Playtime

This is probably one of the longest videos I have yet to post. I took it this week of Jude playing outside in his exersaucer while I attempt to video and throw the ball for Kona. If you listen closely you can hear Jude laughing at Kona. He really loves watching her. He also give me a few big grins when he turns and sees me. It melts my heart. Jude knows how to have a good time and I love watching him enjoy himself.

Jude and Dad sharing secrets

I just uploaded some new photos to Facebook from our outing to the park this morning. After the park, nursing, diaper change, and clothes change Jude had quite a bit to talk about.

Tim is telling Jude some secrets and Jude proceeds to share them with the world and give a bit of a monologue. I love watching Tim and Jude interact. I know I'm partial, but Tim is a wonderful father.

Droolmiester

Sorry about the formatting of the last post. Apparently the preview function is not an exact replication of what the post will look like. Note to self.

This is a classic Jude drool moment. He drools like this all day, every day. I have to change his shirts regularly to keep him from getting cold in wet clothes. I put bibs on him sometimes, but he blazes through those as well. I wonder if this is one of the effects of his mouth breathing habit (thanks to me)? Hmm...

Thoughts on Judo

This week Tim and I were giving Jude his much loved nightly bath when I looked at Tim and said, "When did he get so big? He looks like a little boy now." And he does. He is interacting more and more.

His greatest joy comes in the form of a four legged friend, KonaBear. Kona doesn't realize yet that she has a stalker, but I'm sure one of these days she'll return the favor. Jude loves watching Kona.

The other day Jude, Kona, and I went to watch Tim play ultimate Frisbee on his lunch break. At one point Jude started to get fussy (bored, I think) and I said, "Where's your KonaBear?" Kona was running back with the ball I had just thrown. He saw her coming and just started giggling. He loves watching her. His eyes get really big and he usually talks to her about who knows what. I love it and someday Kona will too.

I think that right now the only thoughts going through Kona's head are "Are you kidding me? I can fetch, sit, run, jump, and feed myself and yet they are so impressed and captivated by this new little person! And he can't do anything but drool a lot and squeal in my face...annoying." Kona is a very gracious and loving dog.

On another note, I worked on Jude's baby book last night and realized just how much hair he has really lost. His initial pictures show lots of black hair and now he is outdoing Donald Trump for the ultimate comb over. His hair has lightened significantly as well and we are seeing hints of auburn. Tim was a blond toddler and I had strawberry blond hair for quite some time (once I got hair, that it).






Jude and Dad playing on the bed. My boys are so silly... and I love it!





Jude showing off his bandaids from his four month immunizations. He didn't cry as much this time, thankfully.













Playing in his excersaucer (Thank you, Wommack family).

Social Butterfly

On Wednesday mornings, Jude and I pack up and head down to SLO for a mom's class. This class was my saving grace during some very hard weeks during Jude's second month. I look forward to them each week, but know that one of these days Jude will take an extended and much needed morning nap and we'll have to say goodbye to class. In the meantime, I am finding it quite amusing that Jude loves the class as much as I do.

Last week, I put him in his car seat knowing that he was going to get hungry on the thirty minute drive to SLO. Part of the class includes weighing the baby, feeding, and weighing again to see how much milk they are taking at a given feed. It is really encouraging when you realize that even though they are eating quickly, they are getting enough food. With that said, I always try to bring him to class hungry. With about ten minutes left of the drive (Cuesta Grade), he starts to complain in the back seat. I try to soothe him with my sweet words and quickly move on to trying to distract him with silly songs - nothing works. He wants food and he wants it now!

We park and I take him out of his car seat and give him a pacifier so that I can get him weighed without him crying the entire time. As we enter class, there are a few hellos from moms already having arrived. Everyone is chatting and having a good time. Jude spits his pacifier out and just stares...and then he smiles. I should have known then but it took me to the end of class to fully understand the implications of that smile.

He went to scream crying with real tears to giggling and looking around at everyone within about a one minute period. I was able to undress him, weigh him and re-dress him without so much as a fuss. I laid him on his back and he would arch around to look at the babies sitting across from him. He loves to stand, so I helped him stand and he just smiled and giggled at everyone. Throughout the class he giggled, laughed, talked, and smiled atveveryone. He had a great time.

