Jessica's Journal

Christmas Cookies

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Thu, 20 Dec 2012 22:55:00 -0500

I ran all over town today trying to get Christmas shopping done. I waited til the last minute this year, which made it a little crazy. I had to buy the kids' gifts, Jackson's, as well as some gifts for friends. I also set out to find Christmas pajamas for both kids, as well as an outfit for Jax to wear to church. It was a lot more difficult than I expected and I had Addy with me, but thankfully the day went well. I got to have lunch with one of my best friends from college, and the bonus was coming home to make Christmas cookies with Jax! I enlisted the help of Caroline and Kendra, thinking that it would be a lot more fun (and less stressful!) if I had a little help. I was right, and Jax had a blast!
Showing him how to pour sprinkles

Getting his first taste of the frosting-there was no turning back after this!

Concentrating hard

All smiles-Jax and his favorite ladies

Getting a taste of the finished product

We won't be seeing these on Pinterest any time soon-the frosting to cookie ratio was definitely a little skewed!

We ended the night with baths and cuddles with Caroline and Kendra. I am so blessed to have incredible women like them who love on and invest in our children's lives. Jax loves them and so do I!

I am so thankful to be able to make these sweet memories with the kids!

Addalyn 2 Month Update

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Sun, 16 Dec 2012 22:08:00 -0500

Addy Girl
How is it that you are two months already!? It's been so fun watching you grow and seeing your sweet personality start to develop.

You have fit right in with our family and you are dearly loved. It's been a fun month that included your first trip to Sunday church, your first Thanksgiving, your first road trip, and meeting your cousins for the first time! Here's what you've been up to.

You weigh 11 pounds 13 ounces and are 23 inches long (75th % for height and weight)

You wear size 1 diapers and 0-3 month clothes. Your newborn clothes stopped fitting this past week or so.

You are eating 2 1/2 to 4 ounces every three hours during the day, and you sleep anywhere from 4-5 1/2 hours at night (although you did sleep 71/2 hours once for me a few days ago!)

We are working on getting you on a schedule, and so far you are super flexible, which I'm thankful for! We are on the go a lot, and you sleep so well in the car and car seat. I took you shopping one day and you slept the whole time!

You wake up around 7 or 7:30 in the morning for your first feeding, and you nap well throughout the day. At night we give you a bath and feed you and you're usually in bed around 7:30 or 8.

We've struggled with reflux this past month and really it's the only time I hear you crying. It's so sad to see you hurting from it, but I think we are getting it under control. Sometimes you have trouble going down at night, but for the most part you do well.

So your brother crashed your two month photo shoot...

Poor thing, he really does LOVE you to pieces. It's so sweet.

At least to me it is. You, obviously, are not impressed!

This might very well be my favorite picture of the two of you. You look like you're pouting and he's just smiling away. It's so funny! Clearly, you have his impressive ability to make faces!

You love your play gym

And the swing, And the floor

You are the most laid back. happy baby. All it takes is looking at you and you smile so big.

You love your big brother and are always smiling at him. And let me tell you something, he loves you right back! He wakes you up in the morning, kisses you all day, and loves to lay on the floor or bed with you!

You are incredibly content and patient, which I am thankful for.

You finally got to meet Ms. Caroline

Your First Sunday in church-you slept the whole time while Caroline held you

You got to meet your great grandmother

Making silly faces and smiling

You played with your cousin Avery

You got spoiled by your Papa

Such a sweet face

Your first Thanksgiving

As you can see from your pictures, you are a happy baby! You love to cuddle and snuggle with anyone willing to hold you. I am so thankful God has allowed me to be your mama and I am looking forward to watching you grow! We love you!

Thanksgiving

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Thu, 22 Nov 2012 22:44:00 -0500

We had a great Thanksgiving day in Miami, filled with friends and family, and of course, great food! Addy got to meet her great aunts, her great grandmother, and cousins, and a bunch of other family members. I'm so thankful we had the chance to spend time with family!

The girls wore the matching dresses I made them. So sweet!

Unfortunately, I was so busy taking care of Addy and chasing after Jax that I didn't get too many pictures! I'm going to have to try and get some from my mom and sister and post them later.

What Will He Get?

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Sun, 13 May 2012 19:28:00 -0400

For those of you wondering whether Jax will be getting a baby brother or sister, here's your answer! You'll have to forgive our looks-we just got out of the pool!

My Latest Project

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Thu, 10 May 2012 19:48:00 -0400

So I have been on a blogging hiatus for quite a while, but with good reason. I wanted to show you what I've been up to...Here is my latest sewing project for Jax:

That's right, we are expecting Baby #2 this October. We couldn't be happier about this incredible gift and are amazed at God's abundant blessings toward us. Obviously big brother doesn't have a fat clue as to how his world is going to be rocked with this latest addition, but I am excited for him to have a little brother or sister. I'm already praying that they be close and forge a strong bond that will last a lifetime. In the meantime, this mama has been exhausted! Things have definitely been rougher this second time around-mostly because I'm chasing after a VERY active toddler! Needless to say, pregnancy, night shift, and a toddler make for a tiring combination. The morning sickness has finally gotten better and I am thankful for that. I'll be back soon since we find out tomorrow whether Baby Jones is a boy or a girl!

