peanut's gallerie

19 Months!

2015-01-09T17:39:00.000-05:00

I missed the 18 month update so here is one for Cash's 19th month. His personality and language have definitely exploded lately. He says a lot of words, makes all kinds of animal noises and is repeating most of what we say! Some of my favorite things he says are Please, Thank you, I love you, and most recently, Booty:)

He is really into the little grill and play food he got for Christmas, along with these wooden cars, but his favorite, favorite thing right now is Peter Rabbit on Nick Jr. He will ask for "Pete" multiple times a day.

He loves doing things himself, IE: using utensils and brushing his teeth, but his independence comes` at a cost because the tantrums are killer. I know it's a phase, but man, he can sure act out. Before becoming parents Jake and I would always see kids misbehaving in public and vow that would never be OUR kid. The other day in Walmart Cash had an epic meltdown for no apparent reason (sometimes it's just when he's frustrated) and Jake turned to look at me and said "We are officially those people."

We are looking forward to seeing Cash's personality continue to develop, especially once he becomes a big brother in 3 months!

Stats at 18.5 months:

Weight: 32 lbs, 99th %

Height: 34 in, 90th %

2014 Recap

2015-01-03T14:31:00.001-05:00

In the winter of 2014 we survived apocalyptic conditions and the longest, coldest winter I can remember.

In March, our little punkin started crawling, which was VERY exciting.

In April, we celebrated Cash's first Easter.

In May, Cash turned one year old and we threw him a birthday party!

In July, we participated in the centuries old Fourth of July festivities and took a midweek getaway as a family of three.

In August, my brother got married and Jake and I were in the wedding. Cash was the cutest little tot in suspenders EVER. And best news, after 7 months on the market, we sold our first house!

In September we visited an apple orchard with friends and danced in the rain!

We also announced baby # 2's arrival to friends and family via this text:

In October, we enjoyed the beautiful Fall colors and found out Cash is getting a little SISTER!

Winter came early in November and Cash closed the month by meeting Santa for the first time.

Then, of course, December was filled with Christmas festivities. Tree decorating, cookie baking, fun with family, lots of wrapping paper, and one stressful Christmas Eve candlelight service:)

We are thankful for another year with our little family and have high hopes for the changes about to take place in 2015!

See previous Recaps below:

2013

2012

2011

Christmas 2014

2015-01-03T13:31:00.000-05:00

Christmas 2014 is a wrap. We celebrate with Jake's family for New Years so it takes a little longer for us to move past December 25th:) We had a great holiday with both of our families and hopefully created some fun memories for Cash in the month of December. And to think, next year we will have TWO kids. Fun stuff.

Bye, bye 2014....

It's that time of year again!

2014-12-09T15:48:00.002-05:00

I feel like the holiday season started early this year because we had so much snow so quickly after Halloween and everyone got in the spirit early! We have been staying with my parents for three months now, while waiting for a job transfer so we are enjoying the season's festivities with family.

Cash met Santa for the first time and he decided he's not much a fan, which I would have bet money on. But we just wanted a picture! Santa was nice enough to sneak up behind us to get this shot. Sneaky:) He said kids Cash's age are the least likely to sit on his lap. I think 18 months is a challenge for more than just Santa....

The tree is decorated and it has a lot of character this year. Holes and all. But we really love it.

There has been some baking going on. Not all of which was successful, but who needs to eat 100 cookies in the month of December anyway?!

The cousins came over and made chocolate dipped pretzels while Cash ate them:)

And we learned a new phrase..."Ho, Ho, Ho!"

May your days be Merry and Bright....

Our October

2014-11-24T15:49:00.000-05:00

Well, we enjoyed the last of our fall this year. It snowed on Halloween and hasn't left the ground since. But weren't those leaves pretty?

A weekend spent at the cabin is always fun, even if this weekend involved a major boo boo for Cash.

Jake and I attended an out of town wedding and Cash spent the night with my Aunt Lorie. I was nervous about how he would do and it turns out he was probably better behaved than he is for us. Go figure.

We celebrated cousin, Jazi's, 12th birthday in style:)

And then...October ended, just like that.

And baby makes...FOUR!

2014-11-24T15:39:00.002-05:00

This announcement is long overdue. We are expecting another baby in March! Yes, Cash is going to be a big brother, although he is still completely clueless. We are super excited to have a healthy little GIRL growing in there.

We are very grateful that God has blessed us with another baby and that, thus far, this pregnancy has been much easier than the last.

(20.5 weeks)

Let's hope for less than a 9 pounder, mmkay?!

