Brave Boy

Today, Jackson had surgery to probe his clogged tear ducts. Since birth, Jackson has had lots of problems with water pooling in the corner of his eyes along with globs of goo and collect there too. This morning we woke up bright and early to go to the hospital. Jackson thought it was fun exploring his pre-op room filled with new toys like rubber gloves, a sliding door, and cabinets full of curious treasures (aka bed pans). But, once the nurses started poking and proding him he wasn't thrilled. He refused to sit still long enough to get his blood pressure checked. He did not like his new bracelet they put on his wrist either. The worst part for me was carrying him back into the operating room where I had to hold him while they gave him sleeping gas. Next time, I'll let Jason do that part. I came out in tears. Jackson's surgery went well. It was a bit more complicated than they thought but the problem has been resolved. After lots of cuddling, a half bottle of sweet potato puffs, and rid of that pesky IV, Jackson seems to be doing much better this afternoon. While waiting there today for my little boy to go through this minor surgery, I realized many things: 1) I'm grateful for the great medical care we received today and the skill Jackson's doctors possess; 2) I'm grateful for a husband who understands medicine to calm my fears; 3) I was reminded that even though we think our life's trials are difficult, there are always others who are going through more difficult, more traumatic experiences as I learned listening to several families fighting, crying, and distraught over their circumstances; 4) I'm grateful for answered prayers.

Thanksgiving

This year we traveled to Madison, Wisconsin to spend Thanksgiving with Jason's family. All of his siblings, their spouses, and children were able to come so it made for a fun-filled weekend. Jackson found immense joy in our hotel bathroom. He loves to unroll rolls of toilet paper. He is not a good traveler so Jason and I found ourselves up at 12:45 a.m. the Friday after Thanksgiving roaming the hotel halls and winding up downstairs in the lobby. Jackson made friends with the hotel clerk working the graveyard shift. Jackson even helped him behind the desk find his cleaning products and help assist customers. About 3 a.m., Jason and I decided to go for a drive in hopes to get Jackson to fall asleep and let me do a little Black Friday shopping. Well, the drive worked. Jackson fell asleep - finally - and I spent the next few hours shopping with my cute mother-in-law Sally. We had a blast! Friday we had family pictures (Jackson screamed the whole time), ate more food, and enjoyed family time. Friday night Jackson slept better, though we were up bright and early again to assist the hotel clerk with his duties. That clerk deserves a gold star for his kindness and patience with us. We had a wonderful Thanksgiving and are so thankful for all of our many blessings.

The Zoo

We recently took Jackson to The Niabi Zoo. It was fun to see him get excited about seeing some of the animals we teach him about through books and sounds. His favorite animals were the emu, kangaroo, ducks, goats, and giraffes. We had such a great time as a family.

Playing the piano

Jackson loves music. He especially enjoys piano music. As part of his daily routine, he enjoys sitting at our piano and playing his own composition. It warms my heart to see my little boy doing something that has brought Jason and me, as well as our entire families, so much joy. I can only hope that when the day comes that I sign him up for lessons that he loves the formal practicing as much as he loves this "play time" now.

Jackson's new car

Jackson has a new car. To adults and older children, yes, it is an empty Goldfish cracker box. But to Jackson it might as well be an Audi convertible (Dad's and Nana's favorite car). He loves to get inside the box and have Theresa or me push him in it. I love the fact Jackson enjoys being creative with his play time.

Halloween Party 2010

We had a fun time at our church sponsored Halloween party this past weekend. Those of you who know me well know that I'm not a big fan of dressing up. But, Jason likes to dress up and encouraged me to as well. Jackson was our "Doctor in Training." Jason was a Bob Marley knock-off and me, well, let's just say what was left in our small Halloween costume bin was a biker helmet and a plastic "leather" jacket. Jackson had fun going trunk-to-trunk grabbing treats...almost as much as Jason did. Good times and yummy treats!

