Jude - 23 months

JuJu, how are you almost TWO!?  We love you so much, buddy, and are so proud of the big boy you are becoming.  You look up to your brothers (Li and Bruh) sooo much, and they love you sooo much!  We pray as you continue to grow that you will keep your eyes fixed on Jesus, and know that he is the perfector of your faith!  We love you big time, buddy!

 Firsts:  The first day back to school in your new Toddler Class.

News headlines:   The delta variant has caused another surge in Covid-19 cases.  Hospitals are overrun.  Masks in schools and social distancing (and quarantines) are a thing again in schools.  Pfizer's vaccine received full FDA approval (for ages 12 and up).  The Taliban takes over Afghanistan as the US prepares to completely withdraw (20 years after the war on terror began).  13 service members are killed in the process.  Auburn starts the 2021 football season unranked.

Milestones:  You are speaking a lot more.  You can put your own shoes and socks on and are obsessed with them.

Measurements: Size 4 diapers, size 18-24 mth in clothes, size 5 shoe, 26ish lbs

Like Mommy:  You get frustrated when things don't work out/are a creature of habit/don't like change.  #typea

Like Daddy:  You both love to look at the night sky.  "Stars!" as you point up.

Like Eli:  You love to make people laugh.

Like Landon:  Y'all are both screen junkies.

Favorite Toys:  You love the phone (is that considered a toy?).  Blue Angels Jet.  You go crazy for any kind of ball.

Sounds: All the same words, and you will pretty much repeat anything.  You're putting 2 and 3 word phrases together so that's exciting to hear. ("Hey Daddy!" "Look, Mommy!")

Challenges:  

You can throw a fit with the best of them.  I predict the terrible 2s hitting us hard!  You also HATE when you have to ride in the backseat by yourself.  We're really looking forward to the day we have a bathtub again.  You aren't overly fond of showers.

Our Days:  

You are up about 6:10-6:15 each morning and we're out the door by 6:30.  You get dropped off at daycare when they open at 7.  Daddy picks you up in the afternoons and then you come back to the cabin with Mommy and whoever doesn't have soccer practice at night.  You go down to bed by 9 each night.  The struggle is real not having your room!

Funny/Favorite Moments:

Mommy's favorite - I love snuggling with you at bedtime. 

Daddy's favorite - Seeing your teachers walk you out of your classroom and watching you realize that Daddy is here to pick you up.  "Da da!!!"

Nicknames: Jude Dude, JD, JuJu

Upcoming Events:  Turning 2!

Brothers at 23 months old

Jude - 22 months old

Jude Dude, how are we so close to your 2nd birthday?!  It seems like just yesterday we were worried about you coming too early.  You light up our lives and are so thankful for you.  You are so much fun, and the perfect caboose for our family.  We pray as you grow, that you'd also grow in wisdom and learn to fear the Lord.  We love you big, buddy!

 Firsts:  Camp Nana Puddin (destination!), trip to Port St. Joe, overnight Camp Swamp Fox, being away from Daddy and Eli for awhile (they went to Merge Camp), first time on an airplane (we went with Ginny and Pops to see Aunt Katie & crew in IL), first trip to Chicago

News headlines:  Covid-19 new cases have significantly dropped.  There is news of the Delta variant that is more contagious and is beginning to spread.  Gas is about $2.75/gallon.

Milestones:  You are sleeping pretty great for a change.  It's some nice relief.  We upgraded your carseat and moved you to forward facing.  It's a whole new world!

Measurements: Size 4 diapers, size 18 mth (pants) and 18 and 24 mth (tops) in clothes, size 5 shoe, 25ish lbs

Like Mommy:  We don't like being dragged out of bed in the mornings.  We're definitely more mid-morning, wake up on our own kind of people.

Like Daddy:  You both love a good snack (your current fave is cereal).

Like Eli:  You take any chance you get to go outside or play with a ball.

