We had such a fun Christmas this year. Here a few pictures. Of course I have about a hundred more. Jake got too many presents, one of them being a kids digital camera. He walked around all day saying "cheese." On Christmas night Jake was so exhausted that he was begging to go home to sleep in his "own" bed. During all of the chaos, Caleb continues to smile and watch every move his big brother makes. 
Every year Aunt Kate makes an appearance in her elf suit. Jake was marching around in two year-old fashion chanting "present, present, present." I was so proud, ahem.
With mixed emotions I headed back to work last Wednesday. We are still adjusting to our new schedule. Sure feels like we never slow down. I need wings on my mini van! I guess it's the new normal. 
Two things Jake has been extra attentive to lately, his Elmo pumpkin and the moon. He loves to look for the moon when we are driving at night. When we can't find it, I tell him that it's hiding behind the clouds or that it's sleeping. He isn't always satisfied with those answers but usually we can come to some type of agreement. He also has become interested in the stars. Maybe it's my diversion of not being able to always see the moon. Anyway, as most parents, we are also still adjusting to the time change. It was just after 5 a.m. this morning and we heard Jake through our baby monitor. Scott got up to see what was wrong. Perhaps he wet through his diaper, his paci was on the floor, etc. Nope, he wanted to share that the moon was awake and so was his elmo pumpkin. "Moon's awake Daddy!"
Eight weeks ago today we welcomed this guy into our family. What an entrance he made, and what an emotional day it was. Caleb joined us at 2:09 a.m. and by 7 a.m. we were being told he was fighting an infection but uncertain of what it was. After some chest x-rays, a spinal tap, and lots of prayers - he was being treated for pneumonia. 
For as long as I can remember Aunt Kate has always loved Halloween. It's her holiday. This year was no different. Last year she came and delivered a pumpkin for Jake all carved up in Elmo fashion. This year Jake got to be more involved. And of all the choices she brought with her, guess who he chooses? Elmo. We cleared the kitchen table and they went to work. At first Jake wasn't to sure of the pumpkin "guts." By the end he kept wanting "more guts." And if you know Jake, he gets pretty adamant. So Kate kept scraping to appease his "gut" fix. As little as his 2 year old attention span is, he sat and helped for almost the entire process. Until Vitale's arrived! 
Today we ventured out to Post Family Farms in Hudsonville. What a difference a year makes! Jake was so into all of it. His favorite part were the goats. He is still talking about them and wants to look at the pictures we took. We took Grandpa (Bapa) and Grandma with. I think they liked the fresh donuts the best. My highlight was running into Liz Greeman and her girls. I'm still laughing at our brief time we had together, and looking forward to seeing them soon. Caleb was oblivious to it all, as he slept the entire time in his new stroller.
We are still adjusting to getting 2 kids ready to go somewhere. Sunday morning was no different. We were unable to make the first service at church and since Scott had a tee time at noon, the second service was not an option. 
Jake is lovin his little brother. I know it doesn't look like it, but I think Caleb secretly likes him also. Jake's favorite things are trying to play frisbee with him, feed him cheerios, and lay under the activity mat together. 
Today has been a great day for little Caleb. During the night, Caleb started eating much more consistently. That has allowed them to gradually reduce the amount of sugar water that they have been giving him through an IV. Also, now that he is eating better, his own blood sugar has started to rise and regulate itself with each feeding. Hopefully over the next day or so, they can completely remove the IV of sugar water. In addition, they did another chest x-ray this morning, and the results came back about 20 minutes ago--his chest is completely normal! No signs of the pneumonia. Praise God! Caleb will need to stay in the hospital throughout the next week as they continue to administer the remainder of the 10 day antibiotic cycle, but all signs are pointing in the right direction. Again, we greatly appreciate all of your thoughts and prayers. Our family and friends have definitely helped us during these very stressful past couple of days.
This little guy was born yesterday at 2:09 a.m.! 8 lbs. 5 oz. and 21" long, exact same as Jake! 
Community Chicken BBQ
Here are a few of our family pictures we recently had taken. Jake is a typical 2 year old and rarely sits still. Thankfully we had a great photographer who is able to capture our family in some great pictures. Thanks Lynette! If your looking for a great photographer check her out and her reasonable rates. www.lynettebellphotography.com
Scott's best friend from growing up got married yesterday. Jeff had two best men stand up for him, his brother and Scott.
This boy officially turned 2 today. He celebrated last weekend with his cousin Olivia during the family reunion at Nana's house. Today he celebrated with a cake at daycare. Tonight we visited Grandma, Aunt Vicki, and Aunt Kate. Daddy is gone because he is in a wedding tomorrow out of town for rehearsal. All of that to say, we will be celebrating with this side of the family and friends on Sunday night!
We took Jake to the zoo this morning. He loved it. It made me realize how he's growing into a little boy. He ran around and couldn't wait to point out the animals. As much as I like babies, I am savoring the age he is at. He keeps us on our toes but I would have it no other way. It's hard to believe that in a few short months, we will be making room in our heart and lives for his brother.
This weekend we tackled the cabin. We stayed in the camper. On Friday night, Jake finally went to sleep at 11 p.m. He decided to get up at 4 a.m. That's enough sleep for a toddler, right? Allergies and/or cold set in for the both of us also. Thankfully Saturday night went better! Still not enough sleep for Jake but we made it. All of the packing, unpacking, laundry, and lack of sleep really is worth it though, I think.
On Saturday we celebrated Aunt Kate's 30th birthday at New Holland. Fun times! I especially enjoyed the birthday cake from Marcia's Bakery. Scott still swears it was like the best twinkie he's ever eaten, and he loves twinkies. I personally don't love twinkies but this cake was delish! Another highlight was the fun cards Kate received. Most of them played humorous songs. Ryan especially enjoyed them.
This is part of our group that represented YFC on Saturday at the annual River Bank Run in downtown Grand Rapids. This event hosted over 17,500 participants. It's so much fun to be a part of such a huge event. I'm especially proud of Scott who ran the 10K. His time was 54 minutes. Way to go!
Image #2 reveals all! I think Jake is going to love having a little bro to play golf with. One more boy to the mix sounds good to us! Due date is still Sept. 6. Of course this little guy's head is already measuring big. That sounds familiar. We got used to our Doctor reading Jake's stats and when it came to head size she said "off the charts as usual!"
It's kind of a long story but recently we were gifted with this special surprise. For a long time I've wanted a really nice camera. Not that I don't like my little pocket size point and shoot, this will be really handy capturing Jake while he's on the move. I finally have it out out of the box and am unveiling the manuals, lenses, straps, and dvds. I can't wait to learn what all this camera is capable of. It all seems a little overwhelming right now.
Jake had his first Easter egg hunt on Sunday. I was trying to get a good picture of him and his second cousins. As you can see, Jake was more interested in filling his own basket. He grew up 3 years with his "little man" outfit on.
Yesterday we spent the morning at the GRCM with the Henevelds. It was so much fun! A kid's dream, to be able to run and touch everything without getting in trouble. He and Daddy especially enjoyed the bubble exhibit. However, he also enjoys making music. We took a picture of him playing the piano for Nana, his great-grandma who teaches lessons. 
