Big Boy Bed!

Last night Jackson slept in a toddler bed for the first time. He's been able to get out of his crib for ages now and just stayed in out of obedience (thank goodness!) But now that he's potty trained he's been getting us up multiple times each night when he has to go to the bathroom. So, Adrienne suggested we try a toddler bed and then loaned us Charlie's super cool fire engine bed (thanks SO much!). Damian brought it by last night and Jackson couldn't have been happier. We explained that he was only allowed to get out of his bed if he had to use the restroom and still had to call to us to get out after his nap or in the morning. So far he's done perfectly. He's also so happy. He laid out his fireman outfit and boots and has them ready in case our fire alarm goes off. Last night as I was tucking him in he said, "mom, firemen are cool. I'm cool to be sleeping in a fireman truck."

Jackson was so excited to be in the toddler bed. And of course, he hasn't slept one night without Molly since he received her at my baby shower.

My sweet boy.
When Jackson got up from his nap today he wanted to show Baron his fire engine bed. I laid Baron down and Jackson kissed him and then started telling him that when he was bigger he could sleep with Jackson. It's so cute how Jackson always takes so much time to explain things to Baron.

Jackson showing me where he will put his fireman uniform.

Can you tell he's happy? Thanks again to Charlie for the loan:)

Talking with Jackson

Jackson: Gaga always does stuff for me.
Me: I know, that Gaga sure does love you.
Jackson: Yeah, Gaga just dores me. I dore her too

Baron was screaming in the car and below is what Jackson said to him after singing and being sweet failed to get results.
Jackson: Chill Bear. Gee, either chill or go to sleep. We're just driving. It's not that bad.

Jackson: We have a nice house. We have three bathrooms. . .and three penis's. We sure have a nice house.

Jackson: Is Mickey Mouse a man? Does he have a penis?
(Can you tell we have a lot of anatomy talk at our house!?!)

While doing yard work the other day.
Jackson: you know what we need out here? Some beers and some tunage! -Tunage is tunes, also known as music:)

Last Sunday at church Jackson had a new teacher. She was a very cute 16 year old named Katelyn. He LOVED Katelyn and was by her side the whole time. He even cried when Jay came to pick him up. Upon being told that he had to come home with us he turned to Katelyn and said, "what are you doing this afternoon? You want to come over?!" She told Jay we needed to really watch out for Jackson with the ladies:)

About a month ago Jackson and I were watching Cinderella. He turned to me and said, "Cinderella is so beautiful, I will marry her and protect her forever."

Last week Jay was babysitting for the Hirst's for their anniversary. Jackson was so sad that Jay wasn't able to put him to bed that he wanted to sleep with Jay's blanket and pillow. And then he asked which side of the blanket and pillow Jay usually slept on so he could do the same. Sweet little guy sure does love his daddy.

A few days ago Jackson heard Baron stirring in his crib and as he usually does immediately said, "Don't move mom, I've got him!"
Of course I don't let Jackson pick up Baron but he always wants to. I help him hold him and Jackson just adores him. When ever Baron starts crying Jackson will let us know he will handle it. He goes over and sweetly sings or does whatever he thinks will make Baron laugh. He said to me the other day, "some guys are mean to their brothers. Some guys are bad guys. I'm a nice guy and I am always sweet to my brother. I won't even let him have sugar until he is 8!"

Jackson: I have to go to work mom. I work for Papa. I travel with him. He works on a computer and I carry his toothbrush.

We were using a gift card at a restaurant the other day and Jackson looked at a table in the corner and said, "that family is cool. They have 5 people to talk to at their table. We only have 4. If I had a sister than we would have 5 people to talk to all of the time. I want a sister. And a dog. And a kitten. And for Baron to be bigger bigger bigger to play with me."

Jackson continues to be the biggest joy (and sometimes challenge) we could ever imagine. While he is a major stinker at times he is also the sweetest and most loving little guy ever. And the way he treats his little brother makes me so happy. I'm sure they will bicker like crazy later in life but right now it's just so sweet to watch!

