My Bovine-Lovers

I may as well admit that Jack inherited the Bovine-Lover gene in his chemical makeup. It is completely obvious, especially since the cows were moved to the Erda pasture less than 5 minutes from our house. We've been over a few times to check on them and both Heath and Jack are clearly in their element as we wander through the field. I may not love the cows like they do, but I love the tranquility found in the fields on the east bench in Erda. Its the closest thing to Kamas in the sage-brushed filled Tooele Valley. Heath and I have dreams of one day building over there.

Jack doesn't have much fear when it comes to the cows. He would walk right up to them if they'd let him. The calves, who I must admit are pretty cute, were so curious about Jack. Our little rancher in-training would walk toward them with his arms stretched out saying "mooof". I had a great time capturing a few of the peaceful moments we had yesterday. I sure do have some handsome bovine-loving boys! 

Pregnancy The Second Time Around

Being pregnant the second time around is much less exciting. With Jack I knew exactly how many weeks and days I was into the pregnancy. I wrote down my blood pressure, current weight, pregnancy weight gain, belly measurement, and Jack's heart rate after every doctor's appointment. And I could have probably told you how many times I felt him move around throughout the day. My first pregnancy felt like it was never going to end, like Jack was never going to get here, but with good reason because he was a week late. The nine months were full of anticipation, excitement and plenty of nerves.

Everything seems to be quite the opposite this time around. I can't keep track of what week I'm on, I don't remember many, if any, of the stats from my last doctor appointment, and it seems like I just found out I was pregnant, not about to start my third trimester. The last 5 months have been a whirlwind for me and before I know it I'm going to have two little munchkins!

That thought, however, does provoke very similar feelings I had during my first pregnancy. I do get excited and wonder- Is he going to look like his big brother? What are we going to name him? Are he and Jack going to be best buds? What's his personality going to be like? I have been excited for this little guy to come, but there's lots of nerves this time around as well- How am I going to handle TWO?? Two under the age of two?!! What if this little guy has as much energy as Jack?! Will the recovery be as rough with this one?

Everyone says its much easier with two. But even if they are wrong, I know its possible. Its possible because of love. When I get tired of feeling the aches and pains of pregnancy and the frustrations and exhaustions of motherhood, Jack reminds me why its worth it. One glimpse of him finding the cat on each page of his favorite book and saying "meow" or doing his signature dance move when he hears music he likes, then I know I can do it. I can handle the sleepless nights, the meltdowns, the ligament and hip pains, the blow outs, the stretch marks, the picky eating, the labor and delivery, the protests, and the postpartum recovery. Its possible and its worth it because of love. I know I'm going to love this little guy just as much as I love Jack. He'll bring with him his own set of special skills to torment and frustrate me, but also an abundance of moments that melt my heart and fill me with indescribable joy.

For the record, and to help me remember...

I am 24 weeks and 3 days

Approx. 15 weeks and 4 days left.

Watching Jack Grow

Just the other night I came into the kitchen to find 13 month old Jack pushing his high chair (it has wheels on the legs) back and forth, along the our hardwood floors. When I watched him closer I realized he had become an expert high chair scooter-riding man! Jack would push it for a couple of steps and then put one of his feet on the horizontal bar that connects the back legs, then give himself a few more pushes with his other foot and then coast! I kept watching just to see if it was a coincidence, but I'm positive it wasn't. He did it 3 more times. This kid continues to impress me.

I'm sure its partly because I'm his mom and am in love with the kid, but Jack does seem to be really coordinated for his age. The distance he can throw a ball, right or left handed, nearly exceeds what I can do. The crazy bug loves to walk around the house kicking a ball too. And I'm definitely happy with his attempts to blow bubbles, kick his legs, and float on his back at the pool. We've got an athlete on our hands. Of course it thrills both of us and causes arguments about whether he's going to play baseball in the spring or run track or play soccer. Maybe he'll fool us both and play the tuba.

I have a feeling the Captain is going to be like his mamma. At least thats clear with his recent shoe fetish. He carries our shoes around the house all the time. He seems to have good taste because he always goes for our Nikes. I find shoes it places I would never expect. One early morning before leaving for work, Heath couldn't find his favorite shoes to wear. Later that morning I found them in Jack's dirty clothes basket covered with clothes. He has also become very proud of his own shoes and finally keeps them on his feet!

Shoe is one of 12 words Jack says with his own slight variation. Dad, Mom, ball, throw, cow, dog, mooo, meow, hot, no, and don't are the rest. I wish he didn't use the last two as much as he does. Our little bug is also very interested in pens and paper. If he can get a hold of one, he tries to hold it with the tips of his fingers and write with it. Soon I'll be saying good bye to my newly painted walls. Jack knows where other people's nose, eyes, lips, and ears are too. We're working on finding his own nose, but he really seems to like to grab everyone else's nose and bite Heath's for some reason.

