yay we just moved into our new house here in Michigan City and finally have internet and things to brag about. The two things that make blogging. first of all -I LOVE OUR HOUSE! I love it. The only thing I'm sad about is that we'll only be here for a couple of years before we're off to who knows where for med school. So I am really going to make our time here count and I feel like I'm off to a good start. Everything is unpacked and decorated (even though it did take me 2 months to finish. you can't rush decorating. It has to come to you I've found.) But our house is beautiful and I plan on taking a picture tour of it tomorrow. Cross your fingers that I make it to the finish line of posting the pics and writing about it all. My motivation? All I can hear is my sisters Janessa and Jamie's voices in my head begging for a blog update and pictures of the house. So besides the house being wonderful the city and branch are awesome as well. yes I said branch not ward. We're not in Utah, that's for sure but I LOOOOVE the branch here. Since Dylan and I have been married we have Lived in Valparaiso which was the same ward my parents were in so it kinda felt like "the Jolley's ward" and then we moved to Hebron ward wich is where Dylan's family went so it felt like their ward but finally we now have a place that we feel is OUR turf. Everyone is so welcoming (although everyone knew a suprising amount of details about Dylan and I which was kind of weird when a stranger comes up to you and says "I heard you weren't able to make it to your mom group last week. I'm sorry" or "I heard you got a new washer and dryer. I bet that's nice." But atleast people care enough to talk about us I guess). Everyone is awesome at stepping up to the plate and pitching in. ha those are both baseball things and I didn't even mean to do that. I'm so clever and don't even know it). We had dinner with the Fowlers and it came up that someone in the primary presidency also plays the piano PLUS is the chorister. I don't even know how that would work?! I told Kimberly that I was the primary chorister in Valpo and I loved that calling... wouldn't ya know it, a week later called into bishop's office. boom. primary chorister just like that. I'm excited. This week I'm getting set apart and it will be official. They told Dylan that he has to wait for his calling, that they had something they're holding on for and the first thing I thought of was... the branch presidency has been there for 5 years and there's talk that they're going to be released soon... but who's to know. but Michigan City is THE place to be. I tell you what you non believers out there - we got it all! one block away a beautiful cemetery. Maybe that's creapy to some of you but I love it. Our little family goes walking through it every night. It can take a good hour to go around the whole thing, that's how big it is. our neighborhood is so cute with kids always riding bikes or running through sprinklers. It is a quiet, nice, friendly block which is the best of one world but what makes it the best of the other world is that only half a mile away is Franklin street which has everything anyone could ever want. The best restaurants including sophia's house of pancakes (which I still have to try but I've heard it's the best :) there's Papa John's, Texas Road House, the best chinese I have EVER had at a place called Gourmet House, all of the major fast food chains, and Olive Garden which is a classic favorite. There is all of the shopping that I could want including a mall, Home Depot (which is a store I actually like. weird. who is this Jennifer? I know!) wal mart, hobby lobby, joann's fabric, and the real dollar store where everything actually really is only a dollar :) oh my there is so so much more that I can't even put down because I have already wasted so much boring time just listing the highlights. but just know it is a wonderful, magical road that should be paved in yellow brick. I didn't know such a place could really exist. believe it. we also have an outlet mall, amazing mom and pop old fashioned drive in place where every day they make their rootbeer. SOOO good, we have an outlet mall (plus the indoor one I mentioned earlier) we also have a splash pad, zoo, (this is the only pic i got of it. sad)
and last but not least, the cherry on t
op... the b
each is 10 minutes away!! And we are not talking smelly salt lake beach or rocky hard beach, we are talking soft white sand, awesome waves, adorable light house, cool
marina, need-a-pass-to-get-in, VIP, type beach.
It is beautiful. so there you have it. Can you tell I like it here? We moved here because it is in between Purdue North Central, 15 minutes away in Westville where Dylan goes to school, and 5/3 bank, 15 minutes away in Chesterton where Dylan works. If you can meet in the middle then that is what we call a perfect situation my friend. Dylan and I are so blessed and I hope that God doesn't humble me for bragging so much but I can't help it, i'm so happy here! :)
and before you know it Dylan is leaning over the bathtub asking me to take the scissors and cut his hair as short as I can so that he can take a razor to it.
