Happy holidays everyone -
Well, we have just endured our first snowstorm of the year - and it was a record for 24 hour accumulation... 24 inches in 24 hours. Jody spent the better part of 3 days plowing and Jace tasted his first snowflakes. Buddy dog just ran around and tried to find all of his toys that he left in the yard before the snow fell. We put up our Christmas tree and, surprisingly, Jace has not pulled it down. He actually ignored it for the first week and now he lightly touches the branches and the soft stuffed ornaments that we put down at his level. We thought that he would be hanging from the limbs by now. Jace isn't quite walking yet but he shows off by standing on his own for up to 10 seconds and he is doing a bit of furniture walking. He runs his little shopping cart all over the house and now thinks it is pretty funny to run it into the tree. He makes us laugh constantly and we just can't imagine a single day without him.

Love to you all - wish we could see all of you over this holiday time,
Jen, Jody, and Jace

Well, you haven't heard from us in awhile, but we are doing well. Jace has been going through his run of "daycare colds" and got his first ear infection. Fun for mom and dad. He still continues to be an absolute joy and makes us laugh everyday. What did we ever do before he came along? Here are a couple of pictures from October... the top two are of Jace on his first Halloween as a bumblebee. In Coeur d'Alene, all of the downtown merchants sponsor trick or treating. He was sweet and donated all of his candy to momma and papa. The picture on the right is with our neighbors Kelsie and Nathan. The bottom left picture is from our trip to Greenbluff - a great agriculture area about an hour away that has pumpkins, corn mazes, caramel apples, pick your own fruit and vegies. The bottom right picture is from a visit from Jody's folks. Jace had a great time taking walks with Grandpa Rick. We hope you are all doing well, we love and miss you all! Jen, Jody, and Jace

September Catch-up

Well it has been awhile since we last posted to Jace's site. Grandpa Dennis and Grandma Cynthia came up to visit and attend Jen's 40th B-Day party. The following action shots were taken by Grandpa and Grandma. The boy is now 7 1/2 months old, crawling like crazy and into everything! Enjoy!

what's new...

Well, it's been a long time since we checked in. Jace is absolutely growing like a weed and learning new things on a daily basis. We spend most of our time just watching him and laughing. He spends most of his time smiling and cooing and is really only fussy when he is hungry or sleepy. He absolutely lights up our lives and we have no idea what life was like before him (besides well rested!). So many things have happened to tell you about. He started daycare which is going surprisingly well (even for Mom). The teachers at his daycare are wonderful and Jace is spending lots of time with new people and new kid friends and is becoming well socialized. Everyone at the center loves to visit the new baby (especially the 2 year old little girls - it is in their genes!). Right now there is only one other baby, Ethan, in his class and the other day when Mom went to visit, they were sitting across from each other having some sort of baby gibberish conversation and just giggling at each other. Very, very cute. Of course, the same afternoon they went for a buggy ride outside and the teacher couldn't figure out why they were being fussy until she peaked in and saw that they were pinching each other's arms and unwilling to let go. Boys will be boys.

Jace has been blowing bubbles like crazy, grabbing everything within reach, and trying very hard to get anything and everything into his mouth. He is somewhat successful but it sure keeps him busy trying. Lately he has been sticking out his little tongue nonstop - it is very pointy and he makes funny faces. He is learning how to activate some toys that require his motion to operate (i.e. he must kick a footplate to get the buttons to light up). He is starting to take interest in books and is working hard at sitting up. He tries to push himself along during tummy time and mostly gets frustrated because he just ends up digging his forehead into the ground. He loves to eat breakfast and take baths in the big bathtub with his dad (Papa). Speaking of bathtime, this week he found the fun in splashing and managed to splash water over everyone, including his mom who was sitting outside of the tub!

We went for our 4 month check up this week. It seems that we have given birth to one little chunky monkey. He measured 26.75 inches (95th %!), 17 lbs 2 ounces (85th %!). This kid will be bigger than mom and dad by the time he is in 3rd grade at this rate. He had a round of shots and tolerated them incredibly well.

We love you all and can't wait to see you. You will be surprised by how our little guy has grown and developed.

