8 Months

Today, my little baby boy is 8 months old. Wow! I can't believe how fast this is going. Jacob's babyhood went fast also, but now that we have two, it seems things pass by that much quicker. Evan is extremely inquisitive. Since he was a newborn, he's never liked to be held much. He has to be touching and seeing everything going on around him. I call him my squirmy wormy. He enjoys sitting up on his own, except that now when he rolls down on his tummy, he gets frustrated that he just can't quite crawl yet. He gets up on all fours and rocks back and forth, but that's all at the moment. So, for now, he settles for rolling and scooting to get what he wants. Evan is a very smiley child, except of course for when you want to take his picture. I think he's too fascinated by the red light on the camera right before it snaps the picture. Dang digital cameras! Anyway, Evan is our big eater. He has yet to reject any food I've given him, and he even gets a bit agitated when he see us eating something that he can't have because it requires teeth! He did cut his first tooth this last month, so he's well on his way. His one guilty pleasure is watching his brother cry. I have to think it's his sinful nature coming out, because when his brother sobs, he laughs his head off. It's actually kind of funny to watch :-) He's been praised in the nursery for being the best natured child in there and so easy to care for, so that makes me a very proud mom! Happy 8 Month Birthday Evan!

Christmas

Bob's Hamburg

Today, Frank and I had the good fortune of dropping off the kids with my parents for a few hours, so we could finish our Christmas shopping. (That's right folks, we're done! We started and finished early this year.) Anyway, we decided to start our day with lunch. My parents and grandfather have been telling us about this place in Akron that has been around "forever". Supposedly, they have the best hamburger around. Now, I've found any hamburger hard to compete with our local Swensons or a California In and Out Burger, but I have to say, this one is a close contender, if not my new favorite. We ventured to Bob's Hamburg on East Ave. in Akron today. It's just this cozy little dive with a counter seating 8 people and no more than 5 booths. Needless to say, we were a bit skeptical, but I've always enjoyed visiting little mom and pop places like this, knowing they surely have so much history. Well, we were very pleasantly surprised and had an incredible burger and tasty homemade onion rings...yum! The staff was a trip as well, since they all were over 60 and basically everyone did everything...serve, cook, cash register...kind of chaotic if you ask me, but also kind of charming in a way. Anyway, we had a lovely visit at Bob's Hamburg today and would recommend to all you Akronites to stop by sometime, but try to make it a weekend lunch outing because they close at 2 p.m.

No Fun Being Sick!

I haven't blogged in awhile and for good reason. About 3 weeks ago, the boys came down with colds, pretty severe that I had to take them to the doctor, only to find out that it is viral, and will have to simply run its course. I also came down with the same virus, so poor Frank was the only one healthy for about a week. Then, of course, he got it as well, just as the kids were starting to feel better. Luckily, we were all healthy enough to enjoy Thanksgiving, but just a couple days later, the virus came back in full force for me and the kids again. I am coughing my head off, Jacob's got a head cold, and Evan has an ear infection. It's made for a difficult time in the Choate household lately. I promise as we start feeling better that I will post more pics and updates! Until then, we would appreciate your wishes for good nights rests!

On to the next phase!

I mentioned before that Jacob can climb out of his crib now. For the past month or so, he's been doing this on a regular basis. He'll go to sleep on his own without a fight, but when he wakes up in the morning and from his naps, he gets himself down and comes downstairs. At first it was funny to be lying in our bed in the morning, open my eyes in the morning and see a cute little face staring at me, but since he has become so independent in this way, he has decided to wake up much earlier. We let this go on for a few weeks, then got tired of the 6am appearances in our bedroom, and we put up a baby gate in his room, so even if he wakes up, he'll just have to play by himself until we say it's ok to come out. Since Jacob's room is so large, we have our spare bed in there for when guests come to visit; however, Jacob loves to lie in that bed any chance he gets. The last few mornings, when I've gone to get him up, he's laying in that big bed all by himself. So I think we might skip the toddler bed and get a rail for the big bed, so he can be a big boy all the time.

My little Evan is becoming much more mobile as well. Evan has been a tummy sleeper since the beginning. That is his preferred method for sleeping, so despite the Pediatrician's advice, I'm going to go with what works for us! Now, we have come to a new challenge. Evan can roll over from tummy to back. He seems to do this while he's sleeping, then wakes up on his back, and starts crying. This means that lately, we have been going into his room several times in the middle of the night to turn him back over. Just when I thought those days were over! I'm working with him to roll back to front, and he's almost got it, so hopefully in a couple of weeks, this won't be an issue anymore.

