Cuddlin with Papa

Earlier this week Jerron and I hosted a spaghetti dinner. Tom, Carol, Brandon, and Bob came over to eat and hang out. Carol had Ethan on the floor where he could have some "tummy time" and he mostly talked and drooled all over his blanket! When Brandon came in his dog Chelsea ran straight towards Ethan, thank God Papa was there to save the day : )! Tom had cuddlin time with Ethan and loved every minute!

We've Got a Thumb Sucker!!

Ethan started sucking his thumb this week! He likes his pacifier better, but he goes to town on that thumb! He slobbers from one side of his face to the other. It is the cutest thing ever!

More Pirate pictures

Here are some more pictures from the pirate party. Vanessa had some really great decorations to hang on the side of the house. Jacob wanted to help Papa and Uncle BB, so he felt really special when he got on the little ladder to hang decorations.

Here is my handsome brother-in-law Brandon, yes ladies he is single!!

Doesn't Carol look great in her Pirate Costume!! Ethan had to be in the middle of all the action, but I don't think Grandma minded showing him around.

BB's 30!!

Vanessa, BB's wife, hosted a pirate themed birthday for him; complete with pinata, treasure chest cake, and costumes. It was quite a sight seeing all of us walking around the Garber's backyard dressed like pirates, but I do have to admit it was really fun!
Even Ethan had a pirate costume that Grandma Carol bought him. Jacob had a ball helping BB bust the pinata and playing with toys that Aunt Joni got him.

We will miss you Madison

Today Madison Garber passed away. Tom and Carol miss her very much and I know Jacob does too. Jacob used to sit with Madison and talk to her as he pet her. He once asked Carol " Do you comfort her and let her know you love her?" We all know Carol spoils all her dogs and that Madison knew she was very loved.

Grandma Simon's visit

Jacob has had such a wonderful summer! He has been swimming in Grandma Carol's pool and playing with Sasha. He really enjoyed a visit from his Great Grandma Simon recently. He loved playing cards and reading books with her. He is so happy to get post cards in the mail from Grandma and can't wait to see her again!

My first Blog

Hey everyone! Welcome to the Garber Family Blog! After seeing blogs of a couple friends of mine I have decided to start my own. Jerron and I have several family and friends who live out of town and this is a great way to keep in touch.

I can start by saying that this summer our family has experienced a lot of change! Of course their is the birth of the newest Garber- Ethan Thomas. He is truly a blessing and we are enjoying every minute! Comparing the "newborn experience" of Jacob and Ethan is like comparing night and day. Ethan started sleeping through the night at 8 weeks - Jacob on the other hand didn't sleep through the night until he was 5 months! Ethan can drink a bottle, burp, then be completely content. Jacob would puke twice while drinking the bottle then two more times after it was gone! ( Mom, Dad...how did we ever get through that first year?!) Needless to say I love both my boys, but this time around has been much easier. Ethan is rolling over from his tummy to his back. He always has this look of accomplishment after every roll, it's so cute!

Ethan's always smiling, especially when big brother is talking to him. As you can tell by the picture Ethan's favorite place to be is daddy's arms.

Soon after Ethan's birth our family moved back to Kokomo, Indiana. It's great having family and friends so close again. Although it didn't work out in Tennessee like we had hoped this past year brought Jerron and I closer. I am so proud of Jerron taking the risk he did. Now we realize that being home is what we want the most and we are so thankful to be back!

Last week Jacob started Kindergarten! I can't believe he is in school! These past five years have gone by so fast! I am so blessed to have such a smart and caring little boy. He has brought so much joy to my life, I can't imagine what it would be without him. When I brought Ethan home I remember thinking to myself " Jacob is so big! Why am I babying him so much!!?" But when I saw him on the steps of the school bus I thought " He is so little! He's just a baby going off to school by himself!"

After the bus left I walked home with Ethan and opened the door to a very quiet apartment. For the first time I realized what being a mom was all about. Loving Jacob and showing him how to be a good person was all I could do. He has to experience his own life, I couldn't do it for him. He had to make mistakes so that he could learn life lessons as we all do. I miss him very much during the day and I love walking home with him and hearing about his day. Some of the things Jacob says are just hilarious! On the first day of school I asked him " Did you make any friends?" Jacob told me " No way!! My class is nothing but a nerd fest!" I had tears I was laughing so hard! Then he told me about a boy who had snot all over his face, Jacob asked the boy to wipe his face. The boy told Jacob that he couldn't because his boogers were hard as rock...Ewww so gross!! I guess I am going to have to get used to all the gross stories! Jacob describes his (female) teacher helper as a man dressed like a woman...I can only imagine what he is saying in school. Let's hope that I don't get called in for a parent teacher conference!!