Happy Ho Ho!

He's such a dude!

Jackson with some of his Christmas loot

My favorite present EVER!

We had a great Christmas- very busy, but there was so much love... I got to watch Derek's uncle hold Jackson and melt, my Mom light up when he smiled at her, and I fell more and more in love with my husband. It was a perfect couple days! New Year's Eve will be a raging party this year- we might stay up til 9!

Time certainly does fly when you're having fun! I can't believe our baby is two months old today- he's getting so big!

My little elf!

Ok, Mom, I'm ready to get this thing off my head and go back to sleep!

He's full of smiles and laughs all the time, and the noises he makes are priceless! Christmas will be the best ever this year- I already got my Christmas present- little Mighty Muffin/Small One/Sweet Pea :)

Christmas is going to be intense this year- everyone wants to see the baby! While we understand this, it's our first Christmas as a family- married, with a baby... It'll be great, but logistics are proving to be a bit difficult! I think next year will be even more fun, as Jackson will be more into it. I'm sure he'll be more interested in the wrapping paper than the toys!

We're going to be moving to Phippsburg! This is sooner than we'd anticipated, as my Dad's rental house has become available. It's perfect because every time we drive out the driveway, we'll see our land and be inspired to work on it. We also are just really excited to be getting back to the country. Not that Bath is a "city", but we're both country kids and want Jackson to be too! I can't wait for him to grow up where I did, and be able to be in the woods and the water all the time!

My birthday was last Tuesday, so Jackson and I went to lunch with my Dad at Beale Street. Jackson was great, per usual, and Derek took us all to the Cabin (best pizza ever) for dinner. It was a great birthday!

Jackson's First Snow

Hi!

On the wheeler with Dad- first real snow of the winter!

First

My boys

The snowsuit's a little big, but it's very warm! We woke up to about 6 inches of snow this morning, but it's already mostly melted. I put the outside lights up yesterday, so we were all ready for winter when it arrived!

December

I've fallen, and I can't get up!

Happy in his swing this morning with his teddy- he got the bear from Great Grammy!

Trango- defending us from all things Christmas.

Why do the pictures of me always come out blurry... ?

Derek adjusting

Happy boy on my lap!

I love those smiles SO much!

Duly chastized, I'm posting! Sorry Gram- life's been hectic with work, the boy, dr.'s appointments, and life in general.

Yesterday I had my 6-week checkup. The doctor said I look good, and that my belly looks great. I'm still supposed to take it easy, but I doubt that'll happen! Jackson had his one month checkup the day after Thanksgiving. He's healthy, and in the 84th percentile, meaning he's big and strong!

Thanksgiving was nice, busy as usual. Derek hunted in the morning with his family, then came up to have an early dinner with Mom, Keith, Aaron, and his girlfriend, who I can't stand (she's mean). Oh well- I had my favorite people there:) Then we went down to Wayne and Darlene's (Derek's parents) for another dinner. I'm really glad my metabolism is so good, because I was able to do the second dinner justice while Derek was VERY full- I actually finished his plate, and still lost a pound! Jackson slept most of the day, and the night too- the awake time must have been pretty strenuous for him!

We got our tree yesterday, and (obviously!) put it up last night. I'm really looking forward to the holidays this year, but I already have the best present ever!

1 Month!

It's nice to have someone to take a picture of the three of us- thanks Dad!

He didn't really want to do this until his belly was full!

When it was full, he was pretty interested in that paper- I think Dorian has the right idea about this! I also think I used the same font that she does for her signs for Alex (great minds and all that!)...

Such a little cutie, if I do say so!

We're so lucky!

Last night we went out for dinner with friends. It was hard, but I knew Jackson was in Grammy Darlene's capable hands. Turned out that he slept the entire two hours we were gone! Today he's taking a nap in his crib. I'm trying to get him used to it so the transition from bassinet (right by our bed) to his own room will be smooth. He seems to like it pretty well- he has a cd his Great Uncle Doug made him for background music and he's snoozin' like a champ!

Threes

The first smile I caught on camera- he'd been smiling for a couple days, but I couldn't stop grinning back long enough to get a picture!!



In his snazzy blue jeans- Daddy got those for him!

We had a busy day today, and I love that sweater!

Trango (once again) where he's not supposed to be!

Yesterday I was marveling at the fact that Jackson was three weeks old. Then I looked at the calendar and realized that yesterday was also three years of being together with Derek! Time sure does fly when you're having fun... I never thought I could be this happy!

Week 3 of being home

We went to the grocery store yesterday. I don't know what people are smoking when they say the carseat fits on the grocery cart, because it definitely does NOT. Oh well, we had fun!

My boys loving the sunshine...

