Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood (or backyard)....

I took these pictures and when I looked at them on the computer, I just got all frustrated thinking how much better they would be if I could have taken them w/ my new camera (the one I don't have yet... but want - BAD - REAL BAD).... But at least I have a beautiful subject to take pictures of when I do get it! :)

Busy Monday!

We got in last night from NWA.... We drove in to find that we had left our garage door open ALL weekend! Wow - I have a new faith in my neighborhood now! Turns out, we went to close it, but there is a tree that has grown and was poking over the sensors so, it popped the garage back up and we didn't notice... Scared me a little when we pulled in last night! Anyway, we unloaded the car and just left everything whereever it fell... went to bed. Well, it appears that things don't magically put themselves where they need to be... darn. Anyway, Jackson and I had our first play date today w/ our new playgroup in West Little Rock. We had a lot of fun! Jackson played relatively well w/ the other kids, considering he really has had no exposure to kids his age... He was just happy for a change of scenary, probably! Then, we met Ryan for lunch and went to meet his new co-workers and see his desk. Jackson is taking his first nap now.. at 345p! Uh-oh... Hopefully, that doesn't mean it will be a long night! :)

TEETHING, continued... haha.

Weekend in NWA!

As usual, the weekends are never long enough... and when I'm back "home" it always seems that they fly by even faster....

4 Generations!

Uh-Oh - J found his daddy's blackberry... we're all in trouble now!

Grandma Visit, Day 5

Well, I almost missed this picture, but we remembered last minute! I had to take Grandma back today... I really REALLY wish she'd just live w/ us! We had so much fun!
So here's what she's been working on! She made me some burp cloths... well, it started out that I was going to give them away as baby gifts since I have 100 girlfriends who are pregnant now... but.... I decided that since it was MY beautiful 78-year-old Grandma who put in those hours working on them, that I'm keepin em! :) Heck, I'm planning on at least 2 more rascals, so I mind-as-well save them for that!

She made this elephant all by herself and just sewed it on! When I told her that it's a little tilted up, she said "it's climbing uphill!!" AWH! Why didn't I see that!!? haha..

Ryan actually helped w/ this one! BGS is the initials for our "when we have a girl" girl. So... he actually traced the letters onto the fabric and cut them out for us! What a great daddy!

She didn't want her picture taken at all... but she isn't much to argue. I cannot even explain how much she means to me! I'm a VERY lucky granddaughter! I hope she comes back soon.. the week just flew by!

Grandma Visit, Day 4

Today was busy busy busy!! Grandma and I were upstairs and she was sewing and I was scanning a bunch of my old pictures so I have them digitally.... Jackson isn't feeling well whatsoever, so he napped a lot today... Hoping he'll feel better tomorrow! Fingers crossed!

Walking Little Man!

Jackson is walking ALL OVER now... He is SO funny and soooooo much fun... He gets better and better every day too, falling down less and less. This is definitely one of those times in his life that I will never forget! Awh... so in love!

Grandma Visit, Day 3

Today, Gram and I went to her doc appt and Jackson missed his morning nap... BUT! He did SOOOOOO good! He walked around the waiting area at the doc office and walked up and down the hall... staring at everyone... (I have to work on that w/ him.. haha). Then, when we got home - around noon-ish - I was thinking he would take this awesome nap! Nope! One measely little hour... oh well... He's got his 4th tooth trying to peek through right now, so that is causing a bit of some discomfort. But, boy I am blessed w/ SUCH an AWESOME baby! :)

Grandma Visit, Day 2

We've been all over town today... Hobby Lobby, the bank and WMT... J-man did so well, as usual and now Grandma has even more stuff to keep her busy.. She was so excited to get home and get started working on more stuff! Fun for her, good for me! :)

Grandma Visit, Day 1

My AMAZING grandma is here to visit this week and Jackson and I are totally stoked! She's been sewing up a storm, so Baby J is getting some fun stuff too! Today, I was scrapbooking and Grandma was at the sewing machine... So fun! I'm really enjoying her company... I wish she'd just stay forever! :)

Jackson, trying to help Grandma sew!

Jackson and Mimi

Jackson officially went almost 2 months without seeing his Mimi... and I do not think she set him down the whole weekend! :) It was nice to have someone else watching the monitor those 2 nights... and allowing Ryan and I to sleep in a little... Boy, that WAS nice! Thanks Mom!

Jackson's Easter Basket

Well, anyone who knows me at all - knows that I am NOT creative... but I love those who are and I do strive to be... So here's my attempt at making Jackson's Easter basket... Ryan says it's girlie.. but it was just a wooden basket and I added some ribbon and stuff and my grandma made the bow.... He just can't have one of those big Easter baskets cuz he's still so small!

But it will be fun to watch him hunt Easter eggs, now that he's walking! :)

Shopping Day!

Yesterday, my mom, grandma and I went out on the town! Jackson was out for over 5 hours shopping w/ us and barely made a peep! Of course, it doesn't hurt that his MIMI wanted to hold him everywhere we went... but regardless, I have really been blessed w/ such a good baby!


