Thursday, December 24, 2009

Ho ho ho!

Santa's arriving in just a few hours and two kiddos are sleeping with sugar plums dancing in their heads...

We enjoyed a fun Christmas Eve, complete with ice skating (it cost $12 for Natalie and I to slip around the perimeter of the rink once! But she had a blast so it was worth it!), a yummy Mexican dinner (with a serenade of "Feliz Navidad" which had the entire restaurant singing) and the opening of one special present for each of us. Natalie loved her magnetic dress up doll that comes with several different outfits and shoes... perfect for the girl who changes her outfit at least 5 times a day! Jameson got a soft book about a monkey and his friends. Jeramy got new Bose earphones for his iPod. And I got a Kindle and am anxious to start reading good books on it! Looking forward to visits from the grandparents and Uncle Peter tomorrow! We are so blessed this Christmas!

Hope your holidays are as merry and bright as ours... 

Much love,
the Yosts


Wednesday, December 16, 2009

The fat guy in the red suit


Not sure why they look so serious, but here is a snap of the kids' visit with Santa this past weekend. Natalie would not smile despite the many attempts from both her parents, the photographer and the big guy himself. She did tell Santa that she wanted a "special baby doll please". He heard "special baby dog" so he was promptly corrected. Jameson was pretty quiet and still through the whole thing, so who knows what he's going to get from Santa. Natalie's favorite part of the whole thing was the candy cane she got afterward. Oh, and having a significant occasion to wear her "fancy dress" that Grandma Yost sent for Christmas festivities. The two are not a good combination.

After the visit with jolly old St. Nick, we took the kids to their very first movie! We went to "The Princess and the Frog" and it was all very exciting. Natalie seemed mesmerized by the big screen and the seemingly endless supply of popcorn. She was actually very good through 3/4 of the movie which was way too long, especially when you factor in the half-hour of previews. But she finally had enough of sitting in one place after about and hour and fifteen minutes and we had to make a quick exit. I hope to see the ending to that movie some day.

Jameson slept through the beginning of the movie, ate through the middle and then watched until we left from the comfort of my lap. I think he felt jipped that we didn't get to see the ending too!

Toddler hysterics ensued from the theater's lobby until we reached our garage when Natalie realized that we were serious about the "if you can't sit in your seat then we need to leave" threat. So, while it was fun, it ended very, very badly. Maybe we'll try again when a shorter Disney movie comes to town...

Ho ho ho!

Monday, December 7, 2009

This week in pictures


What?! The Beavers lost?!?!



Smiles...


Sibling Snuggles

And a few quick updates:

  • Natalie is into Santa (though the threat of no presents due to naughty behavior doesn't work yet). She get really excited to see Santa wherever we go (even if it's the guy at Lowe's with the white beard)
  • Jameson added laughing to his list of skills. So cute!!!
  • Little Miss Independent has to do absolutely everything herself--to the point of utter frustration for both her and her poor parents
  • Jameson has slept all through the night (10+ hours!) for four straight nights! Yay...
  • We've decked our halls - pics to come soon! Can't wait to see next month's electricity bill
  • Jameson does not like the bottle; getting a little nervous here...
  • Snowed at least 6" yesterday and today's high was 9 degrees. Gotta love Central Oregon!




Sunday, November 29, 2009

Camo Kid



This one's for his dad...

Sunday, November 22, 2009

SNOW!

Natalie enjoyed the snow this morning...



Monday, November 16, 2009

What's new? Glad you asked...

