Are we raising a boob man?...

I've been noticing a trend. Every time I fold laundry with Jackson somewhere below knee level he wants to join in the fun. But it never fails, he finds a bra of mine and has the best time with it. Is he trying to figure out how the contraption works? Does he like that it's silky? What is it about the bra that he's willing to pass up ultra-colorful socks for? I thought today that maybe he would go for my jogging pants that are a much larger version of the same fabric, but he still went for the bra. I know what you are thinking... Sara must sport some wild and crazy designs on her unmentionables... but I don't, just your basic black or white. So what is it about a bra that my kid fancies?

Christmas Fun...

The Christmas holiday is over and it feels good to get back to normal. Five days in a row of go, go, go... I'm looking forward to things slowing down again. Jackson did great during the holidays! I couldn't ask for better! We made sure not to skip any naps and he was a little angel in the evening time which made things pretty much easy! Jackson didn't seem to be too excited about the presents, but he loved the wrapping paper and tissue paper. Too bad for him they aren't flavored, he loved putting it in his little mouth! Here are some photos from the holiday celebrations.


Opening presents



Sitting on Santa's Lap

Out-sourced wrapping...

I'm wondering, what is it about gift giving that we find most important. The thinking, the shopping, the wrapping? For me it's always been a combination of all three. I often start thinking of Christmas gifts when the leaves start to fall, trying to listen for clues to bring the brightest smile to loved ones faces under the Christmas tree. I find that this is unusual for some... my husband is who I'm really talking about here.

Ron asks for a list, which I happily supply. He does do the shopping all on his own, even if it's closer to the holiday than I would do, but whatever it's his way. The part of the process that he doesn't participate in, is the wrapping. Ron drops off his gifts in their bag at his parent's house for his mother to wrap.

I think this is cheating, and makes the gift receiving less rewarding for me. What do you think? Take my poll

The biting wars...

Jackson still only has his two bottom teeth which doesn't help in the biting battle at school. He got his first bite from a fellow schoolmate today. Apparently Jackson was trying to win in a tug o' war over a much desired toy with one of the older boy in the toddler room and his enemy struck back by biting his right hand, not breaking the skin, thank goodness.

How do we teach Jackson what to do when another playmate bites him? What if Jackson is the biter? Bite back? Another experience to look forward to. More challenges to face.

On the Mend...

Jackson is starting to feel better. His nose is quite chapped from all the wiping, we can't seem to keep up with petroleum jelly, but we are doing our best. I'm just glad that he will be feeling better for Christmas, unless he picks up some new virus from other sticky unwashed hands at school. We'll be crossing our fingers that that doesn't happen.

I am so excited to see how he reacts to unwrapping gifts. His school did a little holiday party and we sent along a little toy cellphone for Jackson to unwrap. His teacher Leah told me that they put him in his highchair and he had a blast, I can only imagine!

Snuffle, Sniffle, Cough, Cough...

Jackson is sick, sick, sick! We have gotten very little sleep now for 3 nights straight. He is coughing, sneezing, wheezing and we feel just horrible for him. He is heading to see Dr. Mayrand this afternoon to see if there is anything we can do for him.


A very sick boy.

Walker...

We have a walker!! Jackson took his first 3 steps from his daddy to the television! Then 5 steps from Daddy to Mommy. Hooray!

Happy Month Birthday...

Jackson is 11 months old today! I took a photo this morning to commemorate the event, I'll upload it later today.


Here is the 11 month old.

Now I'm the Tired Little Bugger...

Last night Ron and I went out to dinner at Il Vesco Vino with my co-workers for our little Christmas gathering. A tasty place to eat and a place I would like to return to.

My mom had fun babysitting, getting on her hands and knees and crawling all over our dining room floor to entertain Jackson before we left... I wonder how crazy she got when she was all alone with him?? After we got home and saw my mom out the door, we crawled under the covers and turned on the TV. Side note: This will have to stop as soon I will be starting school again and this time will be used to read. Anyway, shortly after we were all settled in, Jackson awoke with a cry.

