Hodgepodge

First, let me start off by wishing all of you a Happy Chanukah, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! The Jones family hopes that all of you had and continue to have a wonderful holiday.
Our Chanukah and Christmas was a little bitter sweet. Yes, it was Blake's first holiday season which is pretty exciting, but was not quite the same because my mom, Grandma to Blake, has been in the hospital since the Monday before Christmas. We really look forward to next year's holidays when Blake will be a little more aware and a little more into the traditions our family will share together.

Chanukah
The holidays started off with Chanukah. We also shared the first night of Chanukah celebrating my brother's big 3-0 birthday! We really enjoyed having A & M in town. By the time they left Blake was head over heels in love with his Uncle A & Aunt M and we can't wait to see them again hopefully soon. Before heading to A's birthday dinner, we went to the lobby of my parents building to light the Chanukah candles. Blake absolutely loved this. We even sang Dreidel, dreidel, dreidel and he was having a ball! Below are a few pics...





Here is a pic at home on the 4th night of Chanukah...


Christmas
Christmas morning Blake came running into our room jumping on the bed begging to open presents. Well okay, not really. But I picture that in the coming years anyway. We woke up and opened a few presents, ate a nice Christmas lunch with Brad's dad and spent the rest of the day being lazy. Brad is in charge of photos and video and he chose to take all video so unfortunately I only have one, yes only one picture to share from Blake's first Christmas. We'll try to get our act together a little more for next year.


Anniversary
The holiday season also brings another day of celebrating...Brad and I's wedding anniversary. This year we celebrated 5 glorious years together. Its amazing how fast time goes by. The past year was even more special in our marriage as we welcomed our amazing son Blake Logan into the world. I feel incredibly blessed to be married to my best friend, who I love more now than I did on our wedding day and to have started a family together. Our home is filled with so much love and my one wish is it always stays that way. Despite my mom being in the hospital, Blake's grandpa refused to let our anniversary pass by without a proper celebration. He kept Mr. Blake while Brad and I stayed the night at The Mansion on Turtle Creek. Thanks Grandpa!!! We had an absolutely amazing night together and even dined at the restaurant at The Mansion. It was a heavenly evening and a night we will always remember. Happy 5 years Bradley, I look forward to the next 50!!
Us at dinner...


Mom
After a very rough past year with mom feeling so sick and now having her second hospital stay and after more tests than any one person should ever have to endure, a diagnosis has been made. If anyone likes to google, google Goodpasture Syndrome. It is so rare that she probably had a better chance winning the lottery. We are grateful they can finally begin a course of action to get mom better, although we know its a very long road ahead with not so fun treatments. Blake can't wait to get lots of cuddles from his Grandma very soon! We love you!

The good news is we were sent a package by Brad's mom with a CD of some pictures from Thanksgiving, yea! Here are a few pics...
The girls plus Blake on Thanksgiving


The boys on Thanksgiving


Blake meeting his cousin Taylor for the first time


Playing


Mr. Blue Eyes


And finally, a few random photos






We hope everyone has a happy and safe New Years celebration this evening and a WONDERFUL 2009!!!

Seriously?

Well things definitely got worse before they got better. Almost hospitalization, breathing treatments every 2 hours through the weekend, no sleep, sick mommy and sick daddy, no sleep. That is how the rest of my week/weekend went. I am drained, exhausted, whipped, etc etc.
Blake finally turned the corner at the end of the weekend and received a good report from the doctor Monday morning, with her blessing for him to return to school. I returned to work after missing quite a bit last week. I thought I was on my way to putting back in some solid time in the office only for today to happen. We were hit with a winter storm, with an icy mess on the roads, especially in our neck of the woods. I decided against my better judgement to make the trek into work this morning and after a mere 2 hours on the road I arrived. As soon as I pulled into my parking spot, I got a call from Brad that Blake's school was closed due to weather. Seriously?? Can I NOT catch a break? So I worked for 2 1/2 hours and made the drive back home to relieve Brad. I think I need a drink. Better yet, I think I need a vacation.

H-E- double hockey sticks...

That's what I feel like I am living at the moment. When the doctor said things would probably get worse before they got better, I thought I understood, but I wasn't expecting this. Last night was rough. I am over this illness and over watching poor little monkey suffer. And to make things all the more fun I am now sick with a cold. Good times.
The one good thing is that Blake can now take his breathing treatment without screaming his head off. Hooray for Wiggles. Without them, I may have broken down having to listen to Blake scream his little head off every 4 hours. If you are reading this and have little ones you know the love for the Wiggles, if you are going to have kids, invest in the Wiggles. Wiggles are my friends. Here is a pic of Blake's first breathing treatment he got at home. Tried to give it to him while he was still asleep in his car seat, thinking he might sleep through it...not so lucky...



