Mulkeytown

Terrible Blogger

2009-04-17T21:27:00.000-07:00

Sorry for being an absent blogger. Things have been a little rough around here. Steve has been laid off since Feb, so our mojo has kind of slowed. We are very hopeful for a new job and should be able to share some information in the next couple of weeks.

Other than having no job we have been adjusting to life with two. It has been going pretty well, I think that we are in a good grove now that we have CJ on a set schedule. PJ still loves his little brother, probably too much (like smothering him with hugs). Cj is HUGE, he is close to 18-20 lbs and only 3.5 months old. How did he get so big so fast? He is wearing 6-9 mo clothes and recently got some really handsome outfits from family. Thanks Nonnie and Papa!

We have been spending lots of time as a family, going on walks, making things, doing projects and etc. PJ has recently started playing with play dough and he loves it. He still loves cars, trains and legos. His new favorite way to play with his cars is outside in the dirt and rocks. He is also starting to imagine different scenarios and such, usually they involve going to Ivy's house or church. He is also really starting to copy what we are saying with our tones and intonations. So funny, I never realized I say "sorry guys" so much while driving. So here are some photos.

Ivy and PJ on Easter, I failed to get a pic with both boys together in their outfits, oops!

Boys before we went to the Zoo to hunt for Easter eggs.

This is how we found PJ a few afternoons when he refused to nap in his bed, we have since conquered this battle and he sleeps in bed.

We said goodbye to Nana a couple of weeks ago as she moved to AZ with a new job. We miss her lots!

CJ learning to grasp toys!

PJ playing with one of Steve's guitars, he loves to play the game of dropping the pick inside! sigh.

The boys baking, PJ loves to have his own bowl of flour.

This is a common sight in our house, PJ loves his ties and asks to wear them, he call them his necklaces!

Valentines Day, was pretty low key here.

CJ in his rock star outfit.

One of CJ's first baths.

CJ's dedication at church, PJ would not stay still, at one point he started petting Steve.

Thanks for being patient with us and the blog! I am not going to promise to be more faithful with it, but I hope to be.

Since our new man arrived

2009-01-19T21:00:00.000-08:00

We have been busy at home getting to know one another. CJ is a wonderful little baby. He really likes to eat and sleep, like most newborns! I think that he will grow faster than PJ, he is already out of some 3mo onesies. We have concluded at this point that he looks like my father's baby pictures, so far his eyes are more blue than brown, (very different from PJ - his were never blue). PJ is adjusting rather nicely for a two year old. He loves his brother and looks for him every morning, one morning he said "Bye baby, I'm going to go have waffles with syrup!" He is missing his Mommy since I am not able to pick him up and stuff.

We are also very excited as Steve will be starting a new job in Feb. It is really wonderful timing as his Mom wasn't going to be able to pay him starting in Feb. We are very thankful. He will be working in downtown Seattle selling internet services to residential homes and businesses. However, his schedule will change and that I am not looking forward to, oh-well it goes with the territory.

Here are some pics from the last couple of weeks. I am being more diligent since I have started to scrapbook everyday of our life in 2009.

PJ holding the new man, sincere love here!

Ivy and PJ reading in his new big boy bed!

CJ before he really developed those sucking muscles, he has lots of cheek now.

PJ got a new big boy bed, he really didn't like it for awhile until his cousin came over and showed his how cool it was. See the quilt at the end, both boys got matching quilts from me, I heart them!

Introducing Christopher Jack

2009-01-07T10:22:00.001-08:00

Our newest little boy made his appearance Jan 6th, 2009. He weighed in at 9lbs and measured 21 inches. Big boy! Mamma and baby are doing well. PJ is loving his new brother, "baby Jack". Please enjoy the pics.

Our little baby boy!

PJ meeting CJ for the first time. He was so gentle and excited to meet him.

In the OR, surgery went very well.

He is 2!

2008-12-23T22:14:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Patrick!

We love you so much. Everyday we are amazed at the little man God is transforming you into. We love how you love people and like to cuddle with them. It may take you awhile for you to warm-up to them, but once it happens you are so sweet. We love that you are learning how to smile into the camera, so far squinting isn't quite what we have in mind, but you will get the hang of it. You love to help Mommy with all kinds of tasks, I am grateful, but continue to be patient with me as I try to orient them to your 2 year old capabilities. Everyday you are more like your father, concentrating hard on one task and so full of joy. We hope you never give up your love of trains and Legos! We are grateful that you love books and will happily sit yourself in your chair and read. Hopefully soon you will remember to say please and thank you when you make requests. We are also grateful for your 20 min running sessions around your room when you have been inside all day. We are grateful that you are such a wonderful eater even if you don't like chicken. We pray for you daily that God will call you into His Kingdom and that you will be a man that desires to fear the Lord. We love you our little monkey!

Love Mommy and Daddy
PS. I will post b-day pics later!