Here's a brief update on some exciting kid stuff:

First, Jameson (7.5 weeks):
  • He's sleeping like a champ in his big boy crib. Usually wakes up 2 times/night to eat but sometimes I get lucky and it's only one!
  • He started really smiling this past week. And "talking". He has the cutest little smile that I've been trying to capture on video (stay tuned...)
  • He's growing! I have no idea how much he weighs right now, but it's obvious he's putting on the pounds like a nice and healthy baby boy should! He's outgrown the cute newborn clothes and is wearing mostly 3-month size already. Guess all that sleeping is paying off!
  • Still spitting up. Ugh.
  • We've tried both a bottle and a binkie. He's not too keen on either but will chew on them out of curiosity for a while.
  •  Unfortunately, his hair is getting thinner. And, it might just be my imagination, but in the sunlight, I see a golden glimmer on his head. So far, eyes are still very blue. Am I really going to have another blonde-haired, blue-eyed child?!? Time will tell...
And then there's Natalie (2 years and 4 months). She's growing and learning so fast that I don't know where to begin...
  • Last night she counted to 10. Granted, she skipped the number 7 but still, we were so surprised and proud! Maybe she's just superstitious...
  • Loves to sing! Her faves are the alphabet song (although she usually sings the condensed version which goes "ABCDEFG, next time won't you sing with me". And sometimes she intermixes a little "Twinkle twinkle little star" since they have the same tune. She also likes "Old McFarmer had a cow" and "Head, shoulders, knees and toes"
  • And of course, she still loves to dance. She took her first "dance" class last week and LOVED it. 
  • Her vocabulary and speaking skills are amazing. Nearly every day she says something (in the correct context) that I didn't know she knew. Again, I need to capture it on video soon!
  • We struggle with listening and obeying all the time. But I hear that's a 2-year old thing, right? I'm currently on chapter 2 of "How to talk so kids will listen and listen so kids will talk". Desperate times call for desperate measures (in the form of best selling self-help books!)
  • She is a great big sister and has a very maternal instinct toward her baby brother. I've caught her trying to pick him up, change his (very messy!) diaper, clean his nose, and other "mommy" jobs. She's very loving and enjoys giving him kisses and calling him "sweetheart" and "sweetie pie". On the other hand, she often also scolds him when he spits up or poops in his diaper (despite our constant explanations about what babies do). I really like the fact that she will go fetch whatever we may need, like a clean blanket or bib from Jameson's room. She's a big help!
  • Ironically, as she scolds her brother for not using the potty, Natalie is still not potty trained. She regressed the week Jameson was born and I thought she'd go back to it by now. Not so! She goes in the potty maybe 1/2 or 2/3 of the time, depending on the day. I'd love to have one of them out of diapers!
Here is a picture of a helpless Jameson after his big sister decided to decorate him with stickers this weekend. Boy is he in for it...




Friday, November 6, 2009

Halloween 09!

Just a little late with these photos, but here are our two little trick-or-treaters in their costumes...
Jameson was a cute little skunk. If this costume looks familiar, it's because it was the costume I made for Natalie's first Halloween. And the hand-me-downs have begun! 

We got a little creative for Natalie's costume. Some people thought she was Rainbow Brite. One person asked if she was Punky Brewster. And Jeramy thought she looked like she should be in a Gay Pride parade. But Natalie labeled herself a "Rainbow Princess" and especially loved the spray in color in her hair. That was fun to wash out! 

Our Halloween festivities began with trick-or-treating in the Old Mill District and attending the Fred's annual Halloween party. We begged for more candy in their neighborhood until it got too cold then enjoyed a potluck dinner and endured the sugar-induced rambunctiousness of the kids. Oh yeah, and we watched the Ducks kill USC (the Beavers already played and won earlier in the day). 

On our way home, Natalie actually said "Mommy, I'm tired" and asked to go to bed. I was worried about the time change, but with all the excitement of a late Halloween night, she slept in until 7am (which was really 8am)! 

The next day, Grandma and Pa Yost came for a quick day visit. Natalie entertained them and Jameson was awake and alert nearly all day, much to their delight. 

All in all, it was a great weekend! Better start on next year's costumes now so I'm not as behind as I was this year!

