Summer is drawing to an end

 Jackson and I have been having a blast these last few weeks of summer.  He is starting to chuckle and laugh more.  I just love seeing his little smirk of a grin:)

This smile is just contagious.  I just love it!!

 Jackson and Layla have been getting super close these past couple of days.  He can't keep his eyes off of her.  He has even started to talk and laugh at her.  She will just sit and watch him, and then sneak a lick of his toes, which makes him giggle.

The lovely Hughes family came to Bowling Green and we got to hang out with them for awhile.  Jackson and Elise are going to be best buddies!  I just wish they lived closer so we could hang out more!!

Jackson and his main squeeze, Elsie.

 Poppy finally got out of the hospital!!  So, we all got to go visit Nanny and Poppy.  And of course Poppy was watching his baseball and ESPN.  Jackson fit right in with Poppy and stared at the game.  Nanny couldn't even get his attention, for when ESPN is on Jackson's man genes come out: he ignores everything else in the room.

Nanny and Jackson

 This past week has been shark week, and being the dork Momma I am, he had to wear his shark shirt the first night.  Jackson sat with Momma, Daddy, Dude, Gigi, and Auntie Em and watched his first shark week show, and then ended the night with the Bachelorette.

We noticed that Jackson got his first bug bite on his leg and of course I had to snap a shot of it:)

First bug bite

 Jackson doesn't need toys anymore, all he needs are his toes and feet.  It amazes me how he can bend and flex his legs up. 

He even got his first taste of his toes this week and luckily I had the camera close by the get a shot of it:) 

Momma's happy boy

More playing with his feet

Summer Days

Summer is quickly drawing to a close.  I only have a week and a half before school starts.  I haven't been to my classroom yet, because I just can't take myself away from my boy.  Tomorrow I plan on taking him to the babysitter to get used to her while I work at school.  This will be the first time he has been with someone that isn't family!  I know he will have a great time there, but I'm worried about him. 


Since the last blog, we have been doing all kinds of things.


Little Buddy has been eating rice cereal and loving it.  We have progressed to two times a day...lunch and dinner.  Next week we are going to expand to three times a day.  He is starting to open his mouth more when he sees the spoon, but boy does he gag if it is too thick.  I have been trying to make it a little thicker each day to get closer to the consistency of baby food, but he isn't quite ready for it yet.

I remembered that he has a tray for his bumbo chair.  He loves to have stuff on the tray and hit the tray with his hands.  I am thinking about getting this boy some drums to beat on too.

We have been able to get out and about more because his belly will store food longer.  So, we have made trips to shop at Kohl's, Target, and even Wal-mart.  When we go, I try to have a hat on his because I don't want his little bald head to burn. 

Jackson had his four month check up this past week.  He got two shots and one oral vaccine.  I just hate watching him get shots.  This time it was really sad because he was in a super mood.  He enjoyed talking to the doctor.  Then, when the nurse came in he really started talking and telling her this big old story.  Then, she stuck him with the needle and he screamed bloody murder!!  I felt so bad for him.  He had this awful look like what did I do to you lady?

One afternoon he went to visit with his Nonnie and Poppaw when momma was having some alone time.  He just loves sitting in his bumbo and chewing on anything he can get his hand on.

Nonnie and Poppaw even took us all swimming at Southland.  She was teaching him how to swim.  He was even kicking and everything.

 Daddy and Nonnie thought that it would be good to have Jackson go underwater.  Momma was not a big fan but this is something they actually have parents do with little ones in swimming lessons at this age.  It made me a nervous wreck.  He didn't seem to mind it at all after he realized he was ok.  After he took a dip, he was more willing and wanting to splash and get wet.

Jackson is really starting to notice the dogs.  Riley really doesn't do too much with him, but Layla is all about him.  She sleeps on the floor in his room when he takes naps during the day.  She even wants to be on the floor besides him when he is on his playmat.  Jackson will even look and talk to Layla.  He is starting to want to reach out and touch her too.  When he does, she normally just licks him or just looks at him and lets him touch her!  She is such a good dog!!