Almost 2 years ago I was 20 weeks pregnant with this guy.

Our September

2014-10-12T17:24:00.000-04:00

We endured a lot of rain and someone danced in it....

A fun morning apple picking with friends at Friske's Orchard!

Cash, Crew and Hunter:)

Cash was crushin's on his cousin's tractor!

Bye, Bye September....Hello October!

New around here....

2014-09-24T13:43:00.002-04:00

(Brother's wedding, August 16th)

I have not been good at updating the blog. I go back and forth with just giving up on it all together but sometimes if I can't remember a date or a stat I find myself looking to the blog for the answer. It is nice to have a bunch of information in one place so I'm going to try to keep at it.

On August 27th, we moved out of the Summerside Drive house. This was our 8th move in the 5 years we have been married. Pros. We were thankful for the sale of our house, even though we are currently in limbo regarding a job transfer and where we will end up! So, wish us the best!

15 Months Old!

2014-09-12T16:34:00.001-04:00

(baby's first selfie)

Cash is already 15 months old, crazy.

He not only walks, but runs around, getting into everything, emptying every drawer, cupboard and closet he can reach.

He is currently 30.5 lbs, 32 7/8 in tall.

His vocabulary consists of: Mama, Dada, Nana, Papa, Layla (every dog), more, hi, buh bye, uh oh, baba, cheese, and sometimes Jazi (Yazi).

He is a little energizer bunny from morning to night and usually a good sleeper, sleeping 12-13 hours at a time. Praise God. He also takes a 2 hour nap every afternoon.

He loves dogs, climbing on his dad, being outside, his blanket and paci, his Laugh and Learn Car, and FOOD.

His favorite foods include, cheese, bananas, berries, bread, crackers, green beans and yogurt.

He has 10 teeth, 3 of which are molars that all decided to come in at the SAME time and make him very sick for a good week:(

He is an energetic, happy boy and just as cute as ever:)

Midweek Getaway

2014-07-16T15:38:00.000-04:00

At the end of June (Can you tell I'm playing catch up?) we decided to get out of town for a couple of days and spend some quality time together. We started in Traverse City where we explored the beach, shopped downtown and indulged in some fabulous ice cream. Next we drove up to Northport where we took a tour through the old Grand Traverse Lighthouse. Lastly, we ended up in Leland/Fishtown which was really cool except we got rained out. So we will go back...for the wineries...without Cash:)

Cash was such a trooper and we had a great couple of days together.

4th of July

2014-07-16T15:11:00.000-04:00

We had a low key fourth this year, but it was good.

We started the day at the Bay Harbor Parade, had lunch- where Cash made a lot of friends, took a long nap and then had a small BBQ at home.

Outside Fun

2014-06-06T15:24:00.002-04:00

We have been trying to spend as much time outside as possible. Cash loves being outside, exploring, watching the neighbors (he's really nosey), etc.

Waving is his new fave. "Hi Mom!"

Evening golf cart rides are so exhausting.

Best.Face.Ever.

New toys are so fun!

I feel the need to mention that he is afraid of grass. He hates the prickly feel against his legs and will NOT walk through it. He stands completely frozen and won't move. But we're working on it:) Anyone else experience this? Advice?

A First Birthday Party

2014-06-01T22:12:00.000-04:00

Cash looked like such a dapper little guy at his party. The weather was really nice, sans the crazy wind. The birthday boy had sugar for the first time and he was less than thrilled I think. His smash cake was huge and there was hardly a dent in it by the time he was bored with it. I guess he's perfectly happy devouring bananas, so we'll just leave the sugar till next year's cake:) We were so grateful to our friends and family that were able to come spend the afternoon with us!

12 Months!

2014-06-01T21:26:00.002-04:00

Our punkin is a year old as of May 22nd! Yes, it's true what they say; Time flies.

Cash is well over 30 lbs (His 1 year check up isn't for another week so I'll know his stats then.) And my guess is 32 inches tall.

He started taking several steps around May 5th and by the 15th he was officially walking. He loves his new found freedom very much.

This boy has loads of personality. He's still very smiley but has started this little shy act. He loves being outside, taking baths, playing with cell phones and reading books. He wants what he wants when he wants it. He's a little high strung and goes until he can't go anymore. He's so much fun.

Happy Birthday, sweet boy!

Easter 2014

2014-04-26T19:49:00.000-04:00

We had a great Easter weekend. Saturday was spent doing projects around the house, trying to prepare for a sale! That night Jake and I watched Passion of the Christ, in remembrance and preparation for Resurrection Sunday. I cried and he gasped.