To Jax on your First Birthday

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 20:28:00 -0500

My sweet baby boy
I can't believe today is your birthday. I knew this year would go by fast, but I truly had no idea. I can still remember your birth so vividly, that it really seems like just yesterday. Flashes of moments from the past year have been going through my head all day and I just shake my head in wonder at how fast it's gone by. Everyone warns me to soak it up and enjoy it because it goes by all too fast and it really has. Not every moment is easy or fabulous or even enjoyable, but I am grateful for each one. A sweet friend once told me that the days are long, but the years are short and I'm finding that to be true.

This year has been the best of my life. Not the easiest. Not the most balanced or restful or organized. But by far the best. You made me a Mama. I had no idea what it would feel like or look like to be a mom, but now I can't imagine it any other way.

I know it's so cliche, but you've taught me so much- so many things I thought I already knew. I've learned some really amazing things, and some humbling things. Some lessons are ongoing and not yet completed-and they might never be this side of heaven. But I'm learning none the less.

I've learned what real worry and fear is. I spent the first few weeks of your life fluctuating between awe and fear, worrying about the "what ifs" regarding your health and safety and future. I learned just how little I trusted God to take care of you, and I'm learning just how much I can trust Him. I've learned what mercy and grace really look like, what the unconditional love of a parent feels like. And I've gotten just a taste of what the unconditional love of our God must be like. You've taught me that it's ok for the house to be messy and that dishes can wait, and that things don't always have to be or look or seem perfect. You've shown me just how amazing my parents are and made me realize the sacrifices and grace that they have shown me. I'm learning to let go of the control I never really had any way, and accept my limitations for what they are: chances for God to show me just how much He is able to meet my needs and heal my hurts and fix my shortcomings. I'm learning about what is really and truly important, and how very little actually fits into that category. I'm learning how to ask for help and how to say I'm sorry.

I've learned what it is to be truly thankful. For health and safety. Most nights as I sit and rock you I just thank God for you and how healthy you are and that we are able to provide for you. I'm all too aware of the fact that a lot of moms can't say that. I'm thankful for medicine when your sick and the ability to go to the store and buy you food to eat and clothes for you to wear. I'm thankful for friends and family who love you and care about you. I'm thankful for the freedom to take you to church and to read you the Bible and teach you about God. I've tried hard not to complain about waking up in the middle of the night with you or getting up early. I realize how many women would love to have a little one keeping them up all night and don't and just how blessed I am. I get to be the one you run to when you're hurting, the one you want holding you when your sick. What a precious gift that is.

You make me want to be a better Christian. I've become so aware of the fact that this is all temporary and that there is a lot more that hangs in the balance than whether you sleep through the night or have a clean shirt to wear. This world is fighting so hard to have you and convince you that you have to be rich or popular or great at sports or watch this show or any other number of things to be successful or popular or whatever it wants you to believe. But your daddy and I are fighting that much harder to show you that there is a God who loves you unconditionally and who wants to know you personally. A God Who wants you to have character and honor and integrity and truth. And we are praying with all of our hearts for the wisdom and grace to show you those things. Not just to teach you those things, but to live them out daily for you, to be the example of what God wants us to be. I have a sense of urgency now that I've never really had before, to learn and to grow and to be that woman God created me to be so that I can help you become the man that God wants you to be. I know I'm going to make mistakes. I already have and will continue to. But I'm praying that God will cover me with the grace that will be needed for us both to learn from them.

You've brought so much joy to our lives. You are incredibly smart and are quite mischievous. You love to laugh and smile. I look back at all the pictures I have of you from the past year, and so many of them are with your mouth wide open in a huge smile. That's you in a nutshell. Happy, laid back, full of joy. It does make me a little sad, a little nostalgic to know you're growing up so fast. I know it's all a part of life and being a mom and that it continues to get more interesting and fun. But part of me wants to capture you at all these stages so I can remember just what it was like at this time in your life. I kiss your little feet after bath time, knowing all too soon they will grow into the smelly feet of a grown man :). I was rocking tonight at bedtime, just holding you tight, and you lifted your sweet little head in the dark and opened your mouth so I could give you a kiss and my heart melted all over again. I am so thankful for you and proud of you. You are showing me what an amazing calling and responsibility that motherhood is. And I couldn't be more grateful.
You will always be my baby boy.
I love you,
Mama

Jax's 9 Month Update

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 20:21:00 -0400

Jax
9 months. Wow. This has been such a fun month. I can't believe how much you're growing and the things you are doing. This month has been filled with mischief and adventure as your little personality comes out. It's been exciting (and a little tiring!). Here's what you've been up to this past month:

You weigh 23 3/4 pounds and are 29 3/4 inches long (90th% for both height and weight). You are a big boy!

