Thank You!

Once again, I'm sitting here with a pile full of blogworthy stories and photos.  That's what happens when you wait a month to update right? Actually, the real reason is that I had the most wonderful Thanksgiving week!  I was showered each day with reminders of all the things I'm so thankful for--Jess and Nathan came up from Arizona, and Mom and Dad drove all the way from Virginia! So between those 4, Sydney, and then our usual party of 3--we had a full house for the whole week!  It went by way too quickly.  It was so nice to just hang out together, eating our weight in German chocolate and peanut M&M's.  Not only that, but Jake was surrounded by so many loving arms (sometimes a few to many--Jake gets a bit skiddish in large crowds), which was a great break for me--all in all just a wonderful vacation. I have tons of pictures I want to share, but I tried my hardest to narrow it down. Enjoy!

The night my parents arrived we went to Nathan's sisters wedding reception.  They had it in this greenhouse up in Sandy.  It was sooo beautiful! Jake cried for about the first 10 minutes there--too many people, too much noise.  He is a total lightweight--but with a little food in his belly and 20 minutes to adjust he did just fine!

Like I said before, Jacob is a total lightweight.  His main area of terror involves men.  With the exception of his dear old dad, he won't go near them.  I was a little worried about how he would do with his grandpa.  But my dad went nice and slow with him, no quick movements, and after about an hour Jake allowed himself to be picked up, and then discovered something wonderful about his Grandpa--Whiskers!!!  Jake loved tugging on his whiskers! This was the icebreaker, and it didn't take long for him to feel comfy and happy playing with grandpa. 

One afternoon we made a family outing that I had been looking forward to for months--yes, we went to see Twilight.  It was so fun! Us girls wore our Twilight gear, and I even dressed Jake in the twilight colors. (poor kid, if he had a say I'm sure he would've voted against that move--dressing up for a chick flick.  But hey, he's 7 months old, and most definitely has no say.)  I thought the movie was great, and you know the best part? My mother let me be selfish and enjoy the entire movie! She took care of Jake for the whole thing.  The whole week was truly a vacation for me.  Thanks mom!  (sidenote--what is it about grandmothers? my mom has an amazing way with Jake.  Even though he doesn't get to spend much time with her normally, I felt like he was just as happy and content with her as he is with me...and for my super-sensitive child, that's saying something!)

My mom and I always agree that Jake looks good enough to eat--after watching Twilight and becoming vampires, we decided to have a taste! :)

A lot of the week was spent around the house.  As for me, I did more relaxing than I've done since Jake was born.  It was so wonderful! Jake was passed around like a hot potato, and we used our famous Schindler teamwork to do just about everything.  (incase you were wondering, that basically means that my mom did about half the work, Jessica was right behind her, and sydney and I dragged our feet pitching in when necessary :)...it was great! thanks again mom!) It was lots of fun cooking thanksgiving dinner together too--the first time in years :)

Jake learned to crawl about a month ago, and has thrown himself into the business of standing and walking.  we have a lot of scary crash landings around here, but I'm learning that my son is a little tougher than I thought!

Wesley giving me love while I slave away at Thanksgiving dinner.

sydney--one serious turkey coma.

Nate and Jess showing off their baby bumps.  That's another thing--It was so fun to see Jessica with her cute lil belly.  And then we found out that Jake gets to have a little boy cousin to play with!!  Yet another thing to be grateful for this year :)

Jake enjoyed reading the Martha Stewart magazines with his Aunt Jessica--should I be worried? :)

This picture pretty much sums up Sydney's relationship with her brothers. 

On Black Friday, Jessica and Nathan were already gone, but the rest of us went to this opening celebration of the season in our little town of Salem.  It kind of reminded me of the festival on the movie Groundhog day.  There is this little pond in the middle of town, and they put a bunch of christmas trees on the water.  They lit it for the first time that night and along with our fellow citizens of Salem, we sang carols, drank hot cocoa, and even met Santa! Jake was a little unsure of the large bearded man, but was very excited about all the Christmas lights on the water.  It was such a fun and festive way to begin the season! 

Whew! another insanely long blog by Kristie.  Thanks for reading. I'll try to pace myself in the future and avoid these super long posts. Merry Christmas!

Holiday Mishaps

(yep, he actually slept that way.)

