Jackson Robert Kappel and Erin Grace Kappel 03/14/2005 and 06/11/2007 11:27 AM and 10:08 PM 7lbs 10 oz and 7lbs 4oz
Stories
11/19/07 Erin's first Thanksgiving is coming up! Mommy and Daddy decided to have a relaxing couple days off work at home and not travel this year. We're very sad about not going to meet all our relatives, but we're looking forward to not having the long rides in the car. Erin is getting so big! She can roll to her tummy and her back - she's super squirmy! I love to sing her songs and tell her stuff - she's so alert and watches everything - it makes it hard to feed her sometimes, though. I'm an expert at getting her to laugh and giggle. I even showed her how the toys on her exersaucer work. Mommy and Daddy are enjoying the peace while it lasts. Once Erin gets mobile and starts going after my cars I may decide I don't like her so much. So, live it up while you can! We are all thankful for our many friends and family who have taken the time to check up on us. We hope everyone has a restful, relaxing turkey day!!
10/31/07 Our first Halloween together! Jack showed me the ropes - how to get candy from neighbors just by smiling :o) Jack has also been keeping me in line at Miss Susanne's while Mommy is at work. We have to get up extra early and don't get to see Mommy all day. However, I am doing fine. I don't sleep like my big brother did and really only take one long nap a day, but it's the same time as the big kids, so it's okay. I'm always rolling onto my tummy now and don't get too upset about it anymore. I also can have rice cereal if Mommy and Daddy would ever get around to getting it for me! Evenings are just so busy and I'm just such a good (not very quiet) thing that goes with the flow! I'll be getting into the high chair soon enough!
10/24/07 Wow we've been busy this month! Even though Mommy hasn't been at work, we have been on the run! Between going to the day care at Mommy's gym while she works on those last couple of pounds from Erin, to Gymboree classes, to lunch with friends and the park, it's been nonstop. Grandma and Grandpa Krantz came down for a weekend while Mommy and Daddy did a little escape together. They took us to the zoo and saw lots of animals! Jack especially loved the elephants, monkeys, alligators and giraffes. Then, we did have a nice family road trip to visit Grandma and Grandpa Kappel in Florida. Jack practically lived in the pool (and has the scrapes on his knees to prove it!) while I just cooed and smiled for Grandma. Then we drove from Florida to just north of New Orleans to visit Daddy's college friend - Trey. He has 3 kids our age and it was SO much fun playing with them. We went to the zoo there and had tons of fun. The next day we went to a farm in the area and saw all kinds of animals, and pumpkins, and all kinds of cool stuff. So, now we're home and Mommy goes back to work on Monday - can't wait to introduce Erin to Memaw! I guess I should mention anything new Erin's done - not that it's anything I can't do. Mommy was very proud of her for rolling from her back to front - although Erin's not too happy about it. She starts yelling and I have to tell Mommy to go help her. I've also reached the terrible two's. Everything is no. If you say my name, I say no, if you tell me to put my pants on, no. It's really driving Mommy and Daddy crazy! (which I love) So, in some regards Mommy is ready to escape us for work. Have a Happy Halloween!!
9/20/07 Daddy's been good about getting pictures up, but we've been slacking on the stories! We had a great trip up to Indiana to go in Grandma and Grandpa Krantz's motorhome to the GA Tech/ND game. The ENTIRE family (including Sophie) rode the long trek in the Camry. It was a tight fit, but there weren't any fights. Jack got to go to his first ND game (and maybe his last!) He really enjoyed watching the blimp go around the stadium, pushed his cars around... you mean there was a game to watch? (not for the ND fans!). Daddy stayed with me in the motorhome and watched the debacle on television. Mommy's still home with us kids until the end of October. At first she wasn't sure about staying home, but she's getting used to waking up later, setting her own schedule, and not have papers to grade and lessons to prepare! We'll see how the year goes after getting used to work again. I had one of my many baby irsts - first fall... Let's just say I'm a little squirmier than they expected when I was propped up on the couch last night. Fortunately, it's a low couch and there weren't any injuries, but we will all be more careful in the future. I can almost hold myself up to sit in the Bumbo full time - right now it's just short stints. Hope all is well with everyone!