You are wearing a few 6-12 months, but mostly 12 month clothes.

You still have just your bottom 2 teeth, although I think the top ones are going to pop through soon.

You are on a pretty good schedule: waking up around 6:30-7, taking two good naps a day, and asleep between 7:30 and 8:00 pm.

You take four bottles a day, usually 6-8 ounces

You are such a happy boy!

(Have I mentioned you are very active?)
Here you are at your 9 month check up

You love to eat and are eating just about anything: cheerios, yogurt, cottage cheese, chicken veggies, and anything mommy and daddy have, you want!

You drink lots of water!
You are pulling up on all the furniture and cruise around pretty fast. You also crawl at lightening speed- I have a hard time keeping up with you!

(these pictures are getting difficult to take, since you are not keen on sitting still!)
You say "mama", "dada" and "hi". You wave hi and by.
You love to giggle and laugh.
You play with a lot of different toys (although you'd prefer to have the remote control and laptop!).

You love your blankie and carry it around in your mouth.

You have an intense love/hate relationship with the vacuum.

You still love being outside and playing.

You try to (and succeed!) eat grass-all the time.

You love going for walks-your little legs kick back and forth in the stroller-it's so cute!

You are such a little helper: Here you are helping your daddy and papa fix some things around the house.

You are such an easy kid-we can take you anywhere: restaurants, stores, church

And we also have a good time staying at home and playing :)

You love going to the park and playing on the swings

We went for our last swim of the season

and our first trip to the zoo

You had your first taste of smoothies

And your first taste of custard....

Your Papa came to visit for a week to help mama out while daddy was out of town

You're still very much a daddy's boy

I love seeing you sleep

You are such a sweet boy and I can't imagine my life without you. The days are so busy but I wouldn't change it for the world!
We love you so much!
Mama and Daddy

Lovely Days

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 20:39:00 -0400

Today was one of those fun days I just want to look back on and remember years from now. I cut back on my hours a little bit at work and have been home several days this week, which I have enjoyed so much.
Tara came over this morning and we worked on a sewing project while Tyce played with toys and Jax napped. Of course when Jax finally woke up he was quite excited to see a new friend to play with.

I also caught him stealing a few of Tyce's potato chips! What a stinker. After they left we had nap time and then ran to the store for a few things I needed for dinner. We got home and Jax played in his crib while I cooked. I could hear him laughing hysterically while I was cooking and it just made me smile. I have no idea what was making him laugh so hard but I'm glad he likes playing on his own every so often.
After dinner was made we headed outside because the weather was finally somewhat resembling of fall and I wanted to enjoy it. Plus, Jax LOVES being outdoors. The problem is, he's also obsessed with grass. More accurately, he's obsessed with eating grass. He kept on sneaking it into his mouth and then I would have to dig it out with my finger while he laughed and laughed.

At one point a blade of grass got stuck to the roof of his mouth and I managed to gag him accidentally while I was trying to remove it, causing him to puke all over. Which is why he was wearing nothing but a diaper and a smile when his daddy pulled in the driveway!

Jackson was mortified that I had him undressed and playing in the front yard, but hey, I'm learning to just go with the flow.
Little man adores his daddy and is so excited when he gets home from work. He will not let him out of his sight, which just warms my heart. I'm so thankful for the great father that he is.
They played in the yard for a while and Jax had a blast! Here's my little spider monkey:

So sweet

We came in and put Jax to bed but I think he was a little too wound up from all the fresh air. After about 15 minutes of playing in his crib his daddy went and got him out. We all sat and ate some cake and ice cream, which as you can see from the video below, Jax definitely enjoyed! I'm so thankful for such sweet days spent with my baby boy and I'm praying that God will imprint these memories in my head and allow me to remember them for years to come.

So Big!

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 21:01:00 -0400

Look what Jax learned today! Such a smartie :)

Jax's 8 Month Update

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Sun, 18 Sep 2011 21:30:00 -0400

Dear Jax
It's been 8 months since I held your sweet little self in my arms and stared at you in wonder. Where has the time gone? I must say that this has been such a fun month. I should add that it's been exhausting too! You are a busy little boy. So active and curious, and into everything! The past month has been filled with a lot of fun and adventures. Here's what you're up to:

You weigh ~ 21.5 pounds (we quickly put you on the luggage scale at the airport while checking in! Ha!)
You are wearing size 9-12 month tops and onesies and 6-12 months shorts. Your pajamas are 9-12 months as well.
You are wearing size 4 diapers

You are eating A LOT! You eat a fruit/cereal for breakfast
Veggie for lunch
And some combination of the 2 for dinner
Your favorite food by far is Puffs. You love them and get excited when you see the container!

