Jake's first Father's Day (as a dad)

Men. They never specify or tell you what they want/need.

Ever.

I had to kind wing it this year & just do my own thing for Jake.

Oh wait- This was the first year we ever celebrated father's day for someone else other than our own.

We got dad some new razors he's been wanting to try.

I gotta admit- It looks really cool. I think I wanna try some too! wink wink (not really)

We also got our Papa Bear some yummy treats 'cuz let's face it. What guy doesn't want yummy goods for his office?

The man got me some coupons of none interrupted sleep (for Mother's Day), so I thought I'd make him three fishing coupons- Good for any time, if he asks first. Ha!

Valid through Oct. 2014 :) So I guess not really good any time. 

The sisters in our ward were asked to help volunteer to bring treats for all the dads.

Here are my "pops" for all the cool ones out there.

Jake's treats

I made Jake some fishing cupcakes, along w/his coupons for going fishing.

More goodies for our Papa Bear

Jovi made this little craft for her dada, who she loves ever so much.

I wish it would've turned out a little cuter, but it is what it is

I'm so grateful for this hard working man of ours, that we like to call dad.

He gets his great work ethic from his dad, so thank you Papa Joe for raising a man well.

We weren't able to talk to Papa Joe this Father's Day, because he left for scout camp earlier.

Last year we ran into the same problem, but were able to catch him before he ran out of cell service.

We hope it was a good one, Papa Joe. You're loved dearly in this household.

I sure do love seeing Jake do all these manly things. 

He's in such a zone when he's mowing our lawn, and I love seeing him so happy.

He takes such great care of us & likes doing all these home improvement things, to our newly purchased home.

Thank you for working so hard, Papa Bear, so I can be a stay at home mom and have this one-on-one quality time (which we both feel is extremely important in our household).

We hope you had a great first Father's Day, Jake. Enjoy some fishin & yummy treats!

To make Father's Day even more special, this year, Jake was sustained and set apart on Sunday, for his new callings.

That's right. Callings…TWO!

He was called the week prior and I knew it would be a big one, when they asked us both to come in the room.

Jake is now the assistant scout master, and deacon's quorum advisor. 

He'll be planning monthly camp-outs for the young men in our church, and he'll be required to attend scout camp this summer, as well.

Since we'll be gone the week PRIOR to scout camp, he won't be able to attend the ENTIRE week, but at the very least he'd attend one night at the end of the camp.

I know he's looking forward to the monthly camp-outs.

From what I hear, they're pretty hard core w/them.

Jake is just the perfect guy for these callings, and I know he'll excel at them.

These are both right up his ally.

When he was being called to these assignments, he mentioned how he had great young men leaders (growing up), and that he hopes to carry on those examples to these young men as well.

As for us girls? Jake will be gone every Wednesday night, for weekly activities w/these boys, and one Friday a month for the camp outs.

Our Papa Bear will be spending lots of time in the Uintahs and I know he aint mad about it!

Happy campin boys!

Three month stats

Jovi is three months old!

I'm on time I'm on time!

Jovi is exactly three months old today & time just flies by faster and faster. 

SLOW DOWN!

Here's what she's been up to:

