Look how far we've come . . .

Pictures

2008-11-24T07:08:00.001-08:00

Jacob is so happy when he is standing in his pack and play. - 11/13/08

Peek-a-boo, I see you Mom! - 11/13/08

Doesn't Jacob remind you of the little brother from A Christmas Story? - 11/21/08

Normally I am bothered when Brownie is barking or growling at the back door, but every once in a while it proves helpful. On this particular morning, I looked out back and counted 7 deer feeding off the few trees behind our fenced-in backyard.

Our church held a Thanksgiving Fellowship Feast the Sunday before Thanksgiving. Jacob enjoyed eating pureed pumpkin while Mommy and Daddy ate plenty of the traditional Thanksgiving foods. Jacob really likes chewing his spoon when he is done eating. (If you look closely, there is a woman in a pink shirt named Michelle standing behind Matt and Jacob. Michelle is holding her sweet new baby girl Lily who was born in August. Do I see match-making in the future? . . .) - 11/23/08

Pictures, pictures, pictures

2008-11-24T06:54:00.000-08:00

Relaxing on his belly - 11/11/08

If you thought I was a bad picture-taker and missed getting this one with Jacob's eyes open, you were wrong: the poor baby fell asleep sitting straight up in his swing while playing with Daddy. - 11/11/08

Daddy did an excellent job of getting Jacob's new carseat put together. - 11/11/08

Daddy put Jacob's new carseat in the car, and we were ready to go. (I cried a few minutes later - my baby is growing up!) - 11/11/08

Another picture of Jacob and Brownie - forever friends! - 11/12/08

7 months

2008-11-24T05:09:00.001-08:00

I can hardly believe it: the tiny little 7 pound baby who once fit into the crook of one arm is now over 7 months old and a whopping 20 pounds. For those of you who are concerned that he might be growing a little too much, fear not: at the 77 percentile for growth, 23% of children his age are larger than he and he has not yet sailed off the growth chart. Besides, breast-fed babies build up healthy fat stores to be used if (heaven-forbid) they get sick and just don't feel like eating. As he starts to become more mobile, the baby fat will slip away. For those of you who have been hounding me for more pictures (and you know who you are-MOM), enjoy!

Daddy and Jacob at Sonic - 10/31/08

Jacob is "driving" the car at Sonic - 10/31/08

The mesh feeder has been a favorite of Jacob since he has started teething - it holds ice cubes without freezing Jacob little hands. - 11/6/08

Most of the pictures on our blog are of Jacob, but I couldn't resist putting up one of Matt rocking out with Rock Band. - 11/9/08

Jacob had his second set of vaccinations and wasn't feeling very well. I spent a good portion of the evening awake watching him sleep next to Daddy. I keep thinking that when Jacob is grown I will miss watching him sleep quietly and peacefully. - 11/10/08

2008-10-24T19:38:00.000-07:00

Look how far we've come . . . (10/18/08)

2008-10-24T19:27:00.001-07:00

An review of changes . . . Jacob at 8 weeks old. This beautiful, soft blanket was made by the loving hands of our dear friend, Kathy. - 6/19/08

Jacob at 10 weeks old - 7/5/08

Jacob at 3 months old - 7/18/08

Jacob at 4 months old. This picture was done as a special request for my sister, Heather. She said that she thinks that shirtless babies in overalls are adorable. - 8/18/08

Jacob at 5 months old. This is the very 1st time that Jacob sat up. What a wonderful way to capture the moment! - 9/18/08

2008-10-24T19:18:00.000-07:00

More . . .

Seriously, I love Craigslist. I have found some really great stuff in our area. On Wednesday, it directed us to a garage sale. I had a dollar and I bought . . . a ride-on/push toy for Jacob. He is technically still too small for it, but that didn't stop us from playing with it today. Jacob loved it! This toy can be pushed from behind while Jacob learns to walk and can be ridden on. Our dollar stretched pretty far this week - What a deal! (10/24/08)

2008-10-24T19:02:00.000-07:00

More . . .For 2 months Jacob had been trying to snatch our eating utensils and drink out of our cups. We knew that he was ready for solids, but I wasn't ready to take that step. On the day Jacob turned 6 months I gave in. We started with oatmeal. I fed Jacob, and it was a hit. (10/18/08)

So Daddy fed him, too. (10/18/08)

And Jacob took a turn. (10/18/08)

And then came the vomit. Two LARGE spots on the bed and one by the bedroom door. Hit or not, we went a little slower the next day. 10/18/08

A few days later I gave Jacob bananas for the 1st time. A totally different flavor, a totally different consistency, but a hit nonetheless. Best part: no vomit this time. (10/23/08)

