THE ROTANS

Elin: Ten Sweet Months

2012-01-09T22:29:00.000-08:00

Oh what a little sweetheart we have! But I'm not biased or anything. So the little Miss E is 10 months old & she is such a delight! We often can't believe what a good baby she is, she is just so easy going! The big news this month is that Elin took her first true step on the day she turned 10 months. We were all just playing in the floor and she let go of a toy that she was hanging onto for balance and took her first step! We all saw it and Jake threw both his arms in the air and said ecstatically, "She walked!" It was pretty cute how proud he was of her! She has also got some new verbal skills going. Keith says that she talks "chicken" and makes fun of me when I talk it back to her! She often chatters away saying "baka, baka, baka" & "daka, daka, daka." She also will yell out a quick "Ho!" (with an abrupt ending to the word) when Keith comes into the room as if to say, "Hey Daddy, I'm over here... you see me right?" She also has been getting extremely excited when Keith gets home from work and she race crawls to his feet... I know that just breaks his heart! She loves to be sung to as well and claps her hands along, so sweet. She loves table food, especially bread. Hawaiian wheat rolls are one of her favorite! She also eats, black eyed peas, green beans, (she still HATES green peas) bananas, strawberries, & carrots along w other regular baby foods. I can't really think of anything else significant from this last month other than we had a beautiful WHITE Christmas in Midland with the Rotan clan. Maybe I will eventually post some Christmas pics but those for sure are to be delayed as we will be official Tennesseans (YIKES) in a little over a week & we are very busy planning and preparing for the big move. We will be living in a hotel for 2-3 weeks prior to moving into our home (assuming that all goes well with the one we have under contract). Jake is super pumped because we are staying in a hotel with a POOL and then we get to move into our new house with STAIRS!! Ha! Oh to be three again! He, by the way has said some hilarious things lately... oh there is another blog post...

Elin Kate: Nine Months

2011-11-28T14:42:00.000-08:00

I can't believe that Elin is already nine months old. These precious months have just flown by, but all the same they have been wonderful. This month, Elin got her first tooth, signed her first word, and said her first word. She signed "more" for delicious sweet potato puffs. It is super cute how she does it too. She turns her palms up, kinda waves at herself, and then brings her hands together while saying, "ma." Her first word is undeniably "mama" and thus far it is an endearing "mama" and not a demanding one. Ha! Don't feel too bad for Keith, Jake's second word was "dada" after "ball" of course. He didn't call my name until he was like 18 months old! So I'm obviously enjoying the sweet, "mama"(s) I get from "E."
Elin is also standing for a few seconds without holding on to anything & following us through the house; especially Jake. She also LOVES her baths and near throws a fit to get in the tub when Jake is taking his bath or when it is time for her to get out of hers.

Keith and I also traveled to Knoxville, TN this month as our family will be relocating there at the beginning of the new year. Elin got to tag along as we looked for a home. She did great & actually seemed to really enjoy having a little extra attention! Let me just add, we are very excited for this adventure the Lord has placed before us; but we would appreciate lots of prayer as we did not find a house and this move is NO simple task.

We hope you all had a very Happy Thanksgiving!

Eight Months

2011-11-01T13:44:00.000-07:00

Little "E" turned 8 months last week! What a big girl she is! This month was full of adventure for Elin. In ten minutes flat she can stand at the dishwasher & empty the silverware, get into a magazine basket (literally) in the living room, & make it to the utility room to be found chewing on one of Loa's collars! Yikes, she's fast! We took a family vacation to Sea World & she got to meet a third set of great grandparents, Gigi & Big Papa! She loves to yell, I mean sing at the top of her lungs, dance to any music, & she always has a quick smile (especially for daddy and brother). Elin, I hope you always have an easy, quick smile. We love you baby girl!

Seaworld

We love you Gigi & Big Papa!

Happy Pumpkin Day!

2011-10-31T20:14:00.000-07:00

So do I have two cute pumpkins or what? Around here, we are not big fans of Halloween but I'm all about fall and if our kids want to dress up in a fun, un-scarey costume, & eat candy at our church festival until their bellies can take no more, fine by me! So a few weeks ago, Jake and I were discussing costumes & he decided on superman. So we did purchase a superman costume and he wore the tail off of it last week... ya know "rescuing princesses" & such! So I was gonna have him wear it today to takes some pics w/ the sweet ballerina below & to the fall festival at Trinity. After asking him at least 3 times to put his costume on, he says "mommy, I want to be just Jake." What?? no superman? I gave him several opportunities to change his mind & he was consistent, "just Jake!" Keith even asked him before we headed up to the church just to make sure, explaining to him that all the other kids would have costumes. Again, "Dad, I'm gonna be just Jake." So whatever fine by me, we love "just Jake." So here are a couple of pics of "just Jake" & the little ballerina Elin.

