Will You Sing Along?

Onto the booster seat

2012-01-28T14:43:00.001-05:00

It's official...Jack is officially out of the high chair and onto the booster seat. We tried to use the booster seat that the high chair converted to but he wanted no part of it. Mary and Paul were kind to let us borrow Kaden's booster seat.

Gingerbread House Decorating Contest (GHDC) Winner!

2011-11-26T21:43:00.015-05:00

And the 2011 GHDC winner is..........

TEAM 4 - Paul and Cody!
CONGRATULATIONS!!

2nd Place - Team 5, Casey & Kevin

3rd Place - Team 1, Heather, Joel (defending champs), and Logan

4th Place - Team 3, Tanya & Carol

5th Place - Team 2, Val & Hunter

A big THANK YOU to all our decorators and judges! Can't wait for 2012.

2011 Annual Gingerbread House Decorating Competition

2011-11-26T17:40:00.000-05:00

For the 3rd year in a row, today we held our annual competition. With 11 contestants, and 5 teams competing for the coveted prize and year long bragging rights.

Just as a reminder, this is how the judges will determine their votes:
Each team can obtain a maximum of 25 points. The way they earn points are as follows:

Please vote for the team who best decorated house based on these rules.

Scoring Rules

MAXIMUM TOTAL (25 Points)

Up to 10 points will be awarded for the creativity in design of the Gingerbread House, related
landscaping, and any figurines.

Up to 10 points will be awarded for brilliance of colors in the true spirit of Christmas.

BONUS POINTS (Up to 5 Points)

Up to 5 additional points will be awarded for unique features that are not prevalent in the
majority of other contestants.

TIEBREAKER (Also known as the Joel Rule)
In the event of a tie, the Gingerbread House that can withstand the heaviest load of snow without
collapse will be declared the winner.

TEAM 1

TEAM 2

TEAM 3

TEAM 4

TEAM 5

Happy Halloween!!

2011-11-01T22:13:00.000-04:00

This was the first year we took Jack out for Trick or Treating. I originally bought him a green little dragon costume, but after getting home and trying it on my little man, it was too small. The tags and hanger said 18mos, but the actual size inside the costume was 0-3 months. Yup, a little small.

So, I had to think of another costume for Jack. While we were playing, Jack picked up a little card with a picture of a dog on it, and walked around holding it going, "ruff ruff"!! It was so funny to hear because his "ruff ruff" is so soft that it almost sounds like air is just being pushed out of his belly. So I thought it was be super cute if he dressed up like a little dog!

But no luck finding a cute affordable dog costume, so off to Target we went where we found a "Blue Monster" (or dragon/dinosaur as the trick or treat houses thought.)

Before trick or treating, we had a little party at Rathy's (Day Care). He was okay for a little while with the costume but then wanted NOTHING to do with it. He wanted it OFF. I think it was pretty well insulated so he was a bit hot wearing it inside.

When we got home, we bribed Jack to wear the costume by asking, "Do you want to go OUTSIDE?" He responded, "OwSIDE? O.K." We walked to a few houses where we said trick or treat, took some candy and said "Thank you." It wasn't long before he figured it out. He waddled right up to the door, grabbed a piece of candy for each hand, and said "Tanks." and turned around and waddled down the driveway. I think seeing the little blue tail wag back and forth was just too cute. Love him.

Jack and his buddy Arty ("ArrDEE") as Tigger

Just wants it off!

Mommy's monster...eating a wrapped snickers

Smolak Farms

2011-10-09T21:42:00.000-04:00

Today the weather was a beautiful 82 degrees, no clouds just blue sky and sun. We went to visit Smolak Farms in North Andover where we went for a hayride, visited the animal farm, played in the playground, and picked a pumpkin from the pumpkin patch. Of course, once again, Jack was the cutest pumpkin in the patch. (Jack 16 months).

New words

2011-10-09T20:46:00.007-04:00

Jack seems to be picking up new words almost daily. AND he seems to actually comprehend requests. Yesterday I asked him to get Lazlo and the Bink from his diaper bag. He walked right over to the bag and grabbed Lazlo, walked to me and gave it to me. Then he did the same thing with his bink. So stinking cute! Here are a few words and things he just started doing recently:

(He says a lot of his words like they are questions)
"PEA" - Please
"WaDA" - Water
"ooP" - Up
"baBEE" - Baby, which is adorable, because he points to our friend Haley and says "BaBEE" or he sees pictures of himself and says "baBEE?"
"SUE?, SUE?" - Shoe
"shIT." - sit
"tank-OO" or "tanks" - Thank you, Thanks
"WOWWW" Love that one :)
Jack and Mischief have a special relationship. He walks up her and gives her kisses "mmmmAH" and hugs, and uses her as a pillow. He also like to grab her tail and pull her fur. While I initially felt bad for Mischief, but now not so much, she doesn't move or run away. So she does it to herself! He does try to sooth her too "sssss" instead of "shhhh"

When Jack sees hot food, typically coming out of the microwave or off the stove, he blows out air, like trying to cool it off; "hhh. hhhh". then "hot. hot." So he does this quite often with food. On Saturday (10/8/2011), as I was folding towels that just came out of the dryer he surprised me with "hhh hhhh. hot." I couldn't stop cracking up. He was trying to cool off the towels!