Today Jackson is 20 weeks old!!  I just can't believe how time is flying by!!  It feels like just yesterday that he was born, but I wouldn't trade a day!  I just love being a momma.  His smiling face makes my day!

Summer Days

Summer is starting to slowly come to an end:(  I have loved spending my days with my boy and it's going to be so hard getting back into the groove of work.  However, we are savoring every last day.  We spend our days relaxing around the house and sometime running errands.  

Over the past few weeks, Jackson has been showing symptoms of teething.  He is drooling constantly.  It's so bad that he will go through at least 6 bibs a day.  And these bibs aren't from spit-up, but just drool.  He is also wanting to chew on everything!  His hands are his number one priority right now.     

This little boy just loves chewing on his hands and fingers.

 Most of the time, we are lazy and just relax around the house.  This picture is from an afternoon that J man didn't want to nap.  So, I set up a spread of toys for him on the couch besides me while I caught up on my DVR.  The next thing I knew, this boy was out cold.  This is how he napped, gripping tight to his toy.

Lazy couch day with momma

We even got a new tree for our backyard.  Andrew's parents got it for us for an anniversary/house warming present.  One day J will even have a swing set by this tree and hopefully it will give him some shade.   

 Jackson decided that we needed to go outside and watch daddy and poppaw plant the tree.  This boy just loves being outside.  Anytime he is upset or cranky, we step outside and everything is alright.

Chilling on the back porch

 Lately, Jackson has been just a little talker.  I am making a book of pictures from everyday of his first year.  So, this is one of the daily pictures I take; however, these pictures are starting to be a lot of work.  He is either squirming around everywhere or talking up a storm.  Normally it takes about 10-15 shots before I can get a decent picture.

Momma's little talker

 July 19, 2011...Jackson's first go at eating food.  He has been fussy during the nights and not sleeping well.  He is also wanting to eat every 2 hours.  This is including formula or breast milk bottles!!  So, we are going to try to give him this cereal and hopefully it will fill him longer.  At first, he was not too sure of the food, but after several bites he started tolerating it better.  I think the bib got more food than his belly:) 

Rice Cereal Everywhere

Hmm..not so sure about this stuff

 After all the rice cereal, J needed a bath.  This boy just loves water.  I decided to try the Bumbo out so he could play more.  Well, I ended up having to much water at first.  Who would have thought the Bumbo would float even when J sitting in it!!  lol.  So, we had to drain some of the water and it was a hit.  He loved being in the water and splashing.  He even leaned over to reach for his toys. 

Of course the hands in the mouth

Happy boy in the tub

What did you say Momma?  I was too busy with my toys!



Slumber Party

Ever since we came back from our trip, Jackson has a new favorite activity.  He loves his jumper; however, he is a bit skinny for it so I have to put a towel behind his back for more support.  Sometimes he does get mad at the toys because he has a hard time reaching them.  He will fight and rock until he gets there!!  This toy has kept him busy, which is great because it allows me time to get all the laundry done from our trip!

This week, Jackson has really started reaching and grabbing things.  So, just laying under his play gym is not enough any more.  He gets mad because he can not reach all of the toys.  I had to make-do with what he have....so I sit him by his play gym in his Bumbo.  It was a hit because he could reach all of his toys!  He loves it.

 

Emily, Jim, and Mom all went to Florida yesterday, but before they left they had to see the little guy.  So, we meet them at Fazoli's for lunch.  Jackson had an extra special surprise for his Auntie Em...we bought it in Atlanta.  She wasn't too big of a fan....but Gigi liked it.