Seven Sweet Months

2011-09-27T21:43:00.000-07:00

Elin is 7 months old today & I can hardly believe it! She is sitting and crawling so well & jabbering away. She's got lots of "da das" and "ka kas" with lots of squeals in between. This one is gonna be independent, I do believe. She figured out her sippy cup the first day, of course thinks she can feed herself, & rarely cuddles... we definitely savor those sweet moments when she gives in though.

Elin Kate: Six Months

2011-09-09T12:55:00.000-07:00

Elin turned 6 months old on the 27th of August, & we went to her well visit yesterday. She weighed 15.1 pounds and was 26.25 inches long. I missed the percentiles, but she is a little on the smaller side. Our children seem to start out that way, but the Jake man was in the 95th for both height and weight at his last visit. I'm sure Elin will follow suit! To sum up Elin, I would use the words "quiet observer." She has a very soft voice even when she cries. Most of her days seem to be monopolized by watching Jake run circles around her. She most of the time has a somewhat inquisitive look about her, but when she does smile, her smile is wide, straight across, and her upper lip disappears in the cutest way. Her smile is pretty contagious. Another funny thing about her is that she has recently just started really laughing.... it has taken her about 2 months to get a good giggle down. In the past when we would attempt to get her to laugh it almost sounded like it was painful and she would get the hiccups immediately, so we really kinda stopped trying to elicit a laugh even though we wanted to hear it so badly. As you can see below, she has lost all the very dark brown hair that she was born w/ and now has a light brownish blondish color. I really didn't know if that would happen as it was so very dark at birth. She can roll both ways, can sit w/ us guarding her, and almost go from quadra-ped to sitting. The day after her 6 month b-day, she took her first attempts at crawling and now she can get around w/ a cross b/w an army and regular crawl. She loves to read books w/ Jake and, like most babies, loves music...especially daddy's guitar. Elin also goes crazy for toes, she is infatuated w/ Mommy's bright pink toes. It's funny nothing else gets quite the response as my toes. She also spits w/ the best of 'em, loves blowing raspberries. Elin also studies her hands in that precious way that babies do, where they are almost waving at themselves; trying to figure out just what those things called fingers do. She is getting big so fast & we are loving every moment w/ our sweet sister Elin. We are grateful for our precious gift & can't wait to see the personality that God has placed in her to make her uniquely ELIN.

David, the Shepherd Boy

2011-09-08T21:30:00.000-07:00

So today, Jake was in the backyard playing w/ Loa when he came in the back door & asked, "Mom did David's father (w/ a Star Wars type, "father") give him food in a bag for his sheep? I said, "Jake, sheep eat grass. The food you are thinking of is the food his dad told him to take to his brothers." Jake responded w/, "Well I'm gonna put some grass in my basket for my sheep," as he pointed w/ his plastic golf club to our dog Loa. Loa by the way, was leashed to an exercise stroller, laying in the grass. I'm certain she was loving this reenactment. I probably looked at him puzzled b/c next he says, "Loa is King David's sheep...he ONLY has ONE sheep." Then he goes back outside and puts some grass in his bucket and attempts to feed the sheep...AKA Loa. Again, she looks thrilled. A few minutes later he comes back through the house, and after going into Elin's room he comes back through where I am and he has a bright green headband on his head. I said "Why are you wearing Elin's headband Jake?" He says, I'm David the shepherd boy" (Enough said) and he goes back out. I followed him outside, thinking I need a picture of this. As I get my camera out to take a few pics of him in his green headband and his leashed sheep, he kinda poses and starts swinging his golf club in a circle around his head saying,"this is my stone mom! I fight off the bears w/ it!" (Think he meant "sling" obviously) I love that he is excited about the Bible stories we are reading, but I never thought we would get quite this reenactment & neither did our oh so tolerating dog Loa.

So, not the greatest picture, but isn't it funny that Loa is yawing.. as if she has pretty much had enough! Hehe!!

YEAH! Daddy's Home!

