Who me? Jessica is very interested in being independent and on her own. We foster this happily, most of the time. Aaron is quite a bit MORE daring than I in this regard - letting her play with knives... Continue Reading Little chef »
I'm starting to think I'm not supposed to do this How To on Staging Your Home to Sell - I've been working on it for two weeks now and have run into problems with the feature every time I sit... Continue Reading Halloween's a-coming! »
Interesting conversations with Jessica so far today: Jessica: I think you made a mess Me: Really? Where? Jessica: Over there - it's your job. Me: It's my job to make a mess? Jessica: No, it's your job to pick it... Continue Reading Conversation »
One of the things I love about having 2 kids at this stage in the juncture is how interactive Oliver has become and how receptive Jessica is to that interaction. Oliver lights up like Christmas when Jessica is around -... Continue Reading God love me »
Ok folks, here's the deal. I was the helper in Jessica's preschool class this morning - in her immersion program, all Spanish speaking class. I now know how to say "sit down" in Spanish. A room full of 3 year... Continue Reading Vamanos! »
Don't forget to enter the NEWTREE Chocolate giveaway! The contest ENDS TONIGHT AT 11 PM EST. You can enter once today, more details here. Please enter on the original post. Go! Also - don't forget about the NEWTREE contest they're... Continue Reading Losing the draft for the NBA »
On a morning walk this morning with the family, drinking coffee with the husband and watching Jessica become a kid in front of us while Oliver giggled and cooed at all of us from the stroller. I love my life.... Continue Reading Labor Day Weekend »
This week Jessica has been increasingly interested in writing and things that pertain to school - she knows how to write X's and O's and asks us constantly to show her her name or things like that. We were going... Continue Reading Boy those Kellogs do the trick »
Jessica was the flower girl of her lifetime on Saturday. When she was getting her hair done I lost it and started weeping, I did a few of the ugly cry hiccup type things and then tried to get a... Continue Reading Spilling it »
I took a Group Power class at the gym this week and was all "This is great, I can do this!" "Look at me power lifting 10 pound weights!" "I'm going to be tone in no time at all!". Uh... Continue Reading Gym hangover »
Our family road trip turned vacation was awesome. All photos are sitting on Aaron's computer, so until I get them on mine - here's a few on Aaron's Flickr feed.... Continue Reading Vacation photos »
We're heading up to Grand Marais, MN for the holiday weekend. A friend is getting married up there and we're using it as an excuse to have some fun. We'll be staying in a little studio for a few nights... Continue Reading Going on a Holiday - hooray! »
I write to you often - on this website and in journals, but tonight I did something that I rarely do - I've been having this undeniable feeling that I just need to say a few things to you -... Continue Reading Dear Jessica, »
I'm wondering if changing our diet, as in removing things like wheat/gluten etc would make significant changes in energy levels. For Jessica, we're looking for more of a controlled energy level - she's always had energy, but it's been like... Continue Reading Gluten free? »
Miss Jessica, What a treasure you are. It's been a while since I've written you a public letter and since I wrote Oliver one recently I decided it was time to get another one to you out here. I've taken... Continue Reading To my first baby, »
The ridiculous proportions my body becomes when my milk comes in. And I do mean ridiculous. That sleeping in a puddle of milk really just does not bother me. I'd rather sleep than care about smelling like spoiled breast milk.... Continue Reading Things I forgot about in the 3 years since having a newborn »
When we found out we were pregnant with #1 our lives became a triage center of "preparing for baby" - our minds, money, and time went into thinking "baby" and all that it was to mean for our future. When... Continue Reading Differences between first and second offspring »
I'm going to enter a photo into a contest but I can't decide which one, so I need your help. Leave your choice in the comments section and the most popular one will be entered into the contest at 5minutesformom.com... Continue Reading Need your help »
Jessica's coined a few phrases for her use ... "I'm so Frustrated of this!" "That is berry cool!" "That is not appropriate" Only this sounds more like - That is not prapropriate. Last night we took her for a drive... Continue Reading Key Phrases »
