The VandenHout Family

~Lu Lu

2009-05-05T10:18:00.002-05:00

Macy is getting really chubby. Check out the legs and the cheeks! She loves to sit in her bumbo chair and watch the boys play. She is a great baby and we love her so much!

~JUST A CUTE PICTURE!

2009-04-27T15:58:00.003-05:00

~These are rare moments with two boys, but they do actually happen!!!! They are starting to play really well together, they do still have there wrestling matches on the floor quite often though.

~Jayce Cooper Turns 2!

2009-04-27T15:46:00.005-05:00

At the end of March Jayce turned two! We had a small party at our house with my Grandma Barb, Grandma Julie, Aunt Em, Aunt Katie, Uncle James, Mason, and the Beckers. It was a great time and Jayce got some great gifts. I still can't believe he is two. He is such a sweet little boy and we love him very much.

~Macy Lu ( 8 Weeks) and Jayce Cooper's( 2 year) Check-ups!

2009-04-20T15:45:00.003-05:00

Gosh I am slacking considering this was about a month ago. Jayce Cooper, if you can believe it, is on the small side. Who knew? He was 27 lbs and 32 inches in the 40th percentile for both. Macy is also on the small side at 10 lbs 5 oz and 22 inches long. She was in the 50th percentile for both. They both are on track for growth and development and checked out great! They both had shots, thank god Jason was able to come to the appointment with me because they were both screaming after the nurse gave them the shots.

Macy went to Vegas!!

2009-04-20T15:34:00.002-05:00

I have been slacking on the blog partially because I need a new camera, my camera takes really bad pictures and I have not been taking many. Anyways, Macy and I went to Las Vegas to visit my dad. We stayed at Green Valley Ranch, which is in Henderson. What a beautiful resort! We had 4 fun filled days of relaxing, gambling and shopping. I also got to see my Aunt Karen which was really nice. She watched Macy one night so my dad and I could go see "Love." It is a performance with acrobats and dancers all to music by the Beatles. Afterwards we went to dinner at a great steak resturant. It was so nice to see my dad and for him to meet Macy Lu. She loved it there with the warm weather and all the lights can't wait to go back again.

~Happy Girl

2009-03-06T14:45:00.003-06:00

Macy is changing so much, just this week she has really started to smile. She mostly smiles at Mac and Jayce, however, she has smiled at Carly and Aunt Alice too, and me of course! The fan seems to get a smile out of her once in awhile too. I got Mac to get her to smile so I could get a picture of her with my phone.

~Our Sweetheart!

2009-02-25T09:14:00.002-06:00

Macy is such a wonderful addition to our family. The boys can't seem to get enough of her and kiss her and lay by her all the time. Jayce is even very gentle and only seems to get jealous when Jason is holding her. He told him "no, no daddy, baby to momma!" Macy is growing like a weed, at her two week check up she weighed 8 lbs 1 oz and grew an inch to be 20inches. They were very pleased with her weight gain because when she left the hospital she was 7lbs 2ozs so she gained all her weight back. She is sleeping much better at night, she made it from 10-5 last night and I had to wake her up to feed her before I took Mac to school today. We could not be happier because when she first came home it seemed like she was up every hour, which is hard when there are two other kids up at 7am, ready to play. I hope she keeps sleeping well, who knows with an infant though she might be up alot tonight. I guess we will have to see!!!

~Princess in her throne!

2009-02-25T09:10:00.002-06:00

Thanks Diane for the wonderful girly swing. Macy loves it and spends lots of time relaxing in her swing. She even sleeps in it a night sometimes(Shhhh)! Gotta love pink!

Macy Lu~ January 29, 2009

2009-02-24T19:58:00.002-06:00

Sorry this post is a little late! We welcomed our little girl Macy Lu on January 29, 2009 at 5:50pm. She was much smaller than the boys were when they were born. She was 7lbs and 11 ozs and 19 inches long. She has Jayce's coloring and reminds me a lot of Mac when he was a baby. She is a great baby her personality also reminds me alot of Mac. Our c~section was scheduled for 3:30, however, there was an emergency during the c~section before ours and we were bumped until later in the evening. Fortunetly, ours went very smoothly and all went well. We feel our family is complete and could not feel more blessed to have three very healthy and happy kids.

~New Years 2009 & Great Wolf Lodge

2009-01-02T20:50:00.011-06:00

~Jason and Mac going down the big slide!

~Sarah and Mac going down the big slide!

~Mac and Ruby fading very quickly!
~Mac and Ruby (and new friend) dancing the night away!

~Mac busting his moves out!

~Jayce running from the camera!

Wow, what a riot! Our family and the Becker's went to the Great Wolf Lodge to ring in New Years 2009. We had so much fun and so did the kids. They had a dance party for the kids with a DJ and a dance floor that the kids danced the night away on. None of them made it to midnight but they still had a great time with each other. The water park was a big hit too. Mac is a dare devil and did every slide in the park. He is quite a fish from taking his swimming lessons for the last couple months. Jayce liked the slides in the kids area too! We will have to do it again next year, for sure. Hope everyone has a wonderful 2009!!!!

~Christmas 2009

2009-01-02T20:39:00.007-06:00

~Jayce pretending he is still the baby!!!

We had an awesome Christmas this year. Mac and Jayce were both very good little boys and Santa was very good to them. Christmas Eve we went church and then over to Jason's aunt Susie's house to celebrate Christmas with his Jason's dad's side of the family. Christmas day we spent at our house and Grandma Julie, Aunt Emmie, Aunt Katie, Uncle James and Mason came over for Christmas breakfast. We had a nice relaxing day and then ended the day over at Jason's Grandma's house were all the Hart family ends up. We stayed really late and had a really good time.