Yesterday was our three year anniversary.  Andrew and I went to dinner at Demos' in Nashville, where we ate the day after we got married  Andrew's parents offered to keep Jackson overnight for us.  After several days of debating, Andrew and I decided that we would let them keep him.  Boy was it tough.  I packed little buddies bags for his slumber party, and I won't lie I did shed a tear or two.  All day I was so worked up and worried about him, that I even forgot his milk at home.  We had to go back and get that before we left for Nashville.  I was really proud of myself, because when we dropped him off, I didn't cry.  Andrew and I had a great anniversary, but it was super quiet at home.  Both of us walked into Jackson's nursery and made comments about how the room still had the little buddy baby smell.  And I did shed a tear or two because I missed rocking and reading a bedtime story to my buddy.  But most of all, I missed giving in a good night kiss!!  It will probably be awhile before he has another slumber party again.

For my anniversary present, Andrew got me a Pandora bracelet.  He picked it all out by himself and I love it.  The charms he got me are a little boy and a baby carriage:)

I got him a striping kit for the yard.  Ever since we have moved in and got our sod Andrew will spend hours with his grass.  He tried it out tonight, but it was too dark to get a good picture so I will have to upload one later.  But little buddy did watch daddy mow....he just loves being outside.

 

We both agreed that it was too quiet in the house without him:)  To make matters worse, Andrew and I both had to go to work without being able to see him, but we did face time with him before leaving to work:)  Boy was I counting down the minutes till the end of my professional development day so I could see my sweet boy.  The best part of my day was when I saw his huge smile on his face when he saw me:)

And of course when we got home, I get to see more of that smile during his picture of the day photo session.

Family Vacation Day 2

Day 2

We didn't have really anything planned today.  We just wanted to enjoy our time together as a family and relax.  So, we all slept in till around 9am.  Yes, my four month old is that awesome!  We decided we would take a dip in the pool since the pool closed before we got a chance to yesterday.  This was the first time little man had been swimming, except for his small pool at the house which is basically a glorified bath tub outside.  So, we dress him in his swimming trunks and headed to the pool.  First, we let him just chill and hang out by the pool on the lounger chairs to get used to being in a different environment.  I got him a new beach towel for this trip and all:) 

Chilling by the pool

Since he took chilling by the pool so well, we decided we would try getting into the pool.  At first, Andrew and I took turns holding Jackson and letting him walk around the pool with us.  He loved it!!  So, we decided to let him get in his new float.  The float label said it was for 6 month old and up...but my rationale was the he wears 6 month clothes so why not.  It worked awesome!  He loved just floating in the water and chilling.  But, his favorite thing was being pulled around the water with daddy and his car sound effects.  Jackson loved it so much he even squealed and laughed.

First few minutes in the pool

cruising around the pool with daddy

after awhile, he got really relaxed in the pool and chilled in his starfish float.

After swimming a bit, J man started getting a little sleepy.  So, we went back to the room for nap time.  And boy did he sleep great!  All that swimming must of worn him out.
 

woren out from swimming

 After Jackson's nap, we had to take his 4 month pics with his shirt stickers.  Normally, I use a white onesie, but I decided to change it up this month since we are in Atlanta what better outfit to wear than a Braves onesie?  I just can't believe that my sweet boy is 4 months old already!  Everyone always talked about how little ones grow up to fast.  Now, I totally understand!!

4 month old sweetie

After his 4 month old photo session, I had to get daddy to put his Braves shirt on so my Braves boys could get a picture together:)

my two handsome braves boys

Now, we headed to IKEA. We had lunch and shopped a bit. Jackson just strolled around in his new ride. He loved all the people watching. Andrew and I picked out maybe a new bedroom suite and bookshelf, but due to packing for a baby we had no room for the boxes. So, we will just have to make a day trip to Cincy and get stuff in a few months....darn.


Next, we wanted to take J man to see the home of the Braves and take a few pictures, but the weather thought otherwise.  As soon as we pulled up to park, it came a down pour.  This is the best picture we could get:(  Oh well, there's always next time, maybe then we can go to a game!