I love watching my buddy grow and learn! He is full of curiosity, energy, and laughter. I picture him teaching his little bro all the ropes. If only he would eat potatoes, pasta, rice, chicken, hamburger, eggs, vegetables, beans....he would be just about perfect.

Lessons from the Captain : The Peg-Legged Pirate

A week ago Captain Jack decided he wanted to walk the plank...and oh was I feeling stressed for several days afterward. Jack and stairs seem to have a magnetic reaction with one another and my fearless Captain refuses to go down on his belly feet first. In fact, he finds it exhilarating to go head first belly or back. Head first off our bed and couch, head first out of our arms or off our lap, and yes head first down the stairs.

We were visiting my brother-in-law, Trevor, who just had a hip replacement. They don't have a gate by their stairs so I was prepared to watch Jack very close. I must not have been used to how fast my little stink bug was able to walk because I took my eye off him just long enough to set my coat down and then I heard the awful thud followed by piercing cries. Heart racing, I rushed down the half-flight of stairs and scooped him up in my arms. I checkout his head and eyes to make sure there were no serious injuries. Within a minute tears had stopped and Jack was ready to get back to playing. As exhausting as he can be, I hope we don't discover what will slow this tough kid down.

It didn't take long before I noticed Jack wouldn't walk. He tried to stand up a couple of times but would fall right back down. He wasn't putting weight on his left leg. Once we were home Heath and I examined his legs. There was no swelling, no bruising, and our Captain showed no signs he was in pain. He would try to walk but collapse after his first step. I felt awful for not watching him closer or placing a something to block him from the consequences of gravity. I worried he broke or fractured something and would be in a cast. We waited a couple of days just to see if it was just a minor tweak, but Monday came and my little pirate was still gimp. We went to his doctor that afternoon for x-rays.

Our witty stink bug must have known because he decided it was time to walk. Showing off for the doctor, he walked five feet! Heath and I looked like over-worried parents. I just had to laugh! The doctor must have seen right through his charade because she still wanted x-rays just to be safe. The x-rays did show swelling in his knee, but thankful no fractures or breaks! Since then we have seen gradual improvement in our pirate's gate.

This was my first experience of having a more serious casualty with Jack. I've been worried for him before, but this was much more intense. It was one of those times when I realized just how much I love my little guy. I was texting my older sister, who I admire immensely, about what happened and her comment really sums what I felt.

"I've decided if I make it through motherhood without stomach ulcers, heart attacks, and chronic insomnia it will be a miracle. Kids are great at causing stress, worry, and driving you crazy. But they can melt your heart in an instance and teach you more about life than any college degree could. You cant help but love the little buggers!" -Mamma Bec Hatch

Thanks Captain for making us worry, causing us stress, and teaching us what's most important in life. We love you!

Becoming A Better Me

I usually don't write about my birthday, but I had such a great experience I wanted to record it. The last couple of years I noticed I had felt a little sorry for myself on my birthday. If we're honest- Heath isn't very creative. He will admit it too! Planning something fun for me or surprising me isn't how he thinks to show his love. Silly to have a pity party over- I know. This year I was busy with Jack's birthday, planning an extended family party, my church calling, doctor appointments, etc so I hadn't even thought about my birthday. When Heath asked me what I wanted to do, I didn't know what to tell him. I had plans to go to lunch with my mom and sister Jamie, so I decided we should go to the temple since a baby sitter was already on hand.

I love how I feel at the temple. I never want to leave the Celestial room. Heath and I had a wonderful time there. I also had the opportunity to help a sister in a wheel chair get dressed after our session. Long story short, this sister was told someone working at the temple could help her, but turns out they have a policy against it for legal issues and no one was there to help her. By offering to help, I was able to spend time with a spiritual giant! This sister, who was probably in her mid 40's, had a stroke last August. This was her first time back to the temple since. She radiated with the spirit. After I strolled her out to meet her husband, I felt so much love for her.

While driving home I was uncontrollably happy. I began thinking about the day I had and the contrast from previous birthdays that were good, but nothing special. This birthday was special. I had a greater connection with my Savior and caught a glimpse of who I can be with his help. I was in tune to the spirit and was more aware of others than myself. I was filled with love. I felt pure happiness. All of that was a million times better than having a day all about me, being spoiled, or surprised. I hope to make it to the temple every year on my birthday. I can't think of a better way to celebrate the day I was born than to focus on serving others, strive to become more like my Savior, and ultimately become a better me. That's why we came here in the first place isn't it?

