Our Jack-o-lantern

Dear Jack Jack, our Halloween baby,

It was Halloween 5 years ago.  I was a week overdue, miserably pregnant and sooooo ready for you to enter our family!

You arrived at 5:32p.m. (I will always remember the exact time because it was the same as our address in military time 1732)  

Your birth was such a wonderful birth....

Since I was a week overdue we scheduled your induction for Halloween morning.   I knew what to expect, the laboring started slowly throughout the day.  Daddy, Nana and Omie were all there waiting with me, excited to see you enter the world.  In the afternoon I had asked for the epidural right at the point when I couldn't tolerate the pain any longer.  I remember the relief of that wonderful epidural (what a sweet thing), being able to rest and relax until the action really started.   As things were gearing up for your entrance in the world Daddy ordered a pizza, but by the time it was delivered it was also that time to push.  So, the room smelled like Daddy's favorite pizza for you to enter the world!

Daddy had delivered your brothers (at a different hospital) but when it was time for those last couple pushes he and the OB/GYN were being overly polite saying "you go ahead", "its o.k., you".   While I was waiting for those last couple pushes, that can hardly be held back,  I said something to the effect of "Andy! you delivered the other boys, get down there NOW!"   That ended their politeness and Daddy got into position to deliver you.  Daddy was the first person to hold you, our third son.  It was wonderful and blissful.  We were all overwhelmed by your sweetness, our love for you and the miracle of that moment.  I will never forget that feeling. 

About an hour later the big brothers came in with Pops from trick-or-treating to meet you,  Drew was dressed up as Superman and Juddy was a race-car driver.  They were so excited and even offered you some of their candy.

   

Jack, your name did not come to us immediately.  We had a list we were talking about but became distracted when your jaundice became very severe.  You had been born with a high billirubin level and it only increased in your first day.  They took you from us and sent you to St. Mary's hospital in Madison to try and get the blood levels under control.  It was scary and sad that they wouldn't let us ride with you in the ambulance to the hospital.  We met you there.  I was so sad when I saw your incubator and it said, "Baby Boy Rikkers".   You looked so large compared to the other babies in the NICU....the nurses said you were a giant there being born overdue.   But you were very sick.  They poked and proded at you  with needles and it made us incredibly sad, but we knew they were doing exactly what your little body needed. 

On your 3rd day, while you were in the NICU and we stayed at the Ronald McDonald house, we thought about your name more.  One of the nurses said you were a little Jack-o-latern because you were born on Halloween and were glowing a yellow-orange color from your jaundice.   That comment along with the fact that we just loved the name Jack sealed your name.  When you were born your face looked like an old man and reminded me of my grandfather.  Right after you were born Nana said you reminded her of her father Poppy just as I was about to say the same thing.   Which is why your middle name is Anderson after that side of the family.

We came home from the hospital on the 5th day.

So incredibly grateful that the NICU had been able to treat your jaundice and prevent any damage.  We are so grateful for your health.

And look at you today at 5 years old. Equal parts spunk and sweetness.  You give the best hugs and snuggles.  So spirited, mischievious and at times stubborn...know what you want and don't want.   With a laugh that is so absolutely contagious.  You feel things deeply and love big.   

We feel so honored to be guiding you in this world 

We love you sweet boy...

Happy Birthday Jack Jack!

Touch of Sun...

Once in a while the sun does this....and lights up this little guy that lights up our world.

i heart faces: touch of sun photo challenge.

happy

show:

tell:   Tickle time....I am in bed alot letting my back heal.  But there is still room for tickle time with Jack Jack.   His laugh is contagious.....and makes me so happy, happy, happy!

little buddies

There is something so wonderful and special about watching your children's friendships.  I think because I have been blessed with such amazing friendships in my own life, I want so much for my children to have those meaningful, fun-filled, supportive connections to friends as well.

Here are the little buddies in April having looking for creatures in the stream.  A bath and new clothing was required after this play date!  A sign of a lot of boy fun!