2011-09-06T21:46:00.000-07:00

Let's just say that last week was a bit on the long side! Keith was in Milwaukee for 4 days for work and it felt a little more like 4 weeks. I'm sure Jake was counting down not just the days but the minutes until Daddy got home. We made him a card w/ Jake's well used phrase "Yeah! Daddy's home" and made him some chocolate chip cookies for a midnight snack when he got home on Friday night. Jake pleaded to wait up, so I thought, "sure, he'll never make it." So we made a pallet in the living room floor and waited. Believe it or not, Jake lasted until 11:30 pm before he crashed out ( I might be the worst mom ever... who lets their 3 year old stay up that late?). Keith tried to wake him up for cookies when he got home at midnight, but let's just say he wasn't interested. Anyway, needless to say we were all happy that Keith was home.

Sacked Out

2011-08-23T19:43:00.000-07:00

Elin naps hard. She typically does nap in her bed... I promise; however recently she absolutely just crashed out during some floor playtime. Take a look at this oh so sweet baby girl.

ELIN KATE ROTAN

2011-06-18T12:51:00.000-07:00

So I am not promising to blog, but there are some of you that haven't gotten to see or meet our little Miss Elin. So... here she is! In this picture she was almost 3 months old. She is such a laid back, smiley little one! Such a blessing she is!

March: 22 months

2010-04-18T14:52:00.000-07:00

March was a fun month for Jake. It was his last month in "Nursery 3" at school, where his beloved "Me" was his teacher. "Me" is actually "Carrie" but Jake called her "me" and I think she kinda liked it. She told me one day when I was picking him up that he kept going up to her and saying "ME, hi!, ME, hi!" At first she thought that he was looking for some attention, wanting her to say hi to him and then she said, "I later figured it out ...that he was calling me, 'ME!'" The toddler language processes are hilarious to me!! In March we also went to Brownwood for Abby's 3rd birthday party, and let me tell ya, Jake loves his "Babby!" He also tries to say Allison's name, but it somehow sounds like the word, "eyes". But still, it's cute! maybe I will get a video eventually of all the funny words he has but until then here are some pictures of Jake with the girls!

"BABBY"

Feb: 21 MONTHS

2010-04-18T14:19:00.000-07:00

So I really have taken pictures of Jake over the past few months, just not getting too many posts up! Here are some pictures that I took in February (21 months old). Jake has been talking up a storm since about December, but in February he really started becoming very entertaining verbally! He has also become quite strong and motor wise, I think he's doing just fine, at least I think that is what escaping from his crib without a bump or a scrape means! He was madder than an old wet hen one afternoon, so I put him in his bed and shut the door. All of a sudden the screaming halted and just as I was thinking, "Oh, he must be 'happy' now, I'll go get him," his bedroom door swung open and he came running into the bathroom (where I was) saying, "Mommy, ge ou, ge ou!" (Mommy, Jake out, Jake out!!). I am sure that my facial expression was priceless, but needless to say that was the day I ordered the toddler rail for his bed!

"Gu Gus" "Gu Gus"

2010-03-25T17:54:00.000-07:00

This may seem like a silly post, but not if ya know just how much this little guy loves the "gu gus," AKA "ducks." We have a park with a pond a few blocks from our house, and Jake loves to go see the ducks, feed the ducks, or just drive by the ducks. So we have made many trips, basically any day that the weather is half way descent, to visit the ducks, the many many ducks!

Our playa lake this winter was quite culturally diverse as well:

First ya have the LOCALS:

Then ya have the TOURISTS, the Canadian geese:

And last and certainly least, ya have what we call ..... the GANGSTER GEESE:

And I do mean "GANGSTA!!", these dudes are mean and they basically charge you, HONKING and HISSING the whole way. So... when we visit the ducks, we make a game out of not getting caught in the middle of the gangster crossing. First we find just the right location on the lake, (clear across the lake from the gang) then we feed the others as quickly, as Jake's little fingers can tear and throw the bread. Then as the HONKING and the HISSING approaches, I pick Jake up and Run, Run, Run! He just laughs, I think that is his favorite part!! And guess what, we'll do the same thing tomorrow and the day after and.....

December to February

2010-02-27T12:53:00.001-08:00

It has been several months, but here is some video. Also, Becca uploaded a lot of pictures recently. You can click on the January and February tabs in the margin to see them. Hope you enjoy. Keith

Christmas Season, 2009

2010-02-10T13:41:00.000-08:00

This Christmas was so much fun! We had a great time with Jake baking, visiting neighbors and spending time with family. We even got snow this year! (Fun for us, but maybe not so much fun for John and Julie. Hopefully they will soon forget their miserable many hours stuck on the interstate due to ice and decide to come back to Lubbock at some point!) We are so thankful for the birth of our Savior and excited to celebrate Him with family and friends!

