Jackson's first foods

We decided to start Jackson on rice cereal when he turned 4 months old. I really thought he'd gobble it up and enjoy every bite. Boy was I wrong! He doesn't understand the texture... He thinks milk should only come from a bottle. Here are a few pictures of his first cereal experience...

(disclaimer: Brent takes blurry pictures)

Since cereal night didn't go as planned we decided to put Jackson's new high chair together and give applesauce a try...

 "I'm not sure what I think about this dad"

 First taste of sugar!

It probably wasn't a good idea to give him Wal-Mart brand adult applesauce. Brent was determined to see if it was the texture of his milk or the process of using a spoon that Jackson was unhappy with. He solidified our milk from a bottle only theory as he gobbled up the applesauce from his baby spoon. We've since given him Gerber baby applesauce and he did okay with it. 

Today I introduced bananas to him. He seemed to really enjoy them :)

Someone please slow time down or my next post will be about him eating a steak and baked potato!

What Jackson's been up to...

swinging in the kitchen

 splashing in the tub

 playing in the jungle gym with mom

 flying in the air with dad

 trying to hold his own bottle

 wearing cool clothes to church

 spitting on the carpet

Happy 4 Months Jackson

I can't believe Jackson is 4 months old! He's growing too fast (I'm sure I say this EVERY month)!! He's so fun these days. He talks a lot and is always wiggling around. He's very good at rolling from back to side. From time to time he makes it to his stomach. He still gets mad when he does that. This month he's started showing an interest in standing. He's also gotten much stronger with his head and neck control. He managed to break one of my costume jewelry necklaces last Sunday. Little Scooby has a good grip :)


Jackson's Stats

17lb 5oz
26 3/4 inches long

He still has bright blue eyes

karate baby

Jackson, WE love you <3

Growing so fast...

I can't believe our "baby" is big enough to play in his jumper. It warms my heart to watch him swing, sway and laugh in this contraption. It brightens up my days to see him do new things :)

Brent & Jackson

Here are a few pictures of Brent and Jackson. They like to play together. Brent is a great dad. He's very hands on with Jackson. He also enjoys putting all Jackson's toys together. I love when I wake up on Saturday's to see that a new toy has been opened. I can only imagine how fun future Christmas mornings will be with all the toys Santa brings.

First day of "School"

Jackson had his first day of school on Wednesday. I was so anxious about him going and it turned out to be okay. We got up at the crack of dawn (5:25am) to get our day started. We were ready to roll out of the house by 6:40am. I was shocked that we were right on time on our first day. We are set up where Brent takes Jackson in the mornings and I pick him up in the afternoons. I made it all day without calling to check on him. I was proud of myself. When his teacher went to hand him over to me he smiled. It made my day. He knows mommy :)

Cat Napping before school

 Mommy & Jackson

 Family Photo

We want to give Memaw a very special thank you for being such a great help the past two weeks. I couldn't have made it going back to work without you!! Jackson loved you keeping him and he said he's ready to play hookie from school any time!!!

Happy 3 Months Jackson

Jackson turned 3 months old today. I can't believe he is 1/4 of a year old! He's really starting to develop a personality. He's been talking up a storm these days. Sometimes he sounds like a gremlin. He can roll from back to side easily now. We find him in a new position in his crib each night. He really enjoys getting turned 180 degrees around. He has rolled completely over to his stomach 3 times and boy did he hate it! He screamed because he couldn't roll back onto his back. He had a stretch of 4 nights where he slept from around 9:30pm to 5am non-stop. I was so proud! He's hit or miss on that though. He usually wakes up around 3:30am and I either feed him or shush him back to sleep. He is getting pretty good with his head control. I really think he enjoys looking around.

Jackson's Stats

**estimates since he didn't have a 3 month appt**

16lb 2oz
26 inches long

 such a big smile :)

 shouting for joy!!

 the "Brent" face

 Happy Family

Week 1

I survived my first week back at work. I do not think I would have made it without the help of my Memaw. She took care of all of us :) We were able to establish a routine and Jackson slept until at least 4:30am each night except Sunday. The real test will be next Monday when we are on our own during the night and early morning hours. We will really miss the extra set of hands and snuggly kisses Memaw gives Jackson. I managed to only cry for a few minutes on the way to work Monday. Pulling out of the drive way it hit me that there were no more mommy filled days to be had. (note: I'm blogging from my phone while my tiny angel sleeps on my chest)

We have two more at home days before Jackson starts his "school". By that I mean we have family coming to stay with him. I know Wednesday will be very hard for me. I am not crazy about leaving him all by himself with strangers. I know he will be well taken care of it just makes me worry he will feel scared. I know... I'm overreacting.

Here's to hoping the next two days creep by. I need all the little man time I can get.

Papa Jack

My dad admits that back in the day he was not as hands on with me as Brent is with Jackson. He has said a few times that he feels bad that he didn't give my mom more help with me as a baby. I believe she would cut him some slack if she were here today to do so. I can't believe my dad was 23 when I was born. Brent's in his early 30's!! What a difference. My parents were just babies themselves. 

Here's my dad with me in the hospital...look at my mohawk!

At home a few days later...

Out of our whole family I can honestly say no one was more excited at our gender reveal party than my dad. He had hoped and prayed for a little boy. I knew that I would name him Jackson the second they said we were having a boy. Here are some pictures of Jackson & his Papa Jack...

I can already tell that they will be best friends :)

Grandpa

I came across this photo on my computer today and I couldn't resist sharing it. I'm not sure how I got it electronically but it has definitely made me want to scan more old pictures onto the computer. This is a picture of my grandpa and me taken when I was around a month old. How lucky am I to have the same type photo of him and Jackson :)

My grandpa is a man of few words. I can remember him bringing me Penn's hamburgers when I was little. I guess that was his excuse to come and visit me and my mom. He recently gave Jackson his collection of silver dollars that he collected back in the 1950's. I know Jackson will cherish them when he's big enough to understand what they are. I've been so happy to see that Jackson gives Grandpa joy. He comes and visits him (even on his own) when we are in Hartselle. I thank the lord each and every day for all of my grandparents who are now Jackson's great-grandparents. He is one lucky little man.