card. Apparently, 3 months later she lost all memory. Oh well, we had a good laugh.
Jak and Meredith sent me a HUGE bouquet of flowers with a teddy bear and took me out to dinner to my favorite restaurant. Jak was so well behaved that it was probably the best gift she could have given me.
Later, Meredith gave me the cards they got me. She said she agonized over finding the perfect card for me, from Jak. She finally found one that was perfect - It had the Superman emblem on on the front in pink, which matches a pink Superman onesie Jak had as a newborn. I opened it and gave her a weird look, which she interpreted as "Yes. The perfect card!" I read it and looked at her again and then said "You know this is the EXACT same card that I got you for your birthday from Jak, right?" She was mortified. She had totally forgotten. It wouldn't have really been that funny except for the fact that Meredith went on and on about how perfect that card was when I gave it to her and she loved it and couldn't imagine a better card. Apparently, 3 months later she lost all memory. Oh well, we had a good laugh.
Friday, September 9, 2011
Another Q&A
I found this on another blog and, well, I love Q&A's so here we go....
1. Your baby's age? 7 months
2. Name? Jak McKennah
3. Birthday? January 27th
4. Time of birth? 7:05 a.m.
5. How long did labor last? 12 hours
6. Who was in the room when baby was born? Meredith
7. How long did you push? 2 hours and 20 minutes
8. Weight? 6lbs, 9 oz
9. Length? 18.80 inches
10. Any hair? Just a little
11. Who does baby look like? Me :)
12. Be honest…how much weight did you gain during pregnancy? 50 lbs
13. Was baby early or late? One day early
14. Who drove you home from hospital? Meredith
15. How many baby showers did you have? Three!
16. When did baby start sleeping through the night? Hmmm. At 4 or 5 months
17. Did you breastfeed? No. I didn't produce any milk.
18. If not, what kind of formula? Similac
19. Who keeps your baby the most? She is at daycare during the weekdays and with Mere and I any other time.
20. When do you wanna have another? I don't have any idea.
21. How did you pick the name? Meredith always loved the name Jak for a girl so we went with it. I chose McKennah.
22. How did you know when it was time to go to hospital? I was scheduled to be induced at 9 p.m. on the day I went into labor; however, I went into labor all on my own and we went when my contractions were about 4 minutes apart.
23. What was your pain management? I got an eipdural the second I could. I even told the sign-in nurse in the waiting room I wanted one.
24. Did you go home or somewhere else when you left the hospital? Home
25. Anyone spend the night with you first night home? Nope. It was just the 3 of us.
1. Your baby's age? 7 months
2. Name? Jak McKennah
3. Birthday? January 27th
4. Time of birth? 7:05 a.m.
5. How long did labor last? 12 hours
6. Who was in the room when baby was born? Meredith
7. How long did you push? 2 hours and 20 minutes
8. Weight? 6lbs, 9 oz
9. Length? 18.80 inches
10. Any hair? Just a little
11. Who does baby look like? Me :)
12. Be honest…how much weight did you gain during pregnancy? 50 lbs
13. Was baby early or late? One day early
14. Who drove you home from hospital? Meredith
15. How many baby showers did you have? Three!
16. When did baby start sleeping through the night? Hmmm. At 4 or 5 months
17. Did you breastfeed? No. I didn't produce any milk.
18. If not, what kind of formula? Similac
19. Who keeps your baby the most? She is at daycare during the weekdays and with Mere and I any other time.
20. When do you wanna have another? I don't have any idea.
21. How did you pick the name? Meredith always loved the name Jak for a girl so we went with it. I chose McKennah.
22. How did you know when it was time to go to hospital? I was scheduled to be induced at 9 p.m. on the day I went into labor; however, I went into labor all on my own and we went when my contractions were about 4 minutes apart.
23. What was your pain management? I got an eipdural the second I could. I even told the sign-in nurse in the waiting room I wanted one.
24. Did you go home or somewhere else when you left the hospital? Home
25. Anyone spend the night with you first night home? Nope. It was just the 3 of us.
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Outbreak
Jak was very thoughtful. For our anniversary she gave Meredith and I her cold. To say that Mere and I are sick is a gross understatement. We aren't just sick...we are whatever word is worse than being sick. I'm too sick to think of that word. I went through 3 boxes of Kleenex in one day. I've tried so many medications I couldn't even tell you what worked and what didn't. We haven't eaten. We can't taste. We can't smell. We go from freezing to sweating in a matter of minutes. My eyes are watery and I wake up with no voice. Jak, however, is all better. And now it becomes our mission to make sure she stays that way.