~Detroit Lions Game

2008-12-21T21:01:00.002-06:00

Jason, Mac, Sam and David (Jason's Cousin's) took a trip to Detroit to watch the Detroit Lions get slaughtered. (Thanks Dave and Steph for the wonderful tickets.) They left on Saturday and got a hotel and had a fun night of swimming, pizza and hanging out. Sunday they went to the game and watched the Lions get smoked. Oh well, they said they had a riot together and that is all that matters. I went with Jason's aunts and grandma to 28th street and had dinner at Red Lobster. After dinner we all got some last minute Christmas shopping done and stayed the night at a hotel. We had a great time also. Jayce stayed with Grandpa VandenHout! Hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas and a safe New Years!

~Mac's Christmas concert

2008-12-21T20:56:00.002-06:00

Mac performed very well at his preschool Christmas concert! He sang all the songs and did a such a good job, we were very proud of him. Grandma Julie and Aunt Katie made the trip to see his performance and he was so excited to show them his school and all his friends.

~new bunk beds

2008-12-21T20:44:00.003-06:00

With Macy Lu almost here we decided to get Mac and Jayce bunk beds! They will be sharing a room and are really excited about their new beds. Mac loves the top bunk, however, we have not moved Jayce out of his crib. He loves his crib, so we are borrowing a crib from Jason's aunt until Jayce is ready for a big boy bed. I am sure it will not be long, he wants to do everything just like Mac!

~Thanksgiving 2008

2008-12-01T14:03:00.005-06:00

~Jayce Cooper with his two favorites!

~Jayce and Aunt Sydney watching Home Alone!

~Mac pretending he is Spider Man!!!

We had a very busy Thanksgiving. We started out the morning at Jason's Mom's house and then we headed to Jason's Grandma and Grandpa Harts to say "hi!" We had our Thanksgiving dinner at Jason's Dad's house. Jason's Grandma Spring was home from Florida so we got to spend some time with her over Thanksgiving too. Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving weekend.

~Jason's 30th Birthday

2008-12-01T13:33:00.005-06:00

~Mr. Drysdale(Jason's Uncle Greg) and Ms. Jane Hathaway(Jason's Aunt Jean)
I think that might be Boy George in the background???

~whata hottie!!!

~Jason's mom and Aunt Alice

Jason turned 30 on Thanksgiving day. We had a party for him on Friday to celebrate the big day. Everyone dressed in their finest 80's gear. We had a great time with family and friends.

~5 Year Anniversary/Chicago

2008-11-25T15:34:00.003-06:00

So I was really bad at taking pictures of our weekend (see Sarah's blog) but we had a wonderful trip to Chicago this past weekend to celebrate Jason and my 5 year anniversary. What a blast we had! Tom and Sarah Becker joined us for wonderful dinners, lots of shopping and pampering, football and late nights! It was also the lighting of the Magnificent Mile, so that was cool too! I can't believe we have been married for 5 years. I feel like we were just dancing at my Sophmore prom ( I think I knew then that I was going to marry him.) What a great husband and father, I couldn't be more lucky! I love you Jason.

~trick-or-treating 2008

2008-11-03T10:38:00.006-06:00

We had a great Halloween with the Hedstrom Family, Lundberg Family, Aunt Carly, Aunt Katie, Uncle James and Mason. Carly, Annie and I took the kids trick-or-treating and Jason, Shane, Katie and Mason handed out candy. We made it all the way to Mr. and Mrs. Eaton's house where Samantha was handing out candy with her family. Mrs. Eaton sure knows how to put on a halloween dinner. YUM!!! Jayce had a great time this year, he tried really hard to keep up with Mac!

~some kids in the neighborhood were setting off fireworks. Mac is not a fan. At this point he was tired, and wanted to be done. Aunt Carly took him home to count his candy. I do have some more pictures of Mac before trick-or-treating with his mask on. He was darth vadar.

~Trip to Klackles

2008-10-30T10:17:00.006-05:00

~RIDING ON THE PUMPKIN TRAIN!

Last week we went to Klackles Orchard in Greenville to get the boys pumpkins. They had a wonderful time and we also had wonderful weather. We carved them last night and we are now ready for HALLOWEEN, Mac can't wait. He has such a sweet tooth, this is one of his favorite holidays.

~playing in the leaves continued

2008-10-28T15:52:00.003-05:00

HAVING FUN WITH LEAVES

2008-10-27T13:28:00.001-05:00

Having fun outside in the leaves with Grandma Barb!!!

BOYS WILL BE BOYS!!

2008-10-26T13:43:00.003-05:00

On Friday Jason, Mac, Jayce and I went over to spend time with Jason's grandma and grandpa. While we were there Mac and Jayce were playing on the treadmill, not a good idea. Mac tried to run onto it and fell, notice the upper lip. I was worried about his teeth, but they were fine. Good thing we had gotten their pictures taken before the treadmill burn and fat upper lip! He is a tough guy though and pulled through.

