watching jacob grow

I have bittersweet feelings as I watch Jacob grow so quickly. Alright, he's only two months in these pictures, but I honestly have NO idea where the time went. He's already two months! I regret that I don't have time for the one-on-one attention with him that I had with Andrew, but I also feel heartache as I tell Andrew that I don't have time to read another story because I have to take care of Jacob. I wish I had all the time in the world to dote on both of my boys the way I would if they were an only child.
Jacob has the sweetest personality. I couldn't imagine a more perfect second child! I think Andrew and Jacob are going to be the best of friends.

What would you have decided?

The Smith family had a trip planned to Hawaii at the end of May. Jacob was 7 weeks old. Andrew 18 months.
There were several pros and cons for making the journey across 6 time zones with two lap children!
In the end the only reality that I could base my decision on was this: we could be tired parents in Hawaii or in Boston. We chose Hawaii--and I think it was totally worth it. We had a wonderful time with the family. You wouldn't ever know by the pictures that Jacob was around. But, believe me, he was! Sleeping. Everywhere we went. This is one of the HUGE reasons that I LOVE newborns.

We didn't make it out very far to explore the Island. But we managed to make it to the pool! Everyday. Several times a day. Andrew loved it. And so did I.

Indroducing Jacob Porter Smith

He has finally arrived and we are thrilled! Born April 6, 2007 at 10:57pm. Labor was long and hard . . .

If you look closely at Jacob's face, you will notice that he has scabs on his cheeks. Not only was he "sunny-side up", but he was positioned to be delivered nose first! I was in full hard labor for 31 hours . . . there is a reason why it is best to deliver children skull first--it helps things to move along a little faster! His little face got the raw end of the deal. Both Michael and I cried when he was finally born. He looked like he had just survived a battle. We will spare you pictures of the first few hours of his life. I still have a difficult time looking at them. They really were terrible!



I am amazed how Andrew seemed to grow up overnight! He seems ready to be a big brother.

Thanks Danni for coming to our rescue! We don't know what we would have done without you!

Expecting Jacob

So, as you view my blog, you will notice that the post date does not correspond with the pictures. I have been at least a year behind in updating my pictures. I didn't realize just how many people have been counting on me to update the blog and I regret that I have sorely disappointed a few. My apologies! I have good intentions to catch up . . .

I've been on the fast track lately with a few bumps in the road, but you may have noticed that Andrew has really grown up in the last few weeks. Most children don't age quite so rapidly, but we've always thought Andrew to be quite advanced!

I had my friend, Jess McDaniels, take these pictures a few weeks before Jacob was born. Revisiting the memory makes me SO grateful that I am no longer pregnant and that I am 37 pounds lighter! Pregnancy sure does a number on my body. I remember feeling so torn between wanting to have Jacob born (so I would no longer be pregnant) and not wanting to become responsible for two children. I remember praying so hard that I might be able to enjoy both outcomes . . .

Like father like son

Every day I am more convinced that Andrew is going to be just like his father. I guess the proof is in the pudding!
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For a while, everything was used as a telephone, now he knows the difference.
2007

I'm terrible

I've always been terrible at journaling. I was hoping that this blog would prove an easier way for me to journal what I am doing with my time. But, being pregnant and running after a VERY active Andrew has stolen all of my free moments. As I have looked back through the last few blurry months, I realized that I have taken very few pictures of Andrew. He is learning so much and is in to everything! I have a sinking suspicion that this behavior will only develop.













Andrew loves reading.

Loves helping with the laundry.

Loves emailing.

Loves black beans!

And loves milk! I had just brought in a load of groceries
from Costco and he attacked this gallon.

Christmas is in the air

We love being in Boston; just look at that skyline--how beautiful! But, the winters can be brutal, so we were grateful to head home for Christmas.

We had a wonderful time in Colorado Springs. Andrew is on the verge of understanding what to do with all the wrapped presents. He loved his new toys, and so did we!






It always amazes me that Andrew loves everything that is not a toy as a toy.

These are Andrew's cousins:
Talise

and Renee

Can Andrew share the spotlight??

In early August, we were surprised to find out that we were expecting another baby. I was riddled with feelings of guilt, fear, and inadequacy. While those were not the feelings I was wanting to have, Andrew was only 9.5 months and I was concerned how much this would change his world . . .and because he was the center of ours, we knew that our world would be changing dramatically too! It took several weeks to adjust to the idea that I was going to be a mother of two but, once the reality settled in, I was even more terrified!
We live on the second story of an darling row of Brownstone apartments in the middle of Cambridge, Massachusetts. While our apartment is absolutely beautiful and is filled with New England charm, it isn't really the ideal place for a family of four. I spent months of sleepless nights trying to figure out how and where we were going to put our #2 (and ALL THE GEAR that comes along with him--swings, bouncy seats, play mats, etc.). I've never been all that interested in having my newborns sleep in the same room with me because I am a light sleeper. And, needless to say, I would never enjoy an ounce of sleep with all the cooing and gurgling that goes on as a baby sleeps.
We've decided to move the baby into the living room--with the TV, computer desk, two couches, an ottoman, large radiator, fireplace, book shelves and all of Andrew's toys. (And no this room isn't large, in fact, it's becoming quite cramped!)
We're going to make it work! And he won't know the difference if it doesn't turn out working all that great.

Here he is:

Isn't he beautiful!

So, I have this wonderful friend who happens to be an amazing photographer. We met almost two years ago at work. I have an incredible play job (where I lose money) at Pottery Barn Kids. I work once a week for 4 hours and enjoy the benefit of a generous discount at William Sonoma, Pottery Barn, and PBK! Jess-my friend-was doing free lance work for PBK and happened to be there the same day I worked. She was doing photo shoots for customers who spent an exorbitant amount of money there--and I happened to fit into that category!! My manager suggested that Jess take a belly shot of me . . . 33 weeks along with my little Andrew. She has become a dear friend ever since and continues to take beautiful pictures of my children. If you want to see her other work she's at www.boston-baby-photos.com Her work is really impressive!