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. :)

Traveling With Jake

We have had a very big month here in the Hurst family.  To be honest, I have been having anxiety attacks about writing this blog because there are so many wonderful things I would like to talk about, and only so much room and time to do it! In an attempt to organize and abridge my thoughts, I will make a timeline of sorts, in listed form, for your reading ease. 

August 10th-- Jake rolled over for the first time!!! back to front and then front to back.

August 12th--Jake's first plane ride--more on that later....

August 12 thru 26----Party time with Grandma and Grandpa!!!!!!!

and somewhere within this time period...First laugh, First game of peek-a-boo, First swim. He also figured out how to arch his back out of his carseat (dangit), how to firmly grasp toys (and hair), how to use a teething ring, o yeah, and p.s. he started teething. 

All of this in a little over 2 weeks!!!! I cant believe my little baby is becoming a little boy!!!

For those of you who are in a hurry or simply don't want to read my ramblings, that was all the important stuff. For those who, like me, are total blogger junkies, here are the details...

Shortly before my trip to Virginia, Jake starting drooling about 5 times as much (it's insane how much spit that kid is producing) and began biting and sucking on just about anything he could get his hands on.  Also, he started waking up about 3 times a night again in pain from his little swollen gums.  Don't worry though--I wasn't sleeping through the night anyway.  I was having travel anxiety in the worst way, so nervous about taking jake on a 5 hour flight without my hubby's help.  Everyone reassured me that Jake's age was actually ideal for travel, and that I should just relax.  Although they were all wrong, and Jake actually hated the whole experience, we did survive, and arrived in Virginia to greet his eager Omi and Opi, his crazy Aunt Syd, and his loony Uncle David.

That 2 weeks spent in VA were ones of major development for Jake.  It was nice to be able to share so many firsts with my parents.  On the second night, Opi was playing with Jake, tossing him up and teaching him how to jump up and down.  Jake let out his first gleeful shrieks and giggles--It made my heart melt!!!! My parents had just returned from visiting our family in Germany a couple days before, and with them, they brought a bunch of presents for Jake--cute little wooden toys, which Jake LOVED, and lots of adorable clothes, which I LOVED.

After a few days of industriously playing with this little wooden rattle, Jake was able to do a 2 hand grasp while knawing and drooling all over the circular toy. This may not seem so great, but until this point, the only thing that seemed to ease Jake's teething discomfort was sticking his entire fist in his mouth. (I'm totally serious--its incredible).  So we were very excited about his new motor skill.

Sometime during these fun filled days, Aunt Sydney developed a somewhat peculiar relationship with Jake.  In all her crazy antics, she was able to bring out Jakes strongest emotions.  They began playing the Peek-a-boo game together, which always ended in either loud laughter or panicked tears on Jakes part.  It was so funny to watch.  As a side note, can I just say, Syd is going to be an amazing mom.  She has so much fun with jake, is so competent, and is a million times better with our handicapped brother David than I am.  Hats off to her and her mommy skills and loony personality.  

A week after we arrived in VA, Jessica and Nathan flew in from their 3 weeks in Europe (I know. jealous.) We got to spend a few days with them too, before they drove out to Utah, and on to Arizona for dental school.  It was so fun hangin out with everyone.  Such a bummer that Wes had to stay behind in Utah and work. (Thanks Wesley, for being such a hard worker, and letting me and Jake go on a vacation!!!)

check out that drool. 

Another big first--and the credit for this one is due to Omi--Jake's first swim.  Sometime earlier this summer, Grandma made a discovery--a little gem on the northern Virginia frontier.  Lake Anna, just 30 minutes from home, has a beach front in our State Park.  I was hesitant to go--worried about the hassle, the sand, and the ominous sunburn threat to my child.  But Grandma, the ever positive lady, packed up the car with suncreen, toys, and chow, and made it happen.  She even rigged up a little canopy for Jake out of a borrowed baby gym and an umbrella from Ikea.  I proved to have been worried for nothing--The beach was clean, the water was lukewarm, and Jake had a blast! It was such a great day!

another side note--It was such a good experience for me watching my mom with Jake.  She is such a kook--making up funny stories and singing german songs--it gave me so many new ideas for how to entertain him.   

Before we new it, the 2 weeks had flown by, and I was packing for the flight home.  I experienced such a strange mixture of emotions--While I was very excited to get back home and see Wes, it was heart breaking to take Jake away from his grandparents.  It sucks when families are so spread out.  I mean, My parents live all the way in Virginia, which is bad enough, but Wesley's parents are camped out all the way in Thailand!!! Maybe one day we will all live within a day's drive of each other.  It's something to look forward to.  Really I should be grateful--At least I have Sydney out here!!! Speaking of which, she flew back with me.  This flight was a lot less stressful, and I was so happy to have another set of arms.  Jake did somewhat better, but I've definitely decided flying is not his favorite game.  But we survived once again, and we were so excited to be a whole family again! Jake couldn't have been more excited to see Wes! He's been bouncing on Wes's lap like a little Mexican jumping bean all week.  It's easy to see that Jake has a hero--I love watching them together.

(Jake loves using Wes as a recliner.)

Well, that's pretty much everything! For those who stuck around for the whole thing, good job and thanks for your interest! I love my family, I love watching Jake grow up, and I will keep posting about all the things I consider great and important in my life!

sleep strike

so its 11:15 pm, and i am up with my little insomniac. i suspect that my little celebration about jake sleeping through the night was a bit premature.  Jake has gone on strike about bedtimes and has quit sleeping in.  luckily we get along pretty well, so its not so bad.  at the moment he is sitting on my lap and we are writing this post while listening to some colbie collait.  he likes her.  

A week from today i will be flying to VA with jake in tow, husbandless.  Wes can't take off work, so it'll just be me and the little guy.  As excited as i am about seeing my family and friends, thats how nervous i am about flying with an infant.  also, i was thinking about the time change--if jake is still on his bedtime strike, he will be awake until at least 1 AM in virginia.  yikes.

I think the sleep strike has something to do with how aware Jake has become.  If ANYthing is happening, he has to be a part of it.  so he just chooses not to sleep so he can play with everyone.  wes and i finally took him with us to the movies.  we had heard from friends that their kids generally just slept through movies, what with it being dark.  Jake did nothing of the sort--we took him to the dollar theater to watch Narnia, and he wanted to watch the whole thing, standing on my lap.  its so funny seeing him get excited about new things. . thats all for now, I think he is finally ready for bed. :)