Mr. Independent

Jace had a great weekend filled with Grandma fun, timeouts, and eating a LOT of food. Apparently little man is growing again because he can't get enough food in his body as of late! At his 1-year appointment he weighed around 19 1/2 pounds and today Mommy finally got Jace to stand on the scale at home long enough to weigh him and he is up to 22 lbs.! He has also grown almost an inch and a half since his birthday (according to Mommy's generic use of a tape measure)! But back to the weekend--It began on Friday night when Grandma F. came up to visit. She even spent the night and stayed with Jace on Saturday morning while Mommy and Daddy ran in a 5k. Out of respect to Daddy, Mommy is not going to indicate who won. Ahem. So after the race (in which the winner will remain unnamed) Mommy, Daddy, Grandma, and Jace went to lunch and then did a little shopping. Jace's Sunday was spent playing outside and doing little else besides eating!
As was indicated in the title, Jace is becoming Mr. Independent. According to a couple of Mommy's friends (who will also remain nameless- but you know who you are) Jace is an angel and therefore Mommy's #2 munchkin shall be a hellion. Crazy as it may sound to Mommy's friends, Jace spent a great part of this weekend in timeout. He has a new found love of hitting and throwing tantrums. Of course timeout really gets to Jace very little. He even appears to enjoy it at times. Mommy was going to get a picture of Jace in timeout just for proof that he isn't always the laid-back, go-with-the-flow guy. That idea was squashed however when Jace smiled for the camera. Of course Mommy is aware that this is all an inevitable part of toddlerhood, as is Jace's increasing independence. And speaking of independence, Jace has been working very hard on using a fork and spoon all by himself to eat--he does quite a good job too!

Using a spoon to eat his yogurt..........

Props to the boy who tries to use a fork with spaghetti at 14 months! Of course he did intermittently shove a fist full in his mouth as well--the boy understands efficiency!


As anyone who has ever been around a toddler for more than 2 seconds knows--they are total sponges! Jace takes in everything we do and will imitate it at the oddest times. I believe Aunt Alisa and Uncle Eric have some experience in this department with little Mavi! :) Of course Jace's imitations aren't frequently verbal yet, but are rather little routines and physical movements we make. He loves to get a kleenex, hold it to his nose for a minute, and then take it to the trash! Jace also loves to 'hang in the garage' like his Daddy!

Another unfortunate imitation is happening in this picture--dancing. Jace loves to dance and does it every chance he gets. Note the fingers pointed, doing somewhat of a strange disco move! Yep, he has been watching Mommy!


And Jace's final Mr. Independent action of the week--drinking out of a water bottle, chillin' with Ozzy. Doesn't he look so grown up? Sniff. Sniff.

Ladies Man

Mommy thinks Jace's Easter pictures speak for themselves---what lady can resist a little dude all dolled up in his best duds?






All done! The photographer thought Jace was saying that he was so big---little did she know that this is his sign for 'all done'!

March Madness!

It's that time of year and March Madness is in full swing--which in Jace's house means COMPETITION! Mommy's brackets are a mess so it looks as though the new Coach purse she was going to buy from her winnings is a no go. Maybe if Daddy pulls through he would make a contribution to the 'new purse' fund? Anyway, the end of Mommy and Jace's spring break was spent laying around watching basketball and being disgusted as the losses piled up for Mommy. Poor Jacer had a touch of the flu (which apparently was inflicted upon him by that darn Chuck E. Cheese, as his cousin Mavi has it too) so Saturday was a bust. Mommy actually had an ok day laying on the ground, watching the games with her #1 boy (under 30), and having Aunt Erin fetch lunch and Starbucks! The good news is that Jace appears to be on the mend and was able to celebrate Easter today! He had many visitors including Grandma and Grandpa F., Aunt Erin, Nana Cook, and Great Grandma Austin! To start the day he went to church early only to find it was already full! Jace then had to sit in some back room where he couldn't see or hear. He did very well for about 20 minutes but then he said to Mommy, "Stick a fork in me, I'm done"! So Mommy and Jace spent the latter part of mass climbing St. Pats steps many times. When Jace got home from church he was greeted with multiple Easter baskets and was even able to find some eggs hidden around the living room. After a ginormous lunch and an even bigger piece of pumpkin pie, Jace was nearly back to his old self. He goes back to Lori's tomorrow for one last stretch before summer vaca!!! Hurry Summer Hurry!!

Jace and Mommy in their Sunday Best!


I think I found an egg!


I better put it in here............


P.S. Jace had his pictures taken last week in his Easter duds and they were super cute! We'll put them up as soon as they are available online!

Note to Daddy: You may have won our spelling bee today and you may be ahead of Mommy in the tourney brackets but don't be fooled: Rematch Saturday morning at 9 am. Bring your running shoes.

