Shots of Jack

Swimming Jack

There is an awesome, kid friendly pool here. Jack has been swimming twice today. Now he is "people watching".

We Are Here!!

Jack was a good boy on the plane!

Off to Florida...

Running late, as usual!

Shot of Jack

BOO!

Bragging about OnStar

I have to take a second to brag about OnStar. Obviously, it is Tyson's place of employment - but we are also OnStar customers (by choice) and BIG fans. OnStar just released a new app for iPhones, iPads, and Android phones. It enables a customer to see the car's fuel level, oil life, miles, tire pressure, and available phone minutes. It also allows a car owner to lock, unlock, and start their vehicle from ANYWHERE - using the phone. This makes me especially excited, since I love a warm car in the winter and my remote starter didn't always reach far away parking lots! The app also provides the phone number for vehicle assistance and my local Cadillac dealer. I LOVE this!

The app is currently available on select 2011 GM models - however, I read that they are going to try to make it available for older vehicles as well.

Meet Our New Puppy

Tyson and I have a soft spot for puppies. We decided to add to our "pack" and found the most adorable little canine. I think you'll agree - pups don't get any cuter than this.

He's cuddly.

But we have to fix that ear itch problem.

Overall, he's a pretty happy guy.

Amazing! He already learned how to "sit."

Look at that tail wag. Melts my heart.

(I think my friend Carrie will explode with love for this post - as she adores all things soft and of the canine persuasion. Enjoy Mrs. Monforton-Norton.)

Thank you, Grandma Nancy, for the adorable puppy costume!

Very Random Fact

My first year at Barnard I was in Room 1. Last year at Barnard I was in Room 2. I just found out that my room at Bemis is...you guessed it...Room 3.

Let's all hope that I get a full-time job next year in ANY room. But wouldn't be CRAZY if it was in Room 4?!?!?

Sleepy Head

I committed a mother's cardinal sin today - I woke Jack up from a nap - on purpose. We had a meeting with a daycare at 1:15pm and he was still snoozing at 12:45. Luckily we were only a few minutes late AND we found our place!

This daycare is in-home and comes HIGHLY recommended by teachers in Troy Schools. I'm excited that I can put the search behind me and focus on enjoying my last few weeks at home with Jack. Be prepared. I'm about to get sappy.

To the Warsaw Haters:

Forbes Magazine announced "The Best Small Cities to Raise a Family"

My Hometown - Warsaw, IN - ranked #11. (Surprisingly, Columbus, IN was #10!)

(Click the red words to see the story)

Pumpkin Cookies

These are Pumpkin Cookies and they are HIGHLY sought after in my family. My Grandma has been making these cookies for as long as I can remember. When I was younger (pre-college) she would send over a shirt box full of these and we treated them as if they were edible gold. To this day, when a box is brought home - everyone's name (in the household) is put on the outside and you have to put a tally by your name for each cookie you eat. This was the most "fair" way to ensure we didn't embark on WWIII. Sometimes someone would accidentally leave the box out and then the dog (usually Freckles) would get whatever cookies were remaining and we would come home to an empty shirt box and a bloated, yet very happy dog. And the finger pointing would begin.

In college I would get my own box of cookies. This made me VERY happy. If any of my friends were lucky enough to enjoy a Pumpkin Cookie at DePauw - you should consider yourself lucky.

I stopped receiving Pumpkin Cookies when I moved to Cleveland. I think Grandma has an unwritten rule - no Pumpkin Cookies for anyone living more than 50 miles away (or maybe just out of state).

Feeling nostalgic - I decided to make these cookies for a Halloween Party we are throwing on Friday night. I worked on them a long time and only ended up with a dozen. So my hat goes off to my Grandma for all those years of shirt boxes full of Pumpkin Cookies.

Not so fast

Last week I went through Jack's closet and my closet and pulled out our summer clothes. I started to pack them away and pull out the sweaters & pants.

Last night Tyson told me that he has a FOUR day weekend this weekend! Woohoo! My parents are in Florida for a week and a half - so we looked for a cheap flight and found one!

