Fun Times in the Neighborhood

Jackson is catching his afternoon zzz's so I'm taking this chance to post more pictures and updates. He slept until 7:45 this morning - woohoo! Hopefully this afternoon nap will keep him going until bedtime. He usually catches his second wind about the time daddy gets home from work - go figure... I still have quite a few errands to run this afternoon to get stuff for the party but I'm wondering if the shops have closed down. It's seems like panic has spread in the streets due to this swine flu. I guess we'll see when we venture out later. Hopefully this won't damper his party since everyone is scared to go out in public! I plan to have containers of antibacterial wipes on hand for everyone.

The first pictures above are from Art in the Square which was a festival in Southlake's TownSquare over the past weekend. It was a blast - there were great artists with their works on display, food booths, great bands, three or four children's areas, children productions, etc. We met up with a bunch of Jackson's friends including Megan, Jackson, Katharine, and Molly (of course their parents had to bring them since they don't have their licenses yet). Jackson watched the people and played in the water fountains. He even climbed into the fountain at one point - he just loves the water. He was actually mad at us for taking him out (which we did very quickly due to the ugly stares we got for our kid climbing into the fountain). Oh well, the joys of a boy I guess!

I've also posted some pictures from his playtime with Jackson and Katharine. It's pretty crazy when they all get together. Jackson has a tough time sharing toys with them and gets upset so easily when they try to take it or play with him. The twins are so used to sharing, and Katharine is pretty laid back about it, so they don't get nearly as upset as our Jackson. Sorry, I have to say "our Jackson or my Jackson" to differentiate between the two. They do have lots of great toys so he has so much fun playing over there and I'm hoping that he'll get better and better at this sharing thing. He also had a ham and cheese sandwich at their house today so that's a new one to add to our food list. Yes, I really am excited over a ham and cheese sandwich!

My baby is going to be 1...

I've been saying every day this week that I needed to get on here and blog about Jackson but things have stayed so busy. Sadly, I don't have any really new pictures so I'm postings some favorites that have not made it to the blog previously. We're engaged in full on party-planning mode for Jackson's first birthday this Saturday. As some of you know, we'll be having bubbles and ice cream in Harmony Park. It should be a great time but we're hoping the rain won't spoil the fun. There is a small percentage chance but around here that usually means very scattered showers. Still, we've had a drought here for the last few months and now it wants to rain everyday - as we try to have a party for Jackson! I promise to post the pictures and report on the party as soon as possible.

So, updates, hmmm, let me think... Well, most importantly we are NOT moving into the new house. Some things did not work out in the final product (i.e. the house and property) so we've decided to wait and build on a different lot in a few months. We don't feel pressured to move and want to feel 100% about the house we're buying. As I've sad before, this is a house we want to make our home for years to come. With that said, we must get as close to perfect as possible. So, we'll be in the rental a few more months but still have plenty of room for visitors. Please keep praying for us as we make this decision and deal with the "pitfalls" of buying and selling a home.

Secondly, Jackson is feeling great, though he is getting more teeth in the back of his mouth (doc thinks its his molars). He seems to be eating much better and even tried crunchy fish sticks at dinner with his friends Jackson and Kathryn last night. He also LOVES the mac and cheese from Central Market. So, we're doing our best to keep him eating as much as possible. We aren't any close to losing the bottle though. i know we have to start trying to ween him and put him on the sippy cup but he still takes his formula so much better from the bottle. And formula, gosh, we have to get him off that as well once he turns one. What a sad, scary, exciting, wonderful milestone this will be... It feels like my baby is no longer a baby and is becoming a toddler which means we're one step closer to having a teenager and that scares me to death!! I start to panic as I ponder all the things that will come with this birthday - not just the changes in eating, drinking, sleeping, but the emotional changes I must deal with. How much longer will he hug and kiss me? How much longer will he grab onto my pants leg and hold on for dear life as I walk around the kitchen? How long will be snuggle with me when I rock him to sleep? Time is such a trying thing, isn't it? I had a friend ask me today how I'm dealing with staying at home - it's been wonderful and I wouldn't go back for the world right now. I cherish every moment I have with him, especially when I think of how fast this first year has flown by and all the wonderful milestones we've had with him. I can't wait to see what the next year brings but I find myself desperately, almost to insanity, trying to hold on to the moments of his first year and not let go. Will that stop time?? I know it won't stop but my mind and heart can't help trying...

