Mommy's Friday

It feels like I had a lot of time for myself today. Joel is home for now and he did a lot of the Jace stuff today. They let me sleep in and enjoy a whole cup of coffee before it got cold. Then I had a dentist appointment so Joel babysat. It was suppose to be Jace's nap time but Jace had other plans. His newest skill is sitting up on his own. We first observed this new skill a few nights ago, in the middle of the night. (Sitting up in the crib is not conducive to sleeping!) Today, instead of napping, Joel found him sitting up and sniffling. It was pathetic enough to buy him a little extra play time with Dad before he finally gave up and took a nap. My dentist appointment was a bummer. I have to go back in a few weeks for a filling.

This afternoon was a baby shower for Ms. Amanda (the psychologist from the preschool). It was really fun to take Jace and socialize with everyone there. We had our usual Friday dinner with Gary and Elaine at Amigos then hurried home to get Jace his bath and tuck him in. It was a nice day.Jace loves the bath.

Dad's in WY - day 1

Today's photo: Jace trying to grab the camera

Well, the traveling continues for Joel. He was home one day and then left for Gillette, WY today. This will be a short trip so we are looking forward to some time together at home later this week. He really appreciates how nice WY is after his trips to El Paso.

Jace and I returned from Wray yesterday. Our family spent the evening enjoying the 81st Academy Awards. I am a little bummed that I have not hosted an Oscar party the last 2 years. I really miss it. Maybe next year I will figure out a way to start the tradition again. Also this year for the obvious reason (Jace) Joel & I have only managed to see 2 of the best picture noms. That is unheard of for me and I will absolutely do better in the future. Hear that Jace, Mommy needs to see some movies at the theatre!

Today was a pretty normal Monday. Jace & I spent most of the day at home. Tonight we are at Palmer's for our family dinner night. If Joel was here things would be great. Jace impressed everyone here with his new clapping skills. He has a unique style of clapping with one hand open and one in a fist. He showed off at dinner and had the rest of the family clapping along with him. He did some walking around with the help of his cousins. After dinner it got pretty quiet, with Jace going to bed and others enjoying a card game. We are all looking forward to the start of the Dancing with the Stars season in a couple weeks. The show was the reason we started the Monday, family dinner tradition. When it starts our Monday evenings will get rowdier.

I forgot to post the photo I took of my parent's bathroom under construction. They started demo this past week and found layers of old remodels. There were weird things like sheet rock over tile and empty spaces where old decor was just hidden. My parents are still trying to decide on some of the details of the new room. I can't wait to see how it will look finished

Joel's home, we're not

Joel is home tonight. His trip turned out to be mostly driving with just a few hours of actual work. Jace and I are still visiting in Wray. We had a very busy, fun day with my parents, aunt Lea Ann and Grandma & Grandpa Courtney. Jace was up early and crawled all over the living room and kitchen. He took a nice nap this morning during which I had a hot shower (hotter than at home where our water heater is set to baby safe temp). We went to lunch at La Familia with Lea Ann. We chatted with lots of people. Jace ate his cheerios to fast, gagged a little and then pointed the finger of blame at Lea Ann who was innocently supplying him with the cheerios. (Literally, Jace pointed his finger right at her.) After lunch we went shopping. I got another cell phone. This is my third one in a month. I hope this one works. Grandma Joy got a cute giraffe toy for Jace at Grandma's Treasures. Then we headed to Courtney's house for dessert. We enjoyed the anniversary cake and tapioca pudding. Jace crawled all over their living room. We ended up visiting there for the rest of the day. Jace reorganized Grandma Courtney's book shelf, tore up some magazines and watched Laurence Welk with Grandpa Courtney. He even did a little dancing and clapping along with the show. Finally, at dinner, Jace blew out his diaper and had to have a bath in the sink. Everyone (especially Grandpa Courtney) was laughing. It was a full day. Jace was completely exhausted tonight. Good thing Grandma Courtney has doors on the front of her cabinet full of interesting decorations.

60th Anniversary! (away day 3)

Jace and I are in Wray to help my grandparents, John & Mary Courtney, celebrate their wedding anniversary. They were married 60 years ago today at the Methodist Church in Wray Colorado. It was a cold day and it was at the "old" Methodist Church. The Church burned down later that same year.

