Party Part 2

As mentioned before we had a separate party with Mark's family this month for the October birthdays. If you are a regular follower of this blog you may have wondered if Mark has a family. The answer is an astounding yes. In fact, he has a plethora of family, in fact you have probably run into them around town and not even realized it. He has seven siblings so it is bound to happen. It is my fault for not giving them equal time and exposure on the blog. Anyway, I digress.
Here is the Ninja in all his glory. I think his Chi was a little off this day because the grouchiness was overwhelming the inner harmony.
All the cousins dressed up and got to pick a pumpkin to carve from Grandma and Grandpa's pumpkin patch. The kids quickly lost interest and the adults took over.


And here is the homemade, yes homemade, cake made by Celeste. She was almost lost to the blazing inferno. And yes that is 8 month guttage overwhelming the left side of the photo.

Tag

Angie tagged me and I am supposed to post the 4th picture in the 4th folder on my computer. Well, here it is...

I think this was taken about 5 years ago by my cousin Bobbi. She was taking a family pictures and we thought we would go for some candid shots. I think that was the idea anyway. Ya, it is so likely that someone snuck up on us all hanging out at the bus station each lost deep in thought. Anyway, it was fun to browse through old pictures if nothing else.

Jamie, Bobbi, Kelli, and Veronica give it a try.

A Boy Thing?

Any idea what to do about this...

This new found atrocity, yes atrocity, is driving me crazy. He can't keep his hands out of there. I have tried to be stern, ignoring him, and even hitting (softly) his hand. The other day I looked over to find him 'taking the plunge' and said, "Jackson, no!" He looked at me, took his hand out, hit his own hand, and said, "no no". He then looked at me like: "Mom, I don't know how that happened and I have absolutely no control over my appendages but don't worry I took care of it. Shouldn't happen again" Well, it has happened again, repeatedly. Any suggestions? Is my boy doomed to grow up a dirty old man? I am seriously considering reinstating onsies. Is snap crotch clothing frowned upon once kids are over 30 lbs?

The Party

I thought I would do a quick post and share some highlights from Jackson's birthday party. This is only part 1 because we split up the families this year. Part 2 is on Saturday with the Drake side.
The party was Thomas the Train themed, of course. Before I had kids I thought that character parties were nerdy and my kids, (the cool kids) would opt for sports themed parties or something equally as masculine. Then you quickly realize that if it makes them happy you are on board.

The cake

The birthday Boy

His favorite present, Thomas pajamas. He hugged them when he pulled them out of the sack. Can you tell he is the oldest grandchild and spoiled rotten? Look at the paparazzi in the background.

Happy Birthday Jackson

Today is big number 2 for little Jackson man. Unfortunately his 2 year doctor visit fell smack dab on his special day so he had to have shots.

Report Card

Height: 35 in. 55%
Weight: 29.2 lbs. 61%
Head: 52.2 cm >95% (Still ginormous)

Then
Jackson was born two years ago today at about 6:30 pm and 12 hours of labor. He was four days overdue and Mark and I could not have been more excited to welcome our little boy. He weighed 8 lbs. 1 oz., had a ton of dark hair, a cone head, and swollen face. I thought he was the cutest thing I had even seen.

Now

Jackson continues to be a such a joy in our family. He really makes me laugh everyday.

• He loves Thomas the Train and brings me the remote and signs train over and over.


• Loves books, especially about animals, trains, and cars.


• Loves to brush his teeth and constantly carrying around a tooth brush.


• Loves the watch himself in the mirror. He dances and signs gibberish with the biggest smile on his face.


• Loves to play outside, go down the slide, jump on the trampoline, run in circles, We have high hopes for track stardom. Run as fast as you can in a giant circle, right up his alley.


• Is generally a happy kid and never bothers other kids or is mean.


• Loves to be chased and has the most contagious laugh when you chase him.


• Is still signing and now making up his own signs. This is a challenge. We thought the sign he made up for 'open it' was 'cut your head off' for awhile.


• Is making progress in speech and interacting a lot more.


• Is not a home body and often brings me his shoes and says, "Go." We do a lot a perusing just to get out of the house.


• Good sleeper, eater, and can be easily bribed with candy and goldfish crackers.


• Is a 'daddy's boy' and Mark could not be happier.

Happy Birthday Bubbas.

Family Pics

Last week my family went up to Snowbasin to get a new family picture. My brother's girlfriend was nice enough to be our impromptu photographer and I am in no way demeaning her skills but we came back with some pretty funny ones.

I still laugh every time I look at these. 1. Contrary to what it may look like my brother is not 10 feet tall nor was that weed spontaneously exploding around him. 2. I think I was trying to get my footing but it turned into a full spread eagle stance. Mark said that I look 'aggressive'. 3. It was not noisy but Jackson had his fingers in his ears for a majority of the shots as if to say, "If you won't let me down I will still ruin most of the pictures."

Despite Jackson's best efforts and after a couple of rotations and wardrobe changes we managed to get a couple of good ones.

See he can be cute, you just have to catch him unaware.

Catch Up

Ok I know I have been neglecting the blog but we have been between computers, converting from a desk top to laptop in preparation for the new addition. Also, still between jobs and adamently holding out for a management position (advice from cousin Eddie).

Well, here is the catch all for what Jackson has been doing/what has been done to him lately. The other day I was in the shower and Jackson came in and started signing finished and train repeatedly. Translation: You are finished with your shower and get out and turn on Thomas the Train for me. I explained that mama's hygiene is a little more important than Thomas and continued with my shower. Well, apparently he got impatient and I felt something behind me. Yep, he got in fully clothed. Can't beat 'em, join 'em. He got out before I could get my camera and get back but you can see the effects. Luckily he was still in his pajamas.

Staying in the bathroom realm.....I never know what I will find in the bathroom sink these days. Everything but the bathroom si....wait that doesn't work. For some reason Jackson deposits a whole array of goods here, still can't figure out why.

We were at my sister Lindsey's house the other night and Jackson tried to eat a half loaf of bread in one bite and gagged and threw up all over his shirt, unfortunately not an infrequent occurrence. I didn't have an extra shirt so Linds loaned him her daughter's jacket and being the ever fashion conscience aunt added the nice pink flower. Poor kid.

The other night Jackson was playing the back yard with the neighbor girls when I peaked out to check on them and was alarmed to see blood all over Jackson's face. I raced out, quizzing the girls as I went. Neither of them knew that anything was wrong. I was busy inspecting for open wounds and planning my route to the emergency room for the gash that was sure to be found. There was blood all over his face, hands, clothes, and legs, this was serious. "Oh he ate some of those big grapes and then put them down the slide and went down" said by the now frightened neighbor girl. Panic over, just a little over indulgence in the plum tree. Sorry no picture.

A night out on the town, O-town, for the Harvest Moon festivities.