Thanksgiving

We had a great time with our family on Thanksgiving! Jack had a great time, too!

Jack's first Thanksgiving meal! We let him try a small bite of mashed potatoes and pie, too!

Jack's First Hair Cut

Yes, that's right. Jack had his first hair cut. Most likely the only 6 month old you know who has already had his hair cut, but it was getting to be a hazard: tangles, getting caught in the bib, and not to mention the fact that we didn't want our child to have a baby mullet for another 6 months. Jack's grandpa cut it for him and it looked so cute when he was done! I don't think Jack knew what was going on!

Look at all that hair!
The after picture. What a handsome guy!

Happy Halloween!

Jack had a great halloween, especially because both of his grandmas gave him some yummy treats!



Halloween is exhausting . . .

Let's Eat!

I've been smelling my mom and dad's food and watching them eat it for 6 months now, and I've tried over the last few weeks to get my hands on some of it. I've reached into their bowls of morning cereal, tried to grab their forks and spoons when they were not looking, and last weekend, I convinced my grandma to give me a taste of her apple . . . it actually didn't take that much convincing, which I noted for future use :). Anyway, mom and dad FINALLY gave me my own food yesterday for the first time. It was in my very own bowl and I had my very own spoon. It was pretty yummy!

I was so happy, and I got the hang of it pretty quickly. Like I said, I've been watching them, so I knew exactly what to do. I can't wait to try more things!
On day two, I really got the hang of it! I grabbed my spoon and bowl and went to town. I even asked my mom for more once I emptied the bowl. I really like to eat, just like my daddy!

Passing on Family Traditions

Fall is my favorite season. I love the beautiful colors of the leaves, the crisp, cool air, and the smell of autumn. What I look forward to most, though, is going apple picking with my family. Since we were kids, my parents have taken my brother, sister, and I to the apple orchard every October. It was a tradition started by my grandparents and passed along to our family. The day always consisted of cider and donuts, eating as many apples as we wanted and getting "apple sick" as Andy called it, helping to cut and core the apples when we got home, baking yummy apple treats, and then eating "comfort food" like sloppy joes for dinner and apple pie all evening! The past couple years, it has been hard to coordinate everyone's schedules with the perfect apple picking time, but every year we manage to at least get out to the orchard for a little while to try to keep the tradition alive. I hope that, especially as Jack gets older, we can continue to share this family tradition with him! He really enjoyed his first time apple picking! The pictures speak for themselves!

Growing Pains

The journey of parenthood is emotional. I never really understood this, nor did I ever expect to, before Jack was born. Every moment that I spend time with Jack and every day that I get to know him better, the more I fall in love and the stronger those emotions get.

One important way that I have bonded with Jack over the past 6 months is through breastfeeding. While pregnant, I didn't really feel very strongly about breastfeeding. I thought, I'll do it, but if it is too hard or if it doesn't last, then oh well. Nursing Jack, however, went very well right away and has continued to be successful, until recently.

Two weeks ago, when Jack started refusing to nurse, it was surprisingly very difficult for me. I never imagined that I would feel so devastated. It was heartbreaking. I remember a friend of mine telling me about her experience with this around the time that Jack was first born. I also remember not fully understanding why she was so upset. Even now, I really can't put into words the emotional pain I felt over this. I guess it's just one of those things that only a mother knows and experiences. One of many of those things, I'm sure.

I've now tried pretty much everything that I can think of or read about to try to help Jack overcome this; however, we are not progressing much. I still try with him daily, but I'm realizing more and more lately that this is just one of many, many times that Jack will break his mommy's heart simply by growing up and becoming a little bit more independent. And maybe this is a time for me to grow as well, a time for me to learn to let go of this special experience that we had for a while, a pretty long while actually, and realize that the hugs, kisses, laughter, love, and everything in between are the things that really matter the most.

Giggly Jack!

Back to Work

It's been an interesting month adjusting to a new schedule and getting used to working and taking care of my baby Jack. It was definitely hard going back to work. I was a mess the first few days, but I'm getting used to it a little more each day, and I'm cherishing every moment with Jack in the evenings and on the weekends. It's those moments when I sometimes get sad knowing that I have to leave him to go to work soon.

When I'm at school, though, I'm so busy that I don't have time to think about being sad. I do love my students and enjoy working with them, so that has been a fun part of going back. But a big part of me wishes that I didn't have to leave this sweet face!

Ed's doing such a great job with Jack! It's awesome knowing that Jack is at home with his daddy all day. I love hearing about the fun times they had together when I come home. It's great to know that Jack is going to grow up having a close and special relationship with his dad and that means a lot to me. I love coming home to my two favorite guys!

Happy 4 months, Jack!

Jack went for a more formal attire for his 4 month birthday. How fancy!

Road Trip

The three of us took our very first big road trip together this past week. We had a lot of fun and got to visit a lot of people! First, we stopped in Indianapolis and stayed downtown for a night. We had dinner with my friend Kris who I studied abroad with about 11 years ago, and then we spent some time exploring the city. It's a really nice city, and we enjoyed spending time there.