You are taking 4 bottles a day, usually 6-8 ounces.
You are sleeping well at night and taking two naps during the day (yay!) at ~9:30 and then again around 2:30

You wake up around 6:30-7:30 in the morning and are so happy

(are you not the cutest sleeping baby ever?!)
You still have your bottom two teeth, with no hint of any others.
You now say "mama" and "dada"
You wave and say "hi" and put your arms in the air when I ask how big you are-it's so cute!
You love playing with your two teeth. You sit and flick them with your fingernail. That's what you're doing with this picture:

You will sit on the floor and use your feet to spin yourself around in circles. It's very entertaining to watch
You love to eat (please blame your father for the below pictures-he's the one that dressed you in the way too small clothes!)

You love being out and about, seeing people at the grocery store or church, and are quite the flirt! You have started getting people's (ladies!) attention and then when they see you, you smile and put your head on my shoulder pretending to be shy!
You love playing with your toys and spend most of the day crawling around the floors getting into trouble and playing with toys

You're still trying to figure out how to go forward in your walker

You love being outside and we've taken a few trips to the playground

You had a great time with Grammy and Papa when they came to visit

You took your first plane ride!

You're definitely a daddy's boy-when he comes home from work, you hear the alarm beep as he opens the garage door, and you take off to meet him. It's the best thing to watch.

You have developed an incredible love for Puffs. I can't make that statement strong enough. You've figured out how to pop the top off with your teeth and help yourself. It's quite amusing and a little scary. We should buy stock in Gerber, as many cans of Puffs as we buy!

You rode your first carousel

And got your first pair of sneakers
Grandma comes and stays with us once a week to play with you while mommy and daddy go to work.
You are crawling all over the place, and pulling up and cruising on the furniture! This often means you're getting into trouble :)

You've taken a number of spills, but you're a tough baby. Most of the time, you barely cry.

(That's a bruise right above your right eye)
You still love bath time-I think it's your favorite time of the day. I'm sure that won't be the case in a few years!

You have the sweetest disposition and are pretty much happy all the time. You laugh and play and are so sweet to be around.

Oh baby boy, just writing this post and looking back on the past month reminds me of how fast you're growing and just how much I need to treasure this time with you. I am forever grateful to God for entrusting me with your amazing life. We pray for you, for your character, for you to be a leader, to be a man of valor and honor, and to be a man after God's heart. Happy 8 months!
Love,
Mama and Daddy

Jax's First Plane Ride and Day 1 in Miami

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 21:01:00 -0400

We flew to Miami today for a quick visit with my family and for my sweet nephew Alex's 4th birthday party. Which means Jax had his first official plane ride. I was a little nervous since it was his first time and I was going by myself without any help. Thankfully, my sweet little guy did wonderfully and ended up sleeping most of the trip after we took off. Getting thru security was a little rough (although we at least didn't have to wait in line!), but the trip went smoothly.
Going through security

On the tram to the terminal

I ended up putting Jax in the Moby wrap and he sat on my lap the whole time.
Here we are right before takeoff.

My dad picked us up at the airport and we headed straight to meet my sister at Alex's school. We surprised him with cupcakes and his favorite cousin.
Eating cupcakes (and Puffs for Jax)

It was so sweet to see the two of them together!
After that we decided to take them to the zoo.

The boys enjoyed it, but it was hot! We decided to let them cool off in the water.

I think Jax had a good time. It didn't take him long to go from this:

to this:

After all that excitement, we headed to my Ita's house for some dinner. Jax helped his Papa pull wires in the yard and we just hung out and relaxed.

I'm so glad we made it safe and I can't wait to spend the rest of the weekend relaxing with my family!

Jax's Dedication

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Sun, 28 Aug 2011 21:05:00 -0400

Today at church we dedicated Jax to the Lord. This is a day I've been eagerly looking to for so long now-probably since we found out we were pregnant. I believe with all my heart that children are a blessing from God and have nothing to do with our own goodness or abilities. I realize how incredibly fortunate we are to have a healthy baby boy and want nothing more than to honor God with how we raise him. We don't believe in baptizing babies, but we do dedicate them. Essentially it's just us as a couple vowing to stay married, to live lives that are pleasing to God, and to raise Jax in a house that loves and serves the Lord.
We were so blessed to have both sets of parents at church with us today, and that our families from out of town were able to watch online. It was a sweet little dedication and I was so glad that Pastor Ken (whom I call Poppy) was the one to do it. He is the Pastor that married us, but even more than that, he's my best friend's father. I've known their family for years, have spend birthdays and holidays with them and he is like my adopted dad and it was wonderful have him be the one to present Jax to the church. Jax did wonderfully and just took it all in. He looks so serious in all the pictures, which is so funny since that is definitely not his personality! We were able to get some sweet photos of the day that I know we will look back on and treasure.

It was such a wonderful day and I am so thankful that our friends and family who love us were able to see it and that our parents could be there with us. We pray for Jax, that he will know the Lord and have a heart for Him and I hope that this is just the beginning of his life with Christ. My greatest desire is to be able to say this one day:
"I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth" 3John1:4

The New Date Night

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 20:32:00 -0400

We were walking into Babies R Us tonight and was telling Jackson that I remember the days where I swore to myself that I would NEVER go out in public looking disheveled and undone with a baby that had stains on his clothes. It only took me 7 months to break that promise! It's Friday night and I was too tired to really go out and do anything but Jackson wanted to get the little guy a walker so we packed up quickly after dinner and headed to the store.
Jax tried out a few different walkers...

