When Nothing Else Works, Try Walking

Jackson has been a bit of a challenge lately. He's teething so he is much more fussy than usual. Today, was a perfect example of one of those days when you try food, sleep, bouncing, holding, etc. and nothing seems to work. Then, we got a great idea to take him for a ride in his stroller. He loved it!

Eating Out

Going out to dinner is now a whole new experience with a 5-month-old boy who loves to be part of the action. Jackson showed us he's ready to starting ordering for himself. This picture was taken at Bob's Your Uncle - a local Iowa City restaurant we love.

Oh the Weather...

So, I know it's Winter. I know we live in Iowa. I know it snows a lot in Iowa and there are ice storms, too. But, after enduring a few months of cold, snow, ice storms, and more snow, I am definitely ready for Spring. Check out the ice that's accumulated on our roof. This just gives you a glimpse of what we're braving here. Oh, and it's snowing again today.

Jackson's 5 Months Old!

Jackson turned five months old today. At the risk of being sentimental, I can't believe how fast my little boy is growing up! He is changing so quickly. I love seeing more of his personality. So happy to be his mom!

Here are some of his recent advancements:

* He's found his thumb. Here's hoping that he can use it instead of his pacifier at 2 a.m. when he needs to be comforted. More sleep for Jason and me!

* He can sit-up; well sort-of. If you position his hands just so and help him gain his balance he can sit-up for about five seconds on his own. We're making progress!

* He loves to talk. He loves to make sounds: "oh", "you", "gghh", and many others I can't decipher.

* He's sleeping better. For the first time, he slept through the night last week. I woke up startled and raced to his room thinking something had happened to him only to find him sprawled out in a deep sleep. I thought the day would never come I would be able to sleep nine hours without being awakened by my little boy.

* He smiles bigger and laughs harder. He's still my happy baby who brings so much joy into Jason's and my life.

* While he's always liked taking a bath, now he looks at me and gets this determined expression to kick harder and create bigger splashes than ever before. The bathroom floor and my clothes are now quite wet when he's finished.

* He's outgrowing most of his 3-6 month clothes. We're already into 6-9 month, and in size 3 diapers. That's my boy!

* His right eye - which had a tear duct obstruction - finally seems to be opening up. So, say good-bye to the drops and ointment.

Happy 5-Month-Old Birthday Jackson! We love you!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Jackson, Jason and I wish everyone a Happy Valentine's Day! We love you!

Bumbo: One of the Best Inventions Ever

Our friends Matt and Kenza recommended we get Jackson a "Bumbo" - a little solid, squishy seat that encourages children to learn to sit-up correctly. We love it! Check out Jackson in his favorite new chair.

Jackson: My Favorite Things

Two main reasons I started this blog: 1) allow family and friends to keep in touch with our family and 2) try to help me keep my 2010 goal to keep a better journal. So, I think this blog especially fulfills both.

* Jackson loves to smile. He has a beautiful grin that usually shows his gums. So glad I have a happy baby!

* Jackson loves to "swim" aka: take a bath. I hope this lasts!

* Jackson loves to eat. No surprise there. At his four-month-old check-up he weighed 15 1/2 pounds. Not bad for weighing 5 lbs. 12 oz. at birth.

* Jackson loves to be adventurous and roll onto his side.

* Jackson loves to watch his "boats" sail above his head. Thank you Pottery Barn for the sail boat mobile! Love it!

* Jackson loves to "walk" towards mom and dad.

* Jackson loves music. Every morning before work, he lays atop Jason's and my bed and listens to Jazz music. He loves especially enjoys the piano. Here's hoping he can someday play like Nana! He loves to hear people sing. I am so grateful my little boy loves music as it is such a big part of Jason's and my life.

* Jackson enjoys hearing us read to him. Jason's favorites are Dr. Suess books in Russian. I like Curious George - and I think those are fitting for Jackson as he's likely going to be like his dad - very curious!

* Jackson loves his doggy. It's a cute little soft rattle he loves to snuggle up with when he falls asleep (then mommy takes it from him so he doesn't suffocate).

* Jackson loves to be held by mom and dad. Thanks to this I'm getting buff arms!

* Jackson slobbers over everything now - including Daddy's suit. Whoops!

* Jackson loves to talk. His favorites letters to say are "O" and "U". Still working on Mama and Dada.

* Jackson loves to shove his hands into his mouth.

* Jackson loves looking at mirrors and smiles at the reflections.

* Jackson's nicknames are "Jack", Bug (he was so tiny when he was born I thought he looked like a little bug), Little Doll (Nana's name him), and Buddy (Grammy's name for him).

Jason and I can't believe how much Jackson is changing each day. We feel so blessed to have this little boy apart of our lives.