I tried to feed him, but he basically looked me straight in the eye and said, "Listen, Mom, I'm here with all my friends and we're having such a good time. Can we please do this later?" Umm...really?!? I thought you loved to eat? I thought you were screaming your head off a half hour ago begging for me to pull the car over and feed you? "Mom, that was before I saw my friends." Sorry, my bad.

Anyways, he did the same thing today at class and I have come to the conclusion that our weigh ins have likely come to an end since he hardly eats with so many fun people around. It is cute to watch him light up around people and enjoy them so much. I never thought a chubby kid like Jude would put anything over food, but apparently social time ranks higher.

I'm really enjoying getting to know our son.

Capturing the Laughter

Well, we have been trying for a month or more to capture Jude laughing on a video, but every time we would turn the camera on he would stop and stare at it. Make sure your sound is turned up for this one because the filming is a little wiggly due to trying to keep the camera out of Jude's line of sight. We caught a few of his giggles and hope you enjoy them as much as we do.

I just filmed Jude playing in his exersaucer. He really discovered it this week and has been enjoying it a lot. His favorite piece of it is a toy with a lion, cat, duck, dog, and something else on it. When he pushes different parts it makes the noise of the animal. The part he is playing with in this video is a little book with a mirror behind it. Jude loves mirrors! The best part to watch for is that in the middle he completely spits up and just keeps playing like nothing happened. So funny. I love this kid.

Grandpa's Birthday

I just had to post this picture because it turned out so funny. It is my Dad's birthday today and in true form I put his card in the mail this morning. I figured that since he wouldn't get his card for a few days that it would be nice for him to get a little something in his email on his actual birthday. So...to Kona's dismay and Jude's wonder we set up this shot. My dad said that when he opened it he laughed out loud - mostly at Kona. He thinks we should rent her out for funny photo shoots since she lets us man-handle her so much. She looks so cute in birthday hats, though! Happy Birthday, Dad & Grandpa. We love you and wish we could be with you to celebrate today:)

Date Night

Tim and I "celebrated" our five year wedding anniversary on December 19th. I put it in quotes because by celebrated I mean almost completely ignored because we were in a small tiff and were in Tahoe with friends that weekend followed by a week with my family in Santa Rosa.

Almost one month later, we were able to go to dinner and really celebrate and reflect on the last five years. Tim spoiled me by taking us to Thomas Hill Organics, a restaurant I have been wanting to try in downtown Paso. It was delicious and an absolute treat. We talked some about the last five years, but mostly we were Tim and Jill - out to dinner by ourselves enjoying each others company. It has been at least four months since we have been able to really do that.

One of the things that we talked about is how we both really want our marriage to come before our children. This is one of those priorities that is easier said than done. Jude's needs are so immediate and if they aren't met, he cries. Now let's be honest, sometimes I cry too when my needs are being met (Tim....I need you (read in a whiny voice)). I know that this season of infanthood won't last forever, but even in the midst of it I want Tim to know that he is my priority and the main man in my life. I'm still working out what that actually looks like on a day to day basis. We are hoping to be able to trade babysitting with another couple so that we and they can get at least one date night a month.

The other thing that came up is how amazing it is that God allowed us to be parents - US! We are blessed by Jude in so many ways. He adds a depth and purpose to our lives that can't be matched. He really makes us a family. I love that when Tim leaves for work, I get to look at the little critter in my arms and see pieces of Tim staring back at me...only this time I know more math that him!

Honestly though, in many ways I can't believe how fast the time flies - five years later with a baby seems and yet I have vivid memories of our wedding day - seeing Tim for the first time, our first dance (I was so embarrassed), dancing the night away surrounded by friends and family. It was a great day and if anything was the foreshadowing of the fun Tim and I would have on our little adventure together. I love my husband. Thanks God for giving me more that I could have asked or imagined.

Hmmm...I hear Jude talking to himself in his crib.

Jude with socks

Jude got a slight diaper rash so I was airing him out for awhile on his playmat. I forgot to take his socks off and it was so cute I had to video him. He's doing so much better on his tummy!

