Wednesday, January 15, 2014

The Captain is Two! Wahoo!

Jack  (noun) : 1. a two year old boy with chubby cheeks, light brown hair, and big blue eyes.  /  2. a male toddler with a muscular physique; broad chest, long torso, pop belly, highly coordinated arms, and fast moving legs.  /  3. a child who weighs 30 lbs 1 oz and is 34.75 inches tall, with a head circumference of 49.5 cm.


Jack (verb) : 1. to canter in every possible direction with endless amounts of energy.  /  2. to show fervent concentration toward any object with a spherical appearance.  /  3. to exhibit a great deal of animation and thrill for everything life has to offer.  /  4. to captivate, charm, or spread joy to others. 


Jack  (adjective) : 1. possessing energy, especially in abundance.  /  2. showing great joy or triumph.  /  3. possessing wit in speech or expression; amusingly clever.  /  4. eager to learn, inquisitive. 


Those definitions only begin to describe The Captain. Over the course of Jack's two years of life, we're learning there's a lot packed inside that little body. He has a lot of personality and heart. There have been countless awe-filled moments with Jack that make me wonder what kind of spirit he was in the pre-existance and who he is going to become. This I know for sure- He will have a ball at his feet or in his hands as much as possible and he will try to share his happiness with others by making them smile and laugh. He already does those things so innately.

jabber box:
The Captains expressions are getting funnier by the day. I love listening to this kid jabber. Its starting to make sense too. Here's some of my favorite things he says...
  • Cool
  • Oh o-tay
  • Oh tute (cute)
  • Hear choo choo? (we can often hear the trains passing by the mountains)
  • Not draw table...paper.
  • Mamma, hold you (he means "hold me")
  • Up we go!
  • Jack, Daddy Bball shoot? (shoot hoops)
  • Chauk-At milk, books? 
  • What da matter Bawk (Brock)?
  • Ewww. Bawk puk!
  • Where Bawk?
  • More cer-al (cereal) Mamma/Daddy peese (please).
  • Mamma, out peese! (out of his high chair).
In the last several weeks we've noticed how much Jack is learning as he listens to us. He says a lot of things with the same tone of voice as we do. Here just two recent examples...

Jack was in the tub and wanted his daddy to come watch him do something. He yelled, "Daddy!" and again "Daddy!". With no response, he then yelled "Heats!!" (Heath). I could not stop from laughing. This was the first time, but not the last, he called his dad Heath. Its not too hard to guess who he's heard saying that. 

After finally getting Brock down for a nap it was time for some Jack play time. Jack told me he wanted to "socca ball"- this is when we kick the soccer ball in the kitchen to each other. He absolutely loves it when we play any game with a ball. I accidentally kicked it into the laundry room. While chasing it down, Jack said, "Good shoot mamma!"

big helper:
Not only is the Captain learning how to talk, but he's learning how to be a helper. He loves to help me load and unload the dish washer. He will be very focused on playing or watching a cartoon, but when I say "Jack can you come help me with dishes?", he usually jumps right up and says "Oh o-tay."
He also likes to clean up his toys before bed, put his clothes in his closet, help me cook and mop, and get out a diaper. binkie, or blanket for Brock. Through the summer and fall Jack loved to "help" his dad move sprinkler lines at the field. Heath told me Jack would often cover up the end of the pipe and laugh so he couldn't get the next line connected. There were major melt downs if Heath went without him. We've had plenty of not-so-helpful two year old moments too... I just hope his helpful attitude will last!





smartie pants:
I LOVE watching my Jackie learn and he loves learning. He is figuring out how to put his pants and shirts on by himself. He knows how to count to 2 and repeats it over and over thinking he is counting higher than 2 (1, 2, 1, 2, 1, 2...). He also knows the colors blue, green, yellow, orange, red, pink, and black, the letters A, B, and J, and the names and sounds of most animals.



silly billy:
Jack does some silly things on a daily basis. From walking out of our room with one of my sports bras around his neck to making the strange noises and goofy faces just to laugh at himself or insisting on wearing a hat and diaper all day, this kid keeps our house upbeat and fun. Describing his silly moments would not do them justice, so I'm not even going to try. My favorite thing about his silliness is that it reminds me to just enjoy life. Its impossible for me to not enjoy life with the Captain by my side!






cool big bro:
Jack is an awesome big brother. He takes so much interest in Brock and often shows concern for his little bud. When Brock cries or fusses, Jack sweetly asks, "what da matter Bawk?" or says, "it o-tay Bawk". When the Brockster is napping, its not uncommon for Jack to ask me where he is multiple times. Once he's awake, Jack gets really excited and runs into his room to tell him hi. Jack is becoming quite the teacher and tries to show Brock how to shoot and catch. Brock adores Jack; he watches him constantly and smiles and laughs when he gets any attention from his cool big bro. 



We love this kid! 

hApPy BiRtHdAy jAcK!!!