08/06/07 Well, it's been a while since we put in our last update, but hey - we've been busy! We just got back from a week's vacation at Sunset Beach, NC. It's a little island just north of Myrtle Beach where Daddy's family gathered. We had a great time playing in the ocean and running around with the cousins! It's a good thing, too, because Erin and I needed a vacation. It's not easy, having our parents for parents! It was nice to see Grandma and Grandpa whip Daddy into shape. I loved exploring the sand and waves and following my big cousins everywhere. Erin just enjoyed lots of love and snuggles from Grandma, Grandpa and her aunts. Now we'll head up to South Bend in a few weeks for a Notre Dame game, so we'll see what we can do about Mommy. Erin goes to the doctor for her two month appointment on Friday - she's a pretty good little sleeper! Once Mommy and Daddy get her down for the night (which can take upwards of two hours), she sleeps for six or seven hours straight! We'll update everyone after Erin's appointment to let you know how she's doing!
6/28/07 Erin had her two week checkup on Monday and she's now 21 1/4 inches and weighs in at a whopping 7 pounds 15 1/2 ounces! At her one week the doctor was a little concerned at her lack of weight gain, but no more!! She gained 9 1/2 ounces in 7 days - little piggie!! Grandma and Grandpa Kappel have left and we're stuck at home with Mommy all day every day. Fortunately I go to Gymboree a couple days a week and there are regular trips to the pool. My neighbor girls have invited me over to play Little People and escape the hassles of little sisters and Mommy's, but I haven't taken them up on it yet. Next week Grandma and Grandpa Krantz come for a visit. I haven't seen Grandpa Krantz in a while, so I'm really excited for all the torment he's sure to bring!! He's an ornery fellow from what Mommy says! I'm sure we'll have lots of great stories and pictures to share after next week.
6/20/07 Well, it's been a week and she's still here. It's been okay so far. I've had lots of visitors and people to pay attention to me, so I haven't had any problems yet. After all our visitors leave and it's just Mommy we'll see how it goes. At some point I'm probably going to have to let Erin get a word in here, but she sleeps so much right now that she won't notice. So far Erin has been a good little sister - she doesn't really cry, sleeps/eats well, and doesn't take my toys. I enjoy trying to share my books with her while Mommy is feeding her. I'm an excellent helper at getting pacifiers, throwing away diapers, getting wipes, etc. So, thanks for checking in on us - we'll keep you posted as to how things are going.
5/21/07 I'm getting ready to be a big brother. Mommy and Daddy keep trying to explain to me that there's a baby in Mommy's belly (which is a relief since I thought I was going to have to talk to Mommy about her cookie consumption). However, I always get confused and point to my belly when asked where the baby is. I'm using all kinds of words now - I know my colors, am counting fairly well, and LOVE helping. I get very upset when I want to help with something and Mommy or Daddy doesn't let me. I love to throw garbage away, my diapers, close the doors, push the garage door button to open to close it. Mommy and Daddy are hoping I'm this helpful when the baby comes. I'm sleeping in my room at night, but not in bed. Every night Mommy and Daddy find me curled up on the floor by the door. The other night I even got smart enough to bring the pillows over and lay on them. However, when they put me back in bed after I'm asleep I stay there. Anyway, this is probably my last update as an only child. From now on I'll have to share!