Like Landon:  Brown bear, brown bear, what do you see?  : )

Favorite Toys:  You  still love Peppa Pig.  You love books and anyone who leaves their phone lying around.  : )  You like the Blue Angels jet we have a lot.

Sounds:  You're basically saying all the same words as before, but you are certainly speaking these words much more often during the day.

Challenges:  

July was pretty chill for you.  You're doing great!

Our Days:  

Most of the past month we've been out of school.  It's been awesome!  You've been sleeping like a rock.  10+ hours a night plus 1.5-2 hrs of napping.  We have been road warriors and you're just going with the flow! (#travelingtaffs)

Funny/Favorite Moments:

Mommy's favorite -  Watching you interact with the Camp Swamp Fox boys was pretty great.  And spending so much time with you on all our vacations.

Daddy's favorite -  Playing on the beach together.

Nicknames: Jude Dude, JD, JuJu

Upcoming Events:  Back to school! (Mommy's not ready.)  You'll be moving up to the Toddler Class.

Brothers at your age:

Jude - 21 months

JuJu, Every day when I look at you these past few weeks, I see more little boy than baby.  You are such a sweet baby and I wish I could freeze time, but I love seeing the person you're becoming.  We were reminded this month just how precious life is, and we are so grateful for you (and your brothers) each day.  You all bring us so much joy, and we pray all three of you would walk in step with the Lord and there would be much fruit in your lives.  We love you big, buddy!

Firsts:  Trip to Disney World and our family Panama City Beach vacation (one of our favorite weeks of the year).

News headlines:  Gas is about $2.59/gallon, a condo/building in Miami collapsed in the middle of the night (more than a hundred are dead/missing),  COVID numbers continue to drop/steadily decline (only about 0-1 people per day in Russell County are being diagnosed), record heat wave in the West,

Milestones:  Man you are talking so much more this month!  More conversational than you have been, and it's been so fun!  You are repeating A LOT of what we say.

Measurements: Size 4 diapers, 18 mth clothes (pants), size 5 shoe (but that's getting tight), about 27 lbs

Like Mommy:  Here lately you love to sleep late like Mommy!  : )

Like Daddy:  You have the same little birth mark/sun spot/freckle on your left cheek.

Like Eli:  You both love to laugh with others.  You radiate joy.

Like Landon:  You both have HUGE imaginations.  You see it when you're playing with toys.

Favorite Toys:  You LOVE books.  You LOVE to watch Peppa on TV/Youtube.  You love to fly air planes.

Sounds: Mama, Dada (sometimes Daddy), Nana, Puh (Puddin), Pops, Ginny, bye bye, uh-oh, awww, hey,  ruffs (dogs), Bay Bay (Baley), huh? (and you turn your little palms up), thank you, diaper, boo-boo, tee-tee, ball, baby, more-more, no no no!, uh-uh (no sound), button,  shoes, light, cereal, cracker, bar (granola bars), stars (you love to point up to them in the night sky), soo wee (after you take off your socks/shoes), diaper, trash,  RAWR, dut dut (duck), "mim-me on" (Mickey/Minnie Mouse), Melmo (Elmo), bruh (Landon), Li (Eli), Anna, Abby (Abigail), Mal Mal (Mallory), favorite (David), Jack, KK (Kaylea), Elsa.

Challenges:  

When you are tired, you are cranky, but really you are easy and fun!  You really hate Mommy's blow-dryer.  You really love to wear tennis shoes inside, but as soon as you get in the car you take them off and throw them.  We're still living in the cabin (Mr. David is building our home) and you are taking showers instead of baths.

Our Days:  

No two days are really the same since it's summer.  This month, we have been to Disney World for a week, the beach for a week, back to Orlando for Beta Competition for 5 days.  You nap in the car (or in the stroller, or on the beach) and that's been kind of random.  We've been very go-with-the-flow and you've just gone with it!