Love,
Jen, Jody, Jace

Jace's new puppy

This is Jace's new puppy, Buddy. We just adopted him after my Uncle Lane and cousin Montie found him lost and wandering. He is a very good dog and although we don't know his exact age, we guess that he is probably between 8-12 months old. He has plenty of puppy in him and loves to run around our property. He will be a great farm dog. He stays very close and doesn't try and run away. We know that Jace will have many adventures with his puppy in the years to come!

Jace's first road trip

Jace made his first road trip to Great Falls, Montana on May 16 to attend his cousin Luca's wedding and to meet his great grandparents and many other family members. The trip took a little longer than normal (7 hours compared to a normal 5 1/2) because of food and crying stops but Jace was able to take a few short naps along the way. In addition to his first long drive, Jace also stayed in his first hotel and did very well. Great Grandma (Amy) and Grandpa (Pete) Zahara were very happy to meet their 14th great grandchild and Grandma Pauline and Grandpa Rick were happy to see their newest (4th) grandchild. All in all it was a great trip.

Jace's week

Jace had many new accomplishments this week - he is really changing on a daily basis! We took our first walk with the big jogger stroller around our property and down to the lake. The "town" stroller doesn't work so well where we live because of bumpy gravel roads and the big jogger stroller has large wheels but is not supportive enough for him at this age. We were able to find an insert that would support his head and trunk in the jogger stroller so that he fit in it and didn't fall out. He really likes being outside in the stroller and fell asleep on both of our walks. Mommy is happy because she likes taking walks with him. Jace fell asleep on 2 different car trips to town. I realize that doesn't sound like a big deal but as most of you know, Jace is not a fan of his car seat or taking car trips, so this really was quite an event in our household. We'll see if it sticks. Friday morning after he woke up at 5:30am he laid in his bassinette and babbled nonstop to himself for about 45 minutes. Mom and dad just sat in their bed and listened and laughed. It was absolutely the cutest thing you could ever hear! He was telling quite a story. I wish we could have tape recorded it but it will stick in our minds forever. He is melting our hearts daily with many many smiles and babbles. He is really changing from a newborn to an amazing baby. You will all be shocked the next time you see him!

These attached pictures and video don't really have to do with anything, just Jace and his dad having fun together.

Love you all!
Jen

Another Bouncy Chair Greatest Hit

The little guys smile is infectious I swear.........

Jace watching mobile

Jace loves to lay in his crib and watch his mobile (he doesn't sleep in his crib, just likes to play there!). He smiles and kicks his legs like crazy. We tried to capture a little clip of him watching. Enjoy!

Jace's First Video Clips

We ended up buying a web cam yesterday. Here is a video clip of the little guy doing his thing in his bouncy chair. We can also live chat and share live video of the little guy! Give us a call and we can give you instructions.

worked so hard

Jace is working so hard on his tummy time and holding his head up (which isn't that easy when you have a head as big as his!). As you can see, he worked so hard that he totally tuckered himself out. He will have many new things to show you all when he sees you again. He is growing up so fast!

Love,
Jen, Jody, Jace

this week at a glance with a doctor visit

Here are a few pictures from this week from some playtime, bathtime, and tummytime. Jace had his 2 month check up at the doctor this week. He weighed in at 13 pounds 4 ounces and is 24 inches in length - these are both 80 percentile. He got his shots which wasn't so fun. He was pretty fussy the night of and pretty sleepy the next morning. We still haven't been able to enjoy much spring weather yet, so not many fun walks outdoors. We look forward to that. Jace is smiling alot and making little coos and gurgles which absolutely melts his mom and dad's hearts. He isn't sleeping through the night yet but consistently sleeps about 4-5 hours the first half and then a 3 hour stint after eating. Mom and dad seem to be dealing ok with those hours and don't really remember 8 hours of sleep anymore anyway. He actually spent the whole night in his bassinette on Wednesday night which is a first for him (he likes to sleep in the king sized bed with mom and dad :) ). We miss you all!
Jen, Jody, Jace

big boy bath

Jace has been having fun in the big bath with his dad. He likes the big bathtub much better than his little baby tub because he stays much warmer and can float and kick around. He used to cry nonstop in the baby tub and hasn't cried at all the last two times he has been in the big tub (except when he has to get out!). He is turning into a little water baby after all (of course he is a Pisces!). We love and miss you all -
Jen, Jody, and Jace