He went through with it and now I am married to a bald man. I never thought I would say that. haha. I was worried about what Dallas would think. He was never really scared, just confused.
But now he loves it and tries to pat it whenever Dylan holds him. Tuesday was a relaxing day with Dallas and I watching his baby einstein and snuggling in the morning and cleaning and fun stuff like that the rest of the day.
Wednesday I went to a play group at a friend's house.
It was so much fun to chat and gossip and talk about girlie things. Thursday I had my friend Kristen over for lunch and again it was just so much fun to watch Dallas play with her son who is a month younger and I loved catching up with Kristen. Friday was a branch picnic at the church building. I love our branch! I can't say that enough. Everyone is so awesome. There was even a bounce house that Dylan and Dallas loved playing in.
Saturday was the Taste of Duneland in Chesterton.
There was lots of different foods from local restaurants and farms. It was fun walking around and eating different foods. Dallas especially liked the fresh corn on the cob.
Yesterday (sunday) The Caggianos came up to visit for a little while in the afternoon and it was fun to see them. They miss not seeing Dallas as much. They're an awesome family and so cute with Dallas. He loves the attention :) I think I have over used the word "fun" to describe the events of the week but it WAS a really fun week.
I love our walks! It is beautiful and peaceful and paved :) 
We walk for about an hour and during that time Dallas does not make a peep. He is so happy and content. He loves to look around at all of the interesting things.
There are black squirrels that I have only ever seen in that place. They are jet black and shiny. They're so pretty. One of my favorite headstones (if you call it that? Statue thingy... I don't know on this one) is of a girl that from far away looks like a little buddha child.
I love it because it is so intricate and also creepy but awesome. When we get home around 7:00 pm We feed Dallas dinner then bath him (Dylan usually does that because he gives me a chance to sit down by myself. ahh the little things to keep us mothers sane. I love Dylan for it.) Then we all lay in bed and we have scriptures and prayers while I nurse Dallas and then Dylan lays him in bed. I love our routine. Although dinner is never a set time. Dylan and I sometimes eat before our walk, the same time Dallas is eating, or after Dallas goes to bed at 8:00 pm. But tonight was Family Home Evening and we went on our walk and while Dallas was eating his dinner Dylan gave the lesson on Christ. It was a great lesson and we felt the spirit. Dallas' favorite part of FHE is the singing. After Dallas had his bath we showed him how we make our refreshments which was popcorn. We went to the store today and bought the old school shake-it-over-the-stove kind so Dallas could see it fill up. He didn't know what to think about it. 
While we let that cool we had our scriptures and prayers and Dallas fell right asleep (he didn't take his 5:00 nap.) 
He was so cute. Dylan was so excited because he never gets to hold Dallas when he's sleeping. After he was tucked in to bed Dylan and I ate the popcorn and watched a couple episodes of SCRUBS. The good shows never get old. Our favorites are scrubs and friends. Both awesome. Now Dylan is studying (and unfortunately he'll be up late but we're so glad he took some time out to have family time! He's amazing at balancing everything.) And after I finish this post I'm going to bed. It is past my bed time but I had to reminisce about the beautiful day we had :)
I could not believe how squished they were. I know in the picture you can only see 3 but there were actually 5 birds stuffed in that nest! haha. it was crazy. They could not budge!
We have been to the beach quite a few times now and Dallas isn't scared of the water anymore. I love his little wet suit. He was having fun with his grandma while mommy, daddy, and Taitum were in the water. It looks like he's laughing at a secret she's telling him. haha. He loves his gma!
