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.

Grass Is Always Greener Than Dirt

Its everywhere. I thought it would be gone by now, but its still here leaving its mark all over our shoes, clothes, and my kitchen floor. I look at all my neighbors' yards (enviously I'll admit) with luscious grass, blossoming flowers, and shady trees and see that it really is greener on the other side. But I realize there is a time and season for all things. Right now its our time for dirt. I can't complain too much because although the yard installer works slow, he does it right. "Measure twice, cut once" he always tells me. Sometimes I think he measures three or four times, but at least I know he is doing it right and that we are going to have a beautiful yard to enjoy...one day.

It has been, and continues to be, a long process to meet our end goal of green grass. It has made me grateful for a husband who is not only willing to work, but gets passionate about it- especially given my physical state and inability to work too much right now. Heath has saved us thousands of dollars by going the do-it-yourself route. I may be biased but I think his work has the same quality as the professionals. We've also had help from family and neighbors so far. I truly appreciate being surrounded by such wonderful people.

Project Green Grass began back in May. Given the concrete, clay-like dirt we are surrounded by, we rented a tiller attachment for the bobcat we borrowed from Heath's dad. Heath and Jack went at it, tilling up our entire yard. Jack LOVES riding in the skid-steer with his dad. He spent hours in it with him. One windy day, after helping dad drive the "ta-chor"for nearly an hour, he came out of it caked in dust and dirt with a huge grin on his face. What a boy.

Next came the landscaping and leveling. Because our front yard has a big slope we made two levels and added some big landscape rocks Heath's Uncle John gave us. Thanks John! Many of our wonderful neighbors helped Heath place the rocks. Even with my father-in-law's bobcat, it took a lot of hands! Thanks Mace, Jake, and Richard!!!

It was clear leveling was Heath's favorite task and the one he was a perfectionist about. He told me several times, "We need a flat lawn to practice grounders on Wife!" Pulling a baseball field grate behind the four wheeler did the trick. It brought most of the rocks to the surface and gave us the flattest dirt yard in all of Stansbury. Heath, Jack, and our nephew Landon (who's really more like a brother to Heath) cleared out, what seemed like, endless piles of rocks.

The last few weeks have been devoted to the sprinkling system. Using an online program, I designed the basics of it.  It felt great to contribute somehow to the Project Green Grass.. After some minor tweaks to the plan, we were ready. Trenching, pipe laying, gluing, valve installing, sprinkler head attaching, pipe burying, etc etc... has filled every spare second. Jack catches on to the work thats going on pretty quick and is eager to help. He often followed Heath around the yard with his shovel, pieces of PVC pipe, or a sprinkler head and he quickly became an expert at filling in trenches.  We can almost smell the green grass! After spreading out the huge pile of top soil we have sitting in front of our house the sod laying will begin. Hopefully I'll get to post pictures of the final results by the end of the summer...

Celebrating 3 Years of Marriage in a Natural Wonder

I was in charge of planning our anniversary this year. I wanted to keep our anniversary simple, but memorable without spending a fortune. I was excited to have a relaxing date with my best friend and eternal companion. As with most things in life, the beginning of our date did not go as expected. As hard as I tried to make an effective plan, things- in this case a motorcycle- just got in the way. Its not what I want to remember about our 3rd Anniversary, but because of Heath's giddiness over the machine I need to share a few details...

I picked Heath up from work. After which he informed me we needed to make a short detour to pick up the Enduro bike (Suzuki DR-Z400 E with Proaction suspension, skid plate, brush beaters, Renthal handle bars, and street legal kit to be exact) that he was buying from someone on KSL. Heath's concept of time isn't always accurate and despite my efforts to make him understand we had an appointment we needed to be on time for, the bike was purchased and we were 30 minutes behind schedule. Luckily we recovered from the stressful situation and were still able to enjoy our anniversary date. We quickly dropped the Captain off at my parents' house and we were on our way.

Heath had no idea what I had planned for us until we reached the Midway area. After seeing our swim suits in the back of the car, he guessed it. Snorkeling in the Crater! The Crater is a geothermal spring located in a 55 ft tall lime stone rock in the shaped like a beehive. The water is always between 90-96 degrees and its about 65 feet deep. Its a unique phenomenon!

(I'm not really sure what Heath's face is doing in this pic, but I think he was excited...)

There is a hole at the top of the rock that lets in light and fresh air. To reach the pool we walked through a short tunnel where they provide changing stalls and lockers. 

We had such relaxing experience. The water was clear and a beautiful blue-green color. I was a bit disappointed they required life jackets, but Heath was definitely relieved. My prego body loved feeling close to weightless! We had fun watching the scuba divers below and swimming through the endless bubbles they made. We snorkeled and soaked in the peaceful natural wonder. 

Happy Anniversary Guap! 

I love and appreciate you more today than I did three years ago. Your strengths have blessed our home, allowed us to become more united, helped us overcome some tough trials, and kept us close to our Savior.  