4 YEARS OLD

2008-10-26T13:10:00.009-05:00

Mac turned 4 on Thursday, I can't believe how big he has gotten. He was so excited on his birthday he ran upstairs and said " Mommy, I am 4 now!" and then he ran over to Jason and told him the exact same thing. Jason's cousin Sam had spent the night and when he woke up he told Sam "Sam, I am so glad it is my birthday, now everyone has to say Happy Birthday to me!" His birthday started out on Wednesday at School, they had a birthday celebration for him and he was able to bring a treat to share. When he got home from School, Grandma Barb and Aunt Carly had come to celebrate the big day with him. Thursday we went to Klackles to get pumpkins with Grandma Barb, Aunt Carly, Cousin Sam, Jason, Mac, Jayce and I. When we got home we had pizza and cake with his team (cousins, David, Joseph, Jeb, Abe, and Eli.) What a day! Daddy also surprised Mac with a new Wii and a new Wii game (Little League World Series!) Boy, was Mac in heaven. We finished up on Saturday, we spent the evening and night at the Marriot downtown Grand Rapids where Aunt Katie, Uncle James, Mason, Grandma Julie, Emmie, Sarah, Ruby, Aiden and Cathy joined us for dinner and swimming. Thanks to everyone for the wonderful presents and company. I can't believe how time flys, it seems just yesterday he was born. I will never forget his little pumpkin hat that the hospital gave him. He has grown into one of the funniest, caring and adventurous little boys, we could not be more proud of him. WE LOVE YOU MAC!!!

I will post more pictures soon, my camera battery died so my mom is going to email me hers when she gets them onto her computer!!

MACY LU~UPDATE

2008-10-13T11:07:00.002-05:00

I had an apt with Dr. Murphy and everything is still looking really good. I am 24 weeks now and I can't believe how fast this pregnancy has gone. We still have so much to do before she comes. My next appointment they will do the glucola test, just to make sure I don't have gestastional diabetes. Dr. Murphy told me they are also going to schedule my c-section at my next appointment too, holy crap!!! I really hope I make it to my scheduled date this time, I didn't with Jayce. She has really started to move around alot which makes me feel really good. The boys seemed to move around much more than she does, maybe she will be really laid back!! Lets hope so. We have started on the closet in the boys room and Jason finished that up last night. It looks really nice! Our next project is moving Jayce into Mac's room so we can start decorating the nursery in PINK!! Mac asked me this morning how much longer til the baby comes out, he is so excited for her to be here. He tells everyone that his baby is a girl, I am glad he is excited for her to come. Jayce doesn't quite get it yet, although he really likes his little friends Sophie Rinehart and Samantha Lundberg, he always wants to give them hugs and tries to pick them up. Only 16 more weeks, we can't wait to meet her.

Michigan State~vs~Iowa

2008-10-06T08:25:00.004-05:00

Jason and Mac went to the Michigan State game on Saturday. They had a very fun time together. Mac is such a sports nut, he really is just like Jason. They had great seats too, right on the 30 yard line next to the student section. I am sure Mac picked up on some great chants, being so close to the students. We are just waiting for one to slip out! None have so far. He was excited to tell me that Michigan State kicked the hawkeyes bumbs. Before the game they ran into our friends the Mannors, Aiden and Mac are great buddies that go to school and daycare together. They had fun tailgating together.

MAC AND MASON

2008-09-22T08:26:00.003-05:00

Mac and his new cousin, Mason!

OUR NEW NEPHEW, MASON JAMES!

2008-09-18T14:33:00.008-05:00

Katie and James had their baby boy on Wednesday, September 17. He was born at 12:55 in the afternoon and was a tiny little peanut. He weighed 5lbs and 14oz and is 18 inches long. He is super cute and a really laid back baby. I think he looks like Katie but he also has some of James' features too. He definately has the Hart nose and Katie's lips. I think his nose and upper lip look alot like Jayce Cooper. Jason and I are so excited to have a new nephew. Mac and Jayce could not be more excited to have a new cousin. Katie gave Mac the title of "team captain" so he is responsible for teaching little Mason how to play baseball. Katie had a very smooth delivery and both her and Mason get to come home from the hospital today. We love you Mason. Welcome to the family.

MUST RUN IN THE FAMILY!!!!

2008-09-18T14:33:00.003-05:00

I love chocolate and so does Mac. Looks like Jayce is going to follow in our footsteps. While I was at the hospital with Katie and James, my mom watched the boys for us. They had chocolate donuts. Looks like Jayce was in heaven.

WE WERE NOT GOING TO FIND OUT BUT........................

2008-09-11T10:51:00.002-05:00

We did!!!! Thanks to a couple of friends in the waiting room while Jason and I had our ultrasound (Amanda and Stephanie) I was put under pressure to find out. We went through our entire ultrasound and at the end had Keely the ultrasound tech write the gender on a piece of paper, just in case we wanted to find out after we had left. Jason really did want to find out I would have waited until Feb. Jason went into the hallway and opened the envelope and he took a little longer than expected. He came back in and Amanda asked "What is it" he responded "it is a baby." Then he handed me the piece of paper and it said it is a GIRL! I can't believe it, we are so excited and can't believe we are going to have a little girl. We don't have any names for sure yet but Jason really likes Macy Lu. Everything looked great in the ultrasound she measured a little smaller not much though. I am 19 weeks and 1 day and she measured 18 weeks and 4 days, not enough to change her due date. In the ultrasound she looks like Jayce Cooper, she has a really round head and little nose. I can't believe we are going to have a little girl!! YEAH!!!!

NEW NIECE OR NEPHEW!

2008-09-09T13:33:00.002-05:00

For those of you who don't know, Jason's younger sister Katie is expecting and was due in the beginning of October. At her doctors apt today, she measured 33 weeks and she is 36 weeks. The doctor thinks the baby has stopped growing and therefore they are going to induce Katie next week Wednesday. We can't wait. It will be both Jason and my first niece or nephew and Mac and Jayce's first cousin. Katie is also super excited. She is feeling great but is ready to meet their new baby. James and Katie have always been such a wonderful aunt and uncle to my boys. I can't wait to do the same for them! Congratulations and good luck, Katie and James!!!!!! You will both be wonderful parents.

