Jacob 1st Christmas

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!! Jacob really enjoyed his first Christmas and to top it off....we had a white Christmas. Jonathan and I have never experienced the joy of a white Christmas and it proved not to be so joyful Christmas Eve as we were trying to skate home in "blizzard-like"conditions from Hurst, Texas. Jacob did enjoy a few hours with his Great-grandparents, Mamaw and Papaw Sewell, and his aunts, uncles, and cousins but we had to cut the evening short to try and get home safely. What should have been a 45 minute drive, ended up being a 2 hour prayer session and cell phone conversation with Tutu. BUT GOD IS GOOD! And He send all his angels out to protect us on our journey! Here are some pictures of Jacob with his second cousin, Sidney, Aunt Pat and cousin Skyler.

Christmas Morning came and we delayed plans to go to Tutu and Pop's until the roads cleared...SMART MOVE! Jacob did enjoy opening his presents sent from his Granny and Gramps in Colorado and then rested up for our evening in Duncanville. We are finding that Jacob enjoys playing with the strings on his toys but I'm sure that eventually he will enjoy the actual toy itself.

We had a wonderful first Christmas with Jacob and he was blessed with many new toys, books, and clothes. Check out his new PJs from TuTu. His Mama loves them!

More Turkey Please!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!! We had a very nice Thanksgiving at our house as Jacob scarfed down his own version of turkey and sweet potatoes. However, Jacob was drooling looking at everyone else's plate, taking notes I'm sure for next year! He has 5 teeth now, I was tempted to let him try some traditional Thanksgiving food, but I thought I better not...

Our poor little guy has yet another cold. I'm so frustrated. He hasn't even started daycare yet. Urgh!!! He started getting sick the day before Thanksgiving so I was a little distracted taking care of a sick baby and preparing for our big feast. The details are a little blurred and so are my pictures. strange! Noah and Jennifer enjoyed the tradition of the wish-bone. Maybe next year you will win Noah! I'm pulling for you! So, as soon as the mess from Thanksgiving was cleaned up, Jonathan started to pull out the Christmas decorations. I am so excited to really witness what "Christmas through the eyes of a child" really means. What an adventure we are about to embark upon! I can't wait. I will try and post more pictures of Jacob during this wonderful season so friends and family can see - particularly Gramps and Granny in Colorado. We really wish they were closer to our Jacob so they could enjoy his growth and development. We are very thankful for technology though. Enjoy and MERRY CHRISTMAS!

A Football Halloween - Are you Surprised???

Yes, a fun time was had by all on Halloween. Jacob was our little football player and daddy was the Ref - THE LOUD REF - but I think it fit him well! (By the way, who gave that man a whistle???) Anyway, Jacob enjoyed his costume for a good 20 minutes before the reality of being a 6 month old set in and he puked all over it. Glad I only spent $10.00 on the outfit. I was contemplating this cute astronaut costume that was close to $60.00. This definately worked out better. Isn't he cute!!! Halloween night was enjoyed by all. Noah came up to our church with my brother and sister-n-law as well as Tutu and Pop to enjoy the festive spirit as a family. I think Noah had a ball. The church parking lot was packed with huge bouncy-houses and games and Noah said "This is the best carnival ever!!! And I believe him.

Well, we are getting ready for the big holiday season FAST approching us. Jacob is growing like crazy. He was 18 pounds, 5 ounces at his six month visit. He is starting to scoot backwards on the floor which means he is sorta mobile and I have to watch him even closer now. I'm sure he will be crawling straight for the Christmas Tree when we get it up and decorated. That should make for some interesting photos! Off to feed the little guy. He came down with Croup yesterday morning so he is on steroids and his appetite is quite intense. More pictures at Turkey-Time!

Our Little Pumpkin!

Well, it has been a month! I can't believe that Jacob is almost 6 months old. Where did half a year go? Well, I didn't sleep through it, that's for sure! Anyway-our little guy had grown in ways that just amaze me. I am so blessed to have the opportunity to be his Mom!

Well, I guess the first update is that we made it through our first upper respiratory infection and stomach bug. That stomach bug about put me out of commission - 22 poopies in 5 days. No wonder why I'm just now getting around to updating this blog! But....like I said, we survived and Jacob was such a trooper.

Just before Jacob got sick, we participated in our Church's baby dedication ceremony along with 14 other familes. Of course, wouldn't you know that his schedule put him eating right in the middle of the ceremony. Needless to say he did great and we were able to make it through the whole dedication without even a peep. We had a great time celebrating this with our friends and family who were able to come. For those of you who could not make it, don't worry! We will be getting a DVD of the ceremony which we will be making copies and sharing with all of you.

Ohhhh.....I really wish we had a picture of this, but Jacob cut his first two teeth! It was at the same time as the stomach bug so they were a little hard to enjoy. But we look forward to his giggles so we can get a glimpse of those teeth. He smiles like his Daddy - MOUTH SHUT! So no peeking at those teeth.

