Sweet Baby

Jackson and I had a super fun time at MOPS today! I feel so blessed that there was an opening so that we could join. He lasted longer in the nursery this time than the time we visited, so he is making progress. I think he is really starting to enjoy mingling with other kids. He has always been very clingy, but he seems to be letting go now. I am so proud of how he has participated at Mother Goose and Kindermusik and how he has mingled with the other kids.

I was attempting to empty the paper shredder this afternoon, but ended up just making a big mess all in the floor. I went to grab the broom and headed back to the living room. As I walked in the room, I saw Jackson sitting in the floor picking up the tiny pieces of paper and putting the in the trash can. It was one of those moments that reminded me how blessed I am to have such a sweet baby. Just thinking about Jackson makes me smile. :)

The Little Gym

Today Jackson and I went to a free trial class at The Little Gym. We had a really good time, and I think it would be beneficial for Jackson if we joined. We worked on all kinds of skills involving different parts of his body and his muscles. We worked on walking, grasping, clapping, stomping, rolling, etc. We even sang and blew bubbles. The classes have just started for this semester, and we were the only people at today's session. We are going back on Monday to see how Jackson will act in an environment with a few other kids. I'm sure the class will grow as the semester progresses. They accept children all throughout the semester. We are also going to a trial session of Kindermusik on Monday. Jackson is getting so busy these days! I hope I can keep up with his busy schedule. It looks like I might have to start hitting the bed a little earlier.

Giggle Bugs & Mother Goose

Jackson has been a busy boy this week! Yesterday we went to Giggle Bugs for the first time. They have different inflatables that are fun for kids to jump around in and burn off some energy. Jackson is still a little small for those, but that didn't stop him from having a good time. They had toys for the little ones, and Jackson made himself right at home. He spent most of his time in a little playhouse. I was beyond amazed at how well he played and interacted with the other kids. He was not clingy at all. If you know my child, you will understand that this is a major accomplishment. It was really nice to get out of the house and mingle with some other people. We will definitely have to go back.

Today we went to the library for Mother Goose on the Loose. This class meets on Wednesdays at 10:00 and 11:00. We got to the library around 9:50, and all of the tickets for the 10:00 class were already gone. I had no idea Mother Goose was so popular! We went back for the 11:00 class and got there about twenty minutes earlier. We had no problem getting a ticket. In fact, the class was only about half full. We sang, played instruments, learned body parts, and clapped. It was a lot of chaotic fun!

Cabin Fever

The snow and ice are finally starting to melt. Jackson and I have not left the house since Sunday, and it is now Thursday. It's not like we have anywhere that we NEED to go, but it would still be nice to get out. Until the aftermath of this "winter storm" is completely gone, I don't plan on doing any driving. Fred had to make a milk run this morning before heading to work. Between Fred and Jackson, it looks like we are going to be going through three gallons of milk per week! I was hoping to save a good bit of money each month now that Jackson no longer takes formula, but it looks like we might actually spend about the same on whole milk.

Due to the inclement weather, schools have been out all week. Many parents have been ranting on Facebook about how they can't wait for the kids to go back. All of this complaining somewhat disturbs me. Believe me, as a SAHM, I know how important it is to have some time to yourself and a break from your kids. However, I really don't understand why parents haven't taken this week to have fun with their kids and just enjoy being with them. After all, it has only been one week. I'm not sure how they survive during summer break. I know it has been harder because everyone has been stuck inside. However, there are still things you can do with your children. Make cookies, drink hot chocolate, play board games, play video games, make crafts, etc. It really is okay if the house is a mess, the dirty clothes are stacking up, and the beds aren't made. Life goes on. Trust me on this one!

Snow Days :)

We woke up yesterday morning to a winter wonderland. We got at least four inches of snow, and it it beautiful! All of the schools in Greenville County were closed, and many of the businesses were closed as well. Fred stayed home, which was great! Since becoming a stay-at-home mom, I have really learned to appreciate having another adult in the house. I had someone to talk to, help out with Jackson, and do some chores. It was nice. Fred got up early this morning to shovel the driveway, thinking he was going to venture out to work. After watching the news report on TV and walking out to a driveway covered in ice, he decided staying home was a much better idea than going to work. I am glad he is here! He has been on his GE laptop all morning, but I have still enjoyed just having him home. Jackson has entertained himself very well this morning and has now gone down for a nap.

