"Chatting" with Jackson

Thank goodness for modern technology!

When Justin and I are away from Jackson we are able to visit via web cam.  It is hilarious to sit and listen to him tell us about his day (not that we understand any of it - but we do love his hand motions).  Or sometime he prefers to sing songs or play peek a boo.  It makes for great entertainment and it melts your heart at the same time.  Especially when he kisses the web cam to send kisses our way.  

Grandma Penny and Grandpa John snapped these photos last week when they were baby-sitting Jackson.  I was in California visiting Justin and we were sure to always make time to "chat" with Jackson.

Enjoy the photos!

It must be comfortable!

Jackson - October 08

Jackson - October 09

Less than two weeks...but who is counting?

I came home from visiting Justin in California to realize that Halloween was less than two weeks away.  Suddenly, I am feeling the pressure to wrap up Jackson's Halloween costume.  

I was at Target today and saw Halloween costumes hanging on hangers and calling my name.  I could see the hours I still have left of working on Jackson's costume floating away.  I realized the hours I still had left of asking my mom questions only to have her simply explain them - and yet I still would have rip out every stitch I had made in those last 30 minutes.  I could see Jackson looking adorable in those Target costumes - yet I just pushed my cart to the next aisle.

I am spending a lot of time at my Mom's bridal shop.  She works and I sew.  She stops every once and awhile to calm me down when I start swearing, or to instruct me when my stitching is crooked.  I will admit, sewing isn't my calling.  It is a lot harder than I expected.  Yet, I am still committed to finishing the costume.  Will I go this route again next year? Maybe - but I am grateful Halloween only comes once a year.  

Wish me luck!

Hello from California!

Hello From California!

Many of you know that Justin is spending a couple weeks in California for work. Justin has been working so hard since arriving in California and was looking forward to a few days off.

Justin invited me out for a few days so we could explore San Francisco. I arrived on Friday and will head home tomorrow. It has been great spending time with Justin and seeing the sights.

Enjoy some photos from our day in San Francisco!

P.S. We saw Alcatraz - but no sighting of Sean Connery :)

Jackson's First School Photo

Today, when I picked Jackson up from school, Ms. Arthur mentioned right away that his school photos were in.

Ms. Peggy also pointed out that they remembered to "pop his collar" just like his Daddy had requested. :)

I know I'm biased - but I think they turned out great.

Its his official "First School Photo!"

This one will be posted at his high school graduation party!

Cheese!

I snapped this photo of Jackson tonight.  

When I downloaded it I noticed that Jackson's bottom corner tooth has FINALLY arrived.  Jackson has a mouth full of teeth - except that one.  

I will miss the gap as he smiles.   His mouth full of teeth is just another feature that reminds me he is a little boy now - no longer a baby.  :( 

Happy Birthday, Jill!

Girls Night Out Group - Plus Jill's new born son - William

Yesterday, my friend Jill celebrated her birthday.

I met Jill my freshman year at Franklin College.  Jill lived across the hall from my dorm room and we hit it off instantly.  I have great memories of Jill and I laughing and making our freshman year so much fun!  I love Jill's laugh - it is one of a kind!  

I am very lucky to still be friends with Jill today.  Jill is part of our Girls Night Out group and always keeps our conversation light hearted and full of giggles.  

Happy Birthday Jill!  May you always keep laughing!

Fun Photo!

Summer Memories

Summer has come and gone.  I have been organizing our summer photos and found these.  I realized I never shared them.  They are some of my favorites and decided it was better late than never.  

Jackson and I spent a hot summer afternoon at the water park just down the road.  We had been before and Jackson loved it.  However, this time - there were "big kids."  Check out his "pouting" when he realized he wasn't "king" of the park.

One of my favorite photos from summer.

Surveying the scene - a lot of big kids...

...and ticked!  

We left shortly after arriving...

Ahhh...Summer fun!

Pumpkin Patch 2009

Fall.  My favorite time of the year.

I love pumpkins, warm apple cider, and the color of the leaves.  I love hooded sweatshirts, football, and lazy Sundays that involve both.

I also love our annual trip to the pumpkin patch.  Even before Jackson was born, Justin and I would venture out to the pumpkin patch to find the perfect pumpkin.  This year, I was even more excited to watch Jackson walk through the pumpkin patch in search for a great pumpkin. 

This past Saturday, Jackson started feeling better.  Justin and I thought a little fresh air and a trip to the Stoney Creek Pumpkin Patch might do some good after keeping Jackson in for three days.  We bundled him up as much as we could and enjoyed a great fall day.

Maybe this one...

Or maybe this one...

Oink, Oink

The "real" reason we brought the stroller.

Our little Pumpkin!

The Pumpkin Patch was so much fun!  

Jackson hunting for the perfect pumpkin...

As always - please excuse any baby talk.  :)

One Sick Little Guy!

Back to the breathing treatments!

It started Monday.  Pre-School called to let me know Jackson had a low-grade fever.  