4/15/07 Tax Day! Not that I know what that means. I'm sorry my last note was so short, but as you can tell from the pictures I have been VERY busy! I had a great time at Disney. I especially loved the Dumbo ride this time. The very next weekend began Mommy's spring break and we went to Ohio to visit her relatives. Mommy and I flew on a plane together all by ourselves. I got my very own big boy seat and behaved as such. It was lots of fun learning how to open and close the tray tables. In Ohio, I had tons of fun playing with my cousins and running everywhere! There's all kinds of open space there where a boy can just go, and go, and ... Fortunately, Mommy had lots of help chasing me down. I got to visit Aunt Peg and Uncle John's strawberry farm and helped make sure everything was ready for planting the next day. Then I visited Uncle Ed's farm and I saw a bull, goat, horses, raccoons, and all kinds of cool things. After my flight home, I fully transitioned to my big boy room and have been sleeping in my bed - no more crib!! Grandma and Grandpa Krantz came to visit for Easter and I learned the joys of coloring eggs and finding them the next day. Then, while Mommy and Daddy went back to work, I got to spend the day with Grandma, Grandpa and Auntie Sara at the Children's Museum in Atlanta. What a neat place! There were all kind of things for me to explore and I hope to go back often and learn more.
3/19/07 Just a quick update about my new accomplishment this past weekend. I successfully took my naps in my big boy bed!!! It took about 30 minutes both days (and Daddy putting me back in my bed several times) before I finally stayed in and fell asleep. It's a learning process for both Mommy and Daddy. They're hoping that during Mommy's spring break I'll move in there full time so that the nursery will be ready for the baby (already moving in on my turf!!)
3/14/07 I'm two years old! I had my two year old checkup the other day and I'm staying right on course. I'm exactly 3 feet tall and 28 pounds. According to the nurse (and other old wive's tales) that means that when I'm fully grown I'll be around 6 feet - bigger than Mommy and Daddy! Daddy keeps saying he hopes I grow up to be Grandpa Krantz's size and I guess I'm right on track with that! For my birthday (and Daddy's a little bit ago) Grandma and Grandpa Kappel came for a visit. We had lots of fun shopping and reading stories. I got these really cool Dora books that I made them read over and over again. They're currently my favorite. For my birthday today Daddy took off work and we went and had lunch with Mommy at work. The kids sang me Happy Birthday and I had fun visiting everyone. Next week I go to Disneyworld with Daddy's friends. I'm so excited to see Mickey Mouse!! Mommy's really hoping that we'll get a picture with him. We'll see how it goes. Grandma and Grandpa Krantz will be coming for Easter in a couple weeks - should be lots of fun!!
2/23/07 I've just been going along - trying to talk, running around, climbing, and having a grand ole time. I really try to talk so everyone understands me. My favorite way to start a conversation is "Mommy! Blah, blah, mumble, Sosie, Ella, NO!!" Which Mommy interprets as Sophie or Ella (my favorite little friend) are doing or did something they weren't supposed to. Other words I like to say are CAT!!, kids, shoes, socks, hat, milk, mouth, ears, eyes and all kinds of stuff. Some things I say that aren't quite right, but Mommy and Daddy understand are pac for cup and bye for my pacifier. Mommy and Daddy are trying to get me to understand that there's a baby in Mommy's belly, especially since it's getting bigger all the time. However, I just lift up my shirt and point to my belly instead. I'll get it before the baby comes, they hope! My two year old birthday is coming up soon - I'm starting to understand more about presents and I'm sure it will be fun. Grandma and Grandpa Kappel are coming to visit for a week to celebrate everyone's birthdays - should be a great time!!
1/31/07 Well, I guess I'm going to have to step aside a little bit and start sharing this page with my future sibling. Mommy and Daddy went to the doctor today for the 20 week ultrasound. I didn't get to go along, but that's okay because it was my nap time. Mommy reminded me that this was the appointment when they found out I had a single umbilical artery and they started worrying (of course everything turned out all right!). So, they were a little nervous heading into this appt., but everything was perfect! (He/she is already trying to outdo me!) My future sibling looks great - they saw all the chambers of the heart, stomach, bladder, hands, feet, face - all the good stuff. So, life is all good in the Kappel house!!
