Church and Dirty Diapers

Yesterday, we went to the Methodist church here in Trophy Club. This is only our second visit as we've been "touring" some of the Methodist churches in the area before settling on one permanently. Anyway, it's a nice church and we like it very much, but it is a very small and intimate. This is great in developing a closer relationship with God but not so great when your child has to go to the bathroom. As some of you may know, Jackson is very animated and vocal when he poops. I probably should have taken a cue when he tooted (yes, gas) very loudly twice during the preacher's sermon. But, I foolishly stayed in my seat and hoped for the best. A few minutes later, conveniently while the preacher paused for effect, Jackson let out the loudest, longest grunt you can imagine. Then, follows it up with a second, even louder grunt. I'm mortified at this point but his Daddy is laughing so hard he's turning red. Now, everyone knew what was going on so I grabbed the little pooping machine and his diaper bag and headed for the door. There was no point in trying to hide at this point - we were exposed for all to see! I guess that's just one of those mommy moments that will make you laugh for years to come, after you've gotten over the embarassment.
In closing, I have another important Jackson update to share - his 7th (can you believe it?) tooth is coming in on the top right and giving him a time. That little boy is not yet 10 months and has a mouth full of teeth. Ironically, he still doesn't want to chew anything and gags himself when I feed him anything with substance. Maybe one day he'll figure out to use those chompers!

A Sunny Day in Texas

Today Jackson and I spent the afternoon window shopping and strolling around TownSquare. The weather was beautiful and there were a lot of moms out with kids. Jackson made a friend at the Barnes and Noble, where we stopped to read books, who played with him. The mom of his new friend had 3 kids in tow - all about 16 months apart. And I thought I was tired! We also had another interesting visit to the Library today (it's also in the TownSquare). This little boy was playing in the books near Jackson and he appeared to be about three years old. I base all my ages off of Kolby and Keighly so these are strictly guesstimates. Anyway, this boy is speaking what seems like gibberish to me and I'm thinking, "shouldn't he be old enough to speak clearly at this age??" To make matters even more confusing, he starts singing "Old McDonald" but only manages to clearly say "E I E I Oh." So Jackson is watching every move this little boy makes and then the boy turns to Jackson and begins this long discussion of what seems to go on for a couple of minutes. Jackson then begins screaming and crying - he scared the crap out of him. Well, I'll get to the punchline here as I'm sure this story is getting a little long (but I've got to set it up properly). The little boy's father walks up after picking out a few of the DVDs available then begins speaking to the little boy in FRENCH. So, that's what the gibberish was all about - the poor kid was French and I'm thinking he's just got some major developmental problems. So, the valuable lesson learned here is that I should have paid better attention in French class!

Zoo Day

We had our first day at the zoo with Jackson. We caught up with his cousin Megan (and her mommy Krista) at the Fort Worth Zoo. We couldn't have asked for better weather so the animals were out and about putting on a show. Jackson was wide-eyed the entire time, well almost the entire time - he tuckered out at the tigers (see posted picture). He was so amazed with all the animals but had the best time in the penguin exhibit. He could see all the action through the glass wall that showed above and below water. They were feeding at the time we visited so were especially active. He stood with his hands on the glass laughing and yelling. I think if he could talk he would have said, "Mommy, can we have one?" Yeah right, Maggie and Gertie would love that! His second favorite was the petting zoo and he just loved the lady with the snake. I'm pretty certain now that he is "all boy" and I'll have lots of reptiles visiting us inside our home in the near future. In fact, I imagine daddy will be right there with him catching snakes, lizards, geckos, etc. We finished with an ice cream that made his day. As Maw Bush says, "He loves that ice cream and gets it honestly." I guess so...
I must admit, yesterday was one of my proudest moments as a Mother. These are the things I spent hours daydreaming about those long months we were trying to conceive. Watching the world through a child's eyes is something special, but watching them YOUR child's eyes fills your heart with so much love and pride. I haven't been to a zoo in years but this visit was a whole new experience and one I will never forget. Can you imagine seeing penguins gliding through the water right in front of your eyes for the first time, or seeing tiger cubs playing like your doggies do at home, or feeling a snake's skin and goat's fur? I guess we take all of these experiences for granted but he relished in each one and soaked it all in.
One new adventure down and many more to go - I can't wait!

Jackson, still growing!

Today, we had our first experience participating in the children's activities at the Southlake Library. Jackson loved watching the kids, playing along, dancing to the songs and reading the books. He likes to yell when he gets excited so he definitely got plenty of attention.

I enjoyed looking around and envisioning who these moms, and yes, even one dad, were before they spent their Tuesday mornings at the library. There were quite a few nannies there as well, mostly of a different race than their wards - that's how I knew they were nannies! So brilliant, I know. This is what keeps my mind going now that I don't have work to stimulate it. The nicest thing about going was that Jackson wore himself out - hello nap! - and they serve great Starbucks coffee. I know, I know, the things that get me excited these days...

Anyway, we'll go back again and try to figure out what these moms do (or did as in my situation).

I feel like Aunt Macie now, sitting in the Union eavesdropping on conversations and memorizing what these people are discussing all the while forgetting things like my relative's birthdays and other more important bits of information...