This has been a good spring weekend. This afternoon we took a 4 mile, round trip, bike ride (yes I rode my bike for 4 miles!!) to get the cobwebs off our wheels and, well, our butts too. I got... Continue Reading Weekend rambles »
Jessica's first portrait. I can't get enough of this. She drew me this morning, pregnant and everything. GENIUS! The folder of things we keep that Jessica colors, draws or writes it already full and she's only 3. I'm going... Continue Reading My kid is amazing, and some other stuff »
Jessica dancing from Jodi Schaap on Vimeo.... Continue Reading Jessica dancing »
Today I'm signing Jessica up for preschool. Wow. I can't believe I'm at this milestone already, although in a way it feels so right. We're sending her to Holland Christian for their Spanish Immersion program. Here's a blurb about it... Continue Reading Jessica's going to school! »
Thank you for the out pour of love and support. We're already doing 180% better, the med's are working for me. We were some of the courageous (read stupid) people to venture out in this weather to head to church... Continue Reading Because risk to us means driving in a complete white out »
Riding the carousel from Jodi Schaap on Vimeo. Jessica and I went to the mall today - Auntie Anne's was celebrating their 20th birthday and giving away free pretzels, so uh, duh, we went for the free food. And... Continue Reading Jessica rides the carousel »
I took Jessica's 3 year photos this morning and had a blast with her. Doing her hair was a bit of a job only because I was hoping to get them level - which never happens. In the end it... Continue Reading New ideas »
Jessica's 3 year stats are: Weighs 31 3/4 pounds Measures 38 1/2 inches tall She's a healthy bean. Baby Boy stats are: Heart beat at 137 Measuring right on schedule (24 weeks) and still due May 10 He's a healthy... Continue Reading Status »
Jessica and I escaped up to Irons, Mi to visit my mom and Roger at Roger's cottage for the day - Aaron has a ton of work to do so we thought we'd entertain ourselves for the day to aide... Continue Reading Sunday fun frolicking in snow »
Jessica singing and playing her piano from Jodi Schaap on Vimeo.... Continue Reading Video of Jessica »
Since Jessica's swimming lessons have been canceled twice now and we still don't want to spend the money for gymnastics we've been looking in to a few other options for her. Here's what we've found - links and information -... Continue Reading Activities for a preschooler »
Jessica turns 3 tomorrow. Wow. Today we're making her birthday cake together, or rather I'm making it and she's eating the extra candy. Kids. Today is also the last day of the bathroom remodel and let me just say -... Continue Reading Jessica's gonna be 3 »
I'm doing some research online to figure out more about this leg cramping issue we're having with Jessica and I'm finding alot of the information to be helpful and even reassuring. In the middle of the night I have that... Continue Reading Leg cramps in preschoolers »
Anyone own 'Trivial Pursuit - 80s edition' or 'Twister' that we could borrow for our New Years Eve TOTALLY BODACIOUS Party ??? And a video for your enjoyment of Jessica bowling: Jessica bowling from Jodi Schaap on Vimeo.... Continue Reading Borrow, please »
I think I've decided on a birthday cake for Jessica's 3rd birthday ... Polar Bears - can you feel the love?... Continue Reading Decision »
We survived yesterday coming out on the other end with a few puffy eyes and a whole lot of showers. Showers are the only thing I can do in this house that no one will bother me. I take a... Continue Reading Brighter days and babies »
The whole hour before nap time or bed time drives me completely insane because it does not matter what we do to induce sleep we have to get to the point of taking a privilege away or punishment in order... Continue Reading You super parent, you, keep it to your self. »
Jessica didn't have a nap today due to a busy morning and missing the "sweet spot" for getting her down when she's tired. She usually fights the hell out of being tired or giving in to sleep but as I... Continue Reading Sweet Dreams »
I spent about 2 hours last night reading through old posts about life with a newborn (when Jessica was born) and the 9 months after that. I laughed at a lot of things and cringed at some. Recently a friend... Continue Reading I started out wanting to write about how awesome my husband is, and then this came out »
I'm a super huge fan of wooden toys for kids, my kids especially. I love how they look and feel and how durable they are against the wear and tear of teething, chewing, banging and, in general, just experiencing life... Continue Reading Wooden Toys »
