We were so excited to celebrate Jacob’s very first Christmas this year! We woke up and opened some presents together in the morning, and then welcomed Grandma Jan, Grandpa Larry, Aunt Liz and Uncle EA over for more presents. We were joined by the Lloyds, including cousin Ben who was visiting from Hawaii! What a treat it was to visit and enjoy the day with everyone.

We then went over to Grandma Sara and Grandpa Steve’s for lunch and presents with the Skolnicks (Ben, Ashley and Aaron) and the Grubber-Johnson clan. There are more and more babies every time we get together. The kids all had a blast as did the adults watching them tear into gifts and play games with each other.

The evening had us traveling over to Uncle Ed and Aunt Oagle’s house in Terrace Park for the Annett Christmas. There we saw all the cousins and spouces, as well as Nanie! This is Nanie’s 90th Christmas which was very special for all of us.

We feel so blessed to be surrounded by such wonderful family that Jake will grow with and learn from. We love you all!

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Kristen is away at training for her job this week and Jake and I are having a blast. Guys Week has included staying up late, eating Skyline and Larosas every night, and staying in our PJs all day. (Kristen, only some of these are true). He is having fun with me, but misses his mommy too. Here is a video of him grabbing her face on the screen while we Skyped last night:

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Our good friends and toy/clothing Angels, the Maneys, gave Jacob a bouncy chair that they dubbed “Baby Vegas”. After seeing Jacob play in it for a while, I must say it is a perfect name.
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Jake was super excited to dress up and partake in his first Halloween today. (Well, his parents were, and he seemed to be ok with it too). Jake was dressed as Yoda, the great Jedi Master, and willed himself into a candy bath. The costume lasted all of about 10 minutes before the great master started voicing his great displeasure. It was a blast though, and the neighborhood kids and parents enjoyed saying hello.

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Jake was super excited to take his first trip to the Zoo. We got some memberships a few weeks ago, but Kristen said we had to all go together for his first trip… or else!  🙂

We finally got a free day on Saturday October 30 and joined the crowd of costumed kids. Jake did really well as his mommy carried him around to see the animals. Some of his favorites were the Giraffe, Elephants, Monkeys and of course the CHEETAH! Seriously, the Cheetah show was pretty amazing. They actually let them run… just breath taking to see in person.

We were so excited to have Emily join us for the day. Jake loves his Aunt Em! She is taking classes at the Zoo now, so we got lots of great facts and info on the animals. She also knew her way around which was a big bonus.

I finally got to use my new camera lens… hope you enjoy the pics!

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Kristen was getting a touch of cabin fever, so she and her mom took Jake to the Cincinnati Art Museum today. They had lunch in the cafe, walked around the grounds and took in the various works. I am told that Jacob is a fan of modern art!

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Reading and Smiling are the new skills of the day for young Jacob. He is very smiley with his mommy, especially after eating. He has started to make lots of little noises and coos as well… daddy thinks he will be a tenor! He really loves reading with his parents, and has taken a special interest in the book, “Black on White” which is a book of shapes in the highest contrast which he sees well right now.

Today, he embarked on his first visit to Cincinnati company Kroger. I know… people say there are cheaper places to shop, but Jake wants to support the home town companies!

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Jake is officially 8 weeks old today. It is amazing to think back over those weeks to all that has happened and how much he has grown! Since our last post, Jake has gotten to meet more of both sides of his family. The Annetts and Lloyds all gathered in Hyde Park for a cook out. Nannie, cousins and Aunts and Uncles got to hang with Jacob.

We also made visits to the Knox and JP Morgan staff and have been welcoming friends and family from Cincy and out of town. Jacob seems to be very happy when people are over… usually never cries of fusses. He is a real people person. Here are some shots of him with visitors and at the family gathering.

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Jacob got to hang out with lots of Doctors today… in a good way of course. First, he had his one month doctor visit to his Pediatrician, Dr. Hickey. Jake weighed in at 7lbs 6oz at his one week apointment so we were excited to see how he was doing now. We were all shocked though when we saw the scale say 9lbs 13oz!!! The kid sure is eating and doing very well. He also grew an inch and is great shape all around. He did have to get a shot… still doesn’t like those all that much. But he shook it off like a champ and was smiling again in no time. What a great little guy he is.

That evening, Dr. Mike and Lynn McClellan came to visit. Not only did they visit, but they got to feed Jacob too. Mike and Lynn showed they still have skills as he ate the entire bottle without a lot of fuss. Those two are always teaching us!

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Jacob was excited to get out and see his Grandparents so we went to Hyde Park for a cookout followed by a walk to the square. It was the evening of the Hyde Park Blast, so the square was packed. We ran into Aunt Lizzie while we were there with some of her friends. Jacob also got his first Graeter’s experience. No, no… don’t worry, we didn’t give him any, but he did take in the aromas.

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