January 2013

Hello Friends and Family,

Wow! It's been awhile because we've been so busy with the holiday season.  Jake has enjoyed Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, and Christmas being spoiled and blessed beyond measure by his family and friends.

Jake continues to be a busy, strong willed, curious, happy, and energetic toddler on the go!  I just can't even describe how that smile melts my heart (and I won't ruin this post by describing his toddler tantrums.  I'll keep his angel image in tact). He truly embodies the phrase "monkey see, monkey do" as he imitates everything and studies what people do.  It's so funny to watch him mirror our actions as he talks on the phone, does laundry, and watches sports (with passion).  Our little monkey has to be watched every minute as he is an expert climber who is fearless. Jake has also begun a language explosion mimicking words that he hears frequently.  What a fun age!

My little man enjoys going to play group once or twice a week and has a ball with the other kids (especially the pretty girls.)  Jake has also started "school" at the Child Development Center on post.  He goes to school one day a week for an hour and a half until he's more comfortable and a bit older.  Unfortunately for mommy, Jake's separation anxiety stage kicked in just before his first time to go to school, so he is still getting used to the idea amidst tears and a boo boo lip.  The CDC is a wonderful environment with caring people and I know he will love it once he realizes that Mommy does come back.  I know that he is safe and well taken care of so I try not to worry as I thoroughly enjoy my hour and a half a week working out at the gym instead of at home.

Jake loves to color, dance, run (preferably in circles chasing a dog), sing, play basketball, and "swim" in the bath.

We are looking forward to an amazing 2013 with our special boy.  We wish all of you a healthy and happy new year!

Shanda

Jake would like to share some of his favorite pictures:

Always stylin'

This required many takes and lots of silly dance moves from GP.  That man will do anything to get me to smile

Just two adorable gentlemen laying down in the driveway

Great Oma and two of her grandsons with all three of her great grandchildren

I love a good car nap

This picture is deceiving, but I'm totally just looking at the tree

I love to play outside!

Checking out the Hanukkah lights with Daddy

Hanging out with GM and GP

I love my Aunt Abby

Feeding my gadget addiction with Oma's iPad

Watching Fresh Beat Band with Finn and Sylvie

Catching up with Sylvie over some crackers

The Bandi Family

I like to cheese it up for the camera

My Finn

Finn is posing cooperatively for the pictures while Sylvie and I try to find a way to climb off the bench

Daddy and his brothers.  They are so silly!

Christmas Eve at Oma and Opa's

How does Mommy always catch me throwing leaves and dirt?

Mommy and Daddy make me smile

Christmas with Oma and Opa

Hanging out in downtown OKC.  I'm upset that Mommy and Daddy won't let me run the streets by myself.

Coloring

Sometimes you just have to stop on the stairs and read a book

Don't tell Daddy, but I needed to do some work on his computer

Sharing Cheerios with Micah

Yummy latkes

A suitcase that has wheels I can spin and I can ride on??? Thanks Aunt Harriet and Uncle Joel!

My very own microwave!

Cooking the same chicken over and over again

Mommy and me celebrating Hanukkah

Playing the piano with Jon on his iPhone