I like to make cakes. For Jessica's 2nd birthday I made her a dinosaur cake in which she loved dearly. For her first birthday I went way overboard and made her 2 cakes because she had 2 parties ... one... Continue Reading Birthday cakes »
If you have 15 minutes, please stop what you're doing and watch this TED video. If your first reaction is "What the hee hoo?" don't worry, I am going somewhere with this. Now take a minute to watch this video.... Continue Reading We have a goal »
Jessica has started asking questions about our parents. As in, Is Grandma Lady your mom? Is Nona your mom? To which I answer - yes. Grandma Lady is my mom like I'm your mom and Nona is my step mom.... Continue Reading Confusing family tree »
We've been making good use of the outlets around town that allow Jessica to run around like a madwomen and be recklessly 2 1/2 years old. Insert Crazy Bounce. This morning we had a play date with Stacey (the mom)... Continue Reading Keeping busy this winter »
Jessica has some very adorable booties named after her. Please stop what you're going and purchase these shoes for the newest little girl in your life - or the oldest. It'll be a sentiment they enjoy forever. Our friends are... Continue Reading Namesake booties »
We took Jessica to her first big screen movie tonight, A Bee Movie, she loved it. I think we loved watching her enjoy it more than anything. There were lots of kids in the theater which made it a great... Continue Reading The Big Event »
Yesterday's post turned out a little differently than I had thought it would. I was going for some comedic relief and it turned melancholy. Either way, it was a good exercise in writing for me. Something other than updates on... Continue Reading A day in the life »
You haven't seen the outside of your house for a good 72 hours and this is your reason ... "Just haven't needed to go out and don't have the energy to put the effort into dressing the Tasmanian child or... Continue Reading You know you're a mom when ... »
We went for a drive tonight and on a whim took Jessica bowling. She ended her first game with an 84 - in my last frame I got 2 strikes and some change. I won with a score of 112.... Continue Reading Family entertainment »
Baby Jessica from Jodi Schaap on Vimeo.... Continue Reading And yet another »
Another video from the vault of baby Jessica - in this one you'll see her saying more while signing please (she often confused the two) ... what a cutie :) Baby Jessica signing from Jodi Schaap on Vimeo.... Continue Reading Another vault video »
Baby Jessica from Jodi Schaap on Vimeo.... Continue Reading Old video of Jessica »
Me: "How come I love you so much?" Jessica: "Because you're sad." Me: "Oh really?" Jessica: "Yea." Hmmm. Some how that logic doesn't work with me. And now she's planning her birthday party for January. With a birthday cake and... Continue Reading Conversation »
As I'm sure you're all surprised to hear - Jessica just keeps getting cuter. Some of the things she says to us we wonder where in the world she got that idea - but love that she got it nonetheless.... Continue Reading More about Jessica »
On the way to brunch this morning Jessica announces to me that her dog, Petey, was in the car with us. We have the birth of her first imaginary friend. I'm in love. I had an imaginary friend and I... Continue Reading Introducing Petey »
Jessica is the proud owner of a Brand New Bike! It's purple without Dora or Barbie, which I cannot be happier about. We got the streamers and basket to boot. (oh, and the horn. Cannot forget the horn.) And this... Continue Reading ANNOUNCING! »
We made it through the weekend. It was quite tiring and trying as parents. We did alot of staying in the house due to some 3 feet attitude and temper tantrums. But this morning things are looking up. For one,... Continue Reading Getting creative »
Jessica has become a little more aggressive in her play tactics lately and this morning we tried to tell her that she'll have to share with her new brother or sister when it comes. You should have seen her face.... Continue Reading Jessica on being 2.5 »
Upon waking up this morning Jessica comes into our bedroom and sits next to me on the bed. She sweet talks me a little, asks me some questions about the clothing I'm wearing and then gently tells me to "Get... Continue Reading Small idiosyncrasies. »
I'm going to go ahead and say it. I totally forgot what the first part of pregnancy is really all about and if I had remembered more clearly I think I would have been a bit more leery about volunteering... Continue Reading 1st Trimester woes »
We didn't actually get done with the tiling this weekend. Aaron had to work on Sunday and Jessica just keeps getting sicker. It started with a running nose after the Grandparent extravaganza weekend, which we expected because her diet usually... Continue Reading Brand New Bike! »