Brad and I have been trying to split the time at home with Blake so neither of us would get fired for missing work for an entire week. Brad drew the straw for staying home with Blake all day yesterday. Things were going well for the two of them until I received a frantic call that Blake's fever had gone up and he had just thrown up like a scene out of the Exorcist. Since it was towards the end of the day, I wrapped up a few things and headed home. Blake was napping. When he woke up at 5:30 he was screaming his head off, barely would open his eyes and was BURNING up. Took his temperature and it was 103. I instructed Brad to call the doctor while I supplied him with another dose of Tylenol and gave him a bottle of Pedialyte. The doctor told Brad I was doing all the right things and to call back if his fever didn't go down. It started to gradually decline so Blake went to sleep for the night a few hours later. We were woken loudly by a screaming baby at 11:30. Blake's temperature was a blazing 103.6, gave him Tylenol and a second later he repeated his scene out of the Exorcist, you know since I didn't get to see it earlier. He would not take a bottle or Pedialyte and would not stop screaming. Back on the phone with doctor. Just as I told Blake we were going to the ER, he started to calm down (he did not want to step foot in a hospital!) and took a bottle of Pedialyte. Back to bed by 1am, set an alarm to be woken up at 3:30 to give Blake another dose of Tylenol and then back up at 5:30 to get ready for work. Thankfully I work for such an understanding group of people who instructed me to go home early so I could feel better and so I could be home to take care of my boy. Home is where I am now...Blake is napping and I just pray the worst is behind us.

Doctor Doctor

Poor little monkey tested positive for RSV this morning. He has to have breathing treatments every 4 hours and keep a watchful eye on his breathing. He is out of school all week as well. Hopefully we can get through this first major illness with out too many issues! Will keep you posted on the little guy throughout the week....

Weekend of Fun (and coughs)

The weekend is reaching its end, which always makes me sad. I enjoy my time with Brad and Blake so much, not having to fit my hugs and kisses in a few short hours before bed time. Saturday Blake got to meet his twin cousins for the first time who were in town. We had a great time playing on the play ground. Blake absolutely loves other babies so loved being around his cousins. He also loved getting to play on the swing and going for a ride on daddy's shoulders...

Blake & his cousins...



Blake & cousins having enough of the photos...



Blake Loving the Swing...



Blake Loving the Ride...



After our day of fun on the playground, Blake stayed with Grandma & Grandpa while Brad and I enjoyed the night just the two of us. It had been entirely too long since Brad and I have had a date night and I have to admit I had been looking forward to it more than anything I've been looking forward to in quite some time. We had a really nice romantic dinner and really enjoyed our time together. We also enjoyed getting to sleep in this morning...thanks grandma & grandpa!! Blake always has a ball with them and we're so grateful to have them so close by and more than willing to kidnap him from us so we can enjoy a night out alone. Here are a few pics to show just how happy Blake was at Grandma & Grandpa's...







With such a smiley happy baby you'd never guess that Blake has come down with the worst sounding cough I have ever heard. I'm a little concerned with the sound of it so will be calling the doctor first thing in the morning to try and get him seen.
Another week about to begin. Thanks for such a fun weekend Mr. Blake, can't wait for next weekend with you!

Thanksgiving Blessings

I should start off by apologizing for this post and that it sadly does not contain photos of Blake's first Thanksgiving. I might win the worst mother award for taking aboslutely zero pictures during the entire Thanksgiving holiday, but was so preoccupied with all our company I never even thought about it. Hopefully I can get a few photos from our family that was in town (*hint hint*) and will post if I do.
This past week I've done a lot of reflecting, spent a lot of time with family and yes eaten a lot of food. Brad's mom, stepdad and both brothers were all in town during the week of Thanksgiving. We weren't expecting to have all the Jones boys together, but due to a tragic loss we were all brought together. While it was definitely not the circumstances we would ever want, it was a blessing we could all be together, and both of Brad's brothers were able to meet Mr. Blake for the first time. Last week was a huge reminder life can be all too short and to cherish every day, tell the ones you love how much you love them every day, and never take what you have in your life for granted. This Thanksgiving I was thankful for the miracle that is Blake, being able to be his mom, I am thankful for the most amazing husband and father to Blake, the love that we share for one another, I am thankful for all our family, who not only fillls my life with love but Blake's as well.

