I Love you Lance!

Tarheel88 & Lance
April & Lance's pumpkin.

Lance & his pumpkin that he named Pumpkin.

Lance at gymnastics--learning to do a cartwheel. He's better than Tarheel88 ever was!

Lance dressed as Buzz Lightyear.

There's a boy in my life that makes me smile the biggest smile. He's my 6 year old nephew Lance. I wish I had his energy! He makes over 100 on his spelling tests in first grade. He knows the order of the planets (which is more than I can say for me or his Mom) and he wants to be an astronaut when he grows up. He's the man of the house while his Dad is in Afghanistan. He's so sweet & I love him!

Why, Oh, Why

Some things can't be planned & one of those is Lance jumping up in front of the camera, just as I tried to take a picture....here he is...

My special sister, April...look up "encourager, giver, stamina, endurance, & positive attitude" in old Webster and you will see this smiling face...& I know how happy she truly is that I have my Jackster!

The one who has been there from the very, very beginning...my Mom...what a heart she has to love all of us and still stay sane! A true example of what I want to be like when I grow up!

Here is the Sherbert family with me & Jack...April, Grace, Lance, & winking Zackery.

Get ready, cause here they come...there are so many great pictures from my trip back to NC. We had so much fun (except the sleepless nights...) and it was great seeing how my special nephews Lance & Zackery and niece Grace are growing up. I miss seeing them everyday...why oh why, do we live so far away? Questions, questions, questions....are bouncing around in my wooden head....

Steak & Cake

It was a special night for Chris last night...don't mention it but you know what it means to have "Cake & Steak"...it made Jack happy, even though Mommy did a "Nannie" curl on top of his head!

Twinkle of Understanding

Something really wonderful & exciting is getting ready to happen to two of my favorite people...my sister RaRa and her husband Kerry are soon to be parents of a very special baby girl....Emmalee Elizabeth. We gave Emmalee a "hurry up & get here" party and love & smiles abounded.

You've heard me before, but don't tone me out this time. Every baby is precious....but for some people, there was a mountain of pain & suffering to climb before this great earthly reward...so this little girl & her parents will always give me a twinkle in my eye......the twinkle of understanding of all they've been through and like all parents, the love they will have for their child. The tears of happiness are falling....

East Coast Vacation

Wow, over 2 1/2 weeks without a post...have you been worried about Tarheel 88? Sorry that I didn't tell you that Jack & I were going on vacation (sans Daddy Chris) to hallowed ground...the one & only Tarheel state. There was so much love & fun to experience. Jack LOVED spending time with his cousins Lance, Zackery, & Grace. He enjoyed taking a bath with cousin Gracie...the most beautiful 2 year old in the world!

We visited Old MacDonald's together for a fun & a photo op with cousins Lance & Zackery! Jack was overwhelmed at first with all the little people attention, but he got used to it fast and now, he's bored at home with just Mommy, Daddy, & Tucker.

Jack's pulling up to stand up on furniture over the last few days and his first ear infection/cold is winding down, thank goodness. That deserves it's own posting, later when the weariness is over...

10 Months Old

It's hard to believe that Jack is already 10 months old! Chris & I both agree that this is the best, but hardest thing (become parents) that we've ever done. We can only imagine how much easier it would have been to have been even 10 or 15 years younger...but here we are and I have to say, we are doing a fine job. I say that because our Jack is one happy & sweet boy.

New things: crawling & crawling fast...he is getting into everything, even in a semi-baby proof house. We have to do something about the speakers/wires....who needs surround sound anyway? Poor Tucker can't have his water bowl out anymore...it's banished to the powder room and opened intermittently because Jack loves to play in water! He's great at the frog kick & loves to splash in the tub.

The top two teeth are coming down very fast...sorry there's no photo...it's best seen when his head is leaning over & he's laughing. Not a one person feat to take a picture in that position. He's had some screaming, grouchy evenings but food, sleep, & an occassional dose of teething pearls/motrin take the edge off.

We've been to two mother-baby classes so far...that deserves it's own post. Let the competition begin! Why are mothers so competitive when it comes to their children? I feel it too....because, I have to say, Jack is the cutest, & I mean CUTEST, baby in the class. He is one of the biggest & has the most hair also. Sorry to all the little girl mothers...you'll have to wait for those pony-tails!

Pedal to the Medal

As if I could ever forget the fatigue of the newborn days, the days of rushing after Jack are now beginning. Yes, our boy is crawling and boy, did he get fast, fast. He is all over everywhere with a tired & wired parent close behind. Tucker is resolved to avoid him by retreating far away. It's fun to see him exploring and so far, he especially loves wires, plugs, and plastic bags. Yes, we are working on Jack-proofing everything and watching his every movement. When we can't watch him, we are restraining him in either his crib, the high chair, or the pack & play. He is pulling up but so far, only up to his knees. His balance is good if you stand him up...like him standing by the tub above.

