0 16 months...A letter to my little boy

Jackson,

Life with you is stunning.  You are sweet and fun and you have such spunk.  I look at you and can't believe you are ours.  Our little boy. 

I wish I had words to describe how much your father and I love you.  You are the biggest blessing in our life, you make us better, you bring us closer, and you complete our family. 

As you grow and mature you loose a little bit of baby every step of the way.  But I still see it...mostly in these fleeting moments.  These moments that are forever embedded in my memory and tied to a string that leads directly to my heart. 

These moments...

• In the still of the night when I grab you from your crib because I just can't stand to go all night without holding you close for a snuggle.  You are so sleepy but you can't help lifting your head every few minutes to give your Mommy a sweet paci smile.  You may be bigger but you still have those chubby baby legs that stretch across my lap. 
• The way you grab onto my finger when we walk together reminds me of the very first moment your hand ever grasp mine and the overwhelming feeling of love that hit me as I smiled at your Daddy.  One of the most perfect moments of my life!!
• The way you cling to me for a hug, lay your face against mine and let out an awwww, just as you have since you learned "hugs" at 9 months old. 
• The excited look you get on your face as you look at something new or surprising and then to us.  We are hooked on that face!!  I hope you never loose that excitement for life, that passion.
• The way you are in constant motion reminds us of all the times we would watch you, before we even knew you, bounce around in my tummy and dream about meeting you. 

 

You are growing and changing and blowing our minds.  I want you to always know that your Daddy and I are so proud of you, you are all we can talk about when we are together or apart, and you truly make our family whole.  We have a love so deep for you. 
We can't wait to see what you have in store for us in the future but you will always be our little boy and we will always think of these moments you have given us.  Little gifts we will never forget as you grow.
Love Mommy and Daddy

16 months
*Brought on lots of jabbering.  You are saying sooo many words: bye-bye, thank you, bubble, frog, turtle, nana(banana, or your Grandma Karen), shell(Michelle), and many many more.  You are repeating everything we say these days.
*Eating and sleeping routines are the same.  You are getting really good with utensils this month.
*Growing: 18 month clothing
*You love to do new things like craft projects, watch science experiments, or help me cook and clean up.  You want to be involved in everything Daddy and I are doing.  You even like to wear Daddy's shoes around the house. 
*You love pretend play like driving your trucks on roads we make out of masking tape.  Daddy says you make better car noises at 16 months than Mommy ever has.  I think this must be some kind of gene men are born with because he is right. 
*Lots of new teeth: all your molars are in and three of your four canine teeth.  We will all be glad when you have finished this stage of development because it makes you so miserable. 
* YOU COUNT!!  Yes you can count from one to three as long as Mommy gets you started.  So smart my little one!!
*You know all of your body parts including your belly button, which is your favorite.  You even try to say belly button, which is adorable!!
*You discovered your shadow and we like to stand and wave to him.

All in all you are brilliant and perfect and we love you!!  I know why couldn't I have just said that and been done with it...

Thanks for reading!!

XOXO,
Jenn

0 15 Months

Well I continue to lag behind in getting these posts published.  Normally I would be disappointed in myself but not this month.  We have accomplished so much this past month with our home and me with the business.  The Lovely Apple had it's busiest month so far with a whopping 21 orders and we have finished our kitchen, painted our new fireplace and just about have our laundry room finished.  I have thrown myself back into digital scrap booking and I have made some great strides towards finishing his first year.  I am so excited that we managed to tone down our social calendar and get some things done.

Jackson is as spunky as ever.  He has been a real pill this last month but I finally have my finger on what has been bothering him.  He wants so desperately to tell me things that he just can't tell me.  His inability to communicate has thrown him into tantrums you wouldn't believe unless you saw them.  I can usually calm him by getting on his level and telling him to show me but sometimes he is beyond reason. 

Jack's vocabulary is expanding and he is beginning to mimic my words a little more.  I am happy for him that he is able to communicate a little better.  New words: NO!, shoes, bubble, Buzz(from Toy Story), blue, two, and occasionally he will sneak in a word after I say it but these words he says all the time. 