And then we decided the pick up a few things like diapers and formula. I grabbed a box of teething biscuits and will live to regret the decision to give Jax one while we walked around. Yes, I realize that doing that is a little WT (or poor taste for a more "politically correct" term) but I didn't want him fussing while we shopped. And then it happened in the clothing section. A small piece of the biscuit broke off (I thought they weren't supposed to do that!) and Jax gagged it out. He also gagged out the rest of the dinner he had just eaten...

Um, yeah. Needless to say I was laughing so hard I didn't know what to do. It was all over the floor, myself, and the baby. I love the look on the baby's face. It's like "what"? Jackson ran back to grab some wipes (after telling me "I told you so"!) and we managed to clean up my arms and the floor. But I then had to take the walk of shame to the car with both the baby and I covered in mess. Ha! The life of a mom. Needless to say: lesson learned. No more eating in the store!!
At least it will be something to look back at and laugh about....one day.

Jax's 7 Month Update

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 20:47:00 -0400

Dear Jax,
I'm gonna have to ask you to quit growing so fast! It just hit me today-I have a 7 month old. You are no longer a little baby. You have, in fact, become a very big, determined little boy! This past month has been a tough one. You got your 6 month immunizations and had a bad reaction to one of them, you were teething, and you got another summer cold. You've also grown tremendously this past month. Not only are you sitting up, but you're crawling everywhere. Here's what you've been up to:
You wear a size 3 diaper and 6-12 month clothes. You can still wear 3-6 month shorts.

You take around four 8-ounce bottles every day and eat fruit for breakfast and veggies for dinner.

This past month you've tried peas, broccoli and cauliflower (and loved all of them!) as well as peached, plums, and nectarines.

You're getting into a better napping routine and sleep about an hour in the morning and 2 hours in the afternoon.

We had some rough nights this month with you being sick, but now you're back to sleeping through the night. You wake up between 6:30 and 7 and go to bed at about 7:30.

You fall asleep easily and rarely make a peep. You love your blankie.

You love drinking water from your sippy cup

You still love to eat

You LOVE bath time.

We took a little trip to Orlando where you swam in the amazing hotel pool.

We had another playdate with your friends.

You were invited to your first birthday party.
We often play in the kitchen in the afternoon while mommy cooks dinner.

You've decided you REALLY want to feed yourself and some days you insist on it.

We've lowered your crib

You are crawling everywhere and have even started pulling up some.

And sometimes you get stuck...

Your first two teeth have come in. your first lower (left) incisor started coming in right at the 6 month mark and your right lower incisor came in this past week.

You love your teething biscuits

And enjoy playing in your pool.

Most days are spent hanging out on your blanket playing with toys and in your exersaucer. You've just started crawling around and trying to get to things you shouldn't (remote controls, laptops, etc.) and get quite upset when we tell you "no".

You've been saying "mamama" to me, which is about the sweetest thing I've ever heard. You are such a happy boy and have a sweet disposition. You really only fuss when you're tired or hungry. Every day gets more fun (and challenging) as we navigate this world together. I pray so much that God will take the strong will and determination you're showing and use it for His glory. I pray that your daddy and I do right by you, teaching you to walk in the Truth and love God. I couldn't love you more if I tried and I am forever humbled that God entrusted you to me. I can't wait to see what this month brings! We love you!
Love
Mama and Daddy

Sweet Stuff

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 18:08:00 -0400

Today we went over to Tara's house to hang out for a while. It was pretty much the only place I was going to go seeing as how I was in gym shorts and a t-shirt and looked like a bum. So Jax and I headed over there for a little bit to give him a taste of what it's like to have siblings. Ha!
He also got a taste of something else...

Aunt Tara gave him his first lollipop. And he loved it (really, who's surprised?!). I really can't complain about it since I'm pretty sure I introduced all 5 of her kids to the wonderful world of candy, soda and chocolate!
Unsure about this...

Getting a good taste of the butterscotch...

Going back in for more

Grabbing her hand-at this point, he wanted to be the one to hold it!

And then my favorite...

Doesn't he look like he got caught with his hand in the cookie jar?

I'm so glad Jax has fun people in his life to make sure he gets to do and enjoy the things his mother would doesn't let him do. I'm just dreading the day that that includes this:

I bought Cade one of these loud poppers when he was a baby and I'm afraid his mama's counting down the days til she can pay me back!

Pool Time

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 21:06:00 -0400

Ms. Maggie and her sweet mama Katie invited us and a few other friends over to their neighborhood pool today and we had a blast. Jax loves the water so much and he had a great time. I'm so thankful that I have some good friends who all have babies around the same age and that we can get together and support and encourage each other the way we do. Here are a few pics from today.
Jax's little girlfriend Paige

Cooper and Jen

Bode and Kara

Bode doing some reading

Bathing Beauty Paige

All the kids playing together

Maggie and Jax

We had a great time at the pool and Jax came home and slept well. All that sun and fun wore him out! Thanks Katie for a great day!