November 2008 and a little of Dec

2008-12-22T21:07:00.000-08:00

In November my sister-in-law threw us a shower for CJ. It was very lovely and most of my family and friends were able to attend. We were so blessed by all of the gifts. There wasn't much that we needed, but it was nice to be showered. One of the greatest things was that she also held a raffle for all of those who brought diapers in addition to their gifts, so now we have probably a 6 month supply of diapers, what a blessing.

My sister drawing a baby on a paper plate, she was competing with my step-mom in a tiebreaker.

This onesie is specifically in honor of Steve. His mom found it and couldn't pass it up. So cute!

The spread, great food for brunch.

Thanksgiving this year was at Steve's parents house. Unfortunately, I got a really bad cold 5 days before and so we came late and left early. I thought the food was great, esp. since it had been the first real meal in a few days. There were lots of family there, we were a bit crowded to say the least.

With dinner a little crazy this was about the only photo we took the whole night. Steve's parents house is a grandchild heaven. They have almost every toy you could want.

After Thanksgiving we started to decorate the house for xmas. It was really great to get all of our stuff out, we hadn't seen it in two years! We got our first live tree, which was almost a Clark Griswald moment. After some trimming and rearranging of furniture we were able to make it fit. A new addition to the decorations this year was a motorized train for the bottom of the tree. Growing up my Dad always had one around the tree. This one is mostly for PJ, but I admit it feels more like xmas to have one running around the presents.

Our mantle, I love it. The only thing I am dreaming of is matching stockings. They weren't really in the budget and our family may not be done growing yet, so maybe in the next couple of years.

PJ is very unhappy that he has to wait to put up the train. Poor guy.

Sheer delight as we unpacked the box and he got to touch and move the train cars.

The first weekend of December we had the cousins over to decorate cookies. This may become a tradition, it was lots of fun. Kya (who is the oldest) is a great artist and very creative. Aliyah (Kya's sister) was happy to mix red and white to make pink. Ivy was very calculated in her movements and only really loved to decorate the star ones. PJ...hmmm... he loved to make a mess. His frosting became brown and camouflaged, I should have made army men cutouts. He also loved to eat the icing the most.

The table is all set for the little ones to make a mess!

Ivy concentrating hard on spreading the icing.

Some of their finished creations.

Just cause Kya is so cute!

PJ and Aliyah having some fun with frosting.

If you have made it all the way to the end, congrats. Obviously you love us very much. Now that I am all caught up hopefully I will continue to update the blog. I will be posting a Christmas letter soon and PJ turns 2 tomorrow! Crazy.

October 2008

2008-12-21T22:57:00.000-08:00

October was a little more exciting.

We took a family vacation to Southern CA to visit our friends and to enjoy some warm weather. It was really great to see some wonderful friends that we hadn't seen in almost a year. They threw us a surprise shower for our soon to be newest addition, Christopher Jack. We realized the depth, height, and width of love that PJ has for his wooden trains. Me being a silly Mommy did not pack any to take on our trip (though I did buy some new toys to keep his interest on the plane), well after two days at the Calvi's he started doing a room by room inspection to see where some choo-choo's might be. After 20 mins he started to cry when he realized there were none there. Thankfully, the Calvi's were able to bring home their stash from the family bookstore for him, he was in heaven. PJ learned many things while at the Calvi's since they have 6 older kids, he learned that a bib in his world was no longer necessary, cereal really does need to be eaten with milk out of a bowl (again I am such a silly Mommy) and he doesn't need to sit on a booster seat (this one we have been able to curb since being back home!) Halfway through our stay we moved to the Lee's where all of his new tricks were reinforced, their youngest is the last of five and is a few months older than PJ. Thankfully, he did not learn how to drink out of a cup with no lid, (I had to put my foot down somewhere, I can only take so much change at once!) While in CA Steve and I were able to make it out by ourselves a few times, which was a real treat. Steve was so awesome in taking PJ and letting me rest and relax on the trip.

Playing in the Lee's pool, though it wasn't being heated we still had fun finding leaves in the rocks.

Photo op with Christie Lee at her husband's 40th bday party!

Feeding the horses with Dave Hinrichs, where we used to live.

Playing choo-choo's at the Lee's - so serious!

We also managed to get our family xmas pics done in Oct. Cards are coming, but we are sending them with the announcement of CJ's birth. I will show you some close winners.

Halloween rounded out the month. PJ was a monkey, which is very fitting for him. He loves them. We walked down the street to the church on the corner where they were having a little carnival. Which does not compete with the one Faith Bible Church in Spokane does every year. Anyway, he wasn't really understanding what was going on till we let him have a piece of chocolate, then he understood. His favorite kinds of candy, Nerds & Dum-Dums.

Playing a game with Daddy!

Scouring the loot!

Mmmm, chocolate!

The rest of September

2008-12-21T22:40:00.000-08:00

Since I have been so uninspired to blog (though I am constantly checking everyone else's) I need to do some major catch up. In September we finally made it to Woodland Park Zoo with Steve, PJ graduated from the highchair to a booster seat at the table and the cousins celebrated their birthday.

