Friends

My dearest friend came over today. Elizabeth and I met back in 2005 when I first began my career as an educator. She helped to mold and make me the teacher I am today, although she absoulutely denies any credit. (Liz is way too humble). Girl time is great! We just giggled, laughed, snacked, and told secrets. It was like being a kid again at a slumber party...only our conversations were less about playing Barbie and more about what is up with men wanting Barbie's. ha ha When she left I felt a void, but know that I will see her again soon. Jackson really enjoyed time with his Aunt Liz as well. We shared her!

Big Decision

Today's post is a very personal one. Let me start by saying this was the 2nd hardest decision that I have ever made in my life. We've prayed, gotten frustrated, analyzed, and sobbed together. In the end, I know that I am doing they right thing because of the peace I feel in my heart. Peace like this only comes from the Lord.

Over the last 4 months, I have fallen in love with a precious little boy and the job of being his mother. Not every day has been wonderful. In fact, I might be so bold to say that many of my days have been tough. So, why do this? Have you ever dreamt of something? Have you ever made your dreams come true? Mine did. My dreams came true on: May 14th, 2005, June 25th, 2005 and March 26th, 2009. I graduated college, married my soulmate, and welcomed my son on these three days. Since I was a little girl, these were my dreams. I remember telling people that I would do these things and in that order...I'd describe how I would go to college, start a career, get married, buy a house, have children, get a masters degree, and love happily ever ever. I am living my dream. God has given me my dreams.

So, my big decision was which do I sacrifice for the other? Knowing myself, I cannot be a good wife, dedicated educator, doting Mommy, and full time graduate student at the same time. I honestly didn't want to let any of my dreams go...afterall, I've labored so hard for each. I decided to be a wife, mother, and full time graduate student. I feel excited and defeated at the same time. Why defeated? I don't quit; and, I feel like I am quitting my 3rd grade team and school. I know that my position can be easily filled...but, it is my position. I know that another educator will teach, but I hope he or she loves those little boys and girls they way I have the last four years. I will be back, though. I am so excited to pick up my masters program and pursue my degree in Counseling. I feel that I can begin to touch lives in another way.

Please remember me in your prayers as I learn to let go of one opportunity for another.

Brothers

I really enjoy laid back days in the yard mowing, weeding, planting, watering, and grilling. Today was just one of those kind of days. It was precious to watch Jackson "talk" to his brothers, our other 4-legged boys, Sully and Hunter. Since it was close to his bed and bath time, I decided to let the boys get as close to Jackson as they wanted and vice versa. Jackson cooed and pulled on the boys and they gave him a doggy-bath of their own. It was great! David and I laughed about seeing Jackson running or riding around with the boys in the future. We're so glad that they tolerate him now. Jackson especially loved it when Hunter would bark. We've trained Hunter to "speak" with a command, so it was easy to get a reaction from Jackson. I am not sure what it was about the situation that gave me this warm, maternal feeling. I adopted Sully in 2002 when I was in college, and we got Hunter in 2005. Now Jackson is here and it all seems to just fit. I love ALL of my boys (including Daddy)!

By the end of the afternoon poor Jackson was completely worn out.


P.S. Some estrogen around here wouldn't be too terrible, though. :)

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.