Soooo - we are headed to Florida Saturday - Tuesday (I am praying the teacher I am going to sub for doesn't go into labor). I am SUPER excited for our first visit to the family condo! Jack is excited to dip his toes in the pool...and maybe the ocean - if we are feeling brave.

Shot of Jack

It was Library Day today! Jack, Molly, and Lucas heard two books about cows. Jack decided that he wanted to be front & center - so he crawled away from us to sit right in front of the Librarian. He listened intently and then clapped at the end. Ahhh, the son of a teacher...warms my bookworm-y heart.

Oh no.

Jack is sad to admit that he forgot to wish his Great Aunt Debbie a Happy Birthday yesterday. She turned 39 - just like Grandma Nancy! Aunt Debbie - Jack blows you a kiss from Detroit all the way down to Madison.

Stair Master

Jack decided he was tired of staying on the first floor all day. While I was chatting on the phone with a potential Child Care provider - I looked over to find him on the THIRD stair. I wanted to see his technique, so I followed behind him...all the way to the TOP, when he reached the second floor. He is a very determined little guy.

His "coming back down" technique is seriously lacking, though. He tried the head first route...

Luckily I was there to catch him.

We are family...

Grandma Nancy hosted a brunch for the Becker family on Sunday. It was a great way to see our family while we were in Fort Wayne. Everyone was excited to see Jack "in action."

Jack with his grandparents... He had fun playing with them ALL weekend!

Jack with his Great Aunt Becky and cousin Chloe. Chloe is our future babysitter.

With his Great Aunt Linda.

Great Uncle Jeff and Marie

Jack LOVES his Great Uncle Bill's booming voice. He just stares at him when he talks. He heard Uncle Bill leads the family in a traditional German song at Christmas. He can't wait!

Shot of Jack

We are back from a long weekend in Fort Wayne. The reunion was great! Tyson got to see lots of friends from high school and I met a lot of people. Jack spent lots of time with Grandpa Denny and Grandma Nancy. He had fun and convinced them to let him stay up late... He hasn't seen 11pm in a LOOOONG time! More pictures to come...

Shots of Jack

Sydney stopped by for a "playdate" with Jack yesterday morning! She is walking - which intrigued Jack and I think it made him a tad jealous. He has a new goal - to walk.

Jack: "Seriously, God, why did she get all of the hair?"

Playing with toys.

They enjoyed a "Pounding Party" on the coffee table. Apparently, this is a fun game for babies. They both laughed and laughed.

Happy Birthday to YOU (Grandma Nancy)

Today is Grandma Nancy's 39th Birthday! In honor of her special day, Jack took part in her favorite activity - SHOPPING! We made a trip to the mall, but he wasn't happy about it. He was a grump. I'm not sure if it was the shopping or the fact that everyone called him a girl...because of his leggings. Poor Jack.

Anyway - we hope Grandma Nancy is having a GREAT day! Her day is about to get a little better because Jack is making a trip to her house tonight! We have Tyson's 10 year Reunion on Saturday.

Banana Thief

A word of warning to anyone thinking about sharing a banana with Jack. He will eat 90% of it...and yell at you for more in between bites. He loves them. Which is why the first daycare we looked at was "out" right off the bat...no bananas due to an allergy in the building. Bananas make up 45% of Jack's diet.

A Message about Acceptance

Night Night, Jack

Shots of Jack

A good look at Jack's chompers.

Welcome home, Dad.

The Hunt

I'm on the hunt for good childcare. I don't like it. Jack and I visited a baby "school" today and it was nice. But - it was still a daycare. There were kids crying and throwing things. Kids with snotty noses and coughs. Ugh.

Dear Grandma Nancy & Grandma Shirlee... We have an open position. We pay, but mainly in hugs & kisses from your grandson. Love, Tyson & Kady

Santa? Nope, just Grandma.

Grandma Nancy and Grandpa Denny were in town last night. They were passing through Detroit on their way back from Minneapolis. They left behind plenty of evidence of their visit. And proof that Grandma Nancy spent LOTS of time at the Mall of America.

I think Tyson and I need to find a bigger house before Jack's first Christmas & first birthday.

Clap Your Hands

One More from the Cider Mill

Shot of Jack

Good morning! I've already had breakfast, gone to Starbucks, ripped up newspaper, and gone down for a nap! Off to a good start...