I took the first shift of "This Old Man" and bouncing up and down, Ron took the second. After two hours we decided to try a small bottle and Jackson slowly drifted off to sleep, in our bed. Sleeping with Jackson between the two of us does not allow for a comfortable well rested sleep but at that point I would have taken anything.

Ah sleep... I awoke to Jackson trying to roll over top of me at 5:30am!!!

Anyone have toothpicks for my eyelids? Anyone?

Tired little bugger...

When I picked Jackson up from school yesterday his report card for the day said he had napped for only 10 minutes. I thought for sure we were in for a rough night.

I got Jackson's dinner together and when Ron got home Jackson was fed and snacking on puffs so that we could eat our meal in peace. As our meal was ending Jackson was nodding off in his highchair. We decided to let him sleep for a bit so that he would be in better spirits for the rest of the evening. After a half hour nap, Jackson still seemed to want to sleep. We dressed him in his little pjs and he snuggled in with Mom for his evening bottle and off to sleep he went! Whew. No struggle, no night wakings, no cries. Just his usual passing gas and sighs thoughout the night.

Ron and I took advantage of the quiet time to watch a movie (Life as a House) and then off to bed. I wish all evenings could be so lovely.

Santa's Lap...

The line only took an hour and Jackson was patient as can be. Happy Holidays everyone.

Missing a filling...

I went to the dentist today. I hate the dentist, thinking about the dentist gives me the shivers. A few weeks ago while eating some late-night popcorn I felt as though something got caught in my tooth. After a couple of weeks of extra flossing, flicking with my tounge, scraping with my fingernail, I gave up. I had a teeth cleaning appointment coming up and I would just wait until then.

Today was the cleaning appointment. The hygenist took an x-ray, the doctor took a look and it was decided that I was missing a filling. However, I never had a filling, my chart even confirms no filling. Second doctor comes in and agrees, a missing filling. Now I have an appointment to re-fill the "missing" filling. But should I really be paying to replace a filing that never existed? What happens if I leave this go?

And another thought: Why am I so poor at asking questions of doctors? They intimidate me. I make mistakes at my job all the time, I bet they do too, and this is one of those mistakes.

Walking in a Winter Wonderland...

We decided to take a walk on the snowy sidewalks today, so we went to Target to buy a sled. Apparently the time to get a sled is not the day after it snows, it's before it snows. Who knew? As Ron was searching the aisle for a sled I was in the car waiting with a sleeping baby. I called my mom to check in and she said we were in luck, she bought a sled for Jackson for Christmas. So Jackson got to go sledding after all. After we got our brand new sled home we bundled Jackson up and took him outside for some fun in the snow. Our time outside was brief, Jackson was not as excited as we were to be bundled up and sledding. I think the new teeth that are trying to make their way in got the best of him. We'll try again when the little guy is feeling up to it.

Like a fish...

Jackson really enjoys being in the water, which is a very good thing considering his daddy's profession. We went swimming at the Lakeville Lifetime on Saturday with our friends Russ and Heather and their son Grayson.

While Lakeville is only a 45 minute drive for us and we only stayed at Lifetime for 3 hours, it felt like we actually went on a mini vacation, it was great. The boys went into childcare for the first hour so we could have some adult time using the rock climbing facilities. After refueling the boys we got them ready for the water. It took us longer to get them ready before and after than the time we spent in the pool, but it was well worth it, we all had a blast.

Thanks for the good time Schmidts!

Brusha Brusha Brusha...

With his little Baby Einstein toothbrush, Jackson brushes away. He laughs and giggles while he scrubs back and forth on his two tiny little teeth and gums.

Do you ever find yourself singing the commerical that Jan sings in Grease?

Brusha, Brusha, Brusha
Get the new Impana
With the brand new flavor
It's dandy for your teeth

That's what I sing while I brush, I even try to do it in Jan's nasal sounding voice. I think I'll teach it to Jackson.

Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade...

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday for many reasons, one of them being the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. I can't wait to wake up with Jackson and run to the living room to turn on the old television and tune it to the parade. It's the one day all year that it's perfectly acceptable to stay in your pjs until noon, so that you don't miss one single float go by.

