Momma's Strong Boy

Here are some more pictures I took of Jack today. I am just amazed at how strong he is!



Here is some video I took of him today as well. He's just holding himself up... well... until he yawns. :o)

Happy 3 Months Birthday Jack

Yesterday Jack and I went to visit Daddy at his fire station. Here are some pictures from our trip. (He had just woken up, so he's not really lively for the pictures)

Daddy and Jack in front of the ladder truck

Momma and Jack

Today Jack turned 3 months old. I can't remember a time when 3 months have gone by as fast as these past three have. It is truly amazing how fast time as gone by since Jack was born. Jack is continuing to develop and grow every day. He amazes us both with the new things he is learning to do.

What Jack is up to these days:

• Rolling over both back to tummy and tummy to back
• Lifting and holding his head up (see pictures below)
• Waking up with strawberries on his knees from scooting around his crib at night
• Sleeping through the night! WOOHOO!! (he's been doing this for about a month now)
  
• Drooling like crazy
• Reaching and grabbing for objects
• Loving/Focusing on his caterpillar (his toy from Mrs. Kristi)
  
• Talking up a storm (He says "OOOOO" and squeaks a lot)
  
• Smiling like crazy still
• Utilizing small hand tools (input from John)
• Sucking his thumb
  
• Changing a tire (more input from John)
• Eating his burpcloths (he grabs them and puts them in his mouth)
  
• Long division (I love my husband!)
• Loves watching T.V. now that he can see it!
  

He doesn't mind tummy time these days. He would rather be on his tummy, especially to sleep. Anytime we lay him on his back even to change his diaper, he wants to roll over.

Momma's strong boy!

Now... for Jack and his Sock Monkey Pictures!

Momma sneaking kisses! (You can see his caterpillar in this picture. He is focused on it.)

Busy Week

So it has been a very busy week for Jack and me. However it started out very relaxing. Monday morning, Jack and I woke up for his normal feeding time. After eating we had a little bit of playtime. Jack was getting tired again, so I put him down for his first nap of the day. While Jack was sleeping, John and I spent some time together talking about future vacations we wanted to take, etc. I made a point not to get on the computer(even though I had an online staff development to work on and I can't go a day without checking my email), but just give John my attention. It was nice to just relax!

About 10:30/10:45 it was time for Jack to wake up for his next feeding. So I got his bottle ready, woke him up and started feeding him. While holding the bottle with one hand, I decided to check my email on my phone(I hadn't been on the computer at all, so of course I just HAD to check my email!). One of the emails I had was titled, "Question". I opened it up and it was from a co-worker asking what time our training was tomorrow. I thought to myself it's from 8-4, but I didn't know he was going to the Math Solutions training on Tuesday. However, as I look more closely at the email, I notice the email was sent on Sunday evening, which means he was asking about the training on Monday. I'm pretty sure at this point I begin to hyperventilate. I think to myself, the training he is talking about starts NEXT Monday, NOT TODAY!.

So I immediately get up... Jack is still eating... head to the office to find my planner. John is in the office on the computer wondering what in the world I am doing. (I'm sure he can see the panic on my face.) I open my planner and sure enough, right there written in my own handwriting, "Teacher Leadership Academy 8-4 @BC". I really start freaking out!! If you know me, then you know that I am a list maker and a write things down in my planner type person and follow it! I don't forget things like this. I don't show up to events, appointments, trainings, work, etc. late at all! I can't stand to be late! This is an example of a nightmare to me.

Thankfully I have an awesome husband who tells me it is ok. It was an honest mistake and to take my time getting ready. Rushing is not going to help anything. At this point it is 11:00. I am 3 hours late to my training. Of course I get ready as quickly as I can and head to the Berry Center where I get to embarrass myself nad live our my nightmare. I get there and talk to one of the presenters who tells me not to worry about a thing. Lunch was in 40 minutes and I wouldn't have to make up the time I missed. My co-worker could catch me up! I was relieved but still stressed/embarrassed like no other!

Tuesday was another stressful day for me since it was the first time to drop Jack off at his WONDERFUL sitter's house. I was so sad to leave him. John worked Tuesday and Thursday of this week, so Jack spent those two days with Kristi (same person who is going to watch him during the school year). Before I even left the house, I was crying and cried all the way to my training. I missed him so much! But I survived and he had a great time with Kristi and her son Logan. I am truly blessed to have a friend that I trust watch Jack while we work.

Today John and I are both home and are going to soak up this time we have with together! Next week is a full week of work and trainings for me, and John works 3 days next week as well.

Hopefully the nightmares are over with for now!

Oh Jack!

