Hester the Easter Bunny

Jack met Hester the Easter Bunny at the Mall today. Molly came too, of course. They both did their best to not look terrified of the "rabbit" holding them. As Tyson said, "this picture is funny, cute, and scary all at the same time."

Jack was a good sport - wearing his bunny ears hat. No doubt - another moment he is sure to say "Thanks a lot, Mom" - when he's sixteen.

Double Shot of Jack

Jack thinks he found the Easter Bunny living in his room.

"Are you the guy I need to talk to about a basket?"

Shot of Jack

In the Money

Jack was so excited to get an Easter card in the mail today from his Gigi and Grandpa Gigi (my Grandma & Grandpa Clevenger). They sent him a dollar and I think he is letting it go to his head. He thinks he's pretty special...and....he is.

(you can click on pictures to make them bigger)

We're Back

Shot of Jack

Just chillin' in one of his robes. It's nice to relax after a bath.

UK

We may lose friends over this...and possibly even family members. But - yesterday Jack received a University of Kentucky onesie from my friend, Kat. She said that since IU didn't make the tournament, Jack probably needed a team to root for and thought he should root for her Wildcats.

I'm not sure how Kentucky fans feel, but in IU's eyes - Kentucky is one of the biggest, if not THE biggest, arch rivals we have (right up there with Illinois and Purdue). This is kind of sacreligious for true Hoosiers. Here is my promise. IF the Cats make it to the Final Four - Jack will wear the onesie on the blog. I'm just a bit nervous because he's so young and I would hate to scar him for life.

Here he is modeling his new onesie while asleep...again, I don't want him to be scarred. And I should note, we have PLENTY of friends who will think this is THE BEST gift Jack could ever, or will ever receive. (hi KY friends!!)

Congrats, Carstens!

We are so excited for our good friends, Matt and Julia Carsten. They welcomed their second son, Jace Matthew, today! (a day earlier than his "scheduled birth day") Along with his older brother Maddox, we know Jace will be good buddies with Jack. Too bad we aren't in Fort Wayne - we would have some serious Little League domination!

Shot of Jack

Brooke and Molly stopped by today for a visit and Brooke took Jack home with her for a couple hours so I could work in our (terrible) yard. Before he left - Brooke asked if I had a hat to keep the sun out of his eyes. I remembered he received a John Deere hat from his Grandma Nancy. It fit perfectly.

Brooke sent me this picture and I thought it was just too cute! I bet his buddy Oliver would like it too. :)

Shots of Jack

Anyone that knows me well, knows I love being crafty. Teaching was my creative outlet and now, without a classroom, I have to find other ways of being creative. I have started making Pacifier Clips. Jack loves his "paci" but when he falls asleep he tends to spit it out. Usually it lands on the floor, which means it is in jeopardy of getting dog hair on it or worse, getting eaten by our friend Tucker. So the clips keep the paci on Jack's body - as demonstrated in the pictures below. They are a nice accessory and super fun to make!

Enjoying his "paci."

And less than a minute later - showing how his "paci" stays with him when he falls asleep and spits it out. What a great little model!

Shot of Jack

Jack and I were singing songs this morning before we got out of bed. Cooper decided he wanted to take part too. He loves Jack! They held hands/paws as we sang "How much is that Doggie in the Window" and "Head & Shoulders, Knees & Toes." Thank God we don't have a Nanny Cam.

Changing Table

Tyson and I have recently discovered that one of Jack's favorites places is his changing table. For some odd reason, he is so happy lying there staring up at us. This is where he smiles the most and is the most vocal. Sadly, sometimes...when he's having a rough day, I put him on his changing table for an "attitude adjustment." It usually works.

Sticking out his tongue at me. To be fair, I stuck mine out first.

Gnawing on his Sophie toy. The dogs are having a hard time with this one, because it looks, feels, and sounds JUST like their toys. No doubt - it will be a tough one to keep away from them.

Shot of Jack - Go Cubs!?!?