Jack wants nothing more than to be with his friend, Cameron.  Like most early childhood friendships, they are close in age, they live in the same neighbor and his Mom is a dear friend of mine.   So....it is only natural that they too would be pals.  And they really are.  I love watching Jack's excitement when he gets to have a "play date" with his pal.

On this day it was warm and Cameron's Mom had invited Jack over to play in the sprinkler.  Oh boy, Jack was geeked up!   He was so excited that he didn't even fight me over the sun-screen application.   He couldn't get there fast enough so he asked if he could ride his little 4-wheeler to Cameron's.     

Look at him all big boy and adorably excited at the same time on his 4-wheeler, with his space monkey back pack, Lightning McQueen swim wear and baseball cap.   Can't get more big boy than that!

I was somewhere between giggling-with-glee and tears as I saw Jack drive off to the "lane" where they meet up between our houses.  (The "lane" is the perfect little off road grass path between our properties...perfectly situated for our two families)

There at the end of the lane Cameron was already waiting and jumping around when Jack approached.   

Life isn't always so simple.....but on this day, at this moment it simply was.  These two pals, just being the best of friends and playing outside together.

What do I have tomorrow?

This is Jack, my youngest boy.   He loves to ask at any time of day, "What do I have tomorrow?" 

I think Jack is asking this question all the time to understand time, schedules, and just likes knowing what to expect.  He will ask "what do I have after that? and after that?...."

Often times I answer, "you have school, then I will pick you up and you will have lunch and then a play date and then we pick up your brothers"....

Tonight the "what do I have tomorrow" question came and I answered.   

Then the hubby said, "What does Daddy have tomorrow".   "Work", Jack answers.   

Then the hubby asks "What about Juddy and Drew?"   "School", says Jack.  

I knew the next question was coming from Andy with a smirk.   

"Jack, what does Mommy have tomorrow?".   

Jack responds blankly, "nothing".   

Did you hear that?  Nothing?!   I have nothing to do tomorrow....
yes!!!!   awesome!!!!    hoorah!!!   yahoo!!!!

baw, ha ha ha ha ha... that's a good one.

it was funny to me and did make me laugh, but also a little sad all at the same time.
But I get it, he is 4 and that is what he sees,
but of course, we know the truth and someday he will too. 

  nothing, I am literally laughing out loud.  i wish!
nothing.....
;)
perhaps it is time for one of those hour by the hour posts...hmmm
then again, what would that prove.  I know the truth!
;)  -smiles-

the wind blows- i heart faces

It is spring and that means we have emerged from our cave and been outside A LOT....as much as we can, and have been cleaning up what we neglected last fall.   But with spring yard clean up come the leaf blower....and that means motorized wind fun!  The kids love it when their Daddy pulls this out and tries to blow them over!

can't you just see how much fun this is for Jack!?

www.iheartfaces.com

i heart faces- slice of life!

A Slice of Life.....i heart faces photo challenge

I love this subject sooo much that I couldn't resist entering a photo even while on vacation.  Take a photo that is a slice of life really is my favorite thing to do.  If you can capture a natural moment, well to me that is beautiful.

Jack Jack is becoming such a big boy.  At times trapped between being my little one and being a big boy.  He idolizes his brother Juddy.  Wants to be just like him in every way.  Sometimes wants to be a big brother to Tessa, but sometimes is frustrated by it.  

Here he is working on writing his name....I can hardly believe it.

last sign of babyhood...gone

 My baby Jack, isn't a baby anymore.  He is 4.  And whenever I call him "baby" he will promptly tell me, "Mama, I not a baby!".   O.K.  O.K.
So, this weekend while my sister was visiting she gave everyone a haircut.  Juddy didn't want a haircut as he is "growing" his hair out to look cool.  But he did get a trim.  Drew enjoys having a "do" and got a "mohawk", aka spiky hair.  

