St. Louis--Jack's First Trip

Well, we had a GREAT weekend in St. Louis! My mom's friend Phylllis (from Wichita) had a daughter that got married this past weekend in St. Charles-a beautiful town outside of St. Louis. So us ladies took it as an opportunity for a get-away, while Adam and his buddies got together for a "back to the river" fishing trip. Needless to say, we both needed a vacation, unfortunately it wasn't with each other...bummer.

We started our trip with tons of packing. We packed more clothes for Jackson than any child needs! I made more trips to Babies R Us over the past week, too. Adam has pretty much banned me from going there anymore--there is always something to buy! After getting everything together for Jack, we left for the airport on Friday morning, ready to get through security--our little sandwich bags of liquids (tummy drops, Tylenol, Germ-X, Aquaphor) and we made it through with flying colors--our arms were full, but we made it! Once we were on the plane, I nursed Jack and he went right to sleep! Perfect little flyer!

I also must note, that as a backup, we started Jackson on formula (giving him a small bottle a couple times before we flew, and then one small bottle on the plane to top him off) Let me tell you, formula gives him the worst gas I have ever been around! He can clear a room--or a plane, wherever you are! No more formula for this little guy! On top of that, he didn't poop for 3 days, and I was nervous that he would have a blow out at the wedding, so on Saturday morning, we gave him a supository trying to get him to poop before we left--it didn't work until the reception, and of course, it was a blow out and required a clothing change! So much for the wedding outfit....

We got to the hotel, and it was fantastic! I love Embassy Suites! Our room was spacious and relaxing, and the hotel got us a pack n' play, which I thought was nice of them! Friday night, we got dressed and headed down to happy hour where we met up with mom's friends Jeane and Ann (also from Wichita). They check the blog all the time, so they have seen Jackson and know all about his happenings, but Jackson got to meet them and "grandma" Jeane said she was in love! (although the gas thing was emabarrasing!) Jeane used to be a L&D nurse, so she took to him like a pro! After dinner, we all hung out in our room, and Jackson entertained on the floor for everyone--and said his first words (not officially!) He was talking up a storm, as usual, and the words "no-no" came out clear as day! We all looked at each other and laughed! So cute!

We started Saturday off with the constipation thing (I wasn't worried, but concerned about the mess later!) The wedding was beautiful! Jackson did very well during the ceremony, although we sat in the very back of church just in case. I burst into tears when I saw Lauren (she's a year younger than me, but I have always seen her as the younger sister, not as the beautiful grown women in the gorgeous wedding gown and it made me realize how much things change) After the ceremony, we stopped at Bass Pro Shop to get daddy a gift, and found that they have an infant section as well, so we bought Jackson a "My First Fishing Hat"! It's freaking adorable! I just love him in hats!

The reception was great--we danced, and passed the baby! Saturday night, I was so tired and it was kinda chilly, so we tried co-sleeping, which does not work for me. He takes up alot of the bed and I don't get any sleep! Every little movement wakes me up--and again with the gas that kept me up! Did I mention no more formula! Breastfeeding poos and toots don't smell!

But it is nice to be back home with daddy-we missed him! It's amazing how much this little sucker grows! He's so alert and steady and grabbing for everyhing....so active it's ridiculous! We still love him....

Bad Mommy

I have been such a bad Mommy lately! I haven't gotten any new pics of my baby boy! I have been so busy with the business, that I have neglected my "picture-taker" ability with my own family. We have had a couple of eventful weeks, and I have so much to talk about!. My birthday was on the 23rd--that was a super fun event, and Jackson got to stay with Grandma Netty while Mommy and Daddy went to dinner and then to Fox and the Hound for a suprise party! Daddy pissed me off all week with planning a stupid hunting trip, but all the while was planning a great party for me with all my closest friends! He is so sneaky! Then this past weekend, Adam and I shot a wedding and I actually broke down and bought a new Canon digital camera! I am so excited about it! I haven't even got a chance to really play with it, so I'll use the training on my baby! So the wedding was fun because of my new toy, but literally the hardest one to shoot b/c I had to leave Jackson with my mom. Not that I don't trust her, and it's not like he hadn't stayed with her before, but this time was different. It was for almost 10 hours. I cried when I left the house, and then I really cried during the mother/son dance! I've never done that before, but it was the first time that I saw myself in the future doing that at Jackson's wedding and it made me sad. I had never been more happy to see my baby than I was when I walked in that door! This week is going to be crazy because I have lots of work to do and alot of packing to do--Jackson and I are going to St. Louis for a friend's wedding, but I promise to get some pics done tomorrow!

