SuperBowl XLIV and a few kids

...It is the year of the Saints...and I guess Kim Kardashian...(or atleast she seemed to think during the interviews- though Reggie was the superstar --Kim seemed to feel that once again, her man's winning game was all about her...oh, I digress) Anyhow, I am SO not into football...or Kim. But, you would think we were-- with the party we had -16x adults and 8x kids (under the age of 4). It's been a tradition for years with our group of friends to gather at someone's home for the BIG GAME. The last time we hosted (2-years ago)- was when I announced I was pregnant! And, here we are 2-years later and a beautiful 16-month old little boy. Last year, we celebrated at the Campbell home, Jake was almost 5-months old and little did we know (until the next day) that he was cutting his 1st tooth, so Jacob and I really were not able to stay to enjoy last year's festivities thanks to his new toof that caused his non-stop crying. So, this year was super exciting. Though, we are still getting more teeth (he is a bit more of a pro at the teething thing now), his age makes all the difference when it comes to enjoying festivities- his little independence plus all of his little pals made this year the best yet! The guys enjoyed their beers, food, and the game. The moms and kids enjoyed eachother (as always!)- the kids ages range from infant/babies (7-10 month olds): Adriana, Ella, and Keaton , baby/toddlers (16-20 month olds): Addison, Jacob, and Peyton, and the toddler/toddlers (2-3year olds): Luke and Elliott. What a difference a few months makes with each group. The infant/babies were sitting up (and standing- Adriana!) cooing and smiling and playing with toys. The baby/toddlers were walking everywhere exploring, chasing cats, or talking or running, and TRYING to keep up with the big kids, and still needing mommy...(Jacob Brayden!) and well, the toddler/toddlers were making their own fort telling all the other kids and mommies to keep out. It was quite the party! We had a wonderful time. Some of the best friends anyone could ever ask for and the cutest kids you ever set your eyes on...oh, and a football game. Check out the pics...oh, and Jacob and Addie- they are back together atlast...so cute.)

Mr. Independent

...So Jacob is making it very clear to us these days that he WILL NOT have any sort of a dirty diaper on him at any time during the day or night. (This may be a good sign, maybe he will be anxious to start potty training sooner then later!) These days (and nights), Jacob has been calling us (while in his crib) to come get him, once I open his door, he is standing and pointing to his diaper area ...I ask him if he has a poopy diaper (granted, I can immediately tell- the scent welcomes me as I enter his room), he immediately smiles, and waves his hands over his nose - trying to say "pee-you!" I change his diapers - and voila! Poop it is! If it is in the middle of the night, back to sleep he goes with no problem. As for Pee, he also cries until I enter the room, pointing to his pants- and sure enough, it is one heavy load. Granted, I hate that this is disturbing his sleep, but I am quite proud that my son doesn't like to sleep with sh**! He is so independent.

Some more Jacob Brayden updates: he is almost 17-months!!!! He is weighing at just shy of 23 lbs. and is 32 inches. Also, he is saying more and more words, but has found whining to be easier (uggh!!! I am in need of some good earplugs)- his favorite, most repetitive words- mama, dada, grandpa ("pa), grandma ("ma"), Nina (Neenee), ball, blue, bottle (baba), peas, banana (nana), what's that? Brrr (for "it's cold!")...also, he LOVES coloring- he recently drew a picture for Grandpa's Birthday and was very proud of it (I think it was my dad's favorite gift this year!), he loves to run...away from me!!!! jump, and of course, dance. His favorite song- Pink- "Don't Leave Me"- everytime it is on the radio he jams (in the car or at home or wherever) and once it is over, he cries and cries!!!! LOVES to cry for everything...I HATE it!!! I am just ignoring the behavior, but it is tough. Wow- is it tough! I want to laugh (b/c his tantrums are cute for a SECOND) and I want to run ...so it is a work in progress for both of us. Jacob has been loving his Toddler Time Class, and recently created his first (2) Art Projects- I am so proud! He also prefers to read to himself these days- and he does it out loud....so funny. He is doing great. We are having so much fun. My Little Mr. Independent. Some pics to share...

Another Little Cousin on the way...