Between these two developments, we're not getting much rest these days. It's always something with these boys!

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.

Impecable Timing

This is probably going to be a long post, as I usually get carried away with details when telling these kind of stories.

I've always noticed in my life than when I've been waiting for something to happen or waiting for an answer from God, he always shows up just in time. I don't think he's ever been early, but he's always right on time. Many of you know I've been wrestling with my decision to quit my full time job to stay home with the kids. I've been extremely scared to make that decision for fear it will be the wrong one. Financially, it will be a major stretch, and I'm one of these people that looks at my bank account every day and is very meticulous about money spent, BUT I also like to have fun and have become accustomed to a certain lifestyle (not a frivolous one, but one that likes to enjoy things in life that cost money). This decision has also been riding on my mother's job situation as I depend on her to care for my children while I'm working. Wouldn't you know it, both of us received our answers yesterday within about 5 hours of each other. My mother was offered a position she was hoping to get, that gives her a little flexibility to help me if I need it. I'm also looking at a part time opportunity that I spoke with someone in depth about yesterday that seems pretty positive. Just as I was settling into my thoughts about making my final move at my current position, the phone rang, it was my boss. I knew this was the perfect timing of God, as I knew exactly what I needed to tell this man and give him the honest truth about my feelings and plans. The conversation was very pleasant, and he even gave me some encouragement to go ahead and stay home with my kids. He also shared that some changes were being made, and my set-up of working from home was probably not going to fly anymore. So there's my final answer from God - I'm leaving my position, as for me, I cannot justify (emotionally or financially) working full time and take my children to daycare or a sitter. A huge weight was lifted after that phone call, and I reflected on my day as being one of those perfect timing circumstances that God has his hand in. I had honest answers for my boss right at the time he called. If he had called in the morning, I don't know what I would have been able to say.

On another note to give an update on the boys - Jacob is my little parrot, repeating just about everything I say. He makes me laugh every day, and he's starting to be mommy's helper with Evan sometimes (when he feels like it). Evan is also doing great! Evan has slept through the night 5 out of the last 8 nights, and some nights, he's slept for 10 hours straight. I feel so blessed to have two children who are sleeping good now, cause that means I get to sleep good!

Well, I'm off as I hear one of my children crying in their bed. Today, my husband and I travel to PA to attend my college friend's wedding. We are leaving both boys with their grandparents - Woohoo! I'm excited to spend at least 24 hours alone with my hubby, and I know my boys are in great hands.

Peace Out!

Busy, Busy

Ok, I am actually blogging while both boys are sleeping, which is something I should probably be doing as well, but I don't know when else this will happen. It's been a whirlwind of a month for us. I can't believe Evan is already 6 weeks old. I took him last week for his 1month check and he is doing great. He weighs 11lbs 3oz and he is as healthy as can be, so we're very thankful for that. His big brother Jacob is also doing well. He has really built up his vocabulary this past month. He basically repeats everything we say-good and bad, we have to be really careful :-). Last weekend, we went on a mini vacation to my brother's house in Indiana. The boys and I enjoyed ourselves so much, we decided to stay a few extra days as this may be our only vacation this year. We miss Daddy, but we're still enjoying ourselves. Here's a pic of

Jacob's new "funny face".

Lately...

I haven't been able to post a whole lot, for obvious reasons. I'm quickly learning that being a mother of two is a whole different ball game. I'm prettymuch exhausted all of the time, as my body is adjusting to only getting an average of 5 hours of sleep per night. My objective this week is to get Evan to take an afternoon nap while Jacob takes his, so I can at least have an hour to lay down. It is a lot of fun with two boys, and I keep reminding myself to enjoy these moments, even the hard ones, because I know they won't last forever.

We've had a lot of busyness lately with relatives in from out of town and lots of family stuff. We've really enjoyed that, especially Jacob with cousins to play with. Next week, we will travel to Portage, IN for my nephew Nicholas' 7th birthday, so we're looking forward to skipping town for a few days. When I get some more time, I'll do more posts and include some recent pics.

Lastly, I can't let this post go by without mentioning that today is my 4th wedding anniversary.
Today, I have been married to my wonderful husband, Franklin, for 48 months. There is still no other person that I'd rather journey through life with. He is a wonderful father, and I am so proud of him. Tonight, Grandma and Papa are babysitting both boys, so we can have a date. I can't wait!!! I love you, baby!