2008-10-24T18:48:00.000-07:00

More . . . I was folding laundry in Jacob's room the day before he turned 6 months old. I put him in his crib to play and when I turned around . . . HE WAS STANDING! He can't pull himself to sitting on his own yet (though he can sit when put into the position) but he can pull himself to standing? He's going to be a handful! (10/17/08)

2008-10-24T18:31:00.000-07:00

More . . .Jacob is taking a break from playing on his "My Pal Al." (10/17/08)

Seriously, who can resist that smile? (10/16/08)

Jacob and Brownie are like cookies and milk - so good together! (10/16/08

2008-10-24T18:15:00.000-07:00

More . . . Jacob loves his new cloth diapers - We LOVE bumgenius diapers! (10/13/08)

And to help with cleaning the new diapers out, Daddy installed a diaper sprayer. It works wonderfully! (10/13/08)

Jacob and Brownie on a lazy afternoon . . . (10/8/08)

Mom, why are you taking pictures when I'm so upset?! (10/3/08)

2008-10-24T17:56:00.000-07:00

More . . . Jacob usually plays on his blankets, but this time he was playing IN the blankets. (10/1/08)

What an innocent face! (9/30/08)

Jacob's best buddy is his dog, Brownie. She is so patient as he pulls (and chews) on her ears! (9/30/08)

2008-10-24T17:42:00.000-07:00

More . . . Jacob has a new friend. Logan was born in August, so there's a few months difference. Jacob really likes playing with Logan. (9/30/08)

Jacob is such a happy baby, and he has great big smiles. (9/23/08)

2008-10-24T17:11:00.000-07:00

More . . . Matt and Jacob (9/19/08)

Our little soldier (9/19/08)

Daddy and Jacob (9/15/08)

Daddy and Jacob at the Pediatric Clinic for Jacob's 1st immunizations. (9/10/08)

2008-10-24T16:36:00.000-07:00

More . . . Jacob and I took a field trip to Young's Dairy with the Dayton area MOPs group. I tried a new flavor of ice cream (I'll stick to tried-and-true flavors in the future) and got to see some goats. It was a beautiful day to be outside. (8/20/08)

(*warning: sarcasm*) See how excited that Jacob is to go swimming for the 1st time! Actually, once he hit the cold water he was a bit shocked and started to shiver - poor thing. (8/17/08)

When Jacob was 4 months old he started to get a little ansy during church, so it was time to start leaving him in the nursery. I left him with Maria (Pastor Dave's wife) and to this day she is the only one (other than Matt) with whom I have left my most valuable treasure. Jacob loves being in the nursery with her. She made all the wall hangings that Jacob enjoys looking at and she swings the wind chimes for him (he LOVES the wind chimes). (8/16/08)

We were very blessed to be visited by our dear friends, Jay and Petra. We always have a great time together. (8/13/08)

6 months!

2008-10-24T13:26:00.000-07:00

It's hard to believe that it's already been 6 months since Jacob was born. He's growing so fast, and we couldn't be happier. So for those of you who are itching for pictures and an update, here they are (there will be many small posts to catch you up!):

We went through the 1st few months with Jacob getting half his milk from me and half from bottles of formula. Jacob was getting really good at holding his own bottle. We are now happy to say that he has been 100% breastfed for several months - so long stinky formula! (pic-7/28/08)

This picture is so sweet. This mini-crib has been handed down for several generations. Paul (Jacob's great-grandfather), Mike (Jacob's grandfather), Matt (Jacob's daddy), and now Jacob have slept in this crib. I must admit that this was the ONLY time that Jacob slept in this crib. We are still co-sleeping, and there is nothing better than waking up to a sweet baby smile in the morning. (pic-8/3/08)

Speaking of sweet baby smiles: Our adorable Jacob loves his Jumperoo. He bounces away happily several times a day, and it's a lifesaver when Mommy has housework to do. (pic 8/3/08)

Yes, that is a thumb in his mouth. Jacob enjoys a thumb in his mouth (or a finger - and it doesn't matter who it belongs to). What a perfect comfort created by God. It's easily accessible, cannot be lost, and fits perfectly. (pic-7/21/08)

4th of July

2008-07-10T17:20:00.000-07:00

WE LOVE FIREWORKS! I've been told that when Jacob becomes a toddler this will change for a few years, but as far as this year is concerned, we enjoyed them a lot. On the 4th of July, we went with my friend Karen to watch them just a few blocks away from our house.