Yesterday was a great day - Jessica and I went downtown in the morning to see one of her and one of my friends. The kids played while I got some adult conversation. After nap we had dinner at a... Continue Reading Potty training thoughts »
Jessica hasn't been feeling 100% today - last night when we put her to bed we noticed a runny nose and chalked it up to playing outside alot and going to bed a bit late. But she woke up with... Continue Reading Catching up »
Today was the first day in a few that we haven't had so much rain that playing outside is more or a less a trip to the bath. I thought. Jessica's sandbox is retaining water - so of course after... Continue Reading playing in the sandbox and now the shower »
Jessica has taken to entertaining herself pretending to be me. She often tells her balloons to listen to Mom and go to bed and right now she's cleaning with ALL of her wipes (because those are cheap right?) and rearranging... Continue Reading Entertainment »
We had a little fun with Aaron's Photobooth application on his computer this afternoon. Very entertaining.... Continue Reading Hopefully this isn't looking into the future. »
Aaron comes home tonight! Jessica and I are counting the hours at this point, we're both very excited about his return. Jessica is going to stay up and go with me to get Aaron from the train station which isn't... Continue Reading Aaron coming home! »
In order to keep ourselves busy today Jessica helped me try a few new recipes. We made some mini muffins from a box I've had in the pantry and then we decided to use all the buttermilk that was threatening... Continue Reading For delivery »
I put Jessica down for her nap and she was almost immediately asleep so I ventured to the garage to price our stuff for the sale tomorrow. When I came inside to check on her there was no Jessica in... Continue Reading Escape Artist »
Dear Jessica, I haven't written you a letter here lately because some times all the mushy things I like to say to you are better written by hand and put in your box of special things I'm keeping for you.... Continue Reading Jessica Ranae »
Dressing Jessica this morning because she has requested a bag-ol from Joe-Pea's (bagel from JP's) and as I'm putting her shirt on she notices the skirt I put on her just moments before and says - Oh, so cute. So... Continue Reading Fashionista »
Jessica has been learning new words. Like Boobs. A little background? Ok. Aaron has always been uber squeamish when deciding what it is we're going to call "it" in referring to Jessica's asking - what is this? or Why doesn't... Continue Reading Lessons in Anatomy »
Me: "Nap time!" Jessica: "You go nigh-nigh, too?" Me: climbs in bed with her Jessica: "You could atleast close the door." Um. Ok. Sorry?... Continue Reading Quote and video »
Jessica has been taking off her diapers lately, which is great! We're seeing that as progress in this journey but tonight we're having our small group over and I was explaining to her that she needed to have her diaper... Continue Reading Apparently she ate herself silly »
Jessica: "I cleaning ... I cleaning the book. I cleaning" Me: "You're doing so good!" Jessica: "Yes, I know."... Continue Reading Using all her wipes to clean a very small surface area »
We did it. We bought a trampoline this morning. Jessica? well she fell in love on our yard. Literally. I wasn't there to see it, I was inside making lunch when Aaron and Jessica came inside with her little busted... Continue Reading Trampoline: 1, Jessica: 0 »
Potty training is like a four letter word to me right now. It's frustrating. Mostly because she is, but doesn't care about it. So this morning I asked her what the problem was and she said - I want diapers.... Continue Reading We regress »
One of the awesome things about Jessica being in a twin size bed versus her crib nowadays is how our mornings start. Clock reads 8:06 AM Jessica walks in our bedroom ... "Good M-O-ning, Mom!" "Mom, wake up, Good M-O-ning!!"... Continue Reading If you haven't noticed lately, our daughter's a hoot. »
I have no shame whatsoever about eating a good 3 cups of pasta and a bunch of chocolate for lunch today. Why? Because we lost Jessica at the pool. LOST HER. AT. THE. POOL. The one with water. She ran... Continue Reading An elecrtical current »
Today looks to be cold and a bit gloomy here in Holland, Mi which is ok because I have a mountain of laundry to fold, like every other day. Today it'll be easier to actually fold said laundry because of... Continue Reading Who needs free entertainment? »