1/20/07 Not too much exciting going on. I'm entering a silly phase right now in which I do all kinds of things to try and make Mommy and Daddy laugh. I love to sit on the potty with my Potty Elmo doll, but I don't do anything yet. I'm just getting used to sitting where I see Mommy and Daddy sit. I can show you my eyes, ears, mouth, nose and especially belly. I love to pat my belly and Mommy's bigger belly. I think she's eating too many cookies! I hear them say that Mommy is almost halfway there. They go to the doctor in a week for the ultrasound, but I won't know if it's a brother or sister until it's born in June. Anyway, that's about it for now - I'm singing along with songs in the car occasionally, love Mickey Mouse and Little Einsteins, and just causing trouble in general! I'm heading towards the terrible twos - I get really mad when Mommy and Daddy won't let me run around with pens (my favorite toys when I can get them) in my hand. Lots of fun ahead!!
12/25/06 What a Christmas! I'm really starting to get into this opening presents and eating cookies thing! I'm really good at saying, "oooh" as the presents are opened. I lost interest some time after the third present. Daddy gave me a magnetic doodle pad - which is pretty much my favorite gift. I took off with that to show the cat (my favorite thing to chase right now) and Mommy and Daddy couldn't get me back into the family room to open more presents. I also love my Leap Pad magnetic fridge magnets and farm. I stand and dance to all the barnyard songs. Daddy hasn't opened all my presents for me to play with yet. I also got a really cool set of Little People toys and Little People barnyard. He said we have to wait until we get back from visiting Grandma and Grandpa Kappel in Florida. I'm going down there for a couple days - get to practice some more swimming and running away from Grandma (love Grandpa though!) I'm saying all kinds of words now - cat, Sophie, Mommy, Daddy, car - all kinds of stuff. I talk a lot - just not in a way that anyone can understand. I hope everyone had as great a Christmas as I did! Next year I'll get it a little more, but I'll have to share it with a brother or sister - it was good while it lasted!
12/3/06 I love Thanksgiving! Grandma Krantz makes such good turkey and fixings! I had lots of fun visiting them in Indiana and eating and entertaining them (or was it Grandpa entertaining me?). Sophie and I coexisted peacefully the entire drive up and back. I'm a very good car rider Mommy and Daddy say. I only got a little whiney on the way home because I knew what was coming. While in Indiana I got to meet some of Mommy's friends' children (second generation Andrean grads?) and played with them for a while. I got to meet Grandpa's friend from work - Miss Kathy - that loves to keep tabs on me through this website. She brought Mommy some of her favorite pie from Baker's Square. Every morning Grandma would get me up and then I would eat breakfast with Grandpa. He taught me some really good tricks and I got better at using silverware because Grandma gave me some easy to use toddler stuff. Mommy is learning all the time! It was a whirlwind trip - always so many people to meet and see, and not enough time unfortunately. Maybe we'll be able to go back up and visit next summer.
11/13/06 Well, I received some news lately that I'm not too sure what to make of. My life has been really great so far, I'm the apple of Mommy and Daddy's eye, and now they tell me I'm going to be a big brother. A WHAT!!!! I saw Mommy holding a friend's baby last weekend and that was okay for a couple minutes, but she's my mommy! Her lap is supposed to be there for me to crawl into whenever I want - not to share it with someone else! I don't know what I think about all this. According to my sitter, Miss Susanne, I'm going to be a great big brother. She always tells Mommy how helpful I am with the little ones, making sure they get their snacks (even putting it in their mouth's!). So, I guess I've had some good practice. I also found out that the site address will stay the same, but it won't really be Jack's Place anymore. I guess I should enjoy it while I can. I'm scheduled to be replaced around June 15th. So much for the good life! Anyone want a baby brother or sister? I'll have one to give you next summer!
10/31/06 Wow, this Halloween thing is COOL! First, I tried on a clown costume for Grandma. I guess Daddy and his brothers wore it when they were my age, but also Grandma's brothers wore it. It must be really old! Then I got dressed up in my really cool Yoda costume! It took me a few houses to figure the whole thing out, but by the time we were done I was shaking down every house in the neighborhood for goodies! Now if I can just keep Sophie from stealing them...
Contact This Site's Owner
