Nick-or-Treat, Birthday Party, and Gopher Game

We had a busy MEA (I know it is not called this anymore, but I will always refer to this weeend as MEA) weekend. Jake had his 6 month appointment. It was a good visit. He did a good job, even when he had his shots. I went into school for a bit on Thursday, so Jake spent some time at Grandma's with his cousin, Paige. I had an eye doctor's appointment on Friday, so Jake went to Cheryl's for a little while. It was nice for him to have some consistency. We gave Jake some meat (Sweet Potatoes and Turkey) on Thursday night. He LOVED it! He is done with the boring rice cereal! On Friday night, we all met my side of the family at the Mall of America. Nickelodeon Universe has an indoors Halloween event for kids. Jake's two cousins were there in their costumes. His aunts and uncles on mom's side were there, along with Grandma and Papa. It was a late night, but he was a good sport. He did not mind his lion costume, either. He was just too cute!

On Saturday, Jake had his first friend birthday party. Kamryn turned 2 last week, but her mom is a teacher, too, so MEA weekend worked out quite well. Jake goes to daycare with Kam and her sister, Jenna. The Allen boys (Jacob and Bryson) were there, too. It was fun for Jake to see familiar faces. We were only able to stay a little while, but Jake loved the inflatable monkeys that Michelle used to decorate.

Later that night, we took Jake to his first, of many, Gopher hockey game. We had him dressed in maroon and gold. We have been working on spelling Minnesota, too. We need some more practice. Jake was a bit, okay VERY scared of the yelling when the Gophers scored. Needless to say, we took turns hanging out on top for the rest of the game. Joe was able to get him to fall asleep in the second period. We brought him back down to the seats in the third period. We were nervous when there was another two goals scored (they took one away, though). Jake slept through both of them. He did wake up when Goldy was close to our seats. We hope to have a picture taken with him next time. It was another late night, but a fun one!

Here was a picture from last weekend at Joe's grandparents' house. Jake is with his dad, his grandpa, and his great grandpa.

Haircut!

On Sunday, we broke down and cut Jake's hair. It was just too crazy to deal with. Plus, people kept asking if he was a girl. Joe held Jake while I did the trimming. I was very nervous as to what it was going to look like. Joe reminded me it was just hair and, yes, it will grow back! We were happy to see the finished product. He looks so different! I miss his long hair, but love that he looks like a boy!!

6 Months Old

Video of Jake Eating

Okay, here is my second attempt!

First month back

Well, it has been a busy month back at work. We are all adjusting to our new schedules. Each day seems to be getting a little bit better. Jake was able to get over his cold after a few days...and then it returned. It came back at the same time we started him on cereal and fruits and veggies. He did not want to eat much when he wasn't feeling so well. He started waking up again in the middle of the night, which is something he has not done since June. It was hard for both Joe and I to return to interrupted nights. It is getting a little bit better. We have learned that Jake does not like applesauce, carrots, or peas. He does love his cereal and squash. We'll see what he likes next. Jake is having a good time at daycare and is excited to see his cousin, Paige, tomorrow at Grandma's. Here are some pictures of Jake eating.

I will try uploading a video later. The first attempt failed!

A week of firsts...

Well, we made it through the first week of daycare. Jake had a fun time each day with the kids at Cheryl's. He had a group of girls that just adored him. It definitely made it easy for me to drop him off there, knowing he was in good hands. Workshop week went by smoothly for me, just VERY busy! It was nice to meet more teachers in the building. Everyone has been really helpful. I look forward to getting to know them better.

Jake had his first overnight with his Grandma and Grandpa Bien at their house. Mom and Dad went to John's for a BBQ. Jake had a fun time with his grandparents!

On Saturday, we went to Joe's aunt and uncle's house in Deephaven. It had been a long time since we saw that side of the family. Jake was able to see his Grandma and Grandpa Deters, along with Uncle Dan, Uncle Ben, and Auntie Haley. His second cousins, Ian, Alex, and Emma, were there, too. We spent the day hanging out by the pool. Jake was kind of fussy (we learned out why later) all day. He showed everyone how he could play in his Exersaucer. He loved being held, too. Jake went on his first boat ride. We went out on the Youngstedt's boat on Lake Minnetonka. It was mom's first time on their boat, too. Jake had so much fun...he fell asleep! His cousins, aunt, and uncles enjoyed playing with him on the boat. Dad jumped into the lake...it was too cold for mom!

Emma, Haley, Jake, Laura, Ben

Hanging out with Nancy!

Jake caught his first cold this weekend! I think it was starting at the end of the week, but was pretty bad starting Saturday night. We felt so bad for him. He was so tired but was not able to sleep. None of us slept very well that night, except for Dan (he slept in the basement). Sunday was a LONG day with an unhappy baby. Thankfully, Jamie came over to help us! Dad went golfing for the day. Sunday night was not a good night of sleep, either. We ended up doing the split shift. I went to bed first and got up around 5:30 and then Joe went to sleep. Jake and I fell asleep on the couch in the basement for a little while, which felt really good. By lunchtime, Jake was doing better. Jake and I went to Grandma and Papa Knutson's house. He even slept for an hour and a half! Dad stayed home to get work done around the house. It was a good day for all of us!

Auntie Jamie and Jake by the pool

Well, it is the first day of school tonight. You would think, being the 9th time doing this, I would be used to it!! Not at all. Wish me luck!

Back to Work

Last week I was working in my classroom (on my own time) getting things unpacked and settled into my new room. It is slowly coming along. Jake was with me Monday, Tuesday, and Friday for a few hours each day. Thankfully, Jamie came to get him on Wednesday and brought him to my parents' house. Her friend Christina came to watch Jake for the whole day on Thursday. I was so happy that day! It was a lot of work bringing him and his stuff up to the 3rd floor. You should have seen me! I am glad our stroller has a lot of room at the bottom. We were loaded down, Exersaucer and all! The elevator was working all the days, except for Friday. A nice custodian helped carry the stroller up the stairs for me to my room. When I left, I was all on my own lugging it all to the car. Jake was strapped into the Baby Bjorn while I made three trips up and down the stairs. The hardest load was the stroller. My arm muscles got their workout! My back is still sore. I have decided that I am going to get a babysitter next time. It is too hard on both of us to be there in the hot building. Poor Jake had to take a nap on the uncomfortable floor of my room. I could get a few things done when he was content, but it did not last too long.

I go back to work tomorrow morning. I have workshops all week. Jake is going to Cheryl's for daycare each day. My parents are on their annual trip to Hilton Head, that is why Jake is not heading to their house on Monday and Friday (as he would normally). I know he is ready to go, but I don't think I am! Wish us luck!