Wishes for Jackson

At my baby shower, we had these Wishes for Baby cards.  Anyone that wanted to fill one out could.  I'm going to put them in a book for Jackson, but I haven't gotten around to doing it yet.  Here are a few of my favorites!  (There were a lot more favorites, but I narrowed it down.  The list got a little long, haha.)

I hope you find joy in every breath (Grandma Heiserman)

I hope you love those who earn it (Daddy)

I hope you aren't afraid to take chances (Momma)

I hope you laugh as much as your mom (Rach)

I hope you never forget how much you’re loved (Abby)

I hope you never forget how wonderful you are (Morgan)

I hope you grow slowly!  Stay a sweet baby forever! (Erin)

I hope you laugh every day-and then some! (*Great* Aunt Sara)

I hope you never forget where you came from (*Great Great* Aunt Ellen)

I hope you aren’t afraid to be yourself, no matter what (Lindsay)

I hope you love like there’s no tomorrow (Becca)

I LOVE reading through those cards....I'm such a baby when it comes to my baby!

Color Run 2012

We officially survived the Color Run!  Our first family 5k :)  I think we might start doing it yearly, because it's a lot of fun.  Hopefully next year we'll get more people to go with us.  It was in Indianapolis on Saturday (7/28).  We went up on Friday and stayed with Robbie and Kels.  Of course, Jackson hated the car ride, haha.  He did a lot better on the way home.  We went to the run on about 4.5 hours of sleep!  Luckily for Darrin and I, we just walked it with Jax.  Mom and Robbie ran the whole thing!  They did awesome.  Next year I might try to run it, because Jax will be big enough then.  There were 5 stations throughout the run where they threw color at you.  We avoided the color, because we didn't want to get any on Jackson.  It was still fun, though!  AND we stopped at Carter's on the way home and got some cute clothes for Jackson :)

Daddy and Jax

Before 

After

Serious Color Runner

Momma and Jax :)

Grandma and Jax

College Plans

I got into the class I NEEDED for the fall!  I have two more specific classes that I need, along with upper-division hours.  The two classes I need can't be taken in the same semester, so I needed to get into the first one in the fall.  I want to be done after the spring semester and that's the only way I could accomplish that.  I've been checking the course for months now to see when I could get into it.  It was full and the teacher hasn't been released yet.  I go to check it and there is 1 opening!  I snagged it!  So, now I can finish in the spring, as long as I do well, of course :)  All of my classes are online, except for this class.  It meets Monday and Wednesday from 4-6:30.  I'm never away from Jackson, so I'm sure I'll have a hard time with it, haha.  Luckily, Jackson has done pretty well with a bottle and Darrin will be home those nights.  I really don't want to take him to day care, so it works out.  Wish me luck for the fall semester, cuz I'm sure it'll kick my ass!

A blog post just isn't complete without a picture of my Jax :)

Growing Pains

Jackson is growing and I'm having the pains!  I went through Jackson's clothes...  Bittersweet.  My baby boy is growing so fast.  Even faster than the average baby! haha  I switched out the clothes he doesn't fit in.  He still fit in some, but they were getting a little tight.  I got out all the next sized clothes and put those in his dresser.  As much as I want him to grow up...I still want him to stay my little snuggle baby forever!

He had more visitors yesterday, too!  We enjoyed it :)  His Uncle Zachie started snugglin' him today, too!  Big stuff.  Next weekend we have The Color Run we're going to.  It's Jackson's first 5k!  Actually, it's my first 5k, too.  We're only walking in it, but it should be really fun.  We're all getting shirts that say "Joggin' for Jax."  He's not a big deal or anything ;)

Loves sucking on those fingers...always finds his thumb!

Snugglin' Momma

Yes...he's huge!

Let the good times roll...

We had a pretty interesting weekend.  Jackson finally got to meet Kourtney, Bobby, Marley, Rory, Zackary, Kristina, Big Shaun, and Little Shaun!  We realized just how big our boy is.  Compared to little Zackary, he is huge!  They're birthday twins, but you wouldn't be able to tell by looking at them, haha.  Jackson also got to see his Aunt Sarah, Karter, and Klayton.  AND his Aunt Lori, Reece, and Bryce.  AND his Uncle Derrick and Barbara.  Plus his Grandma and Grandpa Gus!  Big weekend for my little man :)  It was really good seeing everyone.