This little boy of ours has really grown. My friend also told me today that he's starting to look more and more like a little boy - you can see that from these pictures. When I put him in collared shirts, he looks even more grown up. His MawMaw pointed this out over the weekend and I have to agree! But, he's still a beautiful little baby in my eyes. That will not change. In fact, I love those insurance commercials where the kids are asking their dad to borrow the car or go out on a date and all the dad can see is their little child asking, not these grown up teenagers. Well, that's how I am now and will probably continue to be... He's always my little baby. Rhonda and I have agreed that he can date Kathryn once she's allowed to go on dates - when she's forty! Works for me so I don't have to lose him any time sooner. I'm thinking maybe an arranged marriage?? Ha, I know, I'm dreaming, right?! My mom reminds me of that when I tell her he's not allowed to date until he's 25. Oh well, a mom can dream, can't she?

He's still taking a few steps unaided and continues to stand more and more for longer lengths of time so I have a feeling we're getting closer to walking every day. but, again, isn't that just another milestone that proves he's growing up? Do I really want him to? Of course, but I'm sure I'll cry about that too. He's also sleeping later (until about 8am) and taking only one long nap a day - I'm hoping he'll keep this schedule because I love it!

Luckily I've got so much to do to get ready for this party that I won't have much time to ponder it further but I'm sure I'll be depressed (and elated) about it for the next few weeks, or even months. That's part of mommyhood! (*Please note that some of this may be repeating stuff I've said in the past so you'll have to forgive me for that. Along with my pre-baby body, I've also lost my memory and these are things that go through my mind over and over. So, just consider these my "ramblings" and forgive me for it!)

See you all there at the party and those who can't, we'll see you this summer hopefully. Can't wait to share the stories next week!

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Jackson at play and other updates...

We took these pictures while playing at MawMaw and PawPaw Little's house. Jackson got his new "slide and climb" for Easter from his MawMaw and PawPaw. As we suspected, this has created hours of entertainment for him, and us! He will climb up that slide (with his shoes off), then climb down onto the pillows below and out the door. He'll then open and close the doors a few times before crawling around to the slide to do it all over again. He also has a little grocery cart that he'll push all around the house and its filled with books. David calls it "the book patrol." Anything that he can push or pull is a hit with him.

He also loves blowing raspberries and thinks it's quite hilarious when he does. His daddy and PawPaw will blow back at him and this starts an all out war - ending with Jackson going into a fit of giggles. Starting bad habits already, what can I say!?

His best friends are Maggie and Gertie and he LOVES giving them hugs. They're pretty good about hugging back but get tired of it pretty quickly and jump to safety (and away from Jackson). I have to admit, though, that they all love each other and this is evident in the pictures.

Big news - Today, Jackson took a few steps on his own. David holds his hands and then will let go close to the couch so he'll have to take a few steps on his on before reaching the couch. It's so much fun to see the pride in his face after we clap for him when he does this. He just loves for us to cheer for him, and smiles so big like he is just something (and, like PawPaw says, he is!).

Finaly, I wanted to ask that everyone pray for PawPaw Little (David's dad) as he begins his chemo again - today was his first round. We are so thankful to have the opportunity to be here with him because as we all know, Jackson is very good medicine.

Jackson's Mudpies!

At a recent playgroup, Jackson made mudpies with whipped cream and chocolate syrup. I undressed him first to avoid any major messes and let him get after it. He had such a grand time! Now this is definitely a way to help him gain a little weight. I've now bought him a can of the whipped cream and spray it in his mouth and on his hands during bath time. He loves it! His daddy likes to steal some too...

