Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

This Christmas season was a season of new beginnings for the Bowers. We began, but did not finish an Advent Calender. Jadon was successful in memorizing Isaiah 9:6 and in impromptu fashion recited it at our house church when we were reading Jesus Birth story out of Luke. Jadon gave out all the presents and got some pretty cool ones as well. Looking around at the gifts and cards that came from family and friends reminds me daily of how blessed we are and of God's continual presence in our lives. When we are not able to spend this precious time with loved ones, we are not forgotten. Please know that you are all in our hearts and prayers.

(P.S. mom... I love the socks!)

An ElfYourself dance for you...

This is lots of fun! Jadon and Ian love watching this.

http://elfyourself.jibjab.com/view/EJZIKyPWWorYgqA4Kzfc

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas.

Making Cookies

Can't tell which ones I put together can you?

I'm so proud of Jadon, we had a lot of fun

Baby Sign

We were more consistent teaching Jadon sign language, but every once in a while, Ian will surprise us and use a sign. He started signing at 11 months and so far has "eat", "more", and "milk" down. Milk is the latest addition to his repetoire.
Oh! He is now preferring to walk vs crawling, but not all that steady on his feet yet.

Isaiah 9:6

For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Season's Greetings from Portland

From Pioneer Square Tree Lighting

Some of the things I am thankful for.....

⁴ Where no oxen are, the trough is clean;
      But much increase comes by the strength of an ox.
       (Proverbs 14:4, New King James Version)

Moon Crawling Baby #2

Got this on video too.

Ian is Walking!!!!!

YEAH! Ian is walking. At his choosing, of course. I think he is teasing us. Our Nanny got a video of it on her phone and as soon as we figure out how to get it off, I'll post it for all to enjoy.

We got it......



Look, he's so proud!

Jadon counted to 12!

He skipped some cars in between, so actually had more than 12, but.... He continued to 15, 19 and then stopped. (32 months old)

Ian's Talking

Well, talking on a one year old level. He says "ma ma ma ma ma" and "da da da da da". In the last couple of days we have been able to discern "J-don" as well!

A Conversation with Jadon

Jadon "I want to watch Magic School Bus"
"When did I say you could watch it?"
No answer..... "You can watch it after snack"
Jadon "Yeah!".... (pause)
Jadon "I want snack"

Moon Crawling Baby

Every once in a while, Ian will start crawling backwards and it looks like he is "moon" crawling. I would love to capture it on video for all to see, but haven't had the luck of it yet. Will keep trying.

"I want a really long TRAIN!"

The goal is to attach every single train car Jadon has and run them back and forth along the floor. With encouragement, Jadon chooses two cars Ian can play with otherwise - all the cars get put away!

Brushing Teeth

We have started brushing Ian's teeth, to help get him used to the idea. He has been watching big brother get his teeth brushed for so long, he knows just what to do. It is fun to watch him come over, lay back and open his mouth. He has had good consistent modeling by Jadon.
Ian already wipes his hands when we tell Jadon to wash his hands.

These things make me smile!

Happy Halloween

BYE BYE

It brings me great joy to see Ian do something new, something that we have been modeling to him. Today as our nanny, Amy, got ready to leave, he turned toward her, started flapping his whole left arm and said in his own words "bye bye". An absolutely adorable moment that I want to share with all.
[Age 1yo]

Decorating Cookies

Amy, our nanny, had a great idea on how to entertain Jadon on a rainy day. I come home to decorated holiday cookies!
Earlier in the week they kept busy by painting baby pumpkins.

Happy Birthday Ian!

Some highlights of the year.

• Teaching dependence on God in prayer
• Visiting with distant cousin
  
• First car trip to Seattle
  
• Sitting on potty
  
• Daily hugs and kisses
  
• Laughter and smiles for all
• Sitting/crawling/standing/cruising
  
• Teaching gentleness and laughing with his big brother
• Farmers Markets with Grandma and Gramps
• Parks and Berry Farms with Nina and Papa
  
• Four Emergency Room Visits, including one ambulance ride
• "Da Da" and "Ca"
• Emulating big brother in play
• Bath time for two
• A trip down memory lane

Eating Vegetables

We have a really tough time getting Jadon to eat his vegetables. Chocolate Zucchini Cake and Carrot Cake were pretty much what we were depending on as he also does not eat corn! (We are going to try corn on the cob this week though) We stumbled on this really great drink that Will makes up on a weekly basis and it's like ice cream to Jadon. Don't tell him, but this Green Smoothie is full of spinach and broccoli!