Sunday, December 29, 2013

Brock the Tiger's Tale : 5 Months


Brock's personality is really starting to show. He smiles easily, but don't be fooled he cries just as easily. Overall our Tiger is a happy kiddo, as long as things go just how he likes it. If I had to use one word to describe him it would be PARTICULAR.  He has opinions about how he is held, the toy he plays with, how he is put to sleep, what side of mom he eats from, etc... All of these seem to change based on Brock's mood. This has been a completely new mom-experience for me because Jack was just the opposite- - carefree.  I've noticed this in Brockster for the last few months, but feel like I'm just starting to figure this kid out. Even though his pickiness is frustrating at times, one look at his adorable smile and I find myself being able to enjoy it. 

fAvOriTe WaYs tO bE HeLd:
upright facing in or out
standing on your lap
least favorite ways to be held:
cradled in your arms
laying down

fAvOriTe tHiNgS tO pLaY wItH:

wipes package
panda bear
mom & dad's hands
his toes
green frog
elephant rattle
anything Jack plays with


LaTeSt SkiLls:

spitting
sticking out his tongue
rolling across the room
pivoting in a circle
sitting up with help


Love You Brockie-Boom-A-Lockie!

Friday, December 27, 2013

2013 Christmas Letter


To All Our Wonderful Family & Friends,
Though we may not see you often, you are definitely not forgotten. We hope to stay in touch for we love you very much. We’ll fill you in on the latest here, and hope you hold our memories together dear.

2013’s Recipe of the Year:
Makes One Big Batch of Bleazards
1 Cup of Crazy:     
                            Our Captain Jack started walking the day before his first birthday in January and hasn’t stopped since. I like to say he has two speeds- Run and Nap. If he’s not napping, he’s running, usually with a ball in his hands or at his feet. He talks about as much as he runs. Jack knows most of his colors, likes to help me cook, and still says “hi” to everyone we pass in the grocery store. He absolutely loves Brock and is anxious for his little bro to learn how to play catch, and for Brock’s safety I am too! On good days, Jack even likes to help clean up after tearing the house apart.    
2 Tbls of Dimples:    

 Brock Kerry Bleazard joined our family on July 15. He weighed 8 lbs 1 oz and was 22 in long. Our hearts are full of love for our boys! With a kissable dimple, his smile is contagious. Be careful if he gets ahold of your finger or hair, you might not get it back. He eagerly watches his big bro play and in effort to catch up to Jack, he started rolling over at 2 ½ months. My hopes of having a calm kiddo may not come true. He prefers to be held all day long, is close to sitting up, likes to jump on our lap, and thinks its funny to grab our faces. Brockster is now 5 months old and growing like a weed. He’s one tall baby.


3 tsp of Marriage:
                         Heath and I celebrated our 3rd Anniversary in May. I surprised him by taking him to the Crater in Midway, where we snorkeled and soaked in the warm natural geothermal pool. In August, we received a tender mercy when Heath got a job at Stansbury HS. This cut his commute from 80 minutes a day to 5 minutes! Most days I get him home for a lunch date too! We spent a lot of the summer working on our yard (that is, Heath worked and my pregnant self gave orders). We placed 20 large landscaping rocks and finished our sprinkling system. Heath still helps his dad with their herd of Angus cattle and I am feeling adjusted to having two kids under the age of 2. They keep me busy!
4 Gallons of            
Simple Moments:           “We build deep and loving family relationships by dong simple things together… In family relationships love is really spelled T-I-M-E, time. Taking time for each other is the key for harmony at home.”
-Dieter F. Uchtdorf
                                               Whether its watching Heath and his “helper” Jack move sprinkler lines at the field, reading books with my kiddos before bed, or competing for a backrub in a quick card game with Heath, the time I’ve taken to simply enjoy being with my three handsome boys are the moments that mean the most to me this past year. Keeping the Savior at the center of our Christmas will help us remember what is truly important in this life. We hope you have a Merry Christmas!

                                            Combine all ingredients and mix well.
                                  Bake with Love @ 425°  
                                    Love,
                                   The Bleazard’s 






Monday, December 23, 2013

Simple Moments : Driving Out of the Smog

On Tuesday last week, I drove up to Kamas for a much needed hair cut and coloring and to do some videography. We had an awful inversion in our area and it was even worse in Salt Lake- gray, yucky sky for far too long. As I reached the Jordanelle lookout point, before decsending into my much loved Kamas valley, the crisp blue sky was breath-taking. It was clean! I could see as far as my eyes would let me. I hadn't realized how awful the air around us had been until I was out of it. The contrast made me appreciate the beauty around us, especially when we can see it!


Saturday, December 14, 2013

Simple Moments : Jack the Protector

This is my latest edition to our blog : Simple Moments.

Each week I'm going to try to share a short post about a simple moment I experienced in the past week.  Lately I've recognized that the more I take time to enjoy these little things, the happier I am and the easier it is for me to deal with stress and frustration. 