Baron's 4 month check up

I took Baron in today for his 4 month check up, it's hard to believe he's already 1/3 of the way through his first year. He is doing very well and he's actually not that far from where Jackson was at this age. The stats are: Baron at 4 months is 27 3/4 inches tall which puts him in the 97+%. He weights 17 pounds and 8 ounces putting him in the 93%. Jackson at 4 months was 27 inches, also 97+%. And Jackson weighed 19 pounds and 9 ounces which put him in the 97+%.
After all of the struggles I've had with nursing I am so happy that Baron is growing so well! He also has at least one tooth coming in on the bottom so that explains some of his recent fussiness. Baron is still a very happy little man who is full of smiles. The only time he is really unhappy is in the car. He will scream about 80% of the time that he is in the car. He was sleeping through the night (9-10 hours) for quite some time, which was awesome. I quit taking my prescription medication (for nursing) recently and ever since Bear has been waking up to eat between 2 and 6 times per night. I am praying that soon we will both adjust and he'll go back to sleeping through the night! Jackson is so sweet to him and begs to hold him and share food, toys, etc with him daily. I am a very happy mommy who is really enjoying this time, despite being pretty tired lately. Since we are still undecided on a 3rd baby we are trying to really relish every baby moment just in case Baron is our last. Thank you God for the blessing of two happy and healthy boys!

Rain drops falling on my head!

Jackson loves rain and always begs to go outside with the mickey mouse rain boots and umbrella that Gaga bought for him. Here he is enjoying the rain last Wednesday. Someday maybe I will remember not to turn the camera so we can watch videos upright!

Jackson and Ellie

Last Sunday we had lunch at the Hirsts' and got to visit with Damian's best mate Graham who is here on vacation. I thought this picture of Ellie and Jackson was so funny. They kind of remind me of a married couple here. It looks like Ellie is clearly embarrassed by Jackson's joke. He obviously thinks he is hysterical.
By the way, on a very exciting note, this was Jackson's LAST DAY to wear a diaper!!!

Emma's 5th Birthday Party

Last Saturday was Emma's 5th birthday party. Originally we were going to be out of town but when Jackson found out we weren't going to make it he got hysterical. As Gaga pointed out it's hard to believe that Jackson is old enough to be bummed about missing a party but it's true! Anyway, Nanny and Paw Paw were awesome about us changing the dates of our visit so that we could make it back for the party.

Jackson, Dylan and Bear. The kids were waiting for the pony rides.
Jackson LOVES Dr. Grant. Grant was nice enough to take Jackson on his pony ride. Jack was so excited.
The birthday girl.

Jackson riding the pony. Notice the cute hat Jackson got from Paw Paw. Emma's party was so cute! Not only did the kids get to ride ponies but they also each got a sheriff star and cowboy hat and got to mine for treasure. Jaclyn even monogrammed each treasure bag with the kid's names.
Jackson was so excited that his BFF Ellie was hunting for treasure next to him.

One of Jackson's favorite things about the party was the water sprayer. Jaclyn had bought a bug sprayer and filled it with water. It was SO HOT at the party that the kids had a blast spraying each other and themselves. Jackson of course is the one who spearheaded the project!
Dylan helping Jackson to cool off.
Baron was a champ despite the heat.
My crazy little man.
I love this picture of Jackson having a blast playing with the water sprayer. And yes, several people have commented about how this picture might also be compared to that of a college student. . .

Happy birthday Emma and thanks for inviting us to your super fun party!