This morning was our first swimming lesson with Jessica - and by "our" I mean we decided that I would take her seeing as how Aaron has to work and all. It went really well, I will admit that I... Continue Reading Danger, danger »
After I tried to give Jessica a hair cut this morning I made an appointment at Quick Cuts, the same place Aaron had his first hair cut more than 20 years ago, and we went in to have it fixed... Continue Reading First Hair Cut Video »
We were making up new versus to the song 'If You're Happy and You Know It' tonight at dinner with Jessica. Aaron came up with If You're Happy and You Know It Touch Your Nose ... and Jessica retorted with... Continue Reading If you're happy, you should know it »
I think we reversed our potty training woes this morning. It took a turn for the worse after we took Jessica to the ER for her eye. She reminded us almost everyday that she fell on the table and that... Continue Reading Trouble shooting »
She comes up with something new almost everyday. I suggest you all have atleast one 2-year-old in your life. "Check it out!" "Look at me" "Cool dude" "Mom, you're awesome" - no really, she says this. I was trying to... Continue Reading Jessica's new key phrases »
I've been trying to think of a way to make a neurotic Bridget Jones list of something - what I eat for a week, what I wear for a week, where I go for a week ... but I couldn't... Continue Reading Neurotic lists »
We're experiencing some very normal Two-year-old behavior and the one thing we find ourselves reminding Jessica of every day is to Listen to Mom and Dad ... so much so that she now walks around saying it in a sing... Continue Reading Jessica's New Mantra »
I made Baked Spaghetti Pie for lunch today and after Jessica had taken a couple bites she looks at me and says, "Mom, this is delicious!" ... a compliment has never felt so good.... Continue Reading Delicious »
Aaron is sitting in our big comfy chair readying some photos for Flickr when Jessica comes up to him and says: "Listen, Look at me, Look AT ME!" When he does she looks at him like, What? I didn't do... Continue Reading Clearing the conscience »
Me: "Jessica, can you say 'My name is Jessica .. ?' " Jessica: "Schaap." Me: "Um - ok - can you say 'My name is Jessica Schaap .. ?' " Jessica: "Ranae." Me: "Wow, you're right! So, can you say... Continue Reading Identity crisis »
This is what happens when you make out in front of your kids. Aside from the therapy she'll need in her twenties, she'll also suffer from thinking that all parents are this disgusting and be blown away when that bubble... Continue Reading K-i-s-s-i-n-g »
Yesterday after an accident on a chair we stripped Jessica down and put her in the shower. Seeing as how we were expecting people to come over at any minute I didn't strip down and get in there with her... Continue Reading Alone please »
We were sitting on the floor in her playroom putting a puzzle together when she pops up and runs out of the room ... Jessica: "Mom, you do the puzzle. Do the puzzle. MOM!" Me: "Ok. Sure." Jessica: "I'm gonna... Continue Reading Being told what to do »
I just got done cleaning up the monumental mess she literally *made* in the bathroom and all over our walls and floor - and then the bath tub. I put her to bed directly after putting deodorant on her butt... Continue Reading as if it weren't enough already »
Jessica: "Daddy's here!" Me: "He is? Do you see him?" Jessica: Nodding "I'm daddy. Mom. I. Am. Daddy." Well ok then. No confusion there.... Continue Reading Now I know. »
In an effort to aid the imaginative play we raided Goodwill today looking for hideous jewelry, scarves and very sparkly belts and over sized sweaters. We didn't find any worthy enough clothes, just the accessories but it's all very ugly.... Continue Reading Imaginative play »
This afternoon Jessica was playing a game on a chair where she would go from standing to sitting in one big jump. Well, obviously this is a great idea. She lost her balance and fell face first into the... Continue Reading A trip to the E.R. »
This morning I put a movie on for Jessica so I could get some things done and work on my istockphoto stuff, I left her alone for about half an hour - note to self, anything longer than 30 seconds... Continue Reading Taste of the future »
Sitting at breakfast right now and Jessica is talking to me - asking me to do "Cheers" with her, which means we clang our silverwaer together and chant CHEERS! This is a favorite in the morning, only I don't have... Continue Reading Not meeting the mark »
Grandma Schaap bought Jessica some much needed new clothes - this is recorded last week.... Continue Reading Thank you Grandma, Love Jessica »
