Small Talk- Catch up with the Smallwoods

John Clayton Smallwood

2009-02-06T20:47:00.000-08:00

"Clay" arrived this week! He

is a very laid back easy baby (so far) and he has been a wonderful addition to our family. We can't wait to get him home so he can spend more time with his big sister. Grandmom and Grand Bob are in town helping with Jane and the horses. It has been really comforting knowing that they are taking care of the daily tasks around the farm (and overseeing the bathroom remodel).

First Haircut

2009-01-25T16:18:00.000-08:00

Jane got her first haircut last week. She wasn't thrilled about it but she was pretty good. We think she looks all grown up.

Change of Plans

2008-12-19T05:50:00.000-08:00

A routine ultrasound yesterday revealed that baby #2 is a boy not a girl! We have a lot to do in 7 weeks.

Thanksgiving at the NJ Shore

2008-11-29T05:44:00.001-08:00

We all went to the beach for Thanksgiving. It was really fun. Jane had a blast visiting with her cousins and grandparents. She really liked the sand and the waves.

Bonnie

2008-10-08T16:45:00.000-07:00

For those of you who didn't already know we lost a member of our family this summer. We miss her terribly and we comfort ourselves by knowing she lived a long, happy and full life. It is hard to express how much her friendship meant to me as she was my best friend for eleven years.

Get To Work Patches!!

2008-10-08T15:22:00.000-07:00

Did you think he was just here to be a yard ornament??

Welcome Patches!

2008-08-27T14:00:00.000-07:00

Jane finally got a pony of her own! Patches arrived last month and has been a fun edition to our family. He loves kids and is very easy going. Jane has ridden him twice and she has already learned to wave at him when we walk by his paddock.

Birthday Party

2008-07-19T15:33:00.000-07:00

Jane celebrated her first birthday with a party. We were so excited to have all of the family and our neighbors join us for this big event. The weather was great and the food was even better. Thank you to everyone for making the effort to be here with us on that special day!

First Pony Ride!

2008-07-12T06:20:00.000-07:00

I know what your thinking and no- we did not buy the pony, she just got to ride around for a while but she LOVED it! We are so proud and excited for her- it was really a fun evening.

Daily routine

2008-05-22T19:14:00.000-07:00

My work schedule is getting busier (finally) so Jane is spending more and more time with the family down the street during the day. She really enjoys all of the kids. They go to soccer and baseball games, piano lessons and the park. She gets to see baby ducks, chickens, cows and a rooster at their house as well. The cats are still her favorite.

We are starting to plan for the big party on July 5. We are excited that some of our family will be able to come visit and spend this special day with us.

Clapping!

2008-05-22T18:47:00.000-07:00

Jane learned how to clap yesterday. She started clapping while she was playing on the floor by herself and now she won't stop. She loves it. We are so proud because for those of you who know a thing or two about child development- hands together on midline is a really big deal!

Good Morning!

2008-05-12T09:40:00.000-07:00

Jane is now able to pull herself up and stand! This is the little face that greeted me this morning. We are very proud and we are lowering the crib mattress momentarily. She can pull up on most anything including coffee tables, chairs, beds and cabinets.

Dining al fresco

2008-05-10T07:55:00.000-07:00

Jane always enjoys eating outside and when the weather permits we try to accomodate. We are proud to announce that not only have her bottom middle incisors arrived but her canines are here too! Her new smile is priceless and we have affectionately dubbed her "the little fruit bat" because with no other teeth on top she looks like a bat.

Julie

2008-05-09T18:07:00.001-07:00

We are excited and proud of Julie for deciding to pursue a career in agility training and although we miss her we know that she is in a great learning environment and loving home. We wish her all the best in her future endeavors.

Jane, Jack and Josie

2008-04-26T15:26:00.000-07:00

During our visit in Texas Jane got to spend time in Forney. She enjoyed seeing her two cousins Jack and Josie as well as Aunt Jennifer and Uncle Scott. She was excited to learn that another Macdonald cousin is on the way. She was able to spend a whole day with Nanny which included a trip to Walmart. Papa spent quality time with Jane in the evenings after work. In addition Jane got to visit with Granny Margie, Aunt Julie, Uncle Randy, Kristin, Maxton, Ben, Tracy, Caitlin, Marcie and Kyler.

Free at last

2008-04-19T09:20:00.000-07:00

A majority of the noncompete agreement was purchased yesterday afternoon. We are thankful to everyone who gave us support during this trying time for our family.

Week of 4/18-4/25

2008-04-17T17:51:00.000-07:00

This weekend Jane and I will be getting ready for our trip to Texas. Jane is excited to see her grandparents and aunts/uncles and cousins. Jenny is looking forward to getting a chance to spend some time with her friends Lisa (from high school) and Melanie (from vet school). Jeremy will get to spend the week with Bonnie and the horses. Last week Jane got her first two teeth- her bottom incisors! Her upper right incisor won't be far behind. Keep up the good work Jane- we know this is a tough time but you are doing great!

Spring is here

2008-04-17T17:34:00.000-07:00

Spring is here and we are really happy that all the mud is gone and the grass is back. Hopefully the flooding is over too! Jeremy, Jane, Bonnie and I enjoy spending time outside together in the evenings after work. Louis and P-Diddy are really enjoying the weather too! We are starting on some summer time projects around the farm. Today we demo'd the corn crib. FINALLY.

Afternoon routine

2008-04-17T14:55:00.000-07:00

After lunch on nice days Jane and I go to the park for a 2.2 mile walk. She enjoys smiling and laughing at the people she sees and she has been known to wave hello if she is really excited. On days when I can't be there with her she spends her time with the babysitter's family at baseball practice, piano lessons or at the library. When it is time to come home she gets to spend a little time at the barn with the horses before dinner.

Morning routine

2008-04-17T14:46:00.000-07:00

Usually Jane starts the day with light breakfast of pureed fruits then it is off to the exerciser or play mat for some core strengthening exercises. She is learning to crawl and everyday she is getting better at it. She has learned to be more versatile and now she can travel forward not just backward! She can sit upright and play for a long time on her own and she has learned to transition from sitting to tummy very efficiently. Way to go Jane we are very proud! Jane enjoys playing with toys that she can take apart like the ring stacker and picnic basket fill and spill and toys that she can put in her mouth. She usually is then ready for a late morning snack and a short nap.