Sunday, October 25, 2009

Just Jameson


In an effort to prove my younger brother wrong, I vowed to give Jameson the same attention and doting that we give our first born. That's already proving to be difficult. Not because we love him less, but mostly because Natalie is louder--and more demanding--and louder. 

So this post is devoted to our beautiful new son and all he's done to capture our hearts in just 4.5 short weeks. Sorry, no Natalie-isms in this one...

Jameson has an adorable dimple on his right cheek that you notice when he smiles, as well as a very faint birthmark on his back. 

He has a rather long rat tail of dark hair and I'm surprised Jeramy hasn't asked me to cut it yet. It's so cute!

He spits up--a lot. 

Despite that, he's plumping up and growing faster than I could imagine. Gone are the wrinkly, skinny knees that made me laugh every time I changed him.

Everyone always remarks at how "alert" he is. But it's more than that. He has what I would consider "curious" eyes. He studies his environment intently, and easily communicates through eye contact. I love his eyes and am curious to see if he'll be another blue-eyed Yost or take after his dear old mom.

He's very mellow. He usually only cries when he wants to eat or has gas. When he's simultaneously hungry and has gas pain, watch out. It's so sad!

Apparently, he usually sleeps in "defense" mode: hands up near his face as if to protect himself. Only Jeramy would notice that!

He's a Houdini at getting out of even the tightest of swaddles.

He's a grunter. Seriously sounds like an old man getting out of bed. It's particularly loud when he's waking up from a really good nap. 

Fortunately, he can sleep through just about anything!

But even more than he likes sleeping, he loves to eat. We average about 3 nighttime feedings each night, which makes mommy very tired.

He is an excellent cuddler.

Can't wait to discover other traits to add to this list!

Goodbye Grandpa...















After a long, valiant fight, we lost Grandpa Walters today... I found a few great photos of Grandpa with Natalie, who seemed to share a special bond with him early on (Natalie always offered sweet, sloppy kisses which Grandpa loved and they shared a common language that the rest of the world didn't really understand). Fortuately, we got to introduce him to Jameson a few weeks ago... We'll miss you Grandpa!

Sunday, October 18, 2009

Fall Pics

Pumpkin Patch & Gracie's 3rd Birthday (Costume) Party... 






Friday, October 9, 2009

Brother & Sister















Top: Natalie at about 24 hours old
Bottom: Jameson at about 24 hours old

They certainly look like brother and sister, don't you think?



Thursday, October 1, 2009

And baby makes 4...

It's taken me way too long to make this post, but it's been a busy week--our family was made complete last Thursday with the arrival of Jameson Ray. First, the pics...

Jameson Ray Yost, born September 24, 2009 at 3:06pm
7 lbs, 1 oz | 19.5" long

Proud Papa

Natalie meets her baby brother for the first time...

Just look at this sweet face!

Hello, World! 

And now, the story of Jameson's arrival into the world: We went in for a scheduled induction at 10am. Since I was already 4.5 cm dilated upon arrival, our doctor broke my water about 11am to see if that would start my labor. It took another couple of hours, but my labor started on its own about 1pm and it was intense! It was made a little easier by the nice man with the big needle.

2 hours and 6 pushes later, Jameson was born. I got to hold him right away and Jeramy (much to my surprise--and his!) cut the cord. We immediately fell in love with this red, crying little boy that we've been anticipating for the last 9 months!

Grandma & Grandpa Walters brought Natalie in to meet her little brother shortly after he was born. The name was finally revealed and so far nicknames include Jamie, J.R. and J-Ray, but I prefer to call him Jameson. Ray is in honor of his Grandpa Ray which is also Jeramy's middle name. Grandpa Ray brought him his first fishing pole!

After a 2-night stay at the lovely St. Charles Medical Center, we got to bring Jameson home. We've all been adjusting but it's going well. Natalie loves her baby brother (although she has a hard time pronouncing his name--it comes out Jafeson or something like that). It's hard sharing the spotlight, especially when you're 2. But luckily, the baby seems to be able to sleep through just about anything! 

