This blog was intended to be where I would keep track of Lucas' first year and then publish it later. Particularly his 52 photo series- one photo per week. Well... needless to say, I fell behind!
But hey, check out this video I made! The upload quality diminished the actual video, so the sound is a bit off... but only in a couple places. It should still be enjoyable. :)
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Sunday, January 16, 2011
follow me
on twitter! @HJaeMama to stay up to date with what is going on in the world and links to my blog site(s) in development.
<3
<3
Thursday, September 30, 2010
vacancy
this blog is stagnant!
it has been many, many, MANY moons since i've found myself in the place i'm sitting at the moment: alone, with myself and my laptop, at Flying M downtown. Oh, it feels Divine, and I still have over an hour and a half til I am set to return home.
this in part, is why I have not been writing much. secondly, i've had such a full summer its been difficult just to keep up with the laundry, no less, my son's blog. lastly, i think this layout/design is lame! i don't really like it, therefore, i've been less than inspired to update the info here.
i have had a million ideas for what to write however. but i think its just now finding a way to get out of my body and out into the formless form, la internet. however, i don't know that this site, is where i will continue posting all of these ideas. because of said design, and because of the transformation my perspective has taken.
i'd like to let all FIVE of you who follow this blog, know of my personal semi-revolutionary blog in the process of being revolutionized. jaemama.wordpress.com On this new page, i look forward to posting my perspectives that affect a greater mass: women's health & wellness and my never ending quest for peace and higher-consciousness. i invite you to start following and share with me your comments and insights.
although, this will still be my semi-cheesy "look what my son's been up to" page, it'll be fabulous too so i hope you continue to enjoy it.
PS.
on my new blog, i plan on using proper grammar in regards to capitalization. Peachy!
it has been many, many, MANY moons since i've found myself in the place i'm sitting at the moment: alone, with myself and my laptop, at Flying M downtown. Oh, it feels Divine, and I still have over an hour and a half til I am set to return home.
this in part, is why I have not been writing much. secondly, i've had such a full summer its been difficult just to keep up with the laundry, no less, my son's blog. lastly, i think this layout/design is lame! i don't really like it, therefore, i've been less than inspired to update the info here.
i have had a million ideas for what to write however. but i think its just now finding a way to get out of my body and out into the formless form, la internet. however, i don't know that this site, is where i will continue posting all of these ideas. because of said design, and because of the transformation my perspective has taken.
i'd like to let all FIVE of you who follow this blog, know of my personal semi-revolutionary blog in the process of being revolutionized. jaemama.wordpress.com On this new page, i look forward to posting my perspectives that affect a greater mass: women's health & wellness and my never ending quest for peace and higher-consciousness. i invite you to start following and share with me your comments and insights.
although, this will still be my semi-cheesy "look what my son's been up to" page, it'll be fabulous too so i hope you continue to enjoy it.
PS.
on my new blog, i plan on using proper grammar in regards to capitalization. Peachy!
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Lucas ??/52
Yeah, I am definitely behind on my photo series for this blog: Lucas 52, which includes a photo of him per week over the first year of his life.
I, we, have been really busy enjoying life and also experiencing major transformations within my family.
This photo was taken on a patch of grass that has had family photos taken over the last 50 years. It was my Grandma Hazel's home in Gooding and is now seemingly becoming dust in the wind.
All creation is eventually destroyed, and in its wake, new life sprouts. It is not an easy, but it is the human experience.
I don't want to ramble on about that, but I will say that eventually I do hope to get caught up on Lucas' photo blog.
I have had some inspiration for this blog as of late, but we'll see how that fruit comes to be. I may start a new blog completely out of what has been borne out of my own motherhood which feels of service more than my excited ramblings over lucas' milestones. AH, just as I typed it I thought- NO WAY! This is where I will post fond memories made and milestones crossed. I do have some catching up to do!!
As of today Lucas has:
gone on his first road trip. (Pics to be posted)
gone swimming multiple times.
been working on sprouting teeth for a couple months.
started sitting by himself and getting up onto his hands and knees.