This past weekend we decided to take an impromptu trip to NY to visit Meredith's family. While it was a short trip, it was nice to visit everyone, even though we were not feeling well and had to sleep most of the time. (Please note: We were not sick when we decided to go to NY)
Jak got to show off for everyone and play with her cousin, Lily. Lily barked like a dog for her and danced in a circle. Jak thought it was the best thing she'd ever seen. She laughed and clapped for her like I've never seen her do before. Too bad we were too busy laughing at them to grab the video camera.
Family dinner was fun. Jak tried a piece of meatball for the first time. She wasn't too sure about it, but I'm sure she will learn to love them. She has to - she's part Italian! She got to spend some time with her great grandma and her great great aunt, Pauline, who thought she was just the greatest. Enjoy the picture below.
This past weekend we decided to take an impromptu trip to NY to visit Meredith's family. While it was a short trip, it was nice to visit everyone, even though we were not feeling well and had to sleep most of the time. (Please note: We were not sick when we decided to go to NY)
Jak got to show off for everyone and play with her cousin, Lily. Lily barked like a dog for her and danced in a circle. Jak thought it was the best thing she'd ever seen. She laughed and clapped for her like I've never seen her do before. Too bad we were too busy laughing at them to grab the video camera.
Family dinner was fun. Jak tried a piece of meatball for the first time. She wasn't too sure about it, but I'm sure she will learn to love them. She has to - she's part Italian! She got to spend some time with her great grandma and her great great aunt, Pauline, who thought she was just the greatest. Enjoy the picture below.
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Uh oh
We put Jak to bed tonight and watched her on our video monitor as she rolled around and played for a bit (apparently she wasn't too tired). Then all of the sudden I saw her grab the side of her crib and pull herself up to a standing position. I yelled "Meredith, she's standing in her crib!!!" Mere ran into her room and this is what she saw...
You can see it in her eyes .... she is plotting her next move. We are in for it.
You can see it in her eyes .... she is plotting her next move. We are in for it.
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Sick
Jak came home sick from daycare yesterday. I got a call around 2:30 to say she had a temperature of 100.3 and was just laying with her teacher, Miss Becky, and playing with her hair. Much to my dismay, my baby is not a cuddle bug, so I know that whenever she sits still for 5 minutes (and isn't asleep) something is wrong.
Fast forward 3 hours to the doctor's office. Apparently she has a virus (duh) that was causing her watery eyes, cough, sneezing, and runny nose. Her fever, however, was caused by an ear infection....the same ear infection she was diagnosed with on August 3. Apparently it never went away, so they put her on new antibiotics and she's due back in 2 weeks to see how she is doing. She took her first dose last night, along with some infant's Motrin, and she perked right up! Her fever went down and she seemed like all was well, but when Meredith gave her more medicine at 4am this morning, her fever was back.
I stayed home with her today and her fever has come and gone. We took a 3 hour nap earlier today, which gave her some energy. Her poor nose just runs and runs and runs, but she is still so happy...even though it's hard to eat her bottle or take a pacifier since she has to breathe through her mouth! She's smiling and laughing and wants to play. I love this little girl.
Fast forward 3 hours to the doctor's office. Apparently she has a virus (duh) that was causing her watery eyes, cough, sneezing, and runny nose. Her fever, however, was caused by an ear infection....the same ear infection she was diagnosed with on August 3. Apparently it never went away, so they put her on new antibiotics and she's due back in 2 weeks to see how she is doing. She took her first dose last night, along with some infant's Motrin, and she perked right up! Her fever went down and she seemed like all was well, but when Meredith gave her more medicine at 4am this morning, her fever was back.
I stayed home with her today and her fever has come and gone. We took a 3 hour nap earlier today, which gave her some energy. Her poor nose just runs and runs and runs, but she is still so happy...even though it's hard to eat her bottle or take a pacifier since she has to breathe through her mouth! She's smiling and laughing and wants to play. I love this little girl.
Waiting for the doctor...notice the watery eye.
She fell asleep before we even pulled out of the doctor's office parking lot.
I love that medicine! Sick baby? What sick baby?
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P.S. Jak would like to say HAPPY 41st BIRTHDAY to her Uncle Jamie. She loves him bunches and bunches (even if she looks angry in the picture below).
Monday, August 22, 2011
Movin' on up!