Prince Caspian

2008-07-10T16:56:00.000-07:00

Who can resist a good movie? Popcorn, candy, and gallons of Cherry Coke - I mean, what's not to love? Matt and I rarely see movies in the theater as the cost is astronomical; however, the base theater is reasonably priced and the right purse can hold just enough snacks for a small family. So the question becomes: what do new parents do with a 10 week old baby when they want to see a movie? Answer: they take him with them. Matt and I were really wanting to see Prince Caspian and it came to the base theater, so on Saturday June 28th we packed up Jacob and headed off to see the second movie in the Chronicles of Narnia series (not the second in the book series, though). Jacob was so well-behaved. He sat up with us and watched almost the entire movie (with a few short naps in the middle). We qiuetly (and efficiently, I might add) changed 2 diapers as he lay across our laps (and one of them a poopie diaper!). Impressed? You should be - our baby is GREAT!

TATTOO

2008-07-10T16:22:00.000-07:00

Anna, Matt, and Jacob

Anna and Jacob watching fireworks

Jacob really enjoyed all the pretty colors

Pooped out after a long, hot evening

On Friday, June 27, I took Jacob to Wright-Patterson's annual "Freedom's Call" Tattoo (poor Matt had to direct parking for the event and was out in the heat all day and late into the night). The festivities included music (the Air Force Band of Flight and the Charlie Daniels Band), aircraft flyovers (Jacob did NOT enjoy how loud the aircraft were), presentations to service members and civilians who have gone above and beyond to serve our military, and fireworks! There was also a surprise appearance from the air: Lt. Col. Rhonda Reichel parachuted out of a Cessna 182 over the show displaying the American flag during the singing of the National Anthem.

We had a really great time and it was great to see all the people that Matt works with again. We ran into Lt. Katie Born (our favorite nurse after Jacob was born), and we got to watch the fireworks with my friend Heather, her husband Joe, and their kids (Tyler and Justyne).

More information about Tattoo can be found at http://www.wpafb.af.mil/tattoo/.

Air Force Museum 2

2008-07-10T16:09:00.000-07:00

On June 24th, (while Matt's family was visiting), we took Jacob for trip #2 to the Air Force Museum. He was actually awake for a little less than a half an hour before he began to fuss. Once the fussing started, it was into the Moby wrap - my most prized baby-care possession. The Moby wrap is so neat - I wrap him up and he falls asleep as we enjoy being close and cuddling while I am free to do anything I need to get done because my arms are free. I wear the Moby a lot (at home, eating out, shopping). Parents who use slings/wraps call it "baby-wearing" and it is highly beneficial for babies to be "worn." It promotes emotional and physical development all while keeping babies feel safe and comforted. I LOVE MY MOBY!

Baby Hammock

2008-07-10T15:16:00.000-07:00

----------------------
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Several nights in a row we had some issues getting Jacob to sleep, so my friend Heather recommended the baby hammock. The baby hammock is a really neat invention. It allows the baby to be soothed back to sleep as he lightly rocks himself when he starts to fuss. We are currently in possession of the baby hammock slept in by both of her children (Tyler-2 1/2 years old and Justyne 8 1/2 months old). Jacob slept soundly the first few nights, but is back to sleeping in bed with us. We really like co-sleeping, and since I am breastfeeding, it works for our family (for now, that is).

4 Generations

2008-07-10T15:14:00.000-07:00

________Grammy Robin, Matt, Jacob, and Great-Grammy Jean

__________________Great-Grammy Jean and Jacob

___________________ Grammy Robin and Jacob

___________________ Jacob and Great-Aunt Polly

__________________ Great-Aunt Carolyn and Jacob

________________Jacob and all the "Rosenberg Women"

It was so nice to have Matt's mom, grandmother, and aunts come to visit in June. We had a nice time and we were grateful that they were able to come to see us. I think we are all done with family visits for now, but our doors are open to those who have still yet to meet our little bundle of joy.

Daddy's Days

2008-07-10T13:44:00.000-07:00

-------------Big smiles for Mommy, sucking his thumb, and
--------------sitting with Daddy on Father's Day - 6/15/08

----Jacob helps Matt celebrate his birthday (the big 3-1 !) - 6/18/08

Baby Dedication

2008-07-10T13:22:00.000-07:00

On Sunday, June 8, Matt and I were so blessed to be able to share our joy in dedicating Jacob to the Lord Jesus with our amazing church-family. Pastor Dave brought tears to my eyes, and Jacob looked so sweet in his little sweater vest!

Family

2008-06-15T07:42:00.000-07:00

It is amazing how in a matter of weeks,

we went from this:

To this:

Alright already - I get it! For those of you who have been desperate for me to update and provide you with a baby fix, here it is. Matt and I are finally settling into parenthood. Middle-of-the-night feedings, diaper changes in the dark, and spit-up stains are quickly becoming routine. We are now able to distinguish what one cry means from another (most of the time, that is). Jacob is growing rapidly and is developing the most precious features. He is smiling and laughing and cooing, and he makes hilarious faces when we talk to him. He loves music and seems to have developed a sense of rhythm.