Pumpkins, dirt and water

Today, Jackson, Theresa and I decided to go to the pumpkin patch at Wilson's Orchard (Jason's away for work this weekend in Chicago). We rode on a wagon pulled by a tractor. Jackson loved it. While trying to pick out the perfect pumpkins for our home, Jackson unveiled his true love: dirt. He couldn't get enough of it. He liked crawling in it, sifting it through his fingers, and, of course, eating it. He also forded his first river. The water was so cold I thought my feet would be completely numb by the time we crossed from bank to bank. Later in the day, Jackson and I went on a nature walk. This little boy loves to be outdoors. He loves to explore everything. Theresa decided to play basketball and Jackson had to try it too. He actually raised his arms up to throw the basketball in the hoop. It was so cute. Maybe he'll follow in mommy's footsteps and play basketball (Dad is secretly hoping for tennis). Anyway, fun firsts and beautiful weather made for a great fall day!

Happy 1st Birthday Jackson!

Jackson awakened this morning around 1:25 a.m. He was born last year at 1:24 a.m. It was a sweet moment to remember his rather dramatic entrance into the world and how much joy he's brought into our lives since then. I've been thinking about how to celebrate his first birthday for months. Many people tell you that you don't really need to do anything special because they don't remember it anyway. But, I know I will remember it and I wanted this day to be special for our little boy. We got off to a rocky start as Jackson was fussy and nothing we did seemed to please him. He wore his special birthday t-shirt and ate his favorite oatmeal for breakfast. Then, he went to the gym where he played with his friends. By the time we left there he was over due for a nap and shed a lot of tears. Not the way I'd envisioned his birthday morning. But, he rallied later on with a visit from his friend Amita who was born on the same day. He ate a yummy grilled ham and cheese sandwich for lunch. Then, Jackson, Theresa and me went to the Iowa Children's Museum. It's the first time we've been. He loved the farm exhibit, especially chasing after those onions on the floor. He went down a slide for the first time and drove the tractor. He also enjoyed the table wind display in the aeronautics section. He finished his fun tour of the museum by going grocery shopping. He loved that little cart! He worked up such an appetite we had to stop at Arby's and by him a sandwich. He had two-thirds of it. Big boy! We made a quick trip to Cedar Rapids for a last minute birthday gift purchase then home for some fun with his toys. We went to the gym again then hurried home to meet dad and the pizza delivery guy. Jackson ate his favorites for dinner: sausage pizza and watermelon. He also tried to blow out his candle, for the first time, eating a chocolate cupcake. He didn't seem to excited about it. Boy, he does not take after his mom there! Afterwards he took a fun bath and watched his favorite animal DVD before falling fast asleep. All in all, I'd say it was a great first birthday. Jackson is such a fun-loving little boy. His smile and laugh are contagious. He's a risk-taker, curious, and smart. We are so thankful he's part of our family and look forward to celebrating many more birthdays with him. Love you Jax!

Formula

Say goodbye to formula...and hello whole milk! Jackson has loved formula. This was the last container we purchased. Finally!

Salzburg, Austria: Mozart, Sound of Music, Hitler

Tuesday we went Salzburg, Austria. There we toured Mozart's birthplace. I have always loved his music so it was especially thrilling for me. We ate at another fun little sidewalk cafe. Jason and I love these types of places to eat. We topped off lunch with the largest chocolate covered pretzel I've ever seen. Seriously, we split it four ways and still had some left over. While in Salzburg, we also went to see the gazebo used in the Sound of Music. It's as beautiful in real life as it is in the movie. Then we were off to Berchtesgaden to tour the Adolf Hitler museum. I left there feeling such sadness that a man could have such a warped sense of how to treat people. We finished the night visiting this quaint little resort community complete with a lake. Jason got excited looking at all of the ski runs that surrounded it. Boy, does he miss snow-skiing! After driving back to Munich and getting a little sleep, we went to the airport and flew back to the United States. Loved our time there and can't wait to go back!

Neuschwanstein Castle

After Oberammergau, we went and visited the beautiful Neuschwanstein castle. It is the most amazing castle/residence Jason and I have ever seen. My dad was in love with it. Then it was off to Innsbruck, Austria. We stopped there for lunch at a little Italian sidewalk cafe. It was yummy! My brother Jim said he's never had such a delicious calzone. We finished the day by driving back to Munich where we met with Jason's parents who were staying with cousin Michael Sneddon and family.

Our little bug

I used to sleep like a stink bug. Apparently, Jackson likes to sleep that way, too. I caught him like this a couple of nights ago. And, he seems to prefer to sleep this way now. He's such a cute little bug.

