Update

I thought I should probably update what's been going on in our lives in the last month. I haven't had a whole lot of time to sit down and type. I started my Student Teaching at the end of August and I am so happy with how well everything has been going. I am teaching 6th grade Language Arts to a group of amazing kids at a wonderful school and working with a super duper fabulous Cooperating Teacher. I am growing and gaining confidence more each day. I am so excited to graduate in December and hopefully find a job in the district that I am working in now.

The boys are doing great in school. Jackson is loving his class and his teacher, Ms. Nancy. He has learned his vowels, knows how to write his numbers and letters, and sings me a new song every day that he learns at school. Jackson joined the Kids Choir at church last month and I also decided that I would take the volunteer position as choreographer for the Pre-K/Kinder choir and we are both really enjoying it.

Gavin is everywhere!!! He went from crawling backward to right hand-left hand-then drag body to full-fledged crawling. He loves to get around and also loves to pull himself up and stand and bang on whatever he's holding on to. He's gotten in his 2 bottom teeth and is getting in his two top teeth now. He loves to laugh and he loves to blow on Jackson's back--to make toot noises--he thinks it's hilarious...well, we all think it's hilarious. I can't believe that in less than 3 months he'll be a year old! He's growing so fast.

Matt is doing well. A couple of months ago he got licensed as an Irrigator to work on installing/repairing sprinkler systems part time, so he's been busy trying to find clients in our drought forsaken city. He's staying busy also with his full time job and with us of course. Weekend before last he was able to go to Austin to a UT game with his brother visiting from Lubbock. That was lots of fun for them.

I'll try to post new pictures ASAP. My camera is possessed. I don't know what the deal is but it goes off an on by itself if it has batteries in it--which wears them down quickly. Not to mention, the first time that it happened made me freak out wondering where the sound was coming from. Anyway, hopefully I'll get some new pics soon!

The day has come....

Today is the day. The day that I've been dreading for the last 8 months. The boys first day of "school". I've spent most of the day on the verge of tears and then the last several minutes looking back through my blog and the tears just started flowing. I drove by Sonic and got teary eyed because it made me think about how happy Jackson is when we can go to Sonic Happy Hour for a "special drink". He got so mad the other day when I ordered him a small (as I always do) and he told me that he didn't want a small that smalls were for babies. When the guy brought out his small Strawberry Limeade I turned to Jackson and said, "Oh wow, look that was nice they brought you a medium." Haha. ;) I went to the gym alone for the first time and felt so empty not hauling Gavin in his car seat and hurrying Jackson along as he leisurely doddles across the parking lot and then takes off to the day care area the minute we set foot inside. I stopped by to see the lady that takes care of them at the gym and she showed me where she put Gavin's picutre up on the wall. I know that I am making the right decision for myself and for my family to return to finish my last semester of school, but it's hard to leave my guys at this age.

On a positive note...this morning I prayed for comfort as I was getting ready for this day. I knew that it would be hard for me to leave them at school today. Matt and I took them in this morning and first dropped off Jackson. We knew that Jackson was going to be back with all of his close friends and he was so excited to be going back to school. His teacher Ms. Nancy is so nice. Seeing her with all of the kids and the encouraging and comforting words that she said to me gave me a great feeling as we left him. We then took Gavin to his class. In Gavin's class, we also knew a couple of the kids--Jackson's friend has twin baby brothers that were born 2 days after Gavin. Jennifer and I were pregnant at the same time and she was my principal during my field work in the Fall of '08 as well as Jackson and her Megan being friends and classmates since they were a year old. Gavin's class has 6 babies--so Gavin and the twins actually make up half the class. Gavin's teacher made me feel so much more comfortable than I could have even expected. I joked that he'll probably be better in there than he was at home with me. The room was very comforting and calming. I feel safe knowing that my boys are at a good place.

I have just a few days before my TExES exams--part of my certification process--so I'm using the next several days to study. I start back to school on the 26th and am anxious to find out where I will be for my student teaching. The next few months will be busy, busy, busy--so I'm not sure how much I'll be able to post, but I'll try to when I can.

Jackson's Stats

For all of Jackson's life he has been in the lowest percentile for his size, usually falling somewhere between the 5th and the 25th%. Well, today we went for Jackson's 4 year well visit and I am happy to report that he is in the 45th percentile for his height and 50th percentile for his weight. He measured at 39 and 1/2 inches and 35 pounds. According to http://www.babycenter.com/, he should be between 5'8" and 6" as an adult. We'll see. I was predicted to be 5'10" and I am actually just over 5'6". Jackson was so nervous on the way to the doctor's office and told me that he would probably cry when he got his shots. I told him that would be okay if he did. He was so funny, after the doctor came in to see him we were told that the nurse would be right in to administer the shots. Jackson looked at me and said, "I need to hide." He hid under the table, then under the chair, then under the counter behind the trash can. When she came in he fought it, but then got all 3 shots without even crying. He actually said that it wasn't that bad. Note that I said that he got 3 shots. He was supposed to get his MMR vaccine as well, but I reminded the doctor of the big reaction that he got to his first MMR at about a year old. He started with a fever and then broke out in the full blown measles for about 3-4 days. The doctor had said that he had never seen anything like it. He told me that we could wait and do that one next year if I would prefer. As I was leaving the nurse whispered that she remembered how awful Jackson looked that day that I had frantically brought him in and that she was glad that I decided to wait. I felt so "Jenny McCarthy". Haha. I'm glad that I brought it up again, though because it was terrifying the first time and to have the option of waiting did make me feel a lot better. Now I have to worry about Gavin who will be up for his in just a few months.

