11 Months

I cannot believe it has been almost a year since Jacob came into our lives! What a blessing he has been! Well, Here is the update...
                1) Still crawling like a wild man
                2) Pulls up to stand on everything --- He LOVES to stand
                3) Is walking around furniture and can turn and take one step from the sofa to the coffee table
                4) Will say Dada on command -- Still not sure he knows what it means... No Mama yet : (
                5) Quite talkative and babbles constantly! I cannot wait to be able to understand what he's                                                                    
saying because he sure does have a lot to say!
                6) Is CONSTANTLY moving ... And, I mean CONSTANTLY!
                7) Still sleeps 11- 12 hours at night but we're having trouble getting 2 naps (If it were up to
him he'd take just one)
                8) Stood by himself without holding on to anything today! He lasted about 30 seconds but I was too slow with the camera
                9) He is such a HAPPY baby and is usually smiling and laughing
                10) Has not figured out this "stranger danger" thing -- He will hold his arms out and go to ANYONE!
                11) If you didn't think he looked like Jason to begin with ... Well, He is the spitting image of Jason has been teasing me that we still don't know who his mom is :)
                12) We have been SO lucky and Jacob has been healthy as a horse since we left the NICU, but last week Jacob got his first ear infection! Poor Baby has had a high fever and been tugging at his ears... :(
                13) He LOVES chasing Sam and cackles LOUDLY when he sees him

So, that's about all I can think of! We lost our super duper babysitter who has been taking care of Jacob the last few months, and we are very sad to loose her! But, We are excited that one of the college girls from church will be staying with Jacob this summer. She was actually one of my teacher's aids when I taught at Arlington, and she is a great kid! We are so excited... I am sure they are going to have lots of fun this summer!

Since, I am suppose to be sleeping right now... And, of course I cannot!!! I decided to take some pictures of Jacob in the yard! It is too pretty outside to sleep this day a way! I got some new software to edit pictures but I am not smart enough to use it! I will be tinkering with it and hopefully be able to put out some even better pictures soon! :) I am also wanting to get some pro pics taken for Jacob so we can have them on display at his BIRTHDAY PARTY... I can't believe I'm saying that but I need to get on the ball with that!

There are too many cute party ideas... I CAN'T decide!! I was thinking Owls for awhile -- "Look WHOO'S ONE", but Jason doesn't like that... So, I am thinking elephants or teddy bears or something else sweet --- I figure he can have Airplane, Tractor, BOY themed parties when he's older! I can only do this sweet stuff for a little while!

So here's so here's some pics...

My fav! What a sweet smile!

This was cracking me up! Yes, He is looking UP the tree!

Yes! He thinks he can walk off... And he could if his balance weren't so bad!

And, this! Where's Mommy?

Sweet Boy waiting in the front yard while Mommy waters the tree!

Here and There ... This and That

Since things have been so busy lately I haven't been doing as good with my pictures, but once again ... Thank God for camera phones! Here are some pics of what's been going on!

Not such a good car sleeper anymore, but I caught him!

Jacob and Daddy hanging out while waiting at Red Lobster

Looking like a Big Boy in his hat!

Loving tub time! We do love our bath seat! Thanks for the recommendation, Ladies!

Jacob's best friend... If only Sam felt the same

Jacob with his "crew members"

Stole "E.E." the monkey's paci

Big Boy looking summery

Bath Time in Mimi's Sink

Passed OUT!

Beep.... FedEx

It has been a busy stressful few weeks! Jason has been studying like a mad man and so stressed out! FedEx has a very rigorous 3-day interview process, which Jason started April 12th. The first day consists of 3 written tests- an aviation knowledge test, a psychological evaluation, and another computer test. After Day 1 they call and let you know if you passed the testing portion of the interview and schedule you for Day 2. He went back for Day 2 on Wednesday which consisted of a simulator evaluation, a traditional HR type interview panel, and another aviation panel interview with pilots. Day 2 was a very LONG day and he did not make it home until after 7 pm! However, they called him shortly after getting home to let him know he PASSED and Welcome to FedEx! Day 3 was just a medical evaluation and signing of paperwork! Jason has studied and prepared SO hard for this interview and I am SO PROUD of him! I knew he could do it! We have also spent a lot of time praying about this over the years! Some of you know that flying for FedEx has been a dream of Jason's since he was in high school! (I always knew he'd do it too! :) ) We both believe that God has been in control of this process, and worked out the timing just perfect! We are still praying about the timing of his class, airplane, and base but God is in control!