Grandma's First Post

You are such a good boy while Grandma is visiting. You laughed and cried some but no matter what you are so cute!
I am so glad I came to visit. I wish I could have come visit you sooner but I am here now and I am loving it.
Love you so much, Grandma Pauline

A happy day with grandma Pauline

So today was a good day for grandma Pauline. Jen and Grandma went to Best Buy, Radio Shack and Target. Jace blew a gasket in Target and Fashion Bug opting for NAPA instead (just kidding). While Grandma was in the Dress Barn trying on clothes Jace was in the back seat of the Toyota eating drive through from "Mammary King" for his afternoon feeding. Then it was off to Albertson's to pick-up some big people food! Jace was a pillar of excellent behavior during the rest of today's outing.

At the time of this writing the little guy is in his pouch and South Park is playing on the idiot box. All is well. It just doesn't get any better than this!!

Pauline, Jody, Jace and Momma Jen!

Winter/Spring day

March 27 and 28th I spent with you, Jace. We cooked elk steak and asparagus and changed a lot of diapers. I have never seen anyone Eat and Eat and Eat like you did. Your Mom IS the greatest provider.
On Friday we went to visit with a likely Child care service for when your Mommie has to go back to her career (other than feeding you every half an hour). I learned from your Daddy on pacifying you with a Pinky when you are upset and wanting your mom to be cuddling you. I was shocked. At first you nearly sucked my finger nail off then nearly bit it off. What a boy you are. I cannot wait until the days we hiking and fishing and camping and I can tease you about so many antics of your toddler days.
Boy did we cook up a storm on Friday, preparing for Grandma Pauline. Then I left to come home in the midst of the worst driving I have experienced in many Winters. But was it ever worth it to be with you for even a few hours. I think your crying is a demand to be heard... love Grandpa

Baby Jace - The Crying Machine!!!

So I decided to test Jace's lungs out last week-end. He was crying like crazy and nothing seemed to satisfy him - not even photos of Miss March's Mammary System! -"Don't Tell Jen"

We went up to the nursery and I laid him in his crib to cry himself to sleep. This was also to give momma Jen a rest as well. I turned on the music and sat in the room by his crib as I waited for the "god of sleep" to descend upon my little boy and quietly carry him away to lalla land! Every 5-10 minutes I would pick him up and try to calm him down before laying him back in his crib.

Yea right, 2 hours later his vocal chords were only getting stronger and I began wondering if Jace was actually auditioning to be the next lead singer for AC/DC? I did notice three hairs in the carpet which had fallen out of my head leaving me now with only four!

The "God of Sleep" never did arrive mostly because Jace was so loud that I am sure it scrambled his navigation equipment. I did hear of a wreck on highway 95 in which somebody fell asleep at the wheel, please don't tell anybody about Jace as Jen and I don't want to be sued!

Jace won the battle! At the end of his vocal session we did have to replace three windows in his room as he is the first male to ever hit the high "C"! As if a switch had been flipped he immediately stopped crying for no reason and was happy? My Sybil theory is back in play!

All in all it was a pretty interesting day - I never thought 10 lbs of screaming baby could take me to the mat? I was wrong!

Just having a little fun - Jace is awesome and I am a very proud papa!!

Jody

All smiles!

Now there is just no way that you can say this is a gas bubble and not a real smile! Come on everyone, let's give him credit for this one! Jace might be smiling because he has a new cousin, Alyssa Oshiro, born 3/17/08 and he is no longer the youngest one in the family. He asks me to pass along that he loves all of his family and wishes that someone would visit him every single day.

Love, Jen

3 weeks old

Today is Jace's 3 week birthday and he is changing every minute. He is alert more often throughout the day and seems to be looking around much more. Some things remain the same - he still hates anything that requires nakedness such as baths, diaper changes, and new outfits. He also continues to dominate his day with feeding, pooping, and sleeping. We are loving watching him change and can hardly believe that just 3 short weeks ago he was wiggling around inside of Jen!

Jen and Jody

A sampling of Jace (a lucky little boy with wonderful parents!)

