Jacob Andrew and William Colin

Monday, January 7, 2013

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

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

November 6, 2012 Update

Jake has taken full advantage of fall fun lately! He's enjoyed pumpkin painting with Tyson, a trip to the pumpkin patch, pumpkin carving, and trick or treating with his Mommy, Daddy, Tank and Bella. Jake is 16, almost 17, months old and a complete package of toddler joy. He keeps us smiling!

Jake enjoys:

- moving laundry from the dryer to the laundry basket
- watching the washer and dryer with fascination
- moving dog food piece by piece from one bowl to the other and then feeding each dog one piece at a time
- the microwave, dishwasher, and any appliance that has buttons and makes noise
- closing and opening all doors, drawers, and cabinets (which includes busting through baby locks)
- being chased
- wrestling with the pups
- babbling with expression and hand gestures
- Fresh Beat Band, Sesame Street, and Mickey Mouse Clubhouse
- reading and being read to
- singing along to the radio
- dancing
- shaking his head no
- listening to his favorite books over and over again
- painting with q-tips
- coloring with crayons
- stampers
- wheels that spin
- pushing and pulling objects from room to room
- brushing his teeth
- laughing
- playing outside
- building (and destroying) with blocks

Jake likes to say (among other things):

- daddy
- mama
- moo
- bow wow wow
- teeth
- an inappropriate word that he learned when Mommy dropped something on her toe
- eat
- bye
- hi
- sorry
- dot

As a teacher, I used to ask kids to say they were sorry, what they were sorry for, and how they planned to make a better choice next time. Each time Jake says, "sorry," it could easily be translated into one of the following:

"I'm sorry that I used the toilet for water play. Next time I will do it more quietly so you don't hear me and I can enjoy it for a longer period of time."

"I'm sorry that I hit the dogs in the heads with a spatula. Next time I will ask before taking the spatula to hit them with."

"I'm sorry that I ate part of a crayon. Next time I will ask for some hummus to dip it in - it didn't taste good."

"I'm sorry that I turned off the cable box right as Kevin Durant went up for a layup. Next time I will watch the play, clap, and then turn it off at the end of the fourth quarter in a tight game. That should get a bigger reaction."

Our active little guy is always on the go and always a bright spot. We look forward to the upcoming holidays with family and friends!

Shanda