Shooting Hoops!

Each day when I pick Jackson up from school, I always ask what he wants to do when we get home.  Usually the answer is "Manny" or "Mickey" - his favorite cartoons!

Since Santa Claus stopped by our place with a basketball goal and ball, Jackson has a different answer.  This is how our conversation goes now:

Me: What do you want to do when we get home, budder?

Jackson:  Ball?

Me:  Yeah, we can play ball.

Jackson:  DA-DA?

Me:  Yeah, DA-DA will play too!

Jackson: HUGE SMILE!

Love it!  

He now says: ball, shoot, basket, and Uh-Oh (when he misses).

P.S.  I recently moved the basketball goal into Jackson's room as I wasn't loving the fact that I had living room furniture made by Little Tikes.  Jackson was not happy.  He had a major melt down.  It is currently back in my living room!  :)

A special thanks...

Justin and I wanted to post a "Special Thanks" to all who included Jackson on their Christmas list this year.  Jackson is so fortunate to have so many people who care about him - and so are we.

Jackson was more than spoiled by his great grandmas, grandparents, aunts and uncles...great aunts and uncles, cousins, and so on....

Thanks to all!

Christmas 2009

Finally, our Christmas post.

Jackson helps make Christmas so fun!  

We packed a lot into a couple of days, but it was so worth it!  

Our Christmas celebration included visiting with Justin's family and mine - and finding time to celebrate with just the three of us.   Its  a lot for a toddler (and Mom and Dad) - but somehow he smiled most of the time.

It was so nice that Jackson was feeling better in time for Christmas.  I almost forgot how happy he can be when he feels great!

Too many great photos to share that captured our holiday (Michelle has started calling me The Family Paparazzi) - so I compiled a slideshow below.  Here you will find photos from Christmas Eve at our house, Christmas Morning with the Bixler's, Christmas night with the Symmes family, and our annual LAZY DAY (day after Christmas).  Also, take notice of my sister's (Deb) wrapping paper - she wrapped our presents in old family photos.  It was such a great way to include my Dad in our holiday.  I was missing him so much and it was nice to see some old photos of him!  I chose "I'll be home for Christmas" by Johnny Mathis for the slideshow music because it was my Dad's favorite!  We played it on Christmas - and thought of Dad.

A big thanks to the Boyd Family for hosting our Christmas.  Michelle and Tom have helped my family create new Christmas traditions without forgetting the ones Mom and Dad helped us create years ago.  Another thanks to Michelle, for my Coke ornament...its on my tree now and I think of Dad every time I see it!

Enjoy the photos!

I thought Jackson would be over-the-moon excited about the talking Elmo that Santa left him.  And though he thought it was fantastic...It was the basketball goal and ball that really won him over.  Jackson is officially a fan of Santa Claus!

Some kids don't like getting clothes for Christmas...but not Jackson.  Check out the short video below to see how Jackson would "Show-off" any new clothes that he would open.  He was so proud!

 

P.S.  Jackson and Justin got me a new "Flip-cam." This was one of my first times using it.  LOVE IT!  Can't wait to capture more of Jackson on video!  I can just throw it in my purse and video tape any time!  I am so excited!

Santa Stopped Here!

Santa Stopped Here.  

Santa must have thought Jackson was a pretty good boy this year, because I'm not sure where I'm going to put all of his new toys.

Stay tuned to hear about our holiday...

Right now, I'm still trying to catch my breath.  We had a very eventful holiday.  :)

We hope your Christmas was wonderful!

The Pacifier War...

The Pacifier War...We are not winning.

In fact, now Jackson prefers two pacifiers.

Our Pediatrician says not to worry about it now....but what if they keep multiplying???

Ear Tubes on Monday - Strep Throat by Friday.

We thought we were clear of high fevers and flu-like symptoms after Jackson had his ear tubes put in last week.

No such luck.

This time, it is strep throat.

Sorry for the pause in postings and updates - but I've spent most of my time tending to a very sick little boy.  This picture says it all.

I think he is on the mend (keeping my fingers crossed).  I will just be happy if he is healthy by the holiday.  

Lots of get-well wishes to Jackson!

Run, Justin, Run...

A few nights ago Justin and I (along with my mom) were sitting in front of the television.  While my Mom and I were involved in Oprah's Christmas at the White House special, Justin was tapping away at his laptop.  I imagined he was working - boy was I wrong.

After clicking a few more buttons, Justin looked up and said, "Guess what I just did?"  Mom and I both guessed something about Christmas.  Justin stood up and said, "Nope, I signed up to run the Mini-Marathon in May".