Thanksgiving 2009

Yes, that is correct. I am blogging about last year's Thanksgiving. My favorite part is that the last blog I posted says I am trying to put up a more photos on a regular basis...hmm...that didn't work out too well so far.

Anyways...we had a wonderful Thanksgiving with the Whitacre clan. Brian, Susan, and Julie flew out from Tennessee and all met the Judester for the first time. It was amazing to watch them love, cuddle, and care for him over their visit. I never knew what a blessing it would be to watch others love on our child and take joy in him. One of my favorite things was watching Brian, Tim's big brother, holding Jude at every chance he could get. I think Jude probably took 75% of his naps in Uncle Bri's arms...and loved every minute of it.

We had Thanksgiving on Friday at the Hawk's Nest with the regular crowd joined by the Wilkins, family friends from Fresno. The Wilkin's just had their second girl, Emery, less than a month after Jude. In true Hawk form, Thanksgiving include a bizarre game of some sort. This year it was pilgrim crochet. If I remember correctly it included Plymouth rock, turkeys, pillaging, and other interesting obstacles. In the end, it ended up being a free for all of cheaters:)

On saturday we added the Marschner's (more friends from Fresno) to the crew and continued to have a great time of fellowship and hanging out. We visited Morning Star Youth Ranch where Tim's mom volunteers. It was a beautiful day at the ranch.

On Sunday, we had a surprise birthday for Linda (after a really lame, fake birthday party after church). We each made her coloring book pages and told her something we love about her or a story we remember. Of course, Tim and I got teary eyed because we love our Linda to pieces.

I'm not going into much detail, but we did have a great time with family and friends. There is always so much to be thankful for throughout the year, but this year God truely blessed out socks off. Here is a quick slideshow of our time together:

A Photo Entry

I am trying to take more regular pictures of Jude since I'm with him all day. Please enjoy a few of our favorites from the last week.

We hung out at a coffee shop this weekend and towards the end we were giggling about how big Jude is getting. He is quite the eater and as such is packing on the pounds. I love tubby babies...especially mine. Photo 1 - Jude's tummy is hanging over his pants. Photo 2 - Tim wants to know if he has extra arm joints or if those are just normal rolls of goodness.

Tim's coworker's wife crocheted Jude a beautiful pair of booties. Literally, they are gorgeous. We took a picture of them next to him for a thank you.














Jude snuggled up in the blanket my Nana Lillian made for him. Isn't he sweet?! (ignore the underlining. I can't figure out how to get rid of it)














Often, I call him my Jude Bear. I couldn't help but take a picture when he was wearing his bear shirt and staring at himself in the mirror. If you were that good looking, you'd stare at yourself too:)




















Linda snapped this photo of Jude right after his bath. He's very content and as usual his hair is out of control. I had tried to brush it down, but decided to just let it be.















These next two pictures are after a feeding. Jude is full to the top and we are once again giggling (trying not to wake him) about his big tummy. We love it and can't keep our hands off it.

Mini Timmy

I was browsing through photos this weekend and came across this photo of Tim being held by his siblings when he was a wee thing.

My jaw dropped! I knew that Jude was a Whitacre, but he is Tim's mini me. Seriously, check out the resemblance between my main man and my little man. At least I know Jude's gonna be super good looking :)

Our Little Movie Star

Here are two clips I took yesterday. Jude is beginning to wake up and spend more time alert before crashing again. We are getting to know one another and I am trying to learn his likes and dislikes and listen for when he's had enough. That is such a simple sentence and such a difficult job. There are times when I want so badly for Jude to "use his words". Too bad he doesn't have any yet:) Enjoy!

More pics of Jude and even a time lapse of him falling asleep. The first picture here makes me wonder if he is passive aggressive or really thinks I am number one??? The time lapse is funny because you can see how his color changes drastically between when he cries and when he relaxes.

Jude is here! Jude is here!

September 24, 2009 will go down as one of the best days of our lives because our first child, Jude Justice Whitacre, made his debut. With that said, here's the back story.

