A Visit from Aunt Sandy

Memorial Day Weekend brought us Aunt Sandy! She hasn't seen Jacob in ages - OK only since Christmas but he's doing so much more now - so she just had to see him again.

Jacob took less than an hour to get used to her and then he couldn't get enough of her hugs, smooches and squeezes. In fact he would even reach for her while being held by Mommy or Daddy.

Aunt Sandy had great fun changing diapers, walking (he loves walking while holding someone's fingers!), going upside down, feeding, assisting with sippy cups and snacks.

We all, including Steve's parents, had great fun playing together, building towers for Jacob to knock down, helping him down the small step between the "play room" and the living room, turning his push toy so he could push it across the room into the opposite wall, hugging him, and participating in the Great Jacob Love Train. That's where we all stood in a circle and he would start off being held by one person and then want to get passed to each person in turn.

It was a terrific weekend - Jacob was even so excited by all the extra attention that he stayed up an hour later each night and woke up an hour early each day. We'll have to wait to see Aunt Sandy in Colorado later this year when we'll also get to catch up with Uncle Jason and meet the Fritz Trips!!!

Friends are Important

No matter when you meet them in life, friends are invaluable. That's why, when we heard that a friend who is currently living in Italy (Ok, so we're also a little jealous of that fact) was going to be in town we jumped at the chance to see her again.

It was terrific to meet up with Kathleen last Wednesday along with a bunch of Jaycee friends whom we haven't seen in a few months. We got to catch up a little, hear about future plans to visit Kathleen (again, just a little jealous, Val) and let everyone see how much Jacob has grown.

That very same day I learned that a good friend from back in high school had passed away after a long, courageous, and tough battle with Cystic Fibrosis. As an entertainer (on Broadway and international tours of Broadway shows) his lungs were his life and they failed him. He had an absolutely gorgeous and powerful tenor (he truly could have been a soprano if he wanted to) voice, excellent acting ability, decent dancing skills and boundless energy.

Not exactly things you would associate with someone with CF. Of course, the fact that Matt didn't know he had CF (just problems gaining weight and a constant dry cough) was probably near the top of the list as to why he didn't let the illness get him down. His constant optimism and contagious laugh would be at the very top of the list.

Unfortunately I missed my last 2 opportunities to see Matt perform. He returned to Fargo following his diagnosis so he could spend his remaining time with his close-knit family. While back home he participated in an NDSU production of Chorus Line and at last year's Trollwood reunion spectacular. Since Jacob had only just arrived I wasn't able to make it to either which makes me feel like I missed out on saying goodbye to someone who helped make my life in high school a lot better on so many days.

I don't ever want to say I missed my opportunity to let a friend know how much they mean ever again.

Picture Post

Wow! It's been waaay too long since I've posted anything. It's been a bit crazy at our house between trying to put in a new garden (Steve got it all dug out!!!), Jacob (just everything associated with him - play time, finger foods, play time, 7th tooth, etc), installing the window A/C units when it suddenly hit 90 on 4/25, and finishing baby-proofing.

Oh, and Jacob has a new expression - very determined:

Did I mention play time? Notice the motion blurr of his feet in this one

He's getting better at balance so he's not trying to reach for things or turning while standing.

Jacob loves to knock down any tower we build (video coming on that).He also loves to try to tear apart the play mat.
Jacob just looks so cute in shorts! He'a also figured out how to let me know he wants a Cheerio - he picks up then drops their container while looking at me.