Jonah may not look much like me but Elora certainly does, no matter what you all say.
Click here for proof.
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Friday, May 23, 2008
More Velvety Softness
Elora Mae Jensen
born Thursday, May 22nd at 8:38 am
6 lbs. 10 oz. (a full pound and a half smaller than Jonah was!)
We're both doing well. We don't know where she got such fabulous dark hair and dimples but we love them!
Monday, May 19, 2008
Velvety Softness
This is what happens on a 3 minute car ride when you give a rose to a 15 month old.
Even though yellow roses are one of my favorite flowers (basically anything yellow or purple), when someone in Relief Society handed me this one on Mother's Day the look of facination on Jonah's face and his delight at the texture and fragrance made me give this one over to him (after removing most of the stem and all the thorns).
PS- C-section has been moved from Wed. morning to Thursday morning.
Even though yellow roses are one of my favorite flowers (basically anything yellow or purple), when someone in Relief Society handed me this one on Mother's Day the look of facination on Jonah's face and his delight at the texture and fragrance made me give this one over to him (after removing most of the stem and all the thorns).
PS- C-section has been moved from Wed. morning to Thursday morning.
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Lately
Tues., May 6th - Zoo with Brandon, Jonah, and Andy. Hogle Zoo is tiny.
Sat., May 10th - ward baby shower:)
After opening all these gifts I have quite the fantastic baby girl wardrobe.
Deb, the fabululous hostess, Hi, and Melissa
Jen & I
Linda- my MIL 2- the bearer of wonderful gifts, Me, SIL Katie, and SIL Andy.
Sun., May 11th - Mother's Day. Slept in an hour longer than usual. Brandon made me a great breakfast. Had a nice time at church and spent the afternoon hanging out with my in-laws at the cabin. Watched the new 2008 BBC Sense & Sensibility; good one.
Tues., 13th - book club. Had barely started Snow Flower and the Secret Fan, have gotten a bit further into now, good book, just haven't been into a reading mode lately.
Wed., 14th - Heather (B's cousin's wife)'s baby shower. She is due a week after me with a boy:) Had fun hanging out with the Rowleys, especially Andy.
15th - Dr. appointment. Cessarian set up for Wed. the 21st, no amnio. Have only gained 2 lbs in the past 4 weeks, should have gained more like 5. Doc isn't concerned cause I'm still gaining centimeters on my fundus height and everything else is good.
Sat., May 10th - ward baby shower:)
After opening all these gifts I have quite the fantastic baby girl wardrobe.
Deb, the fabululous hostess, Hi, and Melissa
Jen & I
Linda- my MIL 2- the bearer of wonderful gifts, Me, SIL Katie, and SIL Andy.
Sun., May 11th - Mother's Day. Slept in an hour longer than usual. Brandon made me a great breakfast. Had a nice time at church and spent the afternoon hanging out with my in-laws at the cabin. Watched the new 2008 BBC Sense & Sensibility; good one.
Tues., 13th - book club. Had barely started Snow Flower and the Secret Fan, have gotten a bit further into now, good book, just haven't been into a reading mode lately.
Wed., 14th - Heather (B's cousin's wife)'s baby shower. She is due a week after me with a boy:) Had fun hanging out with the Rowleys, especially Andy.
15th - Dr. appointment. Cessarian set up for Wed. the 21st, no amnio. Have only gained 2 lbs in the past 4 weeks, should have gained more like 5. Doc isn't concerned cause I'm still gaining centimeters on my fundus height and everything else is good.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Girl's Night Out
Three drunks playing Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes (etc!) on one of the the pianos at the Tavernacle.
Sara Jane, Lisa, baby Nora, Sarah, Jen, Andy, and Raquel all showed up for dinner at Cinegrill with me Saturday, May 3rd in Salt Lake. Though none of us were especially impressed with the food, we had a good time together. SJ, Jen, Raquel, and I walked over to the Tavernacle afterwards and completely enjoyed ourselves singing along and watching the spectacle of others at the live piano show there. The pianists are highly entertaining and very talented.
A Week or So Ago
Something else Jonah figured out how to get into. Usually he's standing in it now when I find him there. He likes to stand there so he can better see the things he pulls out of the drawer above or to attempt to grab things off the counter top. Ther is also a smallish drawer in our coffee table I found him in today. He's finally big enough to get up on the coffee table and he really likes it.
A couple days ago he flipped over his little plastic toy box/bin in his room and pushed it up next to his dresser to get things off the top of it. When he saw me watching him he clapped and cheered for himself!
