Tyson's Nursery (Finally!)

I was begining to think Tyson was going to be able to choose his own nursery decor! One wanted this and one wanted that. I actually found a pattern that incorporated both of what they wanted but no that wasn't gonna work either! This time Jamie let Chris have his way, but within limits. No Marines, no motorcycles. They settled on sports. So off to work we went. Chris installed a ceiling fan and had put together all the babies furniture. He is a wiz at putting together all of the essentials like the stroller, swing, car seat, and floor toys! We found lots of sports decor for the room.

We incorporated Chris's brothers baseball picture and one of the actual balls he pitched with. I found sports frames while I was in Mississippi with Denise, Jay, and James. I also found curtians and sheets in the same sports theme. That was fun trying to carry all that back on the planes!

Chris also has a soccer trophy from his Marine Team that we used on the soccer shelf.

Jamie found bumper pads that she will be able to leave in the crib as long as necessary. They are mesh so that if Tyson were to roll over against them he could still breathe. While the blanket looks cute in there and all the little toys, they will have to come out when he is in the crib all for safety sake.

Jamie and Chris are so thankful to all their family and friends for all the gifts they have received. Tyson will be welcomed into the world with everything anyone could hope for. I also am very thankful to everyone for giving so generously to Jamie, Chris, and Tyson.

Belly Shot

Week 35!!!

Not too much longer now. Jamie has had a couple bouts of contractions.. nothing too serious. Dr. said if they last longer than one hour to come in. This is up until 37 weeks anyway. After that anything goes! Tyson is down very low at this point. He doesn't take well to her laying on her side. He protests by kicking the bed.

This boy knows who his daddy is! While Chris was in Africa there was a normal amount of moving. But when daddy got home and started talking to the belly, Tyson didn't stop moving for two hours straight!

I'm happy to say Jamie is doing very well. All her tests that were a bit off are all now well within normal limits. Her ankles swell a bit and of course that package is getting a bit heavy to carry but other than that things are great. She is definitly getting to the point that enough is enough. Time to deliver.

Airplane Cake

One of our neighbors was turning 30 years old. His wife asked me if I could copy a radio controlled plane that he made, for his cake. This was for a surprise birthday party. She flew his parents in from NC and invited all their friends to this party. I took on the challenge. This is the first time I have carved a cake. She was thrilled. His parents couldn't believe this was actually a cake. I added a few gold speckled clouds with it. The plane itself is about 3 feet by 2 feet. When I delivered it she showed me the actual plane he made. The body was about 5 ft with a 4 ft wing span!

Swimming Lessons!

This week Barry Jr. started swimming lessons. He loves the water and since his parents take him out on the boat we figured it was time he learned to swim. Vicki found an in home year round swim instructor. They have a huge indoor swimming pool with a platform in part of it to make it shallow for the kids. He goes 4 days a week for half an hour. He out performed their expectations for a first timer and was moved up to the next level. He only has one slight apprehension so far and that is jumping in without having an arm to grab onto. Otherwise he is diving down to the bottom to pick up things. Floating on his back while kicking, using the swim board to kick forward witht the help of the instructor. She always has a hand on his back or tummy until he is comfortable doing it himself. He wears goggles so he can open his eyes underwater to see where he is going.

Chris goes to Africa

Chris spent a month in Africa with his Marine unit. Now we can't get this wrap off his head! He liked some parts but most of it was dirty with lots of beggers. They had to have armed escorts where ever they went. He was happy to come home and not in a very big hurry to go back!

Preschool Graduation

Today Barry graduated from preschool. He has attended 2 1/2 years at the Montessori schools both in Elk Grove and here in boise. He is very anxious to start his "big" school in August.

Sushi

How many 4 year olds do you know that love sushi! This boy can eat as much as any of us. He even eats octopus, hand rolls, long rolls, and just about anything you put in front of him. Here is a picture of him enjoying his first hand roll with scallops and crab wrapped in seaweed.

Mississippi Trip

I was privileged enough to be able to help my niece and nephew take care of their new son James. I spent 10 days with them and had the best time. He is such a little sweetheart. He was born on my birthday exactly 50 years ago! He was a very good baby while I was there. We went for walks, played, ok I played he just watched! We went shopping and out to coffee. He was never cranky at all. What a good little trooper. I convinced mom and dad to go out for a dinner by themselves for the first time since he was born. Can you guess what their entire evenings conversation was about? ;)

Barry's New School

We are very proud to announce that Barry Jr. was accepted at Spaulding Elementry. He will be starting August 12. He will be on a modified traditional schedule. This is a magnet school for Math and Technology. He passed all his tests and I think overwhelmed the principal little with all his questions and personal history! He will be attending a full day of kindergarten rather than just half day. Barry will attend this school through his fifth year. This school is by invitation only. Here are some pictures of him testing. When asked to name the colors before him he argued with the lady about the color orange. It had a gold tint to it so he told her that he felt it was gold. She suggested it was orange and he said it could be but then it would be an ugly orange so he considered it more gold. She accepted his explanation and sent him on his way exclaiming he should have no problems making himself understood. Is it a bad thing for a kindergartener to be correcting a teacher?

Third Baby Shower of the Day!!

What a busy day! This is the Third Baby Shower of the day. All our friends and family joined us for Jamie's 2nd baby shower. We all had such a good time. It was great to see everyone again. We traveled all the way from Idaho to Elk Grove so arranging this shower was a challenge. Thanks to Don and Donna for having it at their home. I can't thank Julie, Pat, Ed, and Debbie enough for all they did for me that day. They cooked, set up, cleaned up and made the day very easy for me!

We had a baby food eating contest. Guys feed the girls first. They got to eat peaches. When it was the guys turn we turned the tables on them. They had to eat baby food meat! It was hilarious. These big strong men spitting out stuff they expect their babies to eat!

I even got to meet my new grandnephew Eli for the first time. What a sweet little man. Check out the Bacon blog to see this precious little man.

Heather's Baby Shower

The same day Jamie had her 2 baby showers our long time friend and also Jamie's preschool teacher's Daughter, Heather had her baby shower! Here are the two of them side by side. What a difference. They are only 6 weeks apart!

Auntie's Baby Shower!

Chris's Aunts gave Jamie her first Baby shower! We played games, ate the most delicious food!, and watched her open all her very special gift's. Nancy once again offered her home to host this special event!

Jamie's Belly Pic #2.

19 Weeks and she is really starting to show now. There is no doubt there is more than just a big dinner in there! She has come to the realization that she must now where maternity clothes. Although she is still not too happy about it. She was very excited to feel the baby move for the first time on Sunday March 1st. Chris can't wait to feel it. Hopefully within the next month he will be able to enjoy it as well. They have chosen Tyson Mathew or (Matthew) they haven't decided how they want to spell the middle name yet. We can call him Ty or Tyson, either one is fine with them. I just can't wait to call him that while he is in my arms! Can you tell Grandma is excited too! Jamie is feeling much better now. She is still craving Jalapenos! They are still trying to decide how to decorate the nursery. If Chris has his way it will be motorcycles. We shall see!