Speaking of naps, it seems that Jackson is trying to convert himself to a one nap per day kinda baby. Yesterday he slept from 12:00-1:15 and then went to bed around 6:00. He didn't wake up until 6:45 this morning! Wow is all I can say! I'm not sure if that will happen again today since he fell asleep at 10:15 this morning.

Many people around Greenville are starting to wonder if school will be out all week. The students are out Friday anyway for a teacher workday. School is also out next Monday for Martin Luther King day. I am guessing there will be no school this Wednesday and a two hour delay on Thursday. I guess it really depends how much ice is still on the roads.

One Year Old

Jackson turned one on December 30. Today we went to the pediatrician for his one year well-check. He now weighs 24 pounds, 7 ounces and is 31.5 inches long. He is developing well, and his pediatrician was pleased with the progress he has made since his last visit. The only word he is currently saying is "mama." We are hoping to broaden his vocabulary before his next visit, which is in three months.
The little cutie pooped in his diaper today, which is a very regular thing. However, the funny thing is what he did while I was changing him. He grabbed a wipe and tried to wipe himself. Then he grabbed a diaper and laid it on himself. I am not making this up! I am starting to wonder if we should work on our potty training a little early. :)
I know you are probably in shock that I have posted two days in a row, especially after the very long span of posting nothing. Honestly, the only reason I am able to post right now is because Jackson just went down for a nap. He has become my shadow, literally! He hangs onto my pants and follows me everywhere I go. It is very difficult to get anything done these days!
Jackson had the brilliant idea to get up at 5:00 this morning. I tried to convince him to go back to sleep, but he wouldn't listen. Imagine that...a child not listening to his parent! Haha! He ended up crashing in his highchair at 8:30. He slept in it for 45 minutes! He finally went down for nap #2 at 3:40. I'm really not sure how he has gone so strong today. I had to have an extra cup of coffee this morning to keep my eyes open! I need to borrow some of his energy! :)

Home for the Holidays

Fred and I have been planning to spend our first Christmas as a family of three at our own house since before Jackson was born. Fred was fortunate to have two whole weeks off for Christmas break, and we planned to lounge around the house in our pajamas and bake Christmas goodies. Instead, we made two quick dashes to Florida and Mississippi to visit with our families before coming back to South Carolina for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. While we were extremely rushed and tired when we got back, we were glad we made the trip. Jackson was able to meet his family in Florida for the very first time. He was so well-behaved and barely cried at all. The only hard part of the trip was nap time. We ended up driving him around in the car so that he could sleep. He napped fine in Mississippi, but he has been there several times in the past. Both sides of the family were glad to see him.
Jackson's first Christmas was so much fun! He slept a little late Christmas morning, and Fred and I both rushed up to his room the minute he made a peep. We brought him down and showed him what Santa had left. He played with his toys while I cooked a breakfast casserole and muffins for our Christmas breakfast. After we ate, we started opening presents. Jackson's GiGi and Pop sent him so many gifts that he had to open some, then nap, then open some more. We didn't do a big meal for Christmas day because we had so much "holiday" food in Florida. We were kinda burnt out on dressing and such.
GiGi and Pop came up to our house on December 30 for Jackson's first birthday. We had cake and ice cream, and Jackson got lots of good presents. I think he was a little overwhelmed with all of the gifts he received. He didn't want to nap while GiGi and Pop were here because he wanted to spend every minute with them that he could. He stayed up late and played hard while they were here. He was very sad to see them leave. We hope they will visit again soon.
In current news, we are trying to transition from bottle to cup and from formula to whole milk. I think the switch to whole milk will be the easier of the two. We have been giving Jackson a cup since he was six months old, but he has never gotten the hang of it. He doesn't know how to suck on it so that liquid will come out. He usually just chews on the spout and then throws the cup in the floor. I think we have just about every cup that one can buy. We have tried hard spouts, soft spouts, handles, no handles, and straws. He goes to the pediatrician tomorrow for his one year check-up, and I'm sure we will get the lecture about how he should be off the bottle. We have tried! I am hoping she will have some suggestions that will work.
Jackson took his first steps a few days ago and has also started saying "mama." I was looking at some pictures last night from several months ago, and I can't believe how much Jackson has grown. It makes me sad that Jackson is growing up so quickly, but I have enjoyed watching everything he has learned to do. He is such a little cutie, and I love him more than anything!