Mac at the Dentist

2008-09-04T19:22:00.003-05:00

After Mac had his first day of school he had his first trip to the dentist. He did really well and let the hygentist clean and floss his teeth with no problems. He even got to watch a cool movie about a monkey going to the dentist. He must do a better job at brushing than I give him credit for. They said he was doing a great job and had no cavities. Good Job Mac!

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL

2008-09-04T19:08:00.006-05:00

Mac had his first day of preschool yesterday. He loved it. All of his buddies were there with him to start the year off. He did really well, and wanted to go back today. I can't believe he is in school already. Preschool is going to be a ton of fun for the kids this year, with lots of fun activities to look forward to. I am sad that he is getting so big but it is so much fun watching him and all his friends start new adventures! We love you and could not be more proud of you Mackie!!!!

Jayce Cooper is getting hair

2008-09-04T18:59:00.007-05:00

Finally, Jayce has a little bit of hair. Here are some pictures of him in the bathtub the other night. We spiked his hair! He thought it was pretty funny.

PRESCHOOL!! WHERE HAS THE TIME GONE?

2008-08-21T15:09:00.003-05:00

In the beginning of September, Mac will start preschool at Christ Our Savior. He will go on Monday and Wednesday mornings. He is so excited. His teachers made a home visit to our house last Monday and he has not stopped talking about going off to school. We did some school shopping and he got a new Spider Man backpack and some new clothes to start the year off. Unlike all the girls he will not model them, in fact this is the best picture we could get of him in his new clothes with his new haircut. He is not one for getting his picture taken! Anyways, I can't believe he is starting school and is going to be 4 years old in a couple of months. I feel like he was just born! Oh yeah, one more thing, ever since his teachers have stopped by he has stopped using his pacifier at night. He was only using at night but after his teachers left the house he told me he was all done. Thank god!

WEEK WITH GRANDMA BARB!

2008-08-05T09:48:00.019-05:00

Mac eating Pizza at the Beach Bums game!
Tired out from a long day on the boat!

Mac and Jayce on their island!

Mac and Jayce spent a week with my mom up in Traverse City. Dawn, our daycare provider, was on vacation, so my mom offered to take the boys for the week. They had a great time on the boat and beach. They even caught a Beach Bums game. (Traverse Cities baseball team.) Carly spent the week in Traverse helping my mom out. I think at the end of the week everyone was tired out! Thanks for helping out you guys!! The boys had a riot!

EXPECTING AGAIN!!!!!

2008-08-05T09:39:00.003-05:00

Sorry, we have not posted in awhile. I have been feeling kinda yucky, because, we are expecting again. I am 14 weeks along and we will welcome our new family member sometime at the end of January or the beginning of February. We are super excited and waited awhile to tell talk about it. We were a little nervous at first because of what happened the last time, but everything looks great so far. I have had some morning sickness but not as bad as when I was pregnant for Jayce. I don't like to feel icky, but it is a good sign that everything is going ok. I have already had an ultrasound and we heard the babies heart beat, it was really strong. At my 12 week visit the heartbeat was 164. We decided not to find out if this baby was a boy or girl, we are just hoping for a healthy baby, boy or girl. Although, it would be nice to have a baby girl. Mac said he thinks it is a girl. I feel like it will be another boy. Either way we are super excited to have a new baby and and a new family member. Boy or girl, this will be our last baby, so I am trying to enjoy it, even with all the sickness. Hopefully it will be over soon!

St. Joe, Michigan

2008-06-20T09:08:00.009-05:00

The great cottage we stayed at for the day!

Beautiful Sunset!

Mac peeing in the beach grass! Long walk of stairs back up to the cottage.

Jayce playing on the chair.

Mac and Grandma walking the sand bar!

Jayce Cooper waiving to Mac and Grandma on the sand bar!

Jayce Cooper!!! Whata Cutie!

I have every Wednesday off from work, this past Wednesday, my mom was at her college roomates cottage in St. Joe, right on Lake Michigan. Mac, Jayce and I went up and spent the day there. We had a ton of fun playing on the beach and relaxing in the sun. In the morning it was cool but by the end of the day it was bright and sunny. Mac loved the sand bar and so did Jayce. Thanks for a fun day in the sun, Mom!

T-Ball

2008-06-10T09:15:00.004-05:00

WHATA HIT!!!!

For the last 6 weeks Mac and all of his buddies have played on a T-Ball team and the YMCA. Mac loves it. He is getting really good, he can bat both left and right handed, he is still a little better with his left but so far he is quite a switch hitter. Last week was his last week and he was really bumbed out, I think we are going to sign him up for another session.

2008-06-10T08:55:00.002-05:00

Jayce loves to get up onto the step stool in the bathroom and brush his teeth. He likes to watch himself in the mirror. When Mac is brushing his teeth he tries to push Mac down so he can get up. I guess it is time to get another step stool for Jayce.

DETROIT ZOO!

2008-04-29T22:32:00.005-05:00

Last weekend Mac, Jayce, my mom and I went to visit my grandma in the Detroit area. It was my grandma's 80th birthday so we went there to celebrate with her. Along the way we stopped at the Detroit Zoo. We had a great time. Mac and Jayce loved to see all the different animals. Mac's favorite was the Reptiles. Yuck! Here are a couple of pictures from the trip. Thanks mom for a wonderful weekend together!

2008-04-29T22:25:00.005-05:00

Jayce hanging out on the couch after his bath. He loves to sit on the couch all by himself. In these pictures he is eating goldfish crackers and I think he was watching a baseball game on TV, uh oh.

