Trick or Treat!

Happy Halloween. We had a fun time in Tuscany with a total of 39 ghosts, goblins, witches, ferries, devils, etc., etc. We did not go out ourselves because Ethan was with his Mom (they stopped by to show off Ethan's scary costume), and it was easier to keep Jake inside.

Finally, I've been able to include some pictures. Enjoy!



The Haunted House... Ooooooooo











Ethan in his Devil costume

Lazy Saturday

Bob and I are enjoying a wonderful Saturday. We slept well. Jake went to bed at midnight and woke up at 4:30 am for a feeding and then slept till 8:30 am. That's my idea of a perfect night. Bob took some more pictures of Jake before he had his bath. We did a little Anne Geddes inspired poses. I think there wonderful. I'll have to make prints of these. If you want to see any, click on our Flickr page on our links list or just click on a picture in the box to the right of this blog.

Ethan is full into his soccer practices. It's a program that teaches him more skills and drills. He's already showing huge improvement since last week. He'll be set to go when outdoor soccer starts up next year. School is going really well for him. His reading skills are very good and he's doing very well in Math and Science.

We finished decorating the front of the house for the kids this Halloween. Hopefully we get a few Trick or Treaters. Tonight we are going to a little dinner party with some friends. Other than that we are doing well. Still trying to figure out a routine with Jake but I think we're getting pretty close.

Family Visit / Banff Day Trip

We hosted Nadia's Dad and sisters this past weekend. They mainly came to visit their newest pride and joy, Jake, and to spend the day in Banff\Canmore.

While they were here, we enjoyed the beautiful Fall weather -- mild temperatures with lots of sunshine.

Jake is a growing boy. His last doctor appointment (October 13) had him weigh-in at 9 pounds 11 ounces -- well over a pound from his birth weight. Mommy is feeding this boy well! Otherwise, Jake is truly a baby. He still spends much of the night feeding, and isn't entirely into a sleeping routine. This makes Nadia's life a challenge, but all the struggles disappear once Jake suggles into her for a long nap. Thankfully, everyone is healthy and enjoying our little blessing.

Here are some pictures of Jake and our weekend.










Jacob's little fingers











Enroute to Banff













Jacob and Daddy











Ethan singing Karaoke











Bob giving it a try











Alex shows us how it's done

My first week home alone

So everyone has gone back to work. Bob went back last Wednesday and my mom went back just this Monday. I have officially begun my new job as a mom.
Jake has been incredible. I couldn't ask for a better kid. He barely knows how to cry. If you keep him dry, and fed he is a happy boy. He's becoming a little accustomed to waking up at 10pm which is when we like to go to bed so that has been a little bothersome. I like to try and keep everything under control at nights so that Bob can sleep and be well rested for work. Jake usually eats in 3 hour intervals which means he's up at midnight then at 3am then at 6am. He needs to be fed and changed and then he goes back to sleep. On Friday and Saturdays Bob helps out by changing him at every feeding so that I can get that much more sleep. Everything was going really well until last night. Jake was up to eat at 9pm then he never really went back to sleep until after midnight. After 2 hours of trying to get him to sleep Bob got up and took over and managed to get him to sleep relativly quickly. Which made me feel a little incompetent. Maybe when Jake realized that dad was holding him he knew we meant business. Ahh wishful thinking. I hope he doesn't make a habit of this.

Another thing I realized was that I haven't had a straight 8 hour sleep since I gave birth. When I was in labour, by hour 18 all I wanted to do was sleep. Once I was able to push, I pushed so hard to get Jacob out so that I could finally sleep. Wrong! They gave me enough time to have a shower (which I admit I spent alot of time "stalling" in before facing the real world) then I was whisked away to my room where I began feeding my little guy every three hours. The beginning of getting through the day on 4 to 6 hours of sleep. Not that I'm complaining. Jake isn't fussy or colicky. I'm sure I'm getting way more sleep than most of the moms out there.

Jake is a gem! He's such a happy baby. He smiles alot, even though I know it's just gas, it still makes my heart melt. I'm looking forward to his first offical smile, his first giggle and the first time he sees me and greets me with a grin. Right now he can hold his head up high and he really likes tummy time! He's peed on me 8 times and counting. He doesn't mind sponge baths but still hates a full bath. And today I realized that he wakes up a little scared when he doesn't hear my voice. I'll keep everyone posted on Jake's firsts and share my experiences with all of you. Take care.