Funny/Favorite Moments:

Mommy's favorite - I love when we ask you yes or no questions.  You typically say "yes" and shake your head, no matter what we ask you.  Sometimes you'll answer with an, "mmm hmm" and it's so cute.

Daddy's favorite - When Mommy blow drys her hair.  You HATE that!  You yell "no! no! no!" at it and back away.  When you eat something that tastes good you say, "Mmmm mummy!"

Nicknames:  JuJu, JD, Jude Dude, Bubby

Upcoming Events:  You'll be going back to school in a few weeks.  I'm so thankful for your wonderful daycare, but I'm going to miss you terribly.  I love you being with us all day, every day.  Also in July, we have Camp Swamp Fox and trips with both sets of grandparents planned.

Jude - 20 months

Jude Dude, 20 months!!  So close to 2 years old.  Why does it go by so fast?  I miss you being my little baby, but I sure love seeing the person you're becoming.  Your personality shines through strong.  We love you, JuJu, and pray you grow to know the Father's love and will let your light shine bright!

 

Firsts:  We bought a new (to us) car.  Your first time (this year) in Mommy's classroom AND our first time going in your classroom at daycare (post-COVID).  The last two or so weeks of school Mommy (finally) got to walk you in to school, although you were very concerned as to what we were doing there!  You had a tube taken out (right ear).  We're hoping between that and the break from daycare that we can have a stretch of good health for you.

News headlines:  New COVID cases continue to fall.  Many restrictions are being lifted and the country seems to be "returning to normal."  Our school district lifted the mask requirement for everyone the day after school got out.  Israel and Hamas have been in conflict and there have been many air strikes.  Droughts out west.  Gas is around $2/gallon.

Milestones:  You can finally reach (and turn) doorknobs.  You let yourself in any room you want.

Measurements: Size 4 diapers, 18 mth clothes (size 12 month swimsuit), size 5 or 6 shoe, about 26 lbs

Like Mommy: We both love a "night-night" (as you call it).  We love a good blanket.

Like Daddy:  You like to run!

Like Eli:  You love being "fast".

Like Landon:  You both love to push buttons!  You both love an elevator, haha!

Favorite Toys:  You LOVE books and balls.  You will scream, "Kick it!" when you see a ball.  Especially when Mommy or brothers are reading (which is often) you DEMAND your own book.  Peppa Pig is still your favorite thing to watch.  We're trying to introduce you to Mickey Mouse ("Mimmy") to get you ready for our trip coming up.

Sounds: Mama, Dada, Nana, Puh (Puddin), Pop (Pops), GiGi (Ginny), bye bye, uh-oh, awww, hey,  ruff ruff (dogs), duck duck, thank you, diaper, boo-boo, tee-tee, ball, baby, more-more, no no no!, back, hiney, ear, eye, nose, uh-uh (no sound), button, light, off/on, hot/cold, Peppa (and then you snort), "Mim-me on" (Mickey/Minnie Mouse), moon, star, mine,  Melmo (Elmo), bruh (Landon), Li (Eli), ewww, 'cuse you! (excuse you), Nana (Anna), Baba (Abigail), and Juuuuuuuuuude (as you pat your own chest)!

Challenges:  

We got the tube in your right ear removed.  Hopefully this helps keep you well.  We're waiting on some allergy testing to rule some things out.

Our Days:  

It is now summer.  Hallelujah!  We are so glad for some slower days.  

Funny/Favorite Moments:

Mommy's favorite - When I hold you and you put your head on my shoulder and rub/pat my back.  It's equal parts funny and endearing.

Daddy's favorite - Getting to go into your school and pick you up from your classroom.  Seeing you recognize me and come running.

Nicknames: Jude Dude, JD, JuJu

Upcoming Events:  Disney and the beach!

Jude - 19 months

Jude Dude,  why does every month fly by faster than the last?!  It's true.  Time is a thief and you're growing up so fast.  We LOVE seeing your little personality come to bloom.  You are Daddy's boy, and you LOVE getting attention from your brothers ("Li" and "Bruh").  Mommy has to steal sugars and hugs when she can!  We love you so much, JuJu!  We pray that you and your brothers will always love each other's company like you do now, and that you will all be rooted in Christ!  We love you big, buddy!