Jackson visits his cousins in Wisconsin

While Jason and I went to Europe, Jackson stayed in Wisconsin with Eric and Amy and their four (soon-to-be five) cute boys. Boy, did he have fun! I think once he learned that he wasn't the only little boy who needed attention, he adjusted well. He liked going to the park and on a bike ride. He especially loved the baby walker which actually helped him learn how to walk better and take more steps. We're so grateful our family took such good care of him and that Jackson was able to spend time with Jacob, Zach, Michael, and Adam.

Our whirlwind tour of Germany, Austria

Over Labor Day weekend, we joined my dad and brother and Jason's parents for a whirlwind - can you say two countries in two and half days - tour of Germany and Austria. We primarily went there to attend The Passion Play in Oberammergau, Germany. This production is put on every 10 years. It's a six hour live play about the life of Jesus Christ. We decided to go the night we arrived. It worked great in that we were able to buy tickets on the spot (that's rare), but boy it was cold and the jet lag hit me like a ton of bricks during the performance. The play was so inspiring. We loved Oberammergau. I especially enjoyed the little Christman boutique where we purchased a couple of ornaments. It's a tradition for us to collect a Christmas tree ornament from each place we visit. I got the idea from my Uncle Chad and Aunt Pam.

Wedding in Washington, DC

Jason and I attended the wedding of a good friend in Washington, DC during the last weekend of August. It was held at the National Cathedral. The ceremony was beautiful. Abby, the bride, looked stunning. Their reception was held right next to the U.S. Capitol. We've rarely been in such an awe-inspiring setting. It was good to reconnect with the Huntsman family. Too bad our camera battery ran out and we didn't get any photos with the newlyweds! They introduced Jason and me so they will always be a special part of our family. While we were there, we had the chance to take a tour of the Capitol with Congressman Jason Chaffetz. He showed us places we've only heard about. It was such a fun tour. Thanks Jason! And, we were able to meet up with our good friends Joseph and Heidi Miller and their three adorable children. I love Washington, DC. I've always loved that city. It inspires me. Can't wait to visit there again soon!

Family pictures

We wanted to get some pictures that capture our favorite parts of Iowa City. We love the Old Capitol. It's close to where I work and reminds me of when I worked in state government in Utah. And, you can't leave Iowa without taking a picture in front of a corn field. Thanks to my good friend Brian Ray for the amazing photos!

Jackson at 11 months

Jackson turned 11 months old today. I can't believe how quickly he is growing up. Here is an update of the progress he has made along with a list of his favorite things:

* He loves big people food, especially pasta (any kind), cheese, and fruit.
* He loves to wrestle with Dad and play Brinton games like "Ooh".
* He loves to play with his friends, especially those at the gym nursery.
* He loves Nanny Theresa, especially her laptop and phone.
* He loves to crawl up stairs.
* He can walk, though he still prefers to crawl.
* He has four teeth.
* He can say "ba-ba," "ma-ma," "da-da," "whoa," "oh," and some other gibberish.
* He loves the water. He loves to take his bath. He loves to swim.
* He loves to smile and is a very happy boy. He loves his picture taken.
* He likes to read books. Oftentimes I'll find him in his crib or in his play area sitting with a book in his lap studying the pages.
* He loves music, especially piano, organ and vocal.
* He is intrigued by colors, small pieces of anything, buttons, jewelry, and has finally discovered pots and pans and our microwave that is way too convenient for him to reach.

We love you Jackson!

Nauvoo

Jason, Jackson and I, along with Theresa and her friend Fernanda, headed off to Nauvoo this past weekend to spend some time with our good friends the Wests. We stayed in this old Pioneer house just east of town. Being in a house where the pioneers stayed inspired me and reminded me how grateful I should be for all I have. It made me also appreciate the sacrifices they gave for us. Plus, I couldn't stop thinking about how mothers cared for their children in such circumstances. We toured many of the historical sites - the highlight being going to the Temple Saturday morning. We also enjoyed our tour of the Joseph Smith Mansion House, burial site, and Red Brick Store. I liked the Scovil Bakery, too. We are so glad we were able to spend time with Taylor, Kara, Abby, and William. Jackson and William became good crawling partners. Jackson finally accomplished his mission of spilling Jason's bowl of Raisin Bran all over him right before church. And, as always, Jason and I left one thing behind when we left home this time being our Sunday clothes. Thanks Taylor and Kara for giving us some extra clothes so we could go to the Temple and church. Can't wait to see you all again!