Things here are pretty low key so when I say "celebrate" I mean we spent this afternoon at their house visiting. It was fun to see all the cards and notes they got. Grandma made a beautiful cake (for her own anniversary). Uncle Mark was here and Aunt Lea Ann arrived this evening. I am glad we were able to be here to see them.

I just wanted to do a special post tonight to mark this day as the incredible milestone that it is.

Jace did pretty well on the trip. He did start crying at Eckley but considering that he had been awake since Brush I think he did great. When we arrived Jace demonstrated his locomotion for everyone. They were all very impressed.

Today's photo: He was bored with me so he decided to leave. Bye, bye, Jace.

Anniversary tribute

away - day 2

I know he looks sweet but don't be fooled. We are in the baby proofing isle at Babies R Us for a reason. Jace is exploring everything. I picked out a few different products for our electrical outlets. I am finding that one solution does not solve every problem. Some cords don't work with the outlet covers I got so I picked out two other kinds. One of them has me frustrated because I can't even open it to install it. The worst part is that by the time I get this problem fixed he will be bored with the outlets and be on to the next dangerous thing. What will it be next?????? I think we better get the gates installed on the stairs.

Today's photo: He's not that innocent.

away - day 1

Joel is away again. He drove back to El Paso to work. Jace & I had a quiet day at home. Jace is crawling all over the place (still on tummy) so before Joel left we did some of the baby proofing that we had put off. We took down some scary shelves and reorganized storage so that it was safe for him to play. Today I was so grateful we got that done because I left him on the living room floor while I answered the phone. Joel was calling to check on us. I looked over and held my breath as Jace pulled himself up from his tummy to his knees and then to standing next to the couch. I was so terrified and excited and afraid to distract him. He stood there for a few minutes (long enough for me to move closer and take the photo).

Today's photo: Peek-a-boo. Who woke up happy?

Baptism

A small group of family and friends joined us today at Church to witness and celebrate Jace's baptism. Jace was alert and interested. The other children in the congregation were invited to sit around the font. Jace watched the kids and kicked his feet happily. He never seemed nervous at all. He even got a laugh when, after the baptism, he looked Pastor Bruce right in the eyes with his serious face (the same one he gave Santa). After church we enjoyed brunch at Palmer's house while Jace napped.

Happy Birthday Joel!

Joel worked all day. Jace was a little cranky tonight. I keep thinking we will see some teeth coming in soon. We celebrated Joel's birthday last night with his family so tonight we just had a quiet night at home. I picked up sushi for a special dinner. Joel got some nice cards and calls. Hopefully Jace will sleep quietly tonight. Last night he was fussing in his sleep which makes it difficult for us to sleep well.

TA-DA!

overcoming obstacles

Jace is crawling all over the place now. It is still an army crawl with his tummy down and pulling with his arms but it is very efficient. Today he pulled himself through the bottom of his exersaucer. It took several minutes. Joel & I were tickled watching him. He seemed so pleased with himself.

shoes

Taking a few steps with Daddy.

Today was a fun Saturday. We attended Jayden Marsik's 9th birthday party. It was a spirited floor hockey tournament at the elementary school. Anyone with the inclination could jump in and play. Jayden lead the sharks team. Joel played on Sage's team, the snakes. I think the teams were pretty well matched. It shows how much I was paying attention that I don't even know for sure who won. It was a great birthday party!

Jace did pretty well at the party considering it was right during his normal nap time. He seemed to enjoy watching the kids. After the party Jace got his nap and we took it easy the rest of the day. Joel had Jace squealing with laughter once tickling him (no one can escape the claw). I got into a wrestling match with Jace and ended up with drool all over my face and my hair a terrible mess (I'm pretty sure Jace won). We fixed a yummy dinner at home (I wish this was a more normal occurrence). Jace tucked in to bed on time tonight (lots of evenings we are hurrying to get him to bed). Joel and I both have a little quiet time tonight and hopefully we will tuck in early also.

I am thankful for days like this one.

Jace and Cole

We enjoyed Superbowl Sunday at Chris & Deanna's house. Their little guy, Cole, just celebrated his 1st birthday last month.

Cole is walking. Jace still gets around on his tummy.

He and Jace look a lot alike. They don't pay much attention to each other yet but I'm sure it won't be long until they are chasing each other around.Chris holding both boys.