PJ and Ivy playing at Kya and Aliyah's birthday party, we gave the girls tutu's (so cute).

Eating his most favorite food on graduation day; spaghetti!

Playing on the tractor with Daddy!

3:1 - Here comes another one!

2008-09-04T14:04:00.000-07:00

We had our ultrasound today and found out that we are having another boy! Things are looking very healthy with him and we are so happy to have a healthy boy. So far he has not been as active as PJ was, so maybe he will be a little more like me? Though we wanted a girl it will be nice for PJ to have someone else to rough house with and a great best friend. I guess this just means we will have to try in the future for a girl!!! Here are some pics of the new baby boy!

Profile of him!

His feet.

Leg - chunky thigh!

Pioneer Days with Friends

2008-08-03T19:51:00.000-07:00

Playing in Daddy's work boots!

4th of July, Parade in downtown Bothell. He had the TIME of his life looking at all of the chaos that passed by, we were amazed he enjoyed it so much.

First time sitting on the potty, with a Truck book of course. We haven't tried since and he wasn't successful, but a start is a start.

Riding a pony for the first time, he did not enjoy it!

He did enjoy the gymnastics area though.

He had great balance going across the beam.

On Sat we went to the Lake City Seafair festivities with some friends from church. All of the kids are roughly the same age. PJ had lots of fun just being out of the house. He likes to be in the car and look at all of the other cars on the road.

He is starting to assert his wants and desires more lately. He is starting to ask for different foods while eating. One of his most FAVORITE things is the movie "Cars" and anything else related to it. I think that he really enjoys Mater. Though he will only sit and watch 10-15 mins at a time.

Happy 1/2 Birthday!

2008-06-23T20:55:00.000-07:00

Today PJ is 18 mos. Time has come and gone so fast. We have been loving him more and more as he grows. Right now he is starting to put words together, "Hi Baby", learning new ones lightening quick, newest is gecko. He is a lover of all things that have to do with babies. A couple of examples, in Nursery at church they combined his class with the infants and where did he hang out, on the blanket with the babies. At his party this weekend there were 3 babies on blankets, he was around all of them while all of the other kids his age were blowing bubbles and chasing balloons. He likes to pick up and put away his toys. He is LOVING trucks, buses, cars and anything that moves on wheels. His feet are huge, size 7! He likes his music loud like Daddy! We are starting to enter the clinging to Mommy stage. He still loves reading books. He received some Duplos for his bday and loves them more than the Mega Blocks (Steve is very excited to raise another Lego lover). He is a wonderful eater and has recently discovered juice! He also loves to be outside, esp when he can follow Daddy with his bubble mower.

We threw him a 1/2 bday party this weekend. We have decided to celebrate his birthday like this for awhile, at least until he understands the difference between his bday and xmas. The party was lots of fun. We had every make their own personal pizzas for lunch and decorate their own cupcakes. Everyone was outside because the weather decided to act like it was at least spring. PJ was much better at opening presents this time around and kept close while I "helped him". We felt so blessed to have family and friends around.

Tiring last few weeks

2008-06-10T08:43:00.000-07:00

This pregnancy has hit me harder than PJ did. I have been more turned off towards food and had lots less energy. Maybe it is chasing after PJ. My sister-in-law said that PJ has lost most of his "babiness" and is starting to look more like a little boy. How did that happen? Where was I? He is still a baby to me.

We have had lots going on as usual. One Saturday Steve built a fort for PJ with the couch cushions - great fun! Another weekend we headed over to Spokane to meet up with some old friends, it was a great time to reconnect. We also went to the Aquarium with the Hjertagers. This weekend we are prepping the yard for PJ's 1/2 b-day party that is happening in two weeks. Here are some pics.

I'm the Big Brother!!

2008-05-17T21:01:00.000-07:00

We are overjoyed to announce that we are expecting again! I am 5 weeks along and my EDD is Jan 16th! The babies will be a little over two years apart! If you are family and are reading this and have not been notified, we are sorry, we were taking advantage of the glorious weather by playing outside and going to the zoo!

This peacock was at the exit of the zoo. Isn't he lovely? Well he was until he charged at us with his feathers spread open. PJ was fascinated by him!

PJ is catching up!

2008-05-08T10:25:00.000-07:00

We went to the doctor for a check up on Tuesday. He is now weighing in at 25 lbs and is 32.25 in long. So that has moved him into the 50th percentile. His head is still in the 94th percentile - not really a surprise to me! He is very healthy and the doctor didn't have any concerns for him. Praise God for a healthy baby!

Say goodbye....

2008-05-01T19:21:00.000-07:00

to PJ's lovely hair

We did it we gave him a buzz cut. I have been wanting to buzz it, but I thought the best time would be when Daddy was getting his hair cut too! Well today Steve was like "Honeybear, can we trim my hair?" I was like "oh,...sure" (in head, not ready to say goodbye to PJ's fun baby hair) I think that he looks older and I do like it. What do you think?