Here are some pictures from December.

Jake's favorite Christmas present might have been these big bopper balloons. Anyone think that the first picture looks like a little John Carter besides me???

Playing with Granddad's banks

Christmas Morning

Potty from Santa!!

Making and eating Jesus' birthday cake:

Helping Mommy and Pop make chocolate creme cherries

Jake breaking in his early Christmas present:

Jake's Christmas party at school:

Baking bread for the neighbors. I think I have a little chef on my hands.

OOh it's so good!

Catch up time....AGAIN

2010-01-15T17:40:00.000-08:00

So I guess it is apparent that I have taken a leave from blogging.... so time for me to catch up. The procrastination side of me says, just start this month and move forward. Unfortunately the legalistic side of me needs to post at least one picture for each month I missed. Procrastination and legalism ... probably not two of my better qualities, but this time the legalistic side wins.
Enjoy a few pics.

November 2009:

November 23rd, 18 months

October 2009:

(UH...Why can't we all just be football players for Halloween?)

Oct. 23, 2009 (17 months)

(What? Is there something wrong with my hair?)

Sept. 23rd (16 months) :

Sept/Oct Video

2009-11-01T19:00:00.001-08:00

Man, Jakob is getting busy and learning so much. Enjoy the video. Keith

Sweet Puppy Love

2009-10-24T18:58:00.000-07:00

Back in August, I took Jake over to my friend Erika's house to see her new lab puppies. Jake and Tatum had a great time! Jakob loves dogs, he calls them all "yaya" for Loa or "woo woo" (his bark). Thanks Erika!

Every Kid has to have the Spaghetti Pics........ Right??

2009-10-21T13:47:00.000-07:00

This kid loves him some "ghetti"

(9/10/09)

June, July, August

2009-08-25T18:26:00.000-07:00

I am a little behind on video, but I hope you enjoy. Lots of fun family stuff over the past couple of months. Keith

SWIM, SWIM, SWIM

2009-08-14T20:43:00.000-07:00

JAKE TOOK HIS FIRST SWIMMING LESSONS THIS SUMMER, AND HE HAD A BLAST. HE SEEMED TO BE PRETTY COMFORTABLE IN THE WATER....MAYBE NOT QUITE ENOUGH FEAR ACTUALLY! WE HAD A GREAT TIME.

(THIS CHILD CAN SUCK HIS THUMB ANYTIME, ANYWHERE!)

May/June

2009-06-20T14:39:00.000-07:00

May

2009-06-20T12:44:00.001-07:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JAKE!!

2009-06-09T14:17:00.000-07:00

So for Jake's big #1 we had a Dr. Suess party. I was curious to see how he would do during the party... with all the people and acitivities, but he did great! He acted like he knew that it was his big day. He hit the ground running that day and had such a big time. It was so much fun. He loved getting tangled up in the helium balloons that we got him and dragging them around everywhere saying "ba ba ba"! He demolished his cake, pounding it on his tray and then to the floor. He did save a few bites to try but was more intereseted in playing in it. And his favorite presents, at least initially, probably more "ba, ba,ba" (this time for balls that John and Julie got him) or the box of Kleenex from his clever Daddy. He had such a fun time seeing everyone, thanks so much for sharing May 23rd with us!

This month he has mastered running, stealing toilet paper off the roll, all different sounds and intonations, and he loves animals, making his funny highpitched "OOh" sound everytime he sees one. His favorite toy at daycare is a pink glow worm HA HA; Keith loves that! This little one is very loving, what a blessed year we have had with him.

First Mother's Day!

2009-05-20T13:22:00.000-07:00

I am so thankful that God chose me to be Jake's mom. We are so blessed to have the opportunity to be his earthly parents that one day Jake may know his eternal Father intimately. Here are some pics with my boys on Mother's Day.

11 months (April 23rd)

2009-05-20T12:53:00.000-07:00

On April 23rd, Jake turned 11months old. Mommy has been a little more tired the past month as Jake started to walk on April 1st, which means, that now we are in a constant game of chase! Now at 11 months he is moving and grooving really well. Some of his favorite activites: walking in circles, playing in the kitchen drawers, eating yogurt, taking Loa for a walk, cooing in a highpitched voice at his stuffed Easter bunny, tiger,and puppy, and walking in more circles! He is also signing for "more" (especially for more yogurt!) and we are working on "please" and "all done." He also got his first hair cut with my friend Dwayna, he was such a big boy! But best of all, he is initiating hugs and pats to us... so sweet.

