My Boys

I love having a boy and the thought of adding a little brother to the mix is something I am looking forward to with anticipation...and trepidation.

Critter is so "boy" that I am wondering what our little addition will be like. Will he be like his big brother? I guess I'll just have to wait and see.

You can see what I mean in the video at the end. I love it! Boys are so fun.

Checking out the beach after having gotten soaked by the waves.

Watching a bird dive in the waves.

We were on our way to a friend's Mustache themed 30th Birthday - Creepers!

Just playing with his dump truck - Vaaroooom.

Studly trimming our front tree.

Studly's "mini me" holding down the trimmed branches.

Nothing stops Critter from getting outside.

Goofiness is apparently genetic.

Enjoying the ball pit at the Children's museum.

I've fallen and I can't get up. Mama, can you help me instead of taking pictures?

We had been at the park for all of three minutes when Critter dove into a puddle.

Riding home in just a diaper after puddle swimming.

Throwing Cans

If there is one thing I have come to understand as a mother it is that anything can be turned into a toy. A few months or so back, Critter was very interested in lids - taking them off, putting them back on and repeating twenty times. When I used up the breadcrumbs, I washed out the tin and put it in his room in hopes of gaining five minutes of uninterrupted self-entertainment.

This morning he discovered another way to use it - throwing it. Now this comes as no surprise because he has a tendency to throw everything like a ball. We are working on what can be thrown and what cannot, but that is not the point. Normally, he would throw said item (if it wasn't a ball), realize it wasn't bouncing or rolling and then move on to something else. When he threw the can, it boingggged on the carpet. He laughed and thought that was the greatest noise.

After a few minutes I realized that the grandparents, aunts and uncles might want to see this so I grabbed the camera and tried to get him started on it again. It isn't quite as good as the organic realization and throwfest, but when he tries to get behind the camera to see the video it pretty much makes up for the re-creation.

Thirty for Thirty

We met in our teens, dated and married in our mid-twenties, started a family in our late twenties and BAM here we are entering our 30's. Where has the time gone?

My wonderful Hubby turned thirty on Friday. To celebrate his milestone in the blog world, here are thirty things (in random order) I love about my One and Only:

1. His humility despite his incredible talents and abilities.
2. His love for people.
3. His dedication to his family.
4. The way he comes home from a long day and plays tirelessly with his devoted first son.
5. His generosity.
6. His tush (don't gag, it's true).
7. When he has to ask if something matches (not usually a good sign).
8. His sense of humor.
9. Integrity. Integrity. Integrity.
10. His love for music and that he will (hopefully) pass on his mad skills to our kids.
11. How he eats whatever I make, even though I'm always trying out random recipes.
12. That he chose to marry me.
13. His adventurous spirit.
14. His laid back, PNG infused demeanor.
15. His smarty pants brain.
16. His willingness to admit when he's wrong.
17. His willingness to fight with me, even when I'm not fighting fair.
18. His mad good looks.
19. His faith.
20. His dreams.
21. That he is completely himself in all situations.
22. He is a servant to those around him, including Critter and I.
23. His love of flight.
22. His creativity and thoughtfulness.
23. The fact that Critter hugs him for a full minute in the mornings at the thought of Tim leaving for the day.
24. The fact that if Critter wasn't taking up so much hugging space, I would do the same.
25. That the best part of our day is when Daddy comes home.
26. That when we were dating, Tim's friends would remind me what a stand-up, amazing guy I was with.
27. That we have spent countless hours laughing together.
28. It feels like we have always been best friends.
29. That he fixes things (even when I call him at work and complain that the internet is down).
30. That he is the only one like him in six billion and he is all ours forever and ever.

Blast from the Past (Christmas 2001)
Me, Tim and our good friends Andy & Stephanie 

Fun with Soup

One of the gifts Critter found in his stocking on Christmas morning was a set of "big kid" cups from his Aunt Kristy. I hadn't even thought of moving him onto cups yet and he has been excited about them since day one - Good call, Auntie.

