6 Months

Hey all! Sorry I have no new pictures to add this time, I'm not at home where all of them are. Once I get a chance to breath I will download them and add them to the blog.

Baby Jack turned 6 months today! I can hardly believe it. The time has gone by so fast. Those of you who have seen him recently know how cute he is. With all of the attention that he is getting these days he has turned into quite the ham. He loves it when some people talk to him and hates it when others do. He starts to cry in an instant, his face turns bright red, his eyes fill with tears, his mouth opens wide, and the noise starts to come. Or if he likes you he gets the biggest grin on his face.

He went to the Dr. today for his 6 month check-up. He is now 26 1/2 inches long and 15 1/2 pounds. If you look at him he's got roles and chunky thighs, he hardly looks skinny. The Dr. says he is 1 1/2 pounds under where he should be. Looks like I need to start feeding him more rice cereal and baby food.

Well I've got to go feed him. I'll try to add more later!

Monica

5 MONTHS!!!!!

Jack is 5 months tomorrow. In the past 2 weeks he has reached many milestones and does so many new things. He is eating rice cereal and sweet potatoes. He enjoys it when they are mixed together, thinks that the rice is plain by itself and puckers his lips when the potatoes are on their own. Last night we made the biggest mess! There were sweet potatoes in his eye, eyebrows, on his fingers, all over his hands and on my face. How, I don't know! On Thursday he was so tired he fell asleep in his high chair, it was the cutest thing.

He has mastered the "raspberries" and is spitting everywhere. When I try to get him to sleep for his naps and lay with him, rubbing his back and singing he just lays there spitting all over my face. Jack thinks its pretty funny.

He can hold on to anything and everything he gets his hands on. It can be the phone, papers, toys, clothes, skin on your face, and lips! Last night he had a good hold on my hair which he ripped out. I might be bald in the back soon.

He rolls over from his belly to his back and back and forth. He scootches along on his belly and kicks his legs back and in the air like he's trying to crawl. I have a feeling before long we will be chasing him around the house. It's exciting, but happening way too fast.

Friday night was a big night for us. He finally spent the night in his crib. Jack and I had been talking about it and decided it needed to happen soon. He was getting too big for the bassinet and now that he can role over it made me nervous how much he could get it to rock when he moved. We gave ourselves a week to get ready for it mentally. Finally on Friday we set up the monitor, and put him in the crib for the night. We layed their watching him from our bed watching to see if he was moving, crying or anything to give us a reason to bring him back. He had a great nights sleep and woke up at 4:30 am. which is late for him. I couldn't believe how well the first night went. I was hoping that he was going to be sleeping longer now that he was in his own bed, but so far it hasn't happened.

Kona is great with him and such a good protector. He was sleeping in his stroller one day and she wouldn't leave his side until he was awake. Their buddies now, he watches her walk around the room and sometimes won't take his eyes off of her.

At his last check up he was almost 14lbs. so I'm sure he's hit the 15 lb. mark by now. His first Halloween is coming soon and he has some cute costumes. We've taken some pictures in his Jack-o-lantern costume, get it "Jack" - o - lantern?

We love you!

The Raders

4 Months

Baby Jack is now 4 months old. He is the cutest little guy and usually very happy. I swear if he could walk now he would. My little man wants to stand ALL the time and is so interested in looking at everything. He no longer wants to lay down and is always trying to sit up. It looks like he is doing little baby sit-ups. He hasn't quite figured out how to rollover all the way but likes to practice during diaper changing time.
He is having a good time with his Grandmas during the day and is being spoiled rotten I'm sure. He decided he was going to start giggling the other day and hasn't stopped. Kona is very funny or funny looking b/c he likes to giggle when she is around him.
At his 4 month appointment he weighed 13 lbs. 13 oz. and was 24 1/2 in. long. He's growing like he should and right in the center of all the averages. The shots of course made him cry and very cranky that night. I wish we didn't have to give them to him.
Baby Jack is very observant and watches everybody who walks by him. His neck is so strong now so he is able to turn his head and follow things. He loves mirrors and looking at himself. He doesn't know that it's himself yet, but he really likes what he sees. His eyes get really big, he starts bobbing his head and he starts to babble.
We are playing with all of his toys full speed now. Anything that plays music or lights up are his favorite. He has started to play in his exersaucer, but can't sit straight up for very long. He starts to get really mad because he leans forward and gets an arm stuck in the leg hole. I always know when the arm is stuck b/c he has this awful cry that I have never heard before (it kind of makes me laugh).
I will try my best to keep updating this, I was bad at it before and now that work has started I'm even worse. I'll post new pictures later!
Love you all,
The Rader Family