Here's poor Jackson at 12 months with the "measles" from the MMR vaccine. He looks like those "worst case scenario pictures" in the medical books. I remember seeing the pictures back then and thinking that they didn't even capture how awful it looked in person.

We had gone to a lab to get blood work done to make sure that he didn't have a weak immune system, and everything had turned out okay. So I guess it was just a freak thing.

Last weekend, my mom, my sister, my niece, and Jackson, Gavin, and I went to Port Aransas for a couple of days. We had a great time, but it went by too fast. Jackson and Evan got to play on the beach with Brooke and I, as my mom watched Gavin in the room. We all enjoyed the pool at the hotel, and the big kids got to show off what they had learned this summer at swim lessons.





Gavin is still the happiest baby ever. He is so easy going and happy 98% of the time. He still doesn't have any teeth, but has all the signs that they will be popping out soon.


Unfortunately, our days are numbered, and we've got only about 10 more days until the boys start their day school and I'll be starting back about a week later. It makes me so sad to think about how fast that this time has gone by. I keep thinking back about every month that has gone by and how much we've done. We've really enjoyed going to storytime, gymnastics, making new friends, going to the zoo without the crowds, visiting with old friends, going to the playground and being the only ones there, and so much more. I think about the good times that Jackson had going to his preschool twice a week in the spring. I have learned so much about being a parent, about myself, and my two wonderful little guys. I've had an amazing time and I wouldn't trade the time that I've had with my boys for anything. Having Gavin when we did couldn't have worked out any better. The timing was perfect. I've always worked hard at being able to balance work and home. Having my family as my one and only priority for these last several months has been nice, but now it's time for me to try and create that balance once again. Part of me is happy for Jackson to be back around his friends, to have the structure of the classroom environment, and to have someone other than me telling him what to do--hopefully he will listen to his teachers better than he listens to me. Gavin will adapt I'm sure, I'm just really going to miss seeing his smiling face all day every day. Well, this is not the post that I thought that I would be writing right now. I actually thought that I was going to post Jackson's stats and go to bed, but it's probably better that I get it out, as everyday I am dreading looking at the calendar. On that note...I better get off to bed.

Jackson is 4!!!

My Jackson, aka my Lovebug, turned 4 years old on Saturday! We had an awesome time at Jackson's McDonald's birthday party with a big turnout of about 14 or 15 kids. We had my friend Ashley, who does facepainting on the side, come and paint the kids...and a few adults. :) I met her about 2 months before Jackson's 2nd birthday in one of my classes and she said that she wanted to come and do face painting at his 2nd birthday and has now done it at his 2nd, 3rd, and 4th. She and I have become such great friends over the last few years in school and she will be starting her first teaching job in the fall--yay!!! Jackson's friends seemed to really enjoy the party and we did too. I'm so glad that he is still so close to his old friends from school, since he'll be going back there in the fall.

Jackson is such an amazing kid and I am so proud to be his mom. The things that can drive me crazy on a daily basis are the qualities that could very well make him a huge success in the future--his determination to do his own thing, his overwhelming energy, the way he doesn't take "no" for an answer, his expert negotiating skills, and his fearless attitude. Jackson is so smart. He is a born leader. He can make friends so easily in any situation. I don't have to worry about him, because he will walk into any new situation with confidence. He knows who he is and he knows what he wants. I've overheard Jackson with his friends and it is so amazing to me that Jackson can say no to his friends if he doesn't agree with something and stand up for what he believes in. What an amazing quality to have and I hope that I never have to worry about him being a "follower". I overheard a friend of Jackson's say to him, "Why are you wearing that shirt, and he responded, "Because I like it. And because my mom gave it to me to wear." I think it's great that he can stand up and speak for himself and with such confidence. I'm looking forward to an amazing life for him.

I love you so much, Jackson!!!