Tonight after starring at our fridge contents for five minutes and unnecessarily air conditioning the kitchen trying to figure out what to feed Critter for dinner, I spied leftover tomato soup. Tomato Soup!?! Yep. Our sixteen month old eats almost anything especially tomatoes and olives. The only problem with soup is that he doesn't feed himself consistently with a spoon yet and the thought of spooning him food for the next half hour wasn't sounding pleasant. So, I slightly warmed the soup in one of the cups and he drank it up - yum!



To make the best use of my time, I proceeded to fill out some paperwork in the kitchen. When I looked up from my "to do" this is what I found:



Moral of the story: Tomato soup is good, clean fun (especially out of a cup).

Can I have another, please?

Thai Honey Peanut Chicken
 recipe and photo from www.thepioneerwoman.com

I realize that for most of you this is old news. I have heard friends talk about The Pioneer Woman for a couple years now. It took me this long to jump on board and actually peruse the website. I did so last night and kept interrupting Tim's thesis work to tell him about all the delicious recipes I was coming across. I thought he'd me more excited given the fact that it directly benefits him. So, now I share my excitement with you.

Tonight, I made Thai Honey Peanut Chicken and loved it - . It was so easy and delicious that I have decided to link to it in case a few of you want to try it. I roasted veggies as a side and it all came together quite nicely. Plus if you're a vegetarian, the recipe says you can substitute tofu and it works great as well. What I loved most is that I didn't have to go grocery shopping to try the recipe. I had everything I needed in my cupboard, freezer and fridge. That may be a cooking woman's dream come true.

For those of you who give it a shot, enjoy! I know we did.

Never Too Young for Chores

He loves to vacuum and sweep! He insists on "helping" whenever I'm doing either. We plan to encourage and foster his love of chores for a very long time.

Christmas in Nor Cal

Critter and I trekked it up to Nor Cal the Monday before Christmas to spend some extra time with my family. I was a little apprehensive because lately he has been very clingy, especially around "new" people. My family is not new to him by any means but I was thinking it would take him a day or two to warm up. Wrong. Thankfully and joyfully very wrong.

Critter went immediately to his Nani from the car seat and proceeded to give hugs all around to Grandpa and Aunt Kelly. It was wonderful and special as was the rest of our time with them.

For the most part, we laid low only getting out to run errands or go to the park between naps. Grandpa, Tim, and Uncle Ryan did take Critter on an adventure to Train Town one day. It was good to be with family and watch Critter play, interact and enjoy his Kimmel side.

Christmas Day was a blast. Critter was pretty good at tearing wrapping paper, clapping and screaming in excitement as gifts were opened or when he deemed it necessary to liven up the party. Grandpa and Nani surprised him with his first laptop. That's right, fifteen month olds with laptops! It works on the alphabet and phonetics, but Critters favorite setting is music and sounds. My extended family came over for dinner and an epic white elephant gift exchange in the late afternoon. My Nana (Critter's great-Nana) gifted him a very cool quad bike. Jude immediately got on it, pushed the button and rode into the sunset (actually, it was down the hall in my parents house).

The days following Christmas were spent wedding dress shopping for my sister, Kristy. Karl proposed to her on Tuesday, the 21st, up at Kimmel Vineyards on a swing (he built from a tree he cut down at the ranch earlier in the fall) that he hung from an oak tree lit up by white Christmas lights. To put it nicely, he rocked the proposal and we are excited for what lies ahead of both of them. To the point: Kristy found her dress! It is gorgeous and I can't wait to post pictures come June. Happy wedding planning.

Because I am terrible at choosing just a few photos, here's a slideshow and a couple movies of our week.

My amazing wife of 6 years

Wow,

6 years ago Jill and I were just about to start our journey together as husband and wife. We had dated for 3 1/2 years before I had finally gotten my act together and asked her to marry me.

A short 4 months later we were at the chapel of camp san luis about to say I do. The day was december 19th 2004, a mere 2 days away from the official beginning of winter. Unlike today, which is a wonderful day to stay inside and cuddle up next to a fire in order to stay out of the rain, 6 years ago there was not a rain cloud to be seen. It was a very crisp fall day which allowed us to take pictures outside.

I remember how surreal it was when the music (played by family and friends) started and the doors at the back of the chapel opened to the most beautiful woman in the world, my wife to be! The music was an instrumental I had heard on a surf movie (Fernie Apodaca and others from the Shelter soundtrack for those who care). Every time I hear it my mind and emotions go right back to that day with me standing as my beautiful bride walked down that aisle. Our ceremony was traditional, with the exception of the 500 carat diamond paperweight that I tried to pass off as Jill's wedding ring.