And Jacob is getting to be so big, drinking out of a training cup! We still have a lot of work to do, he would much rather me hold the cup up to his mouth for him - which is not my plan at all. So I will keep you up to date on that. We have time (I just have to remind myself daily of this!)

And....Jacob enjoyed his first festive outing of The Holiday Season - The Pumpkin Farm in Celina! We were fortunate enough to tag along with the Winger's to enjoy the farm together with our boys. Jonathan and I had such a great time and we hope Jacob did as well. He seemed to but I don't think Ethan had as much fun as we did. Maybe next year??? It was very cold (well, in the 50s but for me that is cold!) and very muddy. Jonathan fish-tailed coming in and leaving the farm. Who knew??? We are so used to drought conditions here in Texas that when it rains, we just don't know what to do with ourselves. Okay, I will try and update more often than monthly. He has his 6 month check-up on Wednesday so we are looking forward to seeing where our little guy is on the growth charts. Enjoy!

Home Sweet Home!

Well, we are back! We survived Mexico!!! Actually, Jonathan and I had a great time away, but we were sooooooo glad to get back to our Jacob and our other boys. It is truly amazing how this 16-17 pound baby can totally capture your heart, soul, and all of your thoughts. Jonathan and I saw so many babies and young kids at the beach and all we could think about was how we couldn't wait to get our little man out in the sand and watch him explore this world that awaits him. Anyway-a great time was had by all. Our favorite thing was the snorkeling (okay, well sleeping through the night tops up there as well!) We did "The Mayan Adventure Tour" and we were able to snorkel in three different spots. The first was a fresh water sink hole and Jonathan got to jump from a high platform into the "freezing cold" water - I watched! Then we were able to snorkel into a cave (again, freezing cold) but it was a very cool experience. Finally, we had the swim of our lives. We swam from a lagoon to the reef and boy, it was a swim. I was exhausted (I actually threw-up in the water, fun!) but the fish were beautiful and we swam right over a sting ray and right by a turtle. It was too cool. Luckily, I didn't realize we swam past 2-3 baracoodas until after I was out of the water. But after we got back to the resort I was ready to come home. I had experienced a true treat, I was happy, and then I was ready for my Jacob. Too bad I had to wait another 24 hours. BUT-I didn't cry until we were in the airplane and we hovered DFW airport for 45 minutes because of clouds - YES, CLOUDS! They almost sent us to Austin for fuel and I just broke down into tears. Are you kidding me? - I wanted my baby NOW!!! Poor Jonathan had to deal with his pathetic wife totally broken down on the plane while everyone watched. I got a good husband!!!

I want to thank my parents for taking Jacob, Rebel, and Ace while we got away. We are so fortunate that they were willing for such a challenge. My Mother said she was reminded of why young people have babies. So, there ya go - words of wisdom for the day!

Well, I guess we are getting back to reality. We will keep you posted but here is one more pic of Jacob and Rebel with Daddy. They are really becoming buds and it is such a treat to watch! ENJOY!

Catching My Breath!

Okay, well I guess Jacob doesn't really need to catch his breath, but the author and editor of this blog does! I need some serious R&R time and I plan to get it next week in Mexico!!! Yes, Jonathan and I are saying farewell to our boys and off to the beach we go for some time away to be a married couple. This Mommy and Daddy stuff is TOUGH!!!

Well, our Jacob is growing like a weed (a pretty one though!!!). I thank God everyday for Jacob and the blessings he brings! So, I think I lasted about a week on trying not to give him fruits after Dr. G. told me to wait until 6 months of age. Don't yall know that nurses make the worst patients and we follow our own rules???!!! Gramps was kind enough to provide us with the fabulous baby food maker so I have made some apples, peaches, and pears for Jake. He LOVES the apples. We will have to work on the pears and I'm saving peaches for 5 months.....I know you are surprised! But, I must say that I have a good little stock of fresh/frozen baby puree waiting for my baby and I am very thankful for Papa Ken's contribution to his healthy nutritional start!

Other than that....Jonathan and I have just been busy working and watching our boys. Here's a few pictures of Jacob and the boxers waiting for Mommy and Daddy to get ready to go to church. Don't you wish you had their lives? I do! Okay, more after Mexico....

No question about it.....I'M A BIG BOY!!!

Well, our Jacob went to his Pediatrician today for his 4 month check up and Dr. G. said, "Well, what a big boy we have turned into!!!" (Am I supposed to take offense, because, I think I did as his Mama.) I know most parents love chunky babies but if anyone has paid any sort of attention, Jonathan and I have both battled our weights our entire lives and that is one battle I don't want for my Jacob. His weight definately has doubled - 15 pounds, 8.5 ounces. Let me just say....Jacob had just downed a 6 oz bottle with 2 tablespoons of rice cereal right before I put him on the scale, so I would think he weighs more like 15 pounds, 3-4 oz but I guess we can fight over ounces later. His weight was in the 75-80% and his head and height are in the 75-90% at 25.2 inches and 16.8 inches. So, this is our story. JACOB IS GROWING! But in all honesty, he got a great report, very healthy kiddo and that is what every parent wishes and prays for. Now-if I can only wait until 6 months to feed this big boy some fruits and veggies....I'm not so confident. Guess we will take it a feeding at a time...