More to come!
I, we, have been really busy enjoying life and also experiencing major transformations within my family.
This photo was taken on a patch of grass that has had family photos taken over the last 50 years. It was my Grandma Hazel's home in Gooding and is now seemingly becoming dust in the wind.
All creation is eventually destroyed, and in its wake, new life sprouts. It is not an easy, but it is the human experience.
I don't want to ramble on about that, but I will say that eventually I do hope to get caught up on Lucas' photo blog.
I have had some inspiration for this blog as of late, but we'll see how that fruit comes to be. I may start a new blog completely out of what has been borne out of my own motherhood which feels of service more than my excited ramblings over lucas' milestones. AH, just as I typed it I thought- NO WAY! This is where I will post fond memories made and milestones crossed. I do have some catching up to do!!
As of today Lucas has:
gone on his first road trip. (Pics to be posted)
gone swimming multiple times.
been working on sprouting teeth for a couple months.
started sitting by himself and getting up onto his hands and knees.
More to come!
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Monday, May 17, 2010
the little boy peeking through
16/52
His eyes are changing from the deep blue they were as a newborn to a greenish brown, just like his mama and papa. I can see more and more of a little boy coming out of him every day. He's a very determined soul, which leaves him frustrated sometimes, but I think he picked the perfect parents to nurture him along the way.
Much love & Gratitude,
MamaJae
His eyes are changing from the deep blue they were as a newborn to a greenish brown, just like his mama and papa. I can see more and more of a little boy coming out of him every day. He's a very determined soul, which leaves him frustrated sometimes, but I think he picked the perfect parents to nurture him along the way.
Much love & Gratitude,
MamaJae
Thursday, May 6, 2010
I haven't written in a while and I can sum it all up by saying...
OMG, Lucas is learning so much and changing so much every day! I can't keep up with it all on the blog that is for sure. More videos on the way....
It is so much fun. Papa has had some time off in between jobs so we've been enjoying spending quality time together by conversing and playing with him. We are so lucky to have time together. Granted we may not be able to take an elaborate family vacation for awhile. But hey, having time to take walks together and giggle in cuddle puddles... who could ask anything more!?
Much love,
HJae<3
It is so much fun. Papa has had some time off in between jobs so we've been enjoying spending quality time together by conversing and playing with him. We are so lucky to have time together. Granted we may not be able to take an elaborate family vacation for awhile. But hey, having time to take walks together and giggle in cuddle puddles... who could ask anything more!?
Much love,
HJae<3
14/52
Thats him with his best bud, Sally Seahorse. :)
His cute sleeper came from a friend, this was the first time I put him in it and I think it became my favorite!
His cute sleeper came from a friend, this was the first time I put him in it and I think it became my favorite!
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Milestone #2
So, I'd say, milestone #1 was when Lucas rolled from his tummy to his back a couple weeks ago, which I've already written about. It was great to see him do this, and I definitely felt like I contributed since I put him on his tummy in the first place, but I didn't feel like I taught him something. Which I learned last Sunday (April 18th) is like the most gratifying experience as a parent!
In this video you can hear me blowing through loose lips. I don't know why I was inspired to do this a while back, but when I did, he instantly lit up and it was a sure-fire way to get him to show is gorgeously gummy grin.
So last Sunday, we had a beautiful day spent outside walking around, at camel's back park (for our first time!), running into some friends at Java on the way home, and a family nap in the living room. After waking he had a good feeding and was cooing and making cute baby sounds. I did as I always do and mirror his sounds and talk back to him as well (Oh really... Tell me more... And then what...) and then I decided after a moment of silence to do the lip thing. He of course started grinning and then- he put his lips together and hummed as if he was doing it back!!! I couldn't believe it! I did it again, and again, he replied with the same sound. And then again, and again! It happened for 4 or 5 go-rounds. It was the best feeling ever! I felt so amazed at my child and so in love with him. In that moment I knew why some people must have child after child... it is simply amazing to see them develop skills and allow their personality to shine.
