Cute Story from Daycare

I know, I still don't have the pictures from Fourth of July uploaded to my computer yet but we're getting there.  Things have been busy in the Carter household, with keeping up with a toddler that is CONSTANTLY on the go.  I never knew what true exhaustion was until now.

Michelle, Jackson's head teacher at daycare, told me the cutest story this morning when I dropped him off.  Apparently another little girl started there this week.  She's a little older, a crawler, so she's mobile.  Well, I guess yesterday afternoon this little girl was sitting behind Michelle on the floor and just started hitting Michelle on the back.  She laughed and said that she was getting a massage.  Well, when Jackson saw what was going on he marched right over, stepped between the little girl and Michelle, and gave Michelle a big hug.  He was trying to protect her!  How adorable!  My little boy is such a sweetie!

It's Official, Folks

We have a walker!  It is really unbelievable actually.  Jackson took his first hesitant steps over Memorial Day and by his first birthday he was walking all over the place.  I think a week at the cabin where there is more room to move around really helped.  Honestly though, the week before he was taking 5-6 steps at a time and by the middle of last week he was walking everywhere he wanted to go.  It's so stinkin' cute!!  Those little legs just trying to keep up with what he wants them to do!  I have a feeling that by Labor Day he'll be running.  Yikes!!

We had a great time up at the cabin.  We were able to spend the whole week up there and the relaxation and family time was just what the doctor ordered!  There was another first birthday celebration with the Blair side of the family, a new, wonderful dock installed, a pontoon boat ride and first swim in Gunflint Lake.  All very exciting!  Jackson loved it all, with the possible exception of his life jacket.  Not a fan but it was a requirement, of course. 

I don't have the pictures loaded onto the computer yet but I will get that done soon and will share everything from the trip!

Oh, I almost forgot!  Jackson had his one year doctor's appointment on Monday.  NO FLUID IN HIS EARS!!!  Yeah!!!  That is the first time that has happened since birth.  We were so excited!  He weighs 23 lbs, 11 ozs (50-75%) and is 31 inches long (90%).  He's growing like a bean!  He had to get three shots and was a trooper through it all.  Over the next month or so we'll be working on getting him off formula and onto whole milk.  My little boy is growing up!

On the Eve of Your First Birthday

My dearest Jackson,

I hardly know where to begin.  In just a few short hours you will officially be a one year old.  I can hardly believe that this first year has already come to an end.  Just a year ago your daddy and I were scrambling, eagerly awaiting your arrival and a little scared at what it meant to be parents.  We were so excited when you (finally) made your appearance!  Our perfect little baby boy!  You've been nothing but a constant source of joy since day one. 

We watched, through sleep-deprived eyes, as you achieved all of those firsts -- first smile, first time sitting up, first time you pulled yourself up, first hug, first step.  I cried the first day of daycare, although I knew it would be so good for you to have that social interaction and stimulation.  I cheered you on with every new accomplishment.  I always will.  Anytime you need a cheerleader, I'll be first in line -- with a big, embarrassing banner.

I do miss that tiny little baby we brought home from the hospital, that little munchkin that curled up on my chest.  Those were such precious moments that I didn't realize would fly by like they did.  Now you are constantly moving and oh so close to being an official walker.  You chase the cats around the house with wild abandon. You love to dig through your toy bin to find just the right thing to play with.  You also love to pull books from the bookshelf onto the floor, much to the chagrin of your father.  The moments you sit still long enough for a little cuddle are few and far between.  You are really growing up.  It's a little bittersweet but I know the future holds wonderful things for you.

Little Man, I want you to know how much you are loved, unconditionally and from the very bottom of my heart. You have changed my life forever. Who knew one little 9 pound baby could wield so much power. Years from now, when you're rebelling and being all kinds of independent, know that I still love you just as much as the first second I saw you... just as much as the first time you grasped my finger with your tiny hand. When you grabbed that finger, you grabbed my heart. You still have it. You always will.
So, on your first birthday, my wish for you is this -- may your life be as blessed as mine is because I have you in it. 