The Lepchuk Reunion

Thanksgiving 2006 also brought together dozens of Sons, Daughters, Grandchildren, Great Grandchildren, and Great-great Grandchildren of Katie (and Mike) Lepchuk.

We travelled up with Ethan and Jacob to Manning, Alberta (one hour North of Peace River), where a surprise reunion was held to celbrate Grandma Katie's 90th birthday. Yes, she was surprised, and absolutely happy.

It was fantastic to see so many family members -- some we haven't seen in over ten years. Only a few cousins weren't able to make it, but it was still a full house.

Click Here to see pictures from the Lepchuk Reunion

Meeting Nagypapa

Jake met his Nagypapa (Hungarian for grandpa) last weekend for the first time. He was very well behaved. Nagypapa was very excited to meet him and couldn't stop kissing and cuddling him. Jake also meet his Aunty Lauren and Justine. They still can't believe that they are aunties. Here are some pictures for you to enjoy. The last picture is Jake next to a few pictures of Nadia when she was a baby. Can you spot the resemblence?

Jacob's First Bath

Here are some pictures of Jake's first bath. He did really well. Didn't cry too much. Only when he was exposed to the cold air. I really like his mohawk. I think it's a cool look for him.

Thank You

Nadia and I wish to thank all family, friends, and co-workers for their messages of love and congratulations regarding the birth of Jacob. All the voice-mail/e-mail/e-cards/beautiful flowers are greatly appreciated.

For any relatives from the Lepchuk clan keeping tabs on us -- we are heading up for the reunion this Thanksgiving weekend. We all can't wait to see you.

Of course, here are some more photos of Jacob, etc.

Jacob at his first Doctor appointment





Tiny Foot





Dr. Taylor, who delivered Jacob





Checking out the crib





"Why does this guy keep taking my picture?"







A little snooze on Daddy.












Life is good!





Jacob's big brother looking after him.

Welcome, Jacob William Taylor

We'd like to introduce you to our newest family member. Jacob William Taylor was born at 3:04 AM on Sunday, October 1, 2006 -- one year after his parents were married. 'Jake' weighed in at 8 pounds, 8 ounces, and was 21.5 inches long

For any Mothers comparing labour experiences, Nadia's totaled 26 hours. This began at 1:15 AM Saturday, when her water broke. We arrived at the hospital soon after to monitor Nadia's condition. However, after a couple hours they sent us home until Nadia's contractions became stronger. Upon returning home (4:30 AM) Nadia's contractions did become much stronger, and spent the remainder of the morning pacing around the house and leaning on furniture every two minutes or so.

We returned to the hospital at 12:00 PM where they continued to monitor Nadia. Nadia's doctor examined her and announced that she was only 2 cm dilated -- which was very frustrating for Nadia based on her efforts thus far. During this time we were also waiting for a birthing room to come available. Nadia continued to walk the corridors of the maternity ward, plus some stair climbing, to help progress her labour.

7:30 PM arrives and we finally move into our birthing room. Another examination by Nadia's doctor determined that she was still 2 cm dilated (after 15+ hours of contractions). So, the doctor ordered Nadia on oxitocin, commonly referred as 'the drip', to better progress her labour. Nadia's contractions soon became more intense and lasted much longer. After another 5+ hours (20 hours total) of hard work, Nadia was fully dilated and was given permission to begin pushing the baby out.

The pushing phase ended up being much shorter, but equally as difficult for Nadia. After 55 minutes of pushing, Jacob William Taylor was born.

Nadia's efforts are admirable enough, but more so considering that she never once used any pain medication during the entire labour and birth (i.e., no laughing gas, morphine, or epidural).

Currently Mom and Baby are doing great. Jacob is quite content and is only interested in sleeping and feeding -- although it's unfair to assume one's character when they're not even one day old. Mom can't wait to come home on Monday, and I can't wait to spend a week at home enjoying my beautiful new Son.

Enjoy some pictures of Jake and the family...

- only minutes old

- big brother, Ethan









- new Mom with her baby