Kelly brought Jack a Cubs t-shirt sporting Derek Lee's number (Kel's fav). Luckily he won't get beat up wearing it around Detroit - since the Cubs are a NL team and the Tigers are AL.

Jack's Grandpa Clevenger will be excited...he has been a Cubs fan (through it all) since he was a little kid. Go Cubbies!!

Kelly Visits

Kelly, one of my best friends from college, came in from Chicago to meet Jack. It was so great to have her here! We enjoyed some Saturday afternoon shopping and then a fun-filled night on the town. I think a visit to Chicago is in order sometime soon.

Girls Night

It was Girl's Night last night! Brooke, Kelly, and I enjoyed tapas, sangria, and a little "late night" dancing downtown Royal Oak. By "late" - I mean after 11pm. My night ended at midnight when Mikkel was kind enough to drive Kelly and me home. It felt great to have some time away, but I have to admit - Jack was always on my mind. I guess you never stop being "mom."

All about the Eyes

Jack wasn't a fan of accompanying me to the eye doctor today. He threw such a fit the doctor excused himself from the room so I could tend to Jack's needs. The stumper is...I tried and tried to give him a bottle and he kept fussing. I gave him "the real thing" and he was happy as can be. I already have a picky eater on my hands.

Hey Handsome!

We LOVE leg rolls!

(Please notice the speed of his left hand...Daddy's dreams may come true. Future Left Handed Pitcher)

Shot of Jack - 10 Weeks Old

Jack's reaction to seeing his daddy for the first time today! Welcome home, Dad!

Shot of Jack - First Trip to the Zoo

It was a GORGEOUS day here. Brooke and Molly took us to the Detroit Zoo with their Family Pass. Jack woke up for this picture, but slept the rest of the time. However, I really enjoyed seeing the animals and look forward to more visits this summer!

Zoo Day

Shots of Jack - Happy St. Patty's Day!

I've been waiting over 9 weeks for him to wear this onesie.

The V's

Yesterday Jack and I went to visit my student, Veronica, and her family. They were excited to meet Jack and showed him SO many cool things. He thanked them by pooing - twice - at their house. Where are your manners, child?

Me and my buddy, Veronica. She says she may be available for babysitting in about 8 years. Perfect!

Veronica and her little sister, Violet. Jack thought Violet was funny - he's smiling up at her. She played music for him and showed him some pictures of animals.

Yoga

Jack met up with his "crew" for Mommy & Me yoga.

Jack was surprised by how loudly Myles can cry. He decided he needs to work on his volume.

As you can see, we lost one after the first picture and then that upset Scott. Molly didn't feel like looking at the camera and Jack wondered why he was still hungry. Afterwards, the babies went to sleep and the moms enjoyed some lunch at Noodles & Co.

Shot of Jack

Shot of Jack

This weekend Tyson borrowed a Chevy Camero from GM. They have a program that allows employees to try some of the new vehicles. Of course, Tyson wants a Camero SO badly...and I keep saying that you can't have a baby in a sports car. This was his attempt to prove me wrong.

Happy Jack

Food, Inc.

If you haven't seen it, see it. If you haven't heard of it, google it. Good stuff.

Shot of Jack

Ahhhhh...the life of a 9 week old.

Shot of Jack - Welcome to the Gun Show

Dr. Walls said that Jack is REALLY strong for a baby his age. (Duh.) We work out...like, everyday!

2 month Wellness Check

Today Jack had his 2 month check-up. He is doing great! He weighs 11.10lbs and is 22inches long. His head is 15 inches. So - in comparison with other babies his age - he is in the 50% for weight, 25th for height, and 10% for head size. (he doesn't have a "Becker head") One concern is that he isn't smiling as much as is considered "normal" for a baby his age. The doctor noted that this could be because he has been fussy or perhaps that he is just a serious baby. But regardless - he will have a smiling Mom or Dad staring at him non-stop when he's awake.

Waiting on Dr. Walls.