Jackson's Q&A
Age 4
July 28, 2009

1. What's your favorite color?
Orange and red
2. What's your favorite song?
ABC's and 123's, Thank you God for feeding me, Amen
3. What's your favorite number
70
4. Who is your best friend?
Cole
5. What's your favorite thing to do?
Play
6. What's your best feature?
My smile
7. What's your best day ever?
Saturday, at my birthday party
8. What's your favorite tv show?
The Backyardigans and Super Why
9. What's your favorite store?
HEB, because I like to get suckers
10. What's the best place you've ever gone?
Sonic, because I like their drinks and their food.
11. What's your favorite book?
My dinosaur book
12. What's your favorite game?
Tiger Woods (Playstation)
13. What's your favorite letter
"J"
14. What's your favorite movie?
Elmo
15. What's your favorite thing to do in the summer?
Go to the beach
16. What's your favorite toy?
My rocket
17. What's your favorite dessert?
Chocolate ice cream
18. What's your favorite thing about dad? When he plays with me

Gavin is 7 months

My little sunshine is growing so fast. I can't believe how fast this time is flying by. I have really enjoyed all of the time that I've had with the boys.

A couple of tidbits about Gavin: He loves to "talk". He babbles and babbles all day. I love to hear him. He loves his feet and loves to put them in his mouth. He scoots on his back to get where he wants to go. He loves to roll around. He is constantly reaching for things whether it's my cell phone that I'm talking on, or my swimsuit top, or a box of wipes, he is constantly grabbing for things. He seems to really be taking a lot in lately. Sometimes I look at him and he is watching something (usually Jackson or other kids) so intently that you can almost see the wheels turning.

Yesterday we went to the zoo with some friends. Jackson decided that it would be a good idea to touch a cactus, then told his friend that he should try. This little stunt ended us all up in the First Aid station where they used tweezers to remove the cactus pricks. The rest of the day was lots of fun.

Matt got off a little early today so we took the boys to the pool at about 5 and Jackson had swim lessons at 6:45. This is Jackson's second session of swim lessons and I think that it really helped to get out there with him before lessons. Gavin got in for the second time this summer and seemed to enjoy the water. The first time he didn't like it as much, but this time I eased him into it and he kicked under the water as I held him.

I wish this summer could last forever. I'm having such a great time!!!

Looking forward to a great weekend!!! Jackson's birthday is on Saturday as well as Gavin's baby dedication at church. We'll have lots of friends and family around all weekend. We're really excited!

6 months old

Hard to believe that it's been 6 months since Gavin was born. (Actually 6 months, 3 days)It really has flown by. He is such a wonderful baby. He is so easy going--just goes with the flow, he smiles at everything and everyone, he is so affectionate--he loves to stare at faces and then starts rubbing and touching our face or pulling my hair and trying to put it in his mouth. He is so curious--he follows anything that makes a noise or passes him by, by turning his whole body toward it. He grabs for EVERYTHING and tries to put EVERYTHING into his mouth. He loves to be tickled and has the cutest laugh that goes on and on for minutes and makes us all laugh. He loves to hear himself make all kinds of noises--loves the lllll with his tongue out, the high-pitched aaaahhhhh, and the uuuuuhhhhh. He loves to stick his tongue out and do "raspberries". He has been joining me at the gym and the lady in the nursery has said that he gets jealous when she gives attention to any other baby--he pouts and then starts to cry. He lunges toward things and rolls over when doing "tummy time," but not crawling yet--he's so curious, though he probably would have started crawling a couple of months ago if I actually let him spend more time on the floor and less time in my arms, but when I put him down Jackson loves to hover all around him and smother him with hugs and kisses. Gavin loves his swing and his Exersaucer. He loves to turn all around in the Exersaucer and put all the toys in his mouth. He's been sitting up by himself since just after 5 months so now he's perfected it so that he doesn't fall over and can play with his toys. He loves the Leap Frog letter ball that he can sit up and spin it around and around. He's a thumb-sucker--Jackson wan't--and it amazes me how well he uses his thumb to soothe himself. Yesterday we were playing on a quilt on the floor and I got distracted with Jackson and looked back at Gavin a couple of minutes later and he turned on his side and put his thumb in his mouth to take nap. He weighed in Monday at about 15 pounds and is just under 24 inches long.

Gavin is such a blessing in our lives and we are so happy to have him in our family.

The Tricycle

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Happy Birthday, Matt!!!

Happy Birthday to Matt, the love of my life!!! The big 4-0. I am truly blessed to have Matt in my life. He is an amazing husband, father, and my best friend. I can't imagine my life without Matt and thank God that he blessed me by putting him in my life.



10 best qualities of my Matt

1. Loyal. To friends and family Matt is loyal and devoted.
2. Christian. Growing and learning more and more about God's love by having a personal relationship with Christ, studying the Bible and doing what it says, and being involved in our church.
3. Hard working Since we started dating and especially after having a family there is nothing that Matt won't do to provide for us.
4. Funny. I love that he makes me laugh everyday. I can't even put into words how funny I think he is.
5. Smart. From business to biology he's got it going on.
6. Respectful. Gentleman to the core.
7. Patient. Although he claims that I've worn it thin, he still has more patience than most.
8. Organized. Everything from our checkbook to his sock drawer has to be organized just as he wants it.
9. Great Dad. He loves the boys and loves spending quality time with them.
10. HOT!!! He still gives me butterflies--and is even getting better with age.

40 is the new 30, baby!!! I love you!!!