After (he did pretty well during the buzz)

Before

Busy couple of weeks

2008-04-28T09:57:00.000-07:00

We have had lots of stuff going on. We had some wonderful friends from CA in town, some friends from Spokane visited, we went to downtown Seattle, and visited the tulip fields up north with my Mom. I was also able to squeeze in some time at a community garage sale where I was able to pick some great stuff for PJ.

PJ learning how to climb up his new chair and table, we got this set for $10!

PJ playing on his new slide, I scored this for a whole dollar!

Family pic at the tulips!

Looks at those fields and the mountains, amazing!

Mom and I by the daffodils. So pretty!

PJ seeing the tulips for the first time.

PJ's new favorite toy is his crib! What a monkey!

Downtown Seattle

Flowers from Pike Place, can you believe that they only cost $10, and they lasted over a week!

Parker's over for dinner!

Baby Karston from CA, PJ loved him sooooo much and did very well with him around. PJ is bending down to give him a hug.

Jessica's Top 5

2008-04-23T10:13:00.000-07:00

1. 5 Things I Couldn't Live Without for Under $5
-Ponytail holders
-Burp cloths (so sad, but it's a season, right?)
-Nail file
-Hand Lotion
-Mascara

2. 5 Favorite Movies
-You've got Mail
-Devil Wears Prada
-Walk the Line
-Enchanted
-recently watched, Sunshine

3. 5 Baby Names I Love But Won't Use
-Ethan
-Preston
-Sophia
-Olivia
-Noah

4. 5 Songs I Could Listen To Over and Over Again
-Any song my husband is singing
-Devotion, Hillsong
-How Deep the Father's Love
-The Glory of God
-In Christ Alone

5. 5 People Who Have Influenced My Life In A Positive Way
-Jesus
-My Husband
-My Son
-My Grandmother
-Lindsay S.

6. 5 Things That Stay In My Purse (diaper bag) At All Times
-Wallet
-Sippy Cup
-binky
-Keys
-snacks for PJ

7. 5 Moments That Have Changed My Life Forever
-Becoming a Christian
-Meeting Steve
-Getting Married
-The moment Patrick was born
-Moving back to Seattle

8. 5 Obessions I Have Right Now
-Blogging!
-Crafting
-keeping my floors clean
-Cooking
-Home improvements

9. 5 Places I Would Like To Go
-New York
-Alaska
-A cruise
-Disneyland
-Anywhere with Steve

10. 5 People I Would Like To See Their Top Five
-Stevi S.
-Lindsay S.
-Stephanie H.
-Aubrey M.
-Beth P.

Welcome Spring....um I mean Winter

2008-04-18T20:23:00.000-07:00

This was a few hours ago right before bed (hence the jammies). The snowflakes were so big that you can see a shadow on my face from one of them.

Our house with 4 inches plus of snow in the middle of April! Can you believe it? As I type I think that it is still snowing!

The Park

2008-04-06T14:09:00.000-07:00

Going down the slide for one of the first times. Now he is a pro!

Driving the train!

We have been going to the park a lot more now that it is trying to warm-up. In CA there were few parks where we lived and it was usually too hot for little PJ to be outside but here it is perfect. So far he really likes the slides and swings.

Last weekend we got the kitchen stripped of wallpaper and painted. Soon I will get some pics of the house and the changes we made. We also hung pictures so things are starting to feel a little more like home.

Easter Fun!

2008-03-24T21:36:00.000-07:00

We spent Resurrection Sunday with Steve's family this year. We had lots of fun. PJ loved playing with all of the new toys at Grandma and Pa's house. He even had his first egg hunt! They did the hunt upstairs where a lot of the toys are stored. PJ was more concerned with the toys then the eggs. I think that he had more toys in his bag then eggs.

Funny bunnies!

Cousin Ivy looking so cute!

Playing nicely but not quietly with each other.

His first egg hunt!

Easter 2008

Self portrait with PJ

I promise it wasn't me!!!

2008-03-16T21:01:00.000-07:00

This is the scene I found the other day when I stepped out of the shower. He just looked at me with those big brown eyes like a little puppy! I just laughed and thought this really needs to be photographed!

Sorry it has been so long!

2008-03-13T10:31:00.000-07:00

We have been knee deep in moving, unpacking and painting. Things are going pretty well. We still have the kitchen and Steve's office to do. Then I think we will be hitting the outside, where there are many things to do!

PJ has been growing so much. He is almost 25 lbs and starting to outgrow his 18mo clothing. We are waiting for the last 5 teeth to come in, hopefully they will be here by June. He is starting to say some more distinct words, Mama, Dada, Hot. He has been learning some more signs, he often mixes them up but it is still wonderful to see his mind learning. He is trying to push some boundaries but don't all babies! He loves to run in circles around the couch screaming and laughing. We are realizing that he has some quirks. For example, he likes to play with matching shoes, likes to have the tops on bins, and he is starting to put things away.