Yay! Jackson's first Easter is approaching!


Jackson in his new shades, thanks to Mimi!

Mimi holding Jackson, as usual!

What a long day!


Daddy - who isn't feeling well - was glad to see Baby J!


Even Hobbes was exhausted!!

Grandmas in Town!

My mom and grandma drove in yesterday and my grandma is staying with me the whole week!! YAY!! I'm so excited!! We have tons of projects planned and I know Jackson will LOVE to see his great-grandma for the whole week! More to come!

And we're off!!!!

Good TSH = Energy! :)

Jackson and I went to my regular 6 wk check up at the doc today to check on my thyroid levels... They appear to have not changed.... I told the doc that I feel so much better... I have tons of energy and just feel more like my old self! She said "well, Keisha - they are still VERY high. We're increasing your dosage." I thinking... wow! If this increase gives me even more energy than I have now, I'm gonna feel like a million bucks!! I don't even remember the last time I had as much energy as I do now, let alone when my levels are normal again! YAY!!

Jackson did SO good at the doc's office and in the waiting room, he showed off for the sweet little old ladies by walking across the room... giggling! :) He still has a runny nose, but not near as cranky as yesterday!

Sleep makes the bugs go away!

It appears Jackson may be developing his 2nd cold of his life... He has the sniffles and a runny nose today... Last night - or this morning rather - he alerted us at 300am that he was not happy with his current state by screaming to the top of his lungs! Poor baby... I gave him some medicine, teething tablets and he took 4 oz of a bottle... finally, he went back to sleep. I know it's probably a combo of the teething and getting a cold, but today he is already on his 3rd nap! His little body is worn out... .especially w/ all this walking he feels he has to do lately! So I ramped up the humidifier and we're drinking lots of fluids and hoping that sleep will make everything better! :)

On a side note, it appears I have a "knowledgeable" visitor who wanted to post a rude comment on my website, anonymously... which is quite courageous, don't ya think.... But thanks to this enlighting person who thinks he/she knows more about my baby than I do, I have now made it to where comments are approved first before they are posted on my site. It's people like that that make me think having a PRIVATE website might be a good idea...

To be continued.....

I love animals...don't get me wrong!

But I have never EVER wanted to "accidentally" let a dog out of a backyard fence more before in my life! Right outside Jackson's bedroom window, there's a FREAKIN dog who will NOT QUIT BARKING! I'm seriously going to go insane! The owners could care less, despite my request to shut the dog up and I cannot move Jackson's room to the other room cuz there are dogs over there that HOWL!!! I'm seriously trying to like my house and where I live, but this REALLY pulls at the nerves! I just want my baby to be able to sleep in peace! We're tryed to "mask" the problem by playing his "music box" when he sleeps... but I can still hear the dogs barking NONSTOP thru his baby monitor.... If only I didn't love animals so much....

What's the Deal!?

On Saturday, we had our friends Eugene and Darcy over for game night and Jackson got to play for awhile... Well, he kept walking to Eugene!!! In this video - I was trying to get him to walk to me, but OH NO - he walked to Eugene....well, half way to Eugene! He's still learning! But he's getting more and more brave every day! He'll probably be running by the end of the week (haha).

Jackson + Gym = Mad Baby!

Well, we're at Day 4 of Jackson staying at the child care while I work out at the gym. I always check on him, and it seems he's always screaming. I know it's probably because I started this way too late and he's SO used to mommy and daddy that anyone else is just not the same for him. They do try at the child care and they NEVER come get me or anything.... they feed him snacks and try to play with him and hold him..... today was better, the lady said, than the previous times, so that's good. We're making SLOW strides....

Me, however, have finally gotten to where I can do 4 miles running without stopping and I feel EXCELLENT after! I know I could do 5 but I prefer not to injure myself by pushing myself too hard... So I'll just keep pushing out 4 miles for the next week or so... I have some time! Toad Suck is May 2nd and that's a 10K (6.2 mi). I'm feeling REALLY good about this race, for the first time!

I think I figured out Jackson's napping weirdness too - He has 2 upper teeth trying to poke thru at the same time and he's constantly poking his finger back where his molars will be.... I think we may get a mouthful all at one time!

Jackson going for a ride on the "laundry train."

For SALE: Anyone interested?

Ryan and I have our "crib tent" on Craig's List. We were never actually able to use it - bought it brand new and it didn't fit our pack n play. So.... we bought it for like $70 or $80 on Amazon but never used it and are trying to sell it for $40 on Craig's List. Here's the post - let me know if you're interested! Email me: happymommy06@gmail.com. We really want to get rid of it since we didn't end up needing it anyway.

