Truck Race
We started construction on the sunroom, preparing it to become Jacob and baby’s bedroom. New windows and wall insulation should make it nice and warm, and blackout shades will keep it dark at night. We are also installing french doors in the attached breakfast nook for an extra play area for the kids. Let’s hope Jacob can move in and have his own room soon- we sure would like our bedroom back!
A few weeks ago Jacob really started talking, and even in full sentences at times. It is amazing to hear what is going on in his head. Since he has been sleeping in our room I have also held witness to him talking in his sleep. Often he says things like, “Beijo barking”, or “Shanti, where are you?”, but last night he said, “Truck. Fix it. I dropped it”. He was fully asleep- it was hilarious- what a boy!
This morning after cleaning up after breakfast I walked into the hallway to find Jacob hauling one of our big red pillows from our bedroom. I followed him to find him setting up his race ramp and quickly grabbed the camera to capture what he was up to. Little did I know how funny and bossy he would be!
Add comment March 19, 2010
A Girl
Jacob is going to be a big brother to….a little sister! We had our 18 week ultrasound and they confirmed that it is a girl. We are all very excited! Due date is July 2nd.
Add comment February 4, 2010
New Adopted Dog
Goodbye to Marcus, hello to Shanti!
We sadly said goodbye to Marcus a few weeks ago as he ended his 6 month stay with us and returned to Josh, Kris, and Caitlyn in London. We still call out for him and forget his isn’t there, and we miss his goofy-lab-dog presence. I am really happy he has been reunited with his family, but we decided to adopt another dog companion for Beijo so she wouldn’t be so lonely once he left.
Shanti is the same model as Marcus (lab mix) but an entirely different dog. Sure, there are the same lab-like behaviors, but she is her own girl, and she fits in perfectly with our family. She is an older lady (10) and has some joint/hip/knee issues which keep her from running with Beijo, but she loves to go out for walks and potter around while Beijo goes bonkers chasing the ball.
Shanti’s family moved abroad and didn’t want to put her through the quarantine. They adopted her 8 years ago from an Oakland pound where she was taken in as an abused pet. She is a real sweetheart and Jacob hasn’t stopped talking about her! He just adores her and loves to pet her and say ‘good girl, Shanti!’. We are really amaze at how taken Beijo is with Shanti as well- she can be a picky bitch!
Add comment February 2, 2010
Christmas at Point Reyes
Tom’s mum, brother Sam and Sam’s girlfriend Emily all came in to town for the Christmas holiday. We met up with Emily’s Aunt Sarah (who lives in San Francisco), Emily’s parents and brother-in-law Mike (all from England) and travelled to Point Reyes for Christmas. It was a beautiful few days- Sarah rented a gorgeous house on Tamales Bay and we stayed at a nearby Inn. We all cooked up a massive meal for Christmas and spent the evening opening up endless presents. Jacob was very excited and stayed up until 10pm! He really loved being around all the warm and shining faces as we celebrated.
Add comment December 30, 2009
Top Ten Quotes of 2009
He may have only started properly talking in 2009, but these are the best of the best quotes from Jacob in the last year.
STEW
“Stew” is Jacob’s word for “spoon”. I like to think of it as an endearing nickname (oh Stew, you cute little spoon) but really it is just how he says spoon. Kind of like how “Santa” turned into “Stana”.
NO, NO, NO
To the untrained ear this statement sounds like a protest, but ACTUALLY three “nos” in a row means “I would like some milk please, thank you” and is usually accompanied by a tug on the fridge door. It actually sounds a bit more like “noke” than “no” but since he says it three times quickly no one would argue that it sounds like the latter. I actually have to tell people who are watching him what this means or they will be endlessly puzzled (Why is your kid pointing at the fridge while saying ‘no’? What a weirdo!).
STAY
Due to the fact that we are constantly giving the dogs this command, Jacob has taken the word into his own hands and tells everything to “stay” (cue open hand gesture directed to recipient) including: any toy in hand that he cannot bring in the car; his teddy, who is to remain in his crib after Jacob’s nap time departure; the car after we have parked it; and last but not least- the dogs themselves.
ARRGH..STUCK
This is probably the most repeated phrase of the year. Anything Jacob can’t get to, manipulate, move or open he grunts and let’s us know it is “stuck”. The grunting is usually followed by a strained motion and/or twisting of his face. This could include trying to lift cereal with “stew” (that is his way of being funny). Priceless, really.
THANK YOU DADDY/MOMMY
This is the newest addition to the 2009 list. And this is also where I admit my child is an addict- a Calliou addict. If you don’t know what Calliou is consider yourself lucky. Ok, it’s not actually THAT bad, but when you have a child addicted to this animated show (we watch shorts on YouTube) you would go bonkers too. The one positive comment I can make about Calliou is that the kid really does have good manners- and Jacob emulates him! We encourage him to say thank you and Calliou just reinforces. See, he gots our back!
GO, GO, GO
Jacob is so very helpful! I really enjoy when he tells me that I should be DRIVING and not SITTING STILL in traffic or at a red light. I mean, how could I be so stupid?
THROW THE BALL
Again, Jacob being bossy at his very best. Daddy, Mommy- what are you doing just standing around? Look at the dogs? They are waiting for that ball? What are you thinking? THROW THE BALL! THROW THE BALL! THROW THE BALL!
WHERE ARE YOU?
The cutest thing about this is that Jacob totally gets the meaning of this question. He always uses it appropriately and it gets me every time – it is THAT precious. I will ask him where his shoes are, or his train is, and he will look around the room, sometimes crouching and looking under his table or crib and then shrug his shoulders with his palms up and say “train, where are you?”. It may sound boring, but for us it is true communication. Love it!
I GOT YOU!
After playing trains, Jacob’s second favorite thing is to be chased. Not just chased, but hunted down, tickled, zerberted, flipped upside-down and thrown on the couch. He often starts running and then takes a fake stuntman fall so he can be caught (obviously he has to help OLD mom and dad catch him!). We often say “I got you” when we do this and now he will run up to us, grab our legs and say ‘I got you!’. I could tear up just recounting it.
I LOVE YOU
I mean, you just can’t beat this. Especially when combined with a big bear hug and a (closed mouth without loads of spit or food) kiss. Even better when he adds “mommy’ or ‘daddy’. This is stuff you live for.
Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!
Add comment December 22, 2009