We did manage to go to the zoo with PJ's cousin Ivy. It was so much fun, PJ didn't really get the concept of watching animals. However, he is getting the concept of following cute girls! There were alot of babies at the zoo that day!

I am having trouble uploading pictures at the moment. So please be patient.

Pics from the last couple of months

2008-01-29T14:38:00.000-08:00

His first snow experience, he pretty much loved it!

Christmas morning!

Cruising in his new ride!

Being "helpful"

Learning how to open presents.

Yes, that is a real drum and he loves it!

Being cute!

He loved the xmas tree!

Steve and Ivy, she loves him!!!

PJ and Ivy playing in her toys.

With one of his new guitars!

Settling in

2008-01-12T19:57:00.000-08:00

The past few weeks have been crazy. PJ officially turned 1 on the 21st of Dec. we had a little party with just the grandparents. He loved the chocolate cake my Grandma made for him! Christmas was so much fun. We had multiple times of getting together with different family members to open presents. I think PJ started to understand ripping paper, but not that the real fun is what is inside the package. He received way too many toys and clothes, but that is what family is for, right?

Currently we are in the process of renovating Steve's Mom's house that we are going to rent. Our first project is the bathroom - what doozy! But we are having fun. The house will need alot of TLC, almost every room has wallpaper and such. We hope to be moving in by the end of Feb.

We will post pictures later, they have yet to be uploaded to my computer, but soon.

PJ is really starting to enter into toddlerhood. Such a personality. He is starting assert his opinions of what he likes and dislikes. No words yet to go with those glares.

Now in Seattle!

2007-12-17T10:04:00.000-08:00

We have made it safely to Seattle!!!! Things were a little scary for the guys as they drove up I-5 in WA. They were diverted because of the flooding but they still made it here in two days! We are so thankful for all of the wonderful help we received from our church and family.

PJ is adjusting nicely. He loves all of the new people that he is meeting. We are finding that he is a very social baby, always wants to be around other babies. Though he misses his friends in CA.

Steve has been doing some construction work. He was building stairs for my Mom and now he is working for his Mom in her construction business until he finds a nice office job!

The holidays, our anniversary, and PJ's b-day are all within the next week, so we will be very busy!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2007-11-22T21:38:00.000-08:00

Enough said!

Party, Party and dirt

2007-11-21T09:08:00.000-08:00

We had a big weekend. We started celebrating PJ's birthday early with our church and then we asked the guests to stay late and party with us at our going away party. We had lots and lots of fun. At times it was a little much for PJ but he did pretty good. He was not a big fan of his cake or presents, but I pretty much expected that.

He has also been discovering outside this last month. Since we are moving to rain capital USA I have been trying to make the most of our sunshine and play with PJ outside. We are able to get out about an hour each day. This last week he found our gravel driveway and rocks. He loves them. He will sit in the gravel and rake over them with his hands squealing in delight.

Enjoy the pics!

A Lion cake for PJ! This was my first decorated and from scratch cake! I loved making it.

A Wii remote for PJ to eat!

He wasn't sure what was going on.

He is not so sure about the cake and the fact that he can now eat his Wii!

Playing in the dirt is so much fun!

Look Mom no shoes!

The joy of having a boy!

Happy Halloween

2007-10-31T20:42:00.000-07:00

PJ was a puppy for his first Halloween. I think that he would have had a better time if he didn't have a fever! Oops! He started to feel hot while we were at the party. But for being sick I thought that he did pretty well. We even visited a few houses, he sat in the stroller. Enjoy the pics!

On the way to Toddlerhood!

2007-10-29T14:13:00.000-07:00

PJ started to walk on his own on Tuesday Oct 23rd (10 mos.) He started to let go and make his way to different destinations. We love watching him grow and accomplish these milestones!

Playing with Daddy's stuff!

Moving to Seattle

2007-10-29T14:12:00.000-07:00

We are in the process of leaving Southern CA to move back to our hometown of Seattle. Over the last year God has been working on our hearts and placing in us a desire to be in an urban city environment. In August, an opportunity at Marshill Church opened up for Steve to become involved in worship at the new Wedgewood campus. We have also been longing to back with our family. We will be moving at the beginning of December, we have been working on many details but there are many more left to figure out. The biggest detail will be finding Steve a new job; we are excited and nervous.

We are sad to leave our church here; they have become family to us. But God has happened opened this door and we must follow. Please pray for us!

Pumpkin Patch

2007-10-29T13:55:00.001-07:00

We went with our friends the Lee’s to the local the Pumpkin Patch. So much fun! The kids had some fun, we went through a corn maize, watched pigs race and played in the pumpkins. PJ didn’t really understand what we were doing but it was fun nonetheless. He also really liked the petting cage, so much so that was he holding on to cage all by himself. He was too small to actually touch the animals (yeah for us!)

Everyone but Steve.

About the best picture of PJ, it was windy and he hates the wind.