Monday, May 12, 2008
Tragedy
I can't even imagine the pain and heartache my mom and her family are feeling right now. When I called to say Happy Mother's Day to my mom yesterday I could tell immediately that something was wrong. Mom didn't sound well and the more we talked the more I could tell she isn't herself right now, she is deeply depressed and in shock. She told me her baby brother was killed on Friday. Mom always thought Richard was so incredibly handsome. I know brothers aren't the best at keeping in touch, but that doesn't sever the bond you feel with them. I imagine that losing a sibling would feel like loosing part of your childhood, part of yourself.
I feel even worse for my grandparents. They had eight children together and five of them have died. The horror of outliving even one child is almost unbearable, but to lose so many is absolutely tragic.
I've never been very close with my mom's side of the family. Most of them live in Florida and I don't see them very often. I didn't even meet my uncle Danny until three summers ago at a family reunion. I knew uncle Richie as a kid when he lived in Arizona near us for a couple years. When he moved back to Florida I didn't see him again for something like 15 years. When I did see him we didn't really talk much or bond, but I'm still sad that he's gone. He left behind a wife, four daughters, and four stepsons. He loved Nascar. I don't know much else about him but I know he'll be missed by a lot of people.
He was killed instantly when he was hit by a car while riding his motorcycle. Richard was 48.
Uncle Richie, my mom, and Grandpa Bob.
My mom, her parents and all of her living siblings. These pictures were taken June 2005, since then, the two brothers on the left have died.
Uncle Richie and his wife.
I feel even worse for my grandparents. They had eight children together and five of them have died. The horror of outliving even one child is almost unbearable, but to lose so many is absolutely tragic.
I've never been very close with my mom's side of the family. Most of them live in Florida and I don't see them very often. I didn't even meet my uncle Danny until three summers ago at a family reunion. I knew uncle Richie as a kid when he lived in Arizona near us for a couple years. When he moved back to Florida I didn't see him again for something like 15 years. When I did see him we didn't really talk much or bond, but I'm still sad that he's gone. He left behind a wife, four daughters, and four stepsons. He loved Nascar. I don't know much else about him but I know he'll be missed by a lot of people.
He was killed instantly when he was hit by a car while riding his motorcycle. Richard was 48.
Uncle Richie, my mom, and Grandpa Bob.
My mom, her parents and all of her living siblings. These pictures were taken June 2005, since then, the two brothers on the left have died.
Uncle Richie and his wife.
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
Names
This evening we worked on our baby name list. We have it narrowed down to 12. That is much more manegable. It's funny how many of the names were similar to each other. I don't think I'll share the names with you all just yet (if ever). But we have four that begin with Ms, two that begin with As, three that begin with Es, a C, an L, and a K. Three end with "lyn" and three end with "a" and two end with "ie". Six have three syllables, four have two, and two have one. Why the cryptic hints? Dunno, just for fun.
P.S. - Jennie, Gracie is not on the list. Did you get the note I left for you at Fotogenix? I have no contact info for you...
P.P.S. - I hate the Sandy Fotogenix. The printers, the finishers, the checkers do a crappy job. The photographer was pretty good and the people are all very friendly but I will never go there again, even though I have a card for two free sitting fees ($55 value each? and one for outdoors even) and two free 8x10s (a $35 value each). I have had to have parts my order reprinted four times, different problems every time.
P.S. - Jennie, Gracie is not on the list. Did you get the note I left for you at Fotogenix? I have no contact info for you...
P.P.S. - I hate the Sandy Fotogenix. The printers, the finishers, the checkers do a crappy job. The photographer was pretty good and the people are all very friendly but I will never go there again, even though I have a card for two free sitting fees ($55 value each? and one for outdoors even) and two free 8x10s (a $35 value each). I have had to have parts my order reprinted four times, different problems every time.
Jonah's Favorite Books
Jonah loves to read. If I am sitting on the floor he will often get a book and then back up into my lap to have it read to him. When I am busy with things like blogging, he is often sitting somewhere "reading" to himself (like right now). Occasionally when reading a paper book I have seen him lick his pointer finger before using it to turn the page (talk about mimicking his Mom's behavior!).
I decided to make a Top 10 list of books we like to read together and let you know why. Hopefully this will be amusing to all my readers and useful to readers with kids Jonah's age or younger who are building up their personal libraries or need suggestions on what to check out at their local library. I will also include a separate list of our favorite Dr. Seuss books for this age.
Possibly all of these books were gifts. A huge thank you to those of you who give such great gifts!
Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown, illustrated by Clement Hurd
A classic for a reason, although on my first reading of it I thought it was kind of dumb. It has since become a favorite of both Jonah and I. It rhymes and I think I have it memorized. A few times when I have chosen something else to read at bedtime, Jonah will go over and get this one out of his stack and bring it to me. A favorite since birth.
Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin, illustrations by Eric Carle
Animal books feature prominently in Jonah's current favorite books. I do sound effects on every page of this book and he loves it. He can do a lot of his own animal sounds now too (Bear growl, cat meow, dog woof, duck quack, frog ribbit...)
Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
Not just a good story and illustrations, but nostalgic for both Brandon and I to read to Jo since we had it as children. Plus, any excuse for Jonah to do lots of growling makes him happy.
Good Night, Mr. Night by Dan Yaccarino
We love the illustrations and the clever story. I have been reading this to Jonah since he was born and I never tire of it.
Dinner Time by Jan Pienkowski
A pop-up book full of predators. Very short. Can hardly pry this one out of Jonah's hands even after reading it several times in a row. Have to be careful that little ones don't tear the pop-ups but well worth it. Again, lots of growling. My younger siblings had this book as children and I loved reading it with them when I was younger.
Who Says Quack? by Jerry Smith (with photos of baby animals)
A short board book that always elicits squeals of delight with the pictures. Plus Jonah has always been fascinated by my duck noise and all duck toys.
BIG Little by Leslie Patricelli
Funny, cute. I admit I like this a little more than Jonah does and I can't wait to buy Quiet LOUD and Yummy YUCKY.
Perfect Pets (Bright Baby Touch and Feel) by Roger Priddy
A short touch and feel board book with photos of pets, always a hit. It is often in the car or the crib.
So Many Bunnies: A Bedtime ABC & Counting Book by Rick Walton, illustrated by Paige Miglio
Charming in every way and it rhymes, which I always love.
The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson
Great rhythm and a funny story. Good illustrations. This is a fairly new one for us and I think it will be a favorite for years.
And an honorable mention to A House for Hermit Crab by Eric Carle.
There are so many good Dr. Seuss books out there. Many of them I have never seen until I had Jonah. Here are our favorites for toddlers:
The Tooth Book illustrated by Joseph Mathieu
We'd love this even if Brandon weren't a dentist! Jonah will sometimes have to open his mouth and say "ahhh" during this and sometimes has to tap on my teeth now when we read it. Some moms won't like this book because it uses the phrase "don't be stupid" at least twice.
My Many Colored Days illustrated by Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher
We just discovered this one thanks to Auntie Lisa. Jonah especially LOVES the page with the owl on it. Sometimes "reading" this book consists of just doing the sound effects for the animal on each page or just the blue bird and the owl. What does a flamingo sound like anyway?
Ten Apples Up on Top illustrated by Roy McKie
Good story, good rhyming, all that good stuff.
Great Day for Up! illustrated by Quentin Blake (who illustrated many Roald Dahl books)
A fun morning book.
The Shape of Me and Other Stuff
All outline/shadow illustrations, really great.
Mr. Brown Can Moo, Can You?
Kind of exhausting to read, but lots of fun. So many sound effects! We don't own this one yet but Jonah can still find the owl in it.
Hop on Pop
I like the board book version better for Jonah's age, even though I'm not sure it's any different.
Marvin K. Mooney, Will You Please Go Now?
I always feel bad for Marvin.
There's a Wocket in my Pocket
My personal favorite as a kid.
I Can Read with My Eyes Shut!
Reminiscent of a couple of his other books and features the Cat in the Hat.
I decided to make a Top 10 list of books we like to read together and let you know why. Hopefully this will be amusing to all my readers and useful to readers with kids Jonah's age or younger who are building up their personal libraries or need suggestions on what to check out at their local library. I will also include a separate list of our favorite Dr. Seuss books for this age.
Possibly all of these books were gifts. A huge thank you to those of you who give such great gifts!
Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown, illustrated by Clement Hurd
A classic for a reason, although on my first reading of it I thought it was kind of dumb. It has since become a favorite of both Jonah and I. It rhymes and I think I have it memorized. A few times when I have chosen something else to read at bedtime, Jonah will go over and get this one out of his stack and bring it to me. A favorite since birth.
Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin, illustrations by Eric Carle
Animal books feature prominently in Jonah's current favorite books. I do sound effects on every page of this book and he loves it. He can do a lot of his own animal sounds now too (Bear growl, cat meow, dog woof, duck quack, frog ribbit...)
Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
Not just a good story and illustrations, but nostalgic for both Brandon and I to read to Jo since we had it as children. Plus, any excuse for Jonah to do lots of growling makes him happy.
Good Night, Mr. Night by Dan Yaccarino
We love the illustrations and the clever story. I have been reading this to Jonah since he was born and I never tire of it.