On Tuesday night, September 23rd we celebrated Tim's Grandpa's birthday. We ate yummy chicken and veggies and laughed a lot at the Hawk's Nest with family. I waddled around and broke up the party early because I was tired and not feeling well (Every party has a pooper. That's why we invited you...party pooper).

Apparently, all this partying was too much for me because a few hours later at 2:22 am my water broke. I immediately went to the computer and googled to make sure that what I thought had happened had actually occurred. I got back into bed and told Tim. My water breaking first was not in my birth plan (insert psycho laughter here at the thought of a birth plan). I was very concerned that if my water broke, I would need to be induced. Tim prayed for me that contractions would start on their own...and they did about 20 minutes later. Praise Jesus! We got up, did some laundry, straightened the house, made sure we had everything packed, and then pretended to watch Robin Hood, the cartoon movie. I labored for about four hours at home moving around as much as I could. I rocked in Jude's room, sat on the labor ball, and leaned on the counter while timing contractions. They were anywhere from eight to five minutes apart.

My doctor had told me that if my water broke I needed to go to the hospital immediately. I knew this, but didn't want to go in. My "plan" was to labor at home as long as possible. Tim called the hospital to see what they wanted us to do and of course they wanted us to come in, so after a nice hot shower and a double check of the to-bring list, we drove to Twin Cities Hospital a bit after 7am. Sure enough, my water had broken and I was dialated 4 cm.

After getting checked in and laboring in the room for a while as they monitored me and the baby, I was able to get into the labor tub. It felt really good and did make the contractions easier to endure. There is something to warm water and weightlessness.

We headed back to the room and at around 11am Dr Prewitt came to check on us and support us. She did a great job helping me focus and reset my mind. The contractions were coming hard and consistently at this point and I was beginning to struggle. She really helped me to welcome the contractions and think of them as purposeful and useful for the end goal: A healthy baby boy.

I continued to labor throughout the afternoon. I took a couple showers, walked around a bit, sat and rolled on the labor ball, and continued to be as active as possible. I was getting tired. My body felt so heavy and my hips felt like they were being ripped in two every couple of minutes. My friend Nikki calls it "the ring of fire"...well said.

At 4pm, I asked the nurse to check my progress. She did and responded that I was going to hate her. Not the words I was looking for. After many hours I had only dialated one more cm to 5 cm. I cried and asked for drugs. The nurse challenged me to labor for another hour until Dr. Prewitt would return and perhaps I would make significant progress within that time. For the next hour and a half, I continued to try to relax through the contractions and remain as active as possible. I was hoping for the best. At around 5:30pm, Dr. Prewitt checked my progress and confirmed that I was still at 5cm. I cried again and asked for drugs...again. This time I got them - Stadol (spelling?). I hate this drug! It made me completely out of it. I felt like I passed out in between the most painful contractions I had felt yet. The contractions came faster and faster and harder and harder. I felt every piece of them, but was mentally incoherent. It was a very difficult two hours.

At 7:30pm, I was checked again and had dialated to 7 cm. This was encouraging, but I was fading. My exhaustion was beyond anything I had ever experience before. I couldn't hold my own body weight anymore and I didn't feel like I could continue to press on. I requested the epidural and Dr. Prewitt agreed that I needed to rest if I was going to be able to push the baby out.

The epidural arrived at 8:30pm. After eighteen hours of labor, I was thankful for the advancement of medicine. My mom, Tim, and I rested for three hours until midnight when it was time to push. The epidural was administered very well and I was able to use my legs during the pushing including squatting. I was very thankful for this. I pushed for three hours and at 3:18am on Thursday, September 24th after a grueling 25 hours of labor Jude Justice Whitacre was laid on my tummy. I get tears in my eyes just thinking about it.

One moment that I will never forget occurred as the nurses were cleaning Jude up as he laid on my chest crying. I was crying and then I began talking to him. He moved his head and looked up at me and I could tell that he knew my voice and found comfort in it. I cried some more.