On that note, we had our checkup with our new pediatrician here in town. Dr. Hunt is wonderful with Jackson and he fell in love with her instantly. At the checkup, he was 29 1/2 inches long and weighed 17 lbs 9oz and was in the 2 percentile for his weight (but over the 50th for his height). Though we are not very concerned right now, Jackson does need to start putting on weight at a more rapid speed. He's just not interested in eating - he never has been actually! The doctor gave me some tips and recommended we give him as much as he likes of whatever he wants. So, this means ice cream all the time. Of course we are still offering him healthy foods as well but not restricting the things he likes. A large part of his problem is his strong gag reflex that STILL causes him to vomit about once a day. Otherwise, he was very healthy and she mentioned he is doing very well developmentally. He actually scored very high on all the tests so we were happy to hear that news.

So, if any of you have reccomendations for getting some meat on his bones, please let me know!!

Jackson and his daddy playing in the Little Green Wagon - he loves to help him work in the yard. And both of the "Little" boys wrestling...

Welcome, Everyone!!

Even though it was a very quick visit, we were so glad to see Maw, Auntie, Keri, Keighly and Kolby this past weekend. We spent time in downtown Grapevine, lunched at Central Market and spent our Saturday afternoon at the FW Zoo. The weather was a little uncooperative for most of the trip but we were still able to get out and enjoy some of the sights. The kids loved the zoo and they were even able to watch (and hear!) the lions roaring. Jackson and Kolby couldn't peel their eyes away from this sight. But, like last time, I still think the ice cream stop was Jackson's favorite part of the day. We did take him in the snake/reptile exhibit and he was fascinated. He also liked watching the otters swim back and forth in front of him. Daddy has these pictures on his camera so we're waiting to get those from him and I'll post them ASAP.

Jackson really enjoys spending time with kids so he had quite a time trying to keep up with Keighly and Kolby. He watched every move they made and wanted to be a part of everything they did. It was funny to watch him!

I've posted the picture of my grandmother with her three great-grandchildren. It was so wonderful to have this picture taken of them... thanks Auntie for sending it to me!

Mimi's Spring Break Visit

When Mimi was here, we had a lot of fun (as we always do) getting out and doing things around DFW. This time, we made a day trip to the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens. It was absolutely beautiful and we had a wonderful time. They have 11 storybook houses for the kids to play in that are based on popular children's books. There are tons of great places for picnics and photo opportunities. So, I know it's going to be hard to narrow down these pictures, but we must! For those of you on Facebook, the entire "album" is posted there.

Jackson absolutely loves his Mimi and was so happy to have her here to play with. He was even giving her kisses by the end of her trip - and giving all mine away!! The weather was pretty for the majority of the trip so we were able to spend our last evening in downtown Fort Worth having dinner and watching the workers prepare for the Main Street Arts Fest. Jackson loved being on the rooftop and watching the water, birds, hearing the noises, etc. He's such an observant child. I know I say this all the time, but he really is so amazing!

I also want to note that in these pictures you will see Jackson standing (with no assistance whatsoever!), and yes, he is really able to stand for a few seconds on his own. He's also walking by holding on to only one of our hands (and it's usually just a finger). So, he's really progressing in this respect.

So, Mimi - thanks for spending your spring break with us and we can't wait until you come back again... sorry you couldn't get Jackson onto the plane in your suitcase but he was definitely sad to see you go.

Update: I've finally downloaded the pictures from Jackson's first Easter Egg Hunt!

Thanks Rhonda for letting me borrow your camera to get these great shots. We still lament over how crazy it was that day, but it is one we'll always remember!! Maybe we'll even laugh about it when the kids are older...

And, yes, that is a rubber snake he's chewing on in the pictures. You'll remember the story from in our previous blog on the egg hunt that he was fascinated with the rubber snake he found in his egg... well, here's the proof!

We have so much to catch up on!

