Splish Splash

Well I don't really bathe Jack in a miniature old-fashioned bath tub at home. These were photos taken at his six-month photo shoot, and I think they're worth posting.

Jack loves his bath--especially since I have started to bathe him in my parent's jacuzzi tub. While running the water he loves to sit underneath the faucet and let the water run down his back (yes he is a dork).

He also loves to lay down in the water and scream at the top of his lungs. He thinks he's speaking whale!

And finally the last video is a little long... but again it is more or less for Jared. Our blog is the best place for him to view videos of Jack.

Ab Workout for Infants

I've started some exercise classes with Jack. Just teasing! Jack seems to think he is big enough and strong enough to get up into a sitting position from flat on his back. It is pretty amusing to watch him struggle to get up and more or less looks like he is doing crunches.

The video is a little long... probably only Jared will enjoy since we temporarily can't Skype! And I promise Jack can roll around and scoot on his back... he just won't do it for the camera. I've tried many times to get him doing the worm but he just won't perform on camera. Stinker!

Pictures of Delaram, Afghanistan

Hi Kris,

The first 6 pics were taken on the base. There is a house that was occupied a year ago, but when the Marines came in they bought the family out and destroyed part of the house (not sure why) and built the base. Apparently a family of 14 lived in this house. It's hard to imagine 14 people living in these conditions, but I understand it's quite common for large family groups to live together in Afghanistan.

The house is made of mud and straw. There are a few pictures that show how the walls and ceiling were made. It was like taking a step back in time when we were walkng though it. It's quite interesting and humbling to see how these people live day to day. If by looking at these pictures you don't appreciate all we have in the US, I don't know what will.

I took a picture next to a flowering tree. It was quite pretty, and the former owner of the house was quite proud of it! Its actually the only flower I have seen out here.

The last couple pics are of a dead viper, and the patient that it bit. The guy seated was bit on the hand by the snake and we treated him. He stayed with us overnight and then we sent him home. He actually did fine. The other snake bite victim didn't fare as well, but I don't have pics of him.

Hope you enjoy. I need to take more pictures, but I forget my camera most of the time.

Love,

Jared

Phew... six months down!

Everyone says time goes fast with a baby, and it does... kind of.... My sister said it best: "the days are long but the years go fast". That's definitely true on those days when all Jack wants is ME. But I wouldn't have it any other way. He is my little shadow and brings me so much joy.

This month marked six months and he is still alive and thriving in my care:) He is growing so much. On our last doctor's visit he was 27" long and 16 lbs. Way to go buds you doubled your weight from birth and grew almost 7 inches!

This is what Jack's been up to lately.

He likes to play with Sarah and Rachel (and a neighborhood kid happens to be in this shot).

He gnaws on everything he can grab!

He likes to play the piano. He may just be a prodigy... you never know!

He likes to watch us clean house... vacuuming and loading/unloading the dishwasher can entertain him for a very long time. (the pink excersaucer is a hand-me-down)

The kid loves to eat... surprised he's only 16 lbs.

And he loves his scooter... even if he just sits on it and plays with the toys.

And maybe one day he'll actually have some interest in crawling. At this point I would be happy if he just showed more interest in rolling around, but for now he just scoots around on his back until he hits something and can't scoot anymore. But it is the small steps; at least he doesn't throw a fit the minute he is placed on his tummy anymore!

Really Jack brings his family so much joy. He has a funny personality that makes everyone smile when he's around. He loves to cuddle and give big wet kisses all over your face, and his giggles and screams of delight make us all laugh. We're so happy he is here!

Snow Again???

I'm sure everyone in Utah/Idaho would prefer I not visit these states. In my past four visits, I have brought snow and stormy weather. My poor little man doesn't weather the cold too well.

How could we stay away though. Jack enjoys hanging out with his cousins way too much. We first went to Pocatello to visit the Taylors. Jack had a great time at the Easter Egg Hunt being wheeled around by Avery.

He enjoys watching all the kids play and of course all the attention. Cousins are the best baby sitters!

Jack loved staying at Grandma's house and having Grant there to entertain him.

After we wrecked Grandma's house we jumped down to Aunt Teresa's to pull out all her old baby toys too. Again cousins, Max and Cooper were great entertainers for Jack. And they loved the return of their old baby toys.

And why is it that all toddlers want to be babies again as soon as they see a baby. I couldn't resist posting this picture of Cooper chillin' in his old bouncy seat eating breakfast.

We had a great time with everyone. Thanks for letting us crash your houses!

Ride 'em Cowboy

This is for you Jared. Uncle Kent and I are helping get Jack ready for the horses. We thought we'd start him out on a rooster! :)

Jack's reactions are so funny. First he takes it all in...

and then it's like he's practicing for the rodeo, "look mom no hands".

A Talk with the General

So after reading the comments from my last post about Jared's living conditions, I wrote a letter to the general and asked if he could put Jared up in a nicer bunk and feed him gourmet meals. He of course obliged and here are a few pictures Jared recently sent.

Just teasing! Every Sunday the troops receive a surf and turf meal. Jared says it's pretty comparable to our favorite seafood restaurant, Kings. Again I am just teasing. But Jared is grateful for the three square meals a day that are not MREs and actually tells me going to the Dining Facility (DFAC) is actually the highlight of his day.

The picture of his new bunk is where he will be working in a few weeks from now. Once he is there he will let us know where that is. Below is a picture of what his new surrounding will look like. Vastly different from his current digs in Leatherneck. :)

One thing Jared will miss once he leaves Leatherneck and gets into his mission is the Leatherneck Branch of Kabul. He will have to set up a new branch to meet each Sunday once he is settled.

I have mixed feelings about Jared leaving Leatherneck. It will be great for him and the rest of the company to get busy on their mission, but it has been nice being able to communicate every day. Their new location isn't as built up as Leatherneck is and communication isn't as great. Over time as the area is built up communication and meals will improve. At least he has a nice bunk with white bedding... as opposed to the standard green camo!

Thanks for all your sacrifices for our freedom Jared. I can't wait for you to come home:)