Nebraska Getaway

Our Nebraska getaway has sadly come to an end but a great time was had by all! Anyone with children should most definitely check out Lincoln Nebraska. We didn't even get to half of what we could have! Jace had a great time playing with Maveric and Keenan--they are the coolest cousins ever! Jace especially loved their hair---possibly due to his own volume of hair, Jace has somewhat of a hair fetish. He loves laying in bed with Mommy and running his fingers through her hair. On our trip, he seemed to enjoy any moment he could get his hands on his cousin's hair--even if it was sitting in the double stroller running his hands through Maveric's mop! Silly Jacer!
Jace and Mommy were so glad to get to spend time with Maveric, Keenan, and Aunt Alisa. Maveric has turned into a smarty pants--he is such a great talker and a very sharp little cookie! Keenan is the most 'go getter' of a kid Mommy has ever seen! He will most definitely be able to do whatever he sets his mind to--even as it appears activities like skydiving may be on his list of 'things to do'. And of course Mommy enjoyed catching up with Aunt Alisa as always. Although times have changed from wild nights on the town to sitting in the hallway of a hotel while our kids sleep! Jace was pretty fond of her (and her assets :)) as well!
And on to the pictures...................
Monday of course was St. Patty's day and Jace was ready to roll in his green gear. Of course the hat lasted all of 2 seconds....

Next it was on to the Omaha Zoo. The zoo was awesome--we had such a great time---we think the kids really liked it too! :)
Of course we did have a little drive from Lincoln to Omaha but look at the skills of Mommy and Aunt Alisa. Somehow we managed to cram all 3 little bodies into the car!

Jace and Mommy had to pose by the penguins just for Daddy (hint: look right above our heads).

Jace and Keenan even got to play in this cool truck. We are going to ride in one of these next time when we go on the safari adventure!

Jace was infatuated with this elephant--possibly he thought it was just a large Ozzy?

Checking out the animals......


After a long day at the zoo there is nothing like a little Chuck E. Cheese!
Jace and Maveric on their way in to Chuck E. Cheese--somebody even asked if they were twins!

The 3 muscateers ( or 3 stooges may be better suited).........


What a day! We need to relax.....

Jace again showing his hair fetish. Hmm looks like Aunt Alisa would do well with twins!

And to end the day....nothing like bathing with your cuz's.
Hotel Room: $80.00
Shampoo for 3 toddlers: $2.00
Using 1 picture at 3 weddings: Priceless

On our final day in the great state of Nebraska we were able to visit the Children's Museum which was so cool! There was 4 levels and we only made it to one.
Jace in the pizza kitchen working on his cooking skills. Of course he is Mommy's child so he has to taste test his creations too!

Jace the scientist.....

Playing in the block area.....


We had a great time you guys--we can't wait to see you May!!

SPRING BREAK '08

This post must be prefaced with the knowledge that Mommy does some strange things. She pairs odd things together and surprisingly enjoys it. For example, Mommy runs 3 miles and then eats a triple chocolate chunk cookie WITH frosting. Mommy also goes to the hydration station for a 20 minute skin hydration and then goes and tans (thus ruining her skin). Mommy also is 28 years old, yet has Hannah Montana on her IPOD and really likes it. Mommy may drink 8 oz of water only to then gulp down 20 oz. of Mt. Dew. The list goes on. At any rate Mommy has decided this year to take Jace on his first spring break trip to none other than.............Nebraska! Yep, they don't exactly go together but Jace's cousins Maveric and Keenan and Aunt Alisa are going to be there! It should be a great, wild time even if it isn't the tropical norm. Mommy and Jace take off in the morning so please wish us all luck! 3 tots under 3 will definitely be an adventure!
A few pictures to tide you over......

We are most definitely finding out what a boy's boy Jace is. He is so into cars, trucks, mud, and outdoors right now.
Jace got a totally cool power wheels from Nana and Papa Cook for his birthday and the weather is finally cooperating enough to get it up and running. Daddy and Jace used some elbow grease to put it together this week.

Jace took it for a test drive......runs like a hog! Jace is hilarious when he is driving--he looks like Mommy on day 1 of drivers ed. He pushes the 'go' button for 1/2 second and then lets go, then pushes it for another 1/2 second and lets go. Needless to say, Jace must have a minor case of whiplash from all the stopping and going! He loves it though!

As if a brand new power wheels 4x4 wasn't enough, Daddy also got Jace's trike together. This one was a present from Preston and of course Jace thinks it is the coolest too. Another 1/2 inch and he will really be able to get going!

Since the weather has actually been decent this week, Jace has gotten his first breath of fresh air (for more than 2 seconds sprinting from the car) and he is loving it! Every time Ozzy goes out Jace races to the door because he wants to go out and play too!


Welcome Spring!!!!!

Jace's Weekend--delayed by a couple of days due to lack of nagging by Aunt Erin while she is in sunny Las Vegas

Jace had another fabulous weekend in FM at Grandma and Grandpa F's. He was able to catch up with some friends and family and of course eat plenty of good grub. Grandma and Grandpa's joint always promises to have a nice hotdog waiting and this time Jace was pleasantly surprised with his first taste of meatloaf and blackberry pie--both of which he loved! Of course eating isn't all Jace did this weekend. He was able to get in some good story time with Grandpa (after eating supper at the KC's).........

Jace also found a giant furry friend to sit with (after eating supper with Fabulous Kay and Debbie and the Superb Cousin Tracy)...............