Happy birthday my sweet little boy!

With all the love in the world,

Mom

HAPPY FIRST BIRTHDAY JACKSON!!!!!

June flew by!  We were super busy all month long with lots of time hanging out with cousins and fun time outside, dodging the many rainstorms of course.  What happened to April showers?  I guess they came in June this year.  But anyway, we've been having fun and watching Jackson grow up right before our eyes.  Over Memorial Day up at the cabin he took his first step and while I wouldn't say he's a walker yet, he does like to walk as much as possible -- up to about 15 steps at a time.  It's so darn cute!  He also loves to walk around the house while holding our fingers too which I think is really adorable.

Jackson has really become a great eater too!  He LOVES fruit and will stuff as much as possible into his mouth at a time.  We really have to be careful about how much we give him.  He's like a little chipmunk.  I think his favorites right now are mangos, peaches and cantalope (maybe he just likes the color orange).  He can't get enough of them.  So yummy this time of year too.  We're trying to get him to eat more protein, starting him on chicken nuggets and such.  The first try didn't go so well but he's getting better.

Here he is eating a popsicle.  The last time he was at the hospital (when he had the croup a couple of months ago) one of the nurses gave him a popsicle.  We really didn't think he'd eat it since it was so cold and he hadn't had anything like that before.  Well, he devoured it!  We were shocked!  Of course, this time around he wasn't nearly as excited about the popsicle but I think he still liked it.  I think he had more fun playing with it than anything.

Such a goof ball!

Scott and I were able to go to our second Twins game at new Target Field in June.  The game wasn't wonderful (we lost) but we had a great time!  Thanks for the tickets Mom and Dad!  The food, if you haven't been there yet, is amazing!  It's such a great place to watch a baseball game.  We're so lucky to have the new stadium!  Jackson spent the afternoon with his cousins but he did get to wear his new Mauer jersey. Like father, like son!

Sneaking a peek in the refrigerator.  He's obsessed with the fridge.  It's really kind of strange.  He loves to look in there whenever we open the door.

Wow, has it really been a year? I just can't believe it! Jackson celebrated his first birthday last Sunday with the Carters. We went to a park nearby and had a really great time. The kids got to play outside and the weather couldn't have been better.  Jackson was a little tired at first and it took him a while to get into the party mood but he had a great time. 

Chad, Danielle, Zoe and Zachary helping to celebrate the big day.

Grandma and Grandpa Carter

The balloons were a big hit!

Casey pulling double-duty with the kids.

Little People are a pretty big deal in our house!

Jackson got his own personal cake to eat.  I really thought he would tear right into it but he was much more cautious. He took lots of little bites just around the edges at first.

His big gift from us was an outdoor slide and swing set.  It was a huge hit!  It's going to be so much fun to play on this summer!  Jackson was climbing all over it from the beginning.  Such a little climber.

Checking out the swing

One of my favorite pictures ever!

Wow, that's an awfully big tree!

Checking out his new bead maze.

And finally, here are a couple of videos from the last couple of weeks.  The first one is of Jackson taking some steps. 

Here Jackson is playing and bouncing his new ball.  We bought this at Target one day when it was clear Jackson needed something to play with in order to make it through the trip.  He loves it now!

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So, tomorrow is the big day.  Jackson's first birthday.  I just can't believe it.  We'll be heading up to the cabin for another birthday celebration with the Blairs.  It's going to be a great trip!  We'll be up there for the whole week!  I'm sure there will be lots of stories to tell when we get back. 

Just in time for Fourth of July...

...I'm finally getting around to posting pictures from Memorial Day weekend at the cabin.  Well, we had a wonderful time!  The weather was perfect and Jackson had so much fun exploring a new place.  Ok, so not exactly new but considering he was two months old the last time he was there, it was new to him.  Of course, Grandma showed up with lots of new toys to play with which always makes a little boy happy! 

I love the look on his face in this one!  What are you doing with my toys, Dad?