Mom and I both looked at each other and I decided I would be the one to say something.  I said, "Honey, your not a runner...."  He explained that he was going to BECOME a runner and needed a goal.  Well, I would say a Mini-Marathon is quite the goal.

Of course, I offered my support.  I'll do anything I can to help - well, expect run it with him.  :)

Jackson and I can't wait to cheer him on at the Finish Line.  :)

BTW - the same day he signed up - he also came home from the grocery with a package of Double Stuff'd Oreo's.  Not sure that is on a marathon runner's diet???  

 Justin starts training after the holidays.  Stay tuned for full reports!  Those Kenya runners better watch out!

Best Wishes to Amanda and Noah!

The Noah's - about to be a "Party of Three"

This past weekend Justin and I, along with The Charles' and The Harms', threw a couples baby shower for our good friends, Amanda and David Noah.  

The Noah's, The Bixler's, The Harms' and The Charles'

Kristin, Kristen, Amanda, and Jill

There is a baby in there!

Amanda and Noah are expecting the first baby in February.  A sweet baby boy will arrive in a couple of months and win them over in an instant (though you can tell he already has)!

It was great to celebrate with Amanda and Noah, along with their families and share in the excitement for Baby Noah.  

We can't wait to meet Baby Noah - I am certain he and Jackson will be fast friends!  

Best Wishes to Amanda and Noah!  Baby Noah is already lucky to have parents like you!  

P.S. Amanda looks fantastic! 

Even Ripley - their dog - got a present!

A Brave Little Boy ... with not so brave parents.

He did it!

Today, Jackson had his first surgery.  He had his first (I hope his only) set of tubes put in to help prevent ear infections.  We've battled ear infections for months and this should help.

Jackson was so brave.  He didn't even cry when the nurse carried him away from Justin and I.  However, we weren't so brave.  I was crying while we were sitting in the waiting room.  I was imagining how scared Jackson must have been.

However...15 min later the doctor was telling us what a "great time" Jackson had in the operating room.  Apparently he was having a lot of fun with the tools and "toys" the doctor was showing him.  He wasn't too thrilled with the mask being put over his mouth in order for him to take his brief "nap"...but I can't blame him.

In no time, Jackson was back in our arms trying to figure out what happened.  We were released immediately and were on our way home.  Jackson spent most of the day napping.  So did I.  I may not have had to undergo surgery - but the emotional tole on a Mommy is just as bad.

Tonight we treated Jackson to a drive to look at Christmas lights in honor of his bravery.  For a while he ooooohhh'd and awwww'd and then he just asked if he could watch his Handy Manny DVD!  He's back to his old self!  :)

A big thanks to Grandma Charsh, Grandma Penny, Grandpa John who sat in the hospital with us and put up with two grouchy and nervous parents.  Thanks to all the visitors, callers, texters who showered us with well-wishes for Jackson.  I knew this was such a minor surgery - but when it is your baby it seems like open-heart surgery.  Thanks to everyone who understood!

Here is to a new and improved, HEALTHY Jackson!

It must have been the Michael Jackson socks!

Some of you may have had a chance to witness Jackson's moves - others are in for a treat!

Jackson loves music.  Whether it is me singing in the car, the theme song to Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, or just a good old fashion nursery rhyme - he can't get enough.  And...he always adds some "moves" to each song.

I haven't been able to capture any of this on camera.  Every time I try, Jackson becomes very interested in what I'm doing and quits his musical number.

While we were trick-or-treating at Justin's Grandma's house, Justin's Dad caught Jackson's musical talent on camera.

Notice how he "gets down" to Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star....It must have been the sequined socks!  :)

P.S.  Please pay no attention to my singing!  :)

Happy Birthday, Jessica!

I want to take a minute to wish my friend, Jessica, and very happy birthday!

Jess and I have been friends for almost 20 years and I wouldn't have it any other way!

Jess, I hope you laugh a lot today!  You deserve a great day!

Happy Birthday, Jessica!

The ENT took my co-pay too...

Just a quick update:

Jackson will be having tubes put into his ears on Monday.

The surgery seemed to be a little scarier than I had originally thought once the doctor explained the process.  "Then we cut into the ear canal" was enough for me.

However, I think it will help.  I'm keeping my fingers crossed for safe and swift procedure.

So wish us luck...

P.S.  The ENT took my co-pay too!  :)

I'll take your co-pay now...

Those of you who don't know...Jackson is sick...AGAIN.

We have battled ear infections since August.  I'm not over exaggerating when I say that we have visited the doctor every other week.  I'm not kidding when I tell you that Jackson has yet to complete more than two full weeks of pre-school without needing a couple sick days.  Needless to say, we have tried every anti-biotic and every home remedy that was recommended.

