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".