Jessica prays: "Dear Jesus, Thanks cereal. Mommy, daddy. Amen." Translates to - Dear Jesus, Thank you for the cereal, and for mommy and daddy. Amen. Complete with folded hands and head bowed.... Continue Reading Heavenly cereal »
Today is much better. This morning we headed downtown as a family while Aaron had a meeting and we tagged along for a few minutes. Then Jessica and I broke off and did some pretty cool things. Like take Jessica's... Continue Reading Busy Saturday »
Each and every morning after Jessica wakes up way too early she asks for a 'bar' which means granola bar - and each and every morning we say no, granola bars are not for breakfast. Then comes the other requests... Continue Reading She gave herself a promotion ... CEO »
Movie of Jessica. She's very much the fashion police around here and today this is her claim to fame.... Continue Reading Breaking out »
Last night Jessica was up a few times crying. This is unusual for her so this morning after we were all up I asked her if she had had a bad dream. She couldn't talk fast enough - she told... Continue Reading bad dream »
That little stinker, she's using the sign to "go potty" as a way to get out of finishing her meals. She'll decide she's done eating and then we fight her on it, asking her to finish her meal - and... Continue Reading Manipulating toddler »
Update on the potty training - there have been no accidents yet today and only successful potty-using. She goes in the bathroom on her own and does it all by herself - we try to prompt her and ask her... Continue Reading cross my fingers »
Jessica's birthday was full of fun - last night we took her to Crazy Bounce and met up with some of our friends, some who joined in on the bouncing. Then we went to Applebeas for dinner and while Jessica... Continue Reading Birthday recap »
Happy Birthday Jessica!! Unfortunately Aaron had to be to work before 6 this morning for a meeting in central Michigan - so our breakfast plan was put on hold - but we made waffles together this morning and now she's... Continue Reading Happy Birthday Jessica! »
Another video up at YouTube - this one is of Jessica and I on a "wok" outside. Taking her stroller and baby sheep for a stroll.... Continue Reading New video up at YouTube »
Yesterday Jessica informed me that her name was Freddie. When I asked her this morning whether or not her name was again Freddie for the day, she looked at me like - "Mom, that was so yesterday, my NAME is... Continue Reading Age of innocence »
We made home videos to send to Grandma and Grandpa Great because they're in Florida for the winter. We miss them! Love you!!... Continue Reading Hi Grandma Great! »
For the second day in a row now Jessica is still sleeping at 5 pm from her afternoon nap. Yesterday it was an astounding 4 hours, today it's already beyond that at 4 1/2. At least she's getting better! And... Continue Reading Jessica sleeps, alot. »
There's only 6 weeks left before Jessica turns 2 ... I kept thinking this hallmark moment would come later ... much later. She's going to be 2. I won't be spending a cumulative 6 hours on birthday cakes this year... Continue Reading 6 weeks to plan »
Since our family trip Jessica has taken quite the liking to me, I will never complain about this, it's my favorite season with her so far. She wakes up asking for Mama and when she climbs in bed with us... Continue Reading I blinked and now she's using sentences »
Jessica has taken up the job of being the prayer warrior in our house. I think she knows we're sinners so she's constantly telling us to PRAY! Or as she says it, PWAY! This comes complete with her demonstration of... Continue Reading And all her people said, AMEN »
Not only do a few more tantrums come around the age of 2 - but so does personality. Yesterday while I was running a few errands for the trip, Jessica stayed home with my mom and made a few deicsions... Continue Reading Miss Personality USA »
I didn't have hair until I was three ... I have proof: This is my 3rd birthday. As in 1-2-3. 3 years. 3 whole years. 36 months. This is Jessica's first pony tail! For the past 18 mo people have... Continue Reading Pony tail »
The past week Jessica has finally realized she is the center of our attention 20 out of the 24 hours in a day. She's taken quite well to this new found fame - it's like everything she does is now... Continue Reading take care of mommy »
One of the best parts about helping my mom in the kitchen when I was younger was the fact that at the end of whatever we were cooking up - we got to lick the bowl clean. Or spatula or... Continue Reading finger lickin good »
There is a constant battle in this house for kisses. We want them. Jessica, however, refuses to give them. There's a sweet spot in the morning when she might give out A kiss. But other than that - I have... Continue Reading XOXO »