Before....

After!

Baby Jakob is Growing Up!

2009-04-19T19:37:00.000-07:00

Hope you like the video!
Keith

Pepaw's Birthday

2009-04-11T08:22:00.000-07:00

It took me longer to put this together than I thought it would, Pepaw.
Sorry it is late.
Keith

10 Months Today!

2009-03-23T12:52:00.001-07:00

Jake is the big 10 months old today. It is so fun to watch him grow and learn. He is standing, with improved balance, but no steps just yet .... thank goodness. He started clapping his hands a few weeks ago, which is so cute. He is also screaming bloody murder in protest when we take something from him... which is NOT so cute! He is not just jabbering like crazy but jabbers with more and more amplification each day. He is so sweet and loving though, he saw Keith give me a kiss on the forehead, then he proceded to give me the famous open mouth baby slobbery kiss on my nose. I kid you not, my entire nose was in his mouth! It's the thought that counts! Loa is becoming quite the buddy as well. He wants her in his room at bedtime, and is very anxious to try her raw hide bones. He also loves to watch her as we take them for walks and when she swims in the playa lakes. We treasure each day and are excited for the next with this little booger!

9 Months (Feb 23rd)

2009-03-09T08:35:00.000-07:00

So again I am late getting pictures up of Jake at nine months; however these pictures are from 2/23, his 9 month birthday! Jake is doing great, we saw Dr. Steve on the 23rd. Jake weighed 19lbs and 6 ounces (20th percentile). He was 28 1/4 inches long (65th percentile). Dr. Steve is a little worried about his weight but really just thinks he is going to be tall and skinny. (For those of you that haven't known Keith for long, he weighed 150 lbs soaking wet when he graduated high school!!) So Jake comes by it honestly! The past month he has mastered the "sprint crawl", especially when he has something that he knows he is not to have. He is also pulling up with ease and beginning to furniture walk for a few steps, here and there. He is able, with lots of concentration, to pick up a puff and eat it; however, is not yet tolerating any foods with lumps (without gagging that is). Jake also is jabbering like crazy and loves to tell us all about it.... whatever "it" is! He moved up to the nursery 2 last Monday and is doing well, but we will forever love his nursery 1 teacher, Jeannie, she is awesome. This maybe more stats than anyone wanted, but really it is so I can remember when he did what, so that I can document in Jakes baby book!

TO: Everyone, FROM: Jake

2009-02-14T17:40:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day!

Family Video

2009-01-24T09:31:00.000-08:00

We have a lot of neat video from December. We hope everyone had as much fun as we did.

Keith & Becca

Santa and Sweet Abby

2009-01-23T18:31:00.000-08:00

I found these pictures while posting the previous post and couldn't pass them up. Santa brought Jake the swing for the backyard (he also had fun putting it up!). And Abby was all about loving on "Baby Jake"when they were here at Christmas time.

8 Months & Busy, Busy, Busy!

2009-01-23T12:07:00.001-08:00

Our little man Jake is BUSY, to say the least! Today Jake is 8 months old! And boy, has he gotten busy over the past month! He is jabbering like crazy. He has gone from the army crawl to full force, nothing holding him back power crawl, and the little boogar even pulled up on the fireplace the other day. He is also starting to really think that Daddy is funny and watching Keith's every move. He also loves to try to catch Loa's tail, hide out under the coffee table, and he loves to try to sneak to get eletrical cords! No "well visit" to Dr. Steve this month but we did have a sick visit (so sad to see him sick) this past Tuesday. His weight then was 18 pounds 3 ounces! What a big boy! We love you Jakester!

Check out the Jakob footage.

2008-12-21T16:55:00.000-08:00

Keith put together a video for you. Hope you enjoy.

My Better Half...... Definitely!!

2008-12-18T19:33:00.000-08:00

So I got tagged by my friend Meghan to give a little info about my Sweet Keith. So here we go!

1. Where did you meet? We met at the gym in Midland. I was on a stair climber next to his treadmill. He asked me if I would like the remote to the TV. WHAT?!? (that was the last time! HA!) He then asked if I wanted the fan on because he had just turned it off. What a gentleman!

2. How long did you date before you got married? 1 year and 7 months

3. How long have you been married? It was 4 years on 8/07/08.

4. What's your favorite feature of his? His clear baby blues!

5. What's your favorite quality of his? He treats everyone with kindness. He is also the same sweet Keith no matter who he is around. He is the most consistent person I know in how he treats others.

