Jake's First Halloween Party

We had friends over for Jake's Halloween Party. Check out the many creatures who came...

A Little Bear
A Cow

Jack the Farmer

A Mermaid Swam Over

An Alligator

A Wee Scarecrow

An Excited Bee

A Mouse and His Little Brother, The Cheese!

My Rainy Day Project

Combining two things I love dearly...

This was the first time of many more rainy day craft projects.

And I am sure not the last time I embarrass my son.

My Hubbie is Famous!

Two pictures found on the internet of Jon at one of the many Phillies games he has attended. One of the pics is from Tampa. He went down for game one. He is loving life right now with the Phillies in the world series!! Go PHILLIES!!

Learning SO Much!

Lately, I have noticed that Jake understands some things that I say. I am soo excited by it! At first I thought it was a coincidence, but he really does! He understands mama, dada, bottle...I'm pretty sure bath as well. AND...

When I say " aww...look at the cute baby"... he does this..

And when I Say, " how big is the baby? SOO big.." THIS...

Snuggly Funny Face Boy

Just Another Day in Paradise

-Phil Vassar

The kids screaming,

phone ringing

Dog barking at the mailman bringing

That stack of bills - overdue

Good morning baby, how are you?

Got a half hour, quick shower

Take a drink of milk but the milk's gone sour

My funny face makes you laugh

Twist the top on and I put it back

There goes the washing machine

Baby, don't kick it. I promise I'll fix it

Long about a million other things

Well, it's ok. It's so nice

It's just another day in paradise

Well, there's no place thatI'd rather be

Well, it's two hearts And one dream

I wouldn't trade it for anything

And I ask the Lord every night

For just another day in paradise

Photo Shoot is OVER Mom...

Feeling Settled

We are finally feeling a little more settled. Jake loves all the new space and is having a blast outside in the yard and at the nearby park. Jon and I have been working night and day organizing and making adjustments. We have had some visitors too!! The latest project I have been working on is Jake's playroom. He has never had a playroom and didn't have many toys. After a craigslist purchase and a trip with Abby to IKEA, it looks like fun land! Here are some recent pics. Jake is growing like crazy. He really looks like a little boy now. Uncle Mike Helping Out

Jake Unpacking One of the Many Tubs

Aunt Abs in Town

Grocery Trip with Daddy

2 more days

Only two more days until I have connection to the world again. We have been waiting for Verizon to install our phone, TV and internet and they are finally coming on Wednesday!!! Until, then fellow bloggers I am signing off...

The Big Move

This past weekend we moved!!! It was a crazy and exciting experience. My family came in and were a HUGE help. Everybody helped us load, unload, paint, organize and clean. Everyone took turns watching Jake. Jill and Dana took Jake for some of his naps which helped big time. Jon's mom and Aunt Janet also helped out this past week with Jake's naps. THANK YOU TO EVERYONE!!! The house is great! We love it a little more each day. I have already met a bunch of neighbors and feel so at home.
Although it has been a little nutty because we do not have a phone line, Internet or TV yet because we have decided to try Verizon which takes a little longer. My cell phone does not get reception at the new house and we are waiting on our washer and dryer because they are on back order. So... right now I am writing to you from Jill's house where I am waiting for my laundry to finish... hehe. It is all worth it though. Can't wait to upload some new pics!

Sooo Giggly

Happy Birthday to Aunt Nik!

Jake is also eight months old today!

First Time for Everything!

This week was a week of firsts. Jake is getting so big and is learning something new each day. Some days it is hard to believe he is actually ours forever! He is just a few days shy of eight months... time flies!

First hair cut from daddy... much needed!

First time to break free from the car seat WHILE driving... long story!

First time to stay up late and snuggle with Aunt Abs!

First time Jake looked like his Popple!

First bath at Mommel and Poppel's

First time Jon and I decided to try our wedding cake, which has been frozen for TWO years..

So wish I could have been there...

Last summer Jon and I went to Turkey with Eko and Nikki. It was amazing. This summer Mike and Katie went with them. So Jealous. They just got back and created a website for their pics (so creative!) Check it out. Turkey is such a beautiful part of the world!

http://www.katiestes.com/turkey/

Around the House

Extreme Close Up!!... he likes to attack the camera when I am taking pictures.

Jake showing off his new skill of feeding himself cereal

Jake loves climbing the stairs to get," dada."

He loves looking at shadows and most of all his own reflection!

Mash Potato Bar

This past weekend Jon and I went to a wedding in Basking Ridge, NJ. Our friends Josh and Nora got married. Josh was in Jon's fraternity and Nora was in my sorority. It was a lot of fun and we got to see a bunch of our friends. The girls and I danced the night away as usual. Highlight of the wedding though... a mashed potato bar... that's right. They must have known I was coming! It was a whole table of mash potatoes. You would take a martini glass, fill it with whatever kind of potato you like ( garlic mashed for me) then add some of the million toppings they offered. Amazing...
We have to give many, many thanks to Uncle Rick and Aunt Janet for watching Jake over night! It was our very first night without him. I was nervous to leave him at first, but they did such a wonderful job of making him feel at home. He was great and loved playing with their dogs! Thanks again guys.

Mark Your Calendars

I am the food coordinator for the BUDS (Bringing Up Down Syndrome) organization in Southern New Jersey. We are having our 13th annual walk on October 5th at Washington Lake Park in Turnersville, NJ. The walk starts at 11AM followed by a day of fun. We have music entertainment, tons of great raffles, games and FREE breakfast and lunch! I have worked hard this year to get hot dogs, pizza, snacks and beverages donated. Last year we had over 2,000 walkers! Please come out and enjoy the day! Check out the site and pics from last year's event!
http://www.bringingupdownsyndrome.org/buddywalk.html

Emily with Jake, she loves babies!!!

Anna with Jakey!