I know it's a random post but Dallas has fun with so many people and I wanted to blog it. You understand right? :)
I already have two teeth and I am learning so many new things. Some of my favorite things to do lately are:
* staying inside all day
It kept Dallas very entertained. Dr. Brogan said that it was time to ditch the pacifier which he didn't mind as much as I thought he would. It does take him longer to fall asleep for his naps but other than that he's been fine. We do still use it for church though. A couple of concerns I had was the rash on his thigh has not gone away in over a month and I have called twice before about it and the first time they just said use desitin and the second time they said to use an anti fungal cream but when we were there I asked the doctor and she said it was eczema and to put a different cream on it. Dallas has always had sensitive skin poor boy. But I was very frustrated that I could of saved almost 2 months of Dallas being irritated if they would have just let me go in and check it out earlier. I don't know if it's because Dallas is on medicaid that they wouldn't let me go in, but he's only on part medicaid. He's still covered on Dylan's insurance and medicaid just pays for anything not covered by that. Anyways it was annoying. My other big concern was that Dallas was STILL waking up 3-5 times a night! COME ON! I can't believe I have been doing this for 9 months now. Dr. Brogan said that weaning Dallas from the binky will help but if he wakes up let him cry for atleast 10 minutes and then send Dylan in to lay him back down and if necessary give him the pacifier at that point. When he sees me he just wants to be fed and I don't know why that never occured to me before. I just always got him because Dylan works and I wanted him to be able to sleep but I can not believe the difference it has made sending the hubby in. The first night was pretty rough because we didn't feed Dallas at all and he's not used to that but it only lasted one night! It has been over a week now and Dallas has only woken up three times on three seperate nights and when Dylan goes in Dallas will go right back to sleep. It is amazing! I couldn't even remember what it felt like to sleep a whole night and MAN does that make all the difference! I am so much more energetic, happier, productive, and nice :) also since we have been putting the RIGHT cream (finally) on Dallas his rashes are almost all gone. So it was a good appointment. I can't believe his next one will be his ONE YEAR check up! Wow!
I love this picture. Dylan couldn't waste any time and had to brush his teeth while we sang happy birthday. While he was at work Dallas and I went shopping and got him some shirts, swim trunks, sandals, and a few other things. I was supposed to get a golfing pass gift certificate but I ran out of time so I lamely just wrote on a piece of paper "you need to go golfing!" and threw it in a bag. haha. If that's not lame I also had to put every present in bags... paper bags. I have no Idea where my wrapping paper is from moving and that's all I could think of on the spot. haha. Dylan was a good sport.
An hour later we're all sunscreened up and swim suited, and out the door. We don't even make it a mile before Dallas is just screaming bloody murder and still will not calm down for anything! at this point we hang our heads and accept defeat. Hungry, headaches, bummed out and tired, we go home and unpack and just bathe Dallas and put him in bed. I started crying because I felt so bad that Dylan's birthday party was ruined and we were both frazzled and that is the last feeling you want your husband to have on his birthday. Dylan gave me a big hug and kiss and brought me a slice of birthday cake and we sat on the floor and listened to Dallas scream himself to sleep. I didn't even get to have the candles in the cake, singing happy birthday, and taking pictures as he blows the candle's out part of the birthday but as we sat there eating cake Dylan called Papa Johns and had them deliver a pizza and it ended up being the best birthday party I have ever had. We sat in the dark watching netflix and eating way too many things that my diabetes didn't like but I didn't care. It was worth it. I'll always remember that birthday and I am so glad that I have the amazing husband that I do. He is so good at making the best out of situations. Even though it was his birthday he ended up making me happy and I love him to pieces. Thank goodness he was born! :) Happy Birthday hubby!
He liked being in the grass and exploring.
this next one looks like he's waving to me from the distance. I love it because you can see the rows. Everything is so green. I love that about Indiana.
We were all having fun but as I said before it was short lived. 
The lady that we paid back in the barn was almost laughing at our little one pounder but she obviously didn't have any kids and therefore couldn't understand. It is SO cheap if you go pick the blueberries. I think it was $1.70 per lb. You can't buy the tiny cartons at the store for that much. and the blueberries were soooo goood. We tried a few things with the blueberries and my all time favorite was blueberry pancakes that I made for Dylan's birthday which I'll show you when I post that event. (look at me already planning future posts, I must be getting in the mind set of a true blogger.) So after we got Dallas a drink of water and buckled in the car, I sat in the back with him and he was so cute! Here he is with our vast abundance.