This next cutsie story is a little bit older, but still worth sharing. At night, we have a pretty solid routine. New Diaper, PJs, Binkie, Lazlow, Story, shut off the lights, snuggle, sing twinkle-twinkle-little-star, and put him down. (I then tell him I love you Baby Jack). Often I'll rub his head and say Shhhh, Shhhh, to help hi m sooth. That's the back story. One day, I'm holding Jack and he starts to rub my forehead with his little hand in a circle motion and says "sssss. ssssss" (instead of shhh). This kid melts my heart.

Our 7th Wedding Anniversay

2011-10-02T20:03:00.059-04:00

Four score and seven years ago...okay it wasn't 87 years ago, but it was seven years ago that that Kevin and I married. This year to celebrate, we spent it with our little boy and some of our family.

Lately, Jack is into looking at babies, which often are pictures of himself, trying to adjust something on the tv with the remote, and he loves football. I think the thing he likes most about football right now is when Grampy and Daddy yell, "GO! GO! GO!" Jack chimes in too with "GOO! GOO! GOO!"

Jack and G.G.

Yah!! Football!

Grampy taught Jack a new game called "Where did it go?!"
Step one: Cover a block or cup with a bigger cup.

Step 2: Look up with adoring eyes

Step 3: Put your arms to the side and ask "Where did it go?!"

Step 4: Repeat steps 1 through 3.

Jack and Daddy

"What channel is football on?"

"BaBee? BaBee."

Jack and Daddy looking at the Florida Vacation book.

Jack likes to "put things away." Typically, its not where the items would normally go. I'm not sure what he's putting in the oven mitt, but last week he decided to put Kevin's keys away...in my rain boots!

Jack is curious about everything...

Grampy, Kevin, Uncle Joel
Nana, Auntie Nini
G.G. Great Grampa Eddie, Great Gramma Dolly
Jack (mommy took the picture)

Mommy and Jack, story time!

First Mothers Day

2011-07-11T21:01:00.000-04:00

My very first Mothers Day. First I have the cutest and happiest baby in the whole world, so my day started off perfect already. Even though Jack decided to get up really early to see his mommy. Jack gave me a digital frame for my office at work, this way here I won't get anything done because I'll be staring at my little boy, wishing I was with him.

Daddy also gave mommy a SqueezeBox for our bedroom. Ordinarily I would have no idea what this is however, I married a techie, and so I do! Basically, it allows me to listen to all of our music in our "music libarary" without an iPod or anything. Its pretty cool. I love it, now I just have to get hubby to set it up.

Daddy and Jack made a big breakfast, and now that Jack is eating table foods, this little man can't seem to get enough to eat. I put on his tray french toast, fruit, sausage, and a little amount of eggs (its recommended not to give egg whites until the 1st birthday - he's close enough). He ate the sausage and moved his food around to look for more, and I know he ate the french toast because it looked a little like the sausage in small pieces. I gave him some more sausage and hmmm, mmmm, was all he could say.

We visited GG in the hospital along with most of the family in NH and then 12 of us went out to dinner at Veonos. I decided to order Jack his own meal because I was going to order fish (another no-no for Jack), and daddy was sharing a pizza. I put in spaghetti and meatballs before everyone else so the meal would come out quicker...OH BOY, did I just say this boy can't get enough to eat?? He ate SO MUCH food, our belly were hurt from laughing! He ate two big sized meatballs (and i thought we'd have enough meatballs for his lunch the next day) and 1/2 the plate of pasta! AND he ate some mushrooms from the pizza AND some garlic bread AND then he finished up with some puffs!! How his belly didn't hurt, I'll never know...he's got to have a hollow leg or something.

Paul, Heather, Grampa (Dane), Nana (Carol), Auntie Nini, (Val), Uncle Stoney (Joel)
Uncle Stinky (Kris), GG (Great Gram), Dadda (Kev), Muma (Casey), Jack
Logan and Hunter (poor guys got their face cut off). It was a small room and a lot of people!

GG - Looking great on her special day!

Mommy and Jack!

Easter!

2011-04-24T20:30:00.028-04:00

Jack's first Easter. This year Kevin and I hosted Easter, and had 14 adults and 3 kids here. The wonderful family members and warm weather made the day a success. Jack started to get a cold and had a fever of 102 on Friday night, so the poor little guy was a bit miserable. Even so, he was still pretty good considering he was passed around so much. I think he didn't mind it so much, but once he either saw mommy or heard my voice, he started to get upset. (Which of course I don't mind if he wants his mommy) :)

We had an Easter Egg hunt for Andrew and Logan. They were running all around the yard and when they ran on the otherside of the yard, we put more eggs down. It was fun and we all had a good time.

Thank you for all the help, Easter wouldn't have been as much fun or as relaxed had it not been for Mom P, Auntie Nini, Aunt Susan, Heather, or Stacia. Thank you thank you Ladies!!

Easter Bunny made its way!

Grampa and Grampa's Buddy

Snuggle time with Nana.

Warm Spring air, good laughs, and margaritas...what a great day.

Jack and Auntie Nini

Daddy and Jack (11mos)

One Happy Jack (just shy of 11 mos)

Easter Egg Hunt...FOUND ONE!!

Jack did NOT want to touch the ground, he's doing a "mission impossible" move here.

Family Photo (Jack 11 mos, Casey 33, Kev 33). Jack's egg made the photo.