After the ceremony we took more pictures before heading over to the officer's club where the reception was just starting. We had soooo much fun at our reception.... so much that some might have even thought we were either crazy or drunk. The funny thing is I don't think Jill drank anything, and I only had a glass of wine. Our family and friends danced, laughed, danced, and ate our way through the evening with us. I love that we had sooo much fun dancing out our own wedding. We both look back to that day and are continually blown away by how blessed we were to have such a celebration to kick of our marriage. Our families and friends did so much to make that day special for us. Jill had put so much work into making sure that everything was not put off to the last minute, which allowed us both to truly enjoy that day. For all of you who know Jill, you know she is able to get things done. This is something that amazes me and I hope will rub off on me more and more!

Since that day years have come and gone, with a cat, a dog, a house, a kid joining our ranks. As I think about those six years I am overwhelmed with how lucky I am to have my best friend in the world as my wife. She puts up with me and my many quirks and dysfunctional ways in a loving way that I don't deserve. How she is still able to laugh at my attempts at humor is something that astounds me. Memories of camping next to trains, living next to trains, moving out to a vineyard where the trains followed us... Hmmm, I have never thought about this train theme in our lives. Anyways, that will be another discussion at some point. Back to my wife. We had the absolute best time in the world travelling for 2 months around the south pacific. Paradise living in Huahine, rainy day hikes in Moorea, minivan touring in New Zealand, hotel hopping in Vanuatu, and returning to my childhood home in Papua New Guinea all were made special because I was able to be with Jill.

The end of that trip marked the point at which we started adding to our family. Our son came in September of 2009 to deprive Jill from sleep for 8 months. He is soooo extremely lucky to have her as a mother. There have been many hard things about having a son but Jill has continually impressed me with her ability to love him through all of the sleepless nights, diaper rashes, and tantrums (both his and mine). Now I have the privilege of seeing his face light up at the sight of his mom. She is so fun, loving, caring, and wise with how she interacts with him. He knows he his loved beyond his imagination by his mom and that is such a gift to me.

So how do you truly let your wife of 6 years how thankful, grateful, and in love with her you are? I don't know. I do know that no matter what I do it will never really match how amazing she is.

I can say that it has been such a great journey thus far. Jill has been and continues to be the love of my life, my best friend, the mother of my children, my confidant, my better half, and I want you all to know how lucky and blessed I am!!!

Puddles of Fun

Today we decided to have a little adventure down to the park in the rain. Kona desperately needed some outside time and the Kid doesn't seem to mind the rain. This first clip is our crazy one being restless in the house before we decided to get out.

Hope all of you with little ones are managing to stay sane in the rain. Raise your hand if you just had the words "insane in the brain" scream out at you from inside your head. Now raise your hand if you actually raised your hand.... you see what I did there?

I Get What I Pay For

I'm sitting in a quiet house. Jude is sound asleep and Tim is playing a rare game of night soccer with his city league team. The Christmas decorations are up, which at our house means a lot of garland and white lights.

I realized this year, as I ran like an excited schoolgirl to the mailbox, that one of my favorite things about the Christmas season is receiving Christmas cards and letters. I love seeing pictures of friends and family. I love hearing about their year and what they have been up to. We hang the cards and photos from ribbons in our dining room and I look at them multiple times a day. In fact, I often leave them up long after all the other decorations have been boxed up and stored.

On the other hand sending out the Whitacre Christmas card is not nearly as exciting as receiving. But don't get me wrong, I know it is part of the deal so I do it. Sometimes I enjoy it because we have a lot to say or I really like the picture we chose. This year...not so much.

When I started looking into buying photo cards, things began to add up. It looked like on average it was going to cost somewhere between $100 - $150 to print and send cards. To some this might not seem like much. To me, this sounds like much more than I would like to spend. So what did a thrifty, frugal, downright cheapster like me do? I tried to make my own. Normally, this isn't such a bad  idea. I've done it in the past and they have turned out decent. Perhaps they don't look like I ordered them from Papyrus or my local stationary store, but they work.

