Hello friends and family,
Jake has had a busy fall thus far! In fact, "busy" is the best word to describe Jake these days. His mind, body, and mouth are constantly on the run making life full of laughter and joy for Mommy and Daddy. At his 15 month appointment, Jake weighed 22 pounds 3 ounces and was 30.5 inches long. He loves to eat and hums and dances to express his satisfaction with his meal. If it's really a hit, you'll hear him say, "Mmmmm." Dessert has become a favorite - ice cream, oreos, chocolate chip cookies - oh my! Of course, Mommy and Daddy keep it in moderation and he still loves all of his healthy meal items. Jake has started to use a fork or spoon. He does great with it, however, food doesn't often reach his mouth. No worries, Jake uses his hands to scoop up any food particle he may have missed and then shovels it in his mouth. Tank and Bella are thrilled with his less than stellar utensil skills - more snacks for them!
Jake loves to play outside. The playground on post is a favorite - especially when Daddy comes. Jake is fearless and adventurous. He enjoys climbing up the slide and then sliding down on his tummy (feet first). Mommy is always so proud of his athletic skills, even though I spent 7 years telling kids NOT to do this at school. It is so fun to watch Jake have so much joy when he's moving, playing, and enjoying being a toddler. He loves to march, spin, do pushups, and run!
Our big guy is definitely strong willed, curious, and loves to learn. He has become quite the mimic. Jake thinks other kids are so much fun to play with, but his dogs are still his favorite playmates. Tank and Bella get frequent "good dog" pats and lots of hugs and kisses (sometimes surprise ambushes are a more accurate description).
Jake goes to story time once a week at the library on post. They dance and sing a song, hear a story, and then do a craft that goes with the book theme. My happy little man loves the dance, usually causes trouble during the story, and then joins back in for the craft. Most of the kids at story time either sit nicely on the carpet to hear the story (the older kids) or cling to their parents (the kids Jake's age or younger). Jake doesn't fall into either category. Mr. Class Clown likes to walk in front of the story and giggle, turn on the CD player during the story, and sit in other kids' laps (if it's a pretty girl, she will get a kiss on the cheek). I get a bonus workout chasing him.
In September, we got to take a family trip to Adams and Syracuse, NY for my cousin, Katie's wedding. Jake got to meet and spend time with one of my dearest friends, Jen Surette, and her kids, Laurelle and Brayden. Jen and I became best friends when I moved to NY and our husbands were deployed together. It was so heartwarming to introduce her to Jake and to snuggle her kiddos. We missed seeing her husband, Tristen, who is currently in Korea. Spending time with Jen, her kids, and her parents was so special. Jake realized he was loved by a family he didn't even know he had. How blessed he is! As always, I was amazed at her strength and patience at juggling a full time job, two amazing kids, and a hectic schedule while her husband serves his country for the zillionth time. We had such a blast and Jake loved playing with the big kids. He learned so much from Laurelle and Brayden (he even learned how to spin from their dog, Katie) and got spoiled silly by Aunt Jen. Jake also got to meet my friends at Sherman Elementary and Aunt Jess Hyde. We visited the Cider Mill for fresh donuts and the Thompson Park Zoo. The weather was perfect!
After our time in Adams, we went to Syracuse for the weekend. Aunt Jen, Aunt Jess, and the kids joined us to take care of Jake while we enjoyed the wedding festivities for Katie and Adam. Jake partied at the hotel with the Surettes while we got to spend time with the Bontempi and Van Horne families. Jake got to meet his Bontempi aunts and uncles, his cousins (Matt, Pat, Katie, Adam, and Sabrina) and he got to hang out with his new baby cousin Lexie. What a fun weekend we had celebrating a fantastic couple. We all really enjoyed ourselves.
More fall fun ahead for the Bandi's and we can't wait. Happy Fall!
 |
| At storytime (facing the audience of parents and NOT the book) |
 |
| Jake was so into shaking his instrument that he forgot to join the train. |
 |
| Jake got his first haircut - thank you Katie! |
 |
| Delicious! |
 |
| Ready to board the plane to NY! |
 |
| Jake and his buddy, Brayden |
 |
| Snuggles from Laurelle |
 |
| Movie before bed |
 |
| Burrville Cider Mill |
 |
| Loving the fall weather |
 |
| Loving the cider donuts more! |
 |
| Aunt Jen has a bouncy house - yippee! |
 |
| Rough and tumble boys |
 |
| Matt, Lexie, Jake, and Shanda! A new generation of cousins. |
 |
| At the zoo. Jake loved the donkeys (no political reference intended). |
 |
| Checking out the snowy owls |
 |
| Jake loves brushing his teeth (when he controls the brush) |
 |
| At the cider mill |
 |
| Boomer! |