Jax's 6 Month Update

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 13:50:00 -0400

Dear Jax

You are 6 months old! I can't believe it. Just last night I was looking at picture of you from when you were first born and I was shocked at how fast you've grown and how I'm already starting to forget the little things from when you were tiny. I guess that's why I am trying to do this blog-so I will have some record of your sweet little baby self. This month has brought so many changes. It's like as soon as you hit the 5 month mark you decided to grow up. It's been so much fun watching you explore and discover the world. Here's what you've been up to this month:

You were 19 1/2 pounds (85th percentile) and 26 inches (90th percentile) at your 6 month check up
(here you are at the doctor. We went through a LOT of paper on the exam table. ha!)

You are wearing size 3 diapers

Your clothes are 6-9 or 6-12 months, although you still wear your 3-6 month shorts

You're eating a total of four7 to 8-ounce bottles a day, although you eat most of it in the afternoon/evening (you never eat much in the morning)

You're eating one fruit with cereal for breakfast when you wake up and one vegetable with cereal in the evening around 5:30.

So far you've had carrots, green beans, pears, apples, sweet potatoes and butternut squash and bananas. You love all of them so far, except for the bananas. You do not like them and I've tried 3 or 4 times!

You're napping has gotten somewhat better. You still take about an hour nap in the morning and then either sleep for 2 hours in the afternoon or take 2 shorter naps in the afternoon.

You go to bed around 7:30 and usually pass out as soon as we put you in the crib. You fall asleep easily on your own at bedtime and for naps, which is so wonderful.

You've gotten quite stubborn/opinionated!

You can hold your own bottle

You LOVE swimming in the pool and anything having to do with water.

You've started pushing up on all fours and rocking back and forth-I think you'll be crawling any day!

You're sitting up in the grocery cart and highchair like a big boy

You've gotten your first haircut

Had your first solid foods

Ok, so although you would have loved that, I don't think that would have gone well!
This is more like it...

We've also started giving you some apples in your mesh feeding bags. You LOVE it! One day, you actually fell asleep with it!

We've gone on a picnic

You had a visit from your cousin Alex and Aunt Debi

You still love going to church and are so good in the nursery

We went on a road trip to Miami to see Mommy's side of the family

We also took our first family vacation to visit some of mommy's college friends. You made some friends of your own

You got your first battle wound-a bite below the nose

And your first boat ride (which you loved!)

And you love hanging out in your Johnny Jumper

It's amazing how much you've grown in the past 6 months!

This has been an amazing month just watching you grow and learn. We went on our picnic and you discovered grass for the first time and it was such a blessing watching you sit in wonder at the sight and sounds and texture of God's creation. I am loving every minute of being your mama and your daddy and I couldn't be more proud of you!
We love you so much!
Mommy and Daddy

How Do You Like Them Apples?

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Sat, 2 Jul 2011 20:06:00 -0400

So today I was sitting down eating an apple and Jax was staring at me so I figured I'd give him a little taste. Well he of course loved it, so I proceeded to share with him. I would take a bite then give him a taste and so on and so on. This went on peacefully for about 2 minutes. Then he decided he was done sharing. He wanted his own. I took the apple away from him to take a bite and he started crying/yelling at me! I was not happy that this sweet little moment was ruined cause little man got greedy! I called my dad a few minutes later and told him the story and he then gave me the biggest mommy guilt trip about how could I tease Jax like that and not give him his own to eat, and how mean that was. So the next thing you know I'm in the kitchen peeling and cutting another apple just for my child. And here is the result

I'd say he looks happy. And perhaps just a little bit smug.

Jax's First Haircut

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 11:07:00 -0400

It was inevitable. We all knew this was bound to happen. Especially after this post. I just wasn't ready for it to happen this soon. But then, the dreaded comment. In the presence of my husband no less. "What a beautiful little girl". Ugh!!! Really? Even though he's dressed completely in blue? Well, that was all it took for my husband to turn to me as we walked away and say "that's it, he's getting a haircut!". So I called and scheduled an appointment with sweet Emily at Mystic Hair and tried not to think about the fact that I would soon be taking my baby boy for his first haircut. I did manage to take a before picture, which probably didn't help my cause since it looks like he's wearing a mop on top of his head!

And so off we went for Jax's first haircut!
A before shot from the side. I will admit, that cowlick is a force to be reckoned with!

Um, why is someone squirting me with water?

First cut

Jax spent the first few minutes playing with Sophie and was oblivious to what was going on

Finally realizing that something is going on

Liking what he sees

Staring into the mirror trying to figure things out

Um, mom, do you see what she's doing to me?

a few more cuts..

what are you doing?