80'S PROM NIGHT

2008-04-29T22:09:00.007-05:00

A couple of weekends ago we went to the KevHead Prom. We had a great time dressing up in our 80's gear. I thought Jason was going to win Prom King , but he didn't! Bummer! Maybe next year. It was a great night out with our friends and we had a riot. Can't wait to do it again next year.

We have a walker.......................

2008-04-16T20:01:00.005-05:00

We never imagined that Jayce would walk by 12 months, he is such a laid back baby he didn't seem to care to much about it. The other day he got up in the middle of the living room and walked to my mom. I think he realized he had it in him and since then he has not stopped. We went outside today and he was walking all around. He gets mad because he can't keep up with Mac but that will come. He was so tired out tonight he fell asleep at 7, part of me is really proud of him and the other part is sad because he probably won't want to cuddle with me anymore. I guess we will see.

THE BEST GIFT EVER

2008-04-16T19:50:00.003-05:00

For my birthday, Mac and Jayce got me the perfect birthday present. I am not much of an athlete, I am learning though. Having two boys I am sure I will have to learn a few sports, Mac won't even go watch Ruby at the dance studio because he thinks it is for girls. If it something to do with baseball, football, basketball then we are all set. Anyways, Mac and Jayce got me the best gift ever, a girly baseball glove. It is perfect. Now, when we go to the Tigers/Whitecaps games I can bring my glove too!

Tigers Game

2008-04-16T19:38:00.006-05:00

Last week Friday, Jason took Mac and a bunch of his cousins to a Detroit Tigers game. It was pretty cold but they all had a blast. Mac was in his glory, and on top of being at a Tigers baseball game, he almost had his whole baseball team with him. He thinks Jason's cousins, David, Joseph, Jeb, Abe, Eli and Myles are his baseball team. Probably because whenever we get together as a family they all play baseball with Mac, he loves it and truly loves to be with his team.

JAYCE'S BIRTHDAY PICTURE

2008-04-02T19:42:00.003-05:00

This is what Jayce does best! Lots more pictures to come.

2008-04-01T21:24:00.006-05:00

Ok, Jayce likes to eat! This was his birthday dinner. He loves Spahgetti! I think he might be flicking us off? We were laughing so hard because he could not get in his mouth fast enough. I finally gave him the bowl and let him go to town. He was a complete mess but it was fun.

ROCK ON, MACKIE!!!!!

2008-04-01T21:11:00.001-05:00

JAYCE LOVES TO BRUSH HIS TEETH!

2008-04-01T21:07:00.003-05:00

Look out Mac!

2008-04-01T21:00:00.003-05:00

Cooper is getting to learn to ropes of having an older brother. I thought this picture was funny, they were tackling each other and laughing the whole time. Mac better look out, one of these days the tables will have turned and Coop will have the ball in his court. Although in this picture I think Mac was letting him win, a little bit. Some day I might not find this as cute!

Children's Museum

2008-04-01T20:46:00.007-05:00

Mac and Jayce had a birthday party to go to at the Children's Museum, it was so much fun. We took Aiden along with us. We had so much fun and so did the boys. We played and played and all three of them crashed on the way home. Mac and Aiden always enjoy playing together, can't wait for Aiden to join us again sometime. Congratulations to Cathy, Eric and Aiden Mannor on their new addition to the family. Nicholas was born on March 11 and he was 9lbs and 22 inches long. He looks identical to Aiden, so of course he is a cutie.

JAYCE COOPER IS ONE!!!!!

2008-03-27T12:20:00.003-05:00

Our camera battery died and I am waiting for my mom to email pictures of Jayce's birthday party. We had a birthday party for Jayce on Saturday, all his friends and family were there. I think his favorite part was the cake. He loved it and made a big mess. He got lots of very nice presents and had a wonderful birthday party. He also went to his one year check up. He is doing very well he is in the 40th percentile for height at 29 inches, 70th percentile for weight at 23lbs and of course his head is in the 90th percentile. He is pretty darn cute for being so unproportioned! :) He also got a bunch of shots which of course did not go over well with him. He hated them and cried everytime he saw the nurse. He started taking a few steps here and there. He would still much rather crawl, but I am sure before long he will be walking all over the place. I will post the pictures from the party as soon as my mom emails them to me.

SICK, of being Sick!

2008-02-26T14:21:00.002-06:00

Ok, so since January 1, Mac, Jayce, and I have had the flu twice. Jayce has a virus right now, that the doctor said was really painful. He has red and white bumps all over his mouth, I guess it is part of a virus that is going around right now and it comes with a high fever and headache. To top it all off Jason has the Grand Rapids Home Show this week and is super busy setting up, this is one of the most important weekends of the season for him and Chris. He is pretty much gone all week long. Thank God, my mom was able to come down and help us out with watching the kids so we both don't have to miss any more work. The doctor said this virus usually last around 3 days and we are at the 48 hour point so hopefully by Friday he will be back to his usual happy self. Thanks mom for all your help and sleepless nights. It is such a huge help for us. Plus, Mac was happy to see you.

SUNDAY NIGHT BASKETBALL

2008-02-19T19:37:00.000-06:00

Every Sunday night Jason and all his buddies play basketball at the YMCA. The last couple of Sundays we have brought the kids because they had early games. Mac, Lucas and Ruby had so much fun playing basketball in the hallway. Jayce Cooper even got in a little game himself at half time.

2008-02-11T19:50:00.000-06:00

I am not sure what is so interesting about the dishwasher, but everytime I load the dishwasher Jayce tries to get in. Mac used to do the same thing when he was about Jayce's age. Hopefully they will be as interested when they are old enough to actually do the dishes.

