Day 365- Looking Back

It's hard to believe that I actually did this for a year or that a year is already over.  Looking back so much has changed in this past year and there is very little I can complain about.  It's hard to believe at this time last year I had a 4 month old who I was worried about getting to nap well, sleep in a crib, start baby led weaning with, and roll over.  Now I have a very vibrant 16 month old who is sleeping in his toddler bed, running like a wild man, rearranging furniture on a daily basis, climbing, talking, using utensils, and growing so quickly.  On top of that- I'm 20 days away from making Jackson a big brother as well!  I don't think I could imagine that this would be my life.  I may be tired, doing laundry, reading and going to bed early tonight, but I would much rather have that and wake up to a smiling little boy, holding Mr. Monkey, yelling "Mama" first thing in the morning than spend the night out partying and sleeping the day away tomorrow.  Don't get me wrong- I love that too, and many days I miss that stage of my life, but then there is a kiss, a cuddle, a thank you, or a smile that remind me how blessed I am to have the life I have today.

I have learned a lot from doing this blog over the last year, it's been wonderful to have a daily reflection and a time to sit and remember all the little things.  I have decided to end this blog and start a new one tomorrow, one that reflects our growing family, my more defined parenting sense, and all the new adventures that 2012 promises to bring to our home.  Thank you all for your support, advice, and your involvement in making Jackson become such an awesome toddler.

Breakfast is much better on the coffee table 

Little monkey 

 Will you read me my new book mama? 

This book is pretty cool, but the frogs are the best 

Someone graduated from baby spoons 

He did wonderfully

Then he ripped off his bib and tried to take off his shirt to show me where all the food was going

And to end this blog how I started it- with little baby Jackson ringing in the new year. 

I hope everyone has a wonderful 2012!

Day 364- Joe gets a much needed break

After Jackson spent the morning alternating between loving Joe Dog and rolling all over him, we gave the dogs a break from us and headed to Clarksburg shopping.  I got my returns done, but couldn't find what I wanted for the nursery or playroom.  I'll have to keep shopping and remind myself that I don't have to have the nursery perfect when the baby gets here in 3 weeks b/c he or she probably won't use it much for months.  Jackson has adjusted perfectly to his new bed and that was a major step in our adjustments.  So next step will be to finish the playroom furniture wise this weekend and then do painting and curtains later on down the line.

Jackson was excellent during our many ins and outs of  the car and in the many stores.  He had a bit of an attitude today, but often followed it with a smile or laughed with a monster face.  He knows how to use his cuteness!  He came home, we did a breathing treatment and headed to bed.  He's all worn out and I'm looking forward to a nice quiet weekend home before it's back to work.

I want this space Mama 

Kisses from Joe Dog 

 Hugs for Joe

 No more kisses

How am I going to get that dog to move?  

Mash him and...

monster face!!

Day 363- Quiet Day at Home

We enjoyed a quiet day getting things organized around the house.  We still have some work to do, but Jackson's back on schedule and doing wonderfully in his new bed!  He was pretty subdued today due to his cough, but had enough energy to run around screaming whenever Russell or I would enter the room.  He's talking more and more and helping me read parts in books.  He also has begun to identify body parts pretty consistently.  He's growing up too fast!

Morning mama! 

Not quite awake yet from his nap 

But he did have a smile behind his thumb

Just relaxing like Dad

Day 362- Big Boy bed!

After hanging out with me all morning, Jackson got to spend the afternoon and evening doing "guy things" with Dad.  I had a doctor's appointment (only 3 more until baby!) and then went to school to work on lesson plans. The boys spent a good bit of time putting together Jackson's new big boy bed.  My Aunt Chris, Uncle Tim, and Aunt Peg went together to spoil the kids and got Jackson his very own bed so the crib (which they got a year and a half ago) will be ready for the new baby.  We are so lucky to have such awesome family!  Dad said Jackson was a big help.

Since he was sleepy tonight, we decided to let him try it out.  So far, so good!  If he does get up and has trouble sleeping we have a few months to get him moved over, so I'm not worried.  I can't believe he's ready for a big boy bed already!

Happy baby at lunch time 

Trying to be a big boy- he climbs up and down all day long 

You need these Dad?  

What's next 

 I'll hold- you drill

Is this good?  

 Right there right Dada? 

Big helper 

 It's not quite right

 There we go

Here Dada 

Can you feel the power?  

Getting all tucked in!

Night, night for a big boy!

Day 361- Baby Booger

We've made some progress on getting the rooms switched around.  I'm really looking forward to having it all done.  Jackson was a grouch today and just very much wanted to be alone.  His cold is starting to take a toll on him.  I'm hoping a couple days with Digger Dog and getting back into a good routine will have him up and ready to rumble by the weekend.

While he wasn't in grouch mode, he was being very silly.  So far he has mastered: eyes, hair, nose, mouth and belly.  His newest- boogers.  He things it's wonderful to show you where his boogers are- he's such a boy.  So without further adieu- here is Jackson and his boogers.

Day 360- Late night

Jackson didn't nap until 4:00 today so he's just now going to sleep. He had a fun day playing with all of his new toys and hopefully we'll be getting back into a normal routine tomorrow.  We have started making good progress with transitioning to a 2 baby house by getting all the Christmas stuff put away.  Tomorrow we'll start moving furniture and then I'll have the rest of break to prep diapers, decorate, and clean.  I can't believe Jackson is going to be a big brother in just a few weeks!

Day 359- Merry Christmas

We had a wonderful Christmas together and we were all very blessed.  I missed hanging out with my side of the family, but I know I'll get to see them shortly!  Jackson was spoiled beyond belief and we are going to spend the next few days rearranging and packing up some toys.  I am only posting my top few pictures from today on the blog, but I will have a very full album on Facebook if you are interested.
I hope you all had as great a time with your families as I did with mine.  Merry Christmas everyone.