I don't think I can cover all the things that have happened over the last week and a half. It has been a whirlwind! First, we had Easter with the Little family here in Trophy Club, then MiMi arrived on Sunday evening (Easter night) to stay for four days, and finally, we had Maw, Auntie, Keri, Keighly and Kolby here Friday through Sunday. We very much enjoyed our visitors but all the activity hasn't left much time for blogging. However, to all of our "blogwatchers," you will be glad to know that we should have much more time now to keep up with our "Little" family.

I'm posting pictures here of Jackson's first Easter. He enjoyed playing with the eggs but I made the mistake of putting Jellybeans inside as a noisemaker and he quickly broke them open to start eating all of the candy. So we had to confiscate and remove the jelly beans quickly to avoid any choking hazards. Daddy was glued to the TV as "The Masters" finals were on television. Jackson did, however, enjoy all the attention he was getting from his grandparents, great aunts and great uncle.

So, here comes Jackson "Cotton-tail" hopping down the bunny trail...

Egg Hunt Chaos...

I'm sure when most of you read that we would be attending our first Easter egg hunt with our Trophy Club Families playgroup, you probably thought "that will be utter chaos with all those kids." Well, if that was your thought, you were right!! There were probably about 30 kids along with their frazzled mothers. Or maybe I was the only frazzled one, who knows!? My friend Rhonda did say she would need a glass of wine immediately following to calm her nerves - and she has twins to chase after! I've only got one who isn't quite walking yet and he still kept me busy. So, let me begin by saying that when we arrived, we were one of the first few so things were peaceful and harmonious. Jackson quickly began playing with his buddy Jackson (yep, they have the same name) and the plastic Easter eggs. Within fifteen minutes, and huge wave of people showed up and that was the end of our peaceful gathering. Little kids were everywhere (they all range in age from 6 months to 4 years). At this point, you will all be sad to hear that my camera battery died. Yes, I know, great timing. Well, Rhonda took some pics with her camera so as soon as we get those from her, I'll post them ASAP.

Anyway, the egg hunting began and the kids were off like a bunch of ants covering the yard. Jackson and I made our way to a far corner to avoid getting trampled and starting gathering a few bright, plastic eggs. I then made the mistake of opening one to show him there were "treats" inside and this particular egg contained a blue rubber snake (they were stuffed with noncandy toys for the young ones). Anyway, that was the end of his egg hunting - all he wanted to do at this point was play with that darn rubber snake. I know, a boy after his father's own heart...

Now, it was brunch time and the kids were getting hungry and cranky. We thought we would feed them a little but instead spent most of the time keeping their hands away from dumping the plates all over the cream carpet. It was wild, that's for sure! Jackson had a few bites of cheese and cupcake then decided he was done with this party. As many of you know, when Jackson is done, he lets you know it - loudly! So we packed up our things and headed home. We were in the truck less than two minutes and he was out like a light. He never fluttered and eyelid when I got him out to put him in his bed. I did get pics of this and they're posted above. The sad thing is, I don't know who was more exhausted - me or him!

We'll post the other pics soon!

(I've also posted a picture of Jackson and his daddy mowing the yard yesterday. We have him doing all the chores around here!! They were just too cute out there together...)

A great time with Uncle Lee...

On Sunday, Uncle Lee finally made it to Dallas for his first visit since we moved. We had nonstop fun and spent our days shopping, visiting, and trying to catch up on lost time. We hope to have him close to certain he wants to move over here - we're going to keep working on him though...

Yesterday the weather was beautiful, so we met up with Krista and Megan to have pictures taken of the kids in the Botanical Gardens. Lee was a great photographer and I've attached some of the pictures from that shoot! We took about 1 1/2 hours of just shooting as many as we could and Lee knew how to frame it so we got some great angles. The weather was beautiful so we couldn't have asked for much more.

Today I'll pick up Jackson's Easter basket and we'll begin preparing for our playgroup's big Easter Egg Hunt and Brunch tomorrow. I've got to start stuffing eggs soon but I have a feeling I'll end up doing it late tonight after Jackson goes to bed. Otherwise, he'll have his little hands into everything I'm doing.

I will post pictures of his first foray into hunting for little colored eggs filled with candy - should be fun to see how he reacts to the chaos of all the kids running around!