Chocolate Chip Pancakes

2008-02-11T19:44:00.001-06:00

I know not the healthiest snacks, but after Mac and Jayce ate all their pancakes, I made each one a pancake with chocolate chips in it. They loved them, Jayce could not get enough. It was one of the first times he had any kind of sweets. I wish I would have taken a picture of Jayce when he was done, he went straight to the bathtub!

2008-02-11T19:38:00.000-06:00

Jayce was sick for about 10 days at the end of January. I think he got used to being held all the time, this is what he does anytime you walk by him, if you don't pick him up he gets super mad. He even does it to Mac, mind you Mac only weighs a touch more than Jayce and has never carried him around. I have to say it is really cute and we all love to cuddle with our Jayce Cooper.

Detroit Tiger????

2008-02-11T19:30:00.000-06:00

Most of you who know Mac already know that he is addicted to baseball. I think he may even think he is a Detroit Tiger. He is actually really good because for the last year, he has played about 20 innings of baseball a day. He has all the equipment and is ready for the weather to change so he can play outside and run his bases. This is the face he gives when you are pitching the ball to him. That is right, no T, you have to pitch him the ball. He also has his Detroit Tigers t-shirt on which is about 3 sizes to big, but he still likes it. We are going to sign him up for T-Ball this spring with the Rinehart boys. Mac can't wait.

Mac and Aiden

2008-01-13T20:53:00.000-06:00

Mac and Aiden have gone to daycare together since they were babies. They have so much fun together at Dawn's house. When I picked up the boys the other day I also picked up Aiden, he had dinner at our house and played for a little while. Cathy (Aiden's mom) is going to have a new baby in March. We can't wait to find out if it is a boy or girl. My guess is girl, but we will have to wait until March to find out.

LADIES MAN!

2008-01-09T19:50:00.000-06:00

I can't believe he is 9 months old and how big he is getting. We love you Jayce Cooper!

COOPS NINE MONTH CHECK-UP!

2008-01-03T15:05:00.000-06:00

Yesterday I took Jayce to the doctor for his 9 month well baby check up. He weighed in at 22.5lbs and 28 inches long. He was in the 75th percentile for weight and 50th for height. He checked out great and smiled the whole visit (no shots!) He is shorter than Mac was at his 9 month check up but weighs about the same. He is short and chubby, oh yeah, his head was in the 90th percentile!!!! He is a big happy baby and is right on track.

NEW YEARS DAY 2008!

2008-01-01T12:22:00.001-06:00

Ok, so Mac and Jayce partied a little too hard on New Years Eve. Mac went to a hotel with all of his many Hart cousins and stayed awake to ring in the New Year! He had so much fun swimming in the hotel pool and hanging out with all the kids. Jayce stayed with Grammy at her house. New Years day was very mellow and both of the boys took a nap at the same time(which never happens.) Hope everyone had a wonderful holiday and good luck to everyone in 2008!

CHRISTMAS MORNING!

2008-01-01T12:16:00.001-06:00

These are a couple of the pictures we snaped of Christmas morning. Mac and Jayce were both good boys this year, Santa really was good to them. Mac was really excited this year and made it so much fun. He had one Christmas party after another and both Mac and Jayce opened lots of fun toys.

MAC'S FAVORITE CHRISTMAS GIFT!

2008-01-01T12:11:00.000-06:00

Both of the boys opened many gifts, one of Mac's favorite was a spiderman skateboarding toy that was from Aunt Carly. Mac has played with this for hours a day since he opened it.

BATH TIME FOR JAYCE (these are for you Annie!)

2008-01-01T11:56:00.000-06:00

One of Jayce Coopers favorite times is in the bathtub. Santa brought Jayce a couple of new bath toys to play with. He can really splash around now and has a ton of fun in the water. Summer will be lots of fun in Grandma and Grandpa's pool.

2007-12-17T19:52:00.000-06:00

Well, today we got some pretty upsetting news. I went into the doctors for an ultrasound and they could not find the baby's heartbeat. I believe that everything happens for a reason and this baby, for whatever reason, is not meant to be with us at this time. We have a lot of fun Christmas activities planned over the next two weeks so we are going to enjoy the holidays with our two wonderful little boys. Hopefully someday soon we will be blessed with a third child, but until that day arrives we are going to focus on Mac and Jayce.

MAC'S SKIING ADVENTURE

2007-12-17T19:45:00.000-06:00

Jason took Mac skiing the weekend. He loved it, he even rode on the chairlift. It was quite the leg workout for Jason but he had fun teaching Mac! I asked him if he was going to do it again this winter with him and he said "for sure, Mac had a riot!" Before the winter is over, I am sure Mac will have a bunch of new tricks! Sorry the pictures are not the best, they were taken with Jason's cell phone.

EXCITING NEWS!

2007-12-05T18:18:00.001-06:00

The word is out, we are expecting our third baby in July of 2008. It was quite a shock to us but we could not be more excited. So far so good, and I have had no morning sickness, unlike the last two pregnancies. We are definately going to have our hands full for a couple of years, but I am sure it will be a ton of fun. If this baby is anything like Mac and Jayce were than we will be just fine, busy, but fine. The news took some getting used to, considering Jayce is only 8 months old and will be only 16 months old when the baby is born, but as the idea sunk in we are extremely excited and can't wait.

I'M TOO SEXY FOR MY SHIRT!

2007-11-29T19:53:00.000-06:00

THE PICTURE SAYS IT ALL!!! CHECK OUT THE LEGS ON JAYCE, CHUBBY!!!!

FOURTH ANNIVERSARY!

2007-11-29T19:40:00.000-06:00

Jason and My 4th anniversary was on Thanksgiving day this year. We decided to take Mac and Jayce to the Double J Ranch to celebrate. We stayed one night and went to the new indoor waterpark. Mac had a ton of fun. Jayce liked the water too, he had a little to much fun, he passed out in his stroller half way through the day. We had a great time and a wonderful anniversary, can't believe it has been 4 years! (The best 4 years of my life!) I love you, Jason.

