Too Cute!

I don't know how to explain this video other than to say Jackson and I were playing this morning while waiting to go to school and work, respectively. He started babbling and making sounds, so I picked up the camera. All I can say is he's pretty much the cutest thing ever. I mean, for sure he is.

By the way, I'd like to note that Jackson cracks up when he watches this video. Now THAT might be the cutest thing ever. And he makes the sound back to himself. *melt*

11 Month Stats

First and foremost let me express my disbelief in the fact that my son is about to turn one. Seriously... ONE?!?! I know it's cliche, but where has the time gone? *sigh*

11 Month Stats:

Weight: 21 lbs 4 oz

Height: 28.75"

Now, you may recall similar stats from his 10 month stat blog entry, but yup, they're accurate. He had gained weight but a nice little stomach virus that landed us in the emergency room for a few hours pretty much set him back a bit. And the 1/4 of an inch in growth is beyond my explanation. Who knows.

Here are some of the highlights from him 11 month photo shoot:

He's such a sweet boy. He loves to give hugs and kisses. And he'll share just about anything with you. I just can't get enough.

He's tall...ish.

New tricks:

• He likes to walk along the walls holding on to very little.
• He can identify the bird and the tree in one of his books. He knows where your nose, mouth, eyes and ears are.
• Will walk with you only holding one of your hands.
• Everything is still "Doggie," but at least now there is differentiation between Mommy and Daddy! Yay!
• His favorite toy is his phone. It's hilarious to see him hold it up to his ear and pretend to talk. I wonder where he learned that?!?!
• He's adding more and more solid foods to his diet. He likes veggie sticks and small pieces of whole wheat pasta. He loves banana baby food, but does not enjoy the real thing. The Kid will do just about anything for a Cheerio.

That's it. Next month's update will have official measurements from the doctor from his one-year check-up. And we'll have party pics from his birthday party! I Can. Not. Wait!

Aaayee (As The Fonz Would Say)

This pic cracks me up. Jackson is now into wearing his sunglasses. He thinks it's hilarious when you put yours on, and for the first time this weekend, he didn't take his off when we put them on him.

Pointing is his new thing.

Down on the Farm

The weather here was beautiful this Labor Day weekend, so we took Jackson to Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead. Every mom I know is always raving about this place, so we decided to try it out. It got us out of the house and outside, and that's what was important. Here are a few of the highlights.

At first Jackson wasn't so sure of this "doggie." (Every animal is a doggie right now. We're working on it.)

But then Mommy pet the cow and Daddy pet the cow, and he warmed up to the idea that this cow was pretty cool. By the way, this cow, Ellie May, was super cool. She was so sweet and patient with all of the kids petting and grabbing at her. Oh, if only we all had the patience of Ellie May.

Saddle up, Cowboy! Clearly this ain't his first rodeo.

Jackson could not get enough of the baby goats. Also known as "doggies." He thought it was hilarious the way they came up and checked him out even though he didn't have any food for him. Well, unless you count his belt, which several of the baby goats thought was delicious.

In this picture Jackson is giving the goat a hug. Seriously, cute overload here or what?!?!

On an old fashioned tractor. I think. Well, some old farm equipment. Hey, I'm a city girl.

The farmstead had a butterfly garden. A little while ago we took Jackson to Powell Gardens for the Butterfly Extravaganza and he was less than impressed with the butterflies. What he did love, however, were the flowers. This, obviously, was a hit.

Here's Jackson pointing at the donkey. Which, shockingly, sounds a lot like doggie. Are you noticing a theme here? Anyway, I just love his little finger pointing out at the animals. Too cute. Pointing is his preferred method of communication at the moment. Do you see his tiny little hand?

And my precious boy peeking through the window at the children't log cabin.

We had so much fun down on the farmstead. Jackson didn't even notice that by the time we made it back to the car, we were an hour and a half late for his afternoon nap. He was such a great kiddo and was so happy to see all of the "doggies." I am now one of those moms raving about Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead.

10 Months

10 Month Stats:

Weight: 21lbs 4ozs

Height: 28.5"

Here's his growth chart pic. Such a little man.

And usually I try to get a pic of him sitting or standing... you know to take in all the glory that is Jackson. But these days he's more interested in checking out the camera than making sure Mommy documents his every move. So we get pictures like this if no one is holding him down. Oh well. At least you can see his two teeny tiny teeth.

Two more months and our sweet little baby will be a sweet little boy. Where has the time gone?

New tricks:

• Both Mommy and Daddy are now known as "Daddy."
• Every animal is a "Doggie."
• Words he can say: Daddy, Mama, Uh-oh, Doggie, Bunny, Bailey and Elroy. Those last two you have to hear. They melt your heart.
• Favorite Song: Hip Hip Hooray from Super Why!
• Favorite Toy: Aaron's computer. No, seriously, his stackable rings.
• And he love love loves to play Peek-a-boo Barn on our iPhones.
• He loves to give kisses and hugs. Kisses are of the open mouth variety.
• He's a great sharer. For now. He'll give you whatever he picks up, he'll feed you Cheerios, and he'll even share his paci. That's love.

Dear Jackson,

My heart breaks to hear you coughing and sniffling. I know it will pass, but right now all I want to do is take your pain away. Your cries make my heart ache. I'm sorry I can't do anything more than hug and kiss and rock you. Please get better soon so we can see your adorable smile and laugh with you again.

I love you more each day.

Mommy

While Mom's Away...

I went to the lake with some girlfriends for the weekend. It was my first trip away from Jackson, and for the record, I only cried once. Yay me!

The boys had a fun time. Here are some of the pics that were sent to me while I was on my mini-vacay.

Sent Friday morning with the caption "Good morning!"

Sent Friday night with the caption "Hey! We're playing here!" Pictured with Jackson is his friend Teagan.

Sent Saturday morning by Maki. It's the Dads at swim lessons with the kids. All of the moms were at the lake. (Jackson and Aaron are on the far right.)

Finally, Sunday morning with the caption "See Mom, I'm getting my naked time in!" Back story is necessary here. Jackson had a pretty nasty diaper rash of some sort. It took 3 different medicines, changing his diaper every 45 minutes and TONS of Naked Baby Time to get it to clear up.

CENSORED

(It was requested that I remove this pic. We'll reserve it for a private showing in our own home the first time he brings a girl over.)

I'm home now and able to enjoy The Little Man in person rather than in still photography. My trip was fun and a much needed battery recharge, but I'm glad to be home and seeing his smiles in person.