Wonderful Saturday

What a way to start the week - with the birth of the first grandson in the James family.  What a way to end the week - with a gorgeous sunny day in Atlanta and a day with my daughter.  First some exercise at "the Little Gym" then some errands (including a new puzzle at the learning store), some diapers and some drive-thru Chik-Fil-A for lunch.  Needless to say, Kylie was pooped when we got back home.  After her nap - we rode our bikes down to the Elko's playground and we kicked the ball and went down the slide and more exploring the woods outside.  This extra quality time with Kylie allows me to gain more insight into the mind of a 3-year old and more discilpline in discipline ;)

I love this time off from work to focus on family - its what life is all about!!  I am one who works to live, and not lives to work.  Its simply a way to put food on the table and a roof over head - the real purpose in life is defined by great saturdays like today.

Love Dad

mommy's turn to post

Daddy and Kylie just left for a morning out and instead of sleeping - I'm BLOGGING! What does that say about Mommy??? Hmmmm, she's crazy maybe?

I find my self reflecting on everything this time around - and how different it has been than my experience with Kylie being born. With her I had 24 hours of labor, 3 hours of pushing, an epidural than didn't work, a C-Section - then depression, the stomach flu and a complete life change from being a career woman to stay-at-home mom. This time around has been so different - although still a C-section - I feel like I am so much more present in the moment and able to enjoy this super amazing time in my life.

We haven't really gotten to know much about Jake yet - since we NEVER see him awake. I'm not complaining, but again, it's so different from Kylie who was awake from BIRTH! :) He sleeps ALL the time, even at night and we just wake him up to feed him before he drifts back into his dream world again. I am experiencing all of the "after C-Secion/birth" things - pain, sore boobies, constipation, fatigue --- I know TMI right??? BUT - this time around I'm truly happy with my life, my husband, my beautiful family and the journey ahead. I'm scared too - but I'm blocking that out with the pain killers....

Jeff and I have laughed many times, wondering what was so "HARD" the first time around with Kylie (since Jake just sleeps) but I do remember the first couple weeks, being up with a crying baby most of the night and having to rock and coax her back to sleep, etc. Plus, we were first-time parents - not even well versed in changing diapers, let alone being totally responsible for a baby. Daddy has been amazing this time. He has supported me during some VERY DIFFICULT nights (I won't get into the details) and he's taking on the K-Bear full force every day. I love him so much and I'm really proud of the father and husband that he has become over the last few years.

Kylie has been so sweet with her baby brother. She kisses him and strokes his head and tells him "it's okay" when he's crying. She gets him cookies and blankets and wants to share everything with him. Today when they were leaving, she gave him a kiss and said "Bye-Bye baby Jake, I love you". Now, I'm not so hopped up on the pain killers to assume that my 3 year old will stay like this forever - but for now I'm happy to live in this super-sweet world of a loving toddler..... :) Trust me, she's taking out her jealousy issues in other ways (mostly on Daddy).

But, enough droning on, I hear Jake squeaking - which can only mean one thing.....

So, here are some comparison pictures to entertain you. Don't expect professional fancy stuff on this blog either! It's so fun to look back and compare. Do they look alike or not - you be the judge!

Kylie at birth


Jake at birth


Kylie at one day old


Jake at one day old


Kylie going home


Jake going home


The new James Gang - family of four!

Jake just chillin'

Greetings from Peidmont High - its very close to graduation, only 24 hrs left! I'm not sure I'm ready to open my eyes just yet - instead I'll just lay here with my soft, warm blanky under the window. I did catch a peek of something out the window - its very large and scary looking ... my mom and dad called it a tree? I hope trees like babies?!

I had a party last nite in the nursery with some of my friends - of course, I won the screaming contest (2 nights in a row!) ... and there's a really cute girl there that keeps smiling at me - I think she likes me ;)

take care
love jake

Kylie and Jake meet for the first time

Well, I just met my big sister and she is so gentle and loving - She loves to hold me and gives me kisses on my nose (...that tickles :) I hope she lets me play with her toys when I get bigger and I hope I get to see her again today.

love jake

Announcing Jake Jeffrey James!

Brand new blog ... and just in time for me to arrive. See me below just a couple hours after taking my first few breathes on my own. I sure do like this new world - I get plenty of attention and I can eat and sleep as long as I want. I could do this for the next 30 years (although I think my Mom and Dad will have something to say about that.) I can't wait to meet my big sister - I hear she's great and very kind toward little babies like me.

take care
Love Jake