No More Newborn

This past week we celebrated Jacob's 3 month birthday.  I was told that 3 months marks the end of the "newborn" stage, although in my opinion, Jake hasn't looked newborn in probably 6 weeks.  But as I look at his progress over the past few months, he has definitely changed by leaps and bounds.  First of all, he is a pro at holding his head up. (well most of the time anyway..when he is tired, we thinks he looks remarkably like a bobble-head toy.)  Also, his love affair with the giraffe continues, as well as a plethora of other colorful trinkets.  Because of these two new advancements, Jake is finally grown-up enough to sit in an activity chair and play!  It's so fun to see his eyes light up with joy when we put him in his exer-saucer.  You can see the immense satisfaction on his face at being able to sit up like a big kid and have so many new fun things to play with.His favorite game is to sit in his chair, suck on all the toys, and watch disney movies.  Speaking of Disney movies, i have something to say for the classics.  Mr. Disney really new what he was doing.  Do you realize that the music never stops going in Cinderella? Why can't they make them like that anymore?  Jake has twice the attention span when there are both colors and music.

Also, just yesterday he became sturdy enough to sit in his Bumbo chair.  I let him play in my room while i was unpacking boxes (yes, nearly 2 months later and i'm STILL unpacking.)  I parked him in front of a big mirror that i have yet to force wesley to mount on the wall, and Jake made a new friend.  He talked to his reflection for about 20 minutes--it was so funny.  

And then the most important milestone of all....drumroll please....

as of 3 days ago, Jake has begun sleeping through the night! thats right ladies and gents--we are now sleeping a 7+ hour stretch.  I'm not sure what this is comparable to, maybe finishing a marathon.  Not that i've ever done that, but seriously, I am so happy.  

It's so amazing to watch him grow stronger and more independent each week.  I can't express how seeing him learn new things brings me so much joy.  Being a mother has made me become a little less selfish and a little more tenderhearted.  And i know its only going to get better. Because Jacob is all mine for the next 18 years. 

Party Time

    (Jake loved his first 4th of July)I just wanted to do a quick catch-up on whats been happening the last couple weeks. on June 30th, Wesley's parents came to see Jake all the way from Thailand.  They are in the middle of a 4-5  year job assignment over there, and were finally able to make a trip to come see their new grandson.  They are staying half the time with us and half with Melanie, Wesley's sister.  Jake has loved hanging out with them.  

We also celebrated the 4th of July and Wesley's 26th Birthday.  It was great to spend these with so much family.

    (at the Cheesecake Factory!...Jake is sleeping on the  floor behind Wes and I)

           (We bought matching outfits for Jake and his cousin Scott. It was so cute!)

Last Saturday, Jessica and I threw Jerai a baby shower.  I've decided it was probably the best baby shower ever, and not necessarily to our credit.  It was held in Jill Moulton's (Jerai's mother in law) backyard, which is arguably the most beautiful backyard known to mankind. The setting was so beautiful, next to a pond and under the shade of a tree.  Jake loved it! Also, I think he loved it because he got to hang with his new cousin Peyton, who is 2 months younger and officially one-third his size.

  

      (This is Jake's current favorite nap position.)

I was kind of dreading throwing a shower at 10 o'clock in the morning. Mothers who still have to get up 3 times with their babies every night will understand.  Jake must have been really excited about the shower tho, because something very special happened on that shower eve.  He slept for FIVE HOURS STRAIGHT!!!!!!!!!. By that i mean, he only got up ONCE (at 5:30).  It was the best night of my life. the 2 nights since that shower, he has continued to sleep this way.  I think i know what this means, but i am afraid to jinx it---could he possibly be just around the corner from sleeping through the night? maybe! 

Also, he is starting to play with his toys.  He recently discovered the wonder that is his baby gym, and has attached himself to an unsuspecting stuffed giraffe. (whom he sucks on until soaked with baby drool).  Jake is such an individual--"I don't want a bottle or a pacifier--Just this hairy giraffe to suck on, thank you." He's growing up so fast! By the way, I had the oldest child at the baby shower.  So weird.  

                                   

(I have no idea why he was only in half a sleeper. )

Mornings with Jake

It's been 10 weeks since little Jacob came into our lives.  After all the adjustments we have made, and nights of lost sleep, we are finally starting to have some structure and routine.  Jake isn't very big on naps, but i am so lucky, because He looovvvveessss to sleep in! Every morning, Wesley brings Jake into our bed before he leaves for work.  I feed him and we cuddle for about an hour, and then I wake up and start my day.  I usually get about 3 hours in the morning to clean the house and get myself ready which is awesome.  Then, around 11 ish, Jake usually wakes up.  This is my favorite time to hang out with him.  I hop in bed and say good morning, and he smiles and babbles at me, so overjoyed to begin the new day.  I've decided he is definitely a morning person. We usually spend at least 10 minutes talking in bed, then we go to his room and pick out his clothes.   After a moisturizing cream "massage" for his super-dry skin, we get dressed and officially begin our day.  This is really how most mornings go.  I am so grateful for this time with him.  Becoming a mom has been a huge adjustment for me, and it can definitely be frustrating and very demanding at times, but i so look forward to my mornings with jake.