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Sunday, June 24, 2012

Busy, Busy bees...

Just LOOK at THIS precious face!!!

this smile warms my heart :)

he's Flirty McFlirterson - LOVES pretty girls :)


too cool for school!


the sweetest smile in the whole world - and yes, sadly, he IS indeed losing his hair :(

We've been up to a lot lately and it's because of several reasons: Papaw's 60th birthday & Redneck Weekend, Daddy's first Father's Day, Uncle Roo finally being in from China for an extended visit, and the Banker family being out of the country.
we've been such busy bees, our little froggy here is worn out!

...aaaand, apparently someone has found his fingers again
we have a thumb/ finger sucker....ahhhh!


Banker Family Travels and Uncle Roo's visit...
I hadn't shared on here that Jackbaby's Nanny, Poppy, and Prissy were on a cruise through the Caribbean to Mexico, Honduras, Belize, etc. because well, that was my ENTIRE family!  What if something had happened to them, or what if the wrong person stumbled across my post and knowing my whole fam was gone, took it upon him/herself to pay a little uninvited visit to the house with malicious and vindictive motives?!?  Scary!  Now that they're safely home, I can inform you that Jack and I had the task of house/ flower/ pool sitting- so each day, we'd head over to the Banker residence and he'd nap while I tended to all of the flowers around the pool, yard, and house and I'd also do various pool and house chores.  They were gone almost 2 weeks and to say my heart was heavy with feelings of anxiety, sadness, longing, and concern is a significant understatement!  I haven't been that long without them...well, ever!  And all of them at the same time (Shawnee was at his Dad's during their trip too).  Also, they were on this cruise with someone I have been missing more than anything and absolutely DYING to see...my BIG BUB, ZACH!!!!  He and his wife, Amanda, have been living in China for over a year and we haven't seen them in almost 2.  I just couldn't wait for him to FINALLY meet his new nephew and the same for Jack meeting his Uncle Roo (when Cathryn was little, she could not say, "Zach-a-roo" as we call him) so that was adding to my anxiety about their safe return too.  Well, they returned safely (all praise be to God!), had a GREAT time on their trip and our reunion was awesome!  Uncle Roo and Baby Jack finally met and they are already crazy about each other!  While the weather did not cooperate for a "family pool day" (my very most favorite thing ever), we still had a great Father's Day spending time with family at the Banker house and BigBob (Poppy) got him fancy some new TOMS from his Lil' Bob :)
As expected, Jackbaby is already crazy about his Uncle Roo

Jack's Father's Day get-up

Father's Day...
On the note of Father's Day, I think (well, I know) B had a great one...he sure got a fantastic gift if I do say so myself...and toot my own horn while I'm at it :)  For B's bachelor party, he and his guys stayed at a house in Wrigleyville in Chicago as B is a DIE-HARD & crazy Cubs fanatic, but he hasn't actually been in to Wrigley field since he was a kid.  Thus, Jack got his Daddy FRONT ROW behind HOME-PLATE TICKETS to the Cubs vs. Cardinals game in September!!!  We are flying to Chicago for a long weekend in one of B's favorite cities!!!  He was absolutely PUMPED!  Also, if you know me, you know I HATE suspense...so if I know I'm getting a present, I have to know what it is.  The same can be said about me GIVING a present too...I get so excited when I know the person is going to love it that I have to give it to that person immediately.  Thus, I ordered the Cubs tickets 9 days before Father's Day and that is when B got them.  Hahaha!  He also got four Polo Classic Knits (in colors he actually does not have), blue gingham Polo shorts, four Polo t-shirts (his favorite!  And in colors he actually does not have either), and a new Cubs t-shirt that he's been talking about getting forever.  
we had a photo shoot for Daddy!

I love, love, loooooooooove this picture!!!
3 generations of Thomas males!

Jack, Daddy, and Papaw on Father's Day 2012

Jackbaby lookin' too cute on Father's Day at Nanny and BigBob's



Papaw's 60th/ Redneck Weekend...
B's Dad (Jack's Papaw) turned 60 on Friday, June 15th.  They were already coming in town for the annual Redneck Weekend with the Blanks, Stones, Morels, and Thomases so it just made it even better.  Redneck Weekend is an annual event where the families listed above get together (they are very old friends, going waaaaaay back) and drink beer, play cornhole, swim, eat, and just act crazy (well, redneck!) together.  It. is. a. blast!  B's family all stay with us, so before they all got here, I decorated our house in 60th bday celebratory get-up.  I also made pon buttons that said, "Dan-o is 6-0" for everyone to wear on Saturday while partying, gave silly string to the kids in which to douse Dan, AND made him this little ditty to wear for allllllllllll to have no doubt as to what he was dealing with in the age department...
Back

front


this pretty princess had a wee-bit much fun!
Kylie and me at Redneck Weekend!
Our niece JilliBean (Jack's cuzzie) and me at the start of Redneck Weekend, which was celebrating Papaw's Birthday on Friday!
JilliBean LOVES her Baby JackJack!
Jack and his "Aunt Amy" at Redneck Weekend!  He absolutely ADORES her!
the birthday boy got doused in silly string upon his arrival

Happy Birthday, Papaw!

well...not everyone liked the silly string...

can't miss the b-day boy in THIS shirt!  hahaha!