Sweet Treat

I have a friend who writes a blog about doing one "sweet treat" for someone else each week. She incorporates her two small children and it is so awesome. I had been reading it for awhile when she first started and then forgotten about it until recently. It is so awesome and I really want to try to copy some of her ideas with my kids. You should check it out when you get a chance, just click here.
I think if more people could teach their kids about helping others the world would be a much better place.
The first thing Jay and I want to do to teach Jackson about giving is that we are going to ask his friends to bring a donation item to his 3rd birthday party instead of a gift. Jackson has plenty of toys and we figure he will get to open enough from family members. The organization Heroes for Children is one we ran a 5k for last year and they have a great program called the Superheroes Birthday Club. Click here for the details. Anyway, I'm really excited about it and have been working on explaining it to Jackson. I know he doesn't really understand what it all means at this age but he is totally on board and I'm really excited to see how it turns out. Thanks to Amber for having such a giving spirit and inspiring others to do the same!

Nanny and Paw Paw

After leaving Kidfest Monday evening we drove to Nanny and Paw Paw's house. Jackson, as always was a champ in the car. He's always been great on road trips. Baron, on the other hand, was not very happy. Baron screamed about half of the time in the car. It was awesome, holiday traffic and a screaming baby. For being such a happy little man out of the car it's shocking how much he can cry in the car. But we survived and made it to Beach City much later than expected, at about 10:00.
We went straight to bed despite Jackson being beside himself with excitement over seeing his grandparents.
Visiting Nanny and Paw Paw is always a blast because Jackson LOVES it and there is so much to do. Also both Jim and Charlotte are awesome at letting Jackson help them with everything. Now, I know his "help" usually adds time to a task instead of making it faster but it's so worth it. He loves to help wash the truck, water the plants, clean the pool, etc. Whatever they do they are so sweet to include him in and it really gives him so much pride to be helping with adult activities.
Anyway, we had a fantastic time but instead of just blabbing I'll go ahead and let all of the pictures tell the story!



Here's little Bear relaxing on Nanny and Paw Paw's bed.
Baron and Paw Paw. We have a picture of Jackson watching football with Paw Paw on the same bed at the same age. Click here to see it:)
Jackson loves the pogo swing and spent a lot of time swinging!
Bear with Aunt Ree Ree and Uncle Dennis.
Jackson getting ready to help Nanny in the garden. Jackson made her wear Paw Paw's hat in this picture:)
This little fence is of course no deterrent for Jackson the climber!
More swinging!
Jackson was very excited to take Baron on a golf cart ride with daddy.
Baron meeting Uncle Heath at Aunt Ree Ree's house. Heath is actually Jay's nephew but since he's only 4 years younger than Jay he is more like an uncle to our kids. Also, Heath and Jackson somehow decided that Heath would be called "Uncle Stinky."
Jackson with Aunt Ree Ree's cat, Socks.
Aunt Pat (Nanny's sister) with Baron.
Beautiful Nanny at her birthday dinner. Paw Paw did a fish fry and let me just tell you it was WONDERFUL! He fried fish and did hush puppies and chips from scratch. Jackson (along with the rest of us) was in heaven:)
Paw Paw working his magic.
Uncle Stinky helping Jackson to climb the rope. Jackson loves Heath so much and almost cried for him to spend the night. Luckily Heath didn't have to work the next day and was able to stay over. When Jackson woke up the next morning he immediately wanted to find his "best friend." This was the first time Jackson was able to spend a lot of time with Heath and it was really special. Jay, Heath and Jack spent quite a bit of time together and loved it. Jackson is so lucky to have such awesome relatives in Beach City.
Nanny and Bear.
Our visit was just so much fun and we can't wait to go back. Jackson already begs to go to Nanny and Paw Paw's house on a regular basis and I know before long Baron will be asking as well! Thanks to all of our BC family, we love you guys so much!!

No more diapers for Jack?!

