9 Months Today!

I can't believe my little baby is 3/4 of a year old! He is growing up so fast and he learns something new every day. He keeps me so busy. Hence the reason why the last post was 2 months ago...
Right now Jude:
~Army crawls around the house and sweeps/vacuums the floor with body/mouth
~Laughs hysterically when I sneeze!
~Can say bye-bye and wave
~Has 2 of the cutest bottom teeth I have ever seen
~Claps his hands (especially at church after the hymns)
~Sings (la,la,la)
~Loves to dance or bounce (especially when drums are involved)
~Loves when his daddy is rough with him (such a boy!)
~Is extremely ticklish
~Loves bath time
~Gives the best kisses
~Is so very social (has lots of girlfriends at church)
~'s favorite toy is his daddy's acoustic guitar
~Loves to swim under the water & holds his breath so well
~Tries to snap his fingers with his right hand (shown in the pic below)


~Is asleep and I should be too....

6 Month Photo Shoot

So my cousin Cassidy took some pictures of Jude a little less than a month ago and I thought I should share some of these darling pics! Thanks again Cass!

Updates

So we have been very busy and I may have lost the pictures on my memory card! I am so sad. We are trying to retrieve them. Hopefully it works!

Well Nick had his 25th birthday on the first of July and we celebrated with friends and family. We had fun enjoying the day! He added to his collection of guitar pedals thanks to everyone. He loves playing with them!

Jude is now almost 7 months, growing strong and healthy. He has been eating rice cereal/sweet potatoes and he is finally getting the hang of it! It took a while for him to realize why we were shoving a spoon in his face. Once he realized there was food on it, he's loved it ever since! :)

We have been swimming lots with Jude and he loves to be outside. He loves the water and even lets us dunk him! We are hoping he will love the water as much as Nick does. It's looking good so far.

He is now sitting up by himself pretty good. We were at a restaurant the other day and set him in his car seat unbuckled. He wouldn't lay back and sat upright the whole time. We finally decided to get a high chair and he was so happy. I am now realizing that as much as we tried to get Jude to sit on his own, he did it when HE was ready. Oh and he also has his first tooth growing in!! I think he is working on his second because he has been pretty fussy today.

Today Nick, Jude and I went grocery shopping and spent a little more than I hoped. As we were walking out, there was a man who looked less fortunate that was walking in. His clothes were worn and his hair wasn't combed. He didn't really catch my eye until he stopped us. I thought he was going to ask us for money and I was preparing myself. He reached in his pocket and pulled out a quarter. He took my hand and put the quarter inside. He grinned and said "Put this in your baby's piggy bank". We were so humbled! What a generous act. I felt embarrassed that I had judged him. I learned my lesson and will be less quick to judge. I am also starting a piggy bank for Jude today!

It's Official!

So Jude has had this milk allergy where I can't eat ANY dairy, since I am his source of food. He is 6 months now and I figured I would try something I have really been craving.... ice cream! I have had it almost every day for a week and he has been such a happy baby! I think its over! FINALLY!

Hawaii

We're Back!

So we are back from Hawaii! We had the best vacation ever! We went with Nick's immediate family to Oahu for 6 days and then to the Big Island for 6 days. We visited with lots of family, had great food, lived on the beach, and had a FABULOUS time! Thanks to Grandma and Grandpa Corotan for a wonderful time!

Before we went to Hawaii, we were able to spend some time in California with Grandma Baker and the Corotan's. We miss living there and it was good to visit with friends and family! We were so glad Jude got to meet more of our friends.

While we were on Oahu we stayed at a beach house. We had a lot of fun in the sun! Cubworld played at BYU Hawaii while we were there and they had one of the best shows! It was so fun and the crowd loved them. We went to the Polynesian Cultural Center and spent a fun day there and also went to the night show. Since we had a cousin that got us in, he asked Dan and Kelsey if they wanted to be apart of the parade as Hawaiian royalty. It was fun to have them apart of the show! We also went to the swap meet near Honolulu and went to Waikiki Beach afterwards. We ate good food at Ted's Bakery and had shave ice from Matsumoto's. We also had family pictures taken the last day we were there. I will post them soon.

While we were on the Big Island we spent lots of time with family! We were very well fed and loved all them time we spent with family. We stayed with Uncle Stan and Auntie Linda and their family. It was so nice of them! We saw where Alton (Nick's Dad) grew up in Kohala. It was fun to put a place to all the stories we have heard. We had the best treats called Malasada's. If you haven't had one, you need too! Alton raved about these and then I tried one and I am trying to figure out how I can get more without having to fly back to Hawaii.

We also hiked down to Waipio Beach. It was a good hike down and when we got down there the beach had black sand. It was so awesome! I didn't have my camera though and I was so bummed! I wasn't looking forward to the hike back up, but thankfully I had Jude with me and so some locals picked us up and gave us a ride up the mountain. I can't tell you how happy I was.