A blog post just isn't complete without a picture of the coolest baby on the block!

Tough guy.

"Mom, why'd you take me there?"

Jackson had his 2 month appointment today.  What happens at his 2 month appointment?  SHOTS!  And not the good kind...

He's actually 2 months and 1 week, but close enough.  He's definitely growing.  He's 14 lbs 5 oz and 24.5 inches long.  He's in the 90th percentile for height, weight, and head circumference.  We have ourselves a BIG boy!  He's the size of your average 4 month old....she told me so.  I love every bit of his bigness :)

His shots were terrible.  The worst experience EVER!  I think I'm more traumatized than he is.  He had 3 shots and one oral vaccination.  He was pissed when we got there anyway, because he hates car rides.  We finally got him calmed down and here come the shots.  She gave him the oral one.  Then Darrin held his arms while she gave him 2 shots in his left leg and 1 in his right.  I made Darrin hold him, because I couldn't handle it.  We (as in me and Jax) both cried.  Definitely no fun.  He's been sleeping ever since, besides to eat.  I did get a few smiles out of him, though :)  He's a tough guy!

Pictures of Jax

I'm sure if you could buy him at the store...everyone would!  Look how cute he is!  These are just a few pictures from my camera that I finally got around to scanning...

So classy!

Haha, on his one month "birthday"

First Bath (still had his wrinkle ear)

and he HATED it!

He doesn't mind them now :)

Baby Books

I think it's really important to start reading to your kids when they're really little, but that's just my opinion.  I try to read Jackson at least one book every day.  He's not really into them right now, but I at least try.  Sometimes we only get halfway through, but that's okay :)  Anyway, here are some of my favorites.  (I have a ton of favorites, these are just a few)

Oh, the Places You'll Go!

Love this book!  I'm a huge Seuss fan, but this is definitely one of my favorites.  It's such a cute little kid book, but has a good message.

Oh, the Thinks you can Think!

Another cute Seuss book, with a good message :)  We have this in a little board book, which makes it easier to read to Jackson.

Wet Pet, Dry Pet, Your Pet, My Pet!

Another Seuss.  I bought this because I had never seen it.  Each page has something different they can feel, pull, etc.  Jackson could care less right now, but I think he'll really like it when he gets older :)

My Book about Me

Okay, last Seuss.  I found this at Barnes and Noble when I was pregnant and HAD to have it.  It's like a fill in the blank book.  It's for kids a lot older than Jackson, but I think it's awesome.  There are tons of things for them to fill out, like how many freckles they have!  Such a fun thing for them to do.

The Rainbow Fish

This was my favorite when I was little, so I had to get it for Jackson.  I loved the shimmer and sparkle.

Guess How Much I Love You

This is the latest book I got for Jackson.  Such a cute one.  If you get the board book, it's a quick read, which is awesome for babies like Jackson.

Baby Things (newborn to 2 months)

I decided to make a list of the most helpful things that we've used so far.  I've also decided you can never have enough baby things.  Of course, we have more helpful things, but these are just a few that we love.

http://www.amazon.com/Summer-Infant-Sleeper-Portable-Bedding/dp/B005ASKQ42/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1341699595&sr=8-1&keywords=by+your+side+sleeper

If you have a baby that won't sleep in his crib, this is the thing for you!  Jackson was definitely a snuggle baby and still is.  He just wanted to be close to us all the time.  We decided to get this, because it goes in your bed.  I was terrified to actually sleep with him, so this seemed like the next best thing.  He still felt like he was close to us and when he woke up I could just put my hand on him and he'd eventually go back to sleep.  The sides are also mesh so I didn't have to worry about him suffocating.  We couldn't use it for very long, because Jackson is growing so fast!  I'm sure it'd last longer for normal sized babies.

http://www.amazon.com/Graco-Pack-Playard-Bassinet-Pasadena/dp/B004Y9AKZI/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1341701682&sr=8-2&keywords=graco+pack+n+play

