6 months old and other musings

 Okay, Erin was so excited about being in her high chair, thinking she was about to get cereal, that I felt kind of bad for what came next.  What came next was sweet potatoes.  And you can see that Erin was clearly not impressed.  Luckily, she has since shown a love for carrots and squash.  Green beans didn't really impress her, either, but at least she will actually eat it all.  The sweet potatoes made her shudder with every bite!

 Elise was thrilled to get back to dancing after the holiday hiatus.  She rocked this awesome new dance dress that Mammy and Popa got her for Christmas. 

 This just made me laugh.  I didn't put her shoes back on and just sat them on top of her when we left Mammy and Popa's tonight.  She fell asleep on the way home, apparently feeling a need to "cuddle" her shoes. 

Finally, we have a 6 month old!  It's so crazy to think.  She giggles, she coos, she has started saying "Dadadada" (but doesn't know what it means, so it doesn't count and there is still time to teach her Mama :))  She sleeps 12 hours a night, which is a wonderful blessing to her parents.  She was in the 71st percentile for height, 57th for weight, and has a big head (like her sister).  She did good with her 6 month shots, and continues to be a joy to everyone who hangs out with her!

2012 in Review

 2012, what a year you were.  Elise go to wear her snow bibs ONCE.  I have a feeling this winter will produce a little more snow than that.

 Elise started gymnastics in Spring 2012, and after a few months, switched to dance class, which has been much better for her.  She was just too timid for the moves and not nearly limber enough for gymnastics.

 We had a very Happy Easter, and Elise was gorgeous.

We continued to party it up with our dear friends, sometimes dressing up like goofballs.

 The annual Mother's Day picture grew again this year--with Mr. Jack making a live appearance (and not just an appearance via ultrasound).

 Elise rocked as a flower girl at Micah and Denim's wedding (and the Stevens family grew again, too).

 The Jackson family grew also (this was definitely a theme this year!) with the birth of Erin Adele Jackson.

 We were blessed to get Erin baptized, and have our dear friends the Kelbs serve as her sponsors.

 The Stevens family grew again (by TWO), adding Courtney and later Mia.  Can't wait to meet Baby Mia this weekend and update everyone with a post on that beautiful baby!

 We got brave and took all the kids to SDC before I returned to work from maternity leave--even little Erin. 

 Christmas was magical this year, with Elise getting fully into the Christmas spirit.  Santa was great, but we worked hard to make sure that Elise understood the reason for the season.

2012 was a year of so many blessings.  We can't wait to see what 2013 holds! 

More Christmas Adventures

I DID remember my camera for Christmas at Mammy and Popa's! 

 Erin rocking another awesome Christmas shirt.

 Chaos of little ones opening presents.

 After several failed attempts at a pic of Mammy and Popa with their grandkids, this was about as good as it got.

 My sweet girls by our tree after we got home from Christmas Eve service.

Elise had so much fun with Larry this year, and was sad to see him go.  She left cookies and milk for Santa near Larry so he'd remember to take him in his "sled". 

My girls in their Christmas jammies. 

 

After Christmas morning at our house, we went to MawMaw and PawPaw's for Christmas.  I forgot my camera again.  I tell you, it's hard to remember the thing when you're packing presents, food, and clothes/diaper bags for two kids!

 

I hope you had a blessed holiday season!

Fire Station Fun

 The girls and I visiting Daddy on Sunday before Christmas while he was at work.  We had Christmas with the Stevens family (forgot my camera--oops!) for lunch, then headed to visit Daddy after that.  Elise always loves to visit Daddy and play on the equipment!

 Someday, when Elise gets a little bigger, she'll get to go UP in the bucket--but that day was not the day.

 Erin's first time checking out the equipment.  You can see by her face that she's impressed.

We love visiting the Fire Station!



Jackson Family Christmas, Part 2

 After Mike and Kathy's, we headed to Grandma and Grandpa's house for Christmas dinner.  The kids all enjoyed some shoulder time.

 This might be one of the best pictures I've ever taken.  Caught James the exact moment after Derrick (looking innocent in the shot) burned him with his hot cookie sheet!

 Tracy was the "Baby Whisperer", getting Erin to take a nap and cuddle with her.

 Erin also got some cuddle time in with Tara and James.  I think they both look pretty good with a baby in their arms, HINT HINT! :)

Jackson Family Christmas, Part 1

 December 16th was the Jackson Family Christmas.  Erin was dressed so cute, Mommy wanted a picture with her by the tree at our house.  It was her VERY FIRST CHRISTMAS!

 We started out with brunch at Mike and Kathy's house.  Both the girls posed with Grandma and Grandpa for Christmas pictures.

 Kathy and Erin in their festive Christmas colors.

 Elise was a big helper for Pa-poo when he was opening his presents.

We got Jack a new book and his Daddy read it to him.  Erin enjoyed hearing the story too!

Erin is 5 mos

 Erin turned 5 months old on 12/12/12.  She gets bigger every day.  You can see a bit from these pictures that she's starting to get the chubby thighs, but she continues to be a petite little thing overall. 

 Erin is very vocal.  She sings, she squeals, she likes to surprise herself with new noises.  She's still very stingy with her giggles, but always has a smile for everyone and is usually a very pleasant baby.

She sleeps 8-9 hours most nights.  She takes a little nap before bed, wakes up for about 30 minutes to just hang out, then has a bedtime bottle around 9pm.  She will ocassionally wake up around 3-4am and need her pacifier, but then she'll sleep till 5:30-6am most mornings.  If it is a weekend day or Daddy is staying home with her, she'll take a bottle and go right back to bed until about 9am.  If not, she usually parties for an hour or so before taking a morning nap. 

 

She has really gotten into her oatmeal.  She gets so excited when she sees it coming.  I am anxious to see how she enjoys food when we get to start that next month!