Jack loves to visit our next door neighbor..."Grandma Jo" and Jack are special friends...He likes her to hold him (above in the top picture) and sometimes he likes to put her oxygen tubing in his mouth...We have fun visiting with each other and she's in our special prayers every night!

Happy Blur

The days are a blur but it's a happy blur. Big news...the two top teeth have broken through the gums! He did have some discomfort with this but overall...he did well. I experienced what I'm sure every mother has experienced....how can I take away the pain & keep my baby happy...we did a combination of teething pearls, motrin, & extra holding. I did something with Jack that I haven't done in awhile...I held him for his nap! We both slept and it was so wonderful to wake up with him squeezing my lips!

He's pulling up & getting on his knees & loves his new toy above (thanks, Auntie Alayne!). He has been belly crawling backwards but gets mad & doesn't understand why he's getting further away from a wanted toy. He has been up on hands/knees but until yesterday, didn't go forward on them. He went 3 "steps", so crawling may be any day now!

Tarheel88 is off to a conference in Florida this week...sans Jack. That's right, I will be away from my boy for about 100 hours. In so many ways, I'm looking so forward to it but my next thought is...how much I'll miss him. Chris & Kjersti (our wonderful sitter) are very capable, so I'll have no worries. What will I do with all my free time?

Tongue On Cheek

One of Tucker's older, 4-legged brother duties is face cleaning...today there was just a hint of apples & apricots left on Jack's cheek. Tucker took the opportunity to help me & lick it off...funny thing is..when Jack drops bananas, Tucker won't eat them off the floor. This was just a moment of our joyful day!

These are the beautiful (hazel is the final color) eyes that I stare into...he's getting into everything and today, he wanted the camera. Note Tucker in the background, head down between his paws...he's thinking..."when will my life get back to normal?"...I tell him..."this is the new normal."

Jack does something new & cool daily & today it was...pucker his bottom lip out like he's pouting...actually, he's sucking on his top lip & is in a great mood!

9 months old--Can you believe it?

Jack is 9 months old! Wow, how time flies when you're busy, that's a BUSY with capital letters, having fun! This week, we went to see Dr. Brian again. He was his cheery, efficient self. Jack was 24 lbs, 10 oz & 30 inches tall! Our boy is in the 90%...& he's almost crawling. He's trying to grab everything and pull up. He even uses Pooh bear as a means to try to get higher. I'm afraid where this will go...but I'm sure I will adjust as time passes.

Attempting Mouth to Mouth

2 Peas in a Pod

Today are just some random thoughts bouncing through my wooden head....

I've noticed that I don't second guess what I'll find when I open the door to Jack's room anymore...you know the thought, that instead of finding my boy sleeping in his nursery that it will be the old second guest room with my messy craft table in there. I was afraid for a long time that I'd wake up from this long, long wonderful dream where yes, it really, really happened...I had a baby & he's my Jack!

So even in my subconscious, I know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, my dream came true!

Now, back to reality...

Jack's almost mobile. He's belly crawling backwards which really irritates him when he gets further away from the toy that I'm trying to tempt him with....He's getting up on 3 extremities (1 leg to go) and then he'll be off. So my world will become more intense very, very soon.

Everyone says how beautiful he is and I agree....he is so darn cute. What will I do when he gives his heart to another woman (in 25 years, no doubt).....I hope I'll be ready for that....but for now, he's mine, mine all mine. What a wonderful time this is!

PS: November 15 is the 1st official UNC game...so only 75 days to go!

Future Blogger

Most of the time when I'm on the computer....it's when Jack is sleeping. Today, I tried a new thing...I gave him his own keyboard & mouse on the floor. It was an old one that I had around...waiting for the right recycling opportunity. He is working on his mouse control and learning to type with the hunt & peek skills we all use before our first formal class....maybe blogging is in his future?

New skills this week: the backwards belly crawl is frustrating him b/c he keeps getting further away from what he wants...he also clapped yesterday for the first time. We tried to get him to do it again today, but he gave us the look..."why are you two acting like such maniacs clapping for no reason?"

Another great Jack day....

It's Out, It's Out

Here's something that is always the highlight for me at end of August, the 08-09 UNC Basketball Schedule is out! http://tarheelblue.cstv.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/082608aaa.html You know, it's the beginning of my memorization of the player stats, awaiting the preseason rankings, planning my UNC beat Duke party, & analyzing the schedule line by line. This year, no one has shrunk an inch....like Ty Lawson did between the last 2 years. Two years ago, he was listed as 6 foot, and last year, he was listed as 5' 11"...how is that I ask myself? Well, I've recently been remeasured and low & behold, I'm not 5'4" anymore....I've shrunk to 5"3 1/2"...gravity has now compressed my spine by 1/2"! Well, Ty is about 21 years old, so he shouldn't be shrinking!

Read my lips..."2009 National Champions..will be the North Carolina Tarheels"

So when I go to work, I must ask for 2 very important vacation days...April 4, for the Final 4 and April 6, for the National Championship game...