Captain Jack's Log : It all starts with bubbles

Just the other night Jack did something that really impressed me and gave me hope that I might find him racing in a swimming pool one day! As a precursor to the story, I try to go swimming with Jack once a week, but it had been nearly a month since we had been to the pool. At the pool I usually show Jack how to blow bubbles and he watches and giggles. During bath time a couple of nights ago, I got his wash rag full of baby shampoo and said to Jack "Look at the bubbles Bud!" He instantly leaned forward and put his mouth in the tub water. Then sat up and gave me a big grin. Wondering if it was just coincidence I said, "Can you blow bubbles?" and he did the exact same thing! Pride filled my heart! I may just have a little fish, despite the fact his dad is a rock in the water.

It amazes me how much babies understand. I never would have thought he would have remembered the word 'bubbles' let only what it means. I love watching Jack learn. It makes me so happy. I can only imagine how happy our Father in Heaven feels when we learn a gospel principal and show him we know what it means by living it. The back float is next little bug!

hApPy BiRtHdAy CaPtAiN!!

Captain Jack, Dad's little bear and Mom's cuddle, stink, or silly bug (depending on the circumstance)- just turned 1! We worry the next time we blink he'll be going into kindergarten! The past year has gone by too fast, but we have enjoyed every moment. Jack has brought us an increased amount of love, joy, and laughter. We love you so much little bug!

We've noticed Jack's little personality develop over the last year. He seems to be a happy, easy-going, fun-loving kiddo. He loves to interact with other people- everywhere! Whether we are at the grocery store, church, or at exercise class Jack knows how to get people's attention and make them smile. What a great quality! I think others will always been drawn to him because of this. My cuddle bug knows how to make me feel better on days when I'm stressed and how to make his dad laugh with his many different grunts and growls. The Captain is good at giving hugs and kisses. It makes us so happy to get a slobbery kiss on our cheek or tiny arms wrapped around our neck. 

Its true he is nearly 100% sweet, but lately Jack has got a bit of an attitude and temper. He seems to know what he wants or doesn't want and has figured out how to protest if it doesn't go his way. Jack is smart and witty too- He likes to play by the gate blocking the stairs, but knows its wrong. When we tell him "No Jack" he simply smiles and crawls away really fast trying not to let us catch him. Then looks back at us and laughs! Jack can say Da-Da-Da, Ma-Ma-Ma, Daw (which is dog), Mooo, and his own versions of ball and throw. He knows where people's nose, lips, eyes, and belly buttons are too. He is such a picky eater. Fruit, bread, yogurt, cereal and snacks are just about the only things he will eat. Balls are still his favorite things to play with. Heath taught him how to play pass and he loves it. Jack likes to brush his teeth and tries to brush his hair with my hair brush. He's got a lot of energy that keeps us on our toes!

For Jack's First Birthday we had a little party. Mom and Dad, Grandma and Grandpa Bleazard, Grandma and Grandpa Lambert, Aunt Jamie and Uncle Keith, Aunt Heidi, cousins Landon, Kalli, Jake, Tanner, Brie, Easton, Mack, Ky, and Jarom, Great-Grandma and Grandpa Gundersen, and Uncle Zach Silva were all at the party. He was a popular kiddo that night. We opened presents and had cake and ice cream. Jack's cousins Jarom and Mack got more excited opening presents than he did. 

Jack's cake was too big of a project for me. I vowed never to do something that time-consuming again. I even simplified and didn't make the football I planned. But once it was finished I was happy with it. Thank goodness for my husband. There would not have been cake with out his help. 

Jack was confused when we set the cake in front of him. I don't think he realized he could eat it. After we cut open the baseball and gave him a nibble of it he dug right in. Scowls of confusion turned into smiles of a kid on a sugar-high. 

Thanks for being such a great kiddo! We LOVE you!!

hApPy BiRtHdAy!

Holidays with Family

We had a wonderful Christmas spent with our families. This last year I've become more and more grateful for Heavenly Father's wisdom in the purpose of the family. I feel incredibly blessed to have the family I do and to have married into a great family. I'm grateful for the privilege of being a mother. Within families we have opportunities to love, teach, give support, forgive- to become more Christlike. 

We spent Friday night before Christmas looking at the lights on Temple Square. How beautiful! The next day we had a fondu dinner at Heath's parents house. It was fun to see Jack with all his cousins. 14 grankids in all, and 16 by the end of July!

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day was spent at my parents' house. All my sisters, except Hermana Lambert, were there. Having my nieces and nephew, Jed, Madi and Emily there made the entire holiday much more magical. Jack wasn't too sure what was going on, so we're counting on next year. 

I was eagerly waiting for the phone to ring all Christmas evening. Hearing Kristi's voice and all her experiences was a great present for us. When she comes back she'll have 3 new nieces or nephews! 

I'm so grateful to know families can be together forever.