Survey Says...

Shots stink! As a Mom, I know they're the right thing to do...as a Mom, they're the hardest thing to do. I hated sitting there and having that helpless feeling as the needles made Jackson cry today. I, personally, don't mind needles (perhaps because I've had so many). But, I do know that certain medicines in the vaccination must burn. Poor guy. On another note, our official weigh-in today was 12 lbs 7 1/4 oz. He was also 23 3/4 inches long. He's growing! Our doctor felt like everything looked great, and was very pleased that Jackson is doing all the necessary milestones, plus a few extra. We're so proud of our little guy!

4 Months Old

Jackson is officially 4 months old today! He is scheduled to go and get his shots on Wednesday. People say it goes by fast. I wouldn't say fast, but it is definitely surreal to think that exactly four months ago today I was welcoming my little boy into our lives. He has been all smiles today. He just loves to giggle and coo. He sits and "talks" to others across the room. He is interacting so much more with the world around him. Jackson has also developed his own little personality. For example, when he wants to be heard, he can screech as loud as a horn honking. When he is irritated, he lets you know. He is a beautiful boy, and I just keep thanking God that I get to be his mother.

On another note, we've been taking these monthly pictures. Well, we got ready for bed and realized that we didn't take our shot today. So, I made David dress him back into an outfit and snap a few shots. I've attached one of Jackson not happy about this, and the other is one of him laughing after I convinced him this was going in the scrapbook.

In the words of Jackson....Wahhhhhh!!!!!

Let's make this a brief blog----two words: No BOTTLES! Seriously, my son will not take a bottle. I was told that if he got hungry enough he would. We went 11 hours and I finally just gave in...So, the search is on for solutions. Fellow bloggers, let me know what works!

Like a Fish to Water

Jackson finally took his first official dip in the swimming pool. He has always LOVED the bathtub and has recently begun splashing and kicking and screeching with excitement while bathing. So, we figured we'd get the same reaction with the pool. Not so much. In fact, we didn't really get anything, initially. (Imagine hearing the sound of a balloon deflating.)

We figured that he was probably wondering why he was floating around on a giant yellow thing with a diaper, swimsuit, and T-shirt on. Oh, and not to mention the giant water hat Mommy put on him! He just floated there like a bump-on-a-log. ha ha Poor guy. Since we live in Texas I am planning on some more enjoyment closer to September. My Aunt Connie (visiting from Virginia) was able to talk to him and get him excited enough for a few photo opportunities. I cannot complian overall. He wasn't screaming to get out or irritated he was there.

New Shoes

When we found out we were having a boy, several friends gave us clothes. However, we didn't receive many shoes and my mom bought the cutest pair of flip-flops. One catch...they are all too big! So, we went today and bought Jackson his very 1st pair of shoes. (Confession: I actually bought two pairs because I couldn't decide between the cute tennis shoes and the practical brown Stride Rite's that will go with all his church attire and jeans.) When we showed up at Uncle Jason and Aunt Shannon's house with our shoes on, David cracked up!
He just stared and stared at his feet all day long. I've decided that investing in shoes is a great bargain; you get a great pair of shoes and an instant toy!

Naps...Check

We finally have them down! Jackson has mastered the nap thing. It only took us nearly 4 months...lol. I was so excited to finally have some time to myself to do some typing, staff development hours for work, and paint my nails. :) Now that we have napping down, perhaps we can start with the bottle. We'll see...

Birthday Bash

Happy 25th Birthday Amy! My little sister turned 25 last weekend (on the 4th of July) but we celebrated in style this weekend. She came to Houston, and the entire family threw a Mexican Fiesta for the Senorita! We all relaxed by the pool and soaked up some rays. Jackson was great, too! He napped and then played with all his cousins.

I am so proud to have the family I do. My sister is a giving, warm person. She has crazy moods, but always make the time for me. My brother is the busiest person I know, but will drop what he is doing if you ask. My sister in law is thoughtful. She thinks of others before herself. My mom is....well, she is my mom and nothing can really be said to tell how truly amazing she is; I love all of them so much.

Goodbye Dark Circles!

Short blog today with big, cool news...Jackson has begun sleeping 12 hours everynight consistently! Mom's everywhere can appreciate this right? I know my dark circles around my eyes can! Someone even said to me, "hey you look different." Response: "it's the 12-hour look!"

Fireworks...Or Not!

We went to the lake to celebrate the 4th of July. Jackson was awesome! He enjoyed getting to see lots and lots of family and friends. He even went to his first fish fry and survived the terrible July heat. My sisters' 25th birthday was also on the 4th. (we're gonna celebrate next weekend with my mom) Amy decided to join us at the lake, however, to work on her tan. It was so amazing to spend some time in the sun with her. (David took Jackson-duty for awhile).

Traditionally we stay up late and watch the fireworks show over the lake. It is beautiful. However, this year we decided that a game of cards and an early night would suffice. Taking the time-out to just play cards, munch on goodies, and joke with family is refreshing. You don't realize how much you miss someone until you spend that much time with them. I am such a gushing, proud big sister. Oh, and my mom bought Jackson the cutest outfit for the 4th. Can you see the hat? It says, "Little Firecracker." Toooo cute!