I've heard my mom tell me that the Terrible Two's are really a state of mind and that how you react to your child’s strong willed new communication is more than half the battle. I am losing this battle head... Continue Reading Two »
Our friends just moved into a new house and we went over for dinner the other night to see it and get together. They have a little girl 3 weeks older than Jessica, Anna, so the girls kept each other... Continue Reading Last week »
We're not one of those families that buys in bulk because we only buy groceries once a month or have 6 mouths to feed ... I get groceries EVERY WEEK and sometimes I have to go to the store in... Continue Reading feeding time »
Jessica's newest sign is "hurt" or "ouch" ... yesterday she used it to tell me the water was too hot in the shower, adorable. A few days ago while she was eating she used it to tell us her mouth... Continue Reading New words »
Jessica just woke up from a 3 1/2 hour nap - possibly 4 hours. I'm losing track of time, I have so much of it. This was her SECOND nap today, the first one was close to 2 hours this... Continue Reading Growing by the hour »
Jessica has been sick for the past few days and I can't tell if we're at the peak about to turn around, or if we're in a plateau. The poor baby wants to sleep but will fight the devil himself... Continue Reading lackluster »
Among the insurmountable cuteness she exudes on a daily basis, she pulled this out of nowhere today and shocked me with her ability to comprehend, understand and use her imagination already. This all started when she brought her baby and... Continue Reading she really does get cuter every day »
Here are the photos from Jessica's other birthday party, with my dad and sister and her kids. This is the cake that took me 4 hours to make. You can feel free to check my facts with this guy. The... Continue Reading photos of birthday »
After Jessica's crib broke, with her in it ... we finally bought her a new one this weekend. We spent half of Saturday trudging around Grand Rapids in search of the perfect, yet sturdy crib. And we tested EACH and... Continue Reading sleep tight, sleep safe »
In chicago this weekend we happened upon a wonderful tea store, Teavana. I ended up buying half of the store in tea - but it was well worth it. I bought 4 kinds, all delicious beyond comprehension and one of... Continue Reading morning tea »
Today we celebrated Jessica's first birthday with Aaron's family, my mom and Grandma Boeve. For photos, you can go here.... Continue Reading Celebration »
Today is the day everyone. Jessica is ONE year old. Not yesterday - like I had been telling everyone who asked. I thought Wednesday was the 12th. So sorry, Jessica. Wow. That's pretty much all I can say without getting... Continue Reading One »
Today we're going to Paint-a-Pot to make a really big mess and then fire it onto a plate or mug or whatever our fancy might be and idolize this wonderful mess for years to come. If I finally remember to... Continue Reading Celebrating 363 days »
I couldn't really tell you if this is normal and since I don't know - I'm going to go with that it's not and continue thinking I gave birth to a genius. Yea, yea a genius. Just now as Jessica... Continue Reading Do YOU want to go nigh-nigh? »
Jessica has been playing in almost every room this morning and I'm just getting some busy work done along with following her and playing with her, too. Just now I was sitting at the kitchen table looking up some recipes... Continue Reading More amazing tales »
We've got attitude. When Jessica was born I announced her arrival by announcing we had a squeaker. Now that Jessica is becoming her own person, realizing that she can do what her legs tell her to, we now have attitude.... Continue Reading The moments we cherish »
Today you are 9 months old. As old as it took for you to come into this world. Your father made a comment tonight as we were coming home from a date (WITHOUT YOU) he said, "We've had a baby... Continue Reading 9 months today »
The napping schedule is changing. The morning nap of 3 hours right after breakfast is no longer in existence. Instead we have about an hour or so nap after morning snack. It really is fun to interact with Jessica in... Continue Reading Nappy monster »
She didn't quite nursing, thankfully. Just had a bad morning. The formula is going great, she loves it. And she'll even drink water for us now, too. Very nice.... Continue Reading Update on child »
I took Jessica to the doctor today to see if anything was wrong. She hasn't been sleeping well and her runny nose went from runny to clogged and colored. Her appetite went down and she isn't drinking very much. The... Continue Reading Teeny Tiny, thats my girl »