Since this amazing breakthrough, we've had these little conversations 3-4 times a day and he almost always does the sound. Sometimes he does it to me without me doing it first. It is sooo amazing and delightful!
He has been smiling back at me when I smile at him for a couple of weeks by now. I didn't realize though that this is maybe a sign of him catching on quickly. I took him to the Doc yesterday and the nurse was amazed by him mimicking her facial expressions. She kept saying "Such a smart baby!" I know, I am probably going to think that since I'm his mother, but a friend of ours was really amazed by this as well.
Either way, I just simply adore my son. He is the greatest!!
Much love,
HJae<3
In this video you can hear me blowing through loose lips. I don't know why I was inspired to do this a while back, but when I did, he instantly lit up and it was a sure-fire way to get him to show is gorgeously gummy grin.
So last Sunday, we had a beautiful day spent outside walking around, at camel's back park (for our first time!), running into some friends at Java on the way home, and a family nap in the living room. After waking he had a good feeding and was cooing and making cute baby sounds. I did as I always do and mirror his sounds and talk back to him as well (Oh really... Tell me more... And then what...) and then I decided after a moment of silence to do the lip thing. He of course started grinning and then- he put his lips together and hummed as if he was doing it back!!! I couldn't believe it! I did it again, and again, he replied with the same sound. And then again, and again! It happened for 4 or 5 go-rounds. It was the best feeling ever! I felt so amazed at my child and so in love with him. In that moment I knew why some people must have child after child... it is simply amazing to see them develop skills and allow their personality to shine.
Since this amazing breakthrough, we've had these little conversations 3-4 times a day and he almost always does the sound. Sometimes he does it to me without me doing it first. It is sooo amazing and delightful!
He has been smiling back at me when I smile at him for a couple of weeks by now. I didn't realize though that this is maybe a sign of him catching on quickly. I took him to the Doc yesterday and the nurse was amazed by him mimicking her facial expressions. She kept saying "Such a smart baby!" I know, I am probably going to think that since I'm his mother, but a friend of ours was really amazed by this as well.
Either way, I just simply adore my son. He is the greatest!!
Much love,
HJae<3
Thursday, April 22, 2010
i shall name this post- VENT!
*sigh*
i've had enough of my own mind.
i love my mind at the same time, it does great things for me. it helps me dream up great things and then create them. it also has been helpful to lead me to some sort of conclusions regarding my son's GI tract. he's 12 weeks old now, officially 3 months tomorrow!!!, and i am STILL trying to get to the bottom of his gassy tummy. i started out on this voyage 9 weeks ago! we've definitely made progress, yet the issue remains.
and now, my mind, is starting,
to get out of motherFing control!
ha, i'm really not losing it. i just wanted to add some dramatic value to my post. :)
but really, i am starting to get really annoyed with myself!
i've started to worry that lucas has crohn's disease or that his potential food allergies are a sign that autism will leave its mark on our family.
and in addition to those worries, i'll just note briefly that i'm noticing myself worry about everything!
cleanliness, him getting hurt, said health concerns, and my own mothering style/technique at times.
so again... i *sigh*
i was really good during pregnancy. almost all of the information that came my way was fear based. i could look straight in its face and give a good laugh- knowing that i put my faith in nature and the notion that "what will be, will be."
but not now.
i worry.
it has yet to keep me up at night, but i'm sure it will.
i see every thing that comes out of my son as a potential for something to be wrong with him. (ok, i'm exaggerating but it has its merits.)
i just need to write this out for myself, even though i don't fully embody it at the moment:
Lucas is OK. If he has Crohn's disease or is autistic it will present itself to you in Gods time. You can do nothing to prevent these things. Trust in your heart that you are given the circumstances in life that you need to manifest your vision and purpose in life. All is full of Love.
ahh, i do feel a bit better now.
thank you.
