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!