Winter Photos

My apologies for not posting more pictures and stories. Life sure passes by fast these days! Get up at 5:30, in bed by 8pm and try to clean up a little after the wonderful mess we make each day. But here's a bit of what's been going on the past couple of weeks.
Picking out Jack's first Christmas tree!

Our little family.

Jack and his Daddy.

The only time his hair will lay flat!

First time holding a bottle! (12/21/09)

Can’t quite believe how fast you are growing up, Jack. It seems like just yesterday that when I held a toy up in front of you all you could do was look at it—those little hands of yours were too uncooperative yet to reach out and clasp it. Now, I spy those tiny digits wrapping themselves around all kinds of things: your toys, blankets, my hair, your hair, necklaces, your fingers, your pee towels, and on and on. I can hardly wait for the ‘pincher’ grasp and all of the resulting scattered goldfish and cheerios that are bound to find their way into the crevasses of your bouncy chair and car seat. I love you little boy. Just try don’t grow up too fast!

Jack with Tante Joy getting his prints. (1st attempt)

Jack totally passed out. (2nd attempt--successful!)

Cousins!

Look who found his feet!

My angel. You can't see it, but there's a new tooth in there!

Baby Love, My Baby Love!

Bath Time Blackmail

There is just nothing cuter than Jack at bath time.
(We're sure his high school prom date will agree!)

Happiness is a baby right out of the tub!

A Halloween Party with Jack's New Homies.

Sara's scalp withstood Jack's iron grip just fine!

Little Ethan and Jack

Jack, chillin' in his diaper, playing with his fingers--
just about the greatest past time as far as he's concerned.

The dino and the puppy.

Thank you Tara and Ted for having Jack and me over!
Loved the company, the food, the babies and the tutus!

Happy Birthday, Mom!

Mom, yesterday would have been your 65th birthday. I thought about you all day. This morning I saw a text from David wishing you a happy birthday, as well. We all miss you as much today as the day we lost you. I try to live each and every day in a way that would make you proud. Big hugs and kisses across the planes, through the ether and into heaven. Love you, Mom.

Happy Halloween!!

Isn't our little puppy dog the cutest? Jack and Mommy are going to a party today with a bunch of other mommies and their babies. A roomful of little squirts in costumes. So much sweeter than candy!

Jack's First Pumpkin Patch

Jack and Friends

Lounging in the pumpkin patch.

Mr. Cool thinks this pumpkin patch is A-OK.

Talk about roadblocks!

On Friday, while Daddy was bogged down with homework, Jack and I decided to go out and visit the Roloff Farm to check out their annual pumpkin patch. Since their show, "Little People, Big World," took off on TLC, the place has been swamped with people on the weekends: long lines, traffic jams, the works. Luckily, I had the day off, and what with it being rainy and overcast, we just about had the place to ourselves! (No Roloff family sightings, though.)

Afterwords, Jack and I went to check out the park next to the Rose Test Garden. Again, just about deserted. But we checked out the playground and had a bottle and spent most of our time staring at all of the gorgeous fall leaves. It was a lovely way to spend the day!

Our son...

Little Jack Morris, it has been 3 months since you entered our lives. I daydreamed about having a child and what that would mean, but I never fully understood just how rich and precious and fun everyday, every moment spent with you would be. You are every clichéd expression of bliss that there is. You are the light of my life. You are my sunshine. You are the best thing that ever happened to me. Or your daddy, for that matter. We were so happy in love together, your daddy and I, and now, having you here has taken that happiness and doubled it twofold. Every sweet expression, every yawn, every gurgle, every smile, every coo, every bubbly exclamation of wonder that you emit fills my heart and leaves me feeling like the luckiest woman in the world. I AM the luckiest woman in the world, Jack. Because I get to be your mommy.

Pensive to Goofball in T minus 4...

My New Favorite Photo!

I love love love this picture! Big, strong Daddy holding his son. And little Jack's expression is so adorable! He looks so content. Loves his Daddy! Love my boys!

A Few New Pictures

Daddy

Breastfeeding at the Beach!

Laura and Jack

Tummy Time! Look at that strong boy!

My little Goofball.

Our Heroes

I went in for my post-birth follow-up appointment with Dr. Gesteland last Tuesday. Jack was a little fussy so he stayed home with Don. After the appointment was finished I stuck around to get a flu shot. Heidi, one of the awesome nurses at the Perinatal Center, let slip that Dr. Gesteland was quite bummed that I hadn't brought Jack in. I just don't know why it didn't occur to me that she would want to see him. And, of course, it should have! After all, Don and I saw her (and all of the staff) sometimes up to once a week for close to ninth months! She worked very hard to help ensure that Jack stayed put in my womb where he belonged until he was fully cooked. And on July 16th, she was there to bring him into the world.

So, of course, later that day Don and I made a return visit with Jack in tow. Everyone came out from the back of the office into the waiting room to get a look at him. There were lots of "ooh's" and "ahh's" and comments like "he's soooo cute" and "oh my god, look at all of that hair!"

Little Jack slept through the whole thing! Before we left I snapped a picture of Heidi and Dr. Gesteland holding Jack. She looks like one proud doctor!

Crying--In Three Acts

Tidbits from the last couple weeks...

First time at the park!

First nap in the crib!

First car trip to Sauvie Island. (You can see he thoroughly enjoyed it....)

First time wearing Auntie Jen's baby shower gift.

Meeting Johnny and Lisa for the first time. (Loved them!)

First time at a wedding reception. LOVED the loud noises!

Just plain funny.