Yes, yes, yes, I did cheer for the USA Olympic basketball team....even though, HE, Coach K was their coach. There was even a close up of his "rabbit" look...you know, when he's mad, he contorts his face and "appears" to look like a rabbit...with black-(fake)colored hair, no doubt.

What's wrong with Uncle Roy's gray locks? Nothing...it shows wisdom & experience....which will help him lead my boys all the way to Detroit, MI to be crowned National Champions!

Finger Curls

Have any of you ever heard of finger curls? You know, you comb wet hair over your finger and when the hair dries, it's a curl. Jack was the recipient of the finger curl tonight. Tomorrow morning, it will turn into crib (aka bed) head and resemble an early morning Elvis interpretation.

First Sweater Vest

Jack officially only wears 12 month clothes now due to his over 23 pound weight & 2 1/2 feet height! Wow! He loved his Carolina blue sweater vest with matching seersucker (elastic) slacks...so he had a big smile sitting in the rocker! This is the (at least) 43 year old rocker that Grandma & Grandpa California gave us...the very same one they used to rock Chris when he was a baby. My boy looks a little preppy today, I think.

Farm for Sale: Memories Not Included

There are so many changes in your thinking after you become a parent and one is where you live...we love the farm & all that goes with it but it takes alot of work/time to keep it going. Now, we would rather focus on Jack and doing things as a family. Plus, the commute...all of you who know what that word entails...we want to spend less time in the car and more with our boy. Here's the virtual tour...see what you think.

http://www.tourfactory.com/443884

So Many Clothes, So Little Time

Here is the most beautiful (I'm biased!) baby in the world!

Learning the words to the Carolina fight song...or twinkle, twinkle little star...I'm not sure which...

He does like the feel of grass, which Chris preferred to crawl on concrete when he was a baby!

There are so many clothes to wear for so many pictures & at the rate that Jack is growing...he can only wear some outfits once. This was one of the cutest outfits we were given (thank you to whoever you are...I can't remember)....mind you, it's a 12 month size and Jack can't wear it anymore because he's too tall for it (no wedgies allowed for our boy!). So I dressed him for a few pictures and Daddy Chris (the best photographer, did the honors)....and of course, one without clothes...while we were practicing the Carolina fight song...

I'll Love you for Always

Today, we were reading books but we had to stop b/c there's a book that always makes me cry...it's the Love You Forever by Robert Munsch. Do you remember the lines?

A mother held her new baby and while she held him, she sang:

I'll love you forever,

I'll like you for always,

As long as I'm living

my baby you'll be.

Jack was OK with it, because we read more and played with Pooh. He likes my sound effects from "It was a dark and stormy night on Pearl Street" from Kiss Good Night...

Naturally Loud

The wonderful mobile is almost over...Jack grabs it & swings it round & round and then has a smiley taste....

Like mother, like son....

Some people are soft spoken and others are loud. I'm naturally loud and it seems Jack has taken after me....Here's some pictures of his loud laugh/happy scream....

Most of you know, there's a big difference in happy screaming & unhappy screaming. I'll have to remember to get out the camera to capture the rare unhappy screaming....(it's hard to think when the air is filled with unhappy screaming)...

Tolerant Tucker and Tarheel Talk

Jack laughs & pets Tucker now but Tucker is rarely even faintly amused. Tucker does give doggie kisses & makes Jack laugh. Overall, Tucker has accepted his role as big brother, even with 4 legs instead of 2 and realizes that he is still alpha dog of the big bed because he's the one between the little girl and the little boy, while Jack (ha, ha) is off in his crib in another room....

The countdown is ON...in 3 short months, the new basketball season will begin. ALL of my boys are back...meaning, none went to the NBA. The value of a college education is priceless even if you are a multi-millionaire! Ask Tim Duncan and Shaquille O'Neal--who are both college graduates...

My prediction is...drum roll....UNC will be National Champions in 2009...Jack & I are counting on it! In the meantime, we'll analyze the schedule, player stats, & wear our Tarheel attire...even if it is for only 2 hours until the next blow-out (and I'm not talking about when a superior team beats another one by many, many points!)

Bald is Beautiful

Well, Jack's hair loss pattern isn't in the pictures I found when I Googled "hair loss" but some interesting treatments where described...vitamin supplements, electric pulse treatment, and hair transplant surgery. He isn't a candidate for any of those but "scalp massage" sounded possible. Nannie had started using the brush to "stimulate hair growth" when she was brushing his hair, so I've continued this daily treatment. The funny thing is...I don't think it's going to work until some night time head positional pressure is relieved (aka sleeping in the same spot) has changed....Oh, that's OK...nothing to worry about because honestly, I think his little bald spot is beautiful!

3 Generations of Love

All smiles for the camera! Jack is 8 months old already...& he is almost 100% for weight & length...he weighs

22 pounds 11 oz and is 30 inches tall! How old will he be when we have to look up to him? My guess is 15 or 16!

He loved having his Nannie all to himself for 2 whole weeks...we miss her!