The Rockettes!!! Oh, the Rockettes... I was going to be one of them someday. Somehow even if I had the ability I don't think I would have been accepted being 5'3" and all would play against me. I would yell to my mom who was probably getting multiple dishes ready for our Thanksgiving feast, "Mom, the Rockettes are on!!! You CAN'T miss the Rockettes, hurry up get out here!!"


The RadioCity Rockettes

A few years ago my mom met a Rockette! She brought me back a t-shirt... but I still wish I could meet a Rockette.

Do you remember when the Sonic the Hedgehog balloon got caught up in a lamp-post? I think that it was the Cat in the Hat that banged into another lamp-post a few years later and injured some folks.

Spending Thanksgiving mornings with Bryant Gumball, Willard Scott, Katie Couric and Al Roker has been a highlight of mine for many years. I watch from the very first float until Santa makes his way to Macy's. Last year I was a little disappointed to be watching Meredith Vierra and not Katie Couric, and I'll probably be disappointed again this year, but the smile won't leave my face until Al, Meredith and Matt sign off for the day.

This parade obsession could possbily contribute to the reason that Miracle on 34th Street is my favorite Christmas movie to watch. Maybe this parade obsession contributes to other things... or maybe explains some??

Some day though, I promise to take my family to see Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in front on Macy's. I wonder who will be most excited to be there?

Snow flies...

Winter isn't even officially here yet and I've already got the blahs. The work it takes to get the boy bundled up, and then myself, and get out the door just doesn't seem worth it. I'm going to have to change that attitude, and quick! Jackson and I spent the entire weekend indoors with the exception of a brief outing on Friday to visit my mom for lunch and a quick run to the corner market (also known as MurderMart) for the Sunday paper.




Jackson after our visit to Grandma's work.

Jackson didn't seem to mind being bundled up in his snowsuit though. He needs something to cover his tender nose and mouth though. He looked like the poor dear in A Christmas Story... Ralphie wait for me!! I'll get the picture up here when I have time to download it from the camera. We plunked him down in the stroller and away we went. Ron and Jackson chased me through the leaves and the cold weather didn't seem to bother any of us, it's just getting out that's the problem. It's like hearing the alarm going off on a cold winter morning, and while you've been awake in bed for 20 minutes at least, the thought of escaping the warmth of the covers for the cold hardwood floors is none too welcoming.



Jackson all bundled up.

Here is to more cold floors in my future, unless I can talk Ron into moving us all to a warmer climate.

Fashionista...

When Jackson goes to sleep and Ron is away playing volleyball, I am home indulging in my absolute favorite guilty pleasure... Project Runway! I am a Bravo TV addict, I'm a Tim Gunn addict. I can't get enough, Project Runway, Tim Gunn's Guide to Style, Top Chef, Top Design. I'm not afraid to admit that, or that I was counting down the days until the new season of Project Runway started.

Among others, one thing I missed about nursing is being forced to sit in a chair for half hour intervals in front of the TV. Jackson has watched many episodes of Bravo television with me and he has never complained. While I don't have as much time for television anymore, I still find time once the little guy is off in dreamland.

I'm so excited about this new season of Project Runway. I'm already a fan of Jack and Christian. But Jack, not only is he easy on the eyes, okay, very easy on the eyes, I also want to wear the dress he made this first episode. I'm sure I'll have a new favorite by the end of the season but so far, I'm naming my winner: Jack. What do you think of Jack's dress? What do you think of Jack?

And for the one that oughta be out, Elise. She should stick to upward lifting dog and stay out of Parsons. Sorry Elise, no Namaste for you!

Picture Day...

This picture was taken today in a sweater that Grandma Pam brought back from Portugal for Jackson.

About a month ago Jackson's school had picture day. Ron and I talked about what picture day meant to us back in grade school. The silly outfits we were put in and the "unbreakable" black combs that were handed out before the Lifetouch photographer snapped the shot. About how everyone proceeded to try their best to break their "unbreakable" comb... which always broke in two.

