Sweet Dreams

I just wanted to post this picture because I absolutely love what Jeffrey did to it! It's so magical! And angelic! My little sleeping angel!

We have this bedtime routine with Jacey that has pretty much been standard ever since Jacey started falling asleep by himself. We put on a lullaby cd, give him his bottle in his room, then we take turns snuggling and rocking him. And it's Jacey that decided that part, not us. He will be completely content snuggling Jeffrey one minute, and then he'll turn and reach for me and stay with me for a few minutes, then it's right back to Jeffrey and so on. Sometimes he only wants one of us, and the "loser" that night just has to be satisfied with a kiss. After the snuggling, we put him in bed, tickle his back for a bit, then leave. Lately however, he has put a new spin on things. Do you remember his bear, Jean-Jacques? Well, he loves this bear and has always loved playing with him, but lately, he has wanted to only snuggle him for bed, not us. We never used put it in his bed with him, but that is the only way he'll go to sleep now. So instead of snuggling us, he'll reach for his bear, then just lean over his bed until we put him in it. And then he'll put his arm around his bear, or lay on top of him, and go right to sleep. It's SOO adorable!! It's nice to have this little attachment for Jacey. Jean-Jacques soothes him when he wakes up in the night too. It's awesome! Sad to lose the snuggling ritual with us a bit, but it's so fun to see him growing up and developing his personality!

Happy Autumn

Wearing his daddy's "PALMER" sweater from when he was a little boy!

I know it's been forever! Nothing too interesting has happened in my life, Just Jacey's I guess. I'm doing this just for Kandice who is away at school and requested that we update our blog so she can see Jacey's new tricks! He is growing like a little weed. He is so tall and so skinny that nothing fits him properly. All the pants that fit him in length, fall off of his teeny little waist. And all the pants that fit his waist, are much too short. So it's difficult to dress him. He has started climbing onto everything. He loves to kneel up and play with his toys and put them in and out of his toybox. He stands up constantly, leaning on everything he can pull himself up to. That adds up to a few tears and bruises when he falls, but that's all part of the process right? He still doesn't stand on his own, but that will come one day when I'm not expecting it I'm sure. He has started crawling on his hands and knees a bit more, but quickly lays on his tummy because he is a little motor with his army crawl. Seriously, you should see this guy move. It's the best watching him try to catch Joey, the Palmer's dog, on their hard wood floor. He is so fast! I should try to find a video of it to show you. It's hilarious! Oh, he's also started climbing stairs. He only goes up so far, not down. It's adorable how concentrated he is when climbing. The cutest, yet saddest thing, is that he pulls himself up in bed now and peeks over the top and cries when we put him down for a nap or bed. And since his room is really supposed to be used as a den, it has glass french doors, so he can see us. So we have to either hide until he falls asleep, or tape up a sheet in front of his room. We need to get blinds or curtains for him. It's so sad to see his little crying face looking at us, but really cute at the same time!

He can entertain himself!

Something he's done for a while now but I haven't ever posted, is take a bottle! I'm grateful to Jeffrey for that one. He got him taking one the weekend that I was at Time Out for Women. Yay!! And we also finally let him cry himself to sleep, so he will now go to bed at around 8ish and sleep for 11-12 hours all on his own! Hooray! He will not cry at all some nights, and others he cries for a while, but he only falls alseep by himself. He won't with us anymore. Which is nice, but sad at the same time. I love having my evenings free everyday now and being able to relax and know that I don't have to do anything for him until the morning! I don't know how I ever survived before!! All of my children will learn that trick from the beginning from now on!!

He is wearing his "Big Brother in Training" shirt that we used to announce our second pregnancy!

We've finally set up his bedroom to be usable. It always just had his crib and then just stuff in it. But now he can play in there and watch movies. His favorite movie is Madagascar. He will sit there and watch it for so long. And he smiles at all the same parts and dances to the music. His favorite scene is the Lemur party to the song I Like To Move it Move it. He gets so excited and dances like crazy. He's mesmorized by that movie, I love it!

Before his haircut...look at that little curl of a mullet! :) He looks like a girl!