This accomplishes the same thing the co-sleeper does.  Jackson just outgrew his sleeper so we started putting him in the pack n play.  I can still put my hand on him when he wakes up and he has enough room to wiggle around.

http://www.amazon.com/Summer-Woombie-Swaddle-Newborn-Maldives/dp/B005MPCAJC/ref=sr_1_7?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1341701904&sr=1-7&keywords=woombie

Jackson is a mover and a shaker.  His arms and legs are constantly moving.  He would wake himself up without a swaddle.  He likes this swaddle better than any of the other ones.  Brand doesn't matter, just design.  The zip is also a lot more convenient than the velcro.  He'll still sleep in the velcro (SwaddleMe) waddles, but we prefer these.  They aren't as tight around his chest.

http://www.amazon.com/The-First-Years-GumDrop-Pacifier/dp/B004GY8A58/ref=sr_1_1?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1341702138&sr=1-1&keywords=gumdrop

We got lucky, because these were the first pacifiers we tried.  At first he didn't like them, but we kept trying and he eventually got to where he's likes them.  Sometimes he still won't take it, but he's getting better.  I've also tried the Nuk ones and he hated them.  These are the only ones he likes.

http://www.amazon.com/Fisher-Price-T2517-Bouncer-Turtle-Days/dp/B002OOWAGW/ref=sr_1_1?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1341702281&sr=1-1&keywords=turtle+bouncer

This toy bar came with his bouncy seat.  He could care less about the seat, but he LOVES this toy bar.  He just stares at the red turtle.  This thing will keep him content for quite awhile.

http://www.amazon.com/Fisher-Price-Rainforest-Melodies-Lights-Deluxe/dp/B000FFL58Q/ref=sr_1_2?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1341702416&sr=1-2&keywords=activity+gym

We just got this, but he already likes it.  It lights up at the top and also plays music.  The only negative is that you have to keep playing with it for the music to play.  It isn't continuous.  He loves the elephant rattle.  Definitely keeps him entertained for awhile and gives us a place to lay him for tummy time.

http://www.amazon.com/The-First-Years-Infant-Toddler/dp/B000067EH7/ref=sr_1_1?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1341702548&sr=1-1&keywords=baby+bath+tub

This tub makes bath time so much easier.  The sling is a lifesaver!  I'm such a worrier and it makes me feel better when giving him a bath.  It cradles the baby and you don't have to worry about him slipping into the water.

http://www.amazon.com/California-Baby-Sensitive-Shampoo-Bodywash/dp/B002VARN3O/ref=sr_1_3?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1341702671&sr=1-3&keywords=california+baby

Jackson has super sensitive skin so I thought I'd have a really hard time finding a soap that wouldn't irritate him.  This works like a charm.  We don't even have the super sensitive kind and he still doesn't get irritated.

http://www.target.com/p/gerber-newborn-10-pack-gauze-prefold-diaper-white/-/A-13574461#?lnk=sc_qi_detaillink

These are lifesavers when breastfeeding.  He's a messy eater, haha.  These soak up the milk and also serve as light-weight blankets!  I definitely recommend these over the smaller, more popular ones.

More to come!  Jackson needs me :)

2 months!!

I just can't believe my baby boy is 2 months old.  Doesn't feel like he's been around that long!  I don't know what I ever did without him....  I take a ridiculous amount of pictures of him, haha.  I need to get the pictures off my camera, cuz they're some pretty cute ones on there too :)  I was gonna post a few videos, but it didn't seem like it was gonna work.  Sucks for you!!!

Jackson's activity gym finally got here, so he's been enjoying that.  He's really been smiling alot lately, which I love!  It's crazy how fast they change!  I want him to stay my little cuddle-bug forever!

In other news, I've been reading!  I'm not sure anybody really believes that.  Right now I'm reading "Beautiful Boy."  It's a father's story of his son's addiction.  Super sad.  In the beginning, he says that you can't choose whether your child lives or dies, it's up to them.  Such a sad realization.  Also terrifying.  So far it's been good, but I'm not too far into it.

This picture is at 1 month

 

This one is at 2 months

Happy 2 months baby boy!  Momma loves you :)