Then we were off to St. Louis to visit Kelly and John! Jack had a great time visiting with his aunt and uncle! Jack stayed in baby Vera's room and helped try out all her stuff for her! He especially liked breaking in some of Vera's cloth diapers and helping her mommy and daddy get a little taste of what it will be like! We all can't wait to meet Vera soon! :)

Our last stop was Peoria, IL where we visited my cousin Melanie and her family. Noah and Brandon loved playing with Jack! It was so fun to see them!

My First Tigers Game

Remembering

It's hard to always remember all the details of the past. Life slips by so quickly and those distant memories seem like another lifetime. I spent a lot of time remembering this past week, not wanting to let go of those precious moments . . .

Cider and donuts and trick-or-treating, smores and campfire games, UNO under the canopy of the trailer, the chaos of opening Christmas presents in the tiny living room, waiting for Grandpa to take a picture, searching the house for Easter baskets, happy birthday Jesus cake, Grandma singing baby's boat and I am Jesus Little Lamb until we fell asleep, full bellies after Sunday dinner, containers overflowing with cookies, "eeeewww" after watching Grandpa put pepper on his fruit, hearing bible stories come to life with a felt board and Grandma's gentle words, playing with Rocky, the nicest dog I've ever known, jumping to reach the lowest tree branch and Grandpa scolding us because the grass was getting ruined, playing with dad's old GI Joe's, dancing to music in the park, smells of cheesy potatoes and green bean casserole, watching Grandpa carve the turkey, proud Grandparents always coming to our special events, even to Andy's punk-rock band concert, Grandpa wearing his Santa hat with a huge smile, Grandma and Grandpa dancing together by their table at Kelly's wedding since Grandma couldn't walk to the dance floor, Grandpa cutting Grandma's food when she couldn't do it herself, Grandpa's newfound love of Wendy's Frosties during his last few months of life, Grandma telling us how everyone complemented her hair at the American House . . .

Grandma saying, "We have been blessed with a great life", Grandpa's example of unconditional love towards Grandma, taking care of her every step of the way until his last breath, Grandma's face lighting up at the nursing home knowing that even though she couldn't remember everything, she knew she loved us with all her heart, hearing her say, "I love you, too" with tears in her eyes, and seeing her eyes get big when she saw Jack for the first time and saying, "Hi, Jack."

Our family has been blessed beyond measure. Grandma and Grandpa taught us more than I can even say or know, and their memory will live on in all of us forever. I just hope that I can continue to live a life that they would both be proud of.

Deep thoughts from Jack Pascual on his 3 Month Birthday:

Baptized!

Jack was baptized last week and it was such a special day for him! We had so many friends and family join us for the occasion. Jack was

so good during the service! We are so happy that Jesus has blessed Jack through his baptism.

Please join us in continuing to pray for Jack's faith in Christ to grow stronger each day of his precious life!

My First Vacation

I had a great time going on vacation with my family for the first time. It was very relaxing, and it was especially great to have my grandma, grandpa, aunt and uncles around to spoil me! :) I got to be held and played with all the time, and I got tons of attention. It was great. Here are some of the best pictures of me:
This is right after they put this horribly uncomfortable swimming outfit on me. Yes, I know it is cute and it makes my muscles look nice, but c'mon! This really made me wonder what was coming next . . .
Well, here is my mom taking me into the water. I really didn't know what to think. I mean, I really liked the fresh air and sound of the waves, but I could have done without the swim suit and cold water touching my toes. To be honest, all I wanted to do was fall asleep, so that's what I eventually did. And that was great!
This is how I felt after a hard, long day at the beach. All that sleeping made me really need a nap.
Here is me and my Aunt Kelly. She had me on her lap for a while and Baby Vera was kicking my butt! Yikes, that girl is going to be feisty. I can't wait to play with her!
I love my Grandma, but enough kisses already! Ugh!
This is the bird picture that was up in the house we stayed at. This bird was my very best friend while on vacation. Every time I felt upset, I just found this bird and he always made me feel better. I will miss him. Good thing I have some pictures of him.

Overall, I had a very fun vacation!

Maitland Family Vacation 2010

Every summer, my mom and dad take us on a family trip. This year we stayed closer to home because we didn't want to travel too far with the baby quite yet. We stayed on Lake Michigan just south of Pentwater. We had a great time! Jack had lots of fun on his first vacation, so much so that he will get his very own post next!! What was nice for Ed and I was that we had lots of babysitters, so we got to have some time to ourselves, which was nice. We spent some time in Pentwater which consisted of eating lots of junk food: Pentwater style popcorn, salt water taffy, and ice cream. Yum!

We also explored the sand dunes that were within walking distance from the house we stayed in.

And the beach was great! I had to coax Ed to come into the water, but once he did, he couldn't get enough of it. Kelly, John, and Baby Vera came with us too, which made for even more fun since John likes to make up fun games for us to play.

Father's Day and First Swim

What a special father's day this year! Ed is such a great dad! He has been so helpful with taking care of Jack: getting up for midnight feedings, putting Jack to sleep at night, and always wanting to hold him and take care of him after a long day at work. It just shows me how much he loves Jack!! Jack is a lucky guy!

To celebrate father's day, we went over my uncle's house to hang with the family, and Jack was able to have his first swim with his daddy! He's a bit little still, but we thought it would be fun to see how he reacted to the water. Not sure that he quite knew what to think about it!

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He did look like a cool dude in his sunglasses!