6. Does he have a nickname for you? Babe.

7. What is his favorite color? Blue

8. What is his favorite food? Chocolate chip cookies during the Dallas Cowboy game & chicken spaghetti. He will eat anything though and doesn't mind left overs... thank goodness!

9. What is his favorite sport? To watch on television: College football. To play: unfortunately I must say it has got to be Rugby. I don't get it... but he loves the barbaric sport.

10. When and where was your first kiss? Under his carport at his duplex after our 2nd date.

11. What is your favorite thing to do as a couple? Travel, exercise, take Loa (our chocolate lab) for walks, just hang out.

12. Do you have any children? 1 so far, Sweet baby Jake!

13. Does he have a hidden talent? He is an excellent leader, although that is not hidden. He is also an excellent organizer.

14. How old is he? 27, 28 next month.

15. Who said "I love you" first? He did. (But I basically made him.) Some of you probably know that story!

16. What is his favorite type of music? He loves all kinds of music; however he really loves Old Country.

17. What do you admire most about him? His ability to keep everything in prospective.

18. Do you think he will read this? Probably. I love you Babe!
19. So now I am tagging Leslie, Sommer, & Laura!

Green Beans & Shots On the same Day?!?

2008-12-06T05:59:00.000-08:00

Lets just say that this past Tuesday 12/2 was not one of Jake's most fun days. He got war wounds from shots at Dr. Steve's and mom decided to introduce, of all things, GREEN BEANS! YUCK! Jake's 6 month well visit was fine. He weighs 15.8 pounds (20th percentile) and is 26 1/4 inches long (50th percentile). He is working awfully hard on sitting up, and rocks his backside to attempt to crawl. He is now eating rice, oatmeal, squash, & carrots. As you can see from the pictures below, I think we will be waiting awhile longer before we try green beans again, not his favorite! (At least I think that is what arching his back, grimacing, and occasionally gagging means!) Each day he is getting busier and busier & each day is more fun.

Home Sweet Home

2008-11-30T19:49:00.000-08:00

So Keith and I have been blessed with a wonderful new house! We have spent the last month dealing with agents, bankers, electricians, inspectors, painters, and finally movers! But to make a long story short we are now in our new house. Actually we are amazed at how smoothly everything went from finding our new home (3 days), selling our old home (under contract after being on the market for 4 days), to actually moving into our new home ( 3 weeks from the time we made our offer). God is so good and we just felt his favor and blessing all over us and we accept it with thanksgiving and gratefulness. Although I thought I was ready to get a new home, once we sold our old home, I began to get a little sad. Keith and I have had so many great memories there on 45th street. It was where we started, where we got Loa, where I was on "home rest" while pregnant with Jake, and where we brought Jake home from the hospital. But once we got into our new house I realized it was just that. It's a house... just like my house on 45th street. No matter what my address is or what type of roof is over my head, my HOME is where my boys are. I love you Keith and Jake!

Happy Halloween from the Cutest Little "SQUIRT" Ever!

2008-10-31T14:01:00.000-07:00

HAPPY HALLOWEEN EVERYONE. LOOK AT OUR CUTE LITTLE SQUIRT (THE BABY TURTLE OFF OF "FINDING NEMO"). WE AREN'T DOING MUCH FOR HALLOWEEN, BUT I COULDN'T PASS UP GETTING JAKE HIS FIRST OF MANY COSTUMES! JAKE DID ENJOY GOING UP TO HIS SCHOOL FOR THE FALL FESTIVAL LAST WEEKEND TO SEE HIS TEACHER MISS JEANNIE! IS THIS NOT THE CUTEST COSTUME EVER? JAKE WAS A GREAT SPORT, LIKE ALWAYS! TOTALLY AWESOME DUDE!

A Frosty Fifth

2008-10-27T19:25:00.000-07:00

On the 23rd of this month Lubbock had its first freeze so Jakob had a bit of a frosty morning on his 5 month birthday. I guess fall is officially here, unfortunately for this summer lovin girl, but nothing that a stylish hat can't take care of for the Jake man! Look at those sweet cheeks!

Tagged for RANDOMNESS!

2008-10-20T13:58:00.000-07:00

So my dear friend, Les, tagged me on her blog to disclose 7 random things about myself, so here ya go Les!