Evan Lucas Choate

Well, I finally got a few minutes to sit down and blog a bit. I'm sure most of you know this by now, but Evan Lucas arrived last Tuesday, 5/27 at 3:18 p.m. He was 8lbs, 4oz, 20 inches and very healthy. The delivery went very well. It was an induction, so I was a little skeptical of how smoothly things would go, but I had little discomfort and the labor was only about 5 hours from start to finish. The last few days have been busy adjusting to life with two little boys, while getting very little sleep. Luckily, Evan is a very peaceful baby, who hardly ever cries and does a lot of sleeping. He has his days and nights a little mixed up at this point, so we're working to adjust that as well. Jacob loves his baby brother. He's always wanting to kiss him and see what he's doing. His life has prettymuch gone on as normal, and he's getting lots of extra attention from Daddy and his grandparents. I've posted some pics below. I'll blog more later when I'm not so exhausted :-)

Patience

I don't know about the rest of you, but patience is not one of my strong points, and it never has been. Ever since I can remember, circumstances have caused me to be anxious, worrisome and often times downright irritable, because of my lack of patience. And so many of those times, I knew the Lord was trying to teach me about the wonderful virtue of patience, but yet time and time again, I resist the lesson. Soooo, he continues to keep teaching me, and each time I have a choice. It's amazing when you think about how many chances he gives us (me) to learn this lesson. It just demonstrates HIS incredible patience with us filthy sinners who need him so badly.

Once again, I find myself struggling to be patient, but in the midst of it, I have to decide that I'm not going to let this get to me. I know in my brain that the Lord's timing is perfect, even though my emotions (and anatomy) sometimes try to convince me otherwise. I am waiting for a huge life change to happen at any moment, but in the meantime, I am going to try my best to relax, put the life change out of my mind, and spend some very important quality time with my little boy as this will be the last time it will just be Mommy and Jacob. Maybe that's why I've experienced this discomfort, causing me to stop working earlier than planned. Maybe that's why my mother has suddenly been given a large block of free time, so she can help me do some things around my home that I'm not physically able to do anymore as well as when the baby comes. It's amazing how so much has lined up just perfectly (it can't be a coincidence). The timing of it all is impecable. So, now we just continue to wait...

Labor Rumors

Hey all, just want to set the record straight as I think some rumors of my being in labor have circulated lately. As of 4:45 p.m. on Friday, 5/16, I am not in active labor. I've been having a lot of contractions for the last couple of days, but they haven't picked up in intensity nor are they very close together, so I am in the early stages, but this could last for days. My doctor has asked me to come back in the office on Monday (which will put me at 38 weeks), to see where things are at, and if necessary, they can intercede and speed things up a bit for me. At this point, I'd like this to happen as naturally as possible; however, I am kind of a baby when it comes to pain tolerance, so I might opt for their help if I'm desperate enough. This weekend, I plan to keep busy and active, and hopefully my body will kick into gear on its own. I really appreciate all your prayers and support. We'll definitely spread the word when something big happens :-)

Oh when will this baby come?

I had my 37 1/2 week check-up today. Baby is good and Mommy is progressing nicely/normally. Contractions have picked up which makes sleeping much more difficult. The doctor says "it could be any day now or you could go another week". I love how they are so carefuly not to tell you anything with any certainty :-) (not that they really have any). My husband refuses to believe that I will hit my due date, but I hate to think that and get my hopes up too much.

Tonight, Jacob is going to spend the night at his Grandma/Papa's house, so as to give his mommy a little break. I think Mommy and Daddy are going to try and have a mini date, as it could be our last chance for awhile.

On a good note, we found out late last week that Frank will not have to serve jury duty beginning next week, but they have actually postponed his service until September. To quote my husband if you want to avoid jury duty altogether, he says "don't ever tell them you'll be happy to serve at later date, because they will take you up on it". That's ok though, September wouldn't be an inconvenience and it is after all his duty as a citizen.

That's about it for today. Check ya'll later.

Midweek Tidbits

Just a quick update on things today. Not a whole lot has happened lately. Frank and I moved Jacob to his new big boy bedroom over the weekend. He seems to love it. Much more room to play and run around, plus it can house more of his toys than the nursery. I am so proud of how he is handling everything. I thought for sure we would have a period of adjustment when it came to sleeping, but he has done wonderfully, no crying or midnight freakouts! We brought all of his familiar items, so I'm sure that is helping...plus he wakes up to seeing himself in the mirror directly across from the crib, and I think he likes putting on a show for himself :-)

Yesterday, I went to the doctor for my 36 week checkup. I'm now on the home stretch and Baby Choate could make his appearance any day now. Things are moving along nicely, with both myself and the baby.