1. Jack is my first. Not in the sense that I'm a mom now because he's my first baby. Hadley was my first.  No, Jack is my first in a different way.  I am learning with him. I am trying new and exciting things. I'm figuring out what works well for him.  And, I'll let you in on a little secret.  I don't do everything right the first time. Or the sixth time. No, I'm definitely a work-in-progress.   Which, much to the chagrin of The Husband, my parents, and my in-laws, tends to make me a little anal particular about things.   One item that has me on my toes lately is television or computer screen viewing around Jack.  Yes. I know. I can hear the questions and comments now...because I've actually heard quite a few of them already.  What difference does it make? He's only 4 1/2 months old. What on earth could be the problem with him watching TV? Why does it matter if he stares at the bright and shiny phone or computer screen?  ...

A week or so ago, my sister mentioned that our town had a pumpkin patch set up.  I've never been to one, and I thought it might be fun to take Jack down there. So, Friday afternoon, Jack and I joined my sister and my niece for a quick trip down to the local pumpkin patch.  Here we are before heading out.  He's never worn those overalls before (and they're almost too small!), but he sure did look cute in them, didn't he?! He's such a little man! And, here are the socks he wore! See the tails? Cute.  Overload. What a fun adventure we had!!   Jack loved looking at all of the pumpkins and decorations.  He did such a good job!  We even posed for a couple of pictures.  It was a gorgeous afternoon!   Jack and I had such a nice time, we're going to try to go back again next week with The Bestie and her girls.  Fingers crossed that the weather keeps up this loveliness!

Today, I'm thankful for the 12 nights prior to last night.  The twelve nights where Jack slept through the night.  The twelve nights where I wasn't jarred from a deep sleep.  The twelve glorious nights of rejuvenating rest.  But.  I'm also thankful for last night.  You see, I got to spend a half hour with my baby in the wee small hours of the morning when all else was still and quiet.  Watching his smiling face as I changed his super wet diaper and very moist pajamas.  Trying to rock him unsuccessfully back to sleep.  Listening to him coo with delight as I held him.  Nursing him to help fill his tummy enough to relax.  Falling back to sleep in my own bed as his coos came softer and further apart over the monitor.  Today, I'm grateful for the nights of sleep AND for the nights with Jack. Because he's only this little once. 

1. Jack almost rolled over yesterday from his belly to his back!  He'd get oh-so-far with that leg hitched up in the air and that shoulder leaned into the floor! But, then he'd get a little frustrated, so I'd help him along. The rest of the day, whenever he had tummy time, we'd practice!  It could happen any day now! 2. I am sooooooo loving the fact that 19 Kids and Counting is on Netflix! They are too precious for words, and they inspire me in many ways. I want to be like Michelle. Kind-spirited, well-spoken, gentle, compassionate, patient, wise with counsel and money.  

Today, I'm thankful my "cat issues" have finally been resolved!  My in-laws graciously offered to take in our male Siamese.  He seems to be adjusting well, and he and their dog are ignoring each other quite nicely! He's even taken over ownership of towels, shoes, and couches just like he did with us :)  My parents allowed us to bring our female tabby here, and she resides in the screen room.  She seems to enjoy it out there, and it's even forced her to be less skittish and more tolerant of strange noises and situations. She's so happy when we are out there visiting with her.  I'm incredibly grateful that my cats are being well taken care of!

1.  I had a dentist appointment this morning. Before today, I hadn't seen a dentist since before The Husband and I got married. Yikes!  Things look ok, but I'll have to start flossing again. Yuck. Now to convince The Husband to make an appointment.  Who knows how long it's been since he's seen one!! 2.  I'm working on updating this blog.  I'd like to create tabs at the top, but I'm not sure what topics to put there. An "About Me" section is already in the works, but I'm still pondering what else to do. Any and all suggestions are welcome :)

  

Today, I'm thankful for help.  I had the worst dizzy spell today. It started when I woke up this morning, and I felt lightheaded/woozy for the rest of the morning and into the afternoon. I spent the majority of the time on the couch while Jack rested or next to him on the floor while he played. Even with my eyes closed, the room still seemed to be spinning.  My mom was a big help. She fixed me a protein-rich lunch, thinking it might be a lack of protein in my diet. She also spent time holding Jack while I took it easy. We sat in the screen room and enjoyed the beautiful weather. Jack listened to the birds chirping and was pretty content. Really, he's a pretty content baby, especially when he's being loved on.  She also washed up all his clothes and diapers for me!  She does that periodically, and it's always a huge help.  The Bestie was a helper, too. She recommended taking some sinus medicine, predicting that my dizziness might be sinus related. I wasn't conges...

1.  The Husband (even though he's working nights and is having to sleep during the day) surprised me with a trip back home to see family and be with our Bible study/small group friends yesterday afternoon and evening. So, instead of sleeping during the day, we drove long hours and hung out with family and friends and ate good food and played with the baby and had Bible study. He then turned right around and went to work last night. Bless that man! He's a good man, and I forget that far more often than I should. I'm so glad to be reminded of that fact. 2.  Jack is a stinker. A cute stinker, but a stinker nonetheless. :) After four or five wonderful nights of him sleeping straight through the night, he's now back to waking anywhere from 4am to 5am.  Crossing fingers and toes this is a short-lived thing; though I've heard countless tales of "4-month curse" haha. Shortened naps and night time wakings and more fussiness attributed to anything from teething to g...

Today, I'm thankful for our realtor. Our condo has been photographed (this morning) and will hopefully go on the market by the end of the day tomorrow. Let me know if you or someone you know is interested :). I'll email you the link! And, just because, here's a couple of shots of my guys from this evening. Poor baby (Jack...not The Husband) is teething and is very uncomfortable but still manages to give us a few grins and coos between gnawing on anything that gets near his gums and doing something akin to slobbering. Honestly, he's been in a super good mood today considering. 

1. Jack is 16 weeks old today! I don't know whether to go by weeks or months when telling people his age. Next week, he'll officially be 4 months old. 4 months!! We can't believe it. I'll do a milestone update for that next Friday. But until then, please enjoy this video of our happy baby. 2.  Our realtor is having her photographer take pictures of the condo this week, so it should be online and ready for potential buyers to view shortly after. Our realtor has been so great--she's the daughter of one of my mom's best friends who's like a sister to her--does that make us related? :)