19 Months

Well since you are only 19 months a few more days, I better write this quick! You are the cutest little thing. I was so proud of you at the wedding how you were just the life of the party and pretty much in a good mood all the time.  You are so smart and know exactly what you are doing and what we are saying all the time. The only time you really act out is when you are tired, teething or not feeling good. New words lately is you make sounds for truck and car and say YES, BU-BYE and SHOES. (one time) You shake your head for yes and no. My favorite new thing is your serious face. Hilarious!

So funny! You are such a ham. You are such a good little cuddle bug and get so excited when Daddy comes home. You love Dollie and Grandpa. Watching them with you is the cutest thing. I just love it!

Water, and barking like a dog are your two favorite things besides books.

Vacation and Hillary's Wedding

Wow, what a wonderful time in California. It was truly a fantastic trip! We had an absolutely blast. Jack did really well on the plan ride there, and I am so happy we flew instead of driving. It took long enough for all of us. I am pretty sure we looked like the Clampets hauling all of our stuff. Chase had the car seat on his back and I am pushing the stroller and pulling a suitcase and my sweet parents are loaded down like a couple of pack mules. All of our flights were smooth and on time and our rental car..was nothing other than a Kia Sorento.

The house we stayed at was so cute. You could see the ocean and we spent most of our time there on the deck.

Such an awesome view. The beach itself near our house was a little rough around the edges, and you could see just about any type of person you could imagine. We ate at the weirdest place that was Vietnamese and not very good, but it was so fun just to hang out and Hillary got there. So good to finally see her.

The next day we went to the San Diego Zoo. So awesome. I really thought we would never get Mom and Dad out of the aviary. It was so neat, so many animals and Jack loved it! It was quite the workout so hilly and so much walking. We were all worn out and sore.

Jack loved the elephants. He makes the cutest little elephant noises.

That night Chase and I went out by our selves and had dinner in Del Mar right on the beach. So much fun and delicious. It was the Chart House, and we actually ate there in San Antonio too.

It is always so nice to eat by ourselves and relax. It was perfect timing, we got there right when the sun was setting, it was like a movie.

 The next day's was Hillarys' bachelorette party at the pool. Such a beautiful hotel, although it was like Fort Knox trying to get in there. It was lot of fun. I finally met Sandy, Joelee and Amira. We drank alot of Sangria and had a blast. I really enjoyed all of Hillary's friends. So nice to see Cynthia. I haven't her since our wedding!

That night Chase and I ate some awesome sushi on our deck, pretty nice. My parents went out that night. It was funny sharing a car, but it really wasnt a problem.

The rehearsal was quick and easy, and then we spent several hours for the rehearsal dinner. Despite some drama with where the food truck would park it all went really great. It was so nice Bill and Jude, Jim and Margret and Sandi and Dan and their little ones. Lots of kids. Jack had the most fun running around the house. Stairs everywhere! It was such a neat old house 1900's style. My poor dad was so worn out chasing him everywhere.

Some how I forgot about our nice stressful day at the beach. It took forever to get there! Quite the frustrating day. We were about to give up when we finally spotted the beach. Jack liked splashing in the water, but it was so cold. A wave went over him and he was done. He shivered forever and cried!

Poor little guy. He did so wonderful in all these new situations. So proud of him and so social!

Hillary's wedding day started off early with a text saying there was "hair crisis" I got over there at around 8:45 and it was a long long day of getting ready. We were all starving and they kept sending up the most worthless fruit trays. The makeup girls were amazing. Hillary looked so amazing and so happy! It was so fun to see her. Jake cried. I got in trouble a couple of times from not getting her dress out of the way good enough...yikes. We finally all got ready and in the limo. Hillary was calm and collected. The Scripps is just beautiful and the perfect place for a wedding. I saw Ryan, Chase and Jack. Jack looked ADORABLE in his ring bearer outfit. He didn't make it down the aisle but he looked cute anyway. Besides my feet going numb in the heels. I am such a baby now it all went off without a hitch. Jack flipped out from not seeing me all day, and demanded to nurse. So I had to nurse him in this little corner. Once that was over he was the life of the party, dancing with everyone. It was a wonderful party! Those Aussies know how to dance. It was such a fantastic, yet exhausting day. I think my speech was a hit as well. Chase was worn out from watching Jack all day, and we had a little of a blowup since he forgot a few things, such is life. I wish I could see Hillary all the time like that. Miss her already.

18 Months

Jack at 18 months almost 19 months

Size: You weighed in at 24 lbs and 31 inches at the doctor. You wear a size 6 shoe and 18 month clothes.

Food: You eat pretty much whatever we eat. You love to help Dad cook. You especially love SMOOTHIES. You love fruit, and grapes are your favorite. You enjoy dipping anything. You really want to feed yourself and often demand I give you the box of crackers etc.

