Happy Valentine's Day!

This year, Daddy was out of town for Valentine's Day. Fortunately, Jackson was my sweet, little Valentine. He got all dressed up, and we had a play date and dinner with my friend Carrie (whose husband was also out of town) and her daughter Anna (Jackson's girlfriend). We had a great time, though missed Daddy very much.

So cute, though so "big boy" looking. I can't believe it.

Jackson was SO excited to see Daddy when he got home. Daddy was so excited to give Jackson his Valentine's Day presents, Backyardigain Beanie Babies. I don't think Jackson could believe his eyes. He LOVES the Backyardigains!

"Which should I play with first? Decisions, decisions."

9 Months!

I can't believe that my little baby boy is 9 months old! He has grown and changed so much in the last 9 months. His latest stats from his well visit are as follow: 28.5 inches long (60th percentile), 20 lbs. 11 oz. (60th percentile), and his head circumference is 18 in. (60th percenctile). What a well-rounded little boy he is! Jackson is now cruising like crazy, has 2 teeth, stands on his own for little bits at a time, takes a few steps on his own (usually 2-6 steps), pulls himself up every now and then, is drinking more and more from a sippy cup, and is trying more table foods (esp. bananas, green beans, carrots, peaches, bread, and ham).

Big smiles for the camera!

Jackson LOVES playing with our cell phones.

Cruising by the T.V.

Inspecting Daddy's craftsmanship.

"Am I cute, or what?"

"Okay, so this sippy thing isn't as bad as I thought."

Bath time is soooooo much fun!
Jackson loves scooping up water in his cup and taking big gulps.

Who could resist this cute little face?

Goin' to Miami/Orange Bowl!

Every year, we go to the bowl game that UofL plays in. Luckily, we got to go to Miami for the Orange bowl this year. Unfortunately, my sister and brother-in-law weren't able to make it, and we certainly missed them. Even though Jackson didn't get to go to the game (it didn't start until 8:00 at night), he still got to go on his first vacation. We had so much fun!

Jackson and Grandaddy decided to take a little nap in Charlotte during our lay over. Jackson did such a great job flying for the first time. We were a little nervous, since he was just getting over a cold, but he was such a great little trooper. He loved playing with the airline safety brochure, magazine, and barf bag. He really made me wonder why I even brought any toys for the plane. What was I thinking?

Jackson and Daddy at the UofL fan appreciation party. Everyone was fussing all over Jackson in his Brian Brohm jersey. What can I say, he did look really cute.

(Grammy, Mommy, Daddy, Jackson, & Aunt Brittani)
Party!!!

Jackson got to go to the beach for the very first time. You can't really tell from this picture, but he didn't really like to water at first. He warmed up to it eventually, and had a great time.

Hmmm. . . . what's this stuff?

Yummy! (More like YUCKY!)
He only had the one bite, and decided he didn't like it. Oh well, a little bit of roughage won't hurt him, I guess.

Monday night, we went to Fan Fest. Go Cards! Jackson's first tooth also finally popped through that day. Yeah!

Jackson was so exhausted that he slept right through all the loud bands.

What a little cutie pie. . . . . .

. . . in a REALLY BIG chair!

Jackson's First Christmas! (Part 3)

On Christmas day, we opened presents at home, then headed over to my parents' house for the rest of the day. Unfortunately, Jackson was not feeling well at all, and was quite fussy.

Opening presents at home.

Jackson's present from Aunt Rachael & Uncle Carl was bigger than him.


Playing with his new dinosaur.


By evening, Jackson was in a much better mood. He loved his Leap Table. He loved dancing to all the songs, especially the Spanish ABC's.

Jackson's First Christmas! (Part 2)

We spent Christmas Eve with Josh's extended family and my parents. Jackson looked too adorable in his little Christmas outfit.

Jackson playing with Uncle John.

Eating Christmas Eve dinner.

Again, Jackson loved playing with the wrapping paper and ribbons. Here, he has a bow and gift tag on his head. He's certainly the best present we've ever recieved! He had so much fun playing with his cousins, uncles, aunts, grandparents, and great-grandparents.

Jackson's First Christmas! (Part 1)

Since we are so fortunate to have a lot of family living close by, we have a lot of people to celebrate Christmas with. Therefore, the festivities started a little bit earlier this year, on
Dec. 23. We spent the day with Josh's parents, brother, and sister. Jackson had so much fun trying to unwrap his presents, eating the wrapping paper and ribbons, and playing.

Jackson eating wrapping paper. Yummy!

Jackson loved riding on his new zebra. Daddy and Grandpa helped him, since his legs aren't quite long enough to make himself bounce.

Go Cards!

Daddy and Jackosn playing around before the last UofL football game of the season (excluding the Orange Bowl, of course). Jackson loves wearing his jersey. He must know how handsome he looks in it.

Peek-a-boo! Go Cards!

Ridin' Along On My Automobile

Jackson is learning to ride on his little car, though he only goes backwards (silly little man). It also converts to a standing walker that he pushes. He's pretty good with a little assistance. He's getting to be such a big boy. I can barely believe my eyes some days!

Our Little Architect

We are slowly beginning to bring out toys handed down by Jackson's Uncle John. He really likes playing with his blocks. He's got true talent. Look what he made! (Just kidding.)

Hmmm. . .which piece should I use next?

Definitely this one. It's the yummiest!

Jackson Eats!

As we all know, Jackson likes to eat, and will put almost anything in his mouth that he can get his hands on. These are just a few of the most recent things he's managed to get ahold of.

The camera strap.

Grandaddy's watch.

His "Big Green Submarine" book.

His "First Christmas" ornament.

Babies, Babies, & More Babies

Within the past several months, there have been quite a few babies born to parents who work in Josh's division at The Army Corp. of Engineers. They range in age from 9 months to 4 weeks. We got them all together to take pictures before Thanksgiving. Aren't they all so cute?Natalie checkin' out Jackson, while he just plays it cool.

Jackson checkin' out Natalie, and trying to give her a little love pat.
Way to go, Jackson! Natalie is quite a little cutie.

Jackson and Daddy taking a break from all the hard work.