He's on the move...

He was NOT happy I put him on the grass for picture time.

Jack and in his Sunday best.

I forgot how exciting the world can be

2011-02-15T22:15:00.002-05:00

Jack has got to be the happiest baby I've ever met. Maybe I haven't met very babies, but he is rarely fussy, mostly he has a big bright smile and laughs. He giggles at everything including light tickles under the chin or funny words (or rather words that seem funny to him) like "up," "blue," and of course "boo." You can tell he's excited because I have so many pictures where his arms are blurred because he flapping them up and down like a bird. Sometime he gets so excited that he toots! I think of his laugh and it makes me smile. How I ever got this lucky I'll never know.

Two weeks ago before the start of his swim class he showed up a 9 month old (Jack's 8 months) and started clapping for his friend Kaden taking swim lessons (2/5/2011). The other mother commented on Jack clapping and I said, actually this is his first time clapping. Since then he is a non-stop clapper and its super cute.

This past weekend, we visited Omi and Grampa (2/12/2011). While Jack and I were sitting with Omi, Grampa was sitting on the couch across the room. Grampa started waving, and guess what, Jackie waved back! He waved by opening and shutting the palm of his hand. Of course he did this all the while laughing and giggling.

Another new love of Jack is rugs, I think since he's mastered the art of sitting, his hands have become free and he's now realized the texture of rugs. You can often find Jack padding the rugs. He's so intrigued and you can actually see him concentrating.

One more cute thing - Jack loves to eat the remote controls and play on daddys laptop. We give him colorful toys and he drawn towards the gray electronics.

Pictures of my little 8 month year old:

Winter Fun!

2011-01-17T17:28:00.000-05:00

Living in New England you have to make the best of the cold weather. After Wednesdays blizzard that dropped 20 inches or so, Nana and Grampa came to visit for a snowshoeing adventure. We headed to Reading Forest with our snowshoes and Baby Bjorn. We bundled little Jack up harnessed him to Kevin and took a walk. It us about 40 minutes to walk a little more than a mile. The weather was perfect (35 degree) and the sky was blue with a few puffy clouds. Here are a few pictures of our fun. Thanks to Kris for getting all four of us these great Snowshoes. Can't wait for our next blizzard!

Jackie tries on his shades before we head out. He decides to save them for the beach.

Leaving the Wood End Elementary school to head to the town forest

All ready!

Off we go!!

Jack and Kevin

Nana and Grampa

Nana,Grampa, Casey, Jack, and Kevin

Jacks getting a little sleepy from all the fresh air

Nana, leading the way as usual!

We're back and someone is all tuckered out.

Grampa and Jack, waiting for the rest of us!

We came home for some yummy snacks and beef stew, and to watch a good football game...we ate the snacks, we ate the beef stew, but the game was a tradional new england heartbreaker...

Happy New Year!

2011-01-12T22:21:00.000-05:00

Its been a little while since I've updated the blog. I find it a little more challenging now that I'm back at work full time. I only have a small window each night to spend with my Jackie, then its eat dinner, and get ready for the next work day. I promise to update the last few weeks as we have many updates, but for now, I want to share pictures of today's blizzard.

Today we experienced a pretty good New England snowstorm, I'm not sure it quite classified as a blizzard, I think the winds didn't sustain the 35 mph for 3 or more hours. But, after about 20 inches in one day, we consider it a blizzard.

Kevin and I worked from home as it was nearly impossible to get to Boston, and Jackie had his first Snow Day from daycare! Its a bit difficult to work with a 7 month old baby but we traded off and worked a little later than normal, and made it work.

Here are some pictures of the day.

Jack making his first snow angel!

The snow is almost as high as Jackie!

It says 18 inches, but it snowed a few more inches after this.

Out for a walk with daddy and the baby

Notice how high the snow is on the fence!

"I can't put my arms down"

Gingerbread House Decorating Contest - The Results are in!!

2010-11-28T11:31:00.000-05:00

And the winner is....

TEAM 1 Congratulations!!
Team 2 came in a close second.

Team 1 included Heather and Joel. Their house had a beautifully decorated roof with red peppermints and green M&Ms, a chocolate chip walkway, candy cane window treatments, red glazed chimney, a stack firewood made of tootsie rolls, and red and green decorations around the windows and door. A wonderfully decorated Gingerbread House with the Spirit of Christmas!

At the last contest, the roof on Joel's house collapsed and Heather was part of the winning team. Two contests in a row where Heather participated on the winning team, I think she might be the secret weapon to winning!

Team 4 included Kevin and Cody. Their house was decorated in the traditional red and green roof, included a deck made of kit kats, a snowman made of marshmallows, sled made with candy canes and kit kats, gumdrop fence, and a Christmas tree with green icing and mini non-parpelis

We all had lots of fun even though icing managed to get everywhere. A special thanks to Carol and Dane for letting us turn their house into a whirlwind of candy and frosting (and a little mayhem)! And thanks to the Judges! I love that so many people participated! For those curious, to the best of our memory, the other teams placed as follows:
3rd - JJ and Hunter, Team 6
4th - Mark and Kelly, Team 5
5th - Stacia and Logan, Team 7
6th - Carol and Paul (House Collapsed), Team 8
7th - Kris and Casey (House Collapsed), Team 3
8th - Val and Andrew (House Collapses), Team 2

Can't wait for next year!!