It's a lot of work (and laundry) with two kids, but our family feels complete! We're all just a little in awe of the little guy. So be prepared for a lot more pictures and stories about Jameson Ray!

Monday, September 14, 2009

The waiting game...

Officially "full-term"... 3.5 cm dilated... Nursery complete... Baby clothes washed and put away... One anxious and ready mom... When, oh when will baby boy be born? 

Soon, we hope! The waiting is torturous...

In the meantime, I love this pic I snapped of Natalie relaxing and watching TV with me on the couch this weekend. 

Monday, September 7, 2009

Big Report!


First, Daddy took a week-long trip to Alaska and brought back some beautiful photos and about 100 pounds of fresh Alaskan halibut and Coho Salmon. Yumm! Here are just a few of the many cool pics from his trip (yes, he had fun)! 



We just enjoyed halibut fish and chips tonight for dinner with some friends. It was so tasty, so I guess the trip was a success!

Meanwhile this week, back in Bend, Grandma "Katsa" came to stay with Natalie and I and it's a good thing! Tuesday I took a fall (just crossing the street) and landed in the hospital overnight for "observation". I was really thinking the baby was going to come early and without Daddy's supervision. But luckily, both baby and I are fine, except for a very scraped up and bruised up left knee (on me, that is, not the baby). Whew!

While Katsa stayed with us, we finally were able to tackle the baby's room and get it fixed up just perfectly. It came out better than I imagined, mostly in part to Grandma's expert stripe painting and a few fun accessories. The theme is "jungle chic" and features bold colors, modern stripes & whimsical polka dots and lots of jungle friends to keep the little one company. We've still got a few finishing touches to do, but it's ready for baby boy to enjoy soon. Here are a few pics, but they really don't do the room justice!

Giraffe friend was a gift from great grand Aunt Julie. Doesn't he look right at home?

Monkey swinging from the closet doors...



And in other baby news, although we are still 3 weeks away from our September 29th due date, I feel like he may appear sooner. At my last check-up on Friday, I was already dilated to 3 cm, which was double what I was just a few days earlier at the hospital. My regular "practice" contractions continue and he seems to get heavier each and every day. He's sure taking a toll on his poor mom, but I'm excited that the end (or beginning?) is very near...

Monday, August 17, 2009

Look, ma! No diapers!

Operation Potty Training was in full force this weekend. The method we used involved 3 full days of constant togetherness in which I would rush Natalie to the bathroom at any sign of an impending #1 or #2. No diapers, just big girl panties (usually of the Elmo variety, but also some boyish hand-me-downs from Owen, which were really intended for little brother some day but they came in very handy given the number of panties we went through in a weekend - thanks Lisa!). We did not leave the house for 3, yes THREE days. 

It was actually really nice spending some uninterrupted (Jeramy was fishing most of the weekend) time together and I know we both enjoyed just playing from morning til night. Natalie would get a sticker to put on her potty chart and a small candy "treat" each time she was successful. It's amazing how such a small incentive made such an impact. I just hope we aren't still giving her a sticker and candy when she's 10. But for now, it's very important to her. She was very proud to show Daddy her chart when he returned, covered in so many shiny stickers. 

There were plenty of accidents and by the end we were both a little stir crazy, but overall, it's been a very positive experience. I'd estimate she's about 85% there. I was worried about taking her to daycare today and regressing, but I took the chart and treats to her sitter and she did fairly well. Two minor accidents. 

Another great milestone for our growing girl. I'm excited at her new independence but also a little sad that she's growing up so fast. However, one in diapers is quite enough, thank you! I know someday she'll be embarrassed of the picture on this post with her big girl panties and Cindy Brady pigtails. But I think it is so cute that I couldn't resist sharing it. 

A mere 6 weeks til D-Day... It's finally starting to seem close now! Yay!

xoxo