Today was Jak's first day in her new room at daycare - Infant 2. She was only there for an hour, just to make sure she transitions okay. I think she's doing much better than I am. I was really upset when I heard they were moving her so early, but they said she's ready and after speaking with the teachers, I feel a little better about it. She'll try it out this week and next and then the week of September 5th she'll be in there full time. I am worried about the bigger kids being around her, but from what I've heard, Jak can take care of herself. She took a toy away from a bigger kid last week...and she took his blankey a few weeks ago. I'm all worried about my kid getting bullied when it looks like she is the bully.
On another note, we got a nice surprise in the mail over the weekend. Robbie - our fellow blog friend - sent us 3 t-shirts she thought Jak would like...especially one in particular. When we got the package, we knew it was perfect. Meredith insisted that Jak wear one of the shirts to Daycare today and it was all the rage. The teachers LOVED it!
Thanks for sending these, Robbie...and Trina...and Dexter, Simon, and Linus! We LOVE THEM (especially the Jack shirt)! You may have a "thank you" gift coming your way very soon! :)
On another note, we got a nice surprise in the mail over the weekend. Robbie - our fellow blog friend - sent us 3 t-shirts she thought Jak would like...especially one in particular. When we got the package, we knew it was perfect. Meredith insisted that Jak wear one of the shirts to Daycare today and it was all the rage. The teachers LOVED it!
How perfect is this shirt?
Jak in her Jack Shirt
Thanks for sending these, Robbie...and Trina...and Dexter, Simon, and Linus! We LOVE THEM (especially the Jack shirt)! You may have a "thank you" gift coming your way very soon! :)
Monday, August 15, 2011
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
6 month stats
Jak had her 6 month check-up on August 2. Here's the low-down:
She's small, but she's mighty! The doctor said she should be rolling from back to front and front to back and maybe sitting up with some assistance. When we told him that not only is she sitting up on her own, but she is crawling and pulling herself up with some help, he was very impressed. He said she is "ahead of the game." ....which Meredith and I took to mean that she is the smartest baby he has ever come in contact with in his entire career. :)
She took her shots like a champ too! She cried, but after about a minute, she got over it and smiled at the nurse. Daycare could not believe how good she was after having had 3 shots earlier that morning. They said she was her normal, happy self the entire day. They just don't come any better than our Baby Jak.
- Weight: 14.1 lbs (15th percentile) - A gain of 2 lbs!
- Height: 25.5 inches long (30th percentile)
- Head: 16.1 inches around (40th percentile)
She's small, but she's mighty! The doctor said she should be rolling from back to front and front to back and maybe sitting up with some assistance. When we told him that not only is she sitting up on her own, but she is crawling and pulling herself up with some help, he was very impressed. He said she is "ahead of the game." ....which Meredith and I took to mean that she is the smartest baby he has ever come in contact with in his entire career. :)
She took her shots like a champ too! She cried, but after about a minute, she got over it and smiled at the nurse. Daycare could not believe how good she was after having had 3 shots earlier that morning. They said she was her normal, happy self the entire day. They just don't come any better than our Baby Jak.
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Happy half birthday to you!
Six months old today. Wow. Sometimes it feels like only a second has gone by, and other times it feels like Jak has always been here...I can't really remember what life was like before her. I know that since she's been here I've never been happier.
Every night before I go to bed, I say my prayers. They're pretty standard prayers - I usually say the same thing every night. I thank God for Meredith and my mom, but I always start out by thanking him for Jak. Here's the gist....
Dear God,
Thank you so much for bringing Jak to me. Please watch over her and keep her safe and healthy. Hold her hand and walk through life with her, even when she thinks she doesn't need you. Help her to be a good person and a good daughter. Please take any pain she may ever feel and put it onto me instead. Please help the world be more accepting. Again, thank you for Jak. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
Amen
I've said that prayer (or something close to it) nearly every night since Jak was born. She is the best thing to ever happen to me. I just never thought I could love someone so much. And I know that Meredith feels the same way. We're very blessed mommies.
Every night before I go to bed, I say my prayers. They're pretty standard prayers - I usually say the same thing every night. I thank God for Meredith and my mom, but I always start out by thanking him for Jak. Here's the gist....
Dear God,
Thank you so much for bringing Jak to me. Please watch over her and keep her safe and healthy. Hold her hand and walk through life with her, even when she thinks she doesn't need you. Help her to be a good person and a good daughter. Please take any pain she may ever feel and put it onto me instead. Please help the world be more accepting. Again, thank you for Jak. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
Amen
I've said that prayer (or something close to it) nearly every night since Jak was born. She is the best thing to ever happen to me. I just never thought I could love someone so much. And I know that Meredith feels the same way. We're very blessed mommies.