2007-11-29T19:37:00.000-06:00

Mac is really goofy, here are some goofy pictures of him over Thanksgiving weekend. We put up our Christmas decorations and he was wearing the stocking as a sock.

GINGERBREAD TRAIN!

2007-11-29T19:32:00.001-06:00

Last weekend Jason, Mac and I made a Gingerbread Train. Mac did a great job as you can see. It is really tempting for Mac, though, he loves candy. I am sure before long it won't have any candy left.

JAYCE COOPER

2007-11-29T19:26:00.000-06:00

Tonight we lowered Jayce's matress in his crib, he is pulling up on furniture now, and scootching around the floor. I think we have to put our gates up this weekend!

SUPER CHUBBY, BUT CUTE!

2007-11-01T13:46:00.000-05:00

It is hard to believe that Jayce is 7 months old already. He is super chubby, check out those legs! He is always smiling and laughing, especially at Mac. He is a wonderful baby.

Halloween

2007-11-01T13:36:00.000-05:00

We had a good Halloween, except for the weather! Mac and Jason walked around the neighborhoood with Shane, Lauren and Alisa Hedstrom. Jayce, Annie Hedstrom, and I walked around for a little bit but then headed back in to hand out candy. It was cold and rainy and Jayce had enough. Mac was a Blue Ranger (Power Ranger) and Jayce was a skunk. Mac got a ton of candy, and had a great night. The weather did not bother him one bit. I think this is Mac's favorite holiday, he has such a sweet tooth, I have no idea where that came from!

MORE BIRTHDAY PICTURES!

2007-11-01T13:29:00.000-05:00

We had a little party at Mac's favorite place Chuckie Cheese's. Ryar and Nolan hit the jackpot with the batters helmet and real baseball bat. He got lots for great gifts from his friends and had a ton of fun playing at Chuckie Cheese.

Mac is THREE!

2007-10-24T21:28:00.000-05:00

I can't believe Mac is three, how time flys. We had a birthday party for Mac in Las Vegas with my family. He got a ton of great gifts, including a baseball signed by his favorite baseball player Magglio Ordonez. He was so excited. Happy Birthday Mackie, we love you more than you will ever know.

Fun Times in Las Vegas

2007-10-24T21:12:00.000-05:00

While we were in Las Vegas we did so many fun things. We visited the aquarium at Madalay Bay, Mac's favorite adventure. We took a ride out to Red Rocks, and we enjoyed the nice weather and swam in my aunt and uncle's backyard pool. Not to mention all the football bets that were placed. Jason had a little alone time in his heaven, (sports book at Green Valley Ranch.) I also got to spend some time with my dad shopping at Ceasars Palace. We had such a wonderful time, we did not want to come home. It was so nice to visit my family and let them spend time with Mac and Jayce. Thanks Dad, Aunt Karen and Uncle Jeff for such a wonderful get away.

I miss you BD.

2007-10-24T21:08:00.000-05:00

My cousing Shannon just got a new puppy named Beatrice, she is a miniture wiener dog. She and Mac got along great and kept each other occupied for hours. They both crashed at the end of the day from chasing each other around.

Viva Las Vegas!

2007-10-24T20:57:00.000-05:00

Mac was so excited to ride in an airplane to visit Grandpa Roger, Aunt Karen and Uncle Jeff , Mitch and Shannon in Las Vegas. We were a little nervous flying, since it was both Mac and Jayce's first time in an airplane. They did so great, Jayce slept alot and Mac had fun looking out the window. When we landed in Las Vegas you fly right over the strip with all the hotels. The entire airplane was quiet after we landed and Mac's ears were a little plugged from the plane landing. We were on our way to the gate and Mac yelled out " VIVA LAS VEGAS!" The entire plane was laughing, he is such a character, he keeps us laughing and on our toes all the time.

God Bless Jayce Cooper!

2007-10-24T20:36:00.000-05:00

On October 14, Jayce was baptised at St. Patrick's Parish.
We could not pick a better day, the day after Jason's 10 year class reunion, so we were all a little under the weather. We asked Tom and Sarah Becker to be Jayce's godparents, they are both such a huge part of our lives we could not ask for a better couple to do the job. After the baptism we had a small get together at our house for lunch and cake. We are so blessed to have such a wonderful, healthy happy baby boy, we love you Jayce Cooper.

Opps!

2007-10-06T16:45:00.000-05:00

Last Saturday was Tommy Becker's first birthday at Klackle Orchards in Greenville. We had a ton of fun and afer everyone had, had a piece of cake Mac lured Reagan over for some left overs. It was to funny so we just let them go for it, needless to say we were sent home with the uneaten cake.

No more NuNu's!!!

2007-10-06T16:40:00.000-05:00

Mac turns three on October 23, 2007 and he is going to say good bye to his pacifiers (NuNu's) he does not use them during the day but we are going to give them up all together on his third birthday. Only 17 more days, my only fear is he will steal them from Jayce since Jayce loves his NuNu too!

What a piggy!!

2007-10-06T16:32:00.000-05:00

Jayce loves to eat. He eats everything except peas, which I can't blame him. He is such a good baby, we are so lucky. He has even been sleeping great at night. I hesitate to say that because once I do he will start waking up again, but for now he is sleeping great. He still spits up a little bit, as you can see, but he has been much better since we started giving him solid foods.

Congratulations, James and Katie Ford!