Ahh! Here's one of me!

Daddy got to feed Jackson! That has been something he's been looking forward to for a long time. I started pumping, so Derek can feed him, and so at some point the boy can go to Grammy's house(s) for a couple hours.

Derek thought this was hilarious. I have to admit, it's a pretty cute picture!

Sleepin in the sun- he was a little jaundiced when he came home...

Everything is going well, Jackson is awake more and more, but I'm still getting enough sleep at night! We're really enjoying watching how much he changes every day. Today I got several smiles, and it looked like he almost laughed!

We went for a walk- I couldn't even get him undressed all the way before he passed out!

He loves this swing! He hangs out in it when I take a shower, and either sleeps or talks to himself happily!

Hey Ma! He's such a happy, wonderful baby:) And handsome too, I have to say!

I have a Dr. appointment today- hopefully I'll get this tape off my belly... Jackson will be coming with me, and hanging out in his Snugli backpack. He loves it, which is great, because I'm not allowed to lift anything yet.

Happy Halloween! Today is Jackson's 9th day of life, and his first holiday. He came into this world by way of a speedy C-section, and weighed 8lbs, 6.4oz, at 12:46pm on Thursday, October 22. He was 21 inches long.

I am loving being a Mom- it's the most rewarding and magical thing I've ever experienced, not to mention FUN! He's a great baby- he sleeps a lot, chills out with us, and doesn't seem to like crying. I think we're very lucky!

Today is the first day of (gun) hunting season, so Derek's out hunting with his family and best friend, and I'm attempting to catch up on a few things (ie: thank you cards, emails, etc...). I'm not allowed to do much- no cooking, cleaning, or anything like that, so I've been reading a lot and spending a lot of time staring at my child!

Yes, he's asleep on a pillow- but it was only for the photo op (he'd just finished eating)!

Slowly...

Slowly creeping toward delivery of child. I'm 80% effaced and 1cm dilated. Having minor contractions... Time will tell!

RIP Trial and Error the fishies

Yesterday I decided that it was time for the fish (Trial) to go. His brother (Error) "went" a couple months ago, and he hasn't been the same since. Who knows why, and honestly I don't really care! Trial and Error were fun while they swam, but when they stopped swimming, it was time for the great white flush. Of course, it's not that easy. Early yesterday, I re-filled the tank to the top so I didn't have to listen to the running water so much (like I really need anything that makes me have to pee more). Then I cleaned the bathroom and did some laundry- regular day... Then I decided it was time for Trial to go. So I flushed him. Not the best for the environment, I'm sure, but what the hell am I supposed to do with a half dead fish, I ask you?! Then of course I had to empty out the tank I'd just filled, re-clean the bathroom, and clean behind where the tank was. Then I had to pee again, and realized that perhaps the fish was a little too large for the great white flush. The toilet was flushing, but just barely. This morning it wouldn't flush at all, so I had to go buy a plunger and fix the toilet. 28 hours later, the house is (relatively) clean, the toilet works, and we are done with the fish thing until Jackson is old enough to have one. A small one.

I tell you this story because it's very much the story of my life lately- everything backwards, total cluster, but works out in the end. Also because I had to share- it's really quite funny to go to Roger's Hardware at 7:30 in the morning for a plunger... I told the plumbing hardware guy I asked about plunger whereabouts to, not to ever flush a fish. He asked, how big was the fish? I replied: big enough, apparently!

Jackson is growing, kicking, rolling, and hicuping a lot. As of today we have 21 days before my due date. I'm hoping for an October 3rd delivery, praying for my due date delivery, and resigning myself to being late. We'll see!

Of Pancakes and Chilly Mornings

Not really about pancakes or chilly mornings, but I like them both...

Ultrasound went well on Monday, as far as we could tell. It's hard because the tech can't really tell us what's going on, but she did say everything is looking good. He weighs 5lbs, 10oz, give or take 13oz. Not very helpful or exact, but he's gotta be over 5 lbs, which is normal. I was expecting to really see my baby, but because he's bigger it's difficult to get good pictures- he's crammed in a pretty small space! The picture I posted is just his face- it might be hard to tell what's what, so I drew a little arrow to his nose. I love him SO much already! It's amazing, really:) The other picture is of his room. I love the color, and didn't want to go with "baby blue." Hss crib will be emptied out when it gets closer to his arival, but I just wanted to give you all an idea what his living space will be like!

My mother went to a cousins reunion last weekend in California- I've seen a few pictures and it looks like they all had a blast! I know Dad's side of the family well, but I haven't met (or it's been 20 years) Mom's side. They all sound like amazing people, and I am hoping that the next time they decide to do something like this, I'm not 8 months pregnant! Perhaps it could happen in Maine, or someplace in the middle...