Jackbaby's first time in the pool...SUCCESS!



my boys <3

father/ son pooltime

Kylie Paige and Jackrabbit




Hahaha!  We had a GREAT time and it was wonderful spending time with such great families and people so near and dear to our hearts.
Here are some other recent pictures of our Jackman...
is this not the CUTEST shark you've EVER seen?!?  Thanks, Aunt LoLo!!!

 



he has never loved anything more than he does this chair...it is PRECIOUS!


so inquisitive about this chair...he LOVES it!

he gets so, soooo excited about it EVERYTIME we put him in it

Thursday, June 21, 2012

Perplexed...

Let me start off by warning you, if you are squeamish or easily appalled, look away...do not continue reading.  What I'm about to disclose is definitely not for the faint of heart, but it is something that we find foul, yet also see the humor aspect in because there's really nothing else we know to do but laugh at it happening to us!

B and I are perplexed by something that keeps happening to our Toots.  Funny choice of name there because he is having just that...the Toots...up and out of his britches.  Literally.  And semi-daily.  WHY?!? We have NO clue!  He wears Size 1 diapers and we know they are just right as the newborn size are obviously too small for our almost 12lb cutie, and a size 2 would be far too big.  The size 1s were a stretch for a while because they were quite big!  We have tried all different brands and I am most definitely cautious about what I'm eating, but he keeps having blow out after blow out, after blow out.  It is crazy!  We know his stomach is not upset, as he is always content and lovely, but these just. keep. happening.  No matter what I eat, no matter what he wears, no matter how much he sleeps, no matter how much HE eats, no matter how much I eat, NO. MATTER. WHAT.  Thus, I reach out to my fellow mamas out there...what do we do about this?  Or how else can we problem solve?  I am literally having poopy laundry loads about every day!  Ahhhh!!!  Advice?  Suggestions?  Insight?  Help us!  While it can be quite comical that it happens and Jack and US both are up to our elbows in messes, we are going a bit batty here...our sanity is going to $-h-!-t...ha!  Again, I apologize for the graphic nature, but we're at a loss! What would YOU do about THIS...or what have you done?!? EEEEEK!






Monday, June 11, 2012

I confess...

a few things I feel I should get off my chest...some funny, some not, and nothing bad...just for entertainment purposes only :) None of this is meant to offend anyone or spark an argument, it's just me being my outspoken, marches to the beat of her own drum, feisty self (true to form, yes?).  Also, it is not intended for your judgment, but just for some light-hearted fun. 
Funny Confession Ecard: I can hardly wait to hear what I'm going to say

With that said, I CONFESS...

1) I STILL sleep with my blankie.  Pathetic, yes...but I can't let it go.  It is tattered, it is mere threads- remnants of a blanket that once was, it is foul and my husband detests it...but I admit, I am Abby and I'm a blankie-aholic.

I'm putting #2 in different font to ensure every last part is read through and through and so some friends can get a quicky grammar lesson...so listen up you repeat offenders and listen good.  Drink it ALLLLLLL in because advice like this is going to blow. your. mind.  If your elementary, middle, and/ or high school teachers couldn't hit this one home for you, maybe your neighborhood friendly blogger can?? Try me on for size...

2) I judge people with bad grammar (and I know of many a folk who do too...believe me, we TALK about it!).  I especially judge misuses of their, they're, and there; it's and its; your and you're; to, two, and too (seriously?  that's the EASIEST one!) and adding unnecessary apostrophes.
NOTE: I've seen teachers to be THE WORST offenders with these and to them, I implore you: GET IT TOGETHER FOLKS!  WE ARE EDUCATING THE YOUTH OF AMERICA!  In case you need examples...it's ORQs, NOT ORQ's; 4s, NOT 4's; 1990s, NOT 1990's; or "I hung out with the Bankers yesterday," NOT "I hung out with the Banker's yesterday."  See the distinction?  Adding an apostrophe to ANY of those indicates a possessive! Peoples' last names do NOT need an apostrophe to make it a plural...you just make yourself seem like you think you're proud of yourself for having it right, but I'm here to inform you that you're sadly mistaken. I wish my family owned 'yesterday', but unfortunately, they do not).  