6 months ago...
Monday, July 25, 2011
Tutu Cute!
Jak wore her new ballerina outfit to school today. Actually, it's just pants with a tutu attached, but luckily I had the perfect matching onesie to go with it. Needless to say, she was a HIT at daycare. What's funny is that they can tell when I've dressed her and when Meredith has dressed her. Of course today was an Amy outfit. Tomorrow will be a Meredith outfit...tank top and shorts. Amy outfit days are much cooler, but a girl has to have balance.
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Jak Can Crawl
That's right! My less than 6 month old little girl is crawling...sort of. She looks like a wounded soldier, but she can get from where she is to where she wants to be and for her age, that's pretty darn good.
Before I Was a Mom
Here are some bits and pieces from a cute poem I found...
Before I was a Mom
Before I was a Mom -
I slept as late as I wanted and never worried about how late I got into bed. I slept all night.
Before I was a Mom -
I cleaned my house each day. I never tripped over toys or forgot words to a lullaby.
Before I was a Mom -
I had never been puked on, pooped on, spit on, chewed on, or peed on. I had complete control of my mind and my thoughts.
Before I was a Mom -
I never held down a screaming child so that doctors could do tests...or give shots. I never looked into teary eyes and cried. I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin. I never sat up late hours at night watching a baby sleep.
Before I was a Mom -
I never held a sleeping baby just because I didn't want to put her down. I never felt my heart break into a million pieces when I couldn't stop the hurt. I never knew that something so small could affect my life so much.
Before I was a Mom -
I didn't know the feeling of having my heart outside my body. I didn't know how special it could feel to feed a hungry baby. I didn't know that bond between a mother and her child. I didn't know that something so small could make me feel so important.
Before I was a Mom -
I had never gotten up in the middle of the night every 10 minutes to make sure all was okay. I had never known the warmth, the joy, the love, the heartache, the wonderment or the satisfaction of being a Mom. I never knew that I could love someone so much.
Before I was a Mom
Before I was a Mom -
I slept as late as I wanted and never worried about how late I got into bed. I slept all night.
Before I was a Mom -
I cleaned my house each day. I never tripped over toys or forgot words to a lullaby.
Before I was a Mom -
I had never been puked on, pooped on, spit on, chewed on, or peed on. I had complete control of my mind and my thoughts.
Before I was a Mom -
I never held down a screaming child so that doctors could do tests...or give shots. I never looked into teary eyes and cried. I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin. I never sat up late hours at night watching a baby sleep.
Before I was a Mom -
I never held a sleeping baby just because I didn't want to put her down. I never felt my heart break into a million pieces when I couldn't stop the hurt. I never knew that something so small could affect my life so much.
Before I was a Mom -
I didn't know the feeling of having my heart outside my body. I didn't know how special it could feel to feed a hungry baby. I didn't know that bond between a mother and her child. I didn't know that something so small could make me feel so important.
Before I was a Mom -
I had never gotten up in the middle of the night every 10 minutes to make sure all was okay. I had never known the warmth, the joy, the love, the heartache, the wonderment or the satisfaction of being a Mom. I never knew that I could love someone so much.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Approaching 6 months
Jak is a week away from being 6 months old. It seems like in the last 2 weeks, she's picked up several amazing new talents.
- She can sit up by herself.
- She is a pro at eating cereal.
- She can push her feet and scoot around the room on her back.
- She's started babbling. Her favorite phrase? "Da Da" .... go figure!
Watching cartoons
Baking something yummy in her new kitchen
My beautiful girl
Saturday, July 9, 2011
My Grandma
Theres simply no one else on earth
Who's as fortunate as me
For, I have the most special grandma
That this world shall ever see!
Who's as fortunate as me
For, I have the most special grandma
That this world shall ever see!
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Questions & Answers
After people found out we were pregnant, Meredith and I got some interesting questions. So just in case you were wondering...
#10
Q: Why the name Jak?
A: Meredith always wanted a little girl named Jak. I thought it was cute, so it was a done deal.
#9
Q: If you had a boy, would you have named him Jak?
A: NOPE! We only liked Jak for a girl. We could not decide on a boys name. Thank goodness she was a girl.
#8
Q: Are you two married?
A: Not legally...although we consider ourselves to be. In Ohio same-sex marriage is not legal. I did change my last name to her last name, though, so that Jak could have her last name when she was born.
#7
Q: Did Meredith adopt Jak?
A: No. In Ohio, second parent adoptions by same-sex couples are not allowed. We had to hire a lawyer and draw up special paperwork in my will saying that Meredith gets Jak in the event anything happens to me. One day I hope to live in a state where everyone is equal.