Stair Climbing

Seven days ago, a trip up the stairs took 5 minutes - now he's down to just over a minute!

Can't resist a smile can you?

Is this how these things come off?

Ian is now a little over 9 months old and changing every day. He has started cruising (holding on to furniture and walking), holding his own sippy cup up, and following dropped objects. Him and Jadon "talk " to each other all the time and he is starting to say "da da" Will thinks that he also says "ma ma" but to tell you the truth it's more like "da da da" or "ma ma ma".

Ian helps wake Jadon up in the morning - when he see's Jadon, he makes a bee line for Jadon's bed and starts chatting away. Soon they are both talking and heading for their respective potty's. It is then down to breakfast where the interaction continues. Ian loves watching his big brother jump, run, and tumble. Jadon enjoys making Ian laugh by doing the above! They do have times of crying and sibling rivalry which we referee, but we love to see them interact together.

If Will or I lay on the floor it is instantly followed by Ian and Jadon climbing all over us and tumbling resulting in a human jungle gym. The Bower clan keeps busy and out of trouble with lots of wrestling, running and climbing. Times of fun and busyness that I don't want to end, that I savor and look for my next opportunity to love on all 3 of my boys!

World According to Jadon

Basketball hoop = Soccer Ball hoop

Cat Tree = Jungle Gym

Game of Chase

With Ian crawling, the kids are starting to play together, and it is fun to watch. I think life is supposed to have these times of joy to help us to keep-on keeping-on when things are tough.
Blessings,
Will

Zoom, Zoom, Zoom.....

I am not referring to Mazda. I am referring to our little one who has now mastered crawling - Ian even crawls on the sidewalk to play ball with Jadon and I! His knees and shin show signs of his constant movement. All the gates are once again closed at our house and we must keep watch because he has also mastered pulling himself to a standing position.



Now that Ian is crawling, he is finding a lot of neat stuff and enjoys to go in the direction of Jadon. (Maybe because Jadon is at his eye-level). Jadon has mastered "No No Ian" and a shrieks of dismay. We are constantly molding Jadon into a gentle big brother that guides Ian out of love and sharing. Luckily "Lyle, the Kindly Viking" is one of Jadon's favorite Veggie Tales which helps us reinforce sharing and brotherly love.

To boost Will's spirit he got an "A" on his first paper that he has turned in for his grad studies. A little confidence booster after being out of the classroom for 3 years. Oh and typical Will style - it was 2000 words too long! Between you and me, he has a hard time being concise!

It's hard to believe that it is already the end of July and the boys are growing and we are enjoying every exhausting minute. It's hard to believe sometimes how much I get done around the house. But I am working hard on changing my perception to say that I have accomplished a lot when I have been quiet, connected and attuned with my boys. Enjoying the time with them and leaving the dishes for another time! (Pray for me on that one - It will constantly be a work in progress). Enjoy Ian's smiles. He lights up faces where ever he is.

Learning to Crawl #3

Ian is crawling! He has red knees today from his many successful attempts. Even a bump from his big brother who wants to be the center of attention, did not deter him. Way to go Ian!

How is Jadon doing?

Jadon is gaining knowledge fast! He is counting to 10. Starting to recognize letters (he correctly pointed out "A", "F" and "N"). And saying his ABC's! He's climbing the chains at the playground. Our nanny is working with him to be able to spell and write his name!




P.S. I really enjoy reading comments left by visitors. If you would like to send me a message after seeing the posts on this blog, look below and click on "COMMENT" and leave me a message.

Learning to Crawl #2

I would not call it crawling.... at least not yet. It's more like sliding, stretching, arching, rolling and 'skootching'. But he can move across the floor.

Other exciting news: He is very productive on his potty. He loves to talk and responds when talked to in his language. He is very expressive and loves to watch and follow Rocky. We also have a "pop up" toy and he is a pro at closing all the lids! He is very much the eater too!

Check This out!

Fox News 12 of Portland visited Jadon's favorite playground. Make sure you play the video.

Train From Gramps

Ed Visit #3 Update

Ian is great at recovering!
His second night of Croup was NOT worse than the first. PTL!
Him and Dad pretty much slept all night on the recliner, which provided some elevation for his runny nose.
Right now he is sleeping peacefully in his crib.
During the day it has been a little bit more challenging at times, but overall he is back to his ole self with a runny nose.
Thank you everyone for lifting us up in prayer!

Ed Visit #3 Continued

The pediatrician is calling it Croup. So I'll be waiting it out with Ian. The natural course is that the second night is worse than the first, so praying that Ian will sleep peacefully through the night without any difficulties breathing And that God will guide mom and dad on useful symptomatic measures that palliates Ians sore throat and overall discomfort.

