Captain Jack's Log : 18 months

Keeping up with our 18 month old Captain while being 9 months pregnant has been an exhausting adventure. Although the last couple of months have wiped me out, I wouldn't have wanted it any other way. I'm addicted to this kiddo. Just when I think its impossible to love him any more than I do, I find out there is more to love.

I loved Jack's longer hair, especially when the back got curly or on Sundays when I gave him a handsome part to the side. Heath did not feel the same way and often threatened he was going to buzz it all off when I was gone. When the intense summer heat hit, Heath convinced me it was time... Jack's First Hair Cut.

With Heath's years of experience trimming bulls before cattle shows, I handed over the reigns to him. The clippers didn't bother Jack at all and playing with shaving cream on the mirror was a big hit. My heart ached just a little has I watched big chunks of my baby's brown locks fall onto the counter. 

But the heart aches were soon mended when this handsome kid emerged from the Cattle Trimmer's Barber Shop. So long baby Jack- hello little boy! Jack's hair cut seemed to make him a few years older. My little bug is growing up too fast!!! His reaction was priceless- he looked in the mirror, put his hands on his head, and said "WOW!". So handsome. I'm addicted to Jack's new look. 

Its no secret Jack has always loved balls. I've loved watching him play pass with Heath in our living room, but recently Jack showed me there is more of his athleticism to love. His skills seem to improve every week. Throwing is no longer enough. The Captain is now trying to dribble, shoot, and mimic Heath by throwing a ball against the wall and trying to catch it or laying the ground and throwing it directly above his head and trying to catch it. You can imagine how that last game turns out just by saying we have lots of work to do on catching... Running full speed in the basement while kicking his soccer ball is also a new favorite game and spiral passes with the football aren't uncommon. Of course I can't forget to mention Jack is becoming quite the fearless fish. Lying flat on his back or belly in the tub, kicking, blowing bubbles, and thinking he doesn't need me to hold him in the pool gives me hope I'll be sitting at a few swim meets in the coming years.

While spending 2 hours at the park one Saturday, Jack tried to make a basket for at least 30 mins. Little boy with big ambitions! Heath and I couldn't have been prouder watching him try so hard. I'm addicted to my determined baller. 

From trying to put his socks and shoes on himself to figuring out how to turn on the computer, Jack is busy learning new things everyday- learning new ways to cause trouble or make messes too. He knows we need shoes on to go outside, so when he is tired of being inside he brings me my shoes and tries to put them on my feet and says "mom yide (outside) go".  Jack also loves watching Bob the Builder on the computer and because of this he thinks my macbook pro belongs to him. Jack has developed a new love for trucks, tractors, and motorcycles in the last few months. Sitting on Heath's new dirt bike, the four wheeler, or in the skid steer has been a big thrill. While working with Heath outside one evening, Jack climbed onto the four wheeler like he always does. But when Heath looked up to check on him he was standing on the seat jumping! 

I wish I could record all the fun discoveries the Captain makes, but my journaling can't keep up with how fast this kid learns. I'm addicted to my fast-learning mischief maker.

Soon after Jack hit his 18 month mark, he became a big brother (little bro's post will be coming soon). Prior to this, Heath and I had many talks speculating how Jack would react. Both of us didn't think he would do too well. The Captain has had our full attention for the last year and a half and was not okay with us holding other babies. Trying to prepare Jack for baby brother was fun. Despite Jack's rough and tough personality, he does have a sweet, loving side too. He never let go of a chance to give my prego belly a kiss or hug. While I was sorting through newborn clothes one day, Jack picked up a little onsie and in a sweet voice said "Ooo!". But it was still clear Jack wasn't completely sure what was going on because when we would ask him where little brother was he would happily pull up his own shirt and point to his belly. 

Once again Jack showed me there is more of him to love. He shocked us by completely love having little brother home. Its been two weeks and he hasn't shown any jealousy or resentment of our new addition to the family. He is eager to help get me a baby diaper, give Brock kisses and hugs, and pick out clothes with balls on for him to wear. I'm addicted to Captain Big Bother.

Moments with Captain Jack

Just a week or so ago I went to get Jack after he woke up from his nap. He was happily playing in his crib like he usually does when he wakes up, but the Captain discovered a new game he was proud to show me and I was beyond proud to watch. Jack would stand up on one end of his crib, raise his hands, say "go", and give a quick clap. He then would run to the other end of his crib and grab the railing with a big smile. My little track star-in-training repeated the entire drill several more times. Since then Heath and I have both found him doing the same thing after naps many times. All those afternoons at track practice chasing Jack around while trying to coach hurdles paid off!