Jack was after Drew.  I thought for sure I would have to wrestle him to get his hair trimmed.  TRIMMED.  I love it so long, curly and have always resisted getting the boys hair cut because they immediately look years older.  I can't help it.  When Jack ran in and said "I want a Mohawk like Drew!"  I said, "What?" in a sad, dismayed voice.  Andy and Krissy were all for it and with good reason.  He looked like a mop-head most the time and wouldn't let me comb it.   But despite good reason, I was hesitating, "Jack, are you sure?"    But really I was feeling like I wasn't sure.   But he was absolutely certain.  My heart hurt....my baby's hair.  It was the last sign of his babyhood!

So here is the progression of Jack's entry into being a BIG BOY forever. 

sniff, sniff.

Jack loves his "mohawk".  HE LOVES IT!  

He is touching it and making sure it is standing up on top.

He loves being a big boy and having hair that is big boy hair.   The new hair cut fits him in every way.

And of course, I saved a lock of hair, that last sign of babyhood.

i heart faces- orange!

i heart faces- orange   photo contest

I love orange....I even have an orange guest room in my house!

Here is Jack from last spring making bubbles with his tiger.  

He was so excited to have a matching Tigger hat to boot! Can you see his Jack Jack spunk?!

The second photo  below is just for fun....it was a hard decision!

Smirk! i heart faces

Smirk: A smirk refers to a smile evoking insolence, scorn, or offensive smugness.

The i heart faces challenge is "Smirk"...and my little guy Jack Jack has it perfected.  This shot was from just last weekend at Cheese Days.  Of course, that cheese head cap that is helping him feel "smirky".

Check out i heart faces for all the great Smirk entries~

i heart faces challenge: faces & flowers

Faces & Flowers....2 of my favorite things in one photo challenge!  

This photo kept coming back to me as the one I wanted to share simply because I love it.  I love it because it was one of those sweet moments with Jack Jack that I did not stage, it just happened naturally.  It was of his own heart that Jack came at me with a bleeding heart flower in his hand, giving me the flower and his heart all in the same sweet gesture.  I couldn't ask for more.

How my day started!

This is how I started my day!   

Jack, Tessa and I ran an errand to Walgreen's.  Don't know why Jack did this, but.....as we were leaving and my back was turned, Jack completely dropped his drawers and flashed the lady at the check out counter! Stood there naked from the waist down and said "looook aaaattttt meeee!"  Of course, him saying that didn't get my attention, but hearing the check out counter lady say nicely, "You better put your pants on" did make me whip around!  He didn't have underwear on at the moment and just thought everyone around us should know the truth!  eek!  Ahh...the joys of a 3 year old. I may have a flasher on my hands.   Needless to say, you can imagine my first reaction was one of shock and disgust!  Which lead to me walking Jack over to apologize to the lady at the counter.... while I held back my laughter!  geezzzz.

I keep threatening to start a therapy fund for my kids...perhaps it is time. ;)  Or perhaps I just have a very spirited, comando-loving 3 year old on my hands!

Bubble boy

Don't we all just love bubbles?  I am pretty sure they make the world go round.

It has taken some getting use to our new schedule with Tessa....nap times more specifically.  She is a champion napper, so Little Mr. Jack and I had some alone time this past week on a beautiful day.  It was so fun to get the bubble maker going.  And how adorable is it that Jack was also wearing his Tigger hat!?  That was not my making....just happened and I loved it.

Jack is at such a wonderful age.  He is all about exploring, having fun.  It is so sweet when he says, "Mama, play with me?".  This time I was able to say "Lets go!"

Being a big brother takes practice

Three year old Jack, is ready to take on being a BIG brother. He has long been known as baby Jack. But as he will assertively tell you when you call him Baby Jack, "I not a baby. Tessa is a baby. I a big boy!". There you have it. And here are the photos that tell the rest of that story. Jack too is preparing for Tessa. He is preparing to be a big brother. This includes snuggling "doll Tessa", giving rides on her blanket and in his favorite toy...the Tonka truck. Need I say more?!