PJ hanging onto the animal cage, you will have to imagine the photo vertical (sorry)

At the corn maize, PJ was helping Steve with his chocolate ice cream cone!

PJ and Catie playing in the grass!

LegoLand

2007-10-29T13:37:00.000-07:00

If you know Steve well then you know he has loved Legos forever and has amazing amounts of them. Well we couldn’t leave Southern CA and not visit LegoLand. Our friends the Calvi’s had some free tickets and we all went together! It was lots of fun. They showed us all the best sites, miny city replicas, rides, the ice cream shop and more.

Cute Boys!!!

The White House

Pirates, Arghhh

Calvi kids!

PJ with his first waffle cone! He loved it!

Jim and Steve duking it out with the Calvi kids on one of the rides.

13 Steps!

2007-10-10T06:54:00.000-07:00

That is right, PJ took 13 steps in a row yesterday!!! He took them of course outside on the concrete towards the rose bushes, is he a boy or what! Just wanted to let you know!

Check-Up today!

2007-09-26T20:30:00.000-07:00

PJ had his 9 month visit, he weighs 19 lbs 10 oz, so close to moving forward in the carseat, which is good because he likes to play with sun shade, his new toy! He is also 28 in long. He is in the small category but that seems pretty normal to me because let's face it Steve and I aren't going to out for the NBA ;)

PJ has also taken a few steps, he loves holding our fingers and walking. Tonight he loved walking in the grass which is a little strange for babies. He is also climbing on stuff, chairs, up the couch, up the coffee table and using his toys as stepping stools! What a sight to see, not fun when he falls though.

I love to sit and watch him problem solve, I often wonder where these new skills will take him when he is older. Steve has also become one of his most favorite people these days, he loves giving him hugs, usually a couple at a time. What a blessing it is to saty home and watch him grow!

The last month!

2007-09-21T09:44:00.000-07:00

PJ is developing mentally so much, he has such a personality all of a sudden. He is very talkative, the loudest in the nursery. He usually has a story to tell during his meals. He also likes to stand at the top of the stairs and talk to the Hinrichs who live below. He only kind of says three words, Mama, Dada and Hi. Nothing really distinct yet. He is also working on his 4 front top teeth! Yeah! Here are some pics.

When he learned to stand by himself! Notice the guitar guarding the top of the stairs, he has tumbled down the 1st 4 stairs, but it didn't really phase him.

Celebrating Labor Day with some friends, not our baby in the seat, that is Catie!

Eating raviolli for the first time, he is definatly right handed!

Playing with his Puppy Oscar, he loves him so much!

Having fun with Mom and the camera!

80's Rock!!!

2007-08-19T18:45:00.000-07:00

Last night Steve and I went to a benefit dinner for Empowering Lives International - theme was the 80's. We were trying to raise 14K to build out the walls of a school in Sudan, I think that we came close. It was so much fun to dress up and dance to some rockin tunes.

PJ has been into everything this week, he is a crawling machine! His most favorite thing though is to pull himself up on anything that is stationary, even if he towers over it. There have been a couple moments where he standing by himself! Here are some pics.

PJ on the prowl, some first steady crawling pics!

While I was getting ready for the big night out, who can resist a white face and bright red lipstick! PUCKER UP!!!

Me, totally tubular in 80's! I crimped all of my hair!

The pair of us!

Just plain cute!!

Crawling!!!

2007-08-12T15:16:00.000-07:00

PJ started to really crawl today when we got home for church! I didn't really count what he was doing earlier as crawling. He repeatedly used his knees and arms to get different places while we were hanging out talking. We don't have pics or video yet because he stopped when we finally decided he knew what he was doing and it was worth caputuring!

It is hot today, but not humid so that is nice! Have a great day!

Growing so fast!

2007-08-08T11:40:00.000-07:00

This week PJ has started to pull himself up on the coffee table. He has done it once each day for the last few days. Heis not really sure what he has done but he is so excited when he sits back down. He is still army crawling, but now with an agenda! He is starting to understand when I say "come here" and crawls to me. No new teeth yet!

He also is starting to explore feeding himself! First I let him play with his food, he loved playing, no eating though! Then I gave him some banana and cheerios. He loved both and managed to get some in his mouth!

PJ pulling himself up on the ottoman! He is so excited.

Eating Cheerios for the first time.

What is this stuff?

"Thanks mom that was so much, can I do it again?"

bath time fun

In the pool with Dad! So much fun!

Like a new kid!

2007-07-23T15:17:00.000-07:00

PJ has grown so much in this last month, it is like he is a different kid. He got his first two teeth, he can get from sitting up to his knees like he will crawl at any moment, he loves his baths now, he is always telling us stories (he has a good set of lungs from his Dad). Every day he is full of surprises and many many smiles. He loves it when I tickle him and throw him in the air. He is generally a very happy baby, and that is such a blessing.