We have had several family members come to visit, and Jacob was been sweet as can be while they were here. He is usually a very easy-going baby (though he has been attached to us lately - moreso than usual).

June is here and Matt's very first Father's Day - long overdue! Yesterday as I was making breakfast, I overheard Matt talking to Jacob. He was telling him the letters of the alphabet and naming things that started with the letters. He comes home and reads to Jacob after work everyday (last week they started The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe - a favorite in our house). Matt changes diapers and helps with feedings. Jacob is very blessed to have Matt for his father - he really loves his son and is an amazing daddy!

I promise that the next update will come soon - we have lots to share!

Jacob with Aunt Heather and cousins, Riley & Mason

Jacob with Grandma Julie

Milestones

2008-05-24T06:29:00.001-07:00

-Jacob on Mother's Day - 5/11/08--------Daddy, Mommy, & Jacob
-----------------------------------------at the Air Force Museum - 5/16/08
-Jacob rolling over for the 1st time ----Jacob's 1st ride in the swing
---------------5/14/08--------------------------------5/21/08

-------------------------------Jacob smiling - 5/22/08

I can hardly believe that the month is almost over. Yesterday Jacob was five weeks old. He has started to smile (although we are still awaiting a huge toothless grin). At the doctor's office on Tuesday, we received good news: the thrush has cleared up (for Jacob, but not for me), the jaundice is gone, and Jacob has more than re-gained his birthweight (9 lbs 12 oz now - 2 pounds more than at birth!). Jacob is not sleeping through the night and still has his nights and days mixed up, but we are working on that.

Yesterday Matt and I celebrated our 8th wedding anniversary. It seems like only yesterday we were running off to a courthouse to get married (we just couldn't waited to be husband and wife one second longer, I guess) and now we are fast approaching our 10-year mark. We spent the day together and have decided that our 10 year anniversary will be celebrated with a renewal of our vows (so to our family and friends who are far away - plan on saving the date and getting out here to celebrate with us!) Anyway, Matt and I enjoyed lunch and dinner together and spent the evening "oohing and aahing" over our sweet little boy (pretty much like any other night).

Well, there is work to be done at the Lemieux house . . . We love you!

Day by Day

2008-05-05T14:01:00.000-07:00

The last few days have passed like a blur. Preparations are being made for family coming to visit, and we are trying to keep up with the task of being new parents. We are taking everything as it comes, new each day. As I sit here, Matt is reading The Magician's Nephew by C.S. Lewis to baby Jacob. Matt spends time every day holding Jacob and reading to him.

I am tired, but unable to sleep during the day. The queen-size bed that once belonged to Matt and me is now occupied by three at night. I had a horrible time trying to sleep with Jacob in the bassinet by my side, so I've moved him into our bed. I love the feel of his breath on my skin and being able to see the rise and fall of his chest without having to sit straight up to make sure he is still breathing. I know that some say that it is possible to roll over onto your child and smother him, but I am very aware of where Jacob is at every moment. Our current sleeping arrangements also make middle-of-the-night feedings much easier on me.

This last Friday Jacob was 2 weeks old. I spent the morning having his 2-week pictures taken and the afternoon at the pediatrician's office for his 2-week check-up. His jaundice is still a problem, and he has not yet re-gained enough to be back to his birthweight. We will have to follow-up in 2 weeks to have him checked again. His circumcision is healing nicely, though. Hopefully in a few more days we can stop slathering his diapers with Vaseline.

Our sweet pup Brownie will be 1 year old next week. Since we brought Jacob home, she has been annoyingly curious, yet calmer than we have ever seen her. We are grateful that she has been very cautious around the baby as we did have our concerns about how she would react to the newest (and smallest) member of our family.

new

I think that is all for now. There is housework to be done before I take a nap while Matt is on daddy-duty. We love you all!

Welcome, Jacob!

2008-05-01T16:11:00.000-07:00

May is here and has brought beautiful spring weather, and with the spring a new family member. Jacob David was born via c-section on April 18 at 1:29 a.m. At 7 lbs. 12 oz. and 20.1 in. long, he is an absolute sweetheart. Tomorrow, he will be two weeks old. So far he has made it through jaundice, a circumcision, and is currently being treated for thrush. Each day is a new adventure, and we are so blessed to have this little miracle in our lives. He has a way of gripping tight our hearts with each sigh and coo, and the way he gazes into our eyes captures every breath that we breathe. We are so grateful for this child!