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!