Regressing?

Allow me to preface this story by saying that Jacob can climb in and out of his crib now, and does so, on a regular basis. We're almost to the toddler bed stage, but I'm putting it off as long as possible...more on that later.

This morning I went to blow dry my hair for 5 minutes in the bathroom. Usually, when I need to do somethingsfor myself, I put Evan in his bouncy chair to watch his Baby Einstein video and Jacob usually plays in either his room or Evan's room (there are toys in both locations). Today, he started out in his own room, but when I turned the blow dryer off, I heard music coming from Evan's room.

I went in to find Jacob lying in Evan's crib, covers pulled up, watching Evan's musical aquarium, with Evan's pacifier in his mouth. I think somebody wants to be the baby again :-) I tried to sneak up on him, but he saw me and said "I'm in Evan's crib!" Then we both started giggling.

I'm noticing more and more signs of jealousy with Jacob. He has even said to Frank on occassion "Put Evan down, Daddy". He also seems to be acting out more, trying to get attention, even if it's negative. We're trying to be more careful to give him some one on one time these days. Ahh, the joys!

Two Adorable Pumpkins!

Jacob and his pile of candy!

I love it when they hold hands!

Jacob enjoying his first piece of candy

Evan, just waiting to start trick or treating!

Adventures in Baby Cereal

Evan recently started eating baby cereal. He doesn't quite have the spoon feeding down yet, but we're working on it. Just like always, Evan wants what he wants. He tries to hold the spoon when we feed him and when it is not in his mouth, he must shove either his hands or his entire bib into his mouth. He also tries to hold his own bottle and if you move it even slightly, his death grip pulls it right back. He is so sweet, though. His smiles are so big and he does this thing where if you are talking to him and making him smile, he turns his like away like he's shy. It's so funny.

Jacob, my little monkey, is trying to adjust to fall weather and not playing outside so much. We have enjoyed some afternoons playing in the leaves, but lately, it's just been too cold to wrap up both the boys and stay out for very long. Recently, Jacob has started calling us by our first names. It was cute and funny at first (which is why he still does it), but now we have to remind him repeatedly that we are Mommy and Daddy, not Fank and Chirsteen. I guess you have to expect that when that is what he hears us call each other!

I've been working part time the last few months on a project for the company I'd previously worked for. It allows me to have some afternoons in the office and do the remainder of the work from home. I have to say that I love my boys more than life itself, but it is a nice break to have in the middle of the week. My mom babysits them, which is wonderful and Frank helps out a lot when I have to work at home. I also think it makes me a better mom to have some time away, re-group and re-establish my patience level.

Franks has started preparing for another Coding test that he'll take next month. This will give him additional certification in his field, which is always a good thing for upward mobility. He is enjoying his job much more these days now that he has settled in to new responsibilities and discarding the old ones.

Until next time...

Goodbye Summer!

I realize that I haven't posted in quite awhile, so here's the latest from the Choate household. The last few weeks have been very busy with visits from relatives, birthdays and trips to Indiana.

My big boy, Jacob, turned 2 last week. I can't believe how big he is getting. He has officially reached toddlerhood, and I can see changes in him every day. He says everything now, as has become my little echo. He received lots of nice clothes and some new toys for his birthday. He enjoyed spending time with his Grandma Jan while she visited from St. Louis. We also had a little birthday celebration for him.

Evan is getting bigger and bigger every day. He is such a good baby, and has recently started rolling over. Evan has his own little strong personality. He rarely cries, but when he is mad, he really lets you know. Evan wants to do what he wants, when he wants to, including when you hold him. If you're not doing it right, he'd rather be put down. He is so strong that we joke that "Evan doesn't bend, he folds". But when he is content, he gives all kinds of smiles and jabbers a ton!

Boys are fun! I'm enjoying watching them grow together.

Aunt Carol

About 8 years ago, my Aunt Carol (mom's sister) was diagnosed with breast cancer, resulting in a mastectomy, chemo, radiation and reconstructive surgery. She had been cancer free until just this past winter when doctors discovered cancer in her chest cavity (unsure if it is in the lung or the other breast). She was also told she had a spot on her brain. She underwent another round of radiation on her brain and chemo for the rest of the cancer. She had a very difficult time with the chemo, feeling sick all of the time and generally being miserable for about 3 months. After completion of the treatment, she doubted she could handle anymore rounds of chemotherapy. She has looked into holistic methods of treatment, and is currently on a program suggested to her by an herbalogist. She is feeling better than ever, eating all of the proper healthy foods, getting plenty of exercise, rest, prayer and positive thinking. Recent tests have revealed the cancer is still present in other parts of her body and further treatment may not be an option. This has been a great challenge for our family to handle. Carol is married and has a 13 year old daughter. We don't know what God has in store for Carol. We believe HE still heals people from cancer, even when medical treatments are not an option. We have read and talked with several people who have beat cancer through holistic means. Carol is continuing her holistic treatments and is seeking further opinions. We know that she is a believer in Christ and knowing her eternal destiny is the comfort we are clinging to at this time. What would we do if we didn't have any hope in Christ? So, to all of my family and friends who read my blog, please say a prayer for Carol, Joe and Heather, and for the rest of the family who is continually trying to lift them up.

Boy Crazy

Just wanted to share some pics and stories about the boys I am crazy about. My Jacob is approaching his 2nd birthday in just a few weeks. I love hanging out with him. He is full of personality and says new things every day. My favorite thing lately is that every morning when I am changing his diaper, he says "hug mommy", and gives the best, tightest hug every. I eat that up!

Evan is becoming his own little person. He is smiling lots now, sleeping through the night, and is usually a very content baby. When he is tired though, it seems that only Mama will do, which is ok with me for now :-). Both boys love their daddy and the play time they get with him. I'm so happy with my little family God has given me...even Toby the dog.

August Update

Well, things have been as busy as always lately. I can't believe we're into August already. I feel like I've blinked and the summer is almost gone. We've had a jam packed one, that's for sure. Last week, I took Evan for his 2 month check-up. He received his first set of vaccinations, he basically came home, took a bottle and slept for the next 24 hours. He is now back to himself. He weighs 12lb, 11 oz and is 24in long. Good size little boy and very healthy.

I can't believe my Jacob is pushing 2 years old. He makes me laugh every day. He basically says everything now, and he is improving his p's and q's, so that makes me happy. We're in the process of planning a little celebration for his birthday coming up in September, and his Grandma Choate will be in town to celebrate with us.

On Monday, Frank and I enjoyed a night away from the kids (and each other). He went with some friends to the Radiohead concert, and I went out with the girls for dinner and girl talk. We both thoroughly enjoyed ourselves, and the boys enjoyed a night at Grandma's house.

Yesterday, I officially became unemployed, after I submitted my resignation letter to my boss. Things went very well, everyone was very supportive and we all parted on very good terms. Just this morning, I interviewed for a part time position that I think will suit me and fit our needs at least for the next several months, so I am hoping this works out.

I took the boys to get their pictures taken today. Whew! That was a challenge. Evan did splendidly, although we didn't get a very good smile from him. Jacob, on the other hand, basically acted like a normal toddler, and refused to do most things asked of him. Miraculously, We did get a few shots of both boys that came out somewhat nice. After all this activity, I am ready for a good night's rest.