Games, Pumpkins, Candy, and Trains

Jacob had a great October. He learned and mastered many new skills. He learned how to master the big boy puzzles, how to say pumpkin after visiting a pumpkin patch, he painted his very own pumpkin without getting messy, helped mommy bake in the kitchen without ruining the paper cups, learned how to say, "tick-ah-teat" for Halloween, and learned more words through the reading program! He is growing fast and continues to keep us busy. He understands that there is a baby in my tummy and gently places his hands on the belly to try to feel Taylor's kick. He is crazy about Thomas and Friends and usually stresses out when he doesn't get to watch his video, wear his slippers (thanks, mom!), or read his books. He has also entered the 'picky' stage, where he absolutely insists on wearing what he wants! The other day, he had on a beanie, a short sleeve shirt, shorts, socks, and sandals! It was 85 degrees outside!! Ay-Caramba!

We almost DID NOT go trick-or-treating! Jacob woke up from a late nap and was in a horrible mood. Nothing consoled him and he just wasn't happy. We had planned to go around the neighborhood with our friends and I was so sad that Jacob would miss such a fun part of Halloween. Well, he finally settled down, but WOULD NOT put on his costume. I chased him around the house, tried to bribe him with lollipops, but he just wouldn't put any of the 3 I bought for him. I ran upstairs, grabbed his OLD costume, which is VERY tight on him, and he slipped it on like it was nothing. His friends came by and we all had a fun evening. Jacob would say 'tick-ah-teat' after people closed their doors. A few times, he said "thank you and bye-bye." It was lots of fun!

Jacob's "must haves" for church- Thomas, Percy, and Salty! He is so smart. He knows he cannot bring his wooden trains outside the house, but can bring these rubber ones wherever we go. He'd place his wooden one right in front of the door before heading out without prompting. Oh...and he can name about 20 different train names from the series. It's pretty crazy. I don't even know them!!

Before church this morning, Jacob asked his dad to read with him. I took a few videos and some were too long or too large to upload for the blog. This is a quick view of Jacob's progress in reading. He is incredibly smart and catches on very fast.

Taylor J

This is the latest picture of Taylor. I saw the perinatologist last Wednesday and everything looked good. Isn't this an awesome picture? Tomorrow I will be 25 weeks pregnant.

Hug 'em, Love 'em, n' Squeeze 'em!

Here are pictures taken from the beginning of summer that I didn't post.

Counting my blessings

Today, my heart is full. I am grateful for so many things. I am grateful to have partaken of the Sacrament to renew my covenants with my Father in Heaven. I am grateful to have been able to hear the messages and testimonies bore today in our meeting. I am thankful for a wonderful husband who holds the Melcheizedek Priesthood and a son who wants to go to nursery so much, but couldn't because he was sick. Today, I am glad I was given another day to be pregnant with Taylor.

I have been dwelling on the "what ifs" with this pregnancy and haven't been enjoying it much. I cannot get what was said during a blessing that Jeremiah gave me the other night. It is constantly on my mind when I feel at my lowest point. I was reminded that all I needed to do was my part and that the rest would be in Heavenly Father's hands. He has a plan for me and I needed to increase my faith in Him and to accept what he has planned for me. It makes me emotional and grateful for the things I have now, the knowledge I've gained as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and the privilege I have had as a mother for the past two years. As I was lying on my couch today, I looked all around me and began to count my blessings. I saw Jacob's ball on the kitchen floor, his rocking horse on the carpet, and his shoes on the dining room table. I looked at my wall and stared at Jacob's pictures for what seemed like a long time and began to think of how blessed I've been to have such a smart and healthy son despite his early arrival. Underneath the picture was a framed picture of the Oakland Temple given to us by my BIL, Ben. My eyes began to well as I thought about the promises given to me when I was sealed to Jeremiah for eternity. I was comforted when I thought of all the blessings I'd receive here on earth and thereafter. I have so many things to be grateful for! Sometimes when things aren't going my way, all I need to do is be humble, count my blessings, and think of My Lord, My Redeemer and the things he has done for me.




http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RDjjxJDc0Xs&feature=related

Prayer request

Please say a special prayer for us tonight. Thank you.

10/14/10- I apologize for not filling you in. I had an extremely emotional evening after my doctor's appointment with the perinatologist. Taylor's position is head down and pushing against my cervix. The cervical measurement was fine and the doctor wasn't worried because it wasn't opened. I felt otherwise because I am afraid of delivering early. I felt better after my mom was able to put my name on the temple's prayer roll and Jeremiah's Priesthood blessing. On top of that, my good friend, Aimee Hensley, helped to console and calm me down. I was an emotional wreck.

New words

Jacob graduated from the starter video of Your Baby Can Read two weeks ago learning how to read and recognize 20 words. He started volume one 12 days ago and have already begun reading a few new words. Some of those words are diaper, kick, eating, bubble, giraffe, bib, blanket, and others that I can't think of right now. He totally shocked to me tonight. As we paused the video before each word were read aloud, he was able to read the new words to us. I was shocked because last week, every word we tried to get him to read was "elephant." He is so silly.

How are you feeling?

I get asked this question several times a day, everyday. I try to answer truthfully, but sometimes it's just easier to say I'm fine. I am grateful to say that I have made it to 22 weeks. However, the thought of delivering early or losing the baby is constantly on my mind. I am scared. I am worried. I am stressed. Many of my friends are expecting and our due dates are so close that the thought of me not being able to carry full term is disappointing. I hope and pray that my body will be strong enough to carry the baby full term and that he is healthy.

Taylor kicks and moves a lot when I'm relaxed. When I'm on the move or busy, I don't feel him move and that scares me. When I get to the point of worrying, he gives me a little nudge or kick and makes me feel better. This week, my body is changing a lot and it makes me paranoid because I always run to the bathroom to make sure I'm not bleeding. I drive myself crazy sometimes, don't I?

Jacob is doing well. He is a busy busy boy. He is a loyal fan of Thomas the Tank Engine and just hearing the theme song will get him going. Jacob makes me so proud...though, sometimes I feel like crying because he has so much energy (and I don't) and all he wants is some attention that I can't give him. He is (sometimes) patient with me and loves me unconditionally (always). He is completely attached to me and loves spending time with his dad as well...going to parks and arcades, etc.

Jeremiah is doing great too. He is busy with work and sometimes struggle to find time to spend with us. However, when he gets time off, we ALWAYS have a good time. He has been very supportive throughout this second pregnancy and seem to always find a way to reassure me that everything will be okay. I love it and hate it at the same time, but I have to admit that most of the time, it helps. He loves to give Jacob his daily baths and I love watching them play together. If Jeremiah had his way, he'd totally stay home and watch the kids. Unfortunately, we won't be able to live under a teacher's salary. lol.

So, how am I feeling? Looking at the big picture, I feel blessed with a wonderful family loves me unconditionally and supports me when I need them most. I can't control everything, but I know one thing for sure...that is...I need to increase my faith in the Lord to help me get through the next few days, weeks, and months.

And his name shall be...

...Taylor J Sorensen...