Jackson had been teething and I just figured it was due to that.

A couple days later that low-grade fever was 102 and we were at the pediatrician's office.

The doctor had good news and bad news.  Good news was it wasn't the flu or strep throat.  Bad news - it was a virus that needed to run its course.

So I'm wondering how long this course will be.  Its pitiful to watch him be so miserable.  The pictures say it all.

Lots of Get Well Wishes for Jackson...and lots of hugs from Mom and Dad too.

P.S.  A big thanks to Grandma Penny for watching Jackson today.  

Just Call Me Betsy Ross!

Mom and I before we started the pattern

Jackson taking his own measurements 

Just call me Betsy Ross...or just plain CRAZY!

I have decided to "make" Jackson's Halloween costume this year.

I have great memories of my Mom making my Halloween costumes each year.  My favorite costume was the poodle skirt and matching shirt...along with a matching outfit for my poodle, Midnight!  Midnight and I won the Costume contest that year in Chesterfield.  Thanks, Mom!

I want Jackson to have great memories like this too.  So, I decided it was only right that I start learning how to sew and creating great costumes just like my Mom once did.  So perhaps my Mom was a Home-economics teacher - and I'm not.  But I took Home-economics and sewed a pillow once.  Does that count?

So the project has started.  I bought fabric and a pattern.  My Mom came over (Thanks, Mom) to show me how to cut out the pattern.  I expected that part to be the easiest...  Let's just say I'm a little concerned about how the rest of this project is going to go.  But I'm not going to give up - or change my mind.  

If Jackson shows up on your door-step with his trick-or-treat bag  - please give him candy no matter what.  It isn't his fault his Mom isn't Martha Stewart....

Note:  My sister, Michelle, tells me that there are two types of kids who wear home-made costumes:  1.  Kids whose Mom's can sew and 2.  Kids who look stupid.  Let's hope Jackson will fall into category #1.

I will post pictures of the final product after Jackson gets to trick-or-treat with many of you. :)

A Lazy Sunday

Jackson enjoying his lazy Sunday

Lazy Sunday's are the best!

Stay tuned to hear about our trip to the park and my trials of making Jackson's "home-made" Halloween costume. 

For now, I will continue being lazy and root for the Colt's from bed!  :)

A Souvenir From NYC!

Justin recently visited New York City for work.  Like any good Daddy, he brought home a souvenir for Jackson.  Check it out! 

Jackson wasn't enjoying this "photo shoot"

I Stand Corrected...

It has been politely pointed out to me (see comments on the last post) that Olivia was actually 8 when she spoke at my Dad's funeral.

This is correct. She turned nine a month later.

Olivia should be an attorney - or a human encyclopedia! :)

Happy 10th Birthday, Olivia!

Olivia and her little sister - Maddie

Aunt Deb made the cup-cakes

Olivia with our gift - a personalized cosmetic bag :)

Can you believe Olivia is 10!

Those of you who knew me ten years ago can remember how excited I was to become an aunt when my sister, Michelle, gave birth to her first daughter. In fact, I'm not sure I met a soul that didn't hear about Olivia. Justin and I both were smitten with our brand new niece immediately. We quickly became Aunt "Kicken" and Uncle "Ustin" (even though Justin wasn't really an "Uncle" quite yet).

Ten years later, not much has changed. Uncle Justin - is officially an Uncle; but even though Olivia can say my name now - she still calls me "Aunt Kicken"...and I wouldn't have it any other way.

We haven't missed much in the 10 years. Justin and I have always attended Olivia's spring recitals, cheerleading competitions, school plays, t-ball games, her first official school bus ride (we both cried), and have even helped with homework (though its getting a little complicated for Aunt Kicken and Uncle Justin).

After turning 10 this year, I realized how soon we will be watching her go to prom, get her driver's license, and even pack for college. This makes us more than happy to be Aunt and Uncle and not Mom and Dad. Though, I know our day is just around the corner.

Olivia has made the past 10 years sweeter than I can imagine. I can't wait to watch her in the next 10 years.

A note about Papaw Mike:

It just isn't right to celebrate Olivia's 10th birthday without a mention of my Dad. As I have told you before, my Dad celebrated being a "Papaw" more than anyone I know.

I can't imagine what he would have said about Olivia turning 10. He probably would have told her she wasn't allowed to get any older. She would respond with a sweet smile and say "But, Papaw..."

Boy, I wish I could have seen that conversation today. Olivia was my folks' first grandchild - I know she held a special place in my Dad's heart - as he does hers. Why else would a 9-year old little girl speak at her Papaw's funeral?

Theirs was a sweet relationship to watch. One I admired.

Brush Your Teeth!

Some parents have to pin their toddler down to brush his/her teeth.

Not us.  In fact, I caught Jackson in the bathroom on his own taking care of this duty...

Problem was - he went straight for the fudge striped cookies right afterwards.  Hmmmm....

I'm on Pacifier Patrol!!!