ICK!

Not much to report and to be honest still don't really have the energy to compose any half way decent thoughts. Brad and I spent our Saturday in the ER, getting home at almost 3 in the morning. After I received 2 shots for nausea and 3 liters of fluids I was able to go home. Bless Brad for taking such good care of me in my very non pretty state. Whatever horrible virus I was plagued with, knocked every ounce of energy out of my system and its not until today that I felt almost like my old self. I'm sure by next week I'll be able to share lots of cute and great stories, but for now, for those of you that haven't gotten a chance to view, please enjoy the pics we took the weekend before last. Even though Blake spent almost the entire time with the photographer being fussy since it was nap time, I thought we got some great shots!!
http://images.bludoorstudios.com/jones2

Happy 6 Month Birthday Blake!!

Its hard to believe it has already been 6 months since Blake Logan entered the world. At the same time its hard to remember our life without this little monkey in it. Blake has completely changed our lives and made Brad and I love someone else more than we ever thought possible. 14 months ago I thought I may never be blessed with a baby of my own and now to look at the most beautiful baby that Brad and I created leaves me beyond words. I am forever blessed, I am forever grateful, I am forever changed. This week has been hard for me, I have been a bit emotional. I guess when you start reflecting back you become that way. I want to freeze time and keep Blake this sweet and this little forever, but I know we have so much to look forward to as well. I just want my baby to always be my baby.

Happy 6 months Blake....I hope the next 6 are as magical and wonderful as the last.
Love,
Mom

Blake's Firsts

First off, let me start by apologizing for the extremely long post to follow, but so much has happened...first words, first illness, first tooth about to pop through, first Halloween.
The last few weeks have been both filled with some of the most fun moments we've shared with Blake and some of the worst. I know I sound like a broken record, but Blake's personality is becoming more and more evident with each passing day and has made our days with him more fun than Brad and I could have ever imagined. Just the other day Brad even said to me that he never thought having a baby would be like this...it just makes each day worth living. I am woken each morning not by cries from a hungry baby, but of Blake babbling away in his crib. From the time Blake wakes up until the time he goes to sleep he is constantly talking and squealing in delight. Brad won the prize the other week of getting to hear Blake speak his first word. Not only was Brad the chosen one to hear the word for the first time, but the first word was Da Da. It warmed Brad's heart like nothing else (and mine) although I secretly, or not so secretly was hoping it would be Ma Ma. In time...
Last week I woke Blake up and put him on the changing table, Brad walked in the room and Blake took one look at Brad and plain as day said, "Hi Da Da". Now of course I know he is too young to know what he was saying or to formulate sentences, but it was probably the most exciting thing we had ever heard none the less!
Along with all the fun we've shared lately, Blake was hit with a nasty virus. I was called to pick him up early from school on Wednesday and by the time I got him, he was covered from head to toe in a red rash, and looked like a little strawberry! The doctor assured us it was just a virus and sent us on our way to let it run its course. Let's just say with a rash, vomiting, snot running, and Blake's first tooth reaching the surface, the world's happiest baby suddenly turned into the world's fussiest baby. This week has been L O N G! I am ready for the baby formally known has Blake to return! With this virus in full throttle Blake was forced to stay home from school the rest of the week. I was pretty bummed because he had to miss his class's Halloween party. I was so looking forward to seeing all the babies dressed in costume and having lots of wonderful picture opportunities, but I know getting Blake healthy is most important and he will have lots more Halloweens and parties in his future.
I was determined to still get some great photos out of Blake's Halloween even if he didn't feel well on Friday. Below are the few pics I got and as you can see by the time we dressed the little monkey he wanted nothing to do with it. Stay tuned for better cuter pictures of a happier monkey. Once Blake is back to his old self I will have a belated Halloween photo shoot!
Blake in his I want my Mummy onesie with a rare smile of the day...

Upset Monkey...


Because our original Halloween plans went bust our next plan was to stay home, have the little monkey dressed up and pass out candy. Well after Blake freaked out getting dressed up, we decided to let him hand out candy in his I Want My Mummy onesie. However, about 20 minutes before trick-or-treaters started to make their way, our dog Darcy became very ill and was needed to be taken to the Emergency Vet Hospital. So with Brad taking a sick dog to the vet, and me at home alone with a sick and crying baby, there was no way I was going to pass out candy all night, so I pulled a scrooge, put a note on the door and left the candy on the doorstep. Blake's first Halloween was a total bust!! For those who are concerned, after a few hundred dollars, Darcy seems to be feeling better.
Hopefully this week ahead will be filled with more sleep, less cries and Blake returning to his old self!