Gingerbread House Decorating Contest!

2010-11-27T17:06:00.001-05:00

On Saturday, we had a family and friends Gingerbread House Decorating Contest. Each team can obtain a maximum of 25 points. The way they earn points are as follows:

Please vote for the team who best decorated house based on these rules.

Scoring Rules

MAXIMUM TOTAL (25 Points)

Up to 10 points will be awarded for the creativity in design of the Gingerbread House, related
landscaping, and any figurines.

Up to 10 points will be awarded for brilliance of colors in the true spirit of Christmas.

BONUS POINTS (Up to 5 Points)

Up to 5 additional points will be awarded for unique features that are not prevalent in the
majority of other contestants.

TIEBREAKER (Also known as the Joel Rule)

In the event of a tie, the Gingerbread House that can withstand the heaviest load of snow without
collapse will be declared the winner.

Team 3 - Front View

Team 3 - Side View

Team 3 - Back View

Team 2 - Front View

Team 2 - Side View

Team 2 - Back View

Team 2 - Side View

Team 7 - Front View

Team 7 - Side View

Team 7 - Back View

Team 7 - Side View

Team 4 - Front View

Team 4 - Side View

Team 4 - Back View

Team 8 - Front View

Team 8 - Side View

Team 8 - Back View

Team 1 - Front View

Team 1 - Side View

Team 1 - Back View

Team 1 - Side View

Team 6 - Front View

Team 6 - Side View

Team 6 - Back View


Team 6 - Side View

Team 5 - Side View

Team 5 - Back View

Team 5 - Front View

Thankful for Thanksgiving...

2010-11-26T18:37:00.002-05:00

but not for the squash...

We had a great Thanksgiving, as always. We celebrated it at Aunti Nini's (Vals) where we ate too much and laughed too much as always. Jack tried squash and DID NOT like it. He gagged at the new flavor. He did eventually like it, but at first he wanted nothing to do with it! Here are a few pics from Thanksgiving.

Starting Solids - Cereal!

2010-11-21T21:31:00.000-05:00

For various reasons, its recommended that babies start eating solids between 4 and 6 months. For formula babies, I think its closer to 4 months and breastfeed babies closer to 6 months (Jack is 5.5 months). Kev and I felt that Jack was pretty much ready to start solids and seeing as we both had Friday off, that would give us 3 full days to start this. We decided lunch time was the best time, again for a few different reasons. On Friday we made a small bowl of Rice Cereal. He ate it, but I think he was a little unsure of what we were giving him. On Saturday he did the same thing, but on Sunday and Monday...oh boy he decided he loved it! He was laughing and giggling. On Monday he also figured out that when he opens his mouth mommy puts food in it! Jack sure can make his parents laugh and smile.

I asked Kevin what food would he like us to give Jack next. He picked peas. I'm going with it, it wouldn't have been my first choice, but peas it its!

Loves his Cereal!

More Peas Pease

2010-11-21T19:57:00.004-05:00

Continuing on with trying solids, we tried giving him Peas. Much to my surprise he love it. He gets excited in between bites and opens his mouth wide in anticipation for the next bite. The first taste is always the most fun to watch. He realizes its not his normal breast milk, or even his cereal. He thinks about it for a bit and then decides he likes it (like Mikey!).

Dadadadadada

2010-11-21T19:54:00.002-05:00

So I think Jackie is the cutest, yes, I know I'm biased, but I can't help it, BUT yesterday he topped the cute chart: He started saying what sounds like Dada, although its more like a very long sentence of "dadadadada hidadadadadada." I'm sure it melted Kevins heart, and I adore it. Now, if he can just start with mumumum, I'll be just that much happier :)

Swim Swim Swim

2010-11-15T20:21:00.012-05:00

"Swim swim swim, that's what monkeys do"

A recent trip to the Y and Kev decided to record it.

Rooooollll OVER

2010-11-14T20:35:00.000-05:00

Jackie rolled over...here are the photos to prove it!

I can walk like a Penguin

2010-11-12T20:07:00.027-05:00

If anyone remembers the old Boston Aquarium commercial, they had kids wattling around with their hands by their sides and hands parallel to the floor saying "I can walk like a penguin." Well Jackie can't quite walk like a penguin, but we did take him to the Boston Aquarium on Friday (11/12). It was the last weekday of my gratefully long maternity leave. I was so lucky to have 5 1/2 months off with Jack, it really was the best part of my life (so far). Kevin took the day off as we headed to the Aquarium with discounted passes from the Reading Library. Jackie loved the fishes, turtle, and other sea creatures swimming around in the huge tank and all the little tanks too. He kind of just stared at the penguins. All in all it was a great day and I'm sad to have to return to work (but thankful for the paycheck).

Daddy and Jackie watching the herring swim in a circle

Too much excitement.

An information sheet in the animal medical unit. Look at the lower
right hand corner - lung biopsy was performed on Jackies Birth Day!

This is an awful picture of me, but a priceless picture of Jack.
What a face!

Mommy and Jack at the end of the Aquarium trip

Happy Halloween (a few more pictures to share)

2010-11-05T20:28:00.001-04:00

Just thought I'd share a few more pictures of our Bubba. I took these while we waited for the kids to come trick or treating.

