Elli - I will remind you of this when you have kids!

Today's conversation as we passed Grandma Bender's house on the way to the strawberry farm.

Elli:  Can we see Grandma?
Me:  Nope - she is at work.
Elli:  Where is Papa?
Me:  At work too.
Elli: Daddy is at work too.  Everybody is at work Mommy except for you.

Yep - thats right Elli.  I'm just at home on vacation.  No work for me - no work for me at all.


ps - I do love being able to stay at home, I am not grumbling.  Just thought this was ironically funny.

Isn't That The Truth?

Look at this glimpse into our human nature.  Elli wants to play in Jackson's room with his toys and he of course wants to be in her room with her toys.  Go figure!

The Little Mouse, the Red Ripe Strawberry, and the Big Hungry Bear

Seriously, this is one of my favorite books.  We hosted book club last week and did all sorts of strawberry activities.  Then, as a follow-up (although we planned on doing it all along...) we all went strawberry picking this week.  It was a blast.  Elli loved it and Jackson kept eating the produce.  I couldn't get him to stop!  We probably should have added a few dollars on our total when we checked out just to compensate for his consumption.  We'll be back for sure.  So much fun!

See what I mean?

Poor Poor Jackson

Well at recent appointment for Elli (because her ear drums ruptured) we discovered (again) that Jackson has another ear infection.  Between the two of them I can't tell you how many we've had this winter but I know that our doctor knows our pharmacy by heart so that is not a good sign.  Jackson was referred to the ENT in Greenville and we are scheduled to have tubes put in his ears this Wednesday.  I hope this helps the little guy.  We'll keep you posted!  Elli is on another round of antibiotics for her ears. I think they are hoping she will outgrow these issues.  If the medicines don't work this time, she may be up next for tubes.  We are really hoping we can get by without them for her but time will tell.

A Big Red Birthday

We decided to do a Clifford theme for Jackson's first birthday and my amazing friend did all the decorations.   Check out all of her stuff and get your own "party in a box" at her etsy shop.

Grandma and Grandpa Waller made the trip from Maryland and arrived on Jackson's birthday.  We had his first celebration and he LOVED cake...let me tell you.  The pictures don't even do it justice!

Then on Sunday we had a Big Red Dog Clifford party.  We had all the fixings and again Jackson LOVED the cake.  It was so fun celebrating his first year together.  

Jackson,

You are an amazing kid.  I LOVE your laid back personality and your little giggles. Your mischievous looks when you are getting into something always make me laugh and your snuggles always warm my heart.  I can't imagine our family without you.  You balance our dynamic perfectly.  I love you more than you will ever know my sweet sweet little boy.

Love,

Mom

Happy Birthday Sweet Sweet Jackson

ps this is post number 300!  Whoa!

Seriously

Look what Elli figured out how to do tonight at our Sunday School party.  She is getting too big too fast.  I guess we will be heading out to Target soon for a bike for her...

Poor Poor Jackson

Well, now I know why Jackson wouldn't sleep.  He was getting sick.  His ear infection didn't clear up on his last antibiotic so we have to try another one.  If this doesn't work we are headed to the ENT for consultation about tubes.  This morning he had a fever and it has stayed at 103 all day.  He really is pitiful.  Poor little fella.

Well We Did It

Well Jackson won't sleep so I might as well blog since his noise is making it so I can't take a nap either.

Last summer was tough.  Jackson was tiny and I was exhausted.  We didn't get to do much because I was always nursing and Jackson was always needing a nap.  I created a mental list in my head of things that would make life "easier."

1.  Sleep through the night.
2.  Stop nursing
3.  Start walking

We have finally made it through the list and just in time for summer!  Jackson prefers walking to crawling now if at all possible.  He normally sleeps well (although right now he is really giving me a run for my money!) He eats pretty much what we eat and is completely off of bottles and nursing.  Honestly, none of this made me all that sad except when I realized we wouldn't need our bottles anymore.  I thought the last time I nursed I would be sad, but honestly, I wasn't a huge fan of nursing.  But when I realized we were a bottle free house, I got a little sad.  But then I thought back to last summer and decided to celebrate.  Let the parks, pools, splash pads, and play dates begin!!

Messy Book Club

Today we got creative and used this idea for book club.  We let the kids get messy and boy did they!  We had a flour station, finger paints, water table, spaghetti bin, shaving cream bucket, goop bucket, and bubbles.  It was a fun morning!  We are so glad to get to spend some time with buddies getting our energy out!

Even Jackson loved it!

ps - my wish for summer has come true.  Jackson is really getting good at walking so that he can enjoy himself at events like this too.  He is more stable and doesn't want to be held - he wants to explore.  Watch out summer fun..here we come!!!

11 Months Old - A While Ago

This is WAY overdue.  Jackson turned 11 months on March 25th and I am just now posting these pictures.  At 11 months old Jackson is taking more and more steps. He is gaining confidence in walking.  He can do the signs for "more" and "all done."  He is a little more picky about food than I would like, but will eat a variety. When he does not like something, you know it for sure.  He loves his Daddy and always wants Jacob to hold him. He still likes to snuggle and will only sleep if he has his Thumper bunny with him.

Farmer's Market Spring Fest

I keep remembering that I took Elli to this last year at 9 months pregnant.  It was certainly a lot more enjoyable this year.  I love seeing downtown New Bern so busy.  You can click here to see us at the Spring Fest last year...look how much my baby girl has grown.  You will have to scroll down but you will find it!

Meet and greet with the alpacas 

Jackson checking out the school  bus.  He really liked it!

Elli trying out the zumba - the girl loves a stage.

Jackson cheering Elli on!!