I sent my files to print on Sunday night and picked them up on Monday. When I opened the envelope my heart sank. Yes, I do realize that children are starving in Africa and in the larger perspective of things this doesn't matter, but my heart still sank. The photos and text are grainy, pixelated and muddled. I brought them home and was embarrassed to show my hubby. After looking at them, he suggested that next year I have him do a double check on file size, etc before I submit anything - duly noted.

I considered scrapping the whole idea and not wasting more money on stamps. But alas, I have attempted to set my pride aside and am sending them out tomorrow as is. What is done is done. I guess in the end, I did save money, but I also got what I paid for. I would say that I've learned my lesson, but I haven't really. I will try again to save money next year, but will at least bring in the brains of the operation before pressing submit.

And Then There Were Two

Shortly after Critter's first birthday, I found out we were pregnant. That's right. You read correctly: Pregnant. I had a inkling a week or so before but kept putting off the test because I have a weird thing about finding out early and feeling pregnant forever and a day.

Well, I peed and there it was on the stick. I think pregnancy test results should come with an exclamation point, but that is another subject. I thought I found out around five weeks and was bummed that I hadn't had enough self-control to put off the test a few more weeks. On the other hand, I was really excited. Tim and I had started talking about the possibilities and the timing of our kids, that is if we could have things our way. We wanted them closer versus farther, but decided to just see how things played out. Now we know - homerun, touchdown, Gooooaaaaaallllllllll.

To tell Tim, I made Critter this silly hat made out of newspaper and letters clipped from a magazine that read Big Bro. I told him that I made Critter a hat and he smiled and said that was nice. Then he reached for him and looked at me with big eyes, "Really?!?". I grinned my response.

Then a couple of weeks (okay, one week) later I started to pooch out. I kept telling myself that women's bodies tend to react more quickly the second time around. But, I couldn't even suck it in anymore. I started going to the gym more, but to no avail. One week ago, I finally made an appointment with my doctor and she  thought I was further along than I had originally estimated. Today was the ultrasound to determine where we're at in this forty week journey.

When we got the first ultrasound with Critter, I was six weeks and he looked like a little peanut. I couldn't even tell it was a baby other than his beating heart. Today was a different story. When the ultrasound picture came on the screen, I gasped. This was definitely a little person. We got to see his/her arms, fingers, kidneys, stomach, bladder, heart, spine, and more. The tech said I am twelve weeks and one day today, but that the doctor will decide the due date and let me know.

We are ecstatic, honored and blessed to be expecting our second child. I am looking forward to the journey of being pregnant with a little one year old boy to chase, teach and love. When I say looking forward I mean scared, nervous and tired at the thought (just kidding, kind of). In all seriousness, we cannot wait to meet this little one and welcome him/her to our family.

I am reminded through the gift of new life the amazing God we serve, the Creator. "For you created my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." Psalm 139:13

One

I remember sitting in a mom and baby class when Critter was just six weeks old and wondering if either of us were going to survive until he was six months. Last week, we celebrated Critter's first birthday. Not only have we survived, but on most days we have thrived. It has been a blessing getting to know this little man that God in His infinite grace and mercy has blessed us with. 

I don't know what I thought before I had Critter, but I think I assumed that I would just know my son not that I would need to get to know him. Well, I have definitely had to get to know him and continue to do so each day. What I can say about this special boy is that he is strong in spirit and in personality. 

He loves to laugh, wrestle, and explore. His Daddy is his hero (and mine). He is bright, loves music and playing with balls. He loves his dog, airplanes, birds and insists on touching all the trees and bushes that we walk by. He loves food and eats whatever we are eating (for this I am very thankful). He is full of life and adds so much to ours.

We celebrated his actual birthday with Nani, Grandpa and Aunt Kristy at the beach for the afternoon. The next day, we had a party at Tim's Aunt and Uncle's place in Templeton. Activities included lots of toy time, a zip line and a trampoline not to mention exploring in the trees. The highlight of the evening was Critter's reaction to his first cupcake - he gagged multiple times. He also managed to wipe most of the frosting all over his chest, face and hair. Critter was blessed by so many people who love him. As parents, Tim and I were blessed to see Jude surrounded by friends and family who love him and support us as we stumble along raising him.

