Happy Thanksgiving 2008!

Dear Jackson,

Today marks your second Thanksgiving! I can hardly believe that much time has gone by. Soon, you'll have a little sister, so I thought I would take this time to tell YOU how thankful I am for the blessings you bring me everyday.

I'm thankful that I'm the first person you see when you wake up. Though I'm extremely tired, I love walking into your room every morning, laughing at your "mad scientist" hair and knowing you'll be just as happy to see me. I'm thankful for your big "Jackson" smiles. They have gotten me through more tough times than you know! I'm thankful to be able to see the world through your eyes. If not for that, I would never know the feeling of getting excited over simple things like birds flying in the sky or cars driving down the street. I'm thankful for the gentle tugs you give me on my pants to remind me there are more important things in life than cleaning a kitchen. I'm thankful for your big belly and how you laugh when I'm bestowing my many kisses on it. I'm thankful for your tiny fingers that point out all the things I would never notice. Most of all, I'm thankful I waited all these years for you and that God chose me to be your Mom. 

So, thank you my sweet baby boy. Thank you for loving me and letting me love you! Happy Thanksgiving Jackson!

It's the little things

My little man is growing up way too fast for my liking! He's turning into a little boy right before my eyes. I do a lot of, "wishing" he would grow out of this and that stage, or "can't wait" until he can do this or that.  I need to bite my tongue! While it makes my life easier as he gets a little older, I can't help but feel a little sad.

Just last week he used his paci for the last time. I had no intentions of taking it away this soon, but he decided to start shoving the whole thing in his mouth. Thanks to my Dad, I have a huge anxiety about choking. While he probably wouldn't have been able to swallow the whole thing, I was way too nervous to let it continue. So...the paci met it's demise. I had a tougher time giving it up than he did. He didn't even care, and doesn't seem to miss it. Well I do! I miss seeing him walking around the house dragging his blankie behind him, with his paci firmly planted in his mouth. I miss checking on him at night, when he's sound asleep, sucking away on his paci. I miss hearing the sound of the paci's flying out of his crib and hitting the floor (his clever ploy to get us back there). I miss him trying to share his paci with me. I miss finding paci's in my refrigerator, shoes, hamper, and my pockets. I can't bring myself to throw them all out. So for now, they will have a home in my kitchen drawer until I'm ready to let go.  

I know it may sound ridiculous to some, but to me it's just another sign that he is in fact growing up and out of things. I guess it's like they say, "It's the little things."

My last time with Paci

Halloween 2008

This year marked Jackson's second Halloween. I have to admit it was more fun than last. Only because he didn't sleep through the entire pumpkin patch experience, he was walking, and he actually was excited on Halloween (he obviously had no idea what was going on, but I think he was just reacting to everyone else's excitement).

We started this Halloween season the same as last. We made the annual (I can say this now...since we've done it twice) trek to the pumpkin patch. Mommy drew the design and Daddy did the honor of carving. Jackson was so happy every time we brought the giant orange ball (pumpkin) out. I lost count of how many times he tried to pick it up! One night, he laid on top of it, then proceeded to have a conversation with him. Of course he was speaking in a language that only he understood. The pumpkin didn't seem to mind, and actually sat there for a good half hour listening to Jackson's ramblings! It's a good thing that Jacks doesn't know what happens to pumpkins after Halloween.  It was all very sweet, but was a gentle reminder to me that he needs to have more play dates. 

Daddy, Jackson, and Pumpkin

Daddy, Jackson, and Jacks-O-Lantern

After going back and forth what Jackson would be this year, I decided he would make a very cute scarecrow! I made his costume, rather, embellished some store bought overalls and shirt. None the less, he was a very cute scarecrow indeed! I was sure he would try to rip pieces off, but he didn't. We went trick or treating in Papa and Grammy's neighborhood, as it's more kid friendly. Jackson rode in style, being pulled in his big red wagon up to each and every door. He seemed to love every minute of it! I was a bit surprised at how many people actually asked him what he would prefer...in terms of candy. Like any good Mom, I spoke for my 15 month son and would quickly reply, "Butterfinger, Reeses, he just loves chocolate!" Even more surprising, they seem to buy what I was selling! Sorry kiddo, no chocolate for you this year. I did however, let him indulge in a few pieces of candy corn from Miss Gelsy. Afterall, what would Halloween be without some candy?

I think his second Halloween was a success!  Until next year....

Ready to go!

Showing off my costume

What a cutie!