The last couple days on the Big Island we lived at the beach. We went snorkeling, body boarding and I learned how to paddle board. It was a blast! We hated to leave. Hopefully we can go back sometime soon....

4 months old and learning new tricks!

Jude just had his 4 month check up. He is growing well! He is now 13lbs 11oz and 26 inches long. He also had a few shots. He didn't like these ones too much and screamed until we gave him a pacifier. Funny thing is that he really doesn't like his pacifier...so we were amazed when it calmed him down. Glad we had it with us!

Well Jude is now finally enjoying tummy time. We have to line up his toys and help him stay occupied, but it is a huge step forward!



He loves his cousins! Every time he sees them he smiles so big! I think he likes to have people his size around. Kaia and Jude like to hold hands...



He is finally using his hands a ton and grabbing everything in sight! He has a favorite toy that hangs from his carseat and has a ring that he pulls on and it makes a buzzing noise. The other day I was driving in the car and kept hearing that noise over and over again. He loves to let go of it, grab it, and pull. Over and over again. It's great that he can finally entertain himself! He can also hold onto his bottle.



Unfortunately he loves watching TV. But sometimes when he is fussy I can put on a Baby Einstien and he will be occupied while I jump in the shower. At least I feel like it is somewhat stimulating and doesn't fry his brain, right? When I came out I saw him doing this...





I've got a thumbsucker!

Daddy & Jude also have "the trick" mastered! He is growing up so fast. We are so grateful for how healthy and strong he is getting. We love him so much and cherish every moment!

Happy 2 Years & Stuff...

Nick and I celebrated our 2 year anniversary on March 30. It has been an amazing 2 years with Nick and I can't wait to spend many, many more with him. He is my love, my life, my rock and nobody can make me laugh like he can! My Mom came to visit and so did my sister Stephanie and her husband Adam. We were able to get away to St. George and My Mom, Becky, Stephanie, & Adam took turns taking care of Jude. We were so grateful for them to come and watch Jude! It was so nice to get away and spend time together. We enjoyed the nice weather, went miniature golfing, swimming, saw a movie, and got some needed sleep! Oh and went to In n' Out, of course! It was a low-key but much needed vacation!

We went to my Grandparents in Salt Lake for General Conference. It was nice to spend time with them! My Grandma & Grandpa just love Jude! It's so fun to see how excited they both get.







Also my great Aunt Manie was there and just loved Jude! She was cracking us all up by how active she was and running around the room in circles to get Jude's attention. She told us that she went to the doctor for a check up and he told her she could live another 20 years! (Mind you she is 93 years old!) She even went outside with the boys and shot airsoft guns. She is so full of life. I hope I can be that active when I get old like her!





Also my cousin Josh and his wife Anays were there and Jude loves them!! They have a blast with him! We love all our family so much and know that Jude does too!

Vacation here we come!!

So Nick was entered into a contest at work and his name was randomly selected for a $1500 Expedia.com give away! The farthest east I have been is Minnesota. The farthest west I have been is California. The farthest south I have been is Tijuana. And the farthest north I have been is Canada...Needless to say I am very excited to get off of this continent!! Where would you reccommend to go?

Daddy or Mommy?

So I was going through some old pictures because I was curious who Jude looks like. Nick or Me? I put some pictures on here so you can be the judge.



Jude


Nick (love that finger in the mouth!)



Jude


Mandi



Jude (can you believe that drool? it only got worse!!)


Nick



Jude


Nick (Jude must get the drooling from Nick...:))


Mandi (awesome hair!)


Mandi


Nick (I just want to squeeze Nick's little face!)

What do you think???

Fun Times!

So Nick is now playing in a band with Jake Kongaika. Jake started Cubworld and he has some great music! (Check it out on youtube or myspace). Nick's brothers (Dan and Gabe) are in the band as well. They played an acoustic show last week and Jude and I went with Nick's family. We have discovered Jude really loves lots of loud noise! He is mesmorized with it! So it was nice to get out of the house and take him to something that I knew he would like. The boys played an acoustic show this time.



Auntie Becky is always so good with Jude! He just loves her! They enjoyed the show together.




Also this last weekend we celebrated our little friend Liam's 1st birthday! It was fun to see everybody. We have finally gotten to a point where we can take Jude out more so it is so nice to hang out with friends again! Richie and Emileah are expecting another little one this fall so Liam is going to be a big brother! We are excited for them!
Liam was so fun to watch! It will be fun when Liam and Jude can play together. I can't wait until Jude is one and running around! But I do love the stage he is in now too.



Jude (look at that double chin!) and Liam! This was the best picture we could get... :)



Taking a nap...Jude loves his Uncle Dan!



Emileah made a special cake for Liam to "dig in" to all by himself. As you can see he didn't like it too much! He kept trying to get the chocolate off, but rubbed it all over himself! It was hilarious! Why is it when kids are given the ok to make a mess they get freaked out?