Johnny Jump-Up

Years ago, when I was a baby, we had a Johnny Jump-Up--you know, the thing that you hang from the door frame and the baby jumps up and down on. They seem so unsafe, but we have all survived them, including my little sister whom I supposedly would run up to and push and shove her in the darn thing, and it never fell, so obviously they are safer than I thought! Well, GG (great grandma Jane) has been talking about how well Jackson holds his head up and how strong his legs are, and has been wanting to get him a Johnny Jump-Up--the problem is that here in Texas, we don't really have door frames anywhere but in the bedrooms, and who wants to put your baby in a hallway? I told her about a new contraption called a Jumparoo that I found at Target that I thought looked a little safer and more educational because it has lights and music and toys to play with...so guess what--she bought one! And let me tell you, it's been the best thing he has ever gotten! He looks ridiculously cute in it. The first time we put him in it, I swear he looked like one of those "Whack-a-Mole" things at Chuck E Cheese--the thing where the mole comes up through the hole and you have to whack it with the big mallot as fast as you can!? Loved it! He really studies the colors and can reach and play with the toys of the front...he has really great balance too. The cutest thing is when he just hangs and pulls his little legs up, like he's squating! He looks so big and independent, though, and it makes me sad...oh well!

Moby Wrap

Some days, Jackson just wants to be held constantly. It's so hard to get anything done (working on the computer, vaccuming, dusting....) so my mom found this cool wrap that lots of women have been talking about on Baby Center. It's called a Moby Wrap--its so versitile! I love it! You can carry him on the front, on the back, in a cradle hold, etc. Jackson actually likes it becuase if I face him forward he can see everything--including that stupid computer that Mommy spends so much time on! We had bought a Jeep Carrier, but he's really wasn't big enough for it, and it scratched his little legs (so we took it back)--this one doesn't!

Rewards of Exercise

After a long walk with Mommy and Grandma, Daddy greets Jackson with his reward....Lord, and I in trouble! Check out his mouth watering!

More fun with the Pod

Attack of the Giraffe

Grandma Netty and Jackson were hanging out today, playing with the cutest little giraffe! Like I mentioned earlier, everything goes to his mouth, including stuffed animals! I can't tell who is attacking who here?!

Jackson's New Throne

Adam and I finally broke down and bought Jackson his first "big boy" seat! It's called a Bebe Pod and it's used to help them learn to sit up! Once he started to hold his head up on his own, he was good to go! He is so cute in it! Adam thinks it's going to be a great game watching seat--like Jackson's own Lazy Boy! So far, he likes sitting in it--but for only about 5 minutes, then he starts squirming to get out!

Hanging with Daddy

It's Sunday night, and we are hanging out at the house in our jammys watching Hitch on Encore. Jackson had a pretty relaxing weekend with his Daddy--I went out with a girlfriend of mine and Jackson and Adam watched the Texas vs. Ohio State game (unfortunately, Jack's Longhorn onsies is still too big, along with the matching socks from Amy, so he had to just wear a little quarterback onsie instead--yes, we have "outfits" for all our teams! Kids gotta be stylin' in order to cheer on the 'stros, Texans, etc. But after a long day of celebrating Grandparents day with Grandma Netty and Grandpa Scott, and having phone conversations with Grandma Patty and Grandma and Grandpa McGraw, Jackson was ready for bed early! But not until we got some smiles in for Daddy before he has to go back to work tomorrow....

Bashful

Jackson and I were in the office, which has been our regular routine this past week since Mommy has been so busy, and he was super tired. Just before he fell asleep, I grabbed my camera, and he covered his head up with the blanket! He's gotten to the stage where he is trying to grab everything, and as of right now, the only thing he can really hold on to is fabric! He stares at his hands and plays with his bibs, blankies, shirts....until the next step, where everything goes into his mouth! He's quite the drooler these days with trying to chew on everything! Grandma Netty and Grandma Jane bought Jackson a bunch of little toys this week--bright colorful things, some teething rings, and so far, he LOVES playing with them! Okay, maybe he just likes staring and smiling at the grandmas, but it makes them feel better to think that he likes their gifts!

First Astros Game!

On Saturday, we were invited to the 'stros game by our friends Julie and Jevon. We had fantastic seats a few rows up from Drayton McLain and Mayor Bill White. Jackson was sooo excited! His first Astros game! He wore his lil slugger outfit and ball cap--I have to say he was the cutest fan there! Possibly the youngest too! I was really afraid the noise would bother him, and that it would be too loud, but he was great! He was all smiles during most of the game and got a bottle in the 5th (although Adam ran all over the stadium looking for hot water to be able to warm it up a bit) He got a little fussy toward the end, but there was a horrible call at first, so Adam just blamed his crying on the fact that he was upset over the call! The best part--Jackson and I danced and sang "the stars at night, are big and bright *clap* *clap* *clap* Deep in the heart of Texas!" (Bet you have that stupid song in your head now, huh!)

Grandpa Joe

This past week, my Grandpa Joe and Grandma Lou were in town from Nebraska! Dad flew them down to meet Jackson, which I thought was super sweet! While they were here, we were able to get into the studio and get some shots of 3 generations of men in our family (although we skipped a generation with me) Here are some of my favs--there will be more soon! I love the shots with the hands--Grandpa's, Dad's, then Jackson's. One is of Jackson grabbing Grandpa Joe's finger--precious!