An apple for my monkey (we were out of bananas)

Love my Monkey!

He's almost sitting up on his own (the belly helps this!)

Kev is carving his pumpkin to look like the Bruins logo

Okay, we love our NE Sports Bruins, Pats, Celtics
(Sox are not in season)

Happy Halloween!

2010-11-05T20:05:00.001-04:00

Its Jacks first Halloween and first Fall. We had so much fun! Jack was a little monkey for Halloween and this monkey had one big belly! He was adorable and a good sport. That costume was so hot. We first celebrated with a little Halloween party at the Mommy's group that we go to on Wednesdays. We were also invited to Jack's first party. It was a Halloween Party for the little munchkins from 12 -2 on Saturday. Bethany and Jack's friend Julia who we know from the Nursing group and from the Library Lapsits invited us. We had a great time, although because Jack typically naps around 1:00, he was pooped and when we lined all the kiddies up on the floor for a picture he fell asleep (costume already came off at this point). It was hysterical.

Julia (a giraffe), Johnny (super baby), and Jackie (part monkey). He
couldn't do tummy time very well because of his big belly, he just rolled over onto his back.

Most of the kiddies, Jackie is falling falling falling.....

Annnd He's out. Out cold.

We also played in the leaves, and he loved the crinkle sounds of the leaves.

This isn't his Halloween costume, its just a warm fussy
one piece jacket that looks like a snuggly bear.

The mommy group that I got on Wednesdays (actually its a breastfeeding group with a lactation consultant), had a Halloween Party, here is a picture of us. The little babies were adorable.

Of the names I remember
Top Row: Baby Suoki, Lactation Consultant and wonderful person Janice, Katie and Drew,
Middle Row: Lisa and Johnny
Front Row: Casey and Jack, and on the right is Caitlin and Benjamin, 2nd from right is baby Deirdra, 4th from right with twins is Jamie with Dillon and Dean.
Okay, I forget most of their names, but they are all super nice mommys!

Firsts for Jack!

2010-11-02T21:03:00.002-04:00

A few updates!

Jack rolled over!! Wednesday October 20, he rolled over and since then he has done it several times, but never when you want to show someone. Yesterday, I wanted to show Andrea and he just complained when i put him on his belly, then this morning, for tummy time i laid him down, and within seconds he rolled over onto his back. The silly little monkey!

Jack found his feet! He did this a once about 2 weeks ago, but I am not sure he realized they were connected to his body, but this past week or so, every time we change him or place him on his back he immediately reaches for his feet.

Jack has such strong neck muscles now, I feel like overnight he became much stronger and will stay on his tummy longer and longer before complaining. Although sometimes he's a lazy baby, he just plops his head down like to say, "I give up mommy, no tummy time right now."
Jack likes to giggle and laugh. Watch out for the Tickle Monster, and then watch Jack think about it and about the third time or so, he giggles and laughs.

THIS is my favorite time...so far.

NOT sleeping through the night. So I had hoped he was going to sleep through the night, but he's routinely waking up at 2, 4, and 6am. Someday right?!

Once I can capture a few of these updates on camera, I'll be sure to add pictures.

The Maker of Jack's Quilt

2010-10-30T22:00:00.000-04:00

Most of you have seen Jack's quilt made by my friend Krista who now lives many miles away. If you haven't seen it personally, you've seen it in a few pictures here on the blog. Recently, Krista started a new blog to illustrate her projects and the first project featured was Jackies Quilt. You can read and see her hard work here. She is one talented chickie.

Here are a few pictures of Jackie enjoying the quilt

One side of the Quilt - Jack (about 4 weeks) and Kevin, June 2010

The other side of the Quilt - Jackie about 7.5 weeks old

Jack and I often go to a mommy's group hosted by Winchester Hospital and the movers (i.e., crawlers and sort of walkers) move their little bodies over to Jackie's quilt. I typically have the bright colors facing up during the group and I think they love it too. Its Jackie's "Chick Magnet."

I love it. Thank you Mrs. Klink.

5 Months Pictures

2010-10-26T20:42:00.001-04:00

I typically wouldn't have had Jack's pictures taken for his 5 month birthday, but there was a lot going on, both Halloween and his Christening, so I had them done, although I must admit, I wasn't terribly thrilled with the pictures. But seeing as he's so cute, there were a few that came out. Here are the pictures they took:

Baptism

Halloween:

Baptism

2010-10-24T19:41:00.107-04:00

On Sunday October 24th, Jack was Baptised at the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Reading, Mass, which is of Protestant denomination. The church (building) itself is actually celebrating 100 years this year, and is a beautiful church. Funny though, the street its on, Woburn St, really should be renamed "Church St." because there are at least 7 churches on this road. For a small town of 23k, we have an excessive amount of churches!

Jack was Baptised by the Rev. Lisa Stedman, a very straightforward Reverend who we really liked and even had her over for dinner before the Baptism. The church performs Baptisms during a regular Sunday service, and since these are held only once a month, there were three beautiful babies Baptised. Jack, Jack, and a Matthew...we have since learned that the name Jack is very popular. (there are 3 other Jacks in our neighborhood, one in his soon to be daycare center, and another one we run into at the grocery store.) Of course, you never learn this until after you have the baby. We still think we have the cutest Jack around. Okay, I'm off on a tangent. Lets get back to the Baptism.