HJae<3
i've had enough of my own mind.
i love my mind at the same time, it does great things for me. it helps me dream up great things and then create them. it also has been helpful to lead me to some sort of conclusions regarding my son's GI tract. he's 12 weeks old now, officially 3 months tomorrow!!!, and i am STILL trying to get to the bottom of his gassy tummy. i started out on this voyage 9 weeks ago! we've definitely made progress, yet the issue remains.
and now, my mind, is starting,
to get out of motherFing control!
ha, i'm really not losing it. i just wanted to add some dramatic value to my post. :)
but really, i am starting to get really annoyed with myself!
i've started to worry that lucas has crohn's disease or that his potential food allergies are a sign that autism will leave its mark on our family.
and in addition to those worries, i'll just note briefly that i'm noticing myself worry about everything!
cleanliness, him getting hurt, said health concerns, and my own mothering style/technique at times.
so again... i *sigh*
i was really good during pregnancy. almost all of the information that came my way was fear based. i could look straight in its face and give a good laugh- knowing that i put my faith in nature and the notion that "what will be, will be."
but not now.
i worry.
it has yet to keep me up at night, but i'm sure it will.
i see every thing that comes out of my son as a potential for something to be wrong with him. (ok, i'm exaggerating but it has its merits.)
i just need to write this out for myself, even though i don't fully embody it at the moment:
Lucas is OK. If he has Crohn's disease or is autistic it will present itself to you in Gods time. You can do nothing to prevent these things. Trust in your heart that you are given the circumstances in life that you need to manifest your vision and purpose in life. All is full of Love.
ahh, i do feel a bit better now.
thank you.
HJae<3
Monday, April 19, 2010
11 & 12 of 52.
Sheesh, it doesn't take much to get behind in the photo a week blog. And by not much I mean consistent messages via my laptop informing me: "Your startup disk is nearly full." I really hate when that happens, mostly because I'm lazy when it comes to organizing files on my laptop as well as backing them up. But I am determined to get better. Lucas is helping me. Its amazing how much work kids are, yet how much they motivate you to get done in addition to their needs. I'm finding myself more motivated and inspired than I have been in a long time.
Well, before I get too off course, here are weeks 11 & 12 for the Lucas 52 photo blog series. Yes, that right, 12 weeks! It has brought so many joys. I will post another blog very soon sharing all of the new milestones and happiness we've been experiencing together. In short, I absolutely freaking love being a Mom and my son. I can't believe how much love there is in the world. Being a parent is Gods way of allowing us to understand our heart's infinite ability to love, I am convinced.
Oh yeah, not getting distracted... back to posting photos!
This is Lucas and his cousin Zackary at their great grandparents house for Lucas' first Easter Egg Hunt. His cousins Ella and Hayley were also there and they all helped Lucas out and found eggs for him too.
Lucas had a big weekend the weekend of his 12 week birthday anniversary. We went to Saturday market for the first time, had lunch at pollo rey (our first public dining experience), a potluck/going away party at Teo's where Lucas was the main attraction (minus Teo of course), and the next day- his first trip to Camel's back park. I love this photo, Lucas was having tummy time on Daddy's belly and was having fun rolling around. :)
Well, before I get too off course, here are weeks 11 & 12 for the Lucas 52 photo blog series. Yes, that right, 12 weeks! It has brought so many joys. I will post another blog very soon sharing all of the new milestones and happiness we've been experiencing together. In short, I absolutely freaking love being a Mom and my son. I can't believe how much love there is in the world. Being a parent is Gods way of allowing us to understand our heart's infinite ability to love, I am convinced.
Oh yeah, not getting distracted... back to posting photos!
This is Lucas and his cousin Zackary at their great grandparents house for Lucas' first Easter Egg Hunt. His cousins Ella and Hayley were also there and they all helped Lucas out and found eggs for him too.
Lucas had a big weekend the weekend of his 12 week birthday anniversary. We went to Saturday market for the first time, had lunch at pollo rey (our first public dining experience), a potluck/going away party at Teo's where Lucas was the main attraction (minus Teo of course), and the next day- his first trip to Camel's back park. I love this photo, Lucas was having tummy time on Daddy's belly and was having fun rolling around. :)
More to come...