#6
Q: Do you plan to have any more kids?
A: We're undecided. Before Jak I wanted at least two and Meredith wanted one. After Jak I only want one and Meredith wants two. We'll see...
#5
Q: How did you get pregnant?
A: I was artificially inseminated. We were very lucky that we got pregnant on the second try. I did not go through Invitro Fertilization.
#4
Q: How much did it cost?
A: More than what a typical heterosexual couple spends getting pregnant, and less than IVF.
#3
Q: Do you know who the father is?
A: No. We chose someone who (on paper) seemed to look like Meredith (Italian, brown hair, dark complexion, full lips) and have her personality (laid back, musically talented, artistic). Unfortunately, with regard to looks, Jak is 100% me - fair skin, red hair, blue eyes, no lips.
#2
Q: Did you see pictures of the donor?
A: No. We did not choose a donor who had photos available because I didn't want to see him when I looked at Jak...I wanted to see Meredith.
And the #1 question we've gotten (by far).....
Q: How did you decide who would carry the baby?
A: There was no decision to be made. Meredith has no desire to ever carry or give birth to a baby. I, however, wanted nothing more than to be pregnant and go through labor...so we're a good fit. If I didn't do it, then we'd have no kids. Easy choice!
#10
Q: Why the name Jak?
A: Meredith always wanted a little girl named Jak. I thought it was cute, so it was a done deal.
#9
Q: If you had a boy, would you have named him Jak?
A: NOPE! We only liked Jak for a girl. We could not decide on a boys name. Thank goodness she was a girl.
#8
Q: Are you two married?
A: Not legally...although we consider ourselves to be. In Ohio same-sex marriage is not legal. I did change my last name to her last name, though, so that Jak could have her last name when she was born.
#7
Q: Did Meredith adopt Jak?
A: No. In Ohio, second parent adoptions by same-sex couples are not allowed. We had to hire a lawyer and draw up special paperwork in my will saying that Meredith gets Jak in the event anything happens to me. One day I hope to live in a state where everyone is equal.
#6
Q: Do you plan to have any more kids?
A: We're undecided. Before Jak I wanted at least two and Meredith wanted one. After Jak I only want one and Meredith wants two. We'll see...
#5
Q: How did you get pregnant?
A: I was artificially inseminated. We were very lucky that we got pregnant on the second try. I did not go through Invitro Fertilization.
#4
Q: How much did it cost?
A: More than what a typical heterosexual couple spends getting pregnant, and less than IVF.
#3
Q: Do you know who the father is?
A: No. We chose someone who (on paper) seemed to look like Meredith (Italian, brown hair, dark complexion, full lips) and have her personality (laid back, musically talented, artistic). Unfortunately, with regard to looks, Jak is 100% me - fair skin, red hair, blue eyes, no lips.
#2
Q: Did you see pictures of the donor?
A: No. We did not choose a donor who had photos available because I didn't want to see him when I looked at Jak...I wanted to see Meredith.
And the #1 question we've gotten (by far).....
Q: How did you decide who would carry the baby?
A: There was no decision to be made. Meredith has no desire to ever carry or give birth to a baby. I, however, wanted nothing more than to be pregnant and go through labor...so we're a good fit. If I didn't do it, then we'd have no kids. Easy choice!
Thursday, June 16, 2011
This time last year
One year ago today - on June 16, 2010 - I was laying down in the doctor's office listening to the greatest sound I have ever heard...my baby's heartbeat. I remember it like it was yesterday. I laid there with tears in my eyes while Meredith tried to take pictures of the little blob on the screen that was our baby.
We left that appointment so excited by all the things that were to come through the next 7 months and beyond....and now here we are. We have a 5 month old little girl who is the prettiest, smartest, friendliest thing God ever put on the Earth...and here I sit, with tears in my eyes again...looking at the little person that we created, as she plays in her jump-a-roo and tries to eat her crinkle book.
We love you Baby Jak and thank God for you every single day. We are so lucky!
We left that appointment so excited by all the things that were to come through the next 7 months and beyond....and now here we are. We have a 5 month old little girl who is the prettiest, smartest, friendliest thing God ever put on the Earth...and here I sit, with tears in my eyes again...looking at the little person that we created, as she plays in her jump-a-roo and tries to eat her crinkle book.
We love you Baby Jak and thank God for you every single day. We are so lucky!
Baby Jak - June 16, 2010
Jak - One year later (chowing on some cereal)
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