12 weeks old

Baby Jack is 12 weeks old today! I can hardly believe that the time has gone by so fast. He has changed in so many ways and grown so big. I unfortunately have to go back to work a week from tomorrow so baby with drawl is going to be kicking in really soon.
At his last appt. (4 weeks ago) he weighed 11.4 pounds so I'm guessing he is around 12-13 now. He is getting some really cute chunky thighs. He is smiling all the time and giggles every once in awhile. I try all the time to make him laugh, but he seems to do it only when he wants or maybe we're just not that funny to him. He has found his hands and has been trying to stuff them into his mouth. I have found him trying to get both fists into his mouth. I'll catch him sucking his left thumb, I pull it out and try to stick in the paci which he doesn't like and cries. He is finally noticing some of his toys, but still not playing with them. His favorite toy right now are the ceiling fans, who would have guessed they would be so interesting. What ever makes him happy!
He has been very busy going to the Zoo which he slept through, Padre games to watch them lose, shopping with mommy for back to school clothes, lunches with friends, walks around the bay to lose baby weight, Del Mar races for birthdays, pool time as a family, and the boat to visit dad when he's working.

Love you all,
The Raders

Baby Jack Mohawk

So I left baby Jack for the first time to get my hair done. I was a little hesitant just b/c he has been with me non stop for the past 7 weeks and one day (Who's counting?). My hair appointment went great and I guess baby Jack was having one too because when I went to pick him up, this is what my baby looked like...!

4th of July

For baby Jacks first 4th we did a little BBQing with some family and friends and then went on a boat ride to watch the fireworks. We were worried that the sound of the fireworks would be too loud for him, but I don't think he even noticed. He was pretty content eating through the whole show. Here's a picture of him sleeping earlier in the day in his red white and blue outfit!

6 week update

I can't believe it but little Jack turned 6 weeks old this Wednesday. He has grown and changed so much. He's about the same length, just a little chunkier with fat roles forming on his arms and legs.
Finally we are sleeping longer during the night which I am so happy about, he slept for five and a half hours straight which was amazing for me. I couldn't believe it when he finally woke me up at 3:00 am. I have never been that happy to be woken up in the middle of the night.
He is making more gurgly noises every day. He is very talkative and loves to stare at bright things around him.
I can finally make him smile! It's so great to know that he knows who his mommy is. We found out that he has the cutest smile when he would smile for gas and now we get to see it because he knows it's us.
On his one month birthday we had him take a bath in his bath tub. He absolutely loved it and sat there very content. He didn't cry at all and let the water run over his face with no fuss.
This Sunday he took his first road trip to L.A. for a baby shower for his soon to be 4th cousin. He slept most of the way there and wasn't put down the entire time we were there. Family is constantly fighting over who is going to hold him next. We have a couple of baby hogs in the family!
I have started to go on long walks with him now that I've gotten the ok from the Dr. I think I enjoy them more then he does. We've gone to Mission Bay and the lake a couple of times. If he sleeps we're able to have a nice walk otherwise we are holding him and pushing the stroller which looks a little funny.
This 4th of July will be little Jacks first time on a boat. We will be going out to have a BBQ and watch the fire works. We just hope it doesn't scare him to death and mom doesn't get sea sick. We love our little man and can't wait to see what he does next!

Baby Jack is 4 weeks!

Sorry I have been so bad about keeping you all updated with pictures. Now that I am able to drive we have been out and about shopping and visiting friends.
Baby Jack is doing great and keeps growing. He is gaining weight and growing longer. We had a quick Dr. appt last week and he is up to 8 lbs. He gained 9 oz. in a week, which is really good and explains the hours and hours of feeding. He is much more alert and is spending more time awake during the day which has been fun. We had a great Father's Day, we spent it with the whole family. Jack will be one month this weekend so we will be taking more pictures and posting soon.
The pictures are of Big Jacks 28th Birthday dinner, Baby Jack and all the men in the family, a funny face of Baby Jacks 1st break out and him getting mad at me for taking so many pictures, and us watching the basketball finals together.
Love yah,
Moni, Jack and Baby Jack

Baby Jack's 1 week update

Baby Jack is doing great and already has the family wrapped around his finger. At his last Dr. appt everything looked good and he's gaining weight.
Our life has been consumed with feedings, rocking, changing of diapers and clothes, and a lot of laundry. Good thing our little man has a lot of clothes b/c we are going through outfits by the hour at times.
Kona is doing great adjusting to the new family member. At first she barked every time he cried. I was a little worried at first. Now she gives him kisses on the feet and lays by him when he's in the swing.
Baby Jack smiles in his sleep and we're waiting for the day he smiles at us when he's awake.
Here is a picture of him after his first bath at home wrapped in his froggy towel. This little guy does not like to be naked.
Until next weeks update!