Ed Visit #3

Last night, Ian took an ambulance ride to Emanuel ED because he was not breathing well. By the time the doctor saw him, he was doing much better - so it was hard to say what caused it. It could of been in response to a viral infection or allergic (Our cat has taken to sleeping in Ian's crib when he's not there). He got some steroids and will follow up today with his Pediatrician. This morning he does have a runny nose and is not his usual happy self.....

Prayers please. We were all up last night and I am on my way to work and will meet our nanny at the doctors office. Amy is great! She is comfortable watching Ian, but understandably a little nervous after what happened last night.

Will keep you posted.

Learning to Crawl

He's almost there!.
On his belly and on the bed doing his "push-ups".
He perches a knee underneath his hip.
Extending a hand to reach for a toy.
Learning to balance on 4 and then 3.
Down he goes.
Two partially exposed bottom teeth showing through his smile of excitement.
Ready to start again.

Skinned Knees

It finally happened. Outside running back and forth, Jadon tripped over his feet and did a face plant - smack.

What's happening now? So much time has gone by since I have been able to post. And I hate doing a synopsis because that robs so much life and real time stuff!

We are definitely all gearing up for summer! The school year ends this coming Friday and then Will will be heading down to Azusa to begin to finish his Masters (YEAH!).

Jadon just loves to be outside and run, run, run.....



His vocabulary is improving. He now can say "motorcycle" versus what he was saying before. Can't quite describe it, but we all knew what he was trying to say. Still loves the trains. We sometimes go down to the train station and he watches the Max and the Wes leave and enter the station.

Ian! Wow! After he figured out that he needs to open his mouth to get the food in, he is eating everything! Sometimes I cut him off after he's gone through two baby servings of food! It's amazing. He has two bottom teeth that have decided to show themselves together. And like Jadon - unless you felt them or saw them, you would never know he was teething. What a trooper my two boys are! He has accomplished the task of sitting up. A pro at sitting on his little potty next to his big brother. (Bonus for mom when he goes poppy in the process). Now he is working on his "push-ups"


Eagerly anticipating what he is going to do soon!

Sibling rivalry. Jadon interacts with Ian by taking his toy without asking, by walking too close and knocking Ian over, or by rolling over him. Prayerfully trying to find a consequence that will enable Jadon to choose to be loving towards his brother. Jadon is gentle too. He kisses him and hugs him and say's he's sorry when he is asked to. The challenge for Will and I is when he is not gentle and loving. Interesting how the norm is for us to not exemplify Godly character.

Happy Mother's Day

Look who's Rolling Over!

A Trip to OMSI

The best part of OMSI according to Jadon.

Happy Easter

Laughter

Guaranteed Pick Me Up!

Happy Birthday to Jadon!

Jadon got to spend his birthday party at his favorite play area!
The park!
Doesn't matter if it rains or shines
fun is still the same.
Cold hands and all.
Mud puddles are to be sought out and jumped in till there is no more puddle.
Swings to be swung
Jungle gyms to climb
Slides to slide

Parents huddled under the covered picnic area with all their warm attire.
Dad's chasing Finn and Jadon down, out and around.

Finn and Jadon worked together to open presents.
And that is where the team work ended.
After that it was each boy for himself
There was plenty of new toys to go around and distract

Jadon is really not into blowing out candles yet.
He knows that fires burns
His eating of cake this year is a bit more civilized -
only handfuls versus the whole piece at once!

The sun was pleased at our fun and shined on us all towards the end of the day!

On day #2 in Seattle, we followed a recommendation from a friend of mine and took a Ferry Ride to Bainbridge Island. It was a nice 30 minute ride both ways and Jadon loved it! Ian slept through it both ways so it must of been ok for him too.

We were able to see Mt Olympus and the Seattle Skyline which was nice. Once on the Island, we walked to downtown to catch a bite to eat. We took a tip from a local and ate at Doc's Marina Grill. Our meal consisted of consoling Ian, running with Jadon outside on the patio and swapping eating privileges. I wonder if Narumi is going to want children of her own after this trip. The downtown shops reminded Will and I of Carmel, high end artsy stuff. Nice artsy stuff.



On the way back to our hotel, we ended up at Pike Place again and picked up some cheese cakes for deserts. We were meeting one of my girlfriends who lives in the area and her husband. It was really good to sit and visit with them.

After that visit, Narumi and I headed out for some authentic sushi!

It was a very full day, and I apologize for going straight to sleep after that and not blogging. But trying to catch up now.