Sunday we went to church and then met my parents downtown for brunch. They came over after and Cash opened his first Easter basket, which wasn't as momentous as I had imagined:) My in laws and Jake's sister came over later for a visit and closed out our family day.

(Cash is so thankful for a Risen Lord!)

11 Months!

2014-04-23T22:00:00.000-04:00

Eleven months old; we all know what's next. I'm going to pretend to not be sad about it.
Cash is cruising these days, along furniture, even walls. His favorite thing to do is push his walking toy around the house. He opens his mouth wide and gets so excited. He is very close to walking.
I'm going to guess that he is around 29 lbs now, but he feels like 50 lbs of dead weight. The important thing is, the rolls are still there, folks. Thank goodness. I will miss them someday.

Spring Ready & Refrigerators

2014-04-04T17:53:00.000-04:00

We are dying for warm weather over here. Look at that baby, trying to soak up the smallest amount of sunshine. He's never even felt grass before. This summer will be full of exploring for him! We walked around Home Depot yesterday checking out plants and fertilizer and patio furniture, while it was 35 degrees and snowing outside.

While walking around, we received many compliments on Cash. The associate who mixed our paint even told us we better have more babies because he's so cute. (This was after she guessed that Cash was 15 months old...) Then there was this older man who worked there that really took to him. He went and got him a mini Home Depot apron and wrote his name on it. When Cash started to fuss he said, "Of course he's crying, it's probably been 20 minutes since he ate last! He's a refrigerator with a head!" Oh my gosh.

Cutest little refrigerator I've ever seen....

10 Months!

2014-04-02T16:09:00.000-04:00

I never thought I would have a ten month old. So crazy. Cash is getting really good at standing up and walking along furniture. He'll get brave and try standing with "no hands"! He only lasts a few seconds and then plops down on his butt. He is definitely getting close though.

His vocabulary includes "dada" and "uh oh", he has said "mama" a handful of times but has been refusing lately. I'm convinced he calls Jake and I both dada. But more often than not, he just grunts and growls while crawling around. He's such a little animal:)

Stats:

I'm guessing 28 lbs, 30" tall.

Eats most foods. His current favorite is a toss up between banana and pineapple.

Still not sleeping through the night, but we are trying to wean that middle of the night feeding. His pediatrician assured me that he does NOT need to be eating then. I hope he starts sleeping through the night by his first birthday. Fingers crossed!

What's up with Cash?

2014-03-22T15:19:00.004-04:00

Yet another installment of 'What's up with Cash?'

He is all over the place these days.

One of his favorite things to do is empty drawers, cupboards, you name it. We have three small baskets in the entry way that he likes to tear apart. And try on a hat or two. I really should move them because I pick that stuff up all.day.long. But he finds so much joy in making a mess that I will continue to pick it up 100 times a day.

His Papa and Grammy came over last weekend and he sure got a kick out of that Papa. I just love these photos.

Cash is growing his appetite these days. He even opens the pantry and picks out his breakfast:)

Such a big boy that he is wearing his skeleton pjs LONG before October!

He Crawls!

2014-03-10T16:51:00.001-04:00

Our little chunky money is finally MOBILE. We honestly thought this day would never come. I kept anticipating it and asking other mothers when their babies started to crawl and I was always met with the reply, "Just enjoy the immobility while you can. Soon he will be into everything."

This is very true but I'm finding he's more fun now that he's moving. He is very high energy, never sitting still and he dislikes sleeping very much!

So, at 9 months and 12 days old, Cash became a crawler.

(9 month update coming soon)

9 Months!

2014-02-21T15:13:00.001-05:00

Our little love is 9 month old! (10 months tomorrow actually!) Here are some of his deets:

He is a little wild man lately. He started crawling about 2 weeks ago and loves emptying drawers. He constantly says "ugh" and makes animal-like noises while crawling around. This kid will eat anything. His recent favorites are Ritz crackers, black beans and french toast.

Weight: 27.5 lbs (99th %)

Height: 30 Inches (92nd %)

His pediatrician giggles at how big he is. She also stated how refreshing it was to see such a happy, friendly boy:)

V Day 2014

2014-02-16T09:01:00.000-05:00

Since getting married, Valentine's Day has never been a huge priority. We use to make a big deal about it when we were dating and Jake even proposed on Valentine's Day 2009. This year I really gave the day zero thought, other than the heart themed puppy chow I wanted to make (and didn't). I woke up thinking 'it's mom's birthday' (Yup, she's a V day baby) and nothing regarding the day of love.