When thinking of Godparents, first whether to have them or not, and if so, who should we ask, we thought long and hard. To me, this person isn't just about who will ensure the presence of God is in Jack's life, but it represents a relationship special to Kevin and I. A person habitually and in an effortless fashion, displays their family values and unconditional love. Unconditionally, meaning even if Jack strays to a less desirable path, he will always be held, shown, and told that he loved and cared for. This relationship will never be treated as if he could "loose it" should his actions be considered disapproving by others. This bond will foster and aid in teaching Jack love, kindness, generousity, along with other essential virtues that will shape his life.

When Kevin and I thought of this, the answer was much simpler. While we have many people who fit this description, no one came faster to our minds than Auntie Val and Uncle Lee, two very important and loving people in our lives. Two people that Kevin, Jack, and I are lucky to have. With humble requests, we asked each to be Jack's Godparent. And as I just described, they both put themselves second and through teary expressions, said, "You have just made my Life" It shouldn't surprise me that they both said that exact line, and yet have only met each other a few times, but it did. Both Auntie and Lee have an outward loving an a kind heart that seems to be part of their DNA...eye color, hair color, kindhearted...I hope that gene is hereditary and Jack has it. Thank you Uncle Lee and Aunt Val, we love you.

Picture of the 100 year old church from their website

The following are pictures that other people graciously took for us.

Auntie, Kev, Rev. Stedman, Jack, Casey, Lee

During the ceremony, after the actual Baptism.

My Omi, Jack, and me

The Prescotts - Carol, Kev, Jack, Casey, and Dane

Jack in the adorable hat and "travel blanket" made by Omi

Visit to Timmy and Sarah

2010-10-17T12:09:00.001-04:00

This weekend we visited Timmy and Sarah and Jackie did NOT like the 2 hour car ride down. Okay it should take 2 hours, but it took more like 2 1/2 because we had to stop and try and calm him down from crying nonstop. Since it was raining, rather than taking Jack outside to chill, we brought him to the front seat of Lindy (the Pilot). We grabbed a few snaps of us teaching him his first lesson in driving...always look left first:

Poor Sarah is carrying twins and gets pretty tired easily. So while Sarah took a nap, Uncle Timmy, Kev, Jackie, and I headed to the pumpkin patch. We mostly did this for the photo opps, but we did buy some pumpkins and very expensive apples - the very very old lady over charged me, but it took about 10 years for her to ring me and I didn't want to waste anymore time. Lets consider it a donation to the Connecticut local farm :)

Kev, Jack, and Uncle Timmy (Kev didn't get the Orange Memo)

My two handsome boys

Rose Farms

Family Picture

The cutest Pumpkin in the Patch!

DROOL BABY!!

Here are a few more pictures from the weekend.

Playing with Uncle Timmy

Benjamin Button

All tuckered out. He's fast asleep...oh so sweet.

Celebrating 10 years on 10.10.10

2010-10-10T14:29:00.102-04:00

On Sunday October 10, 2010, my fellow WSC (Westfield State College) girls and I celebrated 10 years since graduating. Okay, quite a bit has changed in these last 10 years, including the fact that WSC is now WSU. Weird I know.

Anyway, Andrea kindly had everyone over to celebrate. Here's tribute to the fact its been 10 years since we've left school...we celebrated on a Sunday afternoon (rather than a Friday or Saturday, or even a Thursday night). Many of us now have kids and it was a great time had by all. Here are a few snaps of the day (sans Kerri who couldn't make it.)

Here's us 10 years ago at the Senate Banquet our Senior Year, (2000).

Back row: Tara (Hamson) Schott, Amanda (Houston) Rapp, Andrea (Tauro) Levitt

Front row: Kathy Lundy, Casey (Janerico) Prescott, Katie (Considine) Carey, Amanda Russo Kanode, Katelyn Butler

Left to Right: Jen DePersia, Amanda Rapp, Katelyn Butler, Kathy Lundy, Andrea Levitt, Casey Prescott, Amanda Russo Kanode, Tara Schott, Katie Carey

The correct answer is: Yes, you all look better now than when you were in college...haha

And since this blog is all about our little Jackie so far, lets include more pictures from this day. Here is our attempt at getting all the kids on the couch to take a picture too (the mini WSC'ers)...obviously our attempt didn't go so well.

The sequence of events to me is a little funny, which is why I included so many photos. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.

Amanda and Sean

Sean, Gracie, Jack, Daniella, Abby

Gracie, Jack, Daniella, Abby, Aiden

Sean, Gracie, Jack, Daniella, Abby

This is the closest we have of all the kids together of course only one is looking at the camera.

Another one where we have all the kids, although Gracie thinks her face is cuter as a pumpkin and none of the kids are interested in the camera.

Dads and their babies, Kenny and Abby, and Jack and Kevin

Sean to Jack, "Hey buddy, you're crowding me"

Jack, Daniella, Abby. Abby is 11 days older than Jack and is Daniella's little sister

Sean to himself, "Hey, how did he get to be with the chicks?"

Topsfield Fair

2010-10-03T17:58:00.013-04:00

We visited another fair today, the Topsfied Fair in Topsfield Mass. It can't compare with the Big E, but it was still fun and as usual I ate too much Fair food. We heard the Chubby Checker play, and of course he sang the Twist. Nana and Grampy came too and actually babysat Jack the night before so Kevin and I could go out to dinner to celebrate our 6th wedding anniversary. These Six Years have been great, but without a doubt....this last year has been by far the best, and to think, we didn't even go anywhere for vacation.