Jack Pictures

Baby Rader is Here!!!

Hello everyone, Baby Rader is here! On Wednesday, May 21st at 6:02 am. Jack Wesley Rader III was born. He couldn't wait to come out and be apart of the family. He is healthy at 20 1/2 in. and 7lb. 5oz.
Jack and I were so happy to meet our new little one. From the moment he came out he was crying and wouldn't stop, which they said was a good sign to clear his lungs. He looks just like Jack (so everyone says) and has a head full of beautiful reddish/brown hair. He is perfect in so many ways. He has been an amazing baby and we can't get enough of him. He has been a good sleeper, more so during the day then at night and eats non- stop. Jack has been amazing, helping in so many ways. He is the best diaper changer and rocker.

Wednesday is the BIG day!

This Wednesday at 10:30 we are scheduled for our C-Section. We will be at Scripps Mercy Hospital on the 3rd floor if you want to come say hi. We will have both of our phones so call us.

Now that we have our exact date and time I have been busy getting last minute things that we will need for once we get home. The baby stuff is getting packed for the hospital, diapers are being bought in mass quantity and everything is being cleaned. I dont know how long Im going to be out of commision so Im trying to get as much done now as possible.

Jack is going to have a phone list of people to call shortly after the baby is born to share the exciting news. Is it going to be Addison or Jack? Only 6 more days till we meet this little one!

Monica

Big Baby Rader News

We had our 38 week Dr. appointment today. I was excited to find out more about this baby and if it was coming anytime soon. Well it ends up that the baby will be born on May 21st. Yes, 9 days from now we will be welcoming Baby Rader into the family. The baby has decided to stay in a head up position instead of flipping down. I will be having a C-Section on the 21st as of now. We will keep you posted as we find out any more info.
The baby room is pretty much ready. After I get some last minute things done I will put up a picture. I really only have this weekend to do it! Jack has been busy putting things together. Our house is looking like a baby lives in it. The pack n play and swing are taking over our living room. Kona is probably wondering what all these new things are to play with. If she only knew what was coming her way. When I was putting the mobile together she thought it was for her. There was a part that looked like a really fun blue ball that she was keeping her eye on the entire time I had it out of the box.
Here is a picture of me at 38 weeks. Some people say I have "dropped" I really don't know, it all seems the same to me...BIG!
I'll try and update again before this baby comes. We are looking forward to visitors.
Monica

Baby Shower Pictures

Here are some pictures from the Baby Shower in San Diego. They are kind of silly. We played a bubble gum baby game and who can drink the baby bottle the fastest. As you can see it was no challenge for some! Good job girls! The last one is of me and Meredith being weird and pushing the new stroller. Everyone was trying to teach me how to open and close it. It's not as easy as you would think, plus try doing it with a big belly in the way! Thank you everyone for our great gifts!!!

Baby Update

We have had two amazing and fun baby showers. The first one was in Palm Desert with some G Phi friends from U of A and the other was last weekend in San Diego with family and friends. We were showered with the best presents! So many cute outfits and blankets, swings and toys, car seats and strollers. The baby is going to have so many cute white and animal outfits to wear in the beginning. We made it hard to shop since the sex of the baby is a secret for all of us.
A lot of people are thinking it is a boy the way my belly is sticking out right in front. Some are holding strong to their idea of a girl. You can see in some of the pictures how big the belly is now. The back pain and sore feet have started and I'm sure they will continue to get only worse.
The baby has hiccups ALL the time which is fun to feel. Sometimes you can feel them really well depending on the position of the baby. I think it is still laying across my belly like before. We have a Dr. appt this Friday so maybe they will do an ultrasound to see the position of the baby. Fingers are crossed that it is head down!
The baby room is coming a long. Once I am done I will put some pictures up. We've got the new flooring in and Jack repainted the walls so it is looking GREAT! The closet is getting filled up with toys, strollers and clothes.
We started our "baby birthing class." Last Wednesday was the first class and it wasn't so bad. We haven't learned any breathing techniques just some interesting labor facts and some I wish I didn't know. We have 3 classes to go and I'm sure they're going to get better and better. Hopefully Jack can handle the rest!
We have six weeks left till our little one is supposed to arrive. I will take an updated picture this week and fill you in on what the Dr. says Friday.

