Christmas Photo Shoot

I wanted some fun photos to go on our Christmas card so I posed Jack for a while on November 20th. (We were supposed to get family pictures that Saturday in the same outfit but that's another story.) Since we were busy with extra friends and family in December the Christmas card is what it is, but here are some of the fun photos we took that day.

Cousins

In November and December, Mommy babysat my cousins, John and Therese, from Chicago. Our cousin Shelia helped out too. We had so much fun.
The house will seem too quiet when they leave.

One day, Grammy, Sawyer, and Gavin came down too.
All of the big boys made graham cracker trains. They let me watch. Looks yummy!

Thanksgiving

Mammaw, Pappaw, and Jeremy think I'm pretty cool. I'm wondering if they'll let me run and play with all the kids next year. They looked like they were having so much fun!

Auntie Amber ohhs and ahhs every time she sees me. I just love it!

Fun with Baby

He fills out the bouncy now and loves to make the fish move on his own.

Love the hair! Curls galore and in all directions if we let it air dry.

Daddy & Me

Aunt Jackie saw my cute costume and bought me the stuffed bear.
Mommy saw the cool shirt and bought it for daddy.
The three of us together make quite a Halloween scare.

Monkey Business

On Halloween, Jack was our monkey, and Aaron was the Zookeeper. If you got a good look at Aaron's shirt, you'd find smashed bananas, and the things that look like the result of digested bananas. He couldn't pass it up. Here we are on our way to the Halloween parade in our neighborhood with our neighbors, Autumn, Josha, and Levi, who was an adorable pea-pod. After the parade with all of the big kids, and a neighborhood feast, we ate pizza and watched a scary movie our next door neighbors. The babies mostly slept and the mommies and daddies enjoyed some grown up time.

Smiles

On Saturday, while they were changing me, mommy and daddy did the funniest thing. Daddy sang, "Do Your Ears Hang Low?" while mommy mouthed the words to the song. It was funny to hear daddy's voice coming from mommy. I wish I knew how they did it, but I smiled and laughed every time they did.

On the day we went to the Cider Mill, mommy and daddy put me in this cool costume again. I fill it out a lot better now! You'll have to check me out wearing this outfit earlier in this blog. I was only a few days old when the took that picture. Mommy says I do a great job eating!

My First Trip to the Plymouth Cider Mill

Mommy and Daddy bundled me up on Monday, October 12 and put me in the car. After a long car ride, Daddy got his favorite cider mill donuts and a cider slushy that gave him brain freeze every time he took a drink. He loved it!

I got to take my picture inside an apple, next to a covered wagon, and by some pumpkins. Then we had to leave because they thought it was too cold for me. They said that next year I got to eat the yummy donuts too. I can't wait!!!!

Bath Time

My first real bath with mommy & daddy (September 19)

Mommy's favorite bath time picture

Grandparents- Wrapped Around My Finger

Grammy and me when I was still brand new

Pappa & me after my dedication getting in a good nap!

Grandma Bonnie & Grandpa Jack with me at the hospital

Grandma Jamie & Grandpa Dave with me at home

Great Uncle Carl -the bonus grandpa

Smiles, Coos, & Giggles

I smile all the time but mom thinks my first "real" smile came the day after I was 3 weeks old. (Silly mommy - if she could know how good it feels to pass gas she'd smile too!)

I had my first giggle one week later and coo sometimes too. I really like my changing table (just after they finish the diaper part). There's so much to see! I make my best coos and giggles there.

Mommy has tried several times to catch my giggles and smiles on camera but I'm too tricky for her. Someday soon she'll catch me if she keeps practicing. When she does she'll show you how beautiful my smiles are!

Busy Weekends

The past two weekends have been very busy in the Shepherd house.

On Friday, September 25, Aaron's family threw us the most beautiful baby shower for Jack. He got to see everyone, but only people who washed their hands got to hold him. (I'm definitely a first-time mom and I'm going to use that as my excuse to be protective!)


On Sunday, September 27, Jack Aaron Roe Shepherd was dedicated to the Lord before his family and friends at our church. I'm sure I'll need to relive that moment over the years to remind myself that he does not belong to me but is a gift for Aaron and I to care for and be a part of.

On Friday, October 2, Aaron and I went out to dinner and a movie for my birthday and Grandma Bonnie and Grandpa Jack stayed with little Jack. We felt incredibly guilty for leaving him but enjoyed eating a meal slowly for the first time in weeks. When we got home, I went into his room where he was fussing in his crib. I put his pacifier in for him and talked to him a little (because I couldn't help myself) and he broke out in the biggest smile! (not typical for that time of night!) Jack gave his mommy the perfect birthday present.


On Saturday, October 3, we took our first trip to the Franklin Cider Mill. It was rainy and he slept so we got our goodies and headed home. We'll take pictures next time. :)
We did, however, put on our new Michigan onesie and take pictures with our little friend next door. Levi was born 3 weeks after Jack and is a Sparty so pictures were a must.

Funny Faces

Those grown-ups are always making funny faces at me!

The Great Escape

The hospital, doctors, and even the books told mommy and daddy to swaddle me. Truth be told, I sleep better if I'm swaddled. It is fun however...

to show them my Houdini-like escape skills. Once mommy stayed to watch as a slowly wiggled my arm, up until I could get it out. Sometimes the blanket is completely open. I like to keep them on their toes.

My First Few Days

We have been busy getting to know each other. I'm eating like a pro and the doctor said I weighed 7 lbs 9.5 oz at my 2 week visit and was 21.5 inches long.

I have had so many visitors, in the hospital and at home. Lots of people brought mommy and daddy delicious dinners so they didn't have to cook and could spend all of their time with me. Thanks! They were still delicious by the time I got them!

The Childs Family

With Ben, Laurie, & Seth living in China; Mark, Jackie, John, and Therese living in Illinois, and a 2 day old Jack, we decided that since we were all in one place for a few more hours, a picture was necessary. Also in the picture are Bonnie, Jack, Grandpa Childs, Amy, and Aaron. Until next summer....

Birth Day

In the morning on August 26, 2009, mommy's "water" broke and she knew I was on my way. After a long day at the hospital mommy and daddy saw my face at 10:52 p.m. They told me I arrived just in time to be born on my great-grandpa, Arlie Roe's, 100th birthday. (That's why I have Roe as one of my middle names). I weighed 7 lbs (actually 6 lbs 15.6 oz) and was 20.5 inches long.
At first everyone was surprised that I didn't scream, I just grunted and blew bubbles. They even had the special nursery workers visit me to hear my grunts and whimpers. Mommy says I still grunt and whimper long before I'll cry. After 20 minutes they brought me back to mommy and daddy saying my lungs were just fine. Both mommy and daddy have heard my loud cries by now and there is no question about it. My lungs are just fine. Mommy thinks I might even be a singer someday because some of my cries are like the notes in a chord. She's impressed that I can stay in key.

Going to the Doctors

Today is my 36 week appointment. Less than 4 weeks until the big day - according to the calendar. The nursery is set up and beautiful! Just a chair to assemble, some pictures to hang, and something to find to decorate the door, and of course a baby to add.