- She can now grab things with her cute little fingers/hands and holds onto them tightly.
- Loves to grab mom's hair & necklace.
- Snuggles w/mom every time she gets picked up.
- Sleeps throughout the night!!! (If she's in her bassinet between 9-10pm she won't wake up until about 5am for a feeding, then will go back to sleep for another couple hours. If she's in her bassinet any earlier than 9pm, she usually wakes up for a 1am feeding, then will go back to sleep until about 4am)
-Starts out at eating 4oz. then will eat one or two more, depending on how hungry she is.
- Can put herself to sleep, when tired. (Seriously. She'll get a little fussy and I'll just put her down in her bassinet & she'll fall asleep on her own. Sweet girl)
- She's starting to giggle! Not big/loud enough to record quite yet though.
- Smiles all the time. ALL the time; Especially if mom gets right in her face & talks to her.
- Babbles none stop & is wide awake/talkative most in the mornings.
- Love to watch her mobile in her bassinet & will kick and move her arms and babble like cuh-razy (She gets a little excited at the music & twinkling lights).
- Determined to get both her hands in her mouth WHILE talking. Yes. That's right. Both (She sometimes will gag while doing this).
- Slobbers like crazy now that she's teething. TEETHING!… Grumpy? Of course not.
- Can now blow spit bubbles & loves to do it often.
- Likes playing airplane w/mom and will look down and smile at her when she's "way up high".
- Moves her head back & forth when curious about new surroundings.
- Loves to be held over our shoulders, to check out everything.
- Likes sitting up on one's lap & looking at whoever's holding her; Especially if there's a design on their shirt.
-Hates to have her feet covered & will kick off all blankets, when possible (She gets that from her dad).
- Still makes the funniest animal noises.
- Can stand up on your lap & likes to use her legs to jump up & down (just a little bit of jumping).
- Is getting better at tummy time & can hold her head, while moving it from side to side. She'll also move & kick her legs (while doing this) to the point where she can scoot herself. We're getting SO close to crawling… yes, already. 
- Notices electronics & gets distracted while eating. 
- Has gotten better at Face Timing and will interact more w/the people in the box. 
- And will do her crying beg until someone comes to her side, to pay attention to her. The second you're within eye-sight, she's fine. What a little stinker!

I (unfortunately) don't have any height/weight measurements for this post, but definitely will for her four month update.

Two month stats

Jovi is two months old!

I know last month I posted a little late, and now this month I'm posting a little late (again), but that just goes to show how busy things are around here & where my blogging priorities are. I apologize. The nursery has been a little high maintenance lately, so when that's 100% complete I'll post pictures :) but for now- clearly that's where I've been occupying my time & not here. Forgive me?

Here's what Jovi's been up to as of 05/15 (when her two month check-up was):

- Sticks her tongue ALL the way out now, and not just a little (like a puppy dog).

- Doesn't like being swaddled anymore, and if you try- She'll just kick & squirm her way out of it.

- Has discovered she doesn't like having her feet covered. You can put a blanket on her, but (just like her dad), has to have her feet out. I hear that's hereditary, and a few people in Jake's family are that way, so….

- Talks and babbles ALL the time. They're not just little coo noises anymore. I'm certain they're full on sentences.

- Smiles constantly and is most happy in the morning. 

- Loves being on her changing table & smiles EVERY time she's put on there.

- Likes bath time more & more each day. We just have to put a space heater in the bathroom to make it extra warm & have one person pour water on her (mom) while the other person scrubs (dad), to help keep warm. 

- Drinks anywhere from 3-6 ounces on the daily. It usually averages somewhere around 4 or 5 most days though.

- Loves snuggles STILL and will fall asleep best/longest when in bed w/mommy in the morning after her 7am feeding.

- Can put her own self to sleep in her bassinet/swing, when tired.

- Has been holding her head up since the hospital, but now has better control & stability & LOVES to look around at things.

- Pushes herself up when lying on your chest/over your shoulder. I think she'll be an early crawler!

- Likes to use her legs and stand up on your lap A LOT. Her legs are VERY strong and she almost likes to bounce when doing this. 

- Weighs 9.77 pounds and is in the 21st percentile for weight.

- She's 21 inches long and is in the 6th percentile for height & growing as we speak.

My First Mother's Day (as a mom)

I had a wonderful first Mother's Day as a mom.

Jake took Jovi into the living room, both Friday and Saturday night, so I could get a full night's sleep over the weekend.

Sunday morning, Jake made a delicious breakfast:

Eggs, biscuits, cinnamon rolls and a delicious fruit platter. 