I'm one lucky lady to have you forever. I love you.

Captain Jack's Log : 16 months

We are the lucky parents of a kid who loves life! Some of the many things that make life so great for Jack is watching 'Little House on the Prairie', throwing his diapers away, getting messy and making messes, trying to put socks and shoes on himself and us, opening and closing doors, "driving" the car, running down the driveway, collecting rocks, sweeping floors, chewing on toothbrushes, and lets not forget- throwing balls.

Jack has been busy growing and learning. At 15 months he weighed 24.63 lbs (50th percentile), was 31.75 in tall (67th percentile). Jack enjoys doing most anything, with an exception of coming inside the house after playing outside. There are however a few things that he seems to be innately passionate about. Heath and I didn't do much coaxing in these areas- its just who he is. Our Captain is an...

Animal Lover

Jack loves animals. He is especially fond of cats, dogs, cows, and birds. He is perfectly comfortable sitting it the corral with the cows literally and pretend. When he hears the neighbor's dog bark, his head pops up, eyes widen, and he excitedly says "dow!". If a cat is in sight, he's instantly on the run trying to catch it, with arms stretched out, and repeatedly saying "mow". Slides and play grounds go on hold when a bird is spotted by Jack "wow! teet teet!"

I feel a bit embarrassed to share these stories because they show how much of chicken I am when it comes to dogs. Its clear my son is much more comfortable around animals than I am (But in my defense I've been chased and nipped at too many times while on runs to really love them). A couple of months ago we were on a walk along Village Blvd. All of the sudden a huge dog on the other side of the fence jumped and lean against the fence barking ferociously at us. He must of been standing on something because I could see his entire head and his massive front paws were on top of the fence. I thought he was going to jump over. Terrified, I started running while pushing Jack in the stroller. Jack the Animal Lover's response was, "Oh wow,  wow dow! Dow!" We also encountered another large dog with his owner at the park one day. I took my eyes off the Captain for a brief moment and next thing I know he is running with out stretched arms toward this dog. By the time I reach him he is standing right next to the dog and gets licked all over. The dog was taller than he was, but that didn't seemed to phase him even though I was freaking out. He was just a little shocked that he got licked. The look on his face seemed to say "I didn't know dogs did that!"

Thumb Sucker with a Blanket Obsession

He wouldn't take a binkie or drink from a bottle as a baby- all this kid needed was his right thumb. I've been grateful he is a thumb sucker because we never lose it, Jack can find it himself in the middle of the night, and it has helped him become a pretty good sleeper. Jack would never admit there is a negative side to favorite hobby of thumb sucking, but there is. Calluses upon calluses upon calluses. And lets not forget that every grimy germ Jack has touched usually ends up in his mouth. He doesn't seem to mind an occasional dirt covered thumb, but I sure do. Lastly, weaning seems like it will be much more difficult than if he was in love with binkies. Hopefully the kid decides to give it up himself. 

Now lets talk about Jack's very best friend in the entire universe. Its blue, yellow, and white, soft and cuddly, usually really dirty, and attached to Jack most of the day and all night. You guessed it- his blanket. I have no idea why this blanket became the lucky friend, but I've learned the hard way not to separate the two. Jack's bff often comes to breakfast, lunch, and dinner with him so you can imagine what it looks like after PB&J's. Washing the beloved blanket is tricky. Jack has a major melt down if he sees me put it in the washing machine or hang it out to dry (our dryer is currently not working and it seems the repair man of the house isn't working either...). I also have to time it just right so Jack's precious friend is ready for nap time when he is. If not, there is no nap taking. Period. 

Nudist

(This may contain PG-13 material and is not suited for young children)

Life is really good for the Captain when I let him run around naked. He loves loves loves it. Getting dressed after all the freedom...he doesn't love so much. The pictures really just say it all... and that he has a cute little bum.

Keeper of the Blocks and Expert Hurdle Inspector

Jack tries to be my helper at track practices, but usually ends up getting in the way of the hurdlers. He loves riding in the cart with the blocks, setting up the blocks, and inspecting each hurdle when we are doing drills. Jack's idea of hurdling is going under not over. Giving the kids Hi5's as they do their warm up laps is also one of his jobs. The Captain's favorite thing at practice is calling the runners to the blocks. He caught on to the starting process very quickly. "Runners to your mark....Set...Go" (with a clap to imitate the gun sound). The clap is Jack's specialty and he often confuses the kids because he claps a little too early. We work on Jack's start at practice too. His reaction is a little delayed because he wanst to do the clap part himself. Once he explodes he is a speedster...but just in the 100 inch dash.

Jack finds most everything in life to be so exciting and fun. It is such a blessing because it helps us find joy in the little things. "Wow!" is Jack's signature saying. If something is really cool it gets a double wow. All I can say is that our Captain Jack is a double wow in my book. 

We love you little bug!

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!