Jackson is going to be a big brother!

Yes, you read that correctly! We are expecting another "Baby Little" the first week of November (November 8 is my exact due date). Above is a picture of the little buggar - we saw the heartbeat and everything looks good so far. I have been incredibly sick, especially at night, which has made the last few weeks miserable. The doc put me on some anti-nausea medicine and that seems to be helping some. I'll take anything I can get! I have gained two pounds already but I think that weight has gone directly to my chest. This time is so different from the first - I have a two year old to run after this time! We tell Jackson that there is a baby in mommy's belly and he rubs it. We are also doing our best to point out babies wherever we go so he will get used to the idea and understand what babies are (at this point I think he's only familiar with those in books). He will be a great big brother but I know this major transition from only child to one of two will be big and very difficult.

Updates on Jackson:

~ He will be exactly 23 months on Friday! My baby is almost 2 (sob)...

~ He is talking up a storm - in sentences no less - and repeats everything (which is dangerous). I believe he is very good at pronunciation as well. He works really hard to say things correctly.

~His eating has greatly improved and one of his new favorite foods is apples. In fact, that is something he and I both have been eating a lot of lately (they don't make me sick). Of course, he still loves cake and says it all the time (his favorites are the Little Debbie cakes but he's fond of just about any kind - just like mommy).

~Daddy finished Jackson's "envy of the neighborhood" playset over the weekend so that has kept us busy; we are also spending lots of time at the park enjoying the beautiful weather.

~Potty training - he knows about poopoo in the potty but doesn't want to sit on it himself. He does like to sit on his little blue potty but has trouble keeping his feet out of the "bucket." At this point, we are still continuing the "conversation" about going in the potty and are waiting for him to let us know when he's ready to make that big step. He obviously understands the concept so that is step 1!

I've also posted some pictures of Jackson and the "Snort" in MawMaw's backyard. Jackson was mesmerized for hours watching the machines dig the dirt, move it, etc. He and daddy even got to drive it! Every little and big boy's dream... They dug the pool on Monday and it's moving along quickly. We'll be enjoying the cool water and sunshine in no time!

His Future Is So Bright...

Looking at directions to put together his playset.

HE'S GOTTA WEAR SHADES!!

We had playdate at our house yesterday with Jackson's buddies. Jack and his friend Kit Kat (Katherine) love to play in the tunnel and most of the time Maggie is in there with them! The days have been beautiful so we are enjoying being outside and playing with all our toys. Jackson got an early Birthday present - a huge two-story jungle gym/ play set complete with a picnic table, sand box, three boat steering wheels, a huge slide and four swings. Daddy will be very busy putting this together over the next few weekends!

Jackson modeled his new sunglasses for us last night. Isn't he a cool dude?!

A Lovely Day and Ace "Jackson" Ventura

Wow, we finally had some sunshine over the weekend. I had to get some photos of this because it simply is a miracle considering the miserableness we've endured the last few weeks as far as weather goes around here. Jackson and Daddy played golf in the backyard, Jackson mowed a little bit and then they both rested in their chairs on the back porch (after Jackson and Maggie made out with Allie Cat). The pictures above should give you a good idea of how our afternoon was spent...

For Jackson updates:

~ he will say "we're home" when we pull in the driveway. He recognizes his house and MawMaw's house, and when we pull up to the gym he knows he's about to play "ball" and tells me so. He'll say, "ball, ball, ball" until someone takes him to the gym or the racquetball court with the balls so he can play! It is definitely one of his favorite activities.

~ He'll give us loud smooching kisses when we tell him we love him. He puckers up like a fish and gives us a big smacker. I love it!

~ He absolutely loves feeding the dogs and his favorite thing to do is take little amounts of dog food and dump it in their bowl before going back for a little more. They follow him like they've never had a meal in their life. Sadly, I think he gets a big kick out of teasing them.

~ He played with his first baby doll tonight - my cabbage patch kids from my childhood. He would give them kisses and MawMaw taught him to rock them in his arms. It was hilarious and was a shining example of the perfect big brother he would be. He even starting singing, "baby, baby, baby..."

The final pictures are of the hairdo his daddy gave him after a bath. It was too funny not to post!

We love our little boy and thank God for the blessing he has given us everyday...

Out and About with Olivia and Bailey

Last week, we had a nice long visit from Olivia and Bailey. The week kicked off with Olivia's birthday party at MawMaw's house and on Monday we all went to the Fort Worth Science and History Museum (which includes the Children's Museum). Jackson and I got to herd cattle! Well, not actually, but we did herd 19 heads on a simulated horse riding game (check out the picture above)!

The highlight of the week was our night at Medieval Times - Jackson had a blast and so did everyone else. He didn't take his eyes off the action for a minute during the 2 hour show. He absolutely loved the horses and the falcon flying show. He would "oooh" and "aah" at the fight scenes and yell loudly at the knights in the ring. It was pretty funny to see his excitement. The girls were little princesses in their new hats and Mommy had a crush on the green knight (innocent, of course)!

Tuesday was a snow day and the girls spent the night with us. Jackson couldn't be more thrilled to have not one, but two, friends to play cars and playdoh with him. On Thursday we all went to Paradise Pond where Jackson had Bailey climb the three story "jungle gym/obstacle course" over ten times with him. Finally, he wore her out! I'm not sure where he gets his energy but he seems like the Energizer Bunny sometimes. He would slide down the three story slide after climbing three flights, then come running out around the other toys before heading back in for another go at it.

All this activity left mommy pretty tired and I developed a sinus and upper respiratory infection over the weekend. I'm now on heavy meds and feeling much better!

On Sunday we celebrated Uncle Brian and Aunt Sharon's birthdays. Aunt Macie's birthday is today. So to three of our favorite people: "HAPPY BIRTHDAY!"