2695Design Blog

Inspired by Alyson's blog about quilting ... I thought I'd reinstate the 2695Design blog about design in general ... graphic design, children's toys, homegoods, etc. So, feel free to stop in and check it out.

Jack and I made it back from NJ and are now heading to MN - I'll update Life as a Neal when we get home. Lots to blog about. :)

A bit of bragging...

So, my cousin Alyson picked up a new skill recently: Quilting. I am absolutely floored by her talent. Alyson's quilts are bright, colorful and have a modern flair; everything opposite of what I think of when I think 'quilt' - & when I say 'picked up' she literally did; Alyson had no prior experience. Her first project looked like she had been doing it for years! She also sews clothes for her kids and other knickknacks. Check her out at Alyson's Petals. She's definitely inspired me to spend a little more time on my sewing machine.

Surprise Visit!

Drew and Wilkes popped in today to meet Jack. It makes me happy that even though Bryan isn't here, his buddies will still come over to meet his son. :) It means a lot to us.

Wilkes & Jack (Jack was a lot happier once his head was out of Wilkes' armpit)

Drew & Jack

2 Months Old!!

Wow.

Jack turned 2 months old on Friday (4/10) It's so hard to believe. He definitely does not fit into his 0-3 month pajamas. I had to go out and get him some bigger ones this weekend. Hard to believe the little guy is in 3-6 month pajamas and he's only 2 months. His huge feet and his long legs are definitely to blame. (Wonder whose son he is ... ) However, he can still fit into all of his other 0-3 month clothes. But if the arms are attached to the feet - there's no chance.

Jack is doing great as a 2 month old - he can hold his head up pretty steady for the most part. He loves to look over your shoulder or sit up and hang out like a big boy. His grunting has turned into more cooing; he definitely still grunts, though. He'll tell you all about his day if you'll let him. He's smiling - which is the best thing ever. He stays awake much longer during the day ... mostly in the morning. He loves his baths. He dreads 'tummy-time'. If he's awake, his legs are moving - he'll push right off of you. And he's even sleeping 5 - 6 hours through the night (Thank you, Jack!)!

Most of all, he loves to talk to his daddy on the phone.

Happy Jack before his shots...

Jack is now 23 inches long and weighs 12 pounds and 5 oz ... he gained nearly 3 pounds last month! :) Big boy! He had 6 shots, I think, at his appointment today? He took them like a champ! He got one in his left leg ... he whimpered a bit - but then he had the other 5 in 1 shot on the right leg - and yes, he screamed. But, it didn't last long at all. He was back in his car seat in seconds and hardly has had an issue since. (knock on wood.)

Not really sure of what's going on ... other than munching on his hand.

Making farting noises...

Unsure ...

Ah yes, Happy Dance - he remembers his friend!

Pals.

Not really sure?

A little reference from a month ago... his legs have definitely thickened up a bit.

A visit from the Facchini's!

Hooray! Pete, Christine, Adriana and Sophia (and little boy Facchini - arriving in August...! [excited scream!!]) drove from Columbus to meet little Jack. It was so much fun to finally add a kid of my own to the clan. :) Adriana loved on Jack their entire visit. She was such a great help and was a master of putting him to sleep and calming him down. Sophia on the other hand was all too curious about the little man - whenever he was in arms reach of her, she would crawl over and inspect. We can't wait for the new Facchini to arrive! Jack will have his own little friend to play with soon!

Pete was gracious enough to watch all three of them one evening while Christine and I went to a movie. What a sight to see when we came home!! They are going to have their hands full! Major look of stress on Pete's face. It was a good laugh and he was a good sport. :) Again, Adriana will be such a big help when her little brother arrives, though! Seems like yesterday she was Jack's age! :(

Adriana and Jack

Sophie and Jack

Hard to believe I finally actually have toys in my house for these little tykes to play with!

Easter Recap!

First off! Thank you for so many comments on Jack's Easter picture! It's good to know people actually read our blog! :)

Easter in the Neal household was very low key. Jack was a little under the weather so we had a quick opening of Easter Baskets - thanks to those of you who sent one! (Jack is one spoiled little baby!) And then Jack spent the rest of the day snoozing away while his Grandpa and I worked in the yard. Very festive.

Showing off Jack's gigantor foot. No cute little shoes for him.

A precious bear from Great Aunt Beci and Great Uncle Chuck! I think they make quite a pair.