Dinner Time by Jan Pienkowski
A pop-up book full of predators. Very short. Can hardly pry this one out of Jonah's hands even after reading it several times in a row. Have to be careful that little ones don't tear the pop-ups but well worth it. Again, lots of growling. My younger siblings had this book as children and I loved reading it with them when I was younger.
Who Says Quack? by Jerry Smith (with photos of baby animals)
A short board book that always elicits squeals of delight with the pictures. Plus Jonah has always been fascinated by my duck noise and all duck toys.
BIG Little by Leslie Patricelli
Funny, cute. I admit I like this a little more than Jonah does and I can't wait to buy Quiet LOUD and Yummy YUCKY.
Perfect Pets (Bright Baby Touch and Feel) by Roger Priddy
A short touch and feel board book with photos of pets, always a hit. It is often in the car or the crib.
So Many Bunnies: A Bedtime ABC & Counting Book by Rick Walton, illustrated by Paige Miglio
Charming in every way and it rhymes, which I always love.
The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson
Great rhythm and a funny story. Good illustrations. This is a fairly new one for us and I think it will be a favorite for years.
And an honorable mention to A House for Hermit Crab by Eric Carle.
There are so many good Dr. Seuss books out there. Many of them I have never seen until I had Jonah. Here are our favorites for toddlers:
The Tooth Book illustrated by Joseph Mathieu
We'd love this even if Brandon weren't a dentist! Jonah will sometimes have to open his mouth and say "ahhh" during this and sometimes has to tap on my teeth now when we read it. Some moms won't like this book because it uses the phrase "don't be stupid" at least twice.
My Many Colored Days illustrated by Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher
We just discovered this one thanks to Auntie Lisa. Jonah especially LOVES the page with the owl on it. Sometimes "reading" this book consists of just doing the sound effects for the animal on each page or just the blue bird and the owl. What does a flamingo sound like anyway?
Ten Apples Up on Top illustrated by Roy McKie
Good story, good rhyming, all that good stuff.
Great Day for Up! illustrated by Quentin Blake (who illustrated many Roald Dahl books)
A fun morning book.
The Shape of Me and Other Stuff
All outline/shadow illustrations, really great.
Mr. Brown Can Moo, Can You?
Kind of exhausting to read, but lots of fun. So many sound effects! We don't own this one yet but Jonah can still find the owl in it.
Hop on Pop
I like the board book version better for Jonah's age, even though I'm not sure it's any different.
Marvin K. Mooney, Will You Please Go Now?
I always feel bad for Marvin.
There's a Wocket in my Pocket
My personal favorite as a kid.
I Can Read with My Eyes Shut!
Reminiscent of a couple of his other books and features the Cat in the Hat.
Friday, May 02, 2008
Quickie
It snowed yesterday, yup, on May first. At least it's gone now.
Just got back from Jonah's doctor appointment. He is almost 30 inches tall now and 22 1/2 lbs. He's practically perfect in every way.
We have our baby name list narrowed down to 32 names now. Yes, I said narrowed down to 32.
Fiascos with my birthing plans: O.R. is full on the days we wanted to schedule a c-section and VBACs are not allowed at this tiny hospital since their O.R. is not fully staffed 24 hours a day (just on-call). Will let you know...
Just got back from Jonah's doctor appointment. He is almost 30 inches tall now and 22 1/2 lbs. He's practically perfect in every way.
We have our baby name list narrowed down to 32 names now. Yes, I said narrowed down to 32.
Fiascos with my birthing plans: O.R. is full on the days we wanted to schedule a c-section and VBACs are not allowed at this tiny hospital since their O.R. is not fully staffed 24 hours a day (just on-call). Will let you know...
Thursday, May 01, 2008
Private Bloggers
For those of my friends who are private bloggers and are not listed on my sidebar and are wondering why I haven't visited your blog lately, I can't. As most of you know, my laptop died a couple weeks ago and so now I have to use Brandon's PC in the non-babyproof basement whenever I have a moment (that Brandon isn't already on the computer). All of the links to my friends and relatives private blogs were saved under Favorites on my laptop and I don't have them anywhere else. If you want me to keep up with your blog, please email me the link to your page.
Thank you.
And as an added note, I have a policy of never letting my yahoo inbox have more than 100 messages in it. Due to my now limited computer time for responding to emails, etc. it is now close to 300 and making me freak out a little. If you haven't heard from me in awhile or much, you know why. I've got to clean out that darned inbox for my own personal neurotic sanity!!
Thank you.
And as an added note, I have a policy of never letting my yahoo inbox have more than 100 messages in it. Due to my now limited computer time for responding to emails, etc. it is now close to 300 and making me freak out a little. If you haven't heard from me in awhile or much, you know why. I've got to clean out that darned inbox for my own personal neurotic sanity!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)