Yates Cider Mill

We enjoyed our Friday afternoon at the Yates Cider Mill in Rochester Hills, MI. Jack and I met some odd looking, extremely hungry goats. Jack thought they resembled his dogs, so he was all about them.

We took the babies on a beautiful scenic walk along a river. That's Lucas, Molly, and Jack.

Then we bought HEAVENLY cider donuts. (Grandma (aka: fellow donut lover)- these donuts are awesome!) I even gave Jack a tiny bite and I saw his eyes light up! It was like he remembered the (hundreds of) donuts consumed during my pregnancy. He basically had a donut IV every weekend for 9 months.
Baby Switch! Christina took Molly and Brooke held Lucas. As you can see, Molly was being naughty. It's not nice to stick your tongue out at friends, Molly.

It was a really great afternoon...and I'm sad that my "days off" are numbered. Tyson has put in a request for more donuts (see it isn't just me) - so a return visit may be in order before I start school.

Hired!

It's official. I'm going back to work. At least for three months. I interviewed today for a first grade maternity leave and I was offered the job on the spot. I thought about waiting to let them know...talking things over with Tyson, etc. But then I realized that if I thought about it too much, I would say no. Because who can look into Jack's big blue eyes and say "I'm going to leave you with someone you don't know." I cried in the interview. (and yes, they still hired me) I am emotional about this...as I know MILLIONS of moms are and have been.

Something clicked during the interview. The principal and the teacher both told me that I had come recommended by not only the principal I worked for, but also the teachers I had worked with. There is something about receiving acknowledgement from your peers...people you trust and admire. I knew that I needed to take advantage of this (rare) opportunity. Teaching jobs in Michigan are almost literally one in a million. I'm hoping this is my last long-term position EVER. I'm hoping this leads to the full time job I have been waiting for...for almost three years.

I hope I can pull myself together. I know Jack will survive daycare and will probably even enjoy playing with other kids all day. I know I'm not a bad mom for going to work. But I might become a bad blogger. Forgive me.

9 month Wellness Visit

Jack had his 9mth Wellness Visit today! He is 18lb 15oz (25%) and 27 3/4 inches long (50%). Tyson is pumped because Jack is still in the 50% for height and he thinks there could be hope for a moderately tall son.

The doctor and I discussed Jack's new (poor) sleeping habits. She offered some suggestions and pieces of advice. She told me not to get frustrated, that this is a "normal stage". She said that a lot of parents struggle with getting their children to sleep all night at 9mths because they have discovered crawling/standing and that's what they want to do. She also mentioned separation anxiety (which Jack has at night) and how that plays into poor sleeping habits.

Then she told me her son has been sleeping through the night since he was a month old. Thanks for that, lady. That makes me feel great. I wanted to say, "Well since this is your FOURTH child and you are a PEDIATRICIAN - I'm not that impressed. It's your job." I didn't say that.

Anyway, I wish I had a great "Shot of Jack," but I don't. Sadly, Virginia wouldn't move away from Jack when he was sitting on the scale and I was trying to snap a picture. She would step away and then dart back at him like he was about to hurtle himself off of the thing. All the while, yelling at me "DID YOU TAKE IT?" "DID YOU TAKE IT?" No, Virginia, every time I try to take it - I get the back of your head.

Oh well.

Better luck at his 12 month appointment - when he really will try to hurtle off the scale.

Dinner Guests

Jack was feeling nostalgic tonight and looked at some picture of his grandparents.

Molly clapped.

And then Jack and Molly enjoyed one of Jack's new toys. Molly practiced standing up. Jack assisted her.

Welcome to the fam...

We are so excited for Tyson's cousin Seth and his wife, Miriam. They welcomed their second child, Eliza Joy Netherland Swihart TODAY! Miss Eliza was 7lbs 14oz and 21 inches long (dang! that is LONG!) We are sure Eliza's big brother Elliot is very proud!

Congrats, Swihart family!

Shots of Jack

My little Pumpkin Head...

A few weeks ago, Brooke and I made Jack & Molly pumpkin onesies. Molly wore hers last week. Jack broke his out today. Fall is in the air and WE LOVE IT!