His playing is changing again.  He continues on his independence streak but he is typically a very destructive little boy wanting to throw things, hit things together, and wrestle.  This past month he has wanted to do some more organized playing like building forts, playing hiding games, building with blocks, and my favorite, coloring or playing with Mommy's sticker drawer.  I am going to have to stock up on stickers because he loves to color a picture and then top it off with some fun stickers. 

Jackson continues to love to read, to watch his favorite movie, Toy Story, and to play outside.  I can't get him to come inside when I am exasperated by the heat so of course that ends in a tantrum as well.  He will stay out there for hours watering plants, playing in his water table, going for wagon rides, and just exploring new things.  He loves to explore new things.  I let him play in my Tupperware drawer the other day and he was content for a good thirty minutes. 

Eating has gotten a bit better, not because he is eating better but because I have decided to go with the flow.  I don't want to fight with him everyday so I modified all of our diets.  Jackson loves beans, LOL.  So we have been eating a lot of those lately.  I have had to get a little creative with how to incorporate these into every meal but they are his source of protein and that is important to me so we have been managing.  Bottom line, beans are healthier than meat anyway so we are probably better for the change.  He is still a rock start with breakfast and drinking his milk. 

Jackson brought home a nasty habit from daycare this month...hitting.  He will haul off and slap me in the face just because he wants to test me.  At first I didn't know what to do and it was difficult for me to hold back my laughter.  Eventually I got wise and realized he was trying to see how I would react so I started reacting.  Time out has ensued at our house.  We have a special corner just for time outs and when he hits or he wants to throw a fit he goes to that corner to do so.  He picked up on the concept quickly and has even put himself in time out a couple of times before I could even react.  I think its working but it's hard to tell sometimes.  I want him to be good and disciplined but I don't want to break his spirit getting him there.  I see so many people out and about who beat their kids down and break their strong will just to get them to behave.  I feel like there has to be a middle ground; one where he will continue to have his strong spirit but will also be a good little boy.  A few of our friends have little ones like Jack so hopefully they can give us some pointers.  And of course we all know I was exactly this way as a child as well. 

Life has never been more interesting or different than Jess and I have ever lived.  We find ourselves trading date nights for family nights without even second guessing.  We are so happy just being together, wherever we are.  And Jack brings us so much love and joy.  He has us laughing all the time even if we have to go to another room to do it so he won't see. 

Have a great week!!
Jenn

0 14 Months

I am so glad that I started this post a month ago when Jackson actually turned 14 months because otherwise I don't think I would have remembered half of this stuff. The weeks and months just fly by.  These photos are about a week and half after Jack turned 14 months but better late than never.  I promise to be on time this month and I have a little something special planned for his 15th month. 

Jack turned 14 months old on June 13th.  We celebrated by going to get his second hair cut.  This little boy's hair grows so fast, just like his Mommy's.  He enjoyed a sucker at the hair salon and was a little trooper just like the first time. 

This month marked the last of Jackson's nights with a bottle.  My little baby boy is all grown up.  Jackson takes a sippee all day long and before bed he eats a little snack and has a sippee of a couple ounces of milk.  Our bedtime routine is a little different without the bottle and took a bit of adjusting but he is mostly used to it now and goes to bed without any tears.  Our routine revolves around jammies, brushing teeth, stories as a family, and then snuggles in his chair.  In order to get rid of the bottle I just made a really big deal of how big of a boy he was for brushing his teeth and reading stories in his chair.  He really didn't seem to mind much that the bottle was gone. 

Daytime routines at home are about the same...up at 9, breakfast, playtime, lunch, one long afternoon nap, up for playtime, dinner, playtime, and then bath and bedtime.  His afternoon naps are a glorious time for me to get some things done. 

Jackson's protest to eating meat has continued this month.  I am really struggling to get what I consider a "good" diet in for him.  One day I will have no problem getting him to eat something and then the next day it seems like he hates it.  I figure this is just a phase and I am trying to be patient and flexible with him.  I spoke to his doctor about this at his last appointment and he assured me that he is getting enough protein in his milk and eggs that I am able to get in him. 