As I look back I cannot believe how quickly the year has gone. My infant has become a jabbering toddler with a will of  his own. I am looking forward to what lies ahead, but also think back fondly (and not-to-fondly sometimes) to what we have come through this year.

Happy Birthday, my sweet Son. I love you more than I could have ever known. And just think, Jesus loves you even more!

Look, Dada! No Hands.

Have you ever visited downtown Paso Robles? If not, you must. Not only do we have fabulous wines and amazing restaurants, but it also boasts a beautiful park in the centre. There is ample grass, trees that will be changing colors here very soon, a picturesque gazebo and lots of great people watching.

In the past few months, a new park feature has become my favorite - the playground. The little kids' (as opposed to the big kids') playground is just perfect for Critter. It sits under a shady oak tree and isn't very high off the ground. We have started going there a few times a week and in the last few weeks he has mastered it completely. The fact that I am impressed goes without saying, but he's not even a year old and he can climb up the stairs, over the bridge, fearlessly go head first down the tunnel slide, turn around and climb off the slide to crawl to the stairs and start over again.

He loves climbing and sliding. He practices going up and down and up and down. He also loves the steering wheel, but that is another video. Like a true master, Critter ends with big finish. "Look, Dada! No Hands".

Red Ball, Orange Ball

If I had to guess I would say that Critter's love of balls - large, small, light, heavy, soft or hard it doesn't matter - started when his Grandpa visited in May. If my memory serves me correctly, it was the first morning they were with us and Grandpa got on the floor with Critter and started throwing a small, hard plastic ball with him. Jude caught on right away likely because he loved throwing anything and everything he could get his hands on. This was much to his Grandpa's joy since he played baseball through college - second base for Cal Poly, SLO - Go Mustangs!

Since then, his obsession has grown and now he has favorites. He loves his medium, red, bouncy ball which we have rightly named Red Ball. There have been a number of times when Critter is very upset for one reason or another and we don't know what else to do so we say, "Red Ball", and he starts to giggle. It works almost every time. He loves talking about it, bouncing it and kicking it.

About a week ago, we were taking our morning outing to a nearby park and lo and behold on the street (not near any homes) was a lonely, worn, orange basketball. I watched to see if anyone was going to pick it up, but given the early hour of the morning there was no one else out and about. We picked up the ball and proceeded with our jungle gym adventure.

Being the show-off that I am, I decided to show Critter my not-so-stellar basketball skills. I dribbled in circles, between my legs and bounced up and down with the ball. He loved it. He thought I was pretty good (some day he'll understand otherwise, but for now I'll take what I can get). From that point on, he has loved Orange Basketball. It is much heavier than Red Ball, but he manages to lift it over his head to bounce it across the floor. 

I not-so-secretly hope that he loves sports as I do. Me? Competitive? What? But even if this is just a phase it is fun to see him figure out what he likes and doesn't like. 

Cousins

On September first two thousand ten at four fourty four in the morning, Critter's cousin was born. This precious little girl's name is Rose. She was 21.5 inches long and six pounds six ounces. She is gorgeous like her Mama and we just know she's gonna be sweet and playful like her Dada.

This is Jude's first cousin and we are so excited to welcome her to the family. We showed Jude her picture online and filmed his reaction. Perhaps he is reacting more to how much he loves his Papa and every word his hero utters, but we're pretty sure he's also ecstatic over a friend for all those family reunions we have planned.

Or maybe he is just laughing at our ancient computer...

Shoes for a Little Boy

I admit it. I was giddy in the Target shoe aisle and it wasn't even for me. I was in the little boy aisle. I was browsing the size threes and Critter was busy seeing how many boxes he could pull off the shelves before I gobbled him up and put him back in the cart.

For the most part, Critter goes bare foot and I know this is something Tim loves. I've heard a story from when Tim was a wee one in PNG that he refused to wear shoes to school. I think if he didn't have pansy American feet now, he would still be barefoot.

Barefoot is still great when we're inside at home, but more and more Jude wants to push his Cozy Coup down the street or climb through the bark and up the stairs at the playground. The time has come for shoes.