2007-10-02T14:54:00.001-05:00

Congratulations, Katie and James. On September 15, 2007, Jason's sister Katie was married. Her and James were married at Frog Pond Village in Traverse City, Michigan. The wedding was beautiful and she looked amazing. Her and James are a wonderful couple and could not be happier together. We had a super fun time at the wedding not to mention the entire weekend. We stayed at two cottages on Lake Ann, with all Jason's family. It was a riot!

CAN'T KEEP UP!

2007-10-02T14:45:00.000-05:00

Ok, so we have been really busy the last couple of months, and I have been really bad a posting pictures of the boys. We also got a new computer at home and it does not have the program fror me to download our pictures from our camera. Once we download the software I will put some new pictures up. Mac and Jayce both had their checkups this month, Mac 3 year and Jayce 6 months. Mac was 34lbs and Jayce was 19lbs 6oz. They both had perfect check-ups!!! Will post new pictures soon.

FOUR MONTHS OLD!

2007-07-25T15:45:00.000-05:00

Jayce is four months old now and super duper chubby. He is right on track for his age, he no longer sleeps through the night. I think he may be getting some teeth and they are bothering him at night. He is almost rolling over he gets stuck on his side. He smiles all the time and is a very happy baby. He loves to watch Mac and smiles at him the most. We feel so lucky to have two such wonderful boys. They truly are the best thing in life.

Mac

2007-07-25T15:38:00.000-05:00

Mac has a hard time sitting still, not even long enough to take a picture. I wanted to get an updated picture of him for the blog, but he would not stop running around. I finally got a half way decent one of him after he was all tired out from getting chased around the yard to get a picture. He is so active, he loves baseball and has been to many Whitecaps games this year. Jason is going to take him to a Tigers game very soon, he will love it.

BONFIRE

2007-07-25T15:34:00.000-05:00

These are some pictures from Sarah's parents new house on Lake Bella Vista. They had a bonfire and we all had so much fun. Sarah and Tommy, Jayce and I enjoyed the bonfire while Mac fished with Jason and Tom.

MAC AND RUBY!

2007-07-25T15:31:00.000-05:00

Mac and Ruby love to play together. Cute picture of them eating dinner on the deck, drinking out of their Chuckie Cheese cups. Can you tell neither one of them are very good eaters.

HEY MACKY, HE LIKES IT!!!

2007-07-25T15:19:00.000-05:00

We started giving Jayce cereal, he loves it. He is not really good at using the spoon yet, but he seems to like the taste and the texture.

THREE MONTHS OLD

2007-06-24T12:15:00.000-05:00

WOW, HOW TIME FLYS! JAYCE IS THREE MONTHS OLD TODAY. AS YOU CAN SEE HE STILL LOVES TO EAT AND IS GETTING REALLY STRONG. HE IS A GREAT BABY AND IS SLEEPING THROUGH THE NIGHT! I THINK HE IS STARTING TO LOOK ALOT MORE LIKE MAC.

RELAXING

2007-06-24T12:13:00.001-05:00

JAYCE RELAXING IN THE SHADE, ENJOYING THE DAY.

FATHERS DAY

2007-06-24T12:06:00.001-05:00

FOR FATHER'S DAY WE WENT OVER TO JASON'S DAD'S HOUSE AND ENJOYED SWIMMING IN THEIR POOL. EVEN JAYCE WENT IN AND SWAM. HE LOVED IT. MAC LIKES TO JUMP OFF THE DIVING BOARD AND HAVE JASON CATCH HIM. JAYCE AND GRANDPA HUNG OUT IN THE SHADE AND WATCHED GOLF. EVERYONE HAD A GREAT DAY.

Jumperoo!

2007-06-15T16:54:00.000-05:00

Jayce tried out the Jumperoo for the first time this afternoon, he loved it (if you can't tell) He could not quite jump but he loved the bear on the front of the Jumperoo, won't be long and he will be jumping away.

FRANKFORT

2007-06-15T16:42:00.000-05:00

Last weekend we went to Frankfort, Michigan. Jason's family rented a condo right on Lake Michigan. We had so much fun I think Mac had the most fun of all. He kept telling Jason and I, "I so happy!" A bunch of his cousin's were there to share the fun. Always someone around to do whatever Mac wanted. He had a riot. We had great weather and a wonderful time.

WHAT'S THE SCORE JAYCE?

2007-06-06T20:25:00.000-05:00

If you ever need to know the score of the Tigers game, call Jayce! This is a picture of Jayce watching the Tigers game, obviously a very good game. If he was Grandpa Roger he would probably have a friendly wager on the game, over at the sports book in Belagio or Green Valley Ranch. If you ever need to know who to put your money on Dad, give Jayce a call, he will let you know what team.

BUMBO!

2007-06-06T20:22:00.000-05:00

JUST A CUTE PICTURE OF JAYCE IN HIS BUMBO SEAT. HE LOVES SITTING IN HIS SEAT AND WATCHING EVERYONE, AND THEN HE PUKES AND IT IS ALL OVER.

MATCHING JAMMIES!

2007-06-06T20:14:00.000-05:00

Mac and Jayce have matching jammies (I know, kinda dorky) but it is only pajama's. We thought they looked really cute in them so we snapped a picture. I can't believe how big Mac looks next to Jayce.

TRAIN WITH AUNT KATIE

2007-05-02T21:06:00.000-05:00

Aunt Katie and Mac went to the train in Coopersville today. The battery in the train was dead but they still got to walk around and go into the train and sit in the seats. Even though they did not get to ride it Mac still had a blast. The train company gave Katie and Mac free tickets for the next time they want to ride on the choo choo train. Mac is such a lucky boy to have an aunt like Katie. Thank you Aunt Katie.