You can RUN now, you love anything to do with water. Baths, swimming the ocean etc. You play by yourself sometimes and want to climb on everything. You love to read books and of course animals are your favorite. You are developing into your own little person and you have a mind of your own. Imagine that! You are definitely testing some limits some days. Dad got you a little golf club set and you hold the club just like daddy. Dad's not impressed or anything. You remember everything, and will show us what you want. You have the cutest little routines when Dollie and Grandpa come over and really want to watch Sesame Street with them.

You are talking more and more. Some of it we dont understand but every now and then you will talk plain as day. You say, da-da(alot!) ma-ma, cracker, apple, truck, ish(fish), you make lots of animal sounds, dog, cat, elephant, monkey, fish, frog, camel, pig, cow, sheep, horse, duck, chicken, bird, lion, snake. You also ASL sign: more, diaper, book, I love you. You are also shaking your head yes and no.

It is truly unbelievable how much fun you are. I just wish you would sleep better. You have had a rough go with teething. You have all of your teeth except your second molars, but I think that is what you are working on now. You are also giving lots of lip smacking kisses lately. Pretty dang cute. We love you so much!

Summertime

We are all doing well and enjoying our lovely green grass in the backyard. Jack loves to run around barefoot. It has been a tough couple of weeks. I was pregnant, and had a miscarriage at ten weeks. I hesitate to write it down, but feel it is an important part of our story. We are all doing a little better and not as sad and getting back to normal. We are hopeful for more babies in the future and hope it was just one of those things. It has made us even stronger, a better couple and even more thankful for the cutest son in the wold.

For the Fourth of July we headed down to Lake Jackson. It was really good for all of us. Jack LOVED the ocean. We went to Galveston and went to Moody Gardens, good grief it was HUMID and played in the ocean a little. Jack thought the waves were so cool. We also went to the Sea Center in Lake Jackson and Jack ran around signing and saying "ISH" Pretty dang cute.

I think if I would have let Jack he would have just run into the water! We had a great time seeing Chase's parents. They enjoyed Jack running around. He can really run now!

In other news we have worked some on the house, we painted our bathroom a really pretty Tiffany Blue. Looks great. We are thinking of doing the living room and front door next. Mostly we are just gearing up for Hillary's wedding. So so excited. We can't wait!!! ;

Hillary's Shower/Phoenix Trip

We had a fabulous time in Phoenix! I was super anxious about a car trip but it was good for me to "get back on" again.

Jack was so good in the car, it really helped having mom in the back seat.
It was so nice to go with mom too.

We went and had lunch and played in the water. Jack loved it! Hillary's shower was a blast. We had a fancy Tea Party at the Biltmore. It was so fun to wear a hat and dress up, the tea party guy was So over the top. I couldnt even look at Hillary we were laughing so hard.

Chase and Jack swam while were were gone, and Chase said he had a blast dunking his head up to his eyes and laughing! Jack got to play with Graham, Reid and Callenn while we were there. Reid and Jack had the best time rolling a big exercise ball around. It was hilarious!

It was so nice to spend some time with Hillary. I miss her already :( But super excited for the wedding!!! 

April

April has been quite the month.
-It started out great with laying down sod in our backyard it look so good! Jack loves to play outside and bark.
-We had a wonderful third anniversary! Chase and I went to the Cork and Pig a new restaurant in between Midland and Odessa. It was a blast and so nice to relax the two of us.

We then went to Oklahoma to celebrate Ryan's 30th birthday. We were having a good time until we were on our way home from Jason's house and a truck ran a flashing red light and we tboned them. It was so so scary. We spun around a few times. Jack was crying, and I was screaming. I felt like I could not breathe, but luckily we were all fine! Our new car was totaled, and I have whiplash and some seatbelt burns but that was the worst of it! So greatful for safe cars and seatbelts and above all carseats! Jack was perfect. Just so scary how things could have been worse but so very grateful. I had super car anxiety for awhile, but its getting a little better, and we bought a new car. A 2014 Blue Kia Sorento even nicer :) We are still waiting on all the insurance stuff..such an ordeal..but very glad we are all on the mend! So the rest of April was a blur. I missed the Odessa Relay, and couldnt even really pick up Jack. But I am so much better now!

Jack is doing great at 16 months! He runs, climbs and is really in to everything. Loves books and  barking with the dogs. He says Apple, Momma, Dadda and Wow!

Quite the assortment of words. He can make animal noises for, dog, cat, horse, cow, pig, elephant, snake, lion...so well! He is just so so much fun and feel so lucky to be his mom!

March

It has been a little bit of a crazy month. Chase's parents came down for a visit and that was fun to see them, and Jack showed off with pointing out all of his new toys.

Jack is really into pointing at everything and you telling him what it is. He gets really excited when he points to two crackers, and you say..cracker, cracker. You can just see those wheels turning!!

