One Year Until Hes Two

Our little boy is the big 1 now and had a very fun party to celebrate it. Thanks to everyone who was able to come out. It means a lot to us. Ive put some pictures in the gallery from the party so check them out.

Best Friends Are We

Mr Jack and Hudson have become best buddies the last couple weeks. Jack has learned that the doggie is soft and loves it when he licks his hands or feet. Hudson has learned that the baby is messy and tasty so he likes to lick his hands and feet.

In other new I should have a job waiting for me in GR. Hopefully I dont jinx anything but I heard back from one of the Sears in Grand Rapids and they should have a position open for me as a tech there when we move back. Now its still two months away and any number of things could happen between now and then but things are looking good as far as thats concerned.

There are a bunch more new pictures in the gallery.

8 Weeks

Today Mr Baby Jack turns 8 weeks old. Its also Mommys first day back to work and Daddys first whole day alone with the little man.

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving despite the Lions and Cardinals losing. Dan came over and we had a turkey with stuffing, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes and rolls, with pumpkin pie and homemade banket for dessert.

Saturday we went and got Jacks first Christmas tree. Hudson hasnt figured out that theres a secret bowl of water under it for him yet this year so this tree might make it all the way through the holiday.

We continue to add pictures to the gallery and the cookbook now has 40 recipies in it and were adding more and more every week.

Most of you have probably heard already, weve decided to move back to Michigan after Jaime finishes this school year and our lease is up. This means that by June 4th we should be back in Grand Rapids. (Just in time for Jacks first festival.)

Big Update!

Wow...I can't believe how fast time is going!  So, you saw a 2 week picture, but no 1 week picture.  Here are a bunch of random pictures that I've been meaning to post!

One week old.

Two weeks old.

Three weeks old.

Grandma and Grandpa DeBruin come to visit.

Grandma and Grandpa Merchant come to visit.

Cute Halloween outfits!

Day 1

Everyone always says that their best day was the day that their child was born. I always accepted this, but now I feel it. Jack Henry DeVries was born yesterday at 3:08pm pacific standard time. We went to the hospital a little before 9 to have Jaime induced. By 12 she was 5 cm dilated and the doctor came and broke her water. Jaime hadn't been having much pain from the contractions yet but decided to ask for the epidural at that point. About half an hour later the anesthesiologist came and gave her the epidural. The was very happy about that because the previous few contractions really started to hurt. By 2:00 she was fully dilated and she started pushing around 2:30.

Jack is very healthy and weighs 7 pounds 9 ounces. He is 20½ inches long and has some dark hair on the top of his head. Here are some pictures (there are more in the gallery) from yesterday and Ill be posting more tonight or tomorrow from today.

Back to reality...and triple digits

Our trip to the mitten was short but sweet. We got to see lots of family, and we wish Staci and Taylor all the best! We got to see friends too. We were really going nonstop from about 2:00 a.m. Friday morning until 10:00 p.m. Sunday night. My two favorite things were shopping with my mom, and seeing my friends again. My mom took me shopping at maternity stores, which would have been intimidating by myself...we had a lot of fun! It was so nice to see my friends and everyone there had kids or was pregnant so it was all babies all night. It was so cool to listen to them all and see them as the wonderful moms they've all become.

On the Monday and Tuesday we were back here in Phoenix, the temps reached 110. Yuck! Then by Friday it was rainy, and the low was 55...half of the high from 3 days before! It was very strange. They're saying now that this weekend and next week will reach 100 and over.

We signed a lease on a new place with two bedrooms...can't wait to start setting up the baby's room! We had another doctor's appointment on Wednesday, nothing new to report. I have started feeling him move though! That was very exciting, and he seems to be very active!

School's out...thank goodness! What a year! I can honestly say I will miss some of them, but I did not shed a tear when they all left on Wednesday. It was a relief to get this year over with. Hopefully next year will be easier...even if it's not, I won't be there for part of the year! I am teaching summer school again this year. I start on Monday and it lasts 4 weeks. Only half days and I get Fridays off. Man, this summer will go fast!

Tiny heartbeat

Whew...I've been exhausted lately!  Sorry for the lack of an update.  Our second doctor's appt. went really well.  It was very short, and we got to hear the heartbeat!  It was exciting and sounded like a little horse galloping.  The doctor said everything was normal and answered our questions.  In about 3 weeks we go back again, and 4 weeks after that we get to find out whether we're having a boy or a girl!  In other news, we are coming to GR for my cousin Staci's wedding May 16 through 18.  Can't wait to see everyone, and we're so excited for Staci!

Spring Break and 2nd Dr.'s appt.

I'm so happy it's spring break! Finally a chance to rest and really take care of myself. I can eat how I need to and sleep when I need to...this is the life! You could definitely convince me to job share or to go year round. These breaks are so necessary, and they always seem to come just in time. I think I'll be refreshed enough when I come back to make it through the last, long, full two months. People asked me if I was going anywhere for spring break...why? People come here for spring break. The weather is pretty much perfect right now, cool in the morning and at night, warm enough during the day for summer clothes and swimming. We took a hike today and saw many people on vacation. This time we conquered Squaw Peak and it was pretty spectacular. Wildflowers were in bloom and we saw several lizards soaking up the sun.

Next week Friday we have our second Dr.'s appointment. This time we see the actual doctor. It probably won't be as exciting as the first, no ultrasound this time. Of course, if there is any news we'll keep you updated!

Big Announcement!

By now most of you have already heard our wonderful news! But if you haven't, let me be the first to tell you...we're pregnant! We're very excited and have tried to let those closest to us know. Thank you by the way for all the congratulations, and well-wishes, and wonderful advice! It means so much to us to have a caring and supportive group of friends and family to share this with. Being far away from most of you, we're so glad we're able to keep in touch! As you may have guessed, this does change our plans slightly. We had planned to move to Colorado after this school year was over. As we started thinking about our situation and talking finances and feasibility, we decided it would be best to stay put for another year. Then, once the baby is born and I finish next school year, we'll be better able to make a move. In addition, I will have completed my district's three-year teacher induction program and converted my provisional certificate into a standard one, making it easier to get licensed in another state.

We went to the doctor last week for my first visit...it was a long four week wait from the time we found out! We got our first picture and were told the heartbeat was 162 beats per minute. It was exciting to see the little flutter on the screen! We could not hear it yet. We'll go back in 3 weeks to meet for the first time with our doctor, and of course we'll keep you updated!

Check back often for more updates and pictures! Remember, to leave a comment, click on the word "comments" at the end of the post. Type your name, a working email address, and your message and click "submit comment". The first time you comment, your email address will need to be approved (to prevent spam). Your comment will show up as soon as Dave or I approve it. After that, use the same email address, and your comment should appear immediately.