Tiny Bubbles...
Jack has found his hands and can in fact shove both fists in his mouth while drooling and making bubbles. He babbles a lot and makes us laugh. I feel like in this last week his personality is really starting to develop. I am going to hate going back to work and missing these opportunities to watch him explore and master his little developments.

Kev, Jack, and the Giant Pumpkin's butt

Watching the crazy goose

This is a sand sculpture

They grow so fast

2010-09-30T16:14:00.021-04:00

Today our friends Andrea, Daniella, and Abby visited us. Many may recall that Abby was born the weekend of my Baby Shower, and shortly after my shower I delievered my little Jack. We took a few pictures of Abby, Sean, and Jack together, when Jack was about four weeks old. Today, we took some pictures of Jack and Abby next to each other, (our friend Sean couldn't visit today). You can see in the first picture, Jack was a peanut...well since that picture was taken, he has caught up a bit as this was taken on thursday. How cute are they?!

June 22, 2010. Abby is 5.5 weeks, Jack is 4 weeks (Sean is about 4.5 months)

September 30, 2010 - Jack is 4 mos, Abby is 4.5 mos

Four Generations

2010-09-26T20:48:00.022-04:00

On Sunday, we traveled to Nana and Grampy's, where Auntie Nini, Uncle Joel, Great Gram (Carols' mom)Great Grampy Eddie and Great Gramma Dolly Prescott (Dane's parents), Uncle Ralph and cousin Candy were there. We watch the Pats and took lots of pictures. Here are a few of our great day.

Four generations -
Kevin's Dad's side - Eddie, Dane, Kevin, Jack Prescott
Kevin's Mom's side - Maydene, Carol, Kevin, Jack

The Boys!!

Great Grampy Eddie and Great Grammy Dolly visiting from Arizona

Grampy and Aunie Nini reading to Jack. He loves it!

Swimming at the Y

2010-09-25T20:26:00.002-04:00

Kevin and I recently joined the YMCA, which is fairly new and its great. They have two pools, a lap pool and another pool for water aerobics and swim lessons for the little tykes. During open swim we took Jack for a swim, he was so cute. I obviously don't have any pictures, but we had a lot of fun. The water is almost 90 degrees and most babies love it. He seemed to observe everything going on around him. He watched other kids swim and looked at us with those wide eyes. We spent about 20 minutes in the pool and plan on heading back soon! Hopefully we'll be signing him up for swim classes in November!

Fall is here!

2010-09-16T11:06:00.001-04:00

I love fall in New England. Faires are in full swing, apples are reading for picking, the air is cool and crisp, and football has begun - you just can't beat it. This weekend we went to the second annual Reading Fall Street Faire with grammy and grampy Miller. Kev and Grampy tasted many samples of chili and voted for the best, which they both voted for the Reading Fire Dept. chili. I had a taste and it was so good and packed some heat.

Jackie enjoying the Faire (thanks Uncle Timmy & Auntie Sarah for the totally awesome bib)

Are You Ready for some FOOTBALL?!

2010-09-12T22:25:00.002-04:00

GO PATS!! Way to start the season! No one was ever nervous about Brady's car accident, were we?! Jackie rocked his awesome Patriots attire on Sunday and his Pats PJs Saturday night (courtesy of Nana and Grampy!). Nice game Pats, with a 38-24 win (and the Colts losing just made the day that much better).

Victory Dance in the End Zone

My Name is Earl

2010-09-05T23:17:00.000-04:00

We were bracing for hurricane Earl that was to impact New England like hurricane Bob did in the early 90's. Jackie, Kev, and I were to camp out in one of the bedrooms downstairs in case any trees decided to come down on our house. Well Earl blew off shore and all we heard were crickets, which isn't so bad.

Uncle Timmy and Auntie Sarah came to visit us and I finally met Auntie Sarah (who is expecting twins in December) and we went Peach picking because it was about a week too early for apples. Ahh, here I am fast asleep in her arms... then we had a cookout and while the adults sat at the patio table, my friend Ari and I chilled on the sidelines.

Yes, Uncle Timmy was wearing my hat,apparently he need the sun protection

Peaches for you and Peaches for me...

3 Months Old Already

2010-08-31T21:20:00.000-04:00

Our little Jackie turned 3 months old on Thursday August 26, 2010. Jackie makes us so happy, he now likes to "talk" to us. He babbles on and on, but every time I attempt to capture it on video, the little man becomes very interested in the red light and stops gurgling. I'll get it and share soon enough. For now, enjoy his three month pictures we had taken.

Oh, and I'm predicting he's a righty, he seems to always suck his right hand and wave it around like he's conducting an orchestra.

I love that he's holding his belly and sticking out his tongue

One of my favorites

Another favorite

Nature Walk

2010-08-23T21:19:00.010-04:00

This weekend "Uncle" Timmy finally came to meet Jack. We took Jack on a nature walk here in Reading. I didn't realize Reading has over 300 acres of conservation lands, nature trails, and places to cross country ski and hike. I think Jack was excited to see the green leaves, blue sky, and to feel the breeze on his face, and of course to take a few naps.