I've (obviously) celebrated many Mother's Days with my mom and grandma. This year was my first year as mom though, so it was different.
Jake went to Hobby Lobby and made a cute card.
In our house, we don't buy cards. We exchange love letters during special occasions (birthdays, anniversaries, etc.)
He made a sweet card and wrote a sweet note in there from him, and another note from Jovi.
He put her hand on a pink (non-toxic) ink pad, to get her handprint while she was sleeping.
Now that's one card I'll keep forever!
When I opened the card, I saw Jovi's message first, since it was on the right hand side, so  naturally I read her note first :) It was so cute. Misspelt words 'n all. Just as if she wrote it herself. 
Jake made me a little coupon book, that had messages in it saying "Good for counting sheep" or "Good for uninterrupted sleep." I'll definitely be taking advantage of those!
The last coupon was telling me to go get some clothes that fit. Ha.
Never did I think my hips would expand, as much as they did, during pregnancy.
Needless to say, nothing really fits anymore, other than his basketball shorts, over sized shirts, and my old maxi skirts.
To the mall I go!!! Thanks Kelsey (my sister) for being willing to come w/as my stylist! 
I'm afraid I've lost all styles as a mom. Ha

I feel so blessed to be this sweet little girl's mom. 
The love for her is undescribable and it just grows & grows every day.
I'm especially thankful to my Heavenly Father for trusting me to be her Earthly mother & take care of her.
I love our little Jovi so much, and thoroughly enjoy being HER mom.

Jovi's Baby Blessing

Last Sunday, we had the opportunity to bless our little Jovi.

(There was a total of three baby blessings that day.)

Jovi got to wear my dress that I wore on my blessing day!!!!!

What a special day it was & what sweet words her dad said.

Thank you to everyone who came & helped. We truly appreciate it.

Here are a few family pictures, from the special day. 

And what a beautiful day it was. Perfect 80 degree weather.

Aubre . Jake . Jovi

The whole shebang from my side of the family

(left to right)

Sterling, Kristin, Ava, Kelsey, Courtney

Aubre, dad, Jake, Jovi, Austin

Mom, Tyler, Carlie, grandma and Maddie & Brooklyn down in front

Albert's and Strain's

(left to right)

Johannah, McKenzie, Melissa, Bryan, Papa Joe, Aubre, Jake, Jovi

Austin, Grammy, dad, grandma, Tyler, mom, Carlie, Kelsey & Courtney

The Strain's

(left to right)

Melissa, Bryan, Aubre, Jake, Jovi, Papa Joe, Grammy, McKenzie and Johannah

The Albert's

(left to right)

Kelsey, Courtney, Austin, Aubre, Jake, Jovi, Tyler, Carlie, mom and dad

After the luncheon at our house, we took family pictures with my immediate family.

We haven't taken these since my brother first came home from his mission.

It had been a few years, so it was nice.

We are a happy family! Sing it now :)

Of course the only good picture I get of her on Nana's blanket, is this one.

One of her with her pacifier in her mouth. We'll have to shop that out later. 

My mom made this beaut-iful blanket for Jovi, for her baby blessing.

We want to thank everyone who came out for the blessing; Especially those who traveled.
We had family traveling from Arizona, Idaho, and California.
It was so nice having everyone here. I loved it & miss it terribly! 
Please come back. Please?!?!
After all was said & done, I realized we didn't get any pictures of the men who stood in the circle. 
I want to thank all those who were worthy enough to participate in such a special day. 
It was a very big event for us & we feel eternally grateful for those who helped make it extra special. 
Circle: Our bishop (Bishop Marshall), my dad (Russ), my brother (Tyler), Jake's dad (Papa Joe), Jake's brother (Bryan), Sterling Steele (my cousin's husband), Ryan Taggart (childhood friend), Sean Welsh (friend & co-worker), Matt Bassinger (friend & old co-worker), Mark Lyman (friend & old room mate), Tim Coles (friend & old room mate), and Steve Pugmire (friend & old co-worker).
I know it may sound silly that Jake had so many co-workers, old co-workers, old roomies, etc. but these are people who Jake has looked up to, admired, and been good friends with, for quite a few years now. 
We have both lived in Utah for over five years, and to NOT have any of these men stand in the circle, would have felt like a family member was missing.
I, also, have grown close w/these people & their wives. I love every single one of them & consider them family. 
Thank you for being the shinning examples you are, and for helping make our day as special as it was. 
Special thanks to my totally awesome sister (Kelsey) for taking these pictures and editing them. MUAH!

Jovi Ann, your dad and I love you very very much & hope you grow a close relationship with your Father in heaven. 
Jake, thank you for being a worthy Priesthood holder, so you could bless our daughter, and thank you for the sweet sweet words in which were spoken. You made this mama bear cry and I loved hearing your testimony afterwards. 