Labor was really hard and this is probably more information than anyone wants to know, but it's my story and for some reason I feel the need to share it. It didn't go as I had hoped. I think there are things I can do differently next time to be better prepared, but in the end I am so thankful for the amazing staff at Twin Cities Hospital, an incredibly supportive Mother, an enduring, loving, strong, and helpful husband, and most of all for a healthy, happy baby boy. What more could a girl ask for?

Little Whit's Nursery

The walls are painted. The dresser is packed full thanks to the generosity of our friends, the Wommacks. The closet is organized by size and style. The diapers are stacked and the bedding is washed. We still haven't hung photos, but believe it or not we don't think Little Whit is going to notice or care.

Here are a few pictures of his nursery. We'll be placing the glider in the corner where the vibrating seat and car seat are currently sitting. The glider will come down with my mom who very generously found it, re-covered it, and is bringing it with her once she gets "the call".

We're excited about how it turned out and hope that when he is two years old the tree and monkeys don't become monsters in the night...

From the doorway:


From the corner where the glider will sit:


Close up of the wall scene (yes, that is our dog, Kona watching the monkeys play in the tree):

One month between Jobs

I can't believe the day arrived, but alas it did. Friday was my last day of employment for at least four months. Earlier in the pregnancy, as I fought off exhaustion and nausea in the afternoons sitting behind my computer I thought the day would never come. I have to admit that as "prepared" as I always think I am, this too has caught me by surprise. I actually teared up when I walked in the house on Friday evening and Tim asked me how my day went and if I was excited.

It isn't that I'm not excited or that I would even want to go back to work on Monday. It is more that this is another time of transition and with that, for me, comes a bittersweet reality. I have basically grown up professionally with the same very supportive and invested company and coworkers. The last six and a half years have had plenty of ups and downs (as Tim will testify to), but in the end the good far out weighs the hard. As I look back I am very thankful for my job and the people I have been able to work alongside and learn from.

I am also thankful that Tim is so supportive of me taking time off before the baby comes. He insists that my "job" now is to rest and relax (even though he knows I'll probably have a hard time sitting still). I'm one day in and I have to admit that I laid down for a few minutes mid morning and took an hour nap in the afternoon - lovely. I'm looking forward to this time of transition and reflection. As my mind clears from work matters, my thoughts turn to Little Whit and the proximity of his arrival. My excitement is building as the nursery comes together and I fold onsies and hang up sleepers in the closet.

Tonight my heart is full - Full of thankfulness for the things that have been and full of excitement (and nervousness) for the things that lie ahead. Maybe that is why I can't sleep and instead I am blogging:)

Blessed by a Baby Shower

We are blessed to be surrounded by friends and family. In July a few college friends threw us a baby shower. It was so fun to be spoiled, but most of all to see people I feel like I hardly see anymore.

My Mom, Nana, and Sister Kristy also came into town for the weekend. It was blazing hot and I don't think our air conditioner did a darn thing for the house. They suffered through with me and it was great to have them in town. To put a perspective on how hot it was my Mom and I were attempting to sleep in Tim's and my bed on Saturday night. By 11:30pm, we were both out in the living room sprawled out on the tile floor trying to stay cool. There would be no good night sleep in that kind of heat.



On Saturday evening, my family and I went to dinner with Kelly and Kristin. Yeah for amazing Thai food in Paso. Kelly, Kristin, and I were a bit of a three musketeers kind of crew back in college (oh, so long ago). It was so great just to have them around. I think one of the things I love most about showers is the fact that it ends up being a bit of a reunion.



The shower was set for Sunday afternoon. We decided to play hooky from church and go to the movies instead. What can I say? The movies are air conditioned. We saw The Proposal with Kelly and Kristin. It was the perfect movie for a girls weekend. My Nana and I were sitting by each other and laughing about how much we were crying (total suckers for a it-would-never-happen-in-real-life romantic plots).



Then it was off to the shower. Like I said, I think my favorite thing was having so many friends in one place. The shower had a surfer theme and the favors were the most adorable white chocolate suckers that Kelly had made that were of a Little Dub surfing a wave. Of course, because the ladies are all very talented, the food was delicious, the games were fun and low key, and the whole thing was very special. Another great part, was that everyone who has a baby brought their baby - so fun:) We were unbelievably blessed by all the gifts. A couple highlights for me were the bedding from my mom, a hand-knit blanket from Nana, a swing from my sisters, and the Ergo from friends. Seriously, though all of the gifts were amazingly thoughtful and so useful (which you know I like).

