Welcome to the Adventures of Captain Insaino!

Happy Christmas!

2008-12-24T10:39:00.000-05:00

Jackson's words

2008-12-09T21:40:00.004-05:00

ok, Jackson has moved from 1 word sentences to 2 & 3 word sentences in (literally) a week's time. Thanksgiving day he said "wash hands" - I was so excited as this was his first use of putting two words together all on his own. Since then, there have been MANY new sentences...

Another funny thing about Jackson is he calls himself "Jackson"... as in anytime he wants to do something himself, which is ALL THE TIME, he says "Jackson" rather than "me" or "I".. it's too dang hilarious.

Yesterday on our drive back from Auburn, Jerrod got this on video... it's Jackson pointing out where his Boo-Boo is... needless to say, his "Boo-Boo" moves rather frequently & he uses the term "right there" to describe where the new "Boo-Boo" location is.

Thanksgiving 2008

2008-12-09T21:02:00.004-05:00

The order of these pictures got all screwed up when uploading & I am not doing it again... as it takes FOREVER to upload anything here. Ok, enough of my annoyances. Here are some really great pictures from Thanksgiving 2008. It was fabulous, the food, the day, the company, the walk, the everything.

Jerrod & his Dad, Gerald.

finally, were there! The Forest Grove Cemetery.

Jackson & Travis Bell, Jerrod's cousin.

Papa Fletcher, Aunt Nancy, Jackson & GiGi - all gathered around Granny & Grandpa Bell's headstone.

At the farm, the sugar cane grinder in the background. That has been in the family since Jeannette's grand daddy settled here.

On our way to the FGC.
Jackson thoroughly enjoyed his ride to the FGC.

A quick pit stop to "wash hands".

And, were off again.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-11-28T08:12:00.001-05:00

Where The Wild Things Are.

2008-10-31T10:07:00.002-05:00

McIntosh Festival, UF Homecoming 2008 & my Wild Thing!

2008-10-26T18:35:00.010-05:00

A day at the McIntosh Festival - a day filled with many trips down several different slides.

Playing on the McIntosh Playground during the McIntosh Festival October 18, 2008. He's up at the top for the first time.

Now that was fun!!

Here's the second go-round.

The energy of a 19 month old - NEVER ends! Don't the make a 5-hour energy drink, yeah, like drinking that would help you keep up with a toddler - doubt it!

Jackson really enjoyed this slide - he must have climbed up the ladder 8 times in a row. I guess that joyous feeling never gets old! To be a child again, hmmm.

Here he goes again.
Here's another slide at the park, one with less children on it!

WEEEEEEEHHHH!

Here we go again.

One more time. He spy's a Firetruck in the distance.

Can I get a "TOOT - TOOT"?
Now let me see... where is that hose?

Check me out - I can put out "hot" stuff!

Jackson learning the ropes, or is that the "hose", of firefighting!

Does my boy get any cuter?

Jackson & Aurie having fun together at the Homecoming Parade.

Checking out the cheerleaders as the pom-pom & rah-rah on down University Avenue.

Jackson all kicked back - enjoying the scenery & nibbling on a cookie he & his nana made.

Finally, a date! Jerrod & I at the UF Homecoming Game!

Tim Tebow, 2007 Heisman Trophy Winner! We had the pleasure of meeting Tim at Church on Sunday the 26th of October, 2008. His dad, Bob Tebow, was a guest speaker at North Central Baptist Church, one of my student's church's here in town.

One of the many UF touchdowns for Homecoming 2008!

Mr. 2-Bits - on his final day at the Swamp.

The Night Max wore his Wolf Suite and made mischief of one kind and another, his Mother called him "Wild Thing" and Max said "I'll eat you up!"...

Cutting up, Pirates play, & other fun stuff...

2008-10-15T13:15:00.005-05:00

Here's my Southpaw cutting some junk mail paper...

This picture is a little more clear - you can see all the cut marks in this one too.

Sorry, this one's a bit blurring, but I've got him "in action" cutting.

Here he goes again. This scissors to paper thing took a good 25-35 minutes of his time. Yes!

Look at that facial expression & those scissor cutting hands!

Playing in the Pirate ship at Cooper's 3rd Birthday Party!

Jackson's contemplating..."Should I swab the deck or make this fine young lady walk the plank?"

Here's Jackson w. a lady friend.. She's 6... Jackson had been trying to giver her some of his loot (the pirate balls).

Argh...

What a blast!

Who's deeper in thought? Mommy or Jackson?

Hit me with your best shot... fire-a-way!

That's my Southpaw - giving the treasure chest a good whack!

I've Never Seen So Much Candy... This is Jackson's very first time w. candy... at first he wasn't sure what to do. Then he watched the other children dive-bomb the pile, I said it was safe to pick some up & he went for mainly all lollipops - the red ones.

We are watching Cooper open up the gifts we gave him, a Matchbox Monster Truck & a Matchbox truck w. a trailer & John Deere Tractor!