Turner Field

 All of the rain and driving made Jackson fall right asleep.  While he slept, Andrew and I kept driving to make sure he would be able to take a great nap.  So, we went cruising in the Buckhead area.  We found some monster home!!  We even looked up some of them that are for sale on the Internet and they were 19.9 million!!  I mean who has that kind of money?  And what do you need a house that big for?  I mean really?  I would hate to have to clean it!!!

sleepy boy

huge home in Buckhead

 After cruising awhile, it was dinner time!  We ate at the famous Varsity!  It was awesome!  I had chili dogs, fries, and ice cream.  Andrew had slaw dogs....weird combo I know.  Totally would recommend this place!

To end this wonderful day, we went swimming again.  Matt, one of our friends that lives in Atlanta, came to swim with us.  This time he took a family picture for us and it turned out awesome!  So far this is the only picture we have all three been in on this trip.

momma and her boys

 Little buddy had to dry off before we headed back to the hotel room for bed.  He was having a blast talking to me while laying on the beach chair.  If only there was some sun both of us could have worked on our tan!

Family Vacation Day 2--Aquarium

Well Bragg family is on it's first family vacation!  After eating at Cheddar's one night and seeing how much Jackson loved watching the fish, Andrew and I decided that we wanted to go to a town that had an aquarium for our family vacation.  At first we thought about going to Cincinnati, but after I researched their aquarium and found out they do not allow stroller (only on Monday and Tuesdays) during the summer that was a no go!  There was no way we would carry him around an aquarium that long...So we thought about Atlanta.  Andrew and I have been to that aquarium before and we know our way around Atlanta somewhat.  So, we also thought what a perk..there's an IKEA there too!! 

Day one: We decided that we would drive to Atlanta during the night after Andrew got off work.  We thought this would be better for J man because he could sleep.  And boy where we right...he snoozed from around Franklin to Manchester. 


Little Trooper riding

 Then we to a break for dinner, and he slept from Manchester all the way to Atlanta!!  He even stayed asleep during an hour of stand still traffic in Chattanooga!  He's such a trooper!  On our road trip, he got to see his first semi truck!  He was amazed at it was very curious. 

I don't know which one likes the semis more

Then, he got to get on his first hotel bed.  Unlike most older kids, he couldn't jump on the bed, but boy did he roll over on the bed.  As soon as he was layed down he rolled right over to his belly and just smiled and talked to us. 


I like this hotel bed:)

 We were worried he might not sleep good during the night because he slept the whole car ride but boy where we wrong!  He slept his normal time till 9 am.

Day two:  Today was the Georgia aquarium day:)  Oh course being the dork mother that I am...I dressed Jackson in a shark shirt for the aquarium and his bib had a whale on it.  To make me a bigger dork..all of the extra outfits in his diaper bag where fish themed too...But I felt better when I got to the aquarium and found out I wasn't the only mother like that! 




Whale shirt and all..ready for the aquarium

As soon as you get into the aquarium, one of the first exhibits has a huge tunnel that you can walk through with fish, sharks, rays, etc.  Jackson's eyes got huge with excitement.  He started kicking and laughing!  Andrew and I were like...yupe we picked a winner for this trip:)  And the day just got better and better after this moment. 

with momma in the tunnel 



with daddy in the tunnel

very into the tropical fish

Jackson just loved the aquarium!  He enjoyed watching all of the fish, sharks, and whales. Most of all, he enjoyed people watching.  He would just stare at people and almost look at them like what?

To make today even harder on momma, we had to start formula supplement.  This boy is growing like a weed!  He eats 6 1/2 ounces every 2-3 hours.  Well, momma couldn't keep up with that so we had to start supplementing with formula today.  I was really worried and kinda depressed about it until Jackson took that formula bottle like champ!  He didn't even act like the milk was any different.  To make matters better, he didn't have any spit up or allergic reactions as well!  My little man is just growing up. 



Happy boy after his first formula bottle:)

Right now, daddy and son are taking a nap at the hotel:)  We are about to go to dinner and then big boy is going to take a dip in a real pool for the first time!!