So today John and I decided to take Jack into the sanctuary with us instead of hanging out in the family room for church. It's just not the same watching church on T.V. when you are really there. We were worried the music might be too loud and either wake him up or just flat out scare him, but we were willing to try (or I was anyways). During praise and worship the music scared him at times, but overall he was doing really well. No crying! Just sucking on his paci! :)

However... about 2 minutes into the sermon John hears something coming from Jack and his car seat. He tells me it might have just been gas, but he wasn't for sure. We look at each other like, "What do you think we should do?" Since the lights were dimmed, we couldn't tell by just peeking into his car seat. We both decided it's better to be safe than sorry, so we slip out the back. When we get out in the hallway we can see it wasn't just gas. I thought to myself, "Jack didn't poop yesterday, so this is going to be huge." and... it was! Leaked out of his diaper on his legs and into his car seat! Thank goodness we learned early to have a lap pad down in his seat! (GO US!!)

Anyway... after a quick spot clean so I could carry him, Jack and I made it into the restroom where I got him all cleaned up and changed (of course it was all over his onesie). John and I are getting good at taking his onesies off down his body rather than over his head. Once we were clean, we made it back to the sanctuary with 10 minutes left to go in the sermon. It was an experience, but we made it through!

After church we decided to go and check out the nursery. You know... just in case we decide in the future to leave Jack there. I am excited about the set up there. I just don't know when I'll be ready to leave him there.

On another note here are some random updates.
*My headache has been gone for 2 days now! WOOHOO!!
*Jack is still rolling over like crazy. It was no fluke. He means business!
*Jack is sleeping through the night like nobody's business. We LOVE this! However, he doesn't like to nap during the day even when he's tired.
*I have a 3 day training next week. I'm sad to leave Jack for 3 days. :( I guess I am getting myself ready for when I have to leave him for 5 days straight each week)
*Our yard is STINKIN DRY!!! Come on rain!
*Woodrow LOVES to chew on things! (especially sprinkler heads, his water bowl, and Hope)
*I'm way behind doing laundry. Sorry John and Jack.
*We are selling John's old truck! 2000 Chevrolet Silverado 4X4 1500 Let us know if you or you know someone who is interested.

Headache

So... for the past couple of days I've had a headache. It's not a headache that hurts so bad that I can't do anything. It's more of a headache that just makes me uncomfortable. You know... just enough to annoy me.

I decided to look up headaches on WebMD. There's lots of interesting articles on there as well. I came across a slide show with "Surprising Headache Triggers", so I thought I would share. Jack and John are also taking a nap, so I am a little bored.

Surprising Headache Triggers(adapted from WebMD)

Headache Trigger #1: Your Boss
Anything that boosts your stress level can make you more vulnerable to tension headaches or migraines. Tension headaches are thought to be caused by a heightened sensitivity of nerve pathways in the brain that relay pain.
I'm pretty sure this isn't the reason for my headache. I haven't even seen my boss for months! But wait a minute... am I stressed about anything else? Not really.

Headache Trigger #2: Warm Weather
When the temperature climbs, so does the likelihood of developing a migraine or other severe headache. In one recent study, researchers found a 7.5% increase in headache risk for every 9 degrees Fahrenheit. Low barometric pressure, which often precedes rain, was linked to a small bump in non-migraine headaches.
Well... let's see... I live in Southeast Texas where we have been in triple digits for weeks now and a heat index of around 108. This could be the culprit.

Headache Trigger#3: Strong Scents
Strong smells -- even nice ones -- trigger migraines in many people. The most common culprits are paint, dust, perfume, and certain types of flowers.
I haven't been around any strong scents such as the ones listed above. I believe I can rule this one out.

Headache Trigger#4: Hair Accessories
How you wear your hair can take a toll on your head. A tight ponytail may strain the connective tissue in the scalp, leading to a hairdo headache. Headbands, braids, and tight-fitting hats can create the same effect. If this is the cause of your headache, letting your hair down usually brings fast relief.
I am a ponytail girl! I also like headbands. Let me go ahead and take my hair down now and see if I have this "fast relief"... Nope... pain is still there. Moving on!

Headache Trigger#5: Exercise
Strenuous exercise can lead to exertion headaches. Physical exertion causes blood vessels in the head, neck, and scalp to swell, producing a build-up in pressure. Examples include jogger’s headache.
Hmmm... well since I've had the headache, I haven't worked out. So I can mark this one out.

Headache Trigger#6: Poor Posture
You don’t have to work up a sweat to build pressure in the head and neck muscles. Slouching at your desk will do the job, too. Common forms of poor posture include hunching your shoulders, using a chair with no lower-back support, staring at a monitor that is too low or too high, and cradling a phone between your ear and shoulder. If you have frequent tension headaches, take a good look at your workspace.
While I am not working right now... I do have horrible posture. I hunch my shoulders and I have been holding the phone between my ear and shoulder when holding Jack. But would a headache caused by this last as long as mine has?

Headache Trigger#7: Cheese
One of the most common migraine triggers is aged cheese, including blue cheese, brie, cheddar, feta, mozzarella, parmesan, and Swiss. The culprit is a substance called tyramine, which forms when certain types of protein break down. The longer a food ages, the more tyramine it contains.
NOOOOO... I LOVE cheese! I did have blue cheese on a salad the other day and I LOVE cheddar cheese.