A festive basket from Great Aunt Boni, Great Uncle Kent and Cousin Taylor!

The calm before the storm ... and then Jack was done with Easter.
We'll always have next year :)

Somebunny Loves You!!

Happy Easter Everyone!
Hope you enjoy your day with many family and friends!

Side Note...

For you friends and family that are wanting to print pictures out, you can download high resolution photographs at http://jackneal.shutterfly.com - if you need the password, let me know.

Plus - for those of you who have skype ... Bryan and I are both set up for when he deploys, so look us up. I also have his temporary address for MS and am happy to give it out for those of you interested - good until approximately the middle of May.

Impromptu Photo Shoot

Jack was giving off plenty of personality before he passed out - here's what I came out with.

yawns

one-eyed jack is back!

excited.

monkey man

mr. smiley pants

Friends, friends everywhere.

Well, this was the first weekend Bryan didn't come home. Jack and I missed him terribly. However, one of my bff's, Kim and her new fiance Ryan (and congratulations to you, too, of course!!) came into town for a visit. It was a well appreciated visit, of course. It was a weekend of losing track of time and just enjoying the moment. Kimmie and Ryan were definitely a great help with Jack - toting him here and there - and helping with many public poopy diapers. (The kid doesn't ever poop - but not this weekend!!)

They arrived Friday morning - we ate a quick bite at El Sombrero and headed to Savannah to show Ryan the area. We started on River Street and enjoyed some Wet Willies. Jack dropped a bomb while we were sitting on the benches so we all experienced his first public poop diaper change. Very interesting ... I need more practice with that one. We just sat and enjoyed the sun and scenery for the most part. We walked all over the area and ended back at City Market. From there, we visited many beautiful streets, cemeteries, and Forsyth Park. Then, we headed out the islands and ate at Uncle Bubba's (Paula Dean's brothers seafood restaraunt). Before heading home we stopped off to see Steph and Hal so they could meet Jack and Ryan and see Kim again.

Kimmie & Ryan on River Street

Saturday we headed onto campus for some Georgia Southern fun. We toured the campus to see how much its grown. We spent the afternoon at Artsfest - we planned on going to the Blue and White game but lost track of time. We enjoyed the sun and the shade of the trees. Kim painted Jack a picture.

Auntie Kimmie feeding baby Jack at ARTsFEsT

Auntie Kimmie, Jack and her painting for Jack - such an ar-teest!

Jack holding onto his horsie friend in his car seat.

From there, we headed to the baseball game with Auntie Lindsay. It was our first time to the new baseball stadium. VERY nice. I definitely plan on attending more baseball games. Jack made many friends from all sides - all grown men who were more facisnated by Jack than the game. What can I say - he has that effect on people. We came home and tried to start a fire but our wood was sooo damp from all the rain we had - it was a bust. However, chopping wood was fulfilling?

Auntie Kimmie, Uncle Ryan, Baby Jack, and the cheerleading calendar

Jack's first baseball game.

Jack completely unphased by the cheering at the baseball game

Sunday was another rainy day in Statesboro - we made breakfast and Jim Reynolds (family friend) stopped by. He was on his way back to MN after a week and a half of golfing in Hilton Head. Later on, Auntie Ann and Uncle Matt stopped in, too! They were on their way back from Matt's brother's wedding on Tybee Island. Jack definitely loved him some Matt. Jack just gawked at Matt - they are new best friends. Later on, Uncle Tom stopped by for some Sunday beer and we grilled some steaks in between rains. yum.

Jack & Jim

Auntie Ann & Uncle Matt

Jack hanging out with his new BFF.

Auntie Kimmie and Auntie Ann :)

Auntie Kimmie and Uncle Ryan left very early Monday morning to catch a flight back to Chicago. We're all looking forward to their wedding and their hopeful move back south. :) Their visit was a godsend. It was great having them here - their visit was too fast but it kept our mind off of Bryan's absence.

Jack with his cool shoes and his new friend from Auntie Ann's mom.

Congratulations!!!

Well, since Lindsay has finally posted some pictures... Congratulations to her and Jeb! They are getting married! Took Jeb long enough!!! He popped the question in mid-March on a trip to Las Vegas. Hear the story on her blog, Sandpaper & Silk.

We're so happy for you guys and can't wait to celebrate with you. Love you guys!