I came home early from Chicago today. I wanted to come home last night already, about 10pm Chicago time ... but Aaron wouldn't let me. (He knew what he was doing) Apparently Jessica has an evil twin, one who is... Continue Reading The devil wears prada in this house. »
Right now I'm sitting in the basement while Jessica crawls around talking to me and her toys. I can't put into words the feeling I have for this moment. My daughter, jabbering, responding to me in like. Her voice is... Continue Reading Sweeter than flowing honey »
Jessica at 7 months; standing, sitting, making out with the stove and looking adorable.... Continue Reading Recent photos »
So Jessica is almost 6 months old - we're about a week and half away from that mile marker but today I'm going to show you here 5mo. photos. Enjoy. Jessica Ranae, You've kept me increasingly busy these past few... Continue Reading Almost 6 months »
We finally got the digital camera back, it was broken and was sent away to be fixed. That was the longest 2 1/2 weeks of my life. And for the rest of history - the most pictureless 2 1/2 weeks... Continue Reading Welcome home »
A small, itty, bitty - almost non-existent remnant of a tooth it poking through my daughters lower jaw. She's not a big fan of the teething rings, she would much rather CHEW ON HER TOUNGE. We know, she's an inventor... Continue Reading growing pains »
Today is the FIFTH day since Jessica has pooped, people. FIVE DAYS. I am sorely afraid of the monumentus poop that I'm sure will take place ... but your guess is as good as mine at this point. She's holding... Continue Reading It's going to be a HOLY CRAP pretty soon »
Jessica has taken to rubbing her eyes when she's tired which is entirely adorable and completely irresistible. But it's very nice too, because there's really no question as to whether or not she's tired. Accompanied by the rubbing is usually... Continue Reading New things baby does these days. »
Jessica rolled from her back to her front for the first time on May 17. She's been rolling from her front to her back since she was about 5 weeks old. But it was awesome to see her finally "get... Continue Reading This site is still about the baby. »
We had an incredibly hard day yesterday. One filled with endless tears and I didn't know what was wrong. I was working on a post about postpartum depression and how I feel so lucky to not have had a bout... Continue Reading The sun is out »
Jessica has taken to waking up once, if not twice in the night again. Not sure why - I'm suspecting a growth spurt and, well, the fact that she can't get enough of being in my arms. Mommy's do that... Continue Reading Butterfly kisses »
The baby has successfully found her voice. For the past 2 days she's bee screeching, giggling, smiling, and cooing, gurgling or ahhhing at her toys and Aaron and myself. Uh, can you say "Utterly speechless" because that is what I... Continue Reading noises »
Jessica's new favorite thing is to suck on a wet washcloth. We found this out while giving her a bath and she grabbed the washcloth out of my hands to insert it into her mouth. She wouldn't let it go... Continue Reading Baby death grip 101 »
So, certain milestones are right around the corner and I'm not ready to admit to the fact that my baby is soon going to enter toddler status. Almost 3 months and poof, they're mobile. Soon there will be rolling around... Continue Reading Changes »
As I'm sitting here Jessica is in her vibrating papasan chair (isn't life hard) and finding her vocal chords. She's screeching, cooing, screaming and giggling, all because she can. :)... Continue Reading Vocal chords »
My aunt Mona and cousin Tara, mother and sister to Jessica's namesake, came for a visit from California to meet our little girl. It's been an awesome few days. Their excitement and love and admoration of our baby goes... Continue Reading Aunt Mona and Tara here for to meet baby Jessica from California »
I think it's safe to say we're going through the 2 week growth spurt. Where nursing becomes the only thing we do all day and night for atleast 24 hours, if not a few more. The semi-schedule we were on... Continue Reading Cross your fingers »
Yesterday Jessica had her first doctor’s appointment to check her weight and jaundice. So we took advantage of the opportunity to be out and about and stopped a few places to show her off. After the doctors appointment - (she's... Continue Reading We spoke too soon »
January 12, 2005 at 3:42 pm Jessica Ranae Schaap was born weighing in at 7lbs, 9oz she is 20 inches long. Labor and delivery went smoothly - I've never seen anything more beautiful than the reward I was granted at... Continue Reading We have a squeaker!!! »