You're welcome.  Moving on...

Funny Confession Ecard: I live in constant fear of accidentally mentioning something I only know about you because I've stalked you on the internet.
5)

3) I have a "thing" about wearing the same thing twice in front of the same person.  Stupid and vain, yes, but I can't get past it.  I'm sad to say that it's carrying over to dressing my child.

4) I think my baby is cuter than other babies I see.

6) I lost almost 40lbs within six weeks of giving birth, but I didn't really do anything.  To be honest, I was sick for a few weeks after birth and that's it.  No exercise, no extreme healthy kick...nothing.  But people comment about how fast it dropped off and I just play it off.  

7) Even I am overwhelmed by my closets (yes, plural) and all my outfit options...

8)...yet I am still always convinced I have nothing to wear and need more...
Funny Confession Ecard: None of my yoga pants have ever been to yoga.
12)

9)...and I'm always jealous of other people's clothes.  I have some very fashionable people around me, yo!

10) And some not so much.  No naming names.

11) I am baffled by how cute my nephew is.  If you saw his parents, you'd understand.

13) Marriage is not always easy...

14)...and it's even uneasier with a kid...

15)...but I love my husband more every day and even more so since he's the father of my child; we are even closer now than we've ever been - if that was even possible.

Funny Confession Ecard: I want to defriend you, but your pictures and status updates help me feel better about myself.
16) I'm not interested in staying touch with every single old acquaintance I've ever known (not old friends, old acquaintances...there's a difference and we were just mere acquaintances for a reason and for like 2 seconds when we were not adults, what would we be clinging to now after 10-15 years?)
17) I'd do anything to lose 10lbs, except eat healthy and workout.

Funny Confession Ecard: I take it as a personal challenge to reserve my true thoughts about your ugly baby's picture.
18)
  
19) I have a mouth like a sailor.  It is terrible and terribly unclassy, and I am working on getting it in check because I certainly do not want my child to hear it or inherit it, nor do I want to give anyone the wrong impression.

20) However, some people make me wish I had more middle fingers.

21) I hate reading what all the masses are into (Twilight, Harry Potter, the Hunger Games, etc.)...

22)...but I just finished the 50 Shades of Grey trilogy and love, love, loved it :)

23) I think it's funny when people quote biblical verses about humility on Facebook, Twitter, Google, etc. and then upload tons of pics of themselves.  I don't see the irony, I see full of 'BS'ness.

24) I get pretty annoyed when people have the Ichthus backward on their cars...it points TO THE LEFT, people!  Shouldn't you know that if you're proclaiming your witness??

25) I people watch like it's my job. My Dad and I love it (he's where I learned it). Brad and I love it.  Cathryn and I love it.  Many other people that are around me are sucked into it too because I'm always doing it.  It's incredibly entertaining... AND a mental workout, to say the least.   

and finally....
Funny Confession Ecard: Nothing is official until it's posted on Facebook.
26)

Do you concur?  What are some things YOU can own up to?!?

Saturday, June 9, 2012

2 months old!

Last Sunday, June 3rd, Jackbaby turned 2MONTHS old!!!  And lemme just tell ya...he is changing by the day, it's CRAAAAZY!  Lemme also just tell ya, our little guy is not so little anymore; he's no longer preemie size...WAAHOOOO!  Do I wish my child to grow so quickly?  Um no.  However, we CAN celebrate exactly 5 POUNDS (YESSSS...FIVE) of weight gain since leaving the hospital because he can fit into so many things now and it is not a daily struggle to dress him and find something that actually fits.


his new hobby...smiling.  Like Buddy the Elf, it's his favorite :)



Stats - Jack Robert Thomas - 2months
Weight: 10lbs, 12oz. (25th percentile - up 5lbs exactly since leaving the hospital and up from the 10th percentile at 1month)
Height: 22" (up 3" from birth) 
Head: 39cm (up 5cm from birth; and 3cm from 1month checkup)

He handled his doctor's appointment like a champ!  We were pretty nervous and thankfully, B took off of work to be there with me so I wouldn't have to endure it alone.  The nurse came in, gave Toots his shots quickly and he flinched, let out a little yelp and wimper and then was back to chillin'...he was AWESOME!  Then, since Daddy had off work, we took advantage and spent the rest of the day at the pool!  YAY!