Jake was home with Cash while I had to work. When I saw a text from Jake before 9:00 I immediately thought it was a complaint informing me that Cash was probably being a fuss-butt. (Teething sucks....)

But instead he wished me a happy Valentine's Day and told me he loved me.

'That's right, it's Valentine's Day!'
After work I grabbed a card and our laid back holiday ended up being a comfort food and movie kind of night with my boys:)

// My littlest Valentine//

Saying goodbye to last week

2014-02-02T14:06:00.000-05:00

It's been a difficult week.

Our house is for sale and there is one family that has looked at it twice. Per their Realtor, they are very interested...in ours and two others. They are supposedly making a decision by this weekend, but here it is, Saturday night and no news. We had another showing scheduled for today so I busted my butt cleaning the house while trying to occupy a whiny, clingy baby. Jake was snow blowing the driveway and fixing a broken closet door at 11:00 last night after he got out of work. All to prepare for today. Come to find out, the potential buyers did a drive by days ago and decided there weren't enough trees on the property. Thanks for the heads up.

I'm starting a new job at the hospital. Two twelve hour night shifts a week. I've been psyching myself out for this. It will be worth it. I won't be completely exhausted (sleep deprivation is the highest form of torture for me). Monday, my supervisor called to go over the training schedule. All of the correspondence thus far failed to mention the 40 hours a week for 5 weeks training schedule. Cue tears. That's bad news for this mama who has a hard time being away from her baby. Not to mention, no childcare. Thank God for my mom who is always there when I need her and a husband who writes his own schedule. (If you think of it, please pray that my family makes it through the next 5 weeks happy and healthy.)

Our oven broke...about 8 months ago. We've been surviving with a stove top and a crockpot. We found a good deal so got a new one this week, ya know, since we are trying to sell our house and all, but it doesn't work. Our wiring is wack. Cue an electrician. And we scratched the kitchen floor bringing it in.

Our washer broke this week. Like, began leaking and wreaking. The inside was completely fried. Had to buy one of those too.

Cash has been sick for one week now. He's snotty and congested and has a bark of a cough. Sleeping has been rough, although we've kept his head elevated and tried to keep him as comfortable as possible. After a trip to the pediatrician, it is indeed just a virus and must pass on its own. Sigh.

Have I mentioned that this is the worst winter so far that I can remember? Forget the Polar Vortex, I'm talking apocalyptic conditions. I've left the house twice in a week. I got stuck pulling up to our mailbox and my car sat there till Jake got home at 10 pm. Don't bother sending me any mail because I won't get it till Spring. The next day my dad got stuck in our driveway for 2 hours. (In my car. Add snow tires to the list of things I need.) Jake came home early to help dig the car out then gave our drive a good blow. The very next night he pulls in about 10:30 pm and gets his full size truck stuck, while in 4 wheel drive. The drift was so high he couldn't get his door open so he had to climb out the window. We.Need.To.Move.South.

I've vented about our hellish week in hopes of now leaving it all behind and starting fresh. I'm vowing to dress in a more positive demeanor so my boys don't have to deal with crabby patty anymore:)

//Getting ready to leave the house for only the 2nd time this week!//

8 Months Old

2014-01-28T14:40:00.001-05:00

We've reached the eight month mark! He's such a happy boy, that's why the photo of him crying makes me laugh. He was mad because I took the fox out of his mouth for the picture. I know, it looks like he just lost his best friend. I suppose that is the equivalent at eight months old.

Stats: Cash weighs 25.5 lbs.

He's not crawling yet but he definitely wants to! He gets in this awesome leap frog position and thinks about it, then either falls flat on his belly or rocks back onto his butt. He is getting closer though.

He is a great eater; Likes all fruits and veggies (minus peas and sometimes black beans).

His sleep is all over the place. Two nights ago, he slept 9 hours straight, waking up to eat at 5:00, then falling back asleep till 8:00 am. Last night he woke up 3 times. We just never know!

He has a great personality; So smiley and friendly. And he has certainly found his voice. He likes to yell really loud, especially when I'm on the phone. They learn quickly don't they?:)

A Weekend for Family

2014-01-22T21:08:00.000-05:00

Cash finally met his Great Grandma over the weekend. Their introduction was long overdue. I hope he gets to spend more time with her in the future. He also met some of my aunts, uncles and cousins for the first time. And he sure was a trooper; being passed around with a smile on his face.

There's the new leap frog position:)