Narumi has definitely been the trooper. She is extremely patient waiting for the family to get themselves together and is genuinely enjoying her time. Together we figured out how to access the Japanese internet so she can have access to her email and local sites that she enjoys. And to help us communicate we use the aid of Google Translator. But, I am surprised on how easily my Japanese is coming back to me - and it's been 11 years since I've used it. We are getting by relatively well using a mix of Japanese and English. I have also educated her on American hospitality as in Japan it is very different.

We packed up the car and headed back to Portland on President's Day. The sky's were actually clear enough that we were able to see Mt. Ranier. Jadon continued to be excited about the BUS! TRAIN! MOTORCYLCE! We were hoping to be able to stop and show Narumi Mt. St. Helens, but the visitors centers were closed because of the holiday, so we will leave that trip for another day.

Check back in at this post, as I will add pictures later!

Happy Valentines Day

Wow!
What a day!
A good full and busy day!
Lots of work, but I would not trade the joy and delight of enjoying my family for a relaxing day on my couch.

Here we are at the start of our day. We had a busy morning getting ready, eating breakfast and finally going. It's never ceases to amaze me how I think I am all set to go, but.... wait! There's a diaper to change, a nose to wipe, and then.... Oh! Ian's hungry again. Such fun! Eventually there is nothing left to do except move.

We are standing underneath the Monorail line that goes from downtown Seattle to the Space Needle. Jadon's either looking at a

BUS! TRAIN! DOG! MOTORCYCLE!

Every where he turned there was something to get immensely excited about.

Pike Place Market.
A definite must see.
Lots of exciting fares inside and good, good food to savor.
Anything from market fare, to soaps, crafts, and clothes.

Here are the two Bower Men watching the fish throwing. Grown men throwing fish when a customer comes and buys something. The men up front throw it to the men in back who cut it and prepare it. They were even throwing live crabs! Can we say workers comp? Or who else reading this has also seen the Veggie Tales Jonah Movie? Those fish slappers!
I tried to get a picture of the fish being thrown, but this is what I got - one being caught.
If you look in the bottom right corner of this picture below, you will see a monk fish hanging over the side. Its tail is attached by a string so the workers behind the counter can pull on it. Will went down to show Jadon the fish, and wouldn't you know one of the guys had to jiggle the string! Bet they were not expecting the response they got from Jadon. Poor guy scared him, he was "all done!"
A trip to Seattle, wouldn't be a trip to Seattle if you didn't go see where it all began. The original Starbucks! (Nihon-go) No place for sitting and chatting with friends or using wifi. Just standing in line and ordering a cup of coffee. I didn't get a Starbucks here because the line was out the door. I went to another Starbucks downtown and all I can say is that I order my espresso drinks at 200 degrees because I like it HOT! And it wasn't 200 degrees. It probably was that particular Barista. I should of gotten a picture at that street corner. It's the intersection of 5th & Pine street. The place to be if you had a message to say. There were protests about the seize of the gaza strip. Doomsdayers with microphones hollering "Repent or Die!" Firemen in full gear stairclimbing up 69 flights of stairs to raise money for Leukemia/Lymphoma. A lot of activity with a greater purpose.

Here are my smiling men after filling their tunnies with some Japanese fare (Nihon shoku). There is a lack of good Japanese food in Portland so we are checking out the scene in Seattle and so far so good, as you can see.

On to our next venture of the day.
The Space Needle.
We took the Monorail there, to Jadon's delight.
Once off, he wanted "more", at that time he wasn't interested in going up.

Seattle skyline

Enjoying the sunset at the top

or just being goofy in the gift shop

It's times like these that make all the hard work worth it.

Good night (Oyasumi nasai)

We arrived in Seattle!

Boy it sure was a long day, but after packing, shopping, multiple time outs, we made it! Here's the crew on the ride up. It took us only 2.5 hours to get up here on a Friday evening, so we feel really blessed.

I would love to write more, but I need to help the crew get to sleep. We have a big day planned tomorrow! We will be visiting The Space Needle and Pike Place Market.

Domo Arigato

Jadon had fun trying on Narumi's hat. He did not want to give it back or share.
This is a beautiful silk robe that Narumi brought for Jadon. I do not know when I would let him wear it without direct supervision. None the less, it is absolutely beautiful! Maybe he can wear it to Glen's wedding in the summer? (As long as he does not move! Or anything else that little boys do)



Narumi is rested, well fed and off to sleep again. We will head off for Seattle late in the afternoon. I am hoping to be able to blog on the road! Talk to everyone soon.