Much love from Mama Heidi Jae<3
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Tummy Time Pays Off
So, in one week of tummy play time, he's already rolled over! Yesterday marks the first day that he rolled from his tummy to his back. My kiddo... he's so determined and so healthy! Last week he rolled from his tummy to his back as well, but I'm not counting it since it was with the help of his boppy (tummy pillow). In addition, while he was on his boppy, in full tummy mode, he "scooted" up and over it from pushing with his legs. Yeah, I know, I'm bragging a bit here. :)
Y'know, I have full right to though, he just may start crawling next week... ;)
Y'know, I have full right to though, he just may start crawling next week... ;)
Lucas 10/52
Wow, 10 weeks now. We're in the double digits! So, at Lucas' 2 month check, he could hold his head up the "normal" 45 degrees for a 2 month old plus some, but I realized that I haven't been giving him enough tummy time. That coupled with reading an article in the Hedra (a local health publication) from a physical therapist which stated that developing muscle and body coordination is fundamental to brain development and should be nurtured more than say, using a mobil over the crib. So Lucas' 9-10th week included a lot of TUMMY TIME! Here's some proof:
with some well deserved breaks thrown in there as well:
In other news, Lucas is in the 90th &95th percentile for his height and weight. Typically an infant takes 4 months to double their birth weight but not my son, he did it in 2! He's already weighing 15 pounds now. I think a good portion of which is tucked into his cheeks. They are the cutest!
Lucas is also smiling often through out the day. It is so great. He's also talking to us more and connecting with what is surrounding him. In fact, his naps in the afternoon have dwindled quite a bit because he wants to stay up to see what is going on. He had a hard time falling asleep before, and even now, he fights his own fatigue, but at least he seems to enjoy the process a little bit more.
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Mama Love + Lucas 8/52 Photo
Part of what makes some moments so special is that you can't capture them on film, but it sure is great when you can have your cake and eat it too! I love this photo that Himay took of Lucas and I after a feeding. Ahh... <3
There are so many sweet little moments that I would love to capture and keep for my life. I can't believe how fast the last 8 weeks have gone. Of course, in some ways it feels longer and others, like it was yesterday.
Things are finally finding a rhythm in our household, which is allowing all of us to enjoy our time more. Lucas is just so damn precious! Its funny how in some moments when he is being very out SPOOOOOKEN I can be thinking about how much I just want a break and to do something "normal" that I used to. But when it comes down to it, I can't be away from this little guy!
Today I had a 2 hour time commitment to talk about massage with a group of doulas at Treasure Valley Midwives. I made sure that we had enough pumped milk and "coached" Himay on how to do it, (although he already knew). I had to be there at 11 so I woke up early enough to take care of myself and feed him. But he was sleepy and didn't want to eat when I had the time to feed him so I decided to pump. Himay and I were talking and then I started talking about how I was having a hard time even though it was only a couple hours. I totally started crying! I was sad that he was going to wake up without me there and vise versa. For eight weeks, I have been there to say good morning when he finally arises and been available to breast feed him.
I couldn't help but feel silly for crying but it was great to feel just how deeply I have bonded with him. He is so beautiful and I love him so much! Returning to work is going to be an interesting endeavor! I'm just so grateful that I work for myself and can be available often. Monday marks the real return to work, as I will be gone for a whopping 4 & 1/2 hours! Eeek!
Oh, the little one is calling for me...
Ah, such love!
<3 HJae
Friday, March 12, 2010
Lucas 7/52
Lucas 7 of 52, My lil' Monkey Man:
This pic was taken with my cell phone so its a bit washed out. Lucas is getting so big, probably close to, if not already, 13 pounds. He is leaning on the couch here, can't sit up quite yet but he is developing strength in his neck very well. He can hold up his head for quite some time already!
This week it seems as though we've turned a bit of a corner with the affairs of his tummy. After a bit of research online drjacknewman.com I think he may have been having some hunger issues. Its not that I haven't been feeding him enough, its that he hadn't been getting enough "hindmilk" which has a higher fat content. It helps a baby feel satiated, and also helps digestion. Foremilk has more sugar in it which, if not in balance with hindmilk, can overload the small intestines in the digestion process.