It's Official..

Jude slept 8 solid hours! Not just one night, but TWO! I can't tell you how good it feels to sleep again... He better keep this up!

2 months already?!

Jude had his 2 month appointment yesterday. So we all know what that means...SHOTS! I was worried but figured that Jude has already dealt with his fair share of needles when he was in the hospital. Jude is always so good for the doctor and gives him some sweet smiles. For example:



This was before the shots....



This was after. Poor little guy cried one tear and then was good to go! He was in more pain after the shots then when he got them.
The nurse weighed him and he weighs 10 lbs. 12 oz. and is in the 30 percentile. He is 22 3/4 inches tall and is in the 45 percentile. His head circumference is 15 inches and is in the 13 percentile. Jude is doing great since he had a rough start! Nick is hoping he will get bigger! I don't mind if he stays small for a little while :).
While I was making Jude's next appointment, the secretary asked if it was for his 2 month and I said it was for his 4 month. A fellow mother walked up with a car seat carrier and said that she couldn't believe that Jude was 2 months! She thought he was here for his 2 week! I was amazed that she thought that until she uncovered her baby (who is 2 months as well) and let me tell you... He looked like he could devour Jude in one sitting! Ha! It was unreal!

* * *

Now about 2 weeks ago Jude had been acting really fussy. He would cry sometimes for 6 hours straight! He would even fall asleep and then wake up in 2 minutes crying even harder! I called an on call nurse and she told me that he was just colicky and I had to deal with his crying. I was in shock that their was no real reason for him crying that hard. So after a week I took him into the doctor because I couldn't handle it anymore. Since I am breastfeeding, he told me to try going off of dairy products for a while and see what happens. So I did that and within 36 hours he was the happy baby that I knew. I was so happy! And then it hit me that I can't eat ANY chocolate, ice cream, butter, cheese, milk, etc! It's amazing how many things have milk in them, try looking at labels of things that you eat. So for the last week and a half, I have probably eaten the healthiest I have ever eaten in my entire life! Lots of fruits and veggies! And thanks to my cousin Janae (she has had this problem with all 3 of her kids!) she has given me hope and great recipes and ideas! Hopefully this non-dairy diet doesn't last too long.. I am really having a hard time with the no ice cream thing!

* * *

Also on a lighter note, Nick was accepted into the BYU Communications Program with an emphasis in Advertising. We are so happy for him! He is such a hard worker and a great dad! He is so supportive and willing to help. I love him so much!

* * *

The weather has been so nice lately that we have been going on walks with Jude in the stroller. He absolutely loves it! We live near a park and golf course and like to walk around them. I can't wait for spring to come and for it to be green again!

Video of Jude

Jude smiles!

Doesn't that just make you happy?!

jude's announcement <3

My cousin Diana made this for me! They turned out to be better than anything I could have imagined! She loves making announcements, invitations, etc. So if any of you are needing something like this done let me know and I can get you in contact with her.

5 weeks old!

Our little Superman caught in action! Ready to conquer the world after a bath and a fresh, new diaper!

Our Little Man

I hope everyone has enjoyed the holidays! For us the holidays came and went...Jude has kept us pretty busy. Now to give a brief update. Right after Jude was born the nurses noticed he was breathing very shallow and too quick. They took him over to the little NICU and put him on an I.V., feeding tube and oxygen. He was struggling with TTN. He was progressively getting better over the next few days, but still not well enough to leave the hospital. I delivered him at the Orem Community Hospital (I highly reccommend it! The nurses were absolutely fabulous!) and since it is a smaller hospital and it was over the holidays, we were able to stay at the hospital while Jude was needing to stay there. My family and Nick's family were all in town and I was hoping to have Jude blessed before everyone left. Since his stay in the hospital was longer than we had hoped, we were given special permission to take him to our room so he could be blessed. It was a very special moment because we hadn't been able to take him out of the NICU. Nick gave a wonderful blessing and has shown me what a great dad he is and will continue to be.



Kekoa is Jude's middle name and it means strong, courageous warrior. We felt like he was!






We were in the hospital for a week and got the okay from our pediatrician to take him home on December 30. Just in time for the New Year! We were grateful we didn't have to spend two holidays in the hospital. My mom came and spent the next few days with us before she had to leave to get back to teaching school, and she was such an amazing help! Nick and I were so grateful for the time we had with her. She never ceases to amaze me with how much she can get done in one day. It was so nice to have my family here and enjoy our sweet little guy. Nick's mom has been able to stay with us for the last week and will be with us a little longer. It has been so nice to have her around as well. She has taught us a couple tricks to getting Jude to bed and has been so very helpful! It's been so nice that we can depend on family for all their help! Nick and I have been so blessed with all that everyone has done for us and baby Jude. We are forever grateful!



first day home!






Jude is doing well now and is almost 3 weeks old! It is crazy how time flies with a newborn. He has really been such a good baby and is such a joy to have around!