I can spread my toes like no other!
I must put lotion on my feet before getting in bed.
I will not let the pickles on my sandwich touch the mayo. GROSS!
I, like my friend Meghan ( who was also tagged ) cannot hide my emotions. Sometimes I can hide them verbally, but unfortunately my facial expressions give away my true feelings.
Walnuts make my tongue itch.
I have had dreams of people dying before they do. Don't get too freaked out, it has only happened 2 times with patients that are on or have been on my caseload. Not family or friends!
I absolutely HATE and I mean HATE fat on meat or meat on the bones. Ask my mom or Keith. They kindly remove all fat from meat or meat from bones for me! Weird, I know.

So there ya are Leslie, I hope ya get a good laugh from my randomness!

A little Behind....

2008-10-15T14:34:00.000-07:00

So I am a little behind, seeing how my last entry was at the first of Sept. What can I say? Things have been very busy with the Rotan Gang! Jake is now almost 5 months, will be next week on the 23rd! I can't believe it! At his four month "wellness check up" with Dr. Steve, Jake weighed 13 pounds and 6 ounces and was 25 inches long. He was in the 25th percentile for weight but the 60th for height. He is talking, yelling, and spitting as well as reaching and grabbing objects. Yes, the hair pulling has begun! He is now pushing his soother out of his mouth so that he can slip in his right thumb! He has officially, finally, won Loa as a friend as she will finally sit near him, even with him eagerly exploring her nose and ears. We had a great time with Keith's family earlier this month and then with mine down in Dallas a few weeks ago. Here are a few pics from the last month or so...

Hope you enjoy the video. One month glance. Keith

Don't ya just love all the wonder in a baby's eyes?

First Cowboy Game

Practicing in the Bumbo Chair

What a face!

Telling Nannie ALL about it!

Telling that sun ALL about it!

Playing with Aunt Keyle.

Look at that pose in the pumpkin patch!

Just Us Three

2008-09-11T15:16:00.000-07:00

Over Labor Day weekend, Keith, Jake and I went down south for a wedding. We got to see Steph & Aaron and the girls and then spent some time, just us three, in Fredericksburg. What a fun, quaint, and beautiful town. We stayed a couple of nights at Cherry St. B&B and just hung out walking and checking out the local shops down town. Jake was a great sport!

Snoozing During Breakfast

3 Months

2008-08-24T13:18:00.000-07:00

Jake turned three months old yesterday. All is well here. His personality is really starting to present itself! He is talking (sometimes yelling!), smiling like crazy (even at the pretty girl sitting behind us in church this morning), rolling over from tummy to his back, and he does a great fake cough when we aren't paying enough attention to him! Jake seems to like his daycare, he appears content there and gets lots of love from Ms. Jeannie. We are enjoying this little one so much!

Keith helped me with uploading a cute video that we shot with the video camera. Keith loves his new toy and is always testing it on Jake. Jake is chatting with Loa in this clip.

School Days

2008-08-19T15:22:00.000-07:00

Jakob's first day of school (the new lingo for "daycare", it seems) was last Thursday. Even though I just went back to work this Monday, Keith and I felt that a couple of dry runs were in order for adjustment purposes. Adjustment for Keith and me that is! We really are impressed with the daycare... it's still difficult to leave him though. As Keith said, "He just seems so small there!", but we know that we have a Big God that provides a hedge of protection all around Jake. Here are some pics of his first day with Ms Jeanie and Miss Michelle!

Jake in his crib @ Daycare

Jake's teachers: Miss Michelle and Ms. Jeanie

Here are a few other pictures from this past week. Jake is really starting to play and talk; such a happy little one!

Could it be the determination and concentration of the great Michael Jordan??

Go USA!" (First Olympics)

Go Michael Phelps!!

All ready for church.

Dallas Excursion

2008-08-08T12:48:00.000-07:00

Last weekend, Keith and Jake and I went to the Dallas area to visit my family. We got to hang out with Nana and Pop, John and Julie, and Allison and Abby. We got to see Steph and Aaron for a short time and then they left the kids at Mom's and were on their way into Dallas for a weekend, just the two of them! Probably the first in a very long time. We had a great time with their girls though!

Mom and Trevor, thanks for your hospitality, we enjoyed the weekend so much!

Uncle John & Aunt Julie with Mr. Jake.

Abby Loves the Camera...

And the Camera Loves Abby!! Too Cute!

Nana with the Kids.

Pop and Abby

Allison Teaching Keith how to Color!

Thanks John and Julie for coming out to Mom's both days we were there.

We love ya'll!

Jake resting up after the trip....even though he slept the whole 6 1/2 hour drive!