Editorial Review Designed to fit over playards and porta cribs, this portable mesh tent provides a domed cover that keeps babies in the crib and pets (especially cats) out. Rigidity is provided by two bowed top rods and two straight side rods, which come in sections and slot together. There's a large, sturdy zip for easy access. The crib lid also converts into a freestanding cabana-style tent for use on the beach or in the yard; a waterproof floor, sunshade, insect net, and two ground stakes are provided. Product Description The Tots in Mind Cozy Indoor/Outdoor Portable Playard Tent Plus Cabana Kit offers you two products in one! The patented and safety-tested design helps prevent injuries from falls, unattended wandering, and helps keep playard from tipping, while keeping children and their belongings in the playard and unwanted visitors, such as the family pet, out. The unique high-impact clip design allows the Cozy Portable Playard Tent to attach securely to your portable playard. For your convenience and your child?s comfort, the Cozy Portable Playard Tent provides ample head room and a large soft zipper, designed for quick easy access to your child. Includes the cabana kit - designed especially for infants and features a UV coated sunshade, waterproof floor and superior quality insect netting. Play yard not included. Features: Fits play yards 28" x 40" to 31" x 44" Clip design attaches tent securely Durable flame retardent material Machine washable Large soft zipper for quick access Lightweight for easy travel Safety tested - patented Please note: play yard is not included Please pick up after 530p. Email me at happymommy06@gmail.com. Here's the link on Amazon for more info: http://www.amazon.com/Tots-Mind-Portable-Playard-Cabana/dp/B000056JA2/ref=cm_cmu_pg_t
Location: North Little Rock

NYC - BOOKED!

Well, after playing around and digging thru hotels' websites all over New York City - we finally found our hotel! Hotel Elysee... it's 4 blocks from Central Park and 4 blocks from Rockefeller Center.... So perfect location. The price is the MOST reasonable for a 4 1/2 star hotel! I know we could have gotten a "less cool" hotel, but hey - you're only 30 once! Why not!? It's a boutique hotel, so I'm stoked! Plus, they have breakfast in the mornings and wine/cheese at night. Ryan and I are definitely doing all the touristy stuff, but since we have 4 nights there, we're going to try to do as much as possible. I've been looking at Broadway plays, David Letterman tickets, tickets to Staten Island and Ellis Island... I'm just SO excited! And since we'll be there around Thanksgiving time, we should be able to even ice skate near the big ol' gorgeous Christmas tree! I'm soooooooo excited! I'm purchasing our tickets this week (YAY for FF miles thru our cc!)!!! SOOOOOO can't wait! Thanks Aunt Lisa for all the advice on things to do! We're going to try to do them all! We're first timers to NYC, so this should be awesome!

LOOKING FOR A JOB!

Ryan is definitely on the job search.... So if anyone knows of any great sales, marketing, management or finance positions, please let us know! Ryan will have his Alltel job for awhile, but we are taking advantage of the time we have an pursing the job search... Time is definitely our friend here.

Visit with Papa and Nana!

Today, we were in West Little Rock at Babies R Us and decided to go by Papa and Nana's to visit... Jackson wanted to show off his new walking skills! I got a couple of good pics while I was there!

3 Generations Pic!

Jackson w/ Papa and Nana

Jackson absolutely loves his daddy!

Great TRADE!

Ryan tinted a car today for a girl he works with.. Her husband is an electrician, so we did a trade - tint for electrical work! We have several things that need to be done around our house, but he was so wonderful and honest and gave Ryan some tips on some of things we wanted done that Ryan can do himself! So the biggest and hardest job - he's going to do for us! We're going to have under cabinet kitchen lighting installed... and the lighting above the cabinets too to light up that area too.... Wow - that will look amazing! Unfortunately, Ryan and I have every single weekend booked up until April 25/26 - so I guess we're doing it that weekend. I'm excited!

Step-by-Step! We're OFF!

Here's a video of last night... Jackson took a few steps toward Daddy!

In LOVE with Survivor!

OK - I hope you're keeping up with CBS Survivor this season! It's AWESOME! I actually went to CBS's website and looked up how Ryan can apply for it. So we missed the January auditions, but we are going to put in for the next group.. which I THINK are in June... So keep your fingers crossed that they love our video! We looked it up and you only get 3 minutes of video... so if you any ideas on what he should do on it, PLEASE post! I honestly know that he would be picked if they met him.... and if he got on the show, that would be an opportunity of a lifetime for him! How amazing! So .... we're gonna give it a shot! Fingers crossed! :P

Visit from Emili!

Our very good friend Emili, who is from here but currently lives in Cali, drove all the way up to see Baby J today! We had the best visit and Jackson was SO comfortable w/ her... which is weird cuz he's got some big time stranger anxiety right now. And the best news is.... DRUM ROLL.... HE TOOK 5 STEPS TOWARD HER!! YAY!! She's my witness too! I was so proud of my little man! Walking and he's not even 10 months yet!! I know - Everyone says "watch out" but trust me - he's 22 pounds! I'm READY for him to walk!! My back and shoulders and wrists are too!Em - Thanks for the visit! It was so great to see you! I'm crossing my fingers you'll be back in June!!!