Anyway.... I am so PROUD of Jason for all of his hard work, and thankful that God has orchestrated the timing of everything!

I snapped a picture with my phone before he left... Doesn't he look sharp?!

Here is a look at some of the airplanes FedEx flys... Jason said he's hoping for a Memphis-based MD-11 First Officer Position... :) We we will see what he gets!

FedEx MD-11 (This picture does not show how BIG this airplane is!)

MD-10 Cockpit -- (I think there basically the same as the MD-11 just a little older)

FedEx 727- This is the smallest plane FedEx flys and Jason could be a
"Second Officer" or Flight Engineer on this airplane

727 Cockpit -- I think some of them look older than this picture...

FedEx Airbus -- This is what his cousin Richard and Uncle Jim fly

Airbus Cockpit

Well, That's enough about FedEx for now! We will keep you all updated as to when he is able to start training on his new airplane, which airplane he will be flying, and where he will be based (hopefully Memphis!)

On another note, I have been working towards becoming a CRNA for the last couple of years. A CRNA, certified registered nurse anesthetist, administer anesthesia and are kind of like the nurse practitioner's for anesthesiologists. The schooling is very difficult and requires that you first be an RN with at least 1 year of ICU experience. I just found out that I was offered an interview for CRNA school on May 14th! We are very excited about this opportunity for me, and praying and trusting God with the timing etc. of this big change. The schooling is a 31-month Master's Program that has an extensive science portion including cadaver anatomy and a clinical residency that allows you to practice your skill of actually putting people to sleep!

We are SO thankful for friends and family that REALLY DO pray for us, and a loving, praying church family that also prays for us. We are excited about the changes that are coming for our family, and praying that God works out the details of all of this (because there are a LOT of BIG details to get worked out!)

We love each of you and thank you for all of your prayers! We appreciate them more than you know!

Jacob's Dedication

Today was a very special day for Jacob, his dedication. In our church, a baby dedication is a ritual in which we as parents place Jacob back in God's hands. It signifies our faith in Jesus as parents and our desire that Jacob may early know and follow the will of God. As Nazarenes, we do not baptize babies and leave baptism as a public testimony of your faith in Christ which is done after a child asks Jesus into their heart. I hope I did a good enough job explaining that! :)

Someday, we will give Jacob the keepsakes he received today (a children's bible story book, bible, new testament, keepsake knife, keepsake door hanger, and dedication picture mat)... Yes.. He made a haul, and we will explain to him the significance of what we did today! Although, today was the public ritual of dedication... Jason and I placed Jacob back into God's arms as soon as he was born! And, someday I look forward to telling Jacob about what a MIRACLE he is, and how many people have lifted him up in prayer! This boy is lucky to have more prayer warriors than most! We would like to thank all of our friends and family for supporting us as parents as we endeavorer to bring Jacob up to love the Lord.

Mommy had another photoshoot with Mr. Jacob after church in the backyard... I am getting pretty good if you ask me :) There were too many good ones... I had a hard time narrowing them down!

Sweet Boy in his sweet dedication outfit!

Had to post this because this face is SO Jacob!

Mommy and Jacob at Church

The Pastor with Mr. Jacob

All of Us at the Alter Dedicating J

Sweet Family Photo too bad Jacob wouldn't pay attention

Mimi and Jacob at Lunch after church

We are SO thankful for the legacy of Christian faith in our family, and we hope that we can continue that legacy! We are also SO thankful for our friends and family who traveled many miles to be with us on the special day...It means SO MUCH! We love you all!

Jacob's First Easter

We had SO much fun in Oklahoma City celebrating Jacob's first Easter! It was so nice to see family, and watch Jacob enjoy meeting new people! He is getting so curious and interested in people and his surroundings. We went to our church in Oklahoma City, and then headed to NeNanny's for Easter dinner. Here are some pics!

The Whole Craig Family

Uncle Chad and Jacob playing

Easter Basket from Mimi

He dug right in!

Chad's Girlfriend, Bri, She was so good with J

Yum, Yum... Lickamaid!

Bubbles!

Sweet Boy and Big Daddy

Jason's brother, Chad, and his girlfriend, Bri

Justin and Mallori

Mimi and Jacob

NeNanny and Jacob

Jacob and Big Daddy

Swinging at Mimis after Easter