Restless Legs, Restless Mind, Restless Heart

Its well past midnight and I can't sleep- just like last night and the night before that and the night before that. Having the privilege to be pregnant also means I get the privilege to have restless leg syndrome the final weeks of my pregnancy. It has kept me up for many nights and therefore caused many migraines. Migraines while being 40 weeks prego are a completely different story we won't get into....Thank goodness for a sweet husband, caring mother, and modern medicine!

Its not good for a woman large with child to have so many hours to think and feel every tiny contraction/braxton hick. Not only are my legs restless, but my mind and heart are as well. Like most expectant mothers during their last few weeks, I can't stop wondering when my little man is going to come. My emotional and mental state is beyond ready for him to get out, but he seems perfectly content where he is-- sounds an awful lot like his big bro. Even though the last week has past by so slowly, I know I need to be patient and soak in the few joys of being pregnant because once he is here time will fly by. Before I know it, he will be running all over the house and yard with his brother, not wanting much to do with his mamma. He will grow up too fast for my liking.

Captain Big Brother has kept me busy throughout this pregnancy. I feel like I haven't had much time to ponder about and get excited for this new little being about to join our family. Thinking back to when we found out we were expecting, I have to admit I was not happy. It was a big surprise and frankly, there were slim chances I should have become pregnant- if you know what I mean...However, with an eternal perspective, I realize Heavenly Father knows what he is doing. It is the right time for this little soul to come to earth and join our family. I also know being a parent is one of the greatest ways our maker molds us into Gods and Goddesses like Himself. Pregnancy is part of that process too. Learning patience, trust in the Lord's timing, and reliance on Him for extra strength have all been lessons I have needed to learn. Maybe if I would learn these things quicker my heart and mind wouldn't be so restless. Who knows about my legs...

Although I'm trying to be patient, I can't wait to meet you, hold you, and kiss you little man! 

We love you already.

Calming A 39 Week Pregnant Woman

I have never done well dealing with stressful situation, especially when the end result is completely out of my hands. Being 37 weeks pregnant and thrown into one of those situations is even worse. Two weeks ago at my check-up it came to the surface that the clinic I go to did not have our insurance information correct. Just after finding out we were pregnant our insurance changed. At one of my first appointments I gave the office our new insurance card, they made a copy of it, and I didn't think any more of it for the next 7 months. Somehow our new information did not get put into their system, but to make matters worse, my doctor doesn't accept our insurance! How did this happen?! I kicked myself for not double checking that my doctor was a provider for our plan. I figured because our new insurance worked with IHC and my doctor did all was well, we were good to go. I also assumed the clinic would let me know if there were any issues. Somehow we both messed up and now being 39 weeks pregnant I still don't know who is going to deliver my baby. To spare you all the details of the many many phone calls I've made to the insurance company, I'll just say we are waiting for them to decide if they will make an exception and consider my doctor to be a provider just for this pregnancy and delivery.

Naturally I was stressed, emotional, and devastated when all of this happened. I really like my doctor and trust in his experience and judgement. He has a solid character and integrity as well, for which I am grateful. Realizing much of this was the clinics fault, he told me he would wave as much of the expenses as he could if the insurance wouldn't cooperate. He also has continued to see me for checkups and did two needed ultrasounds free of charge. Not only am I grateful for an understanding doctor, but for a loving Heavenly Father. After my appointment when the unfortunate news surfaced, I got in my car and completely broke down. All the stressful tears I had held back inside the clinic were freely flowing. Worry about what this could do to us financially overcame me. I said a silent prayer the whole way home and felt a peaceful reassurance everything would work out. Peace and comfort has filled my heart many times over the last two weeks as I've waited for everything to get sorted out. Although waiting to hear from our insurance and waiting for a baby to come is an unpleasant combination, I still feel at peace. Putting my confidence in the Lord by turning to him through prayer has help me deal with the crazy situation. The Atonement is real and infinite- so infinite it can calm an emotional pregnant woman's heart and mind. I'm truly grateful to know I have a Savior, a wise Heavenly Father, and knowledge of the Plan of Happiness.