Let the Patience Begin

So last night was rough one for baby Jace's papa and momma. I am not quite sure how such a little creature can whip up on two fully grown adults and two cats!!

Jace ate about 11:30pm and was fussy until about 3:00pm the next day - he has been sleeping and cuddly since about 3:00pm today systematically erasing all of papa and mamma's grumpiness from last evening!

We sure do love the little guy but man do we have respect for those of you who went through the same thing raising us. You are all saints!

All in all everything is good even though we are missing all the grandma's and grandpa's that helped us out the past 2 weeks.

We will keep you posted on the story of Jace............

Jody and Jen

Playing with my Dad.

Jace's Y Chromosome Donor Ramblings 3/6/08

Well today was sure a busy day for the little guy. Back to pediatrician Rhonda today for the two week oil and lube. Baby Jace weighed in at a hefty 9.6 lbs today about 8 ounces more than his weight last week. His "junk" is healing quite nicely after the removal of his little banana peel - and they say we aren't descendants of monkeys!

This kid is awesome in every way and I feel that I will have to start my career in politics very soon as I have been doing nothing but kissing babies for the last 12 days!!

I couldn't be more proud of momma Jen she is such a good mother - patience of Methuselah and tenderness that would make mother Teresa seem like the grim reaper. I love you honey and thanks for your patience with our son and your husband!

I never realized how happy a child could make a person. The feeling is indescribable for those of you like me almost escaped this life without experiencing this feeling. It is as if everything else is second in this life now to my family. I feel a great calm and inner peace knowing that when I exit this world, baby Jace, my son will be there to keep this little corner of the world bright,sunny and full of life.

Dennis, Cynthia, Patti and Les have been nothing shy of amazing over the past couple of weeks. Gourmet food, kindness, tenderness understanding and great company. Jennifer has an excellent family and I am very happy to be part of it. I truly want all of you to know that the impact of grandparents in my life continues to be a place of center and safe place I can always retreat to when this world kicks my ass! I want you all to always feel welcome in our home for as long and as often as you like! I want Jace to have the same experience and I need you all to teach him the things I cannot or don't know. Thank you all I love all of you - "You Rock"!!!

Many more happy memories...................................

Jody

Grandma Patti and Jace

From grandpa Whitbeck with love baby Jace!!!

Pictures, pictures and more pictures

Friends, Romans and Countrymen Jace now has a complete web album dedicated to preserving his entry into this world. Navigate your way to http://picasaweb.google.com/m900rider and view photos until you puke!!!!

With Love,

Jody

To my Dear Dear Grandson, Jace... Today you are a dozen days living on your own out of your Momma's tummy. And twelve days in a row that I have nothing more on my mind than imagining your wonderful life. You have brought so much love, life and light to Grandpa and Grandma CJ. I am coming to see you in the morning and you will not remember this moment and I will never forget it... nor any other day that I am able to touch you. You are loved!
Grandpa and Grandma Phillips

The most amazing day of my life

I can't believe that I had a role in bringing this perfect little angel into the world. When I look into his eyes I fill up with a love bigger than anything I have ever known. Jace, you are an incredible addition to this family and I already have forgotten what life was like before you came along (well, I do vaguely remember 8 hours of sleep!). I can hardly imagine all of the adventures that we all have in store and we can't wait to show you the world -

Love, Your mom Jen

Jace at the 1A tournament

Jace: uncle Lamont s team took 5 place at the Idaho State Basketball Championships!!!!!

The first moment of reflection

We were at the birth of this magnificent young boy our dear dear Grandchild. We had been in so much anticipation of this great moment and the anxiety of the moments leading to his arrival. When we laid our eyes upon him that first moment it seemed like an emotion We had never felt previously. There he was in his Momma's arms. Momma was glowing, baby Jace was glowing and Daddy was glowing...And we were glowing. This was a moment of huge dimention in our lives. My heart aches with love when we are not holding him. We so love you Baby Jace.

Daddy's Choice Week #1

I would like to thank mom, dad, grandma and grandpa for taking all of those pictures last week! My family is so cool!









I will have dad and mom post more as the weeks roll by! Take Care

Baby Jace