He got his first hair cut on the Thanksgiving long weekend. First of all, my whole family was down in Cardston, and all the Palmers went to BC to the condo, so Jeffrey and I had our own Thanksgiving. Which did not consist of a turkey and all the fixings, but a rotisserie chicken and different fixings. :) I'm not much for cooking and I've hardly lived with a kitchen to practice in yet. :( But we managed to have a rather good meal I think and I hope Jeffrey would agree. It was very, very sad to miss a real, genuine Thanksgiving dinner though. We got leftovers from Cyndi the next day, and they were amazingly delicious, but it's not the same as the first day. Anyway, we gave Jacey a hair cut that weekend. It was getting SOO long and shaggy in the back. Like a little mullet. He still has hardly any hair at the very top and then right above the ears, but everything else was so long. Jeffrey cut it, for I have no clue how to cut hair and Jeffrey has cut his own for years now. Jacey loved it. We used the clippers and he acted like it was a massage. He leaned into it wherever it was on his head and didn't move at all. Which was very nice. He looks so cute now and suprisingly older. I'm so happy with it! Jeffrey did a great job!!

Before shots

After the haircut...there are some more "after shots" at the beginning of this blog too...doesn't he look older?

I'm trying to think if he has learned anything else new since Kandice left, but I think I've covered it all. He loves eating real people food and feeding himself. We like to play this game while he eats which is basically just tricking each other. I'll pretend I'm going to eat his food, but then at the last minute, I'll put it in his mouth. And a few times he's also pretended he's going to feed me, then puts it in his own mouth! It's SOOO adorable!! He's so smart and he understands what's going on...I love it!! He's got such a great personality and is so friendly! He loves to smile and does all the time... at everybody. He does however, save special smiles and snuggles for family. He definitely knows who his family is and loves them so much! Kandice, I'm sorry that it's taken Jeffrey so long to get that video of Jacey kissing you, he is on it and I will bug him to get it faster! We're so excited to see you at Christmas and can't wait for your twin birthday party! :)

The Mountain Home

So my parents own a cabin/acreage down near Cardston which they call "The Mountain Home". It always seemed so nerdy and cheesy to me, but I've grown very used to saying it now. Anyway, the reason they call it the Mountain Home is because it's right by Old Chief Mountain. You have a great view of it from the back of the house. Therefore, it's the mountain home. My parents practically live there, and their home in Calgary is a weekend home. They've been doing major renovations down there, expanding the kitchen and living area so that all of our families can very comfortably be down there at the same time. It's almost done and I must say, it is amazing!!! And my dad did it all by himself. He used to build houses back in the day, and he certainly hasn't lost his talent! We went down there for the long weekend and we had such a fun, busy weekend! Katie & Rob and their kids were there, Jonathan, Mandi & Brooklyn, Jeffrey, Jacey & I went, my parents were there and even my Uncle Ken was there. He lives in Australia, but recently came to Canada for the first time in 25 years I think? for his mother's (my paternal grandma's) funeral. I've never met him before. It was fun to see all the "Draper" in him that I see in my dad and grandma.

We went down Friday night and got there just in time to play a mean game of Star Wars monopoly with my nephew, Jordan. He's a huge Star Wars fan, and loves that his uncles will indulge him. I got suckered into playing too and thankfully lost rather quickly so I could do something else! Saturday we went to this water hole under a bridge where there's a rope to swing from. There were lots of other families there as it was a hot day. I decided that kids are MUCH braver than adults. I swear all the kids swung from the rope several times before I had the guts too. For one thing, the water was cold, there was an otter in it, and the rope was kind of high for me, and you had to swing down from all these jagged rocks. I'm just trying to justify my fear. It probably wasn't that bad. It was fun though, I swam around pushing my nephew in his floaty for quite a while, I got out just in time to find out that my brother found a snake in the water and caught it. Good thing I didn't know about the snake or I would never have gone in!

Jordan was the bravest of all the kids, he LOVES the water!

Sunday we went to Waterton. Holy Cow!!! There were SOO many people at church! People were standing outside waiting to get it. Lots of people left. We managed to squeeze in upstairs in the little primary room where I sat on the floor with Jacey. We listened to church only, there was no video. After church, we had a picnic by Cameron Falls, then walked up the path to get a better view. I'm such a wuss. I about died carrying Jacey and it was only about 10 minutes. It was straight uphill though. In my defense.