We have been back for a week from our vacation, I am so sorry that I haven't gotten to posting till now, I have been reading the new Harry Potter book - very engrossing! Vacation was such a good time for us to get away and see family and friends. We were very refreshed. I know that PJ loved meeting all of the new people, maybe not initially but he is a social butterfly at heart and has been kind of lonely since returning home. Here are some of my favorite pics from vacation.

PJ meeting my sister's dog Ninja, PJ wanted to eat him!

My Dad playing with PJ!

A family photo from Steve's side, not very good but the best we could come up with!

From 4th of July, he was the center of attention around his Great Grandparents at my Mom's!

Having dinner with the Dionne's in Spokane, he loves them so much, look at the smile and the drool!

Playing with the Parker kids, he learned how to get to his knees from his friend Zoe!

This one is for Grandma, zwiback toast! He loves it!

One of the first time PJ got to his knees!

Taking a bath Sammy and Abigail, not a great photo, but the only decent one, girls let me know if you want the others.

Zoe and PJ sharing a toy. (But neither one wants to share!)

6 Months Old

2007-06-26T20:44:00.000-07:00

PJ had some more shots at his check-up. They went ok, only a couple of minutes of crying! He weighed in at 16 pounds and 25.5 inches long. He is very normal, in the 50th percentile. He has developed so much this last month. He now can roll in 360 degrees to get somewhere. He also does an armyish crawl to get somewhere, slowly but he covers ground. He also realized that he can make sounds when he bangs toys :)! We have also successfully moved to two naps a day, yeah!

Sorry for no updates this last month, we have been busy with all kinds of things. At the moment we are getting ready to go on a 2 week vacation up to Washington. We are going to visit family and friends, we are looking forward to some time away! Here are some pics from the last month.

PJ playing with his sippy cup!PJ playing with one of his fav toys!
Sorry for the sideways photo, not sure how to change the direction, but this was PJ on Father's day.
Some Mommy and PJ cuddle time! How cute!

Yummm.... FOOD

2007-05-29T21:58:00.000-07:00

We started PJ on solids a couple of weeks ago. He is loving them, so far he has eaten everything I have tried: rice, oatmeal and barley cereals, sweet potatoes, yams, peas and carrots. He is getting so active, he has started to lunge for things, a little scary the first few times. He is also a week or so away from sitting up completely on his own. What a big boy!

Eating cereal for the first time! He loved it.

Eating carrots last night, he did manage to get some in his mouth!

We started PJ on solids a couple of weeks ago. He is loving them, so far he has eaten everything I have tried: rice, oatmeal and barley cereals, sweet potatoes, yams, peas and carrots. He is getting so active, he has started to lunge for things, a little scary the first few times. He is also a week or so away from sitting up completely on his own. What a big boy!

Summer Fun in May!

2007-05-12T14:43:00.000-07:00

It has been close to or in the low hundreds this last week. So I thought that I would buy a little pool for PJ so he could beat the heat. Did you know that a baby his size can lose 24 oz of water in 24 hrs! We think with time he will begin to like it. He isn't quite sitting up by himself yet, but maybe the pool will help. Aren't the sunglasses cute! So far he likes wearing them!

You can never start too young...

2007-05-04T08:38:00.000-07:00

Every morning PJ plays with his toothbrush while we get ready, hopefully we are teaching him some good habits!

Happy Birthday Aunt Kelly!

2007-05-03T09:35:00.000-07:00

Aunt Kelly and PJ

Grandma Steph and PJ

Sophia reading PJ and Grandma a book.

His first party hat.

2007-05-03T09:26:00.000-07:00

Starting to sit up!

Aren't we cute?

Blue Boy

2007-05-03T09:20:00.000-07:00

Some pictures one day at home, I think they are very cute!

4 Month Check-up

2007-04-25T13:29:00.000-07:00

PJ visited the Dr. today! He weighed in at 14 lbs 9 oz, measured 25.25 inches long. He has gained 2 pounds and grown 2.5 inches since his last appt. And currently I have been spit-up on 5 times! What a lovely day! Make that 6 times. Oh and he is starting to sleep through the night, 8 to 7!

A really smiley pic of PJ

2007-04-17T16:58:00.000-07:00

Our first smiley pic of PJ!! He loves his new saucer!

PJ's favorite toy on the saucer, he will win this staring contest and then he will chew on his ears!

More changing table pics!

"Mmmm Mom, your finger is mighty tasty!"

Time at home with PJ

2007-04-11T14:11:00.000-07:00

Here are some of the latest pics with PJ. He is having more and more fun. Esp since we visited his cousin Sophia and she gave him some new toys! Thank you Sophia, PJ is really loving his exersaucer!

Happy Late Easter

2007-04-11T14:04:00.000-07:00

Easter was wonderful for us. We spent the day with some friends. Here is a family picture. Isn't PJ so cute in his tie and hat.