"I'll take your co-pay now..." I hear this every time I walk into the Pediatrician's office.  Our co-pay is minor and I feel very fortunate to have the coverage that we do.  But there is something about the way the receptionist asks for our co-pay that makes me want to cringe.  Or perhaps its that if I add up all the co-pays from the past 6 months - I realize I could have paid for Christmas! Don't get me wrong, Jackson's health is worth it.  However, I'm concerned that once we finally get Jackson healthy - our pediatrician will need a second job.  :) I'm certain our money is paying for his boat payment, his teenager's braces, or his Colts' season tickets.  

So tomorrow we are off to the Ear, Nose, and Throat specialist.  I will be begging her to put tubes in Jackson's ears before Christmas.  I'm hoping she will find some sympathy for a miserable little boy (and a frustrated Mommy and Daddy) and schedule this procedure ASAP.

I am putting all my faith in the tubes stopping this horrible routine of an ear infection every other week.  If I'm right - our pediatrician will need to pick up a paper route!  :)  He will miss our weekly visit - but we won't!

Congratulations, Tyler!

Justin and I wanted to post a huge "CONGRATS" to my cousin Tyler!

Tyler was awarded "Rookie of the Year" for the Chesterfield Fire Department this past weekend. 

I have always admired Tyler's work ethic and dedication to anything that he is involved in.  I'm glad that others notice it as well.  This award is much deserved and the Town of Chesterfield is lucky to have him!  Way-to-Go Tyler!

Fun Fact:  Tyler and his fiance, Audrey, recently asked Jackson to be the ring bearer in their wedding this coming summer.  In fact, they have asked all of my nieces and nephews to be in the wedding. Tyler's Dad, my Uncle Tom (My Dad's youngest brother), was the ring bearer in my parent's wedding.  Uncle Tom's son, Tyler (my cousin) was the ring bearer in my sister's (Michelle) wedding. Now, my son will be the ring bearer in Tyler's wedding!  I hope Jackson makes it down the aisle - hopefully he won't have the pacifier in his mouth by then!  :)

When You Wish Upon A Star...

Tonight, Jackson had his first encounter with Mickey Mouse....and loved it.

We took Jackson to see Disney on Ice. Justin and I both have great memories of going as children.  Each year our parents would hand over too much money for a souvenir, program book, and concession food - So their children could enjoy two hours with their favorite Disney characters.  Tonight, it was Jackson's turn.  

I offered to make dinner before we left, but Justin said no.  He told me it was part of the fun to eat chicken fingers and fries during the show.  So off we went.  

We were suckered to the souvenir stand right away.  They don't make the light toys the same as they did when I attended each year.  So we chose the closest thing too it.  It was it hit.  Here are some photos of our trip to the souvenir stand.  

Checking it out...

Hey Dad, it lights up!

Mom, it lights up!

On our way to our seats, Jackson pointed out a picture of Mickey Mouse and saw a need to greet him.  

...and give him a kiss

We found our seats in time to snap a couple of photos...

Then the show began...

I'm not sure what happened to Justin and I.  But the minute Mickey Mouse appeared, Jackson shouted with pure joy and excitement, "MICKEY"....and in an instant Justin and I were both in tears.  Jackson waved to MICKEY as if they were dear friends...and Mickey waved back!

Jackson danced, clapped, and kept an eye on Mickey.  If Mickey went back stage, Jackson watched the curtain until he returned.  

"Mom, where is Mickey"

Here are some of our favorites parts of the show...

At the end of the night - we had one tired boy!

Our Thanksgiving Weekend ... In photos!

We had a great Thanksgiving weekend.  We packed a lot of fun in just a few days.  Here are some photos to show the fun!

Jackson eating some turkey!

Mom and Me

Jackson's visit with Santa.  He did Okay - but wouldn't sit on his lap without me.

Waiting to go outside for the Circle of Lights in Indy.

Jackson and his Daddy

Waiting for the tree to light up!

Olivia and Griffin

Hayden and Greg

Maddie and Tom

Mom and I laughing!  :)
Jackson's 2nd tree lighting - my 30th!  :)

Dinner at Buca's

Laughing at his own jokes!

Sitting at the big kid table!

Jackson's new "cheese" smile....

Jackson went swimming at the hotel!

1-2-3- JUMP

We even went Bowling!

Jackson's first time Bowling!

But fell asleep two frames in...

Jackson woke up in time for the arcade...

We played ski ball...
But Jackson threw over-handed...

Such a fun weekend!