Finishing up

I thought this picture was so sweet

Jax and Em

The finished product. He looks just like his daddy!

I handled things pretty well while he was getting the haircut and only got a little teary/sentimental. However, all that changed when we got out to the parking lot. That's when I got a good look at my baby, his long curly hair gone, and all of a sudden looking like a big boy. And I lost it. And cried like a baby. Not just a tear, but a good solid cry. It just caught me off guard that in the span of a few minutes my Jax went from my little baby to looking like a little boy. But I got myself together and managed to take more pictures and go to dinner with my two favorite boys. I'm glad he did so well and that I could have such a sweet friend be the one to give him his first haircut. Thanks Emily!

More food please

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 22:48:00 -0400

I know this is two posts in a row on feeding Jax but I gave him carrots today and it was about the cutest thing ever. He LOVED them! As soon as I sat him down in his highchair he opened his mouth. I think he's getting the hang of this! This will be a short post but I just wanted to post these pictures since he was so excited to eat!
Ready to eat!

Giving me a big smile (seriously, is that not the sweetest face ever?)

Ok mom, enough with the pictures. Feed me already!

First bite

Ready for more...

I promise some actually got into his mouth!

So far, I'd say this feeding thing is a success!

Jax's First Foods

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 21:36:00 -0400

So while in Miami I asked my sister to help me make some baby food for Jax. She is an incredible cook and made all of Alex's baby food so I figured I'd try to channel some of her genius and do the same for Jax. Our first batch was green beans and carrots. Now mind you, the irony of me feeding Jax all these veggies while I myself can't stand most of them is not lost on me. In fact, Debi made me try the pureed green beans and I gagged! But, I'm hoping Jax will love veggies so I decided to start with those. And let me tell you, the boy LOVED it! As you can see, he had no problem wolfing down the green beans when we gave them to him on Monday.

Liking his view from the high chair...

I know I'm biased, but does he not have the cutest little smile?!

Eating the high chair...

Not so sure about this...

Then getting the hang of it...

I'm glad he liked his first feeding and I'm hoping it's a good sign of things to come! I'm probably going to try the carrots later this weeks so I may be back with more pictures!

Beach Baby

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 16:49:00 -0400

We arrived in Miami Thursday night and first thing Friday morning we got up and headed to South Beach! I was excited to take Jax for his first visit to the ocean but so nervous about how his pale skin would handle the hot sun! You're not supposed to put sunscreen on infants until about 6 months so I knew I had to keep him covered up. Thankfully, his daddy had bought him a little sun tent for shade. Of course we stopped and picked up Debi and Alex on the way (...and his Papa decided to play hookie and take the day off to join us as well)!.
Turns out Jax LOVED the sand. And the water!
First we sat him down for his first experience with sand. It didn't take him long to dig right in!

Then it was off to the water with Papa in his little floatie raft.

And this is where he stayed for the next 45 minutes!

Hard at work...

After Aunt Debi let him eat a handful of sand-he was way too quick for her! According to my dad, he's gonna be pooping concrete after this!

I LOVE this picture of Jax and his Papa!

I think our first beach trip was a success! Maybe I'll get brave and take him again by myself once we get back home!

Cousins

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 16:16:00 -0400

So Tuesday my sister Debi and my sweet nephew Alex got up early, and headed to the airport for Alex's first plane ride to visit us! I was so excited to see them (and to get a day of free babysitting!). Alex was so excited to see his cousin again and couldn't wait to hold him!

I love the worried look on Jax's face!

So sweet!

After a few minutes we packed up and headed to the new Children's museum in town, which is really wonderful. Alex had a great time dressing up, climbing the rockwall, and playing with all the fun exhibits they have.

Does he not look like he's one of those executioners in medieval times....ha! A little scary!

Our little firefighters

After that we came home and made dinner while the boys watched cartoons

Do I not have the cutest nephew?!

We had a great time hanging out at our house and I am so glad they came for a visit. Even better than that, they accompanied Jax and I on a road trip back down to South Florida to visit with the family, which made the trip a lot more fun. I'm hoping this will be a new summer tradition!

Jax's 5 Month Update

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Sat, 18 Jun 2011 21:09:00 -0400

Dear Jax
I can't believe it's been 5 months already! I know I say that every month but it just seems like time is flying by and you're growing so fast.

This past month has been full of growth and new adventures. You'e also experienced your first cold this month which broke your mama's heart. Here's what you are up to:

You weigh about 18 pounds

You are wearing a size two diaper

You're in some 3-6 month clothes and are now starting to wear some 6-12 months.

Your pj's are all 6-9 or 6-12 months

You're eating anywhere from 6-8 ounces 4 times a day

We have a great bedtime routine and you're usually so tired by the time we put you down that your pass out and barely make a peep! You wake up so happy and usually talk and play in your crib for about 15 or 20 minutes before I come and get you out.
We really have no semblance of a schedule this month, but it's mostly because you were sick for about 2 weeks and were also going through a growth spurt. You were waking up in the middle of the night when you were sick, but now you're back to sleeping all night.