On Sunday, Jace attended his cousin Emma's birthday party. He had a wonderful time and was able to enjoy his very first juice box. He was also given a very sweet goodbye hug from his cousin Abby before he departed.

Jace LOVED this big kid chair at Abby and Emma's house...........


Jace was pretty exhausted on the way home and only woke up long enough to give his puppy Ty a nice squeeze........



Monday brought the same old EAR annoyances! More drainage, more tugging, and even some fussing this time. So we are now going on our 3rd very expensive bottle of ear drops and back to oral antibiotics. The only plus in the whole situation is that Mommy is getting the priviledge of cleaning some giant globs of junk out of Jace's ears. Many of you know that nothing makes Mommy happier than getting gunk out of ears (or noses for that matter). Ozzy's eye boogers were Mommy's source of pleasure before Jacer came along! :)

And finally, Jace's hair recently had the wonderful opportunity to get a 'trim' from Mommy. Unfortunately Mommy does not 'trim' as well as the professionals but thought she did somewhat ok. Actually Mommy did well enough to do her own the next day---Jace and Mommy now have matching 'Mommy dos' ! Well, Mommy's hair is still quite a big longer than Jace's but they do have the matching jagged, unstraight ends now!

Seriously......

Well, January 28th Jace had his tubes put in and March 4th (Tuesday) he had another ear infection! So, 2 sets of extremely expensive ear drops and a trip to the ENT later, Jace is again his happy self. Not that he was ever really unhappy but we could just tell something wasn't quite right. He was waking up about 1/2 hour early--which in Mommy time is 3 hours!--and wasn't shoveling in the food quite as fast. He was also having some drainage from his ear that was pretty persistent for over a week. Apparently the reason Jace had to get the tubes in the first place (the tiny ears Mommy inflicted him with) is the culprit of this newest infection and will probably continue to cause them. The good news is that since he has tubes in place he won't need antibiotics (only drops) and the fluid isn't affecting his hearing (although at times Mommy wonders with the volume Jace feels the need to jabber at)!
In other news, Jace and Mommy are off to visit Grandma and Grandpa F. this weekend. Grandma F. was once again experiencing a nasty case of missing Jace so Mommy decided to comply with Grandma's requests. Jace will also get to see his cousins as it is his cousin Emma's birthday. And soon, soon, soon Jace will be meeting up with his cuz's Maveric and Keenan on their Nebraska Adventure! Mommy and Jace can't wait so see you guys!!
Certainly many fun pictures will follow all of Mommy and Jace's travels. Until then...............

Jace at nearly 14 months..............

Since many of you don't get the priviledge of seeing Jace everyday as we do, today seemed as good as any to update you on the Jace we know and love.

*He LOVES to put things together and 'figure out how they work' whether it be legos, puzzles, or even putting caps on pens.

*Jace's favorite toys at the moment are trucks, blocks, puzzles, and his stuffed dog Ty.

* Jace is REALLY into books right now. His favorite is The Pokey Little Puppy--which we read hundreds of times a day.

*He loves Ozzy. He plays with him, feeds him, pets him, and uses him as a pillow. Jace likes to call him Bu Bu (what Mommy calls him).

*Jace likes to help himself to food if he can reach it. Several mornings Mommy has come into the kitchen to find him eating a graham cracker (and of course he gives one to Ozzy too)! Jace also goes in and turns on the t.v. in the morning.


*He likes to pretend to talk on the phone holding it to his ear and talking jibberish.

*Jace hasn't had a bottle in over a month! He LOVES his milk and likes to drink water out of a grown-up cup.

*Jace's favorite foods right now are fruit bars, cheese, yogurt, and eggs. Most other foods, Ozzy gets at least 1/2 of......


*One of his favorite people is Sam--his daycare provider's 2nd grade son. They hang out together all the time and you will never see a smile as big on Jace as when he sees Sam in the morning.

*Jace is a total ham. He loves to be the center of attention (most of the time). He also has a great sense of humor (most of the time). He and Mommy spend many hours just laughing.


*Jace's newest attention seeking behavior is pretending to choke. He will look at you and make gagging sounds to see if you will react. Again, not good because Mommy and Daddy usually ignore him now when he sounds like he is choking--of course when he is walking around with no food in sight it doesn't take a genius!

*Jace loves to dance and appears to have better rhythm than his Mommy.


*He can point out his nose, eyes, ears and sometimes his belly when asked. He also likes to lift people's shirts to get a peek at their bellys!



*Jace really likes to play ball and is actually pretty good at throwing them. He also likes to throw them down the stairs and go get them over and over and over and OVER.


*Jace loves the fact that he can run around now. He especially loves running around outside.



*Jace has 10..going on 13 teeth!

*Jace has more hair than three 14-month olds should have. He had a haircut in Jan. is in dire need of another. His hair is definitely his trademark--we rarely go anwhere without multiple comments on his stylish do!

There is so so much more we could say to describe the little guy but those are just a few highlights of him as a 14-month old. Mommy of course does this blog to keep all of Jace's loved ones up to date, but also so someday Jace can look back and see what a goof he was!