Back to Work

A few more pictures of my little marshmallow...





When I was about to pop I was daydreaming about what life would be like on maternity leave. I had visions of cleaning, organizing, reading... perhaps I'd even have time to try out some new recipes to make for Joey when he returns from patrol. Three words: WHAT A JOKE! These past 6 weeks have flown by incredibly fast and I have almost NOTHING to show for it! No sequin-studded stocking, no completely organized bathroom (or ANY room for that matter), no NOTHING! Instead I am a ball of tired mush with a grossly reduced IQ. I do, however, know EVERYTHING that's been going on in the world these past couple of months. I've been glued to the news and it's completely depressing. I don't remember my parents ever being this fearful for the future of our country, our environment, our economy, our government, our world... I'm beginning to feel badly about bringing Jacob into this terrible place! Famine, discord, violence, bankruptcy, terror, sadness...

Work today was uneventful. It was nice to be around adults and see that people were happy to have me back. I look forward to getting back into the swing of things.

Joseph is at Nana and Poppy's and even though I miss him more than I can express in words, he is having such a good time that I am happy for him. I can't wait to get him back and give him a million hugs and a million smooches! I know as soon as he comes back, he'll ask when he can go back to Nana and Poppy's. They make it so much fun for him! So far he's been camping, they went to a fair, he's been enrolled in swim lessons, he goes on long bike rides, he swims in the back yard, they read, he helps prepare dinner, he watches squirrely dudes on the back porch, he plays with Haley, he visits Great Nana and Great Poppy, he spends time with his FAVORITE uncle James... what a lucky kid! I wish I had grandparents like Joe and Lory!

We Love Daddy

Joe has left on patrol. It hasn't been quite a week yet but it already feels like it's been FOREVER. Unlike Joseph, Jacob will not know what it's like to have Dad around all of the time. We estimate Jacob will be about six years old when Joe gets out of the Navy. Then he'll have him around all of the time!

Joe is such a doting father! I'm so impressed by how he has transformed as a person. I wish I could give him 5 more children but after this one, I just don't have anything left in me. I forgot how difficult newborns are! Jacob seems to sleep well during the day but at night he's fussy and wakes every 1.5 to 2 hours! Hopefully this is just a phase and he'll settle down in a few weeks. Hopefully before I go back to work! I can't imagine getting this little sleep and having to wake up in the morning and use my fuzzy brain. Yikes!

First Bath

Here are pictures of Jacob's first bath at home. It was a long time ago but it's just taken me forever to update this blog. He looked confused and he became uncomfortable. Since then, we are loving baths and look forward to them every night. Even though he doesn't really go anywhere or touch anything, the funk on this kid would amaze you!

Settling In

Just a few more pictures of my darling Jacob!

Farewell, Kindergarten!

Joseph's last day of Kindergarten was June 20, 2011. He's really enjoyed his experience at Brownsville Elementary and even though the commute was a nightmare (45 minutes one way) I am so glad that I enrolled him there. When I think about where he was at the beginning of the year and where he is now I feel so fortunate that he's grown so much. We made gift bags for the people at his school and at Y Kids. On the last day of school I also brought Jacob to show the class because Joseph is so proud of his little brother. The kids got to ask Joseph questions and they lined up to take a good look at the little man. It was a good day. Sad but good.