Were the toys for Jackson or Scott?  Sometimes it's hard to tell.

Another big hit was Mongo, the singing gorilla.  It clapped and sang and Jackson LOVED it!!!

Grandpa told lots of fish stories which made Jackson laugh.  Oh, we spend alot of time in our pjs at the cabin, especially when Jackson likes to wake everyone up at 6am.  Good thing he's pretty cute!

There was alot of exploring, including figuring out new and different ways to get from Point A to Point B, like under the footstool.  Of coures, why didn't I think of that!

More stories about the woods, the lake and all the wonderful things that we love about Up North.  Grandpa is great at telling stories! 

There was also some quiet time reading books.  We love to read at the cabin!  It often ends in a great, big nap.

And of course, spending time outside, with or without a shower.  The weather was perfect and the bugs weren't really out yet.  Doesn't get much better than that!

Seemed like a perfect time to try walking!  Jackson took his first, hesitant steps at the cabin.  Everyone was so excited.  Of course, we didn't really get a picture of it but this one is close.  He was holding onto my hand and then he just let go and took about two steps.  He's been taking a few steps here and there since then but I wouldn't say he is officially walking yet.  I don't think we're that far away from it though.

We had to go down to Gunflint Lodge for barbeque.  So yummy!  After dinner we walked down to the dock for some pictures.

A little lovin' from Aunt Kathleen.  She is so great!

Finally, back home after a great trip.  Jackson was such a good little traveler.  We were worried about how he would do with the longer trip (it's about 5 1/2 hours in the car) and being at the cabin, sleeping in his pack and play.  Well, we really had nothing to worry about.  With the exception of a little car sickness when we turned into the Gunflint Trail (blame that on Mom and Dad who fed him an array of foods right before), he was just wonderful.  No problems at all! 

Cuddling with Mommy

Jackson and Dad all decked out in their Twins gear before Mom and Dad went to a Twins game.  The Twins lost unfortunately but we had a great time!

I guess that's about it in a nutshell.  We've had a really busy June and we're looking forward to another trip to the cabin over the Fourth of July, this time for a week!  We'll also be celebrating Jackson's first birthday.  Yeah!  I really can't believe it's been a year.  Time really is flying by!  I'm scared that I'll wake up tomorrow and have a 16 year old wanting to take the car out with friends.  Yikes! 

Happy Father's Day (a day late)

Thank you...

For everything you do for both Jackson and me everyday. You are an amazing father!  I knew you would be but it truly fills my heart with joy to see you and Jackson together.  Thank you for making our son laugh daily, being the first one up with him every morning and giving him the color of your beautiful blue eyes.  Thank you for all that you do around the house for us and for helping to create a childhood full of love, laughter and lots of play!  May Jackson always be your little “buddy” and grow into one of your best friends.  I can't wait to watch you two through the years.

Happy First Father's Day with love from both of us!

I also want to say a huge Happy Father's Day to my own father, the best ever!  I love you and thank you for everything, even when I was a bear growing up you were always right by my side, encouraging me and cheering me on.  Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

Two Big Pieces of News

Well, I don't have pictures from Memorial Day loaded onto this computer but I will tell you the big news...Jackson took his first step at the cabin on May 30!  YEAH!!!  He's taken several more since then and I have a feeling that he'll be walking before too long.  Maybe even by his first birthday!  (Wow...I can't believe he's turning one in just a couple of weeks.)  He's becoming such a big boy!

Jackson also took his first bath in the big tub last night.  We've been hanging onto the baby tub for a while, probably too long looking back at it.  I was concerned about his stability in the big tub.  Turns out his instability in the little tub was probably because he is too big for it.  Oh well.  I also wanted to get a skid mat down before we tried it too.  Well, it finally happened and Jackson absolutely loved it!  I was a little worried that the bigger tub would freak him out.  Boy, was I wrong!  It made us both wonder why we waited so long.  He spalshed around and played with his bath toys and had a great time. 

Anyway, I promise to get pictures from the cabin posted soon!