Baby Bump 29 weeks

Here is a picture of my baby bump. Jack, Kona and I had just gone on a long walk. I'm trying to do better about walking daily. Kona likes it, but not Jack so much. Its a pretty funny sight, Kona is pulling Jack and Jack is pulling me up the big hill by our house. Last year it was Kona and I pulling Jack. Enjoy the pictures! I was brave and put a bare belly pic this time.

Vegas Weekend

Here is a picture of the parents to be in Las Vegas. New baby bump pictures coming soon!

28 weeks

We had our 28 week appointment which means we only have 12 weeks to go. I can't believe how fast it has gone by. When is was time to listen for the heartbeat we were able to figure out how the baby is laying. Like I thought it is laying sideways with its head on the left and the butt and legs on the right side. Hopefully at 36 weeks we will be facing head down. I was told to walk more (my weight is a little higher then it should be) and eat frozen yogurt for dessert instead of ice cream. No fun!

This weekend we were in Las Vegas with my family for my cousin Rissa's 21 st Birthday. It was definitely a very different experience, but a lot of fun. Jack and I did a lot of walking around the shops and some good eating. I have never felt so good at 8:00 in the morning like I did this trip. The baby had its first experience of hearing "Saki-Bomb" by 20 family members and friends while celebrating at P.F. Changs!

I will be adding a baby bump picture soon!

24 weeks

Here is a picture of my belly at almost 24 weeks. The baby is moving all the time and we can feel it kick, twist and turn. It has been so much fun watching it move around, all of a sudden you can see the shape of my stomach change. It looks like little elbow jabs popping out. Before I could only feel it when sitting and laying still, now I feel it all day long. It is the best feeling! The kids tell me every week how my stomach is growing and growing.

20 week baby ultrasound pictures

Here are two of the pictures from the 20 week ultrasound we had last week. It was great to see the baby and see how much it has grown since the first ultrasound. Our tech was great and he took some 4D pictures of little baby Rader. We still haven't found out what the sex is, although it was very tempting to ask last Friday.
I have finally felt the baby, last night when I was laying in bed about to fall asleep I could feel little movements below my belly button. Before I wasn't sure if it was the baby or gas bubbles. Now that I know right where the baby is I knew thats what it was. I can't wait for Jack to be able to feel it. The baby is active at night and you can only feel it when your sitting or laying very still at this point.
The pictures show the baby's head and arms. One is the 4D that shows what the baby looks like right now. You can see its left arm right by its face. The arms are completely formed, there is something that looks like a stub, its not the right arm. The second picture is a regular ultrasound, you can see how much bigger it is from the first.

21 week Dr. appt.

Today we had our 21 week Dr. appointment. It went really well. We had a chance to listen to the heart beat again. The baby was moving around a lot so she had a really hard time finding it.
The results from the blood test that I had a couple of weeks ago were in and showed no signs of Downsyndrome. The chances were 1 in 5000, which means very low risk.
Of course I was weighed, its the first thing they do when they call you in. Thanks to my non stop hunger I have gained 6 pounds in the past 5 weeks. I think I gained most of it this week.
The baby room is coming together slowly. Jack and my dad have been busy working on it for the past 2 weeks. The wood floors and painting are the only things left...for now!
Here is a picture from New Years Eve, you can kind of see my baby bump and new hair cut. The tummy is sticking out farther now.

I can't stop eating!

Yes it is true, all I want to do is eat. This baby better be doubling in size because I know my butt has. The holidays are bad enough when it comes to over eating but when you have someone else inside you to feed it becomes a constant thing in your life. I can eat and then be hungry 20 minutes later.
We are in the process of making some major changes in our house so everything is everywhere. I can't find the camera cable so I can't add anymore baby bump pics until we get settled again.
On Friday we went to have our 20 week ultra sound. It was very tempting to find out if we are having a baby boy or a girl, but we controlled ourselves. We've made it half way so we can keep going. The baby weighs about 1/2 a pound and is 8 1/2 inches long. The baby was all curled up with it hands right in front of its face and its legs not too far away. Everything is developing like it should and all the body parts were there which is a relief. The heartbeat was at 152 beats per minute. I still think its a boy and Jack thinks its a girl. They took some 4D pics for us so we got a closer look at what it looks like at 20 weeks. Im going to try to scan the pictures at school so you can see what baby Rader looks like now. It looks like a baby with a little alien resemblance.
We have a Dr. appt. on Thursday so we will share any news we get. Only 20 more weeks to go!