We have been blessed beyond words by dear friends with hand-me-downs galore. Literally, I have not purchased more than two clothing items for Jude. With that said, shoes seem to be different. I've tried repeatedly a variety of shoes we have been given, but they either slip off or cut off his circulation (fat ankle syndrome likely from me). Today, we bought shoes.

I don't know why it feels like such a big deal, but it does. My little baby boy isn't feeling so baby like anymore. There are times where I miss the cuddly little guy, but in reality I love the moving, adventurous, discovering phase as he embarks on little boyhood. I know this is only the beginning. For crying out loud, he doesn't even walk on his own yet.

Right now it is his first pair of shoes. Hopefully soon it will be his first tooth. In another couple years it will be his first bike. Looking forward to lots more firsts, Critter.

The Family Band

My Nana gave us her piano when we were first married and she learned that Tim played. I love hearing Tim  play music whether it be piano, guitar, jimbae or any other instrument. I on the other hand have never had the knack for music and you don't want to be around when I'm trying to play guitar or pretending I can play piano.

Today Aiya (Tim's mom) captured our most recent addition to the family band. Just in case you're wondering, it was a one man band and his manager until recently. (Sorry for the angle of the video)

Cozy Coup

What can I say? I was really proud of myself. I assembled the Cozy Coup. I realize this is not a difficult task, but when I saw all the parts and the five pages of directions I thought, "This is a job for the man of the house."

Well, the woman of the house is not patient, so I set to work. While Critter took his afternoon nap, I followed the step-by-step instructions. An hour and a half later, he was cruising in his car. We have ridden around the block and down the street to the park. Lately, he is enjoying pushing it around on the grass or sidewalk. He also loves opening and closing the door and climbing in and out of his bright red and yellow ride.

Thank you, Dauphins, for sharing! We love you guys. And not just because you give us cool toys:)

Here is a photo of us upon completion and another of Critter enjoying the result of my efforts.

Umm...Cool, Mama, I think

Three Dollars Later I Admitted I was Wrong

One of the things I have learned (am learning) to appreciate about my dear husband is his love of cheap electronic "deals". Since moving into town a year ago from the country, we have enjoyed meandering the neighborhood on calm Saturday mornings perusing garage sales.

About a month ago at a garage sale practically across the street from us, Tim happened upon a Red Roomba. You are probably thinking to yourself, "I know that word, but can't remember why". That is because it is the robot vacuum cleaner that was heavily marketed not so long ago. I didn't know that people actually bought them. Apparently, they did, but now they are selling at garage sales for $3.

We didn't know if it worked, but it was in the original packaging with all the parts, etc. Tim said it looked like it had only been used a handful of times. I am not one to collect "junk". If I had it my way, our garage would be near empty and once a year we would take a truck full of stuff to the Goodwill just because it takes up space and time in our lives. Tim is very nearly the exact opposite. Naturally, my inclination was to leave the Roomba to some other sucker to store in their garage, but it wasn't a fight I wanted to take up. Tim saw the look on my face and responded like a true electronic engineer, "Jill, the sensors and servos on this thing are worth way more than $3. Even if it doesn't work, I can use the parts." I have lost track of the number of times I have heard statements like this. Our garage is full of these statements.

We got it home. It went in circles and didn't work. Surprise. Actually, no surprise at all. I had to keep in mind it was only $3 and Tim was enjoying the process. After google searches and a complete deconstruction and cleaning, my brilliant husband got it working. It turned out that it just needed to be cleaned out.

I was wrong. Tim was right. I'll say it again if I need to. He's brilliant and this may be the deal of the year for us. Thanks, Love, for being so handy and frugal.

The Roomba is awesome! It sweeps our tile and carpet floors while I am busily doing other things on the never ending to-do list. But the best part about the Roomba is captured below. It turns out it doubles as a babysitter/entertainer for our little crawler. When this video was taken, Critter had only been crawling for about five days. He figured it out pretty quick when he wanted to chase the vacuum.

Crackin' Up

I posted this originally without any text and then viewed the comments and realized that I look goofy in the video. I am used to doing silly things, but I thought it was funny that I didn't even consider what I looked like or what I was doing. When I watched the video before posting it, all I saw was Jude laughing and having a good time. I guess a mother's love truly is blind...to her own ridiculousness:) Enjoy. I did.