All in all Jack has been just amazing and fun.  Each month brings new challenges and he is pushing me with wanting to be independent these days but it is fun to see him explore his independence.  He likes to watch us and mimic what we do.  He can brush his own teeth and hair, likes to try and put on his own clothes, and has begun to eat with utensils like Mom and Dad, puts away his toys when asked, and helps me do simple house chores like vacuuming and laundry.  He likes to help Daddy mow the lawn, actually he down right insists on helping with just about everything.  This kiddo also LOVES to water my flowers.  He is so funny...each time we come home he goes and gets the watering can, goes over to the spout to get water, and then carries it over to the plants to water them. 

Here he is eating with a big spoon like a pro...

And he really likes to sneak bites to Julie our puppy...

Jackson can be as ornery as he is sweet at times.  He tests my patience at times and I can see it in his smile that he knows what he is doing is wrong but he just wants to see if I will let him get away with it.  This past month I was working on cleaning up lunch in the kitchen and I heard things get very quiet so I went to investigate.  Jack was standing on a chair in his playroom trying to reach a stuffed monkey on an upper shelf.  I just stood there in shock!!  I am constantly amazed by his learning and his physical strength and ability.

He is not a boy of many words but I know that he understands me.  He can say dog, duck, Momma, Daddy, uh-oh, and drink.  He watches my lips very closely when I talk to  him but he hasn't quite started to mimic my words yet.  I will keep pluggin' away and I know someday soon I will be amazed by his vocabulary. 

Sweetest boy...I love you!!

0 13 Months

Continuing on our first year tradition of monthly photos we will be doing Jackson's second year in photos as well.  This year I am doing things a little more casual to fit into our busy schedule.  This particular month was VERY casual, aka in his stroller while waiting in line at the aquarium.  Hey, can't blame a girl for multi-tasking and keeping her child entertained for a 25 minute wait.  Jack's thirteenth month...



Our baby boy is no longer a baby.  He is all boy!! 

At 13 months Jackson weighs 22 pounds 6 ounces and is 29 1/2 inches tall.  He is wearing 12 month sized clothes and a couple of 18 month Carters outfits.  He seems so tall this month and several times I have put on a pair of his jammies only to realize they are too short for him.  These nights usually leave me a bit choked up about how much he is changing. 

We have settled into a sweet spot lately with our routine and his personality.  He continues to love making us laugh which he does often.  Our days consist of a very predictable schedule thanks to his awesome new daycare teachers.  They assured me on his first day in the new room that in just a couple of weeks he would be "trained."  Jackson gets up each day around 8a.m., eats breakfast, plays, eats lunch, takes one three hour nap, plays, eats dinner, plays, bathtime, then bedtime at 7:15p.m.  I feel like I have my life back a bit because during his wonderful three hour nap I am able to tackle most everything I need to get done for the day, or study, or relax.  The rest of the time I am able to fully enjoy hanging out with my little boy. 

Jack has transitioned over to whole milk and didn't seem to even notice when we switched.  He LOVES his milk.  We also cut out another bottle from his schedule so now he just gets a bedtime bottle.  I am afraid this is going to be a hard one to cut out.  And a slight tangent here...I have noticed when I am out and about people let their kids drink out of bottles for a really long time.  Is it more convenient or something?  I just don't get it.  The last couple of times I have been out I have seen 18-24 month olds drinking out of bottles.  Did I miss something?  (Sorry, just wondering if I am doing something wrong??) 

I can visibly see him learning everyday.  He is following one and some two step directions and understands everything!!  We have started to spell some words because as soon as he hears these words he is dead set on having or doing them.  I can tell he wants to be more verbal and he tries to get some words out but nothing is really making sense to me.  I talked to his pediatrician about this and he said it is totally normal.  I returned with, "well, is it totally normal for me to be stressed that he isn't saying words?"  I feel bad but I get a little frustrated that I work with him a lot and read books and get on his level and show him what things are and how to say them but he isn't making words.  Guess I am being a little too pushy (imagine that).  Jackson is very good at his signs though.  He signs eat, more, and please and points to everything in order to communicate. 

