My little escape artist. . .

Yesterday Jackson was in the playroom with Josh while I was loading the dishwasher (fyi I can see the playroom from where the dishwasher is located). All of the sudden I heard Josh say "uh oh Jackson, don't do that!" When I went in to see exactly what had happened I realized Jackson had climbed into the papasan chair and opened the door to the hallway. Hmmm. So, I closed the door and watched as he opened it again. Then I got the camera to try to catch him. Needless to say he can easily open the door if he is high enough. So, I locked it from the other side and put him down. Jackson is the sweetest and most loving baby ever. . .but that does not mean that he won't keep me on my toes! Already trying to sneak out. . .glad we are getting those kid proof things on all of the doors!

Not happy that I have closed the door, again.



Trying again to open it. . .



Using all of his energy. . .



Not only opening the door but shoving it back as far as he can. . .



Ahhh the sweet taste of victory!

Tuesday at the Splash Park!

This week we are keeping 4 year old Josh (the son of the leaders of our Bible Study) on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. His mother is a camp counselor this with their older 3 children and so we are helping out while her husband is at work. Since Jay is home right now we decided to take the two boys to the splash park that Adrienne had told us about. It was awesome! The little guys loved it and it was fun for Jay and I as well. Later we came home for lunch and Jackson's nap and then Jay had work to do so Lindsay and Ivan come over. Lindsay and I lamented about the fact that Adrienne left for the UK for 3 weeks today while the boys played. I need to get some pictures of Jackson, Ivan and Ellie together since they play almost every day. But for now here are some splash park pictures from today.


Josh (in the blue shirt) playing in the water



Jay carring Jackson through the park



Enjoying the two boys



Jackson having fun



Jackson loving the water



"BA!?"



Jax and Mommy



Jackson taking a few steps toward the water

Kaylee and Jackson

This last week was really fun with lots of play dates but I didn't take any pictures. . .I know, I'm totally slacking! Anyway, luckily Ashley took a few when she came over with her mother and her niece Kaylee. Jackson adored Kaylee and she was just like a little mommy. We were all very impressed with how she carried him around and he was very attached to her very quickly! Aren't they cute!?!

Super Dad!

Over the weekend I was out of town. I had figured that with so many grandparents surely one set would want some quality Jay and Jackson time. . .but when all turned us down I was worried. However, Jay was pretty confidant and assured me he would be fine with Jackson all by himself for the entire weekend. Prior to this Jay has not been alone with Jackson for more than a few hours.
When I arrived home today they were in fact both still breathing and even smiling and happy. Jackson adores Jay and it was clear they had a great time. Adrienne and Damian were also sweet enough to have my guys over last night which I know they enjoyed. And Jay handled the wild man for 48 hours all by himself. There were no injuries (we're down one cell phone due to a pool accident but that's a small price to pay) and the house was even still pretty clean! Jay said he was happy that I was home and he had a deeper respect for stay at home moms. He also mentioned that he is very happy with me staying home and him going to work and doesn't ever want to switch:)
I am so blessed to have such a wonderful husband and such a sweet little man.

Being a stay at home mommy has never been more fun! Ever since I came home from Boston I have been able to hang out with Adrienne and Ellie almost every day. It is SO nice having the Hirst family in Plano! There new home is beautiful (and about 3 times larger than the last) and it has been a true life saver for us. Not to mention Jackson is in love with little Ellie. He's always trying to touch her hands and smiling at her. He's been VERY energetic this week but that's nothing new. He is my precious and irresistibly sweet little man but definitely keeps me on my toes. Being around other babies allows me to see just how much more active he is than the average kiddo. I'm in no rush for him to walk but I don't see it being more than a month off. . .and I'm scared!

Mia singing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star in French

Video from Cape Cod

Here's a funny video Nana shot of Jackson on vacation.

Extra Days In Boston. . .

I forgot to write about the days after Cape Cod during which Jackson and I stayed at the Francis house. We had such a great time! Jackson is obsessed with his sweet cousins Mia and Lennon. He watches Mia constantly and laughs hysterically at every thing she does. And Lennon and Jackson really got to be buddies (as much as is possible at this age) as well. Lennon was so precious when he would hug (aka pounce on) Jackson. We played at the park, watched "bubble mania" at the library, went to the science museum and Jenna made the most delicious lobster bisque soup I've ever eaten. We were also able to have a "slumber party" with Mia and watch Enchanted.
I really enjoyed not only being with Jenna and Shelby but also spending some quality time with my darling niece and nephew. Mia is still the sweetest (and brightest) little girl in the entire world. Not to mention the greatest little helper ever. Jenna basically has an assistant to help with Lennon. And Lennon is just a little brain child. In addition to the fact that he's been walking for over a month he is following commands, using sign language for 3 word sentences and probably about to launch his own internet company:)
We had a wonderful time but it was way too short. I think Jackson went through cousin withdrawals when we came home and he only had me to play with him the next morning! And of course I went through Jenna withdrawals. I'll have to get back up to Boston sometime soon.



The three kids playing in Lennon's crib




Mia posing




The cousins exploring a shuttle at the Science Museum




Jackson and Lennon learning about reactions in the toddler area of the museum




Jackson either inspecting or kissing his own reflection:)




Lennon trying to tell Jackson about something much cooler than the mirror


"Come on Jackson, it's only your specular reflection in a plane mirror. . ."


"Fine, I'll just go read this book. . ."


All 3 kiddos passed out on the way home.


They are so adorable!!

The Texas Two Stepper

While Jackson is definitely not a walker yet he has started taking two or three steps at a time. His first step was a few weeks ago and he started doing multiple steps while we were in Boston. He's also standing alone for quite some time now.
Additionally, this weekend Jackson was refusing baby food and at lunch today with my mom and Jimmy we gave him grilled chicken breast and he loved it. For dinner he had more chicken and steamed broccoli. . .so I guess he wants more regular food and less blended mixes!

The Adams Family. . .

I know with a title like that you really want to sing the Adams family theme song. . .go ahead. . .and while you are singing and snapping here are some family pictures Laura took of us while at the Cape.

Time to Catch Up!

Well, I had planned on updating the blog each day in Cape Cod. . .but we were just too busy and had too much fun. It was a wonderful time of playing on the beach and the kids absolutely loved it (Jackson actually ate quite a bit of sand). Thanks for a great vacation Dad and Laura! Here are some fun pictures. . .actually there are a ton of pictures below but these are my favorites out of all 4,000 from the week so I did a good job of narrowing them down!


This is the picture Lennon and Jackson will hate when they are in highschool. But really, how adorable are they?!


Sweet cousins playing on the beach. . .and as you can see they are all wearing their spf 50 hats!



Beautiful Mia preparing for her amazing "trick"


And the amazing trick!


I just know these two will be a very dangerous combination in a few years!


Papa & Nana with all of the grandkids.


It sure is hard trying to get babies to smile on cue!



Jackson's favorite pose!


Jackson lived in his sling on this trip, he's just too heavy to carry!



Passed out on his "snuggle pillow" after a long day of playing with cousins.



Lennon as a pirate at Imagination Island.


Jackson looking equally scary as a pirate!


Jackson enjoying the bounce house with his cousins.


Nana and the babies.


Jackson hysterical laughing at Mia's antics.


They are so darn photogenic!!!


Mia and Noah resting after a long day of fun!


Our home away from home. . .thanks Dad & Laura!


Hmmm, they are precious but I'm still glad I only have to take care of one for now!


Dad preparing one of the enourmous lobsters we had for dinner. . .my favorite dinner ever!