Firsts:  Your first little sunburn (from the soccer fields!).  Your cheeks got really rosy.  Mommy's sorry she forgot the sunscreen, buddy.  You had your first trip to Chuck E Cheese (on Abigail's birthday).  We had our first trip to church in 2021 (thanks a lot, Covid) on Easter Sunday (church was outside).  It was WONDERFUL to be back!

News headlines:  Gas is about $2.56/gallon.  More and more people are getting their COVID vaccines (Mommy and Daddy got their second shots with only mild symptoms).  Here in Russell County/Phenix City, there's only been about 0.7% increase from week to week.  Alabama mask mandate finally expires (though many people are still masking up).  The Queen of England's husband, Prince Philip, died (at 99 years old).   Bernie Madoff (architect of the largest ponzi scheme in history) died.  Derek Chauvin was convicted on all charges for the murder of George Floyd in Minnesota.

Milestones:  
You've started giving real hugs.  We love those!  Your molars are coming in - yay teething.  You did really great with egg hunts this easter.  I love listening to you talk and seeing your little personality start to shine!

Measurements: Size 4 diapers, 18 mth clothes, size 5 shoe, 22-ish lbs

Like Mommy:  We both like listening to music and maybe dance a little silly.

Like Daddy:  You and Daddy will both wear your shoes all day long.  You are hardly every barefoot.

Like Eli:  You, Daddy, and Eli all wake up in really good moods and are ready to hit the ground running.  Mommy and Landon always need a moment!  You and Eli also share a love of making people laugh.  You also like to 'move to the music,' like "Li" does!

Like Landon:  You get silly like Lando!  You and Landon also both share (shared) a love of the book Brown Bear, Brown Bear.

Favorite Toys:  Still a ball!  Throwing balls and kicking soccer balls are your favorite things to do!  Your daycare teachers always talk about how much you love to kick a ball!  You still love being sung to.  Itsy Bitsy Spider is one of your favorite songs.  You love to do the motions and dance.  Peppa Pig is your absolute favorite.  Anytime you see a T.V. you ask for "Peppa?  Peppa!" and try to sing the theme song and make grunting noises like they do on the show.

Sounds:  Lots of words this month!  You will repeat most words and it's fun to hear you say new things.

Challenges:  

Those stinking ears!  They're still draining.  Your nose, your throat.  Basically anything ENT-related is a challenge!  You also do this really loud, annoying, high-pitched scream when you don't get your way.  You are 1000% Daddy's boy, and sometimes it hurts Mommy's feelings.

Our Days:  

You wake up about 6:10 and we're gone by 6:35.  Mommy and brothers drop you off and Daddy picks you up.  You nap at school and usually a cat nap late afternoon/early evening.  We aim for bedtime around 8:30, but with soccer and now living so far out, that doesn't always happen.

Funny/Favorite Moments:

Mommy's favorite -  Being back at church!

Daddy's favorite - Watching you do egg hunts.

Nicknames:  Jude Dude, JuJu, JD

Here's all of Mommy's boys at 19 months old.  I definitely see similarities between all 3 of you!

Jude - 18 months

Jude Dude, What a big month it's been, bubby!  We love you so, so much.  I wish we could pause this age.  18 months was one of my most favorite stages with your brothers, and it is with you too.  Still my baby, but growing and learning so much each day!  You make our family complete, JD!

 Firsts:  Sleepover at Nana and Puddin's house (and first night away from Mommy), trip to Universal Studios/NASA Space Center (for all of us!), trip to Daytona Beach

News headlines:  Covid-19 pandemic/Covid-19 vaccine (Mommy and Daddy got their first rounds of the Pfizer vaccine), gas was about $2.60ish/gallon

Milestones:  Your personality is really shining through.  You're walking, climbing, running, kicking, throwing, and really just thriving!  Your vocabulary has improved so much.