With that newfound information, I've been feeling a bit like a milking cow. But its been great too. I feel more connected to him, am enjoying the quite "little" moments between us, and he seems to feel more content too.
I've been plotting my way back to work and with the closeness found between us in the last week, I wish I could find a way to stay at home all the time. I love my job though, its more than a job and is my creative outlet. I look forward to going back, but as Himay says, there is no "going back" to anything now. Its about creating it all over again. I'll be working less and have a new vision. I'm excited.
~HJae<3
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Lucas 6/52
I have yet to write a blog dedicated to my sweet lover and Lucas' proud papa but man he deserves it. I am so thankful for his support and how available his heart is for both Lucas and I. As I mentioned before in my Mommy Meldowns R Us blog, I enlisted the help of Dunstan Baby language and qued the "Happiest Baby on the Block" DVD for techniques to communicate and calm our baby.
I highly recommend both and think they are very complimentary as Dunstan language helps you understand what your baby is asking for and the Happiest Baby techniques help soothe a baby when they've gotten themselves in "freak-out" mode. Dunstan is particularly helpful for partners because you can have a back-up ear and there is no room for debate about what the baby needs and what should be done about it.
In adopting these techniques, it has given Himay an ability to calm and connect with Lucas that seemed a bit evasive before. This has helped me get more "me" time and 2 nights of the best sleep I've gotten since Lucas was born 6 weeks ago.
So here it is, Lucas 6 of the Lucas 52 photo series, Papa changing Lucas' diaper:
and a runner up because I like it for its "artsy" quality:
This is James doing the Swaddle/Side position/"Shushing" techniques from "The Happiest Baby" DVD. Its freaking amazing how well it works! Although, I must admit, Papa is much better at it than I am. Yet another reason to say: THANK YOU HIMAY! I love you!
HJae<3
Happy Baby = Happy Mom
Man, what a difference a smile makes! This pic was nabbed a few days ago. A day that involved hours of fussiness, tears, and my least favorite: screams from gas pain. I have yet to say that Lucas has colic, because I want to refuse to believe it but in truth, I do think there is a high possibility that he is one of the unlucky 20% of babies who get the condition.
The term "colic" gets thrown out there for fussy babies way too often. I believe the diagnosing factors are if a baby cries for 3 or more hours, for 3 or more days a week, for up to 3 months. Well, in the past few weeks we definitely have at least 2 days when he cries and screams from stomach pain almost all day long.
I've done everything within my ability to help him but nothing seems to work and it definitely has to do with his intestines ability to digest food. I guess colicky babies have muscle spasms that affect the digestive system.
Anyway, I could go on talking about colic. Its rather interesting, especially social implications of the condition, but I will refrain as I only have a few spare moments and its not the intention of this blog.
So, last week I'd been complaining because Lucas doesn't seem to smile much. I know it takes a while for babies to start smiling but it seemed like all of the people we know who have newborns were posting pics of their smiling infants. I was jealous! I have been putting in long hard hours and our lil' one hadn't been giving us any smile love. It can make me feel like there is no end in sight to this. Like somehow my experience of being a mother is just one day of soothing fussiness over and over; my own "Groundhogs Day" nightmare.
I think it was Wednesday when I kept bringing it up to Himay and Lucas as a sarcastic joke through out the day. This was the day that he was particularly grumpy and fussy too. But then... at the end of the day, Himay went out to Caldwell with his Mom and I was sure that I was going to have to single handedly try to soothe our screaming bundle of love.
But then, as the daylight turned into dusk and Lucas was particularly drawn to our front window I decided to open up my laptop and play with photobooth with him. I had only taken one shot and then *BING* a gorgeous, wide-open smile stretched across his face. I was elated and amazed! I fumbled to try to capture it on the computer, but somehow I managed to get one shot. It was great though, he went through 3 or 4 series of amazed expressions with bright eyes and a beaming grin.
Its cliché but oh so true, those are the moments that make it all worth while!
HJae<3
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