You're still only napping in 45 minutes spurts but you take about 4 naps a day and wake up happy and ready to play.
You love putting your blankie over your face when you're falling asleep. Then you wave your hands around and kick your legs like you're trying to get it off. Then you take it off and do the whole thing over again. It's pretty funny to watch and I have no idea why you do it, but you pretty much do it every time you're going to sleep!

We've stopped putting you in your sleep sack these past few nights, you're starting to move around too much for them.

You've become VERY active and busy and it's hard to get you to sit down and take a full bottle
You're pretty much sitting up on your own but need a little help keeping your balance.
You are such a happy boy. You really only cry when you're hungry or tired. You're only fussy when you're not feeling well.

You enjoy being around people and love to meet new friends-especally the ladies. I think I'm in trouble!!
You're favorite toys are Sophie the giraffe and a stuffed penguin we accidentally took from Ms. Monisha's house.
You spend your days playing in the pack n play, the exersaucer and on the floor on the blanket with all your toys.

Sometimes you get whiny and just want some down time, so I put you in the crib to play by yourself for 30-45 minutes, which is great because it allows me to make dinner and get a few things done. And you come out happy and back to your usual joyful self.

(that's you and Scout, the stuffed dog your daddy bought you. He plays music and talks and you love him!)
In the mornings I usually bring you into the room and lay you on the bed and you play while mama tries to figure out what day it is! Ha! It's my favorite time of the day, just cuddling and talking to you.

You are very laid back and adjust real well to whatever we happen to be doing.

You've started rolling all over the place and we never know what kind of position we'll find you in after a nap or in the morning.

On June 5th you became fussy and seemed to be coming down with something and I took you to the doctor a few days later and you had Coxsackie virus with lots of mean blisters in the back of your throat. It certainly explained why you were so fussy and didn't want to eat. It took about 2 weeks for you to get back to 100% and it was so hard on us seeing you sick and not being able to help.
When I took you to the doctor you were smiling at all the office girls but as soon as you saw Dr. Hoyos you started screaming and crying-I'd never seen you do that before! He had just finished giving you your 4 month shots the week before and I'm pretty sure you remembered it and weren't happy with him!
We got you a new chair for bathtime because you were splashing so much and soaking us when we bathed you in the sink!

We went to the park and played on the swings for the first time.

We went swimming and you got dunked under water for the first time as well-you looked a little confused but you didn't cry. You LOVE the water.
You went on a field trip with the kids from Just Elementary school. We went to the Children's Museum and they loved you. You were so exhausted by the time we got home, you actually took a 2 hour nap!

You watched daddy and grandpa put together the new grill-you love being around your daddy and are always watching him.

You are babbling and cooing a lot these days.
And we've already covered your hair...

We've gone on another lunch date with Ms. Andrea and sweet little Paige. We had a great time!

Everyone says what a beautiful baby you are. You are my little Gerber baby!

You have such a sweet nature and love to help. Here you are helping me cook dinner one night! Ha!

At the end of the day, you are still my baby boy, and nothing makes me happier than holding in you in my arms at night and watching you fall asleep.

As fast as this is going and as hard as it is for me to see my baby growing up so fast, I love watching you grow and learn and experience life. I can't wait to see what this next month brings!
Love
Mama and Daddy

Bad Hair Days

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Sat, 11 Jun 2011 21:45:00 -0400

I was in labor, trying my hardest to push a 7 and a half pound watermelon out and all I could hear was my mom saying "he's got so much hair, you should see all this hair!". Well, sorry mom, but I'm a little busy right now.
Not too much later, however, I got to hold my sweet baby boy and see firsthand his full head of dark hair.

Everyone said it would probably fall out. It hasn't. It's gotten longer. And he's gotten more active. Which makes for some very interesting looks, particularly following bedtime. In fact, not only is his hair wild, it gets tangled. It's like nothing I've ever seen. I never thought I'd be putting detangler in my 4 month old's hair! And if you think I'm exaggerating, here's proof:

Crazy, huh?
All this to say, nothing makes me smile like going in to my baby boy's room in the morning and seeing what kind of shape his hair is in. And seeing how it looks as the day progresses. So I figured, what kind of mother would be if I didn't document it? In looking back over his pictures, I've discovered that Jax has had the uncanny ability to copy some pretty famous hairstyles. For example:
The "Cartoon Character"

The "Zoolander"

The "Eddie Munster"

The "Beiber"

The "Don King"

The "Mullet"

The "1980's Poof":

The "Surfer Dude"

And a few that are just unique to Jax (and pretty indescribable!) ...

(such a sad face....maybe 'cause he knew this post was coming!!)

I probably will have to hide this post from his when he's older. As my friend Tara reminded me-he'll be the one picking out my nursing home! Ha!
No matter the hairstyle, I definitely think I have the cutest baby around and LOVE that he's got the hair to match his fun loving, laid back personality!

Here's a little video that I took on one particularly interesting hair morning...