Their Lives are about to change...forever!!! We couldn't be happier for these two. They are going to be such fantastic parents. Congrats Karen and Jared. We LOVE you!

My Littlest Sis is PG!!!! We are SO EXCITED. Karen is just about 12-weeks along, and is due in August. We all guess GIRL!!! #1- it's time for a girl around here! #2- the heartrate was 188 this week...if you believe in the heartrate being a sign of the sex (which I do, sort-of- Jake's was always in the 140s and 160s and all my friends who have girls- theirs were high too) #3- I can just see Karen and Jared with a little girl named Jane (that's her middle name and the name she loves). And the craziest part is- she is literally going to be 9-months pregnant at Dave and Cara's wedding AND is going to her bachelorette party with us in May (while she is 6-months pregnant) IN LAS VEGAS!! What a trooper is all I can say! We are so excited for having another little baby in our family. Loren and Karen's babies will be 6-months apart, Jacob is so excited to meet his little cousins.

Lazy Days

...are spent watching morning Sprout TV, playing with mommy's pots and pans, dancing, and putting every hat on his head he can find. Oh, lazy days.

Just ignore my dumb, dumb voice and laugh...sorry it's a little long too. But, you get the drift, he's a dancing machine.

A Baby Shower for My Sis...

We are SO excited!!!! Baby Mason is on his way any day...(Due Date: February 17). The second Grandchild for the Morkes Family. Jacob's 2nd Cousin, yet 1st Baby Cousin (one that will be so close in age! (Though we often laugh about the fact that, yes-Jacob will be older, but so pissed because his little cousin, Mason is going to be WAY bigger- have you seen his parents? You've seen my husband and I, we ummm...aren't the tallest people on the block:)) Yet- We are just so ecstatic. I'm not the one pregnant- but, I couldn't be happier. Loren and Brandon are now officially ready for Baby Mason to make his arrival...we (My mom, Karen, and myself) threw them a shower on Saturday at Monterra Grill in Algonquin. Great food, wonderful atmosphere (beautiful lighting) and family and friends. The thrill for the mommy and daddy to be were that his family (who reside in Utah) were able to make the trip for the shower as well- it was great to see them! Anyways, we are so happy for the Jaynes Family. Loren got lots of adorable gifts. Baby Mason is so lucky.

Happy New Year 2010

New Year's 2010- The Wilderness Resort in Wisconsin Dells

The Players: Rojas Family, St.Leger Family, Gormsen Family, Campbell Family, Refvik Family

Starring: Jacob, Luke, Elliott, Addison, Adriana, Ella, and Keaton (the kids)

Hope everyone had a wonderful New Year. We celebrated the New Year at The Wilderness Lodge in Wisconsin Dells with 4 other couples. A special thanks to the St.Leger Family for organizing it...a wonderful time. We all shared a condo with 5 couples and 7 kids (the kids ages range from 3 years to 6-months). We spent New Year's Eve playing games and toasting the New Year with great friends, New Years Day was spent at the in-door water park where the kids enjoyed the water (which wasn't all that warm, by the way), and us ladies (and some of the babies on our laps) enjoyed some time by the hot tub. New Years Day- evening we all went for a nice Italian Dinner, and a few of us topped the evening off with some entertainment in the restaurant's bar with (3) babies- who happened to be the life of the party- (most bars would probably not allow this, but they were so well-behaved), after a drink, we made our way back to the condo, put the kids to bed, and enjoyed one last night in the Dells with good friends. It was a great time. Jacob had a fantastic time. He played great, slept well, and was all smiles. (He even went down the water slides with his "new" tubes in his ears and all- he was quite the champ). Hope everyone had a wonderful Holiday Season. Some pictures to share...

A Book Recommendation for a COLD, SNOWY January

A book by Stephanie Wilder-Taylor is witty, creative, and very true. I AM NOT saying that I agree with the "wine" playdates- actually I totally disagree with this- it has been a huge controversy in our generation of new moms- even this writer just recently admitted she had a problem with drinking, and she has given it up- but the book, itself, is hysterical...an easy read about CHILD REARING TODAY.

"SIPPY CUPS ARE NOT FOR CHARDONNAY"

My recommendation of an easy, fun read all about motherhood.