21 November 2007

Happy Thanksgiving!

This slide show is my small attempt at expressing gratitude for the many "ordinary" and "EXTRAordinary" miracles that have been part of our lives this year. Much of it has to do with Jacob and the other amazing kids in my life. There is much to be learned from little children!

Thank you for thoughts, prayers, love, and laughs sent our way! I hope you enjoy the miracles in your life!

To listen to the music, click on the picture in the lower left corner, press play, and then click on the "x" to make it smaller. Click on the "x"again, and you will be able to hear the music, see the pictures,and read the captions! Sorry for the complications, but the song is SO worth it!

20 November 2007

Blow out...and it wasn't a tire, although I wish it was

Warning: This entry comes with no images, except perhaps a few mental ones that may be difficult to remove from you mind. Hopefully you can get a good laugh!

So, Jacob and I took a quick trip to Target today to pick up our favorite diaper rash cream: Triple Paste. It seems that every time he gets a tooth he ends up fighting diaper rash as well, so I like to keep some on hand at all times. Little did I know that I was about to encounter a much larger diaper complication than rash!

As we looked for the right section, I noticed a strange smell, but just thought it must be the store. (first mistake) By the time we found the right aisle we had passed a bunch of baby toys and gear, and Jacob was trying to climb out of the stroller to reach all of it. So, I decided to take him out while I got the Triple Paste (second mistake). As soon as I put my arm under his bum I realized we had a major problem on our hands (and everywhere else for that matter). Diarrhea! This is our first case, thank goodness.

So, I went into disaster relief mode. On our quick trip to the bathroom, I picked up a new outfit (for Jacob) from the clearance rack, a pack of wipes (in case the diaper bag didn't have enough), and several empty target bags for the goodies I had to bring home.

After unknowingly leaving my credit card at the register, we made it into the bathroom. My single focus was to get to the changing table, so when I noticed an older woman sitting in a stall with the door wide open I didn't think much of it. All I remember is a pink flower outfit, knee highs, and two wads of toilet paper. However, she didn't seem to be as comfortable with us being there, so she said, "Close my door please." At this point I had Jacob in my arms and quite a mess to deal with. So, I quickly walked to her stall and closed the door. As I walked away I heard her say, "Hold it closed please." (almost my third mistake) I didn't even take the time to explain to her why I would not be holding the door for her. I just looked away, and headed for the changing table.

I used my foot to push the garbage can as close as I could get it, and the clean-up began. Needless to say Jacob was not very happy or comfortable, but we survived. As our friend left the restroom she stopped by the changing table to say, "oh, poor baby!" I thought, "What about poor mommy!"
So Jacob got some new clothes out of the ordeal, and I even got my credit card back.

We spent the rest of the day doing loads of laundry, changing lots of diapers, searching the Internet for good diarrhea diets, calling the pediatrician, and hoping Dad was coming home soon!

All in all, we survived, and as my mom said, "Some days bed time is a bigger relief than others!" He has been asleep for several hours with no "incident", so we are hoping for a calm night. What an adventure! I think we will be staying home tomorrow, just in case.

18 November 2007

You Are Only 1 Once!



HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO JACOB!

We were able to celebrate Jacob's first year of life and our first year as parents with a little beach party! It was a beautiful day with friends and sunshine. (Even a few dolphins played off shore for a little while!) Instead of real cake we opted for a sandcastle with a hidden prize (ie the wiffle balls in his hands), and for a treat...a chocolate shake at Johnny Rockets. Jacob loves any food that is part of the ice cream family.

What an incredible year! Here is a list of a few of our family's firsts!

Jacob-breath, meal, laugh, bath, smile, rolling over, crawling, taking a few steps, and everything in between.
Tiff-gave birth to my first baby, lost 20 pounds in one week!, cried over spilled milk-literally, joined play groups, and became the mom nobody wants to sit next to on the airplane:)

Joey- became a father, changed a diaper, got peed on, and enjoyed family picnics at work.

Thank you for all of your support and love! We are better because of it!

13 November 2007

GO DEVILS!







This weekend's game between ASU and UCLA brought some of Joey's family to visit! It was so much fun to see them. Jacob especially loved having extra attention and love. They gave him his ASU garb for an early birthday present, and I have to say that he was cutest Sun Devil at the game! Since the Sun Devils won by 4 points, we had a lot to celebrate.


It is great to have visitors. (Hint, Hint!)

04 November 2007

While Jacob Was Sleeping...



One of Pepperdine Law School's traditions is the Barrister's Ball (essentially a big party on a yacht). We figured you don't get do something like that everyday, so a friend came over to listen to Jacob sleeping, and we had a hot date on a yacht! It was pretty fun to get all dressed up. We learned a few things about a party on a yacht. #1-You can't get off at 11 p.m. when the tired parent in you starts to think, "Jacob is going to be up at 6 a.m. regardless of when I go to bed!" #2 A party on a yacht is a great idea #3 A 'dry' party on a yacht would be even more fun #4The open air top deck provides an awesome view of the marina and the L.A. sky line #5 Jacob really is going to wake up at 6 a.m. #6 The higher the deck, the farther away from the diesel fumes (so if you ever have the chance to party on a yacht, choose the upper decks)
It was a lot of fun, and we are grateful to our friends for helping us out with the crazy timing!
p.s. Don't worry, the blanket is not suffocating him. It's the camera angle! Jacob is a pretty busy body during the day, but he sure knows how to relax at night! We always love finding his feet up on the bumper when we go in to check on him.