Also known as Daddy gets a raise:) I hate to speak too soon but I think Jackson is potty trained. . .and I am so excited! Two weeks ago tomorrow Jackson announced that he FINALLY wanted to be potty trained. And in the almost two weeks since he's only had one accident. I wasn't positive about the situation since he'd been going on the potty on and off since he was 17 months. Yes, that's right, we've been dealing with this for a total of 17 months. . .half of his life! Anyway, he hasn't worn a diaper (except for nap and night) for the last two days and has done really well. He didn't even wet his diaper either of the last two nights. So, congrats Jackson and congrats mommy and daddy. . .the monthly diaper bill is going down! I'm a bit behind on blogging, still need to post about camping and our visit to Nanny and Paw Paw's but I'm too tired to do anything but this. Good night world!

Kidfest 2010

Once again Mandy was crazy enough to open her house to us for Kidfest over Memorial Day weekend. We had a GREAT time! We really missed the Francis and Oldenburg families but the Adams and Hirst family did our best to pick up the slack by adding two extra kids this year. Carolyn and Jenna. . .you had both better come next year because I don't think Adrienne and I can handle adding any more kids by next May:)
Anyway, the weekend was fantastic and as usual I have about a thousand pictures.


Ellie having a blast swimming with Damian.


Adrienne did an awesome job with the "twins" in the pool. Jack and Ellie have always been best buddies but this weekend they were inseparable. It was so cute and I know they will have so many happy memories together over the years.


Little Charlie LOVED the water!


The kids had a ball jumping from the hot tub into the pool.


Adrienne's watermelon popsicles were a huge hit!


Charlie chilling with daddy.


Jackson got some serious air when Jay threw him:)


As you can see, Jackson couldn't be any happier.


Jay taking it easy with Charlie.


Baron loved to watch all of the action from the big kids.


Look at those blue eyes!


The babies of the group. It's hard to believe that pretty soon they will be running around like Jax and Ellie.


Little Miss Ellie in her pink:)


The kids playing in the laundry room. Jackson likes to bring people in and tell them the story about falling and hitting his head the previous year.


Can you tell we spent a lot of time in the pool?


Damian played lots of fun games with the kids.


More popsicles!


Happy little Ellie at breakfast.

I thought this picture was so funny. Jackson was teaching Ellie about shaving her face. They were so precious and Jackson couldn't have been happier to wake up knowing Ellie was in the house.


Can you tell we're a little obsessed with sun protection when it comes to the kiddos?


Such a cute picture of the Hirst family:)







Jay and Bear.


Adrienne with cowboy Charlie.


Happy Baron.


It was only about 100 degrees that day so the majority of the time was spent in the water.


Kelsey with Baron.


Mandy's youngest nephew, Mac. He'll be 3 in October.

Mandy and Ella (Mandy's nephews cousin). Ella loved that there was a little girl there named Ellie.


I'm not sure why but this is my new favorite picture of Bear.


I love those blue eyes!


Jackson. Loves. Bounce houses!





Jackson and Chase (Mandy's middle nephew) had a ball playing in the bounce house and getting wet.


Ellie loved watching and looking beautiful from the sidelines.


Ellie is so good about keeping her glasses on.


BFF's.


Chase playing in the pool.


Bear wearing Jackson's old hat.


Ellie making her way to the pool. She had enough of the bounce house watching. Gracie and Mattie are in the background.


Jackson looks so funny in his padded swimsuit.


Charlie "jumping" to Adrienne.


Jack and Ellie consulting on a very important phone call!


The 4 stars of the weekend.


How cute are those kids?


Baron loving his most recent discovery. . .his feet.


Another member of kidfest this year was Matt. He came sans wife and kiddo so he escaped most pictures by fishing the majority of the time. We were so glad to get to see him and definitely want Joanie and Luke to join us sometime soon! Here Matt, Jay and Jackson are building a fire.


Charlie about to fall asleep before they left for the long drive back home.


A hug between the two big kids. Jackson was very sad that he wouldn't see Ellie for a whole 5 days.


Goodbye hugs from Kelsey.
We had a wonderful time. . .even Saturday when we had 10 kids. . .and lots of fun! Thanks to Mandy, the Hirsts and Matt for making the weekend so special!