Monday, I went horseback riding with my mom and dad. It was very fun, but my body is so sore! It was downhill for the first part and it was so hard on my knees and butt! Even my sides hurt from bouncing from side to side. I didn't know if I was going to last with my broken tailbone, but I was okay. There was one point where we went through a gate that said no trespassing. My dad said it would be fine. But 3 minutes into it, we found a pack of about 10-15 horses. And they started running towards us. We quickly turned around and then my dad told me I better get ahead of him and my mom, cause my horse was in heat and if there were any stallions, I was in trouble. Fabulous! Needless to say, I was scared out of my mind. My mom bravely stopped her horse and didn't let any of the other horses pass her until we were safely on the other side of the gate. Next time...we won't trespass. Jeffrey got to go horseback riding after us with my dad and Jonathan. Then all the kids took turns with my dad or mom walking around the property. They all love the horses so much!! This was the first time that we really showed Jacey the horses and he loved them!!! My mom carried him right up to their noses and helped him pet them. He was so excited!! I love that he will get to grow up with them and learn to ride them when he's little! It's so fun!

Alexa's first horse ride!

Carter has the cutest grin ever!!

Well, that was our weekend. We drove home Monday evening and that was that. I haven't been down there for a while because of the renovations, so I was so happy to have gone! It's so much fun and there is always so much to do!! We're going to Cardston again this weekend, but for a Cameron family reunion. (Cyndi's side of the family). I'm really excited for that! It should be a lot of fun!!

Summer Fun

I actually brushed his hair after his shower! He's a little man!

We've had a pretty busy week so far! Jacey and I have been on the go. It's fun, but tiring...for both of us! Monday morning, Jacey & I took Taelor, Nena & Troy Sherwood to Riley park. We went with Katie & her kids and met up with a few other moms & kids from 2nd ward. It was SOO hot! I had to sit in the shade to be able to bear it. The kids had lots of fun swimming and wading in the pool. It was fairly busy but not too bad. Jacey loved sitting in the edge of the pool with me and splashed around for quite a while. He liked watching all the kids run by him too! One day that will be him! A little funny story for you. Troy came up to me while I was feeding Jacey and told me he had to go to the bathroom. I didn't want to take him cause it was far away and Jacey was eating, so I told him to go in the pool. (horrible I know). Anyway, he ran off and that was that. A little while later he came back with him swim trunks pulled down and Ethan (his cousin) was right behind him. As we were pulling his pants back up, a lady came up to us that was just as miffed as could be and said, "I hope that I didn't upset them, but they both had their pants down and were peeing in the pool and I told them they couldn't do that!" OOPS!! I didn't realize that Troy would do THAT when I told him to go in the pool!! I guess it makes sense though...that's how you go to the bathroom. Anyway, Ethan got in trouble, but I had to apologize to Troy, cause it was my fault! I guess next time, I'll take him to the potty! I'm learning with other people's kids first I guess! :)

He is so chill!

I recently got a new calling. I'm the Laurel advisor in our ward now. I'm pretty excited for it..a little nervous too. Anyway, the young women had their girls camp this week, so I decided to drive out and visit for an afternoon. We went yesterday and man, I wasn't sure it was so worth it at first. It was at Camp Gardner, which is about 15 minutes from city limits, but I missed the turn and drove to Bragg Creek. With Jacey crying the whole way!! So I was pretty mad and was just going to give up and go home, but on my way home, I found it. Then, when I got there and parked my van, I wandered around pushing the stroller trying to find the stupid campsite forever! And it was so hot and there were mosquitos everywhere. Anyway...I finally found it and it was indeed worth it! The girls loved playing with Jacey and we were able to accompany them on an obstacle course and take pictures of them trying all the different stations out! It was pretty fun! We also sat at the poolside and judged cannon ball competitions! Jacey eventually fell asleep and I was able to drive home and he slept until I got there, which is what I prayed for!! So even though it started out rough, it was very fun and I'm glad I went!

I guess Jacey was enjoying himself, looks like he's in lazy-boy!

Today we went to South Glenmore Park with Mandi & Brooklyn and a bunch of other moms & kids and had lunch. There is a water spray park there with a playground. It's a great little park. The ground is that recycled tire ground. And it all glued together, so it's kind of bouncy. Awesome for kids when they fall! We put Jacey & Brooklyn in the baby swings. They were both too tired to enjoy it, but I got pictures anyway. It wasn't the greatest weather today. It was pretty cloudy, but there were enough sunny breaks that it was nice. Anyway, that has been my week so far. Tonight, Jeffrey, Jacey & I are going to go on a picnic for dinner! It's just too nice to be inside! And I'm excited for this weekend, we're going to go to BC to the condo again. I can't wait..I want to SWIM!! I love summer!!!! Well, I'm going to load some pictures onto the computer and see if I can't post them.