Mud Puddles!

Jack and I had more fun today than should be allowed!  After preschool we came home to such a rainy day and huge mud puddles in the driveway, which is gravel right now and will be cement by next week.  It was just too tempting!  So, I ran for my camera to capture Jack jumping in puddles.  Clean up was a warm bath...well, worth all the dirty fun!

We are waiting for the Ethiopian courts to re-open in October to be assigned a court date.  I am crossing my fingers that we may get one in later October.  It may be wishful thinking, but why not!  The sooner the better!  Tessa is always on my mind.  I love to look at her sweet photos and can't wait to hold her.  Oh sweet girl we are so excited to know you!  It can't happen soon enough...so lets keep hoping for court to come soon and to be extra lucky for a quick travel date!  More on all of that as the fall progresses...it is the first day of fall!

Little man Jack

Jack Jack is getting to be such a big boy.  He is constantly trying to go poopy on the potty so that he can get a treat.  He is doing so well with staying clean and dry!  yeh!  Could it actually be possible that I may be diaper free for a while?!!  I will take it!  I just am feeling the need to share these photos of our little man.

He is really into "Cars" and "Handy Manny" right now and will actually sit through a whole Handy Manny show!  That is a beautiful thing.  His imagination is going into high gear.  I will often see and hear him having whole conversations with himself as he plays.  Love it!  

On the adoption front we are doing well.  The pain is easing although Tirunesh and our daughter are never too far from my thoughts.  I seem to be becoming the master of distracting myself, which is really not hard to do around here.  My dear friend, Margo, came for a visit this weekend which has been so fun.    This week I will also be getting all of my artwork ready for my first art fair at Northwinds Perennial Farm outside Milwaukee.  Marcie hooked me up with it and will help me set up.  It is a fun distraction and I may even make enough $$ to pay the babysitter!   The garage is coming along great and now has its earrings on, a.k.a. outdoor lights.  I can't wait to get into the art studio upstairs!  So, as you can see, I am mastering the art of distraction as we wait for our referral.  I have had a lot of practice.  

Thank you all for following our journey, for your love and support.  Hugs to you.

Big boy underwear for Jack

I have been waiting for Jack to show a true interest in going on the potty.  This morning the message was loud and clear when I went into the bathroom to see Jack had ripped off his poppy diaper and was on the little potty.  So, today is the official first day of potty-training and wearing big boy underwear.  We are using a timer to remind both of us to get to the potty every 30 minutes.  So far (it has been 3 hours now) he is doing great.  Just another sign of Jack becoming a big boy.

Waiting 9 months, 10 days

We have officially been waiting 9 months and 10 days today...but who's counting!  I am!  As the wait time lessens the anticipation intensifies!  She is out there somewhere and hopefully in April we will have the news of who our sweet girl is.  I can hardly wait.  The waiting thus far has been manageable.  I suspect it worsens terribly once we have the referral, with her photo and information!  Imagine!  Then we wait for the court process in Ethiopia and for our travel next summer (hopefully).  In the meantime, I feel like I have been nesting like crazy!  Decorating, painting walls and furniture, ordering the fabric and bedding for our sweet girls room and even transitioning Jack to his  big boy bedroom.  The last is not an easy task.  I am sleep deprived from his night wakings and constant escapes from his room.  This too shall pass, right?!  He is a our spirited 2 year old, but also so darn adorable and lovable!  Of course, at the moment he is napping, otherwise he would be climbing on my lap trying to touch these keys!

 

Last week President Obama was inaugurated!!  Jack and I embraced the moment together.  Check out this photo of Jack.  I was so excited that it was contagious to a 2 year old!  What wonderful hope there is in the spirit of our country.  Truly a moment to remember.  I am proud to be American and that our daughter will be coming to this country during this time of hope and change.