LIKES/ DISLIKES: Jackman LOVES being in Mommy's arms or on Mommy's lap; he loves being fussed over by everyone; he likes baths, but HATES getting lotion put on; has a love/hate relationship with his bouncy/vibrating seat; likes watching TV with Mom while I'm pumping, but hates if it takes too long; likes sitting in his own chair at the table with Mommy and Daddy as we eat; HATES being on his back; loves sleeping on his tummy; LOVES the birds on his bouncy seat and Mr. Monkey and Mr. Owl in his carrier; has a love/hate relationship with getting dressed; HATES having hiccups...and he has them all. the. time.  Hallelujah for Gripe Water!

FIRSTS: sleeping pretty much through the night; tracking people with his eyes as they speak; being babysat by Nanny, Shawnee, Prissy, and Poppy while Mommy goes to grad classes; sleeping on the back patio by the pool at Nanny and Poppy's; visits to the pool; Mommy's first Mother's Day; shots at the Dr; visit here with Papaw without Mamaw :(

CLOTHES: completely in 0-3months as all his newborn clothes are farrrr too small...and he looks so dang cute in all his clothes...he's precious!

DIAPERS: size 1 - we've switched brands too as we find that Huggies cater to a better form fit than the Pampers did

MOVEMENT: he can hold his head up for lengthy periods of time; he's still pretty wobbly with it, but you can see such progress and he's so proud of himself!  He is also almost there with the rolling over...he is so stinkin' close and we know it's gonna happen any day now!

TRICKS: he can see much better now and loves to watch us; he gurgles, smiles, and laughs when he's happy; he's making new sounds and cooing; he is fascinated with his hands and keeps them in his mouth; he can hold his head up much better; Jack is awake longer during the day and sleeps MUCH longer during the night.

PERSONALITY: he's such a little lovebug as he loves being snuggled and he is quite the little ham!  You can really tell that he has such a sunny disposition with life and is pretty go with the flow.  He typically is only ever fussy when he's really hungry or if he's super sleepy and that's at the end of the day.  He is developing quite the little personality and it is so neat to watch. Jack has become so alert and so aware of things in his environment and he is responding to everything around him.  It can be pretty hilarious to see his facial expressions!  He was "fake" fussing a few days ago just because he wanted to snuggle with Mommy and I was getting dressed, so I got down at eye level with him and just smiled in his face, and he started "fake" fussing and laughing at the same time...it was so dang cute!

EATING: he typically eats 3 ounces every 2.5 to 3 hours, except at his bedtime bottle which is 4ounces and if he wakes up in the night.

SLEEPING: Jackbaby takes a LOOONNNNG nap during the day which is nice for some pool time (tee-hee).  Seriously though, he will sleep after his lunch bottle from around 12/12:30 - 3/3:30 and I usually have to wake him up from that.  During the night, he will sleep at least 6-7 hours at a time and we are stretching that by the night...it is such a nice improvement and adjustment and we are quite thrilled with it!!!

SCHEDULE: 
6/6:30 wake-up and breakfast bottle#1
6/6:30 - 9/9:30 back to bed/ snuggle time with Mommy on the couch in Mommy and Daddy's bedroom's sitting room
9/9:30 - wake-up for day and breakfast bottle#2
9:30 - 12/12:30 - hangout and playtime with Mommy
12/12:30 - lunch bottle
12:30 - down for nap
3/3:30 - afternoon bottle (we call it a "Jack Snack")
3:30/4:00 - 4:30/5:00 playtime
4:30/5:00 - 6:00 nap number 2
6:00 Dinner bottle
6:30 - 7:45 playtime and hang out with Daddy home from work; sit at dinner table with Mom and Dad
7:45/8:00 - bath and storytime
8:00/8:15 bedtime bottle
8:15/8:30 BED (he usually wakes up between at least 2:30 and 4; sometimes even later and then goes back down and we start our schedule over)


NICKNAMES: Toots; Bubby Wubby (or just "Wubby" for short); Boo; Jackrabbit; Cookie Monster

FUN FACTS: Jackman sleeps on his stomach every single night (this has been the sleep answer for us!); he sends a text message to Mamaw every morning to say, "Happy Day!" and so she can see him grow; Jackbaby LOVES his Prissy and his Nanny; when Jack gets scared or upset, he sticks his bottom lip out and it quivers and it is just so dang cute...and heartbreaking too :(



WHAT'S ON OUR SCHEDULE: Daddy's first Father's Day; Papaw's 60th birthday!; "Redneck Weekend" (an annual get together of the Thomases, Morels, Blanks, and Stones...oh so fun!!!); and Jackbaby FINALLY gets to meet his Uncle Roo (my big bub, Zach) who's been living in China for the past year and a half...CANNOT WAIT to see him!!!!




this is his reaction to the birds hanging on his bouncy seat.  Everytime.



Jack's BEAUTIFUL Aunt Priss!

HE. LOVES. HIS. PRISSY.  






sweet precious sleeping bebe