The Colts are #1 in our hearts!

Colts lost the Super Bowl.  Saints won.

We took the loss tough!  Justin refuses to watch any coverage of the Saints victory...and I tend to agree.

But...We still love our Colts and can't wait to cheer for them next year!  

I will miss hearing Jackson saying "Go Colts" each Sunday when I put his jersey on him.  I think we'll have to get a new jersey next year - we were pushing the 2T with Jackson's belly by the end of the season!

Until next season...Go Colts!

Welcome to the World, Mr. Brennan Parker Noah

Welcome to the World, Mr. Brennan Parker Noah.

Two days ago, our great friends, Amanda and David Noah welcomed their first child into this world.  

I was lucky enough to be there to see David (whom we often refer to as Noah) greet their family in the waiting room and announce "He's Here".  Excitement filled the room as he rattled off statistics of weight and height.  We all breathed a little easier when he said Amanda was doing great.  He then looked up and said, "Now, we have to name him..." and walked away.  We all waited patiently until it was announced:  Brennan Parker Noah.  Perfect...and so is he.  

Brennan has the most adorable cry.  Just enough to let you know he needs you, but not loud enough for anyone to care.  Instead, Amanda lights up with a big smile when she hears it.  As she should.  When the nurse gave Brennan his first bath, it was so great to see Noah jump up to watch - a proud father who didn't want to miss it.  These first time parents are filled with joy over their son - and they have every reason to be.  Brennan melted every one's heart an instant after meeting him.  

Brennan lucked out as well - he came into this world to two people who were lovingly awaiting his arrival.  It has been so fun to watch Amanda and Noah get prepared for Brennan.  They wanted everything to be perfect...thus they couldn't pick a name before meeting him - it had to be just right.  They couldn't have gone wrong with this little guy!  Brennan even sent Amanda roses yesterday - thanking her for her hard work!!

Justin and I drove back to Greensburg last night for a quick visit.  Other friends were there too...and it was so great to visit and celebrate Brennan all together.  Enjoy some photos of our visit.  

Brennan with the GNO girls!

I can't wait to introduce Jackson and Brennan.  I know they will be fast friends!

P.S.  Everyone keeps asking if Brennan has Amanda's lips...you be the judge!   

Oh to be 29 again...and again...and again...

This weekend we celebrated the "First Anniversary" of Justin's, Jason's and Adam's 29th birthday.  That's right - these boys are turning 30!

Justin turns 30 next month - but he isn't the only one.  Two of Justin's great friends, Adam and Jason, will also celebrate the big 30.  A few months ago their wives, Sara, Nadia and I sat down to begin planning a celebration! 

Our party planning consisted of dinners out where the planning happened in the first 20 minutes of our conversation - and then we would spend the rest of the night laughing and talking about our husbands.  These girls are a ton of fun and planning the party was just as fun as the celebration itself!

The party didn't turn out to be a surprise for various reasons - but Justin knew I wasn't going to let his 30th birthday fly by without a big celebration.  He was excited to hear that the big night would also include Jason and Adam.  

The party was so fun and we spent the next day talking about how lucky we are to have such great family and friends.  Justin has grown up with the same group of 12-15 guys who have remained close through high school, college, and even today.  So it was nice to look around the room and see so many faces that have been a part of our lives for as long as we can remember!

As the night progressed - so did the beer.  These three 30 year old men tried to prove to themselves that age is just a number.  However, in the end, the truth came out when all three realized that the "After Party" consisted of two Tylenol and a bed!!!

Justin has spent the last two days recovering.  And from what I hear - so have Jason and Adam.

Happy 30th birthday to Adam, Jason, and Justin!  

We even had Corn Hole!

Still recovering from the weekend....

Sorry for the pause in posting - but I spent most of last week in the Dentist chair (long story) or joining my partners in crime (Sara McCord and Nadia Paul) in putting the final touches on our "not so surprised" birthday party for our husbands.

Justin - along with some great friends - Adam and Jason will turn 30 next month.  We celebrated this weekend with a party for all three.  So fun!  We have great photos and stories to share.

However, right now I'm still trying to recover from throwing the party...and Justin?...well he's trying to recover from partying like he was still 21.  :)

Stay tuned for photos, updates, and stories of three 30 year old men coming to terms with the fact that they had to call it quits at Midnight!  :)

He "unts" it!