More Cereal Please!

Well, if you are going to break rules, you might as well break 'em BIG! My Jacob has progressed to eating his cereal out of a bowl. And he LOVES his cereal!!! Who needs a bottle when you got a spoon and a bowl? And who cares that I'm not supposed to be feeding him anything but formula until 4 months? They can come live in my house and then we'll talk!

The past few weeks have been quite busy for us. We survived Jonathan's first week out as he traveled to the middle of nowhere Arkansas. My parents were such a great help! We are so thankful for their kindness and letting us barge in on their lives for a week. But we had fun-Jacob did a lot of growing and had lots of fun with his new friends - the little dogs. Nice not to have canines towering over him for a change.

Well, and of course I have to include pics of our other boys....they are adjusting to Jacob just fine. They pretty much ignore him during the day, but they are so excited to see him every morning. It is a struggle keeping them off of Jacob's blankets. They are soft and smell so good - I would want to cuddle up on them too!

Go Rebels Go!

Are you ready for some football? Or is Mom ready for football season? I promise you , the answer is NO!!! I can only imagine Jonathan turning my sweet baby boy into a loud, obnoxious, throwing-fits-at-the-TV-for-no-reason fan, just like his Daddy but I guess I better start getting used to it...it is bound to happen. But look at the two of them....Aren't they too cute???

So, Jacob had this three month pictures today and reached a major developmental milestone....

HE FLIPPED OVER, THREE TIMES!!! Josh Cobbs, our very patient photographer was working with Jacob and I told him that he doesn't really like being on his belly....so he just kept flipping over from his belly to his back. It was so exciting for me and probably super-frustrating for Josh, but I think he got some really great pictures and Mommy got her developmental milestone that she had been waiting for. You go Jacob!!!

My New Toy!!!!

Well since I have been able to hold my head up so well lately, Mommy and Daddy decided it was time for me to try out my big boy toy. I'm still trying to touch the bottom and turn myself around in it, but it was still lots of fun. I'm not sure who likes watching the singing frog more, me or the puppies. I think this thing has wheels too so watch out once I'm mobile!!!

My Granny and Gramps bought me this toy when I was only two weeks old so I haven't been able to play with until now. We all got a laugh out of watching my Daddy try and put it together because it came in like a million pieces. My Granny and Gramps live in Colorado, I put a picture of them with me from when they came to visit me in April, (and Mommy and Daddy). They told me it snows a lot where they live so I can't wait to go there and make a snowman once I learn to walk of course. Daddy says that he LOVES THE COLD WEATHER AND ALL THE WHITE STUFF THAT COMES WITH IT!!! You think he is kidding????

Well I see Mommy coming with my bottle so you know what that means - IT'S CHOW TIME!!!!

IT'S PLAYTIME!!!

Well, Jacob is officially 3 months old now. He was 13 weeks on the 13th of this month-as his TuTu turned 65! What a celebration we had for her! Her family, including her grandsons, Noah and Jacob, surprised her at church last Saturday night to celebrate her birthday and her retirement. Too bad I was too busy to capture any of it in pictures. I'll work on it. I did get a picture of the cake. It was DELICIOUS!

So on with news on Jacob's development. The little man just keeps growing and getting stronger by the day. He had his first serving of rice cereal last night (07/13) and loved it - PLUS, he slept through the night. Mama was so excited and proud of her little man and so very thankful for Gerber rice cereal for a full night's sleep!

And....Jacob tolerated a full 10 minutes of tummy-time. This is a huge accomplishment. Jacob absolutely HATES being on his stomach but his pediatrician wants him to have at least 15 minutes a day of "tummy time". This has been quite challenging but today - he had so much fun playing with his gigantic catapillar and looking at the dogs. Jonathan and I are really enjoying watching our little man get bigger and bigger everyday. Grow on Jacob!!!

Happy Independence Day!

Happy Independence Day!!!! We had a great but FULL 4th of July weekend here in the Black household. Jacob enjoyed lots of love and attention from his family and friends and his first dip in the pool! Jonathan worked his tail off to have Friday off, but I think he worked even harder grilling up sausage, hot dogs, venison sausage, and steak for my side of the family. IT WAS SO HOT (104-106 degrees) but a fun time was had by all. (TuTu loving her Grandsons, Noah and Jacob!)

Then on Saturday, Jonathan and I went to visit The Sewell's. Jacob is so lucky to have his Great Grandparents around watching him grow and develop. It was a treat to see everyone and visit. But again - it was HOT!!!!

And then finally it was pool-time. Jacob's had his first dip in the pool with his good pal, Ethan. Mr. Ethan totally enjoyed himself just splish-splashing away, but Jacob....not so much. The water was a bit cold and Vanessa and I thought that the boys would enjoy the cold water but not my son. He was used to his warm bath water. Oh well, live and learn and wait for the water to get warm before putting your baby in it!

All in all it was a great first fourth weekend for the Black family, who knows maybe next year we'll get to see some fireworks... :-)