We are well into the fall now, and I think it's time for a little update.  I just LOVE this time of year.  The Christmas music is on, my house smells like cinnamon, and I've pulled all my christmas dvds from their alphabetical homes, and made a neat little stack near my TV.  We have had one snow day, and I've decided that dressing babies is more fun when it's colder outside--i love all the layers, and the hats are to die for.  Jake is now past the 6 month mark and is actively crawling, teething, and babbling more nonsense than ever.  I just gave him probably his tenth haircut last night--he has this bald patch right over his soft spot that makes having long hair look kinda dumb.  I have been contemplating the usefulness of some sort of infant rogaine :)  But we love him like crazy, and I actually adore his peach fuzz head.  

Wesley has been working A LOT, in preparation for the holidays. I admire his dedication but really I'm selfish and would much rather just have him hang out with Jake and I all day long.He says that more work now equals more play time during Christmas.  We'll see if that's true.  But, life goes on, and I just keep busy with all my silly projects.  A couple of months ago I was called to be the Activity Day Leader for the 11 year olds in Primary.  So I get together with them a few times a month for fun-filled afternoons.  I love the girls, but as the weather turns colder, I am having a hard time coming up with really fun, low budget activities to do with them indoors.  I mean, we can't bake and scrapbook every week.  If anyone has any suggestions, I wholeheartedly welcome them.   

Ok I have a couple stories for you, and now that it's been a few weeks and I've recovered from the trauma of the experience, I am ready to share them.  About 3 weeks ago, Jake gave us a couple big scares.  First, in the middle of October, I was at my sister in law's house helping her make a birthday cake for her 1 year old.  We were doing a Spongebob theme, and the cake was pretty involved.  Jake was sitting in his bumbo seat on her kitchen counter playing with some spoons, and generally having a grand old time. (as a disclaimer, yes I know that you are NOT supposed to put those things on elevated surfaces. But I never left him alone in it, and he couldn't even budge while sitting in it--plus, he absolutely LOVED sitting up there, eye level with me.)  Ok, so all of a sudden I see this blur and hear a noise that makes my stomach turn over in the worst way.  Yes, Jake had figured out how to climb out of his Bumbo all in one fatal swoop.  He hopped out and right off the counter.  I was pretty much hysterical, knowing how badly he could have been hurt.  I realized that he had miraculously landed face first on top of a cushy shoulder bag, thus absorbing his fall.  He cried for about 30 seconds, then started jumping up and down and laughing.  I was not so quick to recover, but was so grateful that he had landed on something soft, and not just the hardwood floor.  I've heard many people say, "You'll never forget the first time you drop your baby".  I always disregarded this, thinking I was much too  sensible for that sort of thing.  Well, apparently not, and thank goodness my little man was ok!!!

Next story--a couple weeks later, Jake started randomly throwing up--a lot. Within 2 hours he had thrown up about 6 times.  I called the doctors office and they said to bring him in to make sure he was ok.  So Wesley packed him into his carseat while I got dressed.  All of a sudden I hear Wes yelling Jacob's name.  I came out to investigate, and Wes was shouting right into his face, and pinching his cheeks.  Jake was slumped over in his seat, breathing, but barely responsive.  I'm so grateful that Wesley was home to drive us.  We called 911 and went about 100 miles an hour to the hospital, with our hazards on the whole way.  It was probably the longest 20 minutes of my life.  They gave him some anti-nausea medication, had me feed him a little at a time and watched him for a few hours.  The doctor told us that during the winter, about half the pediatric floor is filled with dehydrated Flu babies.  It's amazing how quickly they can become dehydrated.  Once again, Jake had a little guardian angel smiling on him, and we were able to leave that night, with a weak but relatively happy baby.  I want to give a shout out to a couple people.  On the way to the hospital, I called my sister Jessica in a panic, wanting to know how to do infant CPR just in case he stopped breathing.  Naturally, I was hysterical, but she calmly explained the mechanics to me.  (So that was strike two for me--First, I didn't know where the local hospital was and had to drive all the way to Provo, and then I didn't know how to do CPR--mother of the year, right here.)  As soon as we hung up, Jessica made a hysterical phone call of her own, to my cousin Jerai, who lives in Orem.  Within minutes of our arrival at the hospital, she and her husband Phil had packed up there 3 week old baby, and were on their way over.  Phil and Wesley were able to give Jake a blessing within the hour.  I'm so grateful for family, and the power of priesthood blessings.  Thank you Jessica, Jerai, and Phil for your prompt assistance.  