"Mom! Put me to bed!"

First Veggie Experience

This was the funniest thing ever! Last night was the first time we gave Jacey baby veggie food. It was squash and man did it ever smell bad! And apparantly it tasted bad too!!! When we saw these pictures after, we laughed so hard we cried! We still can't stop laughing when we see them! Ahh...I love this boy!!

I can't get the other pictures to load right now, so I'll do it later. Maybe Jeffrey can help me out.

I'm so proud of this picture because I took it. Jeffrey is the photographer in our family, but I guess once in a while I can get a good shot! He did photoshop it however. It's one of my very favorite pictures. This is Jacey's bear, Jean-Jacques and he LOVES him! His face lights up whenever he sees him. It's adorable!

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

The Latest

Hello everyone! It's been a while. I'm now living in my new house (basement suite) and I love it! I have to take pictures of it so you can see the magical transformation that has taken place. I'll do that soon. We are loving everything about being here. Especially the COOL feeling that comes with basements. We sleep wonderfully and even use blankets still. The only downfall to our place at the moment is the lack of kitchen. I'm happily living off of microwave meals for now. That's what 10 months of living with parents/-in-laws will do to you. As long as I'm on my own, I don't care! We have a microwave and a mini fridge right now. And since I don't want to do dishes in my bathroom sink, we use paper ones! I feel like I'm camping! :) It's an adventure. We've been kind of slow getting the kitchen started because Jeffrey and I were just happy to be on our own for once that we just relished in that for a while. And Michael and Melinda have been busy painting upstairs and trying to sell their condo! So hopefully soon it will pick up!

Jacey is growing like nuts! He's taller and taller all the time. Last time I went to the doctor they told me he was above average tall and under average weight. That was me growing up too! (Not anymore..it's reverse now:( ) He's as cute as ever! He will spend lots of time now during the day just playing with his toys. He loves to sit in his high chair with a few toys and watch Baby Einstein dvds. Also he loves his little stand up jolly jumper thing. We inherited it from Heather and Gannon (thank you guys) and he loves it! It's got piano keys under his feet and up by his hands that he can play and it plays all sorts of songs! Plus the part he sits in rotates and moves from side to side, so he gets lots of walking practice! Lots of fun! I'm struggling with two things with him right now. Sleep and eating! He only likes to go to sleep with someone and then if he wakes up, won't go to sleep unless I feed him or rock him. Now I know we made him develop that habit by holding him all the time when he was just a newborn, and we haven't had the heart to let him cry it out yet. I just wish there was another answer? Any suggestions anyone? The other problem is his teeth! He grew two on the bottom at about 4-5 months (he's 7 months now) and I'd never had a real problem with him biting me while eating, until this week! He bites SOO hard! So hard! And almost every time he nurses! So hard that I've cried! No blood yet thank goodness! I guess I cry partly because it hurts so bad, and partly because I don't know what else to do! He will not take a bottle. Even if it's my milk. He'll suck for like 2 seconds and then it becomes a chew toy. Much like myself. :( I was so desperate yesterday, I thought he might have to starve to death because I was afraid to let him nurse, and he wouldn't take a bottle! BUT..Cyndi came to the rescue! You see, Jacey loves to drink water, either from the water bottle, or a cup. So we just fed him formula from a cup and he drank it!! Lots of it! I was SO happy! So we'll probably be going straight from nursing to a cup! Which is kind of annoying because we might not be able to use sippy cups, but oh well! Anyway, that was my dilemma, but I think we solved it! Hopefully the cup lasts! He's learned two things lately that have just melted my heart! He reaches now! I'll pass by his high chair and he'll reach up for me. Or if he's in someone's arms, he'll reach for someone else! It's SO cute!! The other thing is that he waves now! But he's proved me a liar so many times because he won't do it all the time. But I did get the cutest video of it that I'll put on here! It's so delicate and graceful! Makes me laugh! And smile so big that I think my face is going to burst! It's so funny the things that parents are proud of!!! He started doing it sunday morning and I don't think I've ever been prouder of him!!! It was a great day!! Well, I'm going to meet Jeffrey for lunch now, but when I get back, I'll post some new pics and his waving video! Ciao for now!