Jackson is very well behaved most of the time but he also has a two year old attitude as of late.  Fits have begun and his pedi assures me that once they turn 13 months they mine as well be two years old and that lasts for the next three years.  So we are learning how to deal with fits and whining in our home.  It is so difficult...the rational things you think should work usually escalate the problem but I know if I let him walk all over me we will have serious issues later.  I have thought about getting a book to help prepare me for these types of behaviors and how to best handle them.  Any suggestions are much appreciated...

We so enjoy being this little guys parents.  I am so excited for all that this summer has in store for us.  He is at such a fun age for water play, outdoor activities, and lots of fun.  I love this cute face!! 

0 One Year

Our little man turned ONE this weekend!!  A whole year, WOW!!

This past month brought more learning than any other month since Jackson was born.  He seems to pick things up faster and faster and is doing something new each day.
 

I am obsessed with his profile!!

This month Jackson is babbling more and more and watching my lips and trying to do what I do.  He is playing a little differently too.  Instead of his clumsy banging around of blocks and balls, he has taken to stacking the blocks to knock them down and pushing a truck around while making noises.  He also learned how to brush his own hair and his own teeth this month.  Mommy has to do her own little tweaks but I always let him have a little turn too. 
 

Jackson LOVES to be outside.  We go on a family walk almost every night.  Some nights Jess and I are too tired but Jack stands at the door and tries to pry it open with his little fingers until we load him up and take him for a walk.  He also still loves dogs and will yell out to them on our walks, just saying hi.  Jack learned to pet a dog this month and he is very gentle and loving to animals. 

We added "shoes" to Jack's vocabulary this month when we bought him his first pair of walking shoes.  He brings these shoes to me daily so that I will get them on his feet.  He also points at anything interesting and says "dis." 

Sleeping and eating schedules are about the same.  He is eating three meals a day, two snacks, and takes a four ounce sippy at each meal and snack.  Favorite foods include pizza (homemade of course), pancakes, raisins, macaroni, and any kind of beans.  He also loves all fruits and veggies and will eat these better than any other thing on his plate.  He has gotten a little more picky about meats but we seem to work it in.  We are going to start whole milk this week so hopefully that transition goes smoothly.  Jackson is an amazing sleeper overnight.  We all sleep until about 9 each morning (14 hours) if we are able which is a total lifesaver some days.  I am not a morning person and neither is my husband so I cherish this sleep schedule.  Naps are really for home and only at home.  He just won't sleep other places, but I heard this isn't abnormal for some kids.  He seems to want to take one long nap (2-3 hours) instead of two smaller naps.  This is not always the case but I would like to move him to this type of schedule and plan to try to get him there by next month. 

Jackson is so friendly!!  He learned to wave this month and he waves to every person, animal, or car that passes.  Today we went out for a quick dinner and there were the cutest two old ladies having a friendly dinner together.  Jackson could not stop smiling and waving to these ladies.  He waves to his Grandma across the street everyday when we get home and anytime he sees a car. 

Jackson's overall personality is such a joy!  He is social, friendly, and kind to others.  He loves to laugh and see other laugh too.  He has figured out how to make others laugh and will do that activity over and over to get this reaction.  He loves to play hide and seek, chase, and likes to be tickled.  Sometimes I don't even have to touch him, I just get a certain look, point, and he erupts into laughter.  This past week he learned how to crawl under our bed.  Initially he was after one of his toys but when he figured out he could come out on the other side and Mom and Dad thought it was funny, we couldn't keep him out of there.
   

Jackson brings so much fun to our lives.  I can't wait to continue on this journey and I know the next few months are going to be a ton of fun!!  Not sure what my plans are for tracking Jackson's second year but I know it will have to be something easy for me to keep up on because this little one gets more and more busy each month. 

Happy One Year Baby Boy!!