Ok. I know those were long stories, thanks for reading if you did.  I normally try to write the fun-jake stories, but I felt like I needed to record these ones too--for journal keeping sake. Some of you may be reading this and thinking, "my goodness, what an airhead mother".  But those of you who have dropped your baby, know that you are not alone! It happens to the best of us.  I'm sure he will have many more bumps and bruises in the years to come.  I'm not sure if it gets any easier to handle.  I had nightmares for about a week after jake's fall, and my heart skips a beat every time I see the smallest amount of spit up.  I like my child unbruised and hydrated thank you very much.  Well that's all for now.  I'm looking forward to a more relaxing holiday season.  Although, with a toddler on the loose, who knows if I will get my wish. Stay tuned!

Jake, sporting his new teeth, plus the usual drool

Halloweening

Halloween!!!! every year, I have high hopes that my family will go all out, themed costumes, the works. and most of the time, I end up procrastinating so badly that we end up just throwing on whatever we can find in the house on the day of. this year was really no different, except I made sure to at least get Jake a costume in advance.  Next year we will do better. I have every intention of dressing jake as peter pan, myself as tinker bell, and wesley as captain hook. maybe if I plan it a year in advance, it'll be ready by next october. for now, I just wanted to post jake in his CUTE giraffe costume. I wish he could wear it every day, because it makes me want to squeeze him!!  although, come to think of it, i always want to squeeze him. either way, here you go!

Peanut

As I've said before,I started this blog simply as a fun way to keep a journal for my little boy.  So far, it's pretty much been just that.  But today I need to divert from my usual topic, and spend some time on my little girl.  My dog Peanut, died this past weekend on Saturday morning. For those of you who have never had a pet, I'm sorry for this post, because it may seem a bit silly. But the truth is, I'm heartbroken. Peanut has been my little girl since I was a little girl myself. 7 years old to be exact.  She came to our family when we lived in Moreno Valley, California, on Christmas Day.  She was a stray who needed a home, just until the pound opened back up after the holiday weekend.  But we quickly fell in love with her sweet little spirit.  I named her Peanut, because thats exactly what she looked like--small, brown, and a little lumpy. (I was seven, what else would you expect?).  She was my dear friend, and a beloved member of the Schindler family for 15 years.  She lived a long happy life, and for that reason, I'm able to feel some peace and acceptance over her passing.  When I visited Virginia in August, I could see how miserable and old she was getting, and began to wrap my head around the reality that she was probably leaving us very soon.  I'm happy that she isn't suffering anymore, I just miss her, you know?  When I go back home to visit, it just won't be the same without her cute little toenails tapping on the linoleum.  Who will chase the fedex trucks down the street, and secretly eat food under the coffee table?  She was such an odd little dog.  I love her so much!  well anyway, thanks for reading, i just felt like Peanut deserved a little bit of blogspace. 

Carpe Diem! (I've always wanted to say that.)

Another 2 weeks have flown by, and I continue to be amazed at how quickly everything changes.  My short sleeve weather has blown away, and do you know, they say it's supposed to snow tomorrow!? Don't get me wrong--I love this time of year.  I love the beautiful colors and the excitement of all the upcoming holidays.  But this year I am full of mixed emotions.  Because, as quickly as the wind turned chilly, I am once again being slapped in the face with the reality that my baby boy is growing up! You'll have to pardon my somewhat melancholy mood--I'm not even sure how to explain it.  As excited as I am about all the new experiences to come, and as much as I am eagerly anticipating each of Jake's milestones, I'm also wanting things to just slow the heck down!!! Ok, to be fair, it's not really the weather that made me feel ALL those things.  The real cause made itself known about a week ago--Sunday night to be exact.  After 2 months of drooling, and 3 days and nights of extreme suffering, Jake's bottom 2 teeth popped through!!! Although this has brought Jake much relief, I found myself unexpectedly distraught.  The 2 weeks post pregnancy were very hormonal ones, but since then, I would like to think I have kept my emotions in check--until now.  I will probably call myself an idiot for this a few months from now, but I've been feeling so weird about these 2 stupid teeth!!! I just feel like once his smile changes, Jake won't be my little baby anymore.  He will look so different, and I don't know if I'm ready for him to change just yet! I guess what I'm trying to say is, I know that this is the whole point of raising babies--you have to actually raise them.  but I never realized how much each milestone would tug at my heartstrings.  Those of you who are Latter Day Saints know that last weekend was General Conference.  During one of his talks, President Monson spoke about how we need to embrace each day, not just living for tomorrow...That we should enjoy life and spend time with our families, and essentially make each day memorable.  This is not at all verbatim, but I loved the point he was making.  It made me realize all over again how precious every single day is.  Yes, I am very excited about all the things to come for my family, but I want to live each day on purpose, and savor all the happy memories.  I know I probably sound so cliche, but that's just how I feel.  I have been procrastinating doing family pictures for a long time, and this past week inspired me to seize the day.  Thanks to the incredible talent of my kid sister, and the cooperation of my boys, we pulled it off.  Here are just a few.  I'm saving the best one for my Christmas card, but I also loved these and thought they were worth sharing. 