How could this sight not bring a smile to my face? A few days ago I set Brock on the couch and pulled out the vacuum. Before I even had it plugged in Jack was racing to higher ground. I started vacuuming and looked up to check on Brock, but realized there was no need- His big bro was there to protect him from the scary vacuum. Luckily I was able to snap a quick picture. I get the feeling these two have been friends for a lot longer than 5 months. Love these brothers. I'm one lucky mamma!


Monday, November 25, 2013

A Toy Story Halloween

I really lack creativity when it comes to Halloween dress-up ideas. Luckily I have a husband who is surprisingly creative in this department (and in writing poems, but now's not the time to share one of his poetic masterpieces). We've pulled off some great costumes in years past, thanks to him. This year Heath's ideas came from his favorite thrilling multimedia production Toy Story. It may not be the most unique family costume theme, but we look legit and oh so cute together. 

(This is meant to be a picture my friend took of all if us at our ward party...I'm waiting for her to email it to me)

I was most proud of my ability to copy someone else's diy Buzz Lightyear costume off the internet. Special thanks to the mommy blogger's I don't know, who share their crafty abilities. Jack thought he was pretty cool when we got him all buzzed-out. I told Jack Halloween is the only time its okay to wear girl's tights. I wish I would have taken pictures before all our fun happened; Buzz's gadgets started falling off after trick-or-treating, especially on his boots.

 

That didn't matter to Jack. He loved every minute running around like a space ranger. Toy Story has been a big hit since then. He asks to watch Buzz every day.


Brock was the cutest Mr. Potato Head I've ever seen. He did scream when we put in his outfit, but he calmed down as soon as he realized he got to be held all night.



Jack thought trick-or-treating was the greatest thing in the world. It wasn't just because of the candy either. He got so excited seeing all the other kids walking up and down the sidewalks. Buzz gave everyone a friendly "Hi!" It didn't take long for Jack to figure out what this holiday is all about- knock on a door, say "Boo", and you get candy! He did get confused at most houses and gave them a piece of candy from his bucket and then took a new one out of theirs. So generous.



hApPy HaLLoWeEn!!!




Brock the Tiger's Tale : Confessions of a 4 Month Old

I may as well just admit it because its pretty obvious- I am one cute kid. Grandpa Kerry, who I got my middle name from, calls me Grinner. I guess it must be from the big smiles I give him when he makes goofy faces at me. My mom does say I have a great smile- something about having a thing called a dimple on my left cheek. It makes the ladies ooo and awe over me. 


Thinking of all that attention reminds me of something else I probably should admit. I love attention. I cry and throw a little tantrum when I'm not getting any, but don't worry because once I'm picked up, talked to, or have a finger to hold my life is wonderful again. My mom says I only get away with it because of that dimple thing. Man, I'm I glad I have that- whatever it is. I love attention so much that I can't stand sleeping longer than 30 minutes. I know it irritates my mom, but she and my big bro are so cool I just want to be around them all day long. 

Here's another cofession- I'm glad I have big hands and feet because one day I want to be a fast swimmer like my mommy. My height should help with that too. I'm 27 inches long. That's puts me in the 95th percentile for height.  I'm also in the 52nd percentile for my weight. I stay slim by rolling over and kicking my legs all day long. I don't like holding still or laying on my back. I also work on my swimming skills in the tub by kicking so hard I make myself slide off the bath chair. I sure scared my mom! But what she doesn't realize is I'm craving to be let free and swim like the little fish I am!

I've got to get one more thing off my chest. My parents do the strangest things. If they knew what the looked or sounded like they probably wouldn't do it. Sometimes I get the feeling like they act that way for me, so I indulge them by giving them the most adorable giggle I can muster, hoping it will make them stop being so embarrassing. For some reason it only encourages them and things usually escalate. Next thing I know I'm laughing so hard I start snorting! Geez, the things I do for them.


Yep, life as a 4 month old is exciting, especially when you consider the fact that at any moment Jack could hurl a ball in my direction. I'm getting pretty good at headers. I'm pretty lucky that my cool big bro wants to play with me. Watching him never gets old. Well I've got to go...my mom isn't holding my hand anymore, so its time to let her have it and then treat her to a smile and giggle. 

Tuesday, November 5, 2013

Moments with Captain Jack : The Lactating Parrot

On Sunday I noticed one of my breasts was very tender. Within a few hours I was achy all over. I instantly knew what it was, mastitis. Ugh. It is still completely miserable the third time around. Luckily I have a loving husband and two cute boys to keep me smiling through it all.

My big little boy didn't just keep me smiling, but laughing too. I had been pumping quite a bit throughout the day to try to keep rid of plugged milk duct I had. Later that night while I was resting on my bed, I heard Heath out in the living room say to Jack, "Oh bud, that's not for you! Its mommy's." He soon came into our room and told me Jack was trying to lactate. Our Captain was holding the breast pump right up to his chest and looking down to see if anything was coming out! Got to love him. Thanks for the laugh Captain Parrot!