Peek-a-boo

Yes, I have finally downloaded video captions from the last month or so. I think I downloaded 5 this morning. :-) This one was taken while we were in Florida. Not long before this was shot, Jonas had figured out how to remove things off his face when we were trying to play peek-a-boo.



Photo Sharing - Upload Video - Video Sharing - Share Photos

Video of Olivia, Emma and Jonas

Olivia is just a sweet heart. She loved caring for Jonas while she was visiting with us. She is a gentle little girl. When she talks, you can't help but smile. She has trouble with saying words that start with s and another consonant like st, sk etc...So, Star is tar and sky is ky. Here is her beautiful rendition of Twinkle Twinkle Little Tar.

Photo Sharing - Upload Video - Video Sharing - Share Photos

Emma could always make Jonas laugh, no matter where they were. Here she is doing her favorite thing to make him chuckle.

Photo Sharing - Upload Video - Video Sharing - Share Photos

Friends (and a cute picture of Jonas)

I ate lunch with a friend a couple days ago and we were discussing all the changes that have gone on in my life this past year. Lately I've become very comfortable being at home and staying in my PJ's as long as I please. I have the opportunity to be here for my baby when he needs me and I have the blessings of seeing all of his "firsts." I also help bring in some money so my husband can be home more and not work many side jobs. For those who know me, this is a BIG change. I worked full time for 8 years and was on the go all the time. I am a people person and I love to socialize. When Joe was on the night shift I was out and about, rarely at home. Now, I hardly go anywhere! Its so weird. Part of me enjoys the slowness of life but I miss so many of you and our in- depth friendships. I enjoy blogging and its given me some communication with friends and I love keeping up with other blogs to see what is happening in people's lives. But, not everyone has a blog. I talk on the phone most of the day for my job, so sometimes its hard to pick up the phone to talk to someone I haven't spoken with in a month, knowing I'll be on for awhile. I've been reflecting on all my friendships and want to make it a goal to see you more and especially see those of you whom I've only seen once since Jonas arrived. If the laundry doesn't get done, it doesn't get done. These relationships are more important to me. So, that is my "new year's resolution!" I know many of you mom's can relate.

This is a picture of my boy from da hood. :-) Andrea took this when they were here. The hat just emphasizes those round cheeks! It is my favorite hat, compliments of Grandma Barker.

Zzzz...zzz...zzz...

Yesterday was a dreary day here. I sat at my desk, working, and stared at the rain and coldness outside. I really wanted to crawl back into bed. Since I couldn't I thought of some recent pictures I have taken of baby Jonas sleeping. I love watching him sleep. The first and second pictures were taken while we were in Florida at my grandmother's house. He had just woken up as we were walking down the hall. We saw him peeking over the side of his pack-n-play and had to take a picture.
Believe it or not, Jonas is fast asleep in the last picture. He has started showing signs of the same sleeping patterns his daddy has. Joe often has covers over his head. I don't know how they do it. I'd suffocate!
Jonas had his 6 month check up today. He weighs 16 lbs 1 oz, and is 26 3/4 inches long. He's healthy, no major sickness, no problems. (just some sniffles) We've been blessed. He's come a long way from his 5 lb 2oz, 17 inch birthday. We love you buckeroo!

The Park

On January 1st Andrea and Kris went up to the WILDS for their annual music conference. My mom and I helped watch the girls that week. One evening Joe and I took the kids to the park before dinner. The girls had fun and got some energy out and Jonas was just along for the ride. I snapped these pictures while we were there.

Sweetness

I was just downloading some pictures and had to post this one quickly. Isn't this little guy just too cute?! I'll be blogging more soon. I have some video and more pictures to post. I've been pretty sick the last few days and now Jonas has it. (congestion and some flu like symptoms, Yuck!) Thanks Aunt Andrea and family for passing it along! Just kidding. We could have gotten it from several family members since most of them were sick the last couple weeks.

Grandma Hottle

We are so thankful to have had my grandmother here for the holidays. She is 81 years old and quite the firecracker! :-) She has been widowed for 25 years and has been very independent. She drives, rides a riding lawn mower, keeps a 1200 sq. ft. house clean and tidy, cooks wonderful meals, and I could go on and on. She does more than most 40 year olds. The Lord has blessed her with good health. She is always laughing and always serving. She gives of herself more than most people any of us know. Joe and I had the opportunity to drive her back to her home in Florida this past weekend. We stayed a few nights to visit with her. She cooked my favorite breakfast consisting of eggs, bacon, biscuits and poor man's gravy. Man was it good! No one can make gravy like my grandmother. We sat around and looked at old pictures, my favorite thing to do! And I helped her put some recent pictures in an album. Joe helped fix a tire on her riding lawn mower so it will be ready for the next cut. Jonas was so content and funny while grandma held him. It was very sweet to see her spend time with him. I asked her a lot of questions about raising children, she raised 5. I was amazed at the stories she told and how she did it ALL back in the day with none of the conveniences we have now. (She still has never owned a dishwasher!) She had all of her kids potty trained by 18 months- 2 years, even the boys! She cooked a big breakfast every morning and a large dinner at night. Everyday! How did she do it without Bumbo seats, exersaucers, and bouncy seats? We are so spoiled! I cherish the moments with grandma and I hope we have many more visits to come. I enjoy her advice!