One Month Old!

Jackson is officially one month old today! Wow, time flies. I am still learning to balance being a mommy, wife, and Godly woman, but I feel that in time things will begin to get easier. I am awestruck with the beauty of motherhood, and the exciting things Jackson does daily. He is the biggest blessing in my life other than David.

We didn't do anything special today, other than simply love on Jackson and take in the beauty of the day. I love simple days like these. It is nice to say little, observe a lot, and smile often.

4 Generations on Daddy's Side

It is amazing to think that God has blessed us with the time to even take a picture of 4 generations of Templeton men. Jackson finally got tto meet his Memaw and Peepaw Templeton today. We were unable to meet sooner because they have both been in and out of the hospital. However, it was great getting to finally spend some time. Family is one of the most important components of your childhood. I firmly believe that. I grew up with summers, vacations, and all holiday in my Memaw and Pawpaw's house. They are some of the best memories of my childhood. I want so badly for Jackson to feel that way about his Nemo, Grammy & Grampa.

More family time

What a weekend! We were so busy this weekend!! (Okay understatement) Aunt Amy (my sister) drove in to visit Jackson and my mom in the hospital. So, she got to really enjoy some time with him as well as some sister time with me. Also, we went over to David's parents house (Grammy and Grampa) for a bridal shower for some friends that I was helping to host. Jackson was able to meet his Uncle James and Aunt Megan for the first time. It was such a sweet experience. David and I are so glad that we have so much family that loves him.

The next day it was finally just the 3 of us. We went for our 1st outing alone to the Bluebonnet Festival in Chappell Hill, Texas. The weather was beautiful and Jackson did great. He rode in his stroller and helped me shop. Of course, the one item I went for was not there. (It rained really badly the day before and scared off lots of vendors). We ran into several of our friends from both church and neighbors. It was a blast. Daddy and I felt successful and overall the experience was what we've been dreaming about for years with a child!

Drivin' Solo

Drivin your newborn by yourself in a car is a definite experience. I am sure with subsequent children I won't feel so nervous, but it was tense. You could have heard a pindrop in my car. Jackson, in his usual carefree demeanor, was oblivious. He just sat strapped in and ready. I only drove to my best friend Erin's house (less than a mile), but the trip felt triumphant. :) Once there, Jackson slept the entire time while I learned to be human again and engage in non-baby talk conversations. Thank goodness for girl time!

Nursing 101

Okay...no pictures today because of the obvious title; however, let me just say no one said it was gonna' be this crazy. I originally decided that if I could nurse for the first 2 weeks of Jackson's life I would be satisfied. However, once I experienced nursing with him I was addicted to the bond we share. BUT I, apparently, am fit to be a old-time wet nurse and feed the neighborhood.

So, we had to call in a lactation specialist for consultation. Let's just call her Saint Suzy because she swooped in with some great techniques, answers, and patience. I discovered that no two women are the same with milk, nursing, and babies. I also learned to steer clear of the "norms." Meaning, there is no such thing as the right way to do this. So, the end results are clear: nurse one side, pump the rest. (It reminds me of the Bluebell commercial, "eat all you can, sell the rest.") Ironic huh?

Happy Easter

Easter was a beautiful holiday this year. I had hoped to make it to church with Jackson to celebrate the rising of our Lord, but with the Swine Flu making its way around our area shutting down local campuses, we decided to keep Easter a family affair. We did honor God by explaining the holiday to Jackson (and he understood it all of course). We also went and visiting my mom, his Nemo, along with other family. We are getting really good at traveling with a baby now.

Rubber Ducky!

Okay, nothing is more fun than bath time! Jackson absolutely LOVES LOVES LOVES his bath time. I have never seen anyone so excited and relaxed. He is still so tiny in his tub, so after we tried it we decided to use the sink. It was a perfect fit!

David and I are also progressing as parents. David spent some alone time with Jackson while I adventured out to the grocery store. It was my first time away from him since he was born. I shopped with vengence! All in all, Adorable!

2 Weeks Old and Growing

Jackson is officially two weeks old today. We all went to the doctor and he weighed 7 pounds and 0 1/4 ounces. He also grew an inch! He did great with the trip and didn't even cry when they pricked his heel for the numerous blood tests. What a trooper! I also learned how to nurse in public (okay...semi-public). It wasn't as bad as I thought. I sure do love the nursing cover I bought...great investment.

When we got home, Jackson also enjoyed his first adventure in his bouncy seat. I am not sure what he was thinking, but he was definitely doing some thinking. His eyes were huge in amazement just looking around!

Milestones

Okay, I've discovered that being a mom is FULL of milestones. I always feel eager for them to happen but then I am suddenly saddened by the reality that my little boy is growing up so fast. Today Jackson lost his umbilical cord while visiting with his Grammy and Grampa along with the other Smith family members. I was definitely concerned, and wanted to "nurse" his little "battle scar." I think I have a lot of learning to do. Poor Jackson..lol. However, the family time was fun. He got to meet uncles, aunts, great uncles and aunts, second cousins, neighbors and friends. We had a great time. And, his Grampa finally got to hold him (because he had a pretty bad cold when he was born).

Our Outdoor Man

We've discovered that Jackson is an outdoor man! He absolutely loves the outdoors. He loves going on walks and even has a walking buddy (Hunter, our golden retriever). Hunter has really taken to Jackson. In fact, he walks right next to the stroller without his leash and if Jackson grunts Hunter immediately "checks in" on him.

Say Cheese!

Originally I intended on making my very own birth annoucements...well, these plans were made before I became a busy, nursing mom. Once our little man arrived, we decided that we'd "scrounge up" the moo-lah and order them. (Thanks daddy!) So, today was our big picture day. Jackson did great. He was such a trooper as over 60 pictures were taken in three different outfits. We were thrilled with the way these pictures turned out. David and I just beamed ear to ear with the Aggie ones of course. Class of 2031! Whoop! We hope everyone is enjoying the birth annoucment because we had such a fun time creating the memories with them!