Presents and Snow Oh My!

Jackson got lots of neat goodies for Christmas like a remote control car, books, a tractor that idles and goes, a kitty that fusses and walks, a See and Say, a ball and gear thingy, laptop, and jam box.  I don't think he ever quite figured out what was going on, but loved all of the attention he got from my parents.  Papa Van and Mama Catherine spent two nights with us, which was awesome.  They watched Jackson open his gifts from Santa.  Steven's parents were going to come on Christmas day, but the weather prevented travel. 

 Jackson was too young to remember the snow from last year, so we were thrilled that he had the chance to really enjoy it this time.  He said "snow" and took a taste of it and then headed down the driveway and up the street. 

 He has been a flight risk while playing outside lately and does not understand why he cant head up the street and down each neighbors driveway.  Steven had to chase him all over the circle, which was hilarious to watch from the door.  We went out twice in the snow, which effectively wore him out, which made for some good napping. 

Mamma Catherine gave him some neat books and read to him.  He is really into books now and will come up to you with one he wants you to read.  So cute. 

Our Family at Christmas

Look at these cute pics we had made to remember this Christmas.  I can't believe we will have a 9 month old and an almost 2.5 year old next year.  It seems so weird how babies grow up so quickly.  Jackson behaves so beautifully for Mia and Sheree.  If I had attempted these pics, he would have knawed my face off.

Jackson Poses for the Camera

 It is nearly impossible for me to get a good picture of Jackson due to his constant movement and refusal to give me a good, calm smile.  Well this is not a problem for Mia.  If she asked him to stand on his head and blow bubbles for a picture, he would probably do it.  Just look at these killer shots she got.  Truly Awesome!!  If he would do this all the time, we could make some serious money by getting him to pose for kid ads in California, don't you think?

It's Christmas Time!

It's really cold outside so we are having to find things for Jackson to do indoors to keep busy.  He's a total ham for Mia, so she gets some really good pics of him.  He is enjoying the lights and ornaments on the Christmas tree and can say "tree".  When he takes an ornament off, he will put it back on and wait for us to clap for him.  He knows its cold outside and that he has to wear his sock, shoes and coat to go out.  He can say "cold", "socks", and "shoes".  The other day, a Publix worker asked Jackson how he was doing and he said "cold".  He is walking around the house constantly flapping his arms and quacking like a duck.  He can point out the duck, cow, sheep, cat, and pig in a book and knows all of their noises.  Speaking of books, he has become a real junky.  He will go and find a book, hand it to you, and sit down in your lap.  He expects you to drop anything you are doing and read the book to him immediately--which we do. 

 The pic above is him quacking.

 He's great at climbing the stairs and likes to get on the small landing and pitch balls and blocks off of it. 

 He truly enjoys acting silly with daddy.  He will run into the dining room and wait for daddy to sneak around the corner---then he will hide from daddy and run screaming when daddy finds him---soooo cute!

Bath Time Ritual

Before Jackson gets a bath, I get him undressed on our bed (I bathe him in our master bathtub).  He cannot wait to get his clothes off to roll around on the bed naked.  It is so cute.  I am finding it very hard to take pictures of him lately because he is constantly on the move.  I need to figure out how to steady the image.

Our House

Here are a few pictures of our house.  Steven has decided to have it decorated with lights and greenery every year, which I must admit looks awesome.

Silly Boy

It was in the 60's and 70's last week, so Jackson and I played outside quite a bit for what I am afraid will be our last few days of decent weather.  It has to get cold here sometime soon, right? 

 Jackson likes to climb the deck stairs, wrestle on the ground with me, hunt for things to put in his mouth, look for the cats, throw rocks in the flower beds, mess with the Christmas lights, etc.  It's quite an adventure ever time we are outside. 

He knows the cats hide under the grill and was thrilled to see one dart out when he lifted up the cover!

Trip to the Zoo

I'm teaching Jackson to be a helper around the house.  His future wife will be greatful to me when he helps with laundry, dishes, etc!! 

 This is the look Jackson gave me when I told him we were going to look at animals at the zoo.  He calls all animals "noo noo".  I told him we would be seeing lots and lots of "noo noos".  He just didn't get it. 

 We have a year long pass to the zoo, so we can come back whenever we want.  Since we only saw the monkeys, jiraffes, zebras, lions/tigers, and birds, we will certainly have some things to come back for.  Jackson really enjoyed the monkeys and flamingos.  He likes the active animals.  Who really wants to see a lion yawn anyway?  These flamingos would eat right out of your hand.  He was totally intrigued.  We want to see the Christmas light show in early december and I want Jackson to see the seals/dolphins jump and the sharks too. 

Look at this sweet picture Mia took of Jackson.  He just looks so calm and innocent here.  I should have gotten a picture of the atrocious fit he pitched this morning for good contrast.  He is a child of many colors. 

Grandma is Fun!

Jackson's new favorite person in the world is Grandma.  He is endlessly entertained by her games.  I don't even know exactly what she does since I am using the rare opportunity to get things done around the house when she is playing with him, but IT WORKS.  He loooooooves it!

New Pics of Jackson

Here are some new pictures of our big boy.  I am trying to find some things for him to do indoors since it is about to get really cold outside.  He likes to ride in the box around the den and be chased.  Mia took the pics of him in the dinosaur shirt.  She is better at getting him to smile for pictures than I am.  I guess he isn't too impressed with my behind the camera antics.