Rolly Polly PJ

2007-03-31T10:16:00.000-07:00

PJ rolled over yesterday for the first time! Steve was an eye witness when he did it in his crib as he was waking from his nap and then he did it later at a friends house! He is rolling from his tummy to his back. When he trys to go from his back to tummy he gets stuck on his side and decides that sucking his hands is way more enjoyable and I can see this sentence running through his head - "silly mommy for making roll, doesn't she know that I am working on something way cooler - teeth!" Hopefully, I will try to get some pics of this milestone, we will see.

3 Months Today!

2007-03-23T09:50:00.000-07:00

PJ is now offically 3 mos. Yeah! I can't believe how fast it has gone bye. In the last couple of weeks he has found his toys and is now trying to improve the coordination so they can all land in his mouth. He stands for long periods of time - this is still his most fav activity. He has all kinds of noises that will eventually turn into words! He is also smiling all the time. Not really with strangers but with people he recognizes - he has Steve's smile. We love our little man so very much. I am excited to see him grow and become a man of God.

Today I packed away all the 0-3 mo clothing and prepped the 6-9 mo clothing which will be coming out much faster than I can handle!

Sorry it has been so long!

2007-03-20T11:30:00.000-07:00

We have had a very busy month. Our minds have been consumed with Ministry, family, and PJ! He has grown so much in the last month, almost a full pound and I think a little in the length. He even slept 7 hours one night! He is starting to make it to the coveted milestone of all parents, a full night's sleep! Steve went to Sheperd's Conference in LA and PJ and I went to Seattle. It was so much fun to see PJ meet the rest of our family. He did wonderfully with the flying, meeting new people, and sleeping in a new bed. Here are some pics of our week away!

Here is my Dad meeting PJ for the first time. My Dad was instantly in love with this little man! It was very cool to watch him with his first Grandson!

Here is the 4 Generations of the Drew line. My mother was so excited to have PJ at the house for a whole week!

On my husband's side there were three babies born within 6 months of each other. Here we all are, from Left to right: Steph and Ivy, with Kya on the floor, Me and PJ, Adrienne and Aliyah.

And the cousins with each other!

2 Months old today!

2007-02-23T14:29:00.000-08:00

PJ had his 2 mo Dr. appt today. He is 12.5 pounds and is 22.75 inches long. That means he has gained 4 pounds and grew 2.5 inches since he came home on Christmas. The shots didn't go over so well, but when is it fun to get anything stuck in you?

Naked Pics

2007-02-20T20:05:00.000-08:00

PJ had his first major and second blowout today! So while I was giving him a good wipe down I took the opportunity to take some butt shots. I think his rolls are precious! And then he decided to leave the changing pad wet ;)!

our current fav pics

2007-02-19T08:55:00.000-08:00

He is now starting to wear his 3-6 mo clothing. This outfit was given by Grandma Dorothy, I can't believe that it fits! I did have to roll the pants because they were 2 inches too long! But everything else fits, does he have our short gene?

Pictures from the last two weeks

2007-02-19T08:45:00.001-08:00

This is the outfit he wears when he goes with Daddy to rehersal!

Some random pics

2007-01-29T19:36:00.000-08:00

"Should I eat next, poop, or take a nap, hmmm?"

Tummy time for PJ. He is getting stronger everyday!

PJ is already taking after his Daddy with his clothes! His hair seems to be getting redder everyday!

Baby Shower for PJ

2007-01-29T19:26:00.000-08:00

Our church threw us a shower on Saturday. It was a wonderful brunch with lots of friends in attendance. We left feeling very encouraged and blessed. Here is a picture of all the wonderful things PJ received with him in the middle. He is going to be a very well dressed little boy!

2007-01-12T11:00:00.000-08:00

Daddy and PJ, they love spending time together!

Our little man is starting to have lots of wake time! He is a serious little man, always looking around and studying.

We love our little man!

Favorite Sleep Position

2007-01-12T10:50:00.000-08:00

He is a really good sleeper, and loves to have his binky to get to sleep and then pops it out!

Full Cheeks

2007-01-12T10:46:00.000-08:00

Here is a full view of his super cute cheeks! I think that they could be bigger than his cousin Ivy!

Some favorite pics

2007-01-02T18:39:00.000-08:00

Here are some of our favorite pics from the last week. My sister and my Mother were in town for his first week of life. It was wonderful to see them and for them to spend some quality time with PJ.

Meet Patrick Joseph

2007-01-01T15:49:00.000-08:00

Labor started on Dec 22nd when my water broke after my Mother had arrived at our house. I was in labor for close to 18 hours when they realized that little PJ was over 9lbs and his head would not fit. I was wheeled into the OR for a c-section. At 7:12 pm on Dec 23rd we were blessed with the most beautiful little boy! He weighed in at 9lbs and 3oz and 20.25 in long. So far we have determined that he has my nose, eyes, and lips. He has Steve's eyebrows and personality, he can work himself into quite a frenzy.

He has been such a joy this last week of getting to know him. The first night home from the hospital was hard but each night is a little easier. We have even been able to get 6 hours of sleep most nights!