Last week, I started stressing that Jackson wasn't talking enough for his age.  It was just a stressful Mom moment where I decided to have a minor meltdown.  Aren't we all allowed one free pass?

Needless to say - the minute I said my concern out loud...Jackson was jibber jabbing about everything.

Here are just a few of his new phrases:

1.  "I unt try" (I want to try)

2.  "I unt ball" (Our friend Noah gave Jackson a ping bong ball and Jackson has grown quite attached.)

3.  "I unt show"  (Cartoons)

4.  When I asked if he wanted to go to school this morning - he said "I unt Peggy" (his favorite teacher)

There are many more.  But you get the picture.

Now that Jackson knows how to speak his mind...Next up, is a lesson on the difference between "I unt" and "I need.'"  

Wish us luck.  :)

Old Photos = Good Memories

I've been looking through old photos.

I love coming across old photos of my Dad.  Most of them have a memory or a story attached to them.  I cherish any moment I get to recall a moment I shared with my Dad.

This pictured made me smile the minute I saw it.  I think it was Easter Sunday - but most importantly my Dad was doing what he loved most.  He was being a Grandpa!  You can tell by the smile on his face that he was thrilled to be crowded by his grandchildren (minus Maddie and Jackson wasn't born yet).

I always got teased by my sisters about always snapping photos of moments like these.  I knew there would be a day that we would want to look back and remember how Dad would light up when he was with his grandchildren.  I wish he was still here only to look up at me with his goofy smile annoyed I was once again snapping his photo.  So instead, I will cherish these photos when I come across them on days like today.

Dad,

Miss you so...

K

Big Boy!

Jackson is now asking for his breathing treatment. 

We only have to do them when he is sick - which seems to be quite often these days.

However, not only is he fascinated by it - but he says, "I try"...then proceeds to do it by himself!

The breathing treatments are working and the doctor says his lungs sound great!  We avoided pneumonia!  And that's what a Mommy likes to hear!

Welcome to the Terrible Two's!

The Terrible Two's have welcomed themselves into our home....Without an invitation!

Jackson has learned the words No and Mine and he knows how to use them!  When those words don't get him his way he throws his pacifier (yep - its still around) across the room - or my personal favorite - slaps the nearest couch or wall.  I know it is hard to believe that our sweet little boy could do such things - but its true.  

Jackson has experienced his first time-out, a couple stern talks, and he officially hates to apologize (he gets it from his dad)  :)  However, it is pretty hard to stay mad once he gives me his "I'm sorry" face...check it out in the photo above!  Love him - even with the terrible two's!  :)

Jackson's Pre-game Cheer!

This weekend we were bleeding blue!  Justin and I have spent each football season rooting on the Colts...and Jackson has caught the Colt's fever (and every other fever - yep he's sick again!) too!

Check out Jackson's pre-game cheer that I managed to catch on camera using my laptop video cam.  Jackson loves this feature and spends a lot of time flirting with the camera and the spends even more time watching himself later!  I don't know where he gets it...though my sisters would suggest he gets it from me!  :)

Way to go Colts!  Bring on the Jets!

Go Colts!

Grandma Evy - an Avid Pacer Fan - dressed up for a Colts themed birthday party for my nephew, Hayden.

She doesn't own a Colts item - even her scarf was really a Pacer scarf - so she made do!

Our house will be decked out in our horseshoe blue tomorrow ... wish I could say the same for Grandma...She'll be hunting an old pacer game on the NBA channel!  

Welcome to the World, Baker!

Welcome to the world, Baby Baker!

Baby Baker was born last Tuesday and had a lot of excitement right away.

I will let his Mommy share pictures and the exciting story of his arrival with you at the Quire Chronicles - coming soon, I'm sure.  

I just wanted to take a minute and congratulate Jessica, Jeremy, and Campbell on the newest addition to their family.  I met Baker yesterday and he is so handsome!  I have already told Jessica I will be back right away for another visit.  This little guy is too cute to resist.

Lots of well wishes for the entire Quire family!  This little boy is lucky to have such great parents!...and I hear Campbell has already adjusted to being a great big sister.  Was there ever any doubt???

Love you all!

Loved The Children's Museum!

Justin and I recently took Jackson to the Indianapolis Children's Museum.  I hadn't been in years and we had a great time!  Jackson's favorite (mine too) was the Yuletide slide.  We would wait in line, take our turn and the minute we reached the bottom he would ask for "more" (including sign language and all).  