Its wonderful to watch as Jackie develops. He smiles a lot more and when we react to his smiles, sometimes he stops and wonders why we got excited. He'll figure out that we love his smiles, giggles, and coos shortly I'm sure.

Jackie also has found his hands, mostly its during the night I can hear him sucking on his hands, so I haven't been able to snap a picture yet. It is terribly cute though I must say.

I pulled out my camera the other night and just started snapping. I think he's adorable and can't stop, good thing we're not paying for film and developing anymore!

Here are a few recent pictures. He's 12 weeks, he will be 3 months old already on Thursday August 26, 2010.

Typical prankster, making faces at the camera

Hanging out with Daddy

Bath Time!

Nature Walk

Uncle Timmy and Jack

York Summer Vacation 2010

2010-08-16T13:13:00.000-04:00

What a great week we had in York Maine. For the past two years we have rented a cottage from Dane's cousin which is in walking distance to the beach. As usual we had a great time filled with LOTS of laughs, great food, and visits from wonderful family and friends.

This was Jacks first trip to the beach. He had a great time, especially when we played bocce. Kev had him in the Baby Bjorn (a baby carrier), and Jack pretty much slept the entire game. Kev called him his "good luck charm."

Jack also loved his morning time with Grampa, which read him books every morning. We aren't sure who liked it more Jack or Grampy! The rest of us woke to hear a high-pitch parentee voice of "Yes we do! Yes we do!" It got us laughing and Jackie laughing too. Too cute.

Here are a few pictures of our fabulous week. Can't wait for next year!

Sleeping at the beach in his tent

"Yes they do! Yes they do!"

My little preppy boy!

I know its a little blurry, but how cute is he?!

This face that he does makes us laugh so much. Its the "Jackie-Face"

Mommy and Jackie. I love his pants.

Family Photo, although someone isn't happy.

First Night Out Without Jack

2010-08-04T11:50:00.028-04:00

Jack is ten weeks old and we left him with his Auntie Cath for an evening. We were lucky enough to see our friend Jen throw out the first pitch at a Red Sox Game. Jen and I trained and ran the Boston Marathon together in 2009 and as she was the top fundraiser, she earned the fabulous prize of throwing out the first pitch. As we were her guests, we were able to walk onto the field. Well not the precious Fenway grass, but the on the warning track. Jen and I had previously been able to get on the field before we ran the marathon, but this was Kev's first time, he was a kid in a candy store.

Jen looked great throwing out the first pitch against the Cleveland Indians and although we lost in a gruesome game, we had a great time.

We missed our little Jackie so much and couldn't wait to see him. A special thanks to Cath for watching him for us.

Kev, Casey, Jen, and Sarah (Jen's Sister)

Jen throwing out the first pitch at Fenway!

Kev on the field

Storytime!

2010-08-02T22:24:00.000-04:00

Reading is one of our little activities we do with Jackie. Reading kids books or magazines, they say reading to your child is one of the best things you can do.

Jackie and Daddy reading together (2 months!)

Because of your smile, you make life more beautiful. (Thich Nhat Hanh)

2010-08-02T22:00:00.002-04:00

Smiling!

Jackie started smiling last week! Kevin and I were so lucky to see it together. Slowly he has had more and more smiles. What a joy it is to see, and oh how it tugs on my heart strings. I don't have any pictures yet of his smiles as they are infrequent right now. But as soon as we have some, I'll post some pictures. For now, I'll post some pictures that I have taken in the last 9 weeks of his little life.

His sleeping is still sporadic, typically waking up every 2 to 3 hours to eat. Tired is an understatement, although I can honestly say that I am not as tired as I was the first 3 weeks or even the first 6 weeks.

First Shots

Kev and I took Jackie for his two month appointment which included getting three shots. My poor little bugger had such a painful cry my eyes teared up. It broke my heart, but I'm glad Kev was home from work and went with us.

Pictures of our little one...

"I might be little but I'm a HUGE Red Sox fan"

Four Generations. Jack's Great Gram, Daddy, Nana, and of course Jack.

First Swim! 7/17/10 7.5 weeks old

Could these two be any cuter?!

Almost 7 weeks

One of my favorites

Just a little peanut in daddy's arms.

Our sweet boy

Love our UPPA Stroller!

3 P's in a Pod

2010-07-27T22:34:00.011-04:00

As most know, our little boy joined us almost three weeks earlier than we expected, and Kevin and I were not ready. I mean, when I say we were not ready, we really weren't, no car seat in Lindy (our Honda Pilot), no crib set up in his room, and our living room was filled with wonderful gifts from the shower three days earlier. Despite our poor planning, Jack arrived Wednesday in time for a late lunch. At 12:29, he arrived, beautiful, perfect, and healthy. We were visited by wonderful family members eagerly awaiting to meet him. Nana and Grampy P, Papa and Grammy J, and Auntie and Grammy M.

26 hours old

A few hours old

One Proud Daddy

Nana and Grampy

Auntie Cath

They have candy cigars that say "Its a Boy"

Grammy and Papa

Getting Started

2010-07-26T22:58:00.000-04:00

So I have finally decided to Blog, mainly to update those who we are not close enough to spend a lot of time with. Hopefully this will keep our family and friends up dated on our new family. Enjoy!

Lots of Love,
Casey, Kevin, Jack, and Mischief Prescott