It didn't take long before he was going....
They were out of girls Ts but that's ok. atleast my boys looked cute :) then we headed down to gma and gpa caggiano's house. It's about an hour and a half ride. Dallas was really happy the whole time. It was a fun day. We didn't go to the parade because we were cooking up a storm of yumminess. 
Homemade potato salad, barbequed ribs, rolls, and I made cupcakes with cool whip frosting and put it together to make a flag. Later we played some games, we fished in the pond behind their house, Dallas loved the water and all the little fishies coming up to his feet. Taitum liked laying out on the shore catching some sun (she tans so beautifully and never burns. Darn those Italians ;) Dallas also enjoyed rocking on the porch swing with his grandmama. Later that night after bath time and jammies were on we watched the many many fireworks grandpapa bought. Dallas was not scared at all! He loved the foreworks, even the big ones and the loud ones. We had a fun day and it wore the baby out. He fell asleep in the car ride home before we had even drove a mile.
I thought it was appropriate where I put it. Later that month we all went to Bass Pro Shop to get Dallas' picture with santa. I called ahead and was told that there was a 3 hour wait but atleast you just go pick up a pass and don't have to stand in line. I was worried we would be really bored but actually we ended up having a lot of fun! The store is huge and there were a ton of cool attractions and things to look at.
We spent a lot of time taking pictures of Dallas next to different animals. 
Dylan and I were laughing so hard. 
It is so much fun to pose Dallas in different situations. Dallas got hungry only 40 minutes before it was picture time with santa so I just fed him in a changing room. That was another first for me.
Finally when it was our turn Dallas did such a good job!
He was so happy and the santa was so sweet. After we were done we went to Hebron ward's christmas party that was fun too. That was the most Dallas and I had been out since he was born. Getting ready for christmas this year seemed very stressful to me. Now that we have a baby I really want each christmas to be memorable so I went all out on the tree, decorations, candles, presents, and food. We did for the first time the tradition we want to do of C.H.R.I.S.T week and that was also a lot of work but I hope it will be something fun and worth doing when our kids are old enough to remember. C- we made cookies and gave them to neighbors (I also hope in the years of doing this tradition that I get better at making cookies.) H-we helped the missionaries. They needed a ride to the temple so we took them up to Chicago and since we had Dallas with us we didn't do a session with them but we had a great day driving around, window shopping and looking for a blessing outfit for Dallas (which we never found). R- we went to the library and checked out some of our favorite christmas stories. We got very enthusiastic and checked out a LOT of books. It was fun and we didn't get through reading even half of the books but we drank hot chocolate and had some good laughs. I- We invited people over to our appartment for a little get together. It was originally going to be little but ended up having 18 people crammed into our little home but and I was very stressed out but it was very fun! We had chocolate fondue, played some games and we had the missionaries over to share a christmas message. Everything came together and it was really cool. S- This one we never really got to. We were going to go to an old folks home and sing christmas carols but I ended up spending ALL day going christmas shopping and wrapping presents. T- We spent the evening talking about the week, christ, and our testimonies then we watched the church video of Luke 2 set to the song "Breath of Heaven". On Christmas eve we went down to the Caggiano's and watched some christmas movies and I made Wassel. Then all of us slept up in Gabe's room, including Taitum. She was so cute and didn't mind that Dallas kept waking up all night. In the morning we went downstairs to see a ton of presents and I WOULD post the pictures of us opening them but I can't seem to find them in our files. I am so mad, but when I do I will add them. It was a good first christmas for Dallas. He got some cute clothes, a baby einstein movie, (my favorite gift because he loves to watch it and it is a great break for me to get things done). He got some books and toys, including his special stuffed animal Dylan and I spent a lot of time looking for and decided on a little monkey. His name is Mr. Monk :) We had a lot of fun with the family and had an awesome christmas dinner. Thank you to the Caggianos. I also wanted to include these pictures that I took in December. 
Look at how small Dallas' little foot is
and how big his pacifier is!