Canadian Bacon- Whole Wheat Pizza

I got this recipe out of this totally awesome cook book my totally awesome in-laws gave me. The recipe book is called Money Saving Meals (Betty Crocker) & it's great!

$1.49 per serving
Prep time: 15 minutes
Start to finish: 55 minutes
8 servings

You will need:
- 1 pkg. regular active or fast-acting dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon whole-grain cornmeal
- 1 can (8 oz) pizza sauce
- 2 cups finely shredded Italian mozzarella and Parmesan cheese blend (8 oz)
- 1 pkg. (6 oz) sliced Canadian bacon, cut into fourths
- 1 small green bell pepper, chopped (1/2 cup)

Directions:
1. In medium bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Stir in flour, 2 tablespoons of the oil and the salt. Beat vigorously with spoon 20 strokes. Let dough rest 20 minutes.
2. Move oven rack to lowest position. Heat oven to 425 F. Grease cookie sheet with remaining 1 tablespoon oil; sprinkle with cornmeal. Pat dough into 12x10-inch rectangle on cookie sheet, using floured fingers; pinch edges to form 1/2-inch rim.
3. Spread pizza sauce over crust. Top with cheese, bacon and bell pepper. Back 15-20 minutes or until edge of crust is golden brown.

ENJOY!

Easter

It was a little different having Easter with a baby this year

We hosted dinner at our house.

We had a traditional ham, sweet Hawaiian rolls & Caesar salad.

We tried something new & made avocado deviled eggs. They were delicious! Thanks Pinterest!

Don't worry- We made traditional ones too.

I made my traditional fruit truffle for dessert and boy was it yummy!

The top definitely looks better than the bottom. Ha!

Jake was definitely outnumbered w/the women. 
We had my two sisters over (Kelsey & my brother's wife, Carly).
My other sister (Courtney, Kelsey's twin) moved to CA and my brother is back up at school in ID so we decided to invite these two over, so no one was left alone. 
It was such a nice day, and weather was great. 
Too bad Jovi didn't like the idea of being outside. Someone thought it was too bright...

One month stats

Jovi is one month old!

Where has the time gone? My oh my. I feel like she's not an infant anymore. I know she still is (I think), but I just feel like she's changed so much since we brought this sweet little girl home from the hospital. 

Here's what she's up to:

- Makes little billy goat/dolphin noises.
- Breathes heavy when she's sleeping (she gets that from her dad)
- Goes from 0-60 in 3.5 when she's tired, hungry, scared, etc.
- Discovered her tongue and sticks it out like a puppy dog.
- Kicks her feet/legs straight out when she's concentrating on doing her diaper.
- Likes to be bounced straight out in front of us, if overly fussy. 
- Sleeps on mom's chest so well & will fall asleep instantly if she's skin on skin.
- Usually pees while dad is changing her diaper.
- Will normally only poop for dad.
- Has peed on mom while being held naked.
- Drinks about 2-3 ounces, depending on how hungry she is.
and  loves snuggles & to be swaddled.

That's it for now!
I can tell she's a growing weed, by the way her clothes fit. 
I (unfortunately) don't have any height/weight measurements for this post, but definitely will for her two month update.
Words cannot describe how much love I have for this little girl.
It's definitely true what they say about a mother's love.
I love staying at home w/her all day & definitely feel blessed to be able to do so.
Thank you Papa Bear, for working so hard, so I can have that one on one bonding time w/my babe.
She gets so many kisses all day long... I hope she knows how much she's loved.
I can't believe she'll be two months old soon. They grow up so fast… 
Love you baby girl. Please stay little forever.

Jovi's New Born Pictures

I took these in my kitchen. That's right. My kitchen!!!!

Thanks glam-ma for the tutu!

This is my favorite. Look at those perfectly pursed lips!!!!

Someone was tired in the middle of her pictures! My oh my

She didn't like being nakey at first

But once she found her hands, she calmed down.

PS I did not pose her hands. She did that all on her own.

Her hands are always up by her face like that. I'm glad I got to capture them.