He had his 15 month check up yesterday and weighed 22 lbs and 14 oz and was 29.9 inches long. He had to get three shots so that was pretty rough. He is right on track with all his development. I was a little worried he was not saying more real words but I am sure it will come. He is making all kinds of noises and babbles constantly and points to everything. He also follows all sorts of commands. Loves to cook with Daddy and is truly a blast. I am looking forward to doing a little egg hunt with him!

Jack and I both got sick right after, Chase's parents were here. It was rough! We both felt horrible for several days. I am pretty tired of being sick with him. We are all on the mend!

We have been working on our backyard and should get sod the next week or so. We can't wait to have a backyard that is just not dirt. Jack LOVEs it outside. Hopefully, it will be nice and we can go to some parks this weekend.

February Fever

Well February,  keeps on kicking its been a month of some major purchases and sickness!

We spent the second weekend in Feb in Petersburg for Lexi's first birthday! It was so much fun, and Jack loved playing with all the other kids.

I had to work on Valentines Day night so we are waiting till this week to celebrate.
 After the car debacle we decided to start doing some major research on cars and started test driving. On Feb 15th we bought Sally, a black Kia Sorento! We just love her! It was such a better process this time around and had the nicest salesman. So it was overall a really good experience. Jack got tired of being there for 4 hours, but maybe all is screaming helped the negotiating process.

Saturday, Jack seemed to be feeling bad and after not sleeping any because I was worried about his breathing and how hot he felt, we went to the doctor on Monday. The doctor diagnosed him with a nasty virus and said it was only a matter of time before I got it too. Poor Jack felt awful. All he wanted to do was be held and was so congested and had a fever. It was awful. Monday evening I started feeling bad and we both felt bad the rest of the week. It is tough being sick and taking care of a sick baby. I got thrown up on several times, but its funny you just want them to feel better, even if you get thrown up on during the process! I cant imagine having a really sick baby. It makes you feel so LUCKY. Chase was awesome taking care of both of us. Parenting is truly a team effort. I had very little sleep all week, because I was so worried about him I kept waking up. So glad we are finally both feeling better!

Jack turned 14 months old on the 17th. He is running, climbing and in to everything! He can sign..hot, more, milk, i love you, bath, book. He follows simple commands like "bring me the ball, " "put that back in the box" etc. He is so smart, and I love watching those wheels turn. He says hot and sometimes mama and dadda. He also barks and moos and roars like a lion. He could not be any cuter.

February Ramblings

Chase and I had a wonderful date night to Catherine's Wedding. It was so nice to be just the two of us. I relaxed and drank a few glasses of wine and we danced up a storm. The highlight was eating Whataburger on our way back to Big Spring to pick up Jack and jaming out to some old school music.

However, our car started making a funny noise and by the time we arrived in Big Spring a strange smell was coming from the engine. We spent the night in Big Spring, and tried to head back in the morning, but the car stalled out.

Well long story short, and with the help of my parents, we had it towed back to Midland and 1000 dollars in repairs later, I should get to pick it up in a little while. :(
Car trouble sucks. I am just so glad we didnt get stuck on the side of the highway or by myself with Jack.

Jack on the other hand, had a fabulous time at my parents and did some dancing with my dad, threw out all kinds of toys through the doggy door, and slept like a champ for once. He is working on four pre molars. So besides some sleep problems he is doing great. He is really loving to drink milk and signs it over and over.

New Year-More Sleep Please!

We had a very quiet new years here at the house just the three of us. Chase was not feeling very well. It is so rare for Chase to ever be sick, but we rang in 2013 with sickness. Chase was sick for about a week and Jack was sick for the first time. Of course, this was combined with my absolutely craziest time at work and a migraine for me, made these first few weeks of January a sleepless blur. I still dont really feel rested. Poor Jack has been working on four new teeth combined with his 12 month shots....not much sleeping here at the Ragsdale house.

Jack had an ear infection, and trying to get medicine down him was like wrestling a seal! Luckily he started feeling better pretty quick. I came to the sad conclusion that mommy's dont get sick days......

I feel very lucky for a usually very healthy little family. I cant imagine having a really sick baby. You feel so bad for them! His little hands were so hot.

Jack's 12 month checkup was great. He looks great and is growing really well. 22 pounds and 11 oz and 28 and 1/2 inches.
At 13 months he:
-Walks super fast almost running
-Wants to climb on everything
-LOVES to go outside and play in the dirt
-Tries to share food with us and the dogs
-Wants to feed the dogs
-Loves water
-Signs-more, done and milk
-says mam mam for food
-gives very wet kisses.
-is starting to like whole milk better
-remembers his way around our house and Dollie and Grandpa's.
-Is truly more and more fun, and laughs so hard when you chase him.

Hopefully we will all get some good night sleep soon! Work should slow down some as well so that should help!