A Double Great- Grand Spoiling

2008-07-31T21:04:00.000-07:00

Jake is so blessed to have 3 sets of great grandparents and he has met all of them!! We got to see 2 sets this week. We got to see Memaw and Pepaw this Tuesday. They came out and took us and Megan and Dustin to dinner and then came over to the house to hang out with Jakob. We had a wonderful time with them and Jake got his first great- grand spoiling for the week. Then today, Nannie and Papa came by and visited with Jake and me while they were in town for a Dr's appointment- Man, Jake got loved on and received his second spoiling. Thanks for the visits! Here are some pictures I thought you would like!

Memaw and Pepaw with Jake

Nannie & Jakob

Papa with Jake getting a good stretch in!

2 Month Dr. Appointment

2008-07-31T20:47:00.000-07:00

Jakob had his 2 month Dr. visit on 7/24. All went well. Jake's weight was 9 pounds and 9 ounces and his length was 23 inches long. So he has gained 3 pounds and increased in length by 4 inches since birth. He got 3 shots at this visit. Jake screamed for about 5 seconds, I cried for a minute and Keith got teary eyed. It was sad to watch, but Jake did well with no fever or fussiness following the shots.
So at 2 months, Jakob is tracking objects near him, making sweet eye contact with us, raising his head up during tummy time (which he is not fond of), he smiles, and says lots of "ah- goos" We are having a blast with him. He is such a joy.

Caught on Camera

2008-07-18T07:07:00.000-07:00

THIS WEEK JAKE WAS PLAYING IN THE MIRROR ON THE CHANGING TABLE, AFTER A DIAPER CHANGE. HE WAS HAVING SO MUCH FUN THAT I DECIDED TO GET MY CAMERA OUT AND GET SOME SHOTS AND LOOK WHAT I GOT.....

JAKE, CHECKING HIMSELF OUT

THE 'O' FACE

THE 'WHAT YOU TALKIN ABOUT WILLIS?' FACE

AND THEN... OH MY GOODNESS...

WAS THAT REALLY?.... YEP IT WAS

JAKES FIRST SMILE.........NOT CAUSED BY GAS.

Six Weeks......Already!

2008-07-09T09:10:00.000-07:00

It is hard to believe, but Jakob is already a few days over six weeks old. It has really gone by so quickly. Over the past six weeks we have had so much fun getting to know Jake and we have had lots of appreciated help from our family. My mom, Susan, and Keith's mom, Sheba, both stayed for a week and worked their tails off around the house but they also just got to hang out and enjoy their new grandson. Dwain and Keyle also visited as well as Jake's great-grandparents from California and great-grandparents from Earth, TX. My brother, John, and sister, Steph, and their families also came in the weekend that Jakob was born along with Keith's grandparents Memaw and Pepaw with Keith's uncle Paul. My dad, Jim, and Dustin and Megan also have come by frequently to spend some time with Jake. Jake has got to meet lots of my friends from work, as they hooked us up with delicious dinners 3 nights a week for about three weeks. Thanks to everyone for all the help, love, and support! (I hope I didn't miss anyone, but if I did... THANKS to you also.) We appreciate you all and are so glad that Jake is sooooo loved! Here are a few pics from the past 6 weeks.

Jake with his cousins, Allison & Abby.

Resting on Daddy's Chest (2 weeks)

Jake's first bath.....Loa was there too, of course!

Jake was not too impressed with bath time, as you can see.

Jake, chillin' with Mom.

Life is sooooooooo good.

My new sling... it's awesome! Jake loves it. If you have a baby, and don't have a sling, this one is a Zolo. It is great for out and about of for trips in and out of stores, when the trip isn't long enough for the stroller. It beats carrying the heavy car seat!

He Is Here & We Are So Blessed!

2008-07-09T07:53:00.000-07:00

For those of you who haven't heard our news, our baby was born on May 23rd at 12:21 am. He weighed in at 6lbs & 9 oz and was 19 inches long. After a day and a half of being called "Rotan Man, Bubba, Burrito, and Harold Franklin" we finally nixed all the suggestions and named him Jakob Rush. "Rush" was Keith's great- grandfather's first name. "Jakob" is a name I just have always liked, but I especially like "Jake." I really never expected labor and delivery to be quite what it was. I had wonderful nurses and an excellent Dr. and we seriously laughed through Jakob's six and a half hour delivery. God is so good. Here are some pictures of our little Jake.

Becca with Brand New Jakob Rush Rotan.

Look at the grin on the new Daddy's face!

The Three of us.

The Boys Resting up Before Going Home.