We visited other parts of the museum in between each turn on the slide.  Jackson loved the playscape area.  We loved seeing him explore and have fun!

Enjoy our photos and a short video!

First trip down the slide! 

Light switches that made just for Jackson 

to turn On and Off - he loved it!

First-time fishing with Dad (probably the only time) :)

Check out the hand dryer in the video - 

it might have been Jackson's favorite part of the museum.

Happy Monday!

Finally! A visit with the McCord's!

Jackson and Maddy

These past couple months have been a tough one on the immune systems in this house.  Mostly, Jackson's.  But even Justin and I have taken a beating with the 24 hour stomach flu - needless to say not many people have wanted to be around us lately - especially those with little ones themselves.  Can't blame them.

It had seemed forever since we had seen our good friends from the McCord Family.  We would always make plans and had to cancel due to Jackson's ear infections, strep throat, or even our stomach bug.  The McCord's have battled through sickness too - Poor Miss Maddy even had Pink Eye...and I SWEAR I didn't give Sara the stomach flu through our daily e-mails!  :)

Justin called me a couple of days ago and said he had chatted with Adam and it seemed we were all healthy at the same time!  So we arranged a meeting time and ordered Pizza!  Finally - we were gonna get to see Miss Maddy - oh, and Adam and Sara too!  :)

Maddy has gotten so big with lots of spunk.  Jackson was quick to show her to his room and literally get out EVERY toy we own.  Just when I thought Jackson had found the perfect toy for Maddy to play with...he would snatch it back and tell her "MINE!"  Not a good way to win over the ladies, Jackson.  I know its his age, but I wanted him to be a good host!  :)

In the end the two played well together.  Jackson ate Pizza with us and even insisted on sitting at the island with Adam and Justin - just like the big boys!  Maddy showed off her crawling skills and how much she loves shoes!  (Sara is teaching her well!)

So great to finally catch up with the McCords...and so great to see Miss Maddy!  Jackson was quite smitten!  The next morning he looked around and through his hands in the air and asked "Baby?"......we promised she will be back!

GNO Christmas 2009

This past weekend, Justin, Jackson, and I drove to Greensburg, IN to celebrate GNO Christmas.

Most of you know, once a month I get together with a group of the greatest girls I know for a Girls Night Out (AKA - GNO).  Or, as Justin likes to tease, "OMG - ITS GNO!"  :)

Everyone once in a while we will invite the men to come along to one of our get-togethers, and I have to admit - they make us laugh.

We have started a tradition in the past couple of years to set aside a day during the holidays to celebrate Christmas together with our families.  As each of us have growing families it gets more fun each year to celebrate with children.

Justin and I felt so lucky to celebrate with the Harms', the Charles', and the Noah's this year.  They were all so good to Jackson who is constantly playing with his new MICKEY toys or insisting that I play the Elmo See N Say with him - all gifts he opened at the GNO Christmas.

It was especially exciting to share gifts with Baby Will Harms- as it was his first Christmas.

Jackson and Will

  Jackson loves babies and couldn't help but give him hugs and kisses all night.  He also enjoyed playing with Addison Charles as she helped him up and down the stairs and back up again.

Addison and Jackson

  Jackson also loved all the men teaching him how to hike the ball and yell out plays such as "Blue 42!"

"Blue 42!"

Next year our GNO Christmas will be even larger as we will have welcomed Baby Noah and Baby Charles #2 into our clan.  Can't wait!  Little ones make holidays even sweeter...so do great friends.

Thanks again to our wonderful friends for always being so great to Jackson, and Justin and I too!  We are so lucky to have you all in our lives!  

I heart my GNO friends (and husbands)!

Fun Photo!

While running around in just a diaper, Jackson decided my Mom's scarf would make the perfect accessory!  My son knows the importance of accessorizing! :)

He won't stop eating!

Jackson is finally feeling better!

And...his appetite has returned....and then some...

We can't keep him full.  The minute he finishes with his "Snack," he asks for "Mo!"

Jackson even stole my spring roll off my plate today while having lunch at PF Changs.  I thought for sure he would take one bite and hand it back to me.  No suck luck.  He downed it.  

Tonight, he was enjoying a cookie and I was having a Popsicle...or so I thought.  Soon, Jackson was having both the Popsicle and the cookie.  

I love that he is finally healthy and has his appetite back...but its leaving me a little hungry!  :)

This is his "Cheese" smile...it needs some work.  :)

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!  :)