It's getting to be that time of year again... leaves are starting to change color, mornings are cold, and we need to stock up on firewood. A wood fire is so much nicer than running the furnace, and it's what we both grew up with. Hopefully we'll get our firewood delivered today- Derek has informed me that I'm not allowed to stack it all this year! I thought he was being a concerned Daddy, but he informed me that no, he just didn't want to leave his job site if I went into early labor! He was kidding of course- and it's nice to have someone look out for my best interest sometimes!

Rock Gardens closes this weekend, so life should start to slow down for me again. One job? Can I handle the pace? Heck yeah I can... and pretty soon I'll have a lot more to keep me busy!

Perhaps I will go make some pancakes!

Thursday Stuff

This week has been pretty uneventful. I have an ultrasound scheduled for Monday the 14th, just to make sure he's growing enough. Bridger (the dog) has been to the vet's twice this week- he's fine we think- with mouth issues... Work is puttering along, per usual- I have another week and a half here at Rock Gardens before it closes for the season.

Saturday marks the beginning of hunting season. Derek bow hunts, and that starts mid September and goes through mid December, so I won't see much of him for a bit- he'll be home when the baby is born, so he's trying to get it out of his system early! I haven't decided if I want to hunt this year or not. I don't have any urge to kill a deer, but being out in the woods with Derek is an amazing experience. We get out there really early and listen and watch as the world around us wakes up. His mother (Darlene) is hoping that I want to hunt ALL the time after Jackson is born- their house is our base, and she wants to babysit!!

I've been nesting- this week I ripped the insulation out of our laundry room so Derek can re-insulate and sheet rock out there. I've also been doing silly stuff like scrubbing baseboards and re-washing windows.

The photo shoot with Jill went really well on Sunday- she's amazing! I'll post pictures soon, but I'm at work with no access to all my pictures, so you'll all just have to wait!

Weekend Prep

This picture is of the card Rachel gave me at my shower- so cute! Aurora was on camera duty- she's amazing and I'm so lucky to have her as a best friend!

Today I have a doctor's appointment. Should be fine, just the usual every week appointment at this point- and I get to hear his heartbeat! Always a plus... Sunday my friend Jill, who is a professional photographer, is going to do some baby belly pictures for me! I'm so excited, and it will be very nice to catch up with her- we've known each other since middle school (which was a long time ago!).

The weekend weather looks great- upper sixties to mid seventies. Perfect for getting the house in shape and some easy walks with the dog. Hangin' out with my Mom tonight- who knows what we'll do, but we're both home alone this weekend!

Happy and excited...

A Day With No Rain (I hope)

Last night Derek and I went to his parent's house for dinner. We had corn, steamers (steamed clams for anyone who didn't know!), burgers... that kind of thing. It made me realize all over again just how lucky I am to have them as in-laws. I'm just as comfortable with them as I am with my own family, and really love spending time with them!

We're also really lucky that most of our family lives very close to us. We'll have a plethora of babysitters, and a really good support system!

I'm headed to work at Rock Gardens today- should be pretty quiet down there. In addition to my duties there, I get to catch up on my reading or any extra work for Keith. I'm also going to finish my thank-you cards from my babyshower. I love being on the ocean in Phippsburg!

Derek's headed to camp this weekend with his fam while I work, but I'm also definately going to spend some "me time"- and Alysha is coming up for the weekend from Virginia, so perhaps I'll get to catch up with her as well.

Weeellll, I suppose that's all I have at the moment. I made the picture thing work, so that's good!!!

Cheers!

Just Because

I've decided to start a blog for a couple reasons.

1) Keep the fam/friends updated
2) To see if I could do it
3) Because I wanted to.

So, here it is.

I'm seven and a half months pregnant with our first child. "Our" being myself and my husband, Derek. We got married in June, after he proposed February 22nd. On February 24th, we found out that we're going to be parents, so it was pretty much the most perfect timing ever. We were planning an August wedding for about 48 hours (until HEY- we're having a baby), but decided that if we were getting married before the baby, it should be sooner rather than late- I didn't want to be huge! Good decision too- August was SO hot and humid...

I'm due October 15th with a little boy! I'm hoping that he decides to arrive a little early, as I've been really sick through the pregnancy. Totally worth it, but it'll be nice to be done with that part and get to know this little monkey! We're very excited, and I think we're pretty much ready for him. We have very generous friends and family, so his room is jam-packed with great stuff.

Well, I guess that's good for a starter post. Mostly I just wanted to get this figured out before the baby's born so I would actually DO it! My Uncle Doug out in CA is responsible- thanks!! I'm excited to be doing this!

Cheers to cooling weather!

Laura