5 months and counting...

I've been feeling sort of guilty that I hadn't posted in a whole month. Truth be told, I started this blog purely as a way to keep a journal for Jake.  I knew that I would be more likely to consistently post if I had people to share it with! A month may not seem like a long time between posts, but 4 weeks in the life of a growing baby is a huge chunk!  Last posting I shared the exciting news that Jake had begun rolling over and all that.  And now a month has gone by, and somehow Jake is a 5 month old, active pre-toddler.    As far as developmental stuff, Jake is now about 16 pounds, 27 inches. He is in the 85th percentile for height! (we suspect he gets it from his grandpas...it's certainly not from Wesley or me)  He is teetering on the edge of sitting up by himself, runs around the house in his walker (Literally runs--watch out if you ever come over.. it's like suicide bumper cars around here) and we think crawling is only weeks away.  In the meantime, he has created his own way of getting around.  The current method involves planting his face into the carpet, sticking his bum in the air, and running on the balls of his feet--it sort of looks like a lawn mower or wheel barrow if you can picture it.  it's hilarious.  the other morning, he was laying in his baby gym playing with his toys. I left him for 5 minutes and when I returned, he was nowhere to be found.. within just minutes he had plowed his way all the way across the living room! It was incredible. It's crazy when I think about how fast he is growing up... I'm losing my sweet little baby! He is swiftly becoming an independent little traveler, and I couldn't be more terrified.  

on the move, losing interest in his stationary gym

  He now rips the gym down, I guess it's more fun this way.

Speaking of terrified, as summer changes to fall, I am becoming increasingly anxious.  I have no idea how to deal with winter and an infant.  Wesley and I went shopping in Park City a few weeks ago.  We were getting ready to leave, and a cool breeze hit us--by cool I mean maybe oh, 65 degrees? Jake immediately started whining, and didn't stop til we covered him head to toe with a blanket.  My first thought--Jake, if you are having trouble with 65 degrees, you are so gonna be toast this winter. any tips on running errands with a baby in the winter? I welcome any and all advice :)  

As for fun stuff this month.. we went to the Hogle Zoo in Salt Lake! We went with my old roommate Cheronne, her husband Jeremy, and there 1 year old son Brayden.  We had a blast! Even Jake seemed to enjoy himself. he was awake for the bird show, slept through the stinky reptile house, and woke up for the giraffes. all in all, a successful outing.  

Also, Wesley got new hours at his job.  He works about 6 hours a day in the office and then a few at home.  A few days each week he works those hours from 6 AM to noon, and then comes home!! Although he still has to work quite a bit after that, it's so nice having him in the house!! Jake loves the extra attention, and I just love having my cute hubby around a little more.  Since he is spending so much time behind his computer, we decided to update the home office, making it a little more comfy for my hardworking breadwinner.  We found an awesome deal on a ginormous desk at Costco, and after 2 evenings assembling it, our office was transformed from a folding table ghetto to a plywood masterpiece!! yay for costco! 

(This isn't our office..i found the pic courtesy of costco.com)

In other updates, I have been working on decorating the nursery.  In honor of Jake's favorite stuffed animal, the Giraffe, we are doing a safari theme. If anyone has any cool cheap ideas in that direction, I welcome any help!  

I think that's all for now.  stay tuned :)

These are just a few pics that I loved and thought I would share. :)