Headache Trigger #8: Red Wine
Tyramine is also found in red wine and some liquors. Because alcohol increases blood flow to the brain, the effects may be even more intense.
This is not it because I have not had any red wine.

Headache Trigger #9: Cold Cuts
Processed meats, such as cold cuts, have two strikes against them. They often contain tyramine, as well as food additives called nitrates or nitrites. These additives appear to increase blood flow to the brain in some people.
This is something I could consider... our lunch meat!

Headache Trigger #10: Skipping Meals
Hunger headaches aren’t always obvious. If you skip a meal, your head could start to ache before you realize you’re hungry. The trouble is a dip in blood sugar.
Negative! This girl likes to eat!

Headache Trigger #11: Smoking
Smoking is known to trigger headaches -- and not just in the person holding the cigarette. Secondhand smoke contains nicotine, which causes blood vessels in the brain to narrow.
I don't smoke and I haven't been around anyone smoking.

Headache Trigger #12: Caffeine
For the headache-prone, caffeine fits firmly into the category of “can’t live with it, can’t live without it.” In moderation, caffeine is often beneficial -- in fact, it’s found in many headache medications.
Well... I gave up caffeine a year and half ago. I had my first cup of coffee about a week ago when we were in Kansas. I have had 2 cups of coffee since then. So a total of 3 cups on three different days. Could that be it?

So here's my plan:

• Continue to drink lots of water
• Cut out processed meats and cheeses
• No more coffee
• Work on my posture ::sitting up straight::
• Stay in the A/C as much as possible :)
• Avoid people with strong perfume/cologne
• Avoid smoke (which I do already)

Hopefully my headaches will GO AWAY!!!

Caught on Tape

EDIT: Kansas trip pictures in post below!

So once again, John and I wake up to find Jack sleeping on his tummy throughout the night. We are still moving him back onto his back and in between the sleep positioner (or wedges as John calls it). Should we keep putting him on his back? Or do we let him sleep on his tummy? WE HAVE NO CLUE!!

Here is the video that I got this morning of Jack rolling over.

Kansas Trip

Last Wednesday, we loaded up the truck and headed to Kendall, Kansas to spend time with family. We knew if we didn't take the time to go this summer, it would be Christmas before we had any time to go up there. We had a great time hanging out with family and experiencing the end of harvest (they mean business up there!!) Jack got to meet(get spoiled by) more of his family! :)

Sorry it will take so long to load the pictures! But I took over 100 pictures and it was hard to pick which ones to share.

Here is Jack while Daddy was trying to change him on the way to Kansas. We stopped at a rest stop to eat our sandwiches. Jack LOVES being outside, so it was the perfect stop!

Pops and Jack just hanging out!

Grandaddy and Jack

Great Grandma Dixie and Jack (Check out that face!)

Krista and Jack (this might have been right before he spit up on her-marking his territory) =)

Jack, Momma, and Daddy went swimming in Aunt Cindy and Uncle Mark's pool.

Seriously... isn't he just the cutest!! Check out his balding head! :)

Gram (Jack's GREAT GREAT Grandmother) and Jack meet for the first time.

5 generations-- Gram, Grandma Dixie, Daddy, me, and Jack

5 generations- The Men-- Ene, Pops, Daddy, John, and Jack

More 5 generation pictures-Ene and Gram, Dixie and Pops, Daddy, me, and Jack

And another 5 generation picture- Ene, Pops, Daddy, me, and Jack

me and Daddy

Scott, Krista, and Jack

Daddy and John =)

Pops and Jack

Jack just hanging out with his Daddy(just before he stained the carpet-Jack NOT Daddy)

Just before we left for home. I HATE goodbyes. :(

This was such a special trip. Not only did we get to experience the farm in a new way, but Jack got to meet family that love him so much! We are truly blessed by our family. We thank God for each and every one of you! We can't wait to see you all again!

Another Developmental Milestone for Jack

So each night when we put Jack down to sleep we get his sleep positioner out and centered in his bed. Then we gently place Jack down between the positioner, so he won't roll over in the middle of the night. Then we cover him up and tuck in his blanket so it doesn't cover his face. However, Jack obviously has a mind of his own.

Here is a picture of what Jack looks like on his back. Here he was just playing in the T.V. room with out his positioner.

Here is Jack after a night alone. He wants NOTHING to do with that sleep positioner OR the middle of his bed.

Here's another shot. Notice where the sleep positioner (blue and yellow) and his covers are. P.S. I tried to rotate this picture, but it wouldn't work. Sorry. :(

The sad part about this is, John and I have not seen Jack roll over. We know he can do it. One of these days we will see him roll over!

Also... be looking for pictures from our recent trip to Kansas!!