I can't close without also mentioning that two of the gifts were especially for Kona and Asia. We know our friends know us when they buy gifts for the animals that we absolutely consider part of the family. We call them our little zoo. Kona got a bone and a chew toy. Asia recieved a cat nip mouse - who could ask for more?

With that, I want to give a special shout out to Stephanie, Nikki, Kelly, Kristal, and Kristy for being such sweet and giving friends (and sister). I know that showers take a lot of time and effort. Thanks for blessing Tim, Little Dub, and I with your mad showering skills. You are all loved very much (and not for showering as much as for being who you are in our lives).

I'm hoping to get a few shots of the shower itself to post later.

Fourth of July

We are way behind on our posts, but honestly did anyone expect it to be any different? Probably not.


The Upper Barn at Kimmel Vineyards

We were in Nor Cal for fourth of July with my (Jill's) family. It is a tradition to spend the weekend of the fourth at the family (Kimmel) ranch in Mendocino County. I grew up there until I was about ten and it is one of those places that will always be "home" for me no matter where I am. It holds an amazing sense of place with loads of open space and habitat surrounding about 40 plus acres of vineyards; we recently released our first vintage of the family label, Kimmel Vineyards. When we were younger (not long ago) and spent way to much time in the sun, we used to spend whole days swimming in and reading beside the two "lakes". They aren't lakes. One is a resevoir and the other is more of a large pond. This trip was much more about sitting around talking and eating, two of my favorite things.


The Fourth of July Crew

We arrived on friday afternoon. It was in the nineties so we promptly changed into our swimsuits (thank you, Nikki, for letting my borrow) and walked to the closest lake for a swim. It was probably quite a site because we only had one floating reclining chair thing, but we all wanted to use it so we all held on to the sides and chatted. I kept freaking out because the reeds on the side of the lake are creepy and if we got close everyone kicked to get back to the middle. Good times. Of course, Kona and Molly (Kimmel Padre's dog) had a great time playing keep away with the ball and swimming in the lake as well.


Kristy (sister) and I

Because the weather was so nice, Tim and I ended up sleeping under the stars in the back of the truck. It was serene to fall asleep with so many stars overhead. Actually, it was almost serene except for the fact that Kona slept with us us well (and by slept with us, I mean she slept on my legs and made it really uncomfortable).

Saturday was very relaxed. Tim and I took a walk to the back "lake" and threw the ball for Kona. She loves the ranch, but what dog wouldn't. The afternoon was consumed with napping and browsing through magazines - excellent. That evening was the Fourth of July so in typical Kimmel style we BBQed and hung out on my grandma's patio.


Nikki & Kona representing Saturday Afternoon at the Ranch

Sunday was a "get-r-done" kind of day. We recently grafted Sauvignon Blanc onto a small part of the vineyard, so we went to check it out. It was bit out of control with lots of shoots coming out of rootstock. Seeing work that needed to be done, we all jumped in and cleaned up the vines: Dad, Mom, Nana, Uncle Jim, Aunt Debby, Tim, myself, and the three dogs. Next, we checked fences and decided to raise a few of the wires because there were corners of the vineyard where deer were getting in and eating the leaves (difficult for photosynthesis if there are no leaves). My Dad was showing Tim what he wanted them to do by lifting the wire over his head and P-O-P! His shoulder popped, he winced, grimaced, and slouched. It was not a good sign. We took him back and set him up with ice for his shoulder. Tim and I went back to mend fences. We almost finished when my uncle came and told us that we needed to take my Dad to the ER. We did and it ended up being a very eventful Sunday. My Dad tore his rotator cuff - poor guy.


Tim and I stripping the unwanted shoots. Unfortunately there are no pictures of us fixing fence.

We finished our weekend by eating pizza with my family in Santa Rosa and hitting the road for home. It started out as a relaxing, easy does it kind of weekend and then ended up going out with a bang...or maybe it was a pop.