Measurements: Size 4 diapers, 18 mth clothes, size 5 shoe, 22-ish lbs

Like Mommy: We share a love of books!  Mommy loves that all three boys love to read!

Like Daddy:  You both wake up happy!  You, Daddy, and Eli are all morning people (not Mommy or Landon though!).

Like Eli:  You both like kicking the ball/playing soccer on the beach (or really anywhere).

Like Landon:  You both love dogs and you both love a snack.

Favorite Toys:  Any kind of remote!  You also love a ball.  Any kind.  You love to throw and kick.  You will SCREAM so loudly if you're playing with it and one of your brothers comes in and takes it from you.

Sounds: Mama, dada, nana, Li (Eli), bruh (Landon), bye bye, uh-oh, awww, hey,  daw-dee (doggie), thank you, diaper, boo-boo, tee-tee, ball, more-more, no no no!, uh-uh (no sound), huh?, and Peppa (the only show you care for)!

Challenges:  For sure this would be your ears and keeping you well.  We battle strep every month, and you're too young to do anything other than antibiotics.  It's been quite frustrating for all of us!

Our Days:  You are up by about 6:15.  We are leaving the house about 6:35 for school.  You go in like a champ every day.  Daddy picks you up every afternoon at about 3:30-3:45 and then the big boys, and y'all come home.  Mommy usually ends up meeting y'all at soccer.  Then we head home for HW/studying, dinner, showers, pjs, and bedtime!

Funny/Favorite Moments:

Mommy's favorite -  Getting to spend a week on vacation with you, your brothers, and Daddy.

Daddy's favorite - Being at the beach with our family.

Nicknames: JD, JuJu, Jude Dude, Bubby

Upcoming Events:  Easter

Jude - 17 months

Firsts:  First time selling the only home you (and your brothers) have ever known, first night in our new/temporary home.

News headlines:  Trump was acquitted by the Senate of his second impeachment on Feb 5.  Tampa Bay (Tom Brady) beat the Chiefs (Patrick Mahomes) in the Super Bowl, Covid vaccines are becoming more accessible to the public and, overall, covid numbers seem to be going down.  Gas is about $2.30/gallon.  There is more talk of a third Stimulus package.

Milestones:  You are do "touchdown!" really well.

Measurements: Size 4 diapers, 12-18 mth clothes, size 5 shoe, I'm guessing 21-22 lbs

Like Mommy: You love to flip through a book.

Like Daddy:  You both love to play silly games.

Like Eli:  You swing that left arm when you get to running.  So funny and adorable!

Like Landon:  You loooove school and don't seem to mind when Mommy leaves you. (Which Mommy is grateful for, but also gets her feelings hurt over.)

Favorite Toys:  You got a bunch of sensory rattles and noise makers from Z, Amber, and Will at Christmas, and you've been loving those lately.

Sounds: Mama, dada, nana, Lie (Eli), bruh, bye bye, uh-oh, ball, awww, hey,  trash, thank you, hat, more, "no, no no!" (while you wag your finger).

Challenges:  Strep and your ears (sound familiar?) 

Our Days:  We get you up about 6:20 each morning and Mommy, Eli, and Landon take you to school.  Eli has been having to get you out of the car when we get to daycare, because Mommy is struggling with just one arm.  Daddy picks you up after school.  There's been a lot of packing and taking stuff to the storage unit/cabin.  The big boys are back to soccer practice 3x a week in the evenings, so it's usually just you and Mommy at the house at night.

Funny/Favorite Moments:

Mommy's favorite - Enjoying the last moments in our home.

Daddy's favorite - Same!  Enjoying family time at home, knowing that it's some of our last at this house.

Nicknames:  Jude Dude, JD, JuJu

Upcoming Events:  Building our new home.  Spring Break.