Well, after much anticipation, (sure, it was just me anticipating) we got the photos back today. He looks adorable! The teachers managed to get 16 or so kids to sit still for a class shot too. How they did that I'll never know. Of course it's our kid that is the ONLY one not looking at the photographer. Little Jackson showing off his Independence at such a young age.

Lights out...

Last night Ron and I went to bed at 8:45. After a full weekend of getting up early and chasing a crawling Jackson all over the place I was exhausted. I was falling asleep in the chair at 8:30 and told Ron I needed to go to bed. Shortly after I snuggled myself up in the covers, Ron came in, he was tired too. Will I eventually get used to staying so busy? I feel like a loser hitting the sack even before they put the old ladies to bed in the nursing home!!

Today is Jackson's 10 month birthday. Time is whizzing by.

Watch your step...

Our city's parks are loaded with goose poop! We went to Ron's stomping grounds this weekend to find a park where we could walk and swing. We walked around the little "lake" but couldn't look up because we had to keep our feet from stepping in little goose turds that covered the path. How can this be prevented? Is there something that can be sprayed on the sidewalk to keep the geese pooping on the green? I suppose spraying a chemical of some sort into our parks isn't the answer either, but what is?

Anyway... minus the goose droppings, we still had a good time. Here are some photos of our adventure:

Jackson swinging.

Daddy took Jackson down the slide.

Popeye the Sailorman.

Mommy and Jackson on a walk.

Make a wish...

Jackson celebrated his daddy's birthday yesterday. Blow out the candles and make a wish... And Daddy's wish came true! Yay!

Happy Birthday...

Today is Ron's 38th birthday! Ron had his party and opened his gifts already, over the weekend. I'm feeling a little bad that his actual birthday is quite unexciting.

We will hopefully be celebrating with pizza and election results.

Where is Jackson?...

Like I said, we are in for it now. Jackson is finding himself in places he has never discovered before.


He left for Grandma's on Saturday night crawling just a few "steps". He came home Sunday afternoon able to go the length of the living and dining room. It's amazing to watch how fast he learns.




Jackson stayed at Grandma's so I could go out and play. Another member of the group turned 30 today so we all surprised her and had a birthday party for her on Saturday. It was so nice to be able to hang with the girls for a night of dancing and cocktails. It's been a while since we were all together, Kari, Dana, Jessica and Julie. Happy Birthday Kari, thanks for giving us an opportunity to all be together.

Achooo...

All three of us in this house have caught whatever bug it is that has been going around. Jackson started it, and Dad followed. Just when I started bragging about not coming down with the sniffles, wham! I got it too. Of course I don't have it nearly as bad as Ron. (wink)

This round is much easier than the last time all three of us were sick at the same time. That was a stomach bug which hit us all much much harder. Jackson was just about four months, poor little guy. My parents saved us by coming to pick the little guy up so that Ron and I could lay in misery in bed without being bothered. I don't know what we would have done without that option.

Hopefully we'll be out of this pile of kleenex before too long... we need to celebrate Ron's 38th birthday this week.

On all fours...

We've hit a new milestone with Jackson this evening. He took two "steps" forward crawling with his tummy up off the ground. He has taken his sweet time learning to crawl, but I think we are in for it now!

The cutest little scarecrow ever...

Jackson enjoyed his first Halloween! We "Trick or Treated" at the Fire Station, Grandma Jan and Grandpa Joel's and Grandma Pam's. We saw our devilish little cousin Luke and had oh so much fun!


Jackson The Scarecrow



Luke the Devil

Just the beginning...

It used to be so easy to keep up with family and friends. I knew the daily thoughts and events of a lot of people's lives. For many reasons, life has gotten busier for all. I thought it would be fun to start writing, a hobby I used to devote more time to, and what better way for you to keep track of me and my family?

I also thought it would be a good way to record the early years for Jackson. Sort of a running narrative of his childhood. And if I keep to my promise of updating this blog regularly, friends and family can see the little Bug's progress.

Watch for Jackson to be cruising the streets as the cutest little scarecrow ever. Check back often for new adventures and photos.