Ornament Excitement!

Makayla had been looking at Nana and Grandads Christmas tree for weeks now, so it was a big hit when we got our Christmas tree and ornaments out over the weekend. I love her expression-such excitement, wonder, and joy-that's Makayla Grace!

Love that girl!

Food Fun When Mom's Not Home

I had to work late one day last week which meant that Tim had dinner duty-Tim thought Jackson could feed himself. He even took pictures to prove it- haha! :-)

Lovin my silly-silly boys!
Shawna

The other part of LJ's Appointment- (The Squeamish Should Skip This Post)

Jackson had his well-child appointment yesterday and we praise God for a healthy baby boy! There were, however, a few negative features during our visit. First of all, an assistant whom I’ve never seen before came in to prick LJ’s finger for routine blood work. The majority of the blood went all over Jackson’s hand and leg, and on my shirt! His hemoglobin came back 5…uh yeah not really possible with a completely healthy baby. So a different nurse had to come in a prick another finger; she didn’t have a problem. This time his hemoglobin was normal of course. So two finger pricks-1 totally unnecessary-and a flu shot.

But that’s not even the bad part! Jackson had (still has on the other side I think) a penile adhesion. It’s a complication from circumcision; look it up if you want too-it’s basically when the foreskin reattaches itself. Anyhow, the pediatrician ripped back the foreskin on his penis -no pain med-no numbing cream-nothing- now red, raw and swollen. I don’t think I’ve ever heard a child scream so loudly! I think every bit of color left my face in an instant. I literally almost passed out. He cried for 3 hours last night. I mean I can’t blame him cause he’s in pain. When I tried to clean him last night(the way they told me too) he cried, shook, and peed all in my face. I guess I deserved that too. Anyhow, please pray for my sweet little guy. I feel so incredibly awful that my son has to endure this pain. I wish I would have known more about circumcision 10 months ago. Please pray for Jackson to heal correctly and for the Tylenol and hugs from mommy to ease his pain.

Shawna

Jackson is 10 Months Old!

My sweet and handsome baby boy is already 10 months old! That means that he will be 1 year old in two months! The last ten months have just flown by, and I am so blessed to be this little guy’s mommy. Jackson is a little climber and loves to go for anything he shouldn’t like the TV remote, dog food, water bowl, dog toys, cell phones, and shoes. He is walking along furniture but still loves to crawl. Actually he is a super fast crawler; I’ve never seen a baby move that fast. He has the best laugh and his giggles are so contagious. He loves playing with his big sister Makayla. They were wrestling and giggling in the floor yesterday. It’s very sweet to see them starting to really play together. Now I only hope for something that is not as rough as wrestling! Haha! Anyhow, his 9 month well-child visit is next week (yeah a little late I know) and I’ll be sure to post some updates like his weight and height. I’m so very blessed and happy to be Jackson’s mom!

Little Jacks Faves

Food

Cooked carrots

Diced apples

Chicken

Apples

Bananas

Corn

Toys

Play kitchen

Football

balls

Shoes ( I know this is not really a toy and actually kinda gross. But if he sees a shoe laying around he goes for it.)

Puzzles

Books (He actually enjoys chewing on them more than looking at them.)

Teeth

1^st tooth- bottom right

2^nd tooth-top right

3^rd tooth-top left

Daily Activities

-          Continues to enjoy banging, waving, and throwing toys

-          Imitates play (especially with big sister MG)

-          Explores foods with fingers (often throwing it on the floor with a big smile as if he’s accomplished something important)

Motor Skills

-          pulls to a standing position and walks holding onto objects

-          starting to notice stranger anxiety –he was very clingy to mommy at his check-up

Emotional/Behavioral

-          resists what he does not want to do

-          loves showing off for us

-          leaves when we leave the room

-          extremely difficult to diaper

Language

-imitates sounds and conversation

- says “hi” “hey”

-says Mama

-says Dada

-says Sissy (I think) I swear he said Makayla before but who knows

-says Nana

-says baba (bottle)

-says Jazz (I think-that’s our dog)

I'm Feeling Better

Over the last two weeks I’ve suffered from severe muscle and joint pain. Unfortunately it became extremely bad there for a few days, along with many other symptoms. This was not the first episode I’ve had like this, so I know it won’t be the last. So like last time I was put on a round of Prednisone which has worked like a charm. Today I am so thankful to be feeling better. I was able to do stuff around the house and play with my kids! I will probably never again take for granted being able to do stuff like pick up my kids, cook dinner, open a jar, pump gas in my car, blow dry my hair, and a dozen other things that have been a big challenge over the last week. Just when I thought I was at my limit God stepped in, sustained me, and once again showed me that His love is limitless. Seriously I wish I could adequately express my love for God, but there just aren’t enough words to say how awesome and wonderful He is!

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13

I will be seeing a specialist in a few weeks to hopefully rule out some serious diagnoses such as RA, Lupus, or Fibromyalgia. I haven’t talked much about this health stuff until this week when I was forced to ask for help to do a lot of mundane tasks; tasks that I will now delight in. I surely know that my blessings outweigh any trials I go through.

Shawna

singing with my kids.

We love singing at our house. I know I'm not a great singer but these are just some precious times with my kids that I want to share on here anyways. Makayla Grace and Jackson are such beautiful blessings in my life. I love being a mom and especially love making these memories. :-)

I love hearing our sweet Makayla Grace sing "Jesus Loves Me"!

Sometimes singing helps Jackson settle down for the night. (off key and sick but LJ doesn't care)