Jackson has grown quite attached to his pacifier.  He even has his favorite (seriously - he will take one out of his mouth and trade it for his "favorite").

About 4 weeks ago, I decided it was time to start breaking away from the pacifier.  However, it seemed the minute I decided that - he was very sick and in the hospital.  So, I used the excuse that he wasn't feeling well to put off this horrible task of taking away the pacifier.

Now, he is feeling better and I am determined to break him of this habit.  However, I'm the only one.  Justin hands Jackson his pacifier about as often as I hand him a snack.  And it seems that the pacifier is a Grandparent favorite.  Either that - or they just can't tell him no!  :)

So...I'm officially on pacifier patrol...I am watching all Grandparents, Aunts, Pre-school Teachers,...and even one push- over Daddy!

Any tips on how to break Grandparents of the pacifier?  :)

Go Colts!

We wanted to share some pictures of Jackson in his new Colts jersey.  Can you believe it is a 2T??

We searched for a Marlin JACKSON jersey, but they don't make them in toddler sizes.  So, We went with Dallas Clark's jersey because that was the jersey my Dad had.  So Jackson is cheering for Papa Mike, too.  Except today...he slept through the game. :)

Enjoy the photos!

Congrats to Jim, Deb, and Kevin!

Jim, Deb, Kevin after CMA win in 2007

I wanted to wish my big sister, Deb, and along with her co-hosts, Jim and Kevin "CONGRATS" on their recent CMA Personality of the Year nomination!

Way to go!

I'm keeping my fingers crossed for another win!

Our Old Life???

If I think long and hard I can remember the days when it was just Justin and I.  We slept until the afternoon on Sundays, had cereal for dinner, and never thought twice about a 4-day weekend away somewhere.

As I am typing this, I notice that I am in desperate need of a manicure, my eyebrows could use some attention, and let's not even discuss the sit-ups I should be doing this very second.

Last night, I missed the premiers of 90210 and Melrose Place because I was so tuned in to our latest Handy Manny DVD (he won the citizen of the year award).

Needless to say, our life sure has changed.  But only for the better.  I say this at the end of a very long day.  

My day started with Jackson wiggling his way out of a diaper change only to "smoosh" his dirty diaper all over my pajamas.  I never flinched.  I just finished up his diaper change and jumped in the shower.

My day ended with a great family dinner.  Justin has been working so hard lately that it is a special occasion for the three of us to have dinner together.  We celebrated at Bob Evans (it was my turn to pick).  After a great dinner together, I picked Jackson up out of the high chair.  Two steps away from the table, Jackson vomited all over himself, me and the floor.  Again, I didn't flinch (though Justin did).   I rushed Jackson to the bathroom, stripped him down and loaded him in the car with nothing on but a diaper.  What is a Mom to do?

At the end of this long day, I don't long for our old life.  I couldn't be happier with the joy Jackson brings to our family.  

Of course, my nails, eyebrows, and sit-ups are on my agenda for tomorrow...and Justin and I will always find time to be together.  But tonight I am more than thankful for the little boy asleep in the next room.  

I am thankful for ALL that he brings into our life...

...perhaps the people at Bob Evans don't feel the same.  :)

Jackson is sick...AGAIN!

It seems like Jackson has been sick from the minute we walked into Day Care that very first day. However, the doctor says most of it has been viral (even the pneumonia) and isn't contagious. So he isn't getting it at school - there goes that theory.

At any rate, Jackson is sick again. On Friday, I thought it was just a cold. Saturday he didn't want to eat much. I figured it was because we were at a party at the McCord home - Jackson prefers spending all of his time "kissing" Baby Maddy (and I'm not kidding). Sunday Jackson spent the night with Aunt Deb and Uncle Greg - and he was up at 3 a.m. with a fever. I felt terrible - but not as bad as Jackson (or Aunt Deb with no sleep).

I am afraid Jackson is still fighting the viral Pneumonia. We are heading back to the doctor tomorrow. I don't think we will be back at the hospital. We are a step a head and have already begun the at-home breathing treatments.

Keep you fingers crossed that we are home tomorrow after the apt...and not in the hospital again.

Speaking of our stay in the hospital. Ashley, Justin's sister, sent me some photos she snapped while we were in the hospital. I thought I would share. Even though he was so sick - Jackson still managed to be adorable in his hospital Pjs. :)

The machine in his hands tracked his oxygen levels - he hated it!

Happy Birthday, Grandpa John!

We want to wish Justin's Dad, John, a very happy birthday!

John is a fantastic Grandpa and father ...And he's not to shabby of a father-in-law! :)

Justin is always enlisting his Dad to help us with miscellaneous projects. John never says no!

Just recently, he even volunteered to help my Grandma hook up her television. She needs it fixed before Dancing with the Stars starts this season! :)

John truly is one of the nicest people I know.

We are all so lucky to have him in our lives!

Happy Birthday, John! We hope you enjoy your day!