My Little Model

Non Stop Fun

Well since its been weeks since I've made a post we have been going non-stop and having lots of fun along the way! (well aside from the nasty cold going through our household). The fun kicked off a few weeks ago when one of our closest friends celebrated a big birthday. To protect the innocent I won't reveal the age :). Her loving husband threw a wonderful surprise birthday and brought all of our friends together, a night out with no kiddos, lots of drinking and letting loose. We had a great time. Below is a pick of me and my two sidekicks...

The next day we continued the birthday celebration by attending the Stars game. Since we were watching above in a suite, we decided to take Blake with us for his first professional hockey game experience. We had a great time.



After a weekend of staying up late and having more fun than I've had in probably years, my body went into shock and caught a cold that has taken the world's longest time to get over. I managed to get Brad sick but so far Blake has been very lucky to avoid the sniffles. Hopefully we can keep it that way!
The following week my brother and his wife came in town for Yom Kippur/a cousin's bat mitzvah. We had great quality time with the family and even got a night at the Four Seasons along with my brother and his wife. The 4 of us had a great time! The bat mitzvah was also fun and we enjoyed all getting dressed up...even Mr. Blake!

Dinner out...


Family photos...




And my two favorites (Uncle A & Blake and Blake in Baby Einstein)



Along the way of parties galore, we have been both furniture and car shopping. Two activities that make you want to have someone just put you out of your misery by the end of the day. Luckily both of those fun shopping ventures are behind us and as of yesterday we now have a beautiful used, but new to us Nissan Altima SER and new couch and ottoman. (pictures to follow shortly).
Blake has been becoming more and more fun over the past few weeks with his personality continuing to just grow each day. He is such a sweet, happy, smiley baby and brings endless joy to Brad and I and everyone around him for that matter. He loves to shake his head no, (not sure where he learned that trick from!), squeal real loud and laugh, and as of this weekend, blow air on you. He is rolling over both from stomach to back and back to stomach, and is starting to sit up on his own. It amazes me how fast he grows and what he learns with each passing day. Today we made a trip out to the pumpkin patch. He was very interested in the hay but could really have cared less about anything else. I'm sure next year at this time he'll be running around trying to pick up all the pumpkins! Pumpkin patch pics below...

Time

Where does the time go? I have been meaning to update the site and before I knew it weeks have gone by since my last posting. Sometimes I suppose life gets in the way of doing what you intend to do. My mom spent a week in the hospital and a lot of my time and energy was spent worrying about her and making sure she was okay. And of course taking care of Mr. Blake at the same time. Thankfully mom, Grandma to Blake, is back home and feeling better with each passing day. I have also been introduced to the part-time world of single parenthood. Brad started a programming class, three nights out of the week from 6-10. Thankfully I have a pretty easy going baby. And then there has been the hurricane. I'm not speaking metaphorically. Hurricane Ike has swept through Texas and made my last week and a half a living hell. While, damage to Dallas was zero, damage to restaurants that I help support were badly damaged and I was one of few lucky people to coordinate the efforts in getting these locations back up to par. Long, stressful days leave no energy for playtime once I am home. Where does the time go though? I still can't believe its been almost 4 weeks since my last post.
Speaking of time flying by...Blake turned 4 months old on the 7th. Below is a pic of Blake during his first week of life and then a pic of Blake at 4 months. Because we're so happy Grandma is feeling better and Blake is SO happy to have his weekly visits back with his grandparents, I've chosen a picture with Blake and his grandma!




Blake had a glowing report at his 4 month check up. Weighing in at 15 1/2 lbs and 27 3/4 inches long. Long and lean! At his checkup we were given the green light to start feeding him cereal and once he gets the hang of that, introduce other foods. So far, we've just done the cereal and while he doesn't hate it, he doesn't love it either. His new trick is trying to feed himself and poking his eyes and cheeks instead of making his mouth!
Here are a few pics of his first experience with a spoon!


Feeding himself at Grandma & Grandpa's

Blake is growing so fast, its kind of scary and sad that I know my baby will be no more baby before I know it. But I am enjoying this stage so much and love seeing the new things Blake learns each day. To see the world through a child's eyes is purely magical.

HAPPY HAPPY JOY JOY