Waiting on Virginia to come give him his shots. He was so brave! He cried for a second and then fell asleep. Doctor appointments are exhausting for a little man!

Taking Time for ME

I always knew that being a mommy would be challenging. I also knew it would be my biggest accomplishment and the "job" I would love the most. Don't get me wrong, I love teaching and I hope to return to the classroom. But there is something special about being home with your baby. Obviously, like any "job," some days are better than others. You take the good with the bad, one day at a time. In really tough moments I think, "someday I'll miss this" or "I'll laugh at this tomorrow."

While I truly enjoy my new role, I also have to remember that I need time to myself. I can leave Tyson with Jack while I get some quality "me" time. Whether it's quiet time with a book or retail therapy with Brooke (poet, didn't even know it) - I need to take some time to escape my "job."

One thing that has been bothering me is my body. I feel fortunate to have lost almost all of the "baby weight" - but I still feel out of shape. With summer looming and bikini nightmares waking me in cold sweats - I've decided to take action. I bought a workout DVD called the 30 Day Shred and plan to use it - along with some other forms of exercise. I like the DVD because there are three 20 minute workouts...perfect for when Jack is enjoying an afternoon snooze.

I've also re-commited myself to books. Before I was pregnant I read all the time. During my pregnancy I was so tired, if I tried to read, I would just fall asleep. So - I'm vowing 10 in 2010. Yup, 10 books in 2010. Now to avid readers, that may seem weak - but this will be a challenge for me. Right now I am reading Water for Elephants (thanks, Nancy!). I tried to read it one other time, but then I met Edward Cullen and I lost focus.

I have other "me" time activities coming up. My good friend, Kelly, is coming in from Chicago and I plan on enjoying a Girl's Night with her. And this summer my friends from college are planning a Girl's Weekend - which I'm SUPER excited about!

I love my boys - all four of them, human and canine alike...but this girl needs some estrogen in her life.

Gas

I braved Kroger with Jack today. Not for a short little trip, but for an all out, haven't-shopped-for-two-weeks trip. He was an angel. Well...except that he decided to expel some gas in public...and...

Let's just say that I once heard a mother of all boys say that her life was "one big fart joke." I feel like I am destined to follow in those footsteps. Today while we were in Kroger Jack's belly must have started hurting. We were in the bake goods aisle, surrounded by little old ladies and cake mixes. I reached up to grab a tub of frosting when I heard him. It was loud, almost manly...and having two brothers of my own - I know it was one most men would be proud of. I chuckled to myself and then quickly realized that the three other ladies around us must have heard it too. "Jack!!" I said, as I peeked into his seat. One lady looked at me and gave me a half smile. I saw that she didn't believe me...because quite frankly - that kind of noise doesn't seem like it could come out of such a small baby.

Being an ANGEL...

Two weeks worth of groceries and a Jack.

Supporting Aunt Karley

Jack and I would like to show our support for Karley. She is doing a fundraiser for the Alliance for Lupus Research. Her mom, Lori, passed away from this disease in 2008. My grandma - Jack's great-grandmother, Golda Walker, also passed away from Lupus (and other complications) in 2000.

This is something we feel is very important and we support Karley in her efforts! If you have a moment - please check out her site!

http://www.firstgiving.com/karleysasso

In loving memory of Lori Sasso.

Thinking of You

We have some friends that have been going through some difficult times and we want them all to know that we are thinking about them and praying for them.

I had a long day at work and arrived home around 8 to find Jack in this pose. According to Kady he has been "in a mood" all day. As you can imagine a screaming baby can get to you after awhile and I could tell Kady needed a break. UNFORTUNATELY, I had basketball at 8:30 and soon after arriving home I was off again! Not fair to Kady and I promise I tried to get out of the game but I was the 10th player so I didn't have much of a choice.

Jack was still in a similar type mood after basketball which made me feel even worse for Kady. Poor Kady, although what a great Mother. I have some making up to do, leave me some suggestions in the comment section on how I should make it up to her!