Reflecting on Jackson's first week...

It's difficult for me to say that this was a "great" week because honestly, I missed my big boy.... almost as much as Ethan did.  But I will say that he has proudly walked his adorable self with his oversized backpack into class each day and with that same smile, he has jumped into my car from the car pickup line at the end of each day.  I am really glad I decided to go with the 4-day preschool... but it's been a strange transition for Jackson.  Yesterday morning, when I asked him to get dressed, he said "why?" and I told him he had to get ready for preschool... then he says "but mooooooooom.....I JUST went to school 2 days already."  He is definitely not used to getting up and having to go to school more than a few days in a week, and certainly not in a row - and not really this whole summer.  So this is probably a much-needed transition to kindergarten.... Yesterday was his first "extended" day - and that was a little unnerving for me because they switch teachers and have to eat lunch, nap, etc... but it went really well.  I love that I'm learning so much about my kid... He's finally telling me about his day and I know that based on the few things he tells me, what's important to him... I continue to pray for his heart and for it to be pure and loving.  It worries me with him being in a school that has elementary-age kids too.  But I know it's inevitable - I'm probably just not emotionally ready for it - it's happened very quickly.... but I'm going to continue to try to instil a positive light inside of him that he can keep with him as he gets bigger.  I just may need some anxiety drugs by the end of this year (just kidding!).  Growing up is hard on this mommy!

Family Day!

Last Saturday, Ryan and I woke to find ourselves in a very peculiar place.. One that we haven't been in since last April.... We had nothing planned on a Saturday!  So Ryan decided it was a good day to get some home projects done and I thought we could combine with a little family outing to feed the ducks with the boys.  It turned out to be a really fun, and highly productive day!

 

Ryan got a little dirty playing with the kids at the park!

Jackson's 1st Day of Preschool

 

This morning was Jackson's first day of preschool - at a 'real' preschool - not Mother's Day Out.  His new teacher's name is Mrs. Malia and she's so sweet - I know he'll just love her.  Fortunately, Ryan was able to go with us to walk him into his class - which made J feel extra special.  On the walk in, Jackson and his friend Carter (who isn't in his class) were having a cute discussion about Batman.  After he got into his class, he sat right down and started coloring.  As I was walking out the door, I heard him chime into the discussion the teacher was having... J is definitely social - his teacher will probably have trouble keeping him quiet.  :)

He has probably heard me sadly tell people that 'my baby boy is growing up' and stuff cuz he told me this morning that he didn't want to go because he didn't want to leave me.  :(  Poor guy - At least it was just til 1130am!  I really missed him - and so did Ethan!!  Ethan asked me several times today 'where bubba?' - he just isn't used to not being with his brother...

I have never been so anxious to pick up my boy as I was today.  I was one of the first in line to get him.  :) He did so great.  He told me that he learned about the number zero and about flags - to which his favorite is the Christian flag.  :)  He told me that a boy named Logan dropped a crayon box on his head but then said sorry and "i didn't mind..." He is quite disappointed that his two best buddies are in different classrooms but he says he "might" consider making some new friends.  My funny boy.  He came home with his white sweater vest a bit dirty - (I expected that) and he was starving - but not sleepy.  Ha!  Imagine that.  

Ethan's Birthday Party!

We had a very small relaxed birthday party for our little guy on Friday, Aug 3rd at our neighborhood pool.  Ethan really doesn't care too much for getting into the water, but like the rest of his family, he's always down for a party.  So we grilled some hot dogs and swam and had cupcakes.... It was a fun little celebration of my little guy turning two!

Happy Birthday Ethan!

I'm Back!

I sincerely apologize for my lack of blogging the last few weeks. To say it's been crazy, hectic, stressful and busy is an understatement.  I do, however, now have myself together a bit better - although still very behind on many things - and will get back in the swing of blogging again now!  I have plenty of things to blog about - some fun playdates, Ethan's birthday party and our beach trip to Gulf Shores are just a few... So - please check back for updates on our madness!  :-)

Cuties.

These neighborhood buddies are sure to keep us on our toes as we watch them grow!  They are quite adorable, aren't they?

<Jackson, Ben and Eden>

A Night w/ Ben Boy.

On Monday night, Jackson had his very first sleepover at his house.  He's been to Ben's a few times and now it was time to have Ben at his house.  The boys played wonderfully - all superheroes and good guys and bad guys and it is nonstop make believe fun for these two.  I smile knowing that they have been buddies for so long now and they still play so well together.  We also built a new track which had to have almost every piece we own on it (which if you've built tracks before on a train table, you know how hard it is to get all the pieces to fit and go well together).  We also played outside for a bit... but it was so hot that even the kids don't want to be outside too long. Then, at bathtime, we let the boys play with the foam soap, which was a total party... Poor Ryan got attacked in the mix.  :) So he attacked back!

When I put them to bed, they were tired! Ben really attempted to sleep but Jackson kept whispering "Ben!!! Are you awake!? Ben!  What are you doing? Shhh... don't let mommy hear..." Quite adorable.  In fact, Ben was sound asleep much faster than Jackson was... I think he was too excited that his best buddy was laying on the trundle right beside his bed... just way too much fun.

July Phone Dump!

Ive been having a lot of fun with Instagram lately!

 Nerd alert!

 Coloring w/ Uncle Ray

 Nature...

 Jackson enjoys writing his name now!

 Dont Mess with The Hulk!