He Loves to read!

~19 months old

2008-10-01T18:13:00.005-05:00

Hello All,

I apologize for the lapse in blogging.

1. I've been sucked into Facebook &

2. I am gearing up for an interview for a position in my department that I would love to get.

So, without further ado. Here's some status updates on Jack's & some pictures of our handsome boy.

Jackson is 29 lbs, 35" tall at ~19 months of age.

He pooped in the loo for the very first time on 9-30-08!!! (Jerrod took pictures & everything:)

Jackson's vocabulary is growing everyday. He repeats words & sounds all the time. His word list is too extensive to blog. He's also signing a great deal still. In fact I usually try to teach him the sign along with the word so that if other don't understand him on either level - they'll hopefully figure one, if not both out.
Here are some very recent pictures.

Taking a tub after the now infamous 1st Poop!

A father & son moment... white T's & jeans.

Just my boy!

On the Gator at UF - we had some time to spare before a meeting.

More live Gator Action! Wrestle 'em to the ground.. oh, wait, he's already on the ground!

The famous "French Fries" Sculpture on campus at Marston Science Library.

Loving the freedom of campus life!

Reaching for the tree branches of this very large & very old Oak tree on the Reitz Union lawn.

Playing w. the signs on the Reitz Union Lawn - as you can see he's totally ready for campus life! How long until he's a freshman? 2025

Jackson is looking at a picture of Auntie Ju-Juz with a rainbow trout she caught in Alaska on her recent trip... a trip where she also became Mrs. Mark Douglas Boyle - YEAH for Aunti Ju-Juz aka Mrs. Julie Boyle!
Anyhoo - Jackson is signing "FISH" in this picture...

Nana & Jackson - deep into their respective books... please note that Nana is hiding her face! And, Jackson has his telephone right next to him on the couch, just in case an important phone call comes in from Auntie Lynnie, Auntie Ju-Juz, Gi-Gi, or Grandpa Grumples.

18 months old...Words & Pictures

2008-09-03T12:12:00.006-05:00

Word up....
Albert
Nana
GiGi
Water
Moo
Ruff
Horse sound
Meow
Momma
Dadda
Bubba
Apple
Apple Juice
Juice
No
All Done
Up
Back
Down
O's
Eyes
Nose
Eyebrows
Mouth
Elbow
Herbals
Va-Va for Vitamins
Bread
Wa for Water
Ju for Juice
Goldbug - think Richard Scarry Books
Bug
Milk
Owl
Albert - that's all that I can think of for now.

Jackson being as cute as he is... eating some "O's" right out of the bag.

Go Sox!

Can I be any cuter?

maybe...this one of Jack's is just as cute.

Jackson eating some much loved Stoneyfield Cream On Top French Vanilla Yogurt... loving it!

This is another cute picture... so coy!

"No more pictures, please!"

I've got a call coming in on my bowl... it's saying "MORE YOGURT PLEASE!"

This is a hoot to me.. do you see how he stands? He does this all the time when engaged in an activity.
Jackson went to his very first (out of utero) Gator Football home game on August 30. Sorry, no pictures from the game. Anyway, after the first quarter, Jack's & I went to the Stadium Sports shop to buy him a Gator ballcap... here it is. Jackson put the hat on himself. If his hair was any longer around his ears I'd mistake him for a Bama Frat Boy...LOL.

He's such a trip - I Said It's Great To Be A FLORIDA GATOR... I said it's Great To Be A FLORIDA GATOR!

Oh - Yeah... diggin this grove - jam on it!

Hat's off to me!

This is my favorite Jackson face to date - love it!

Gator Fan Day 2008

2008-08-31T14:42:00.004-05:00

Jackson being silly while we waited for the Gator Football players to emerge at the O'Connell Center on Sunday 17th of August 2008.

Here's the famous "Monkey Face" - Here's to you Auntie Ju-Juz!

Jackson's Game-Face... GRRRR - ONLY GATORS GET OUT ALIVE!

This is Ashley Morris, one of my former students and also one of our Senior Cheerleaders at UF - she was recently pictured in the background of Tim Tebow's feature in Men's Fitness Magazine. Go Gators!

Jackson & Phil Trautwein - he's on the Offensive Line and he was my Teaching Assistant this summer - thanks Phil.

Jason Watkins & Jackson. Jason was one of my students this summer. He's also on the O-line w. Phil.

Phil, Jackson, Mommy & Jason at Fan Day.

Troy Epps, nose tackle on the D-line, another one of my students from this past summer.

Albert, Jackson, Mommy & Alberta - Go Gators, we're number 1!

Jackson LOVES Albert... he says his name all the time.

Potting Training in motion

2008-08-16T14:48:00.002-05:00

On Friday Jackson (technical terms) urinated in the toilet for the very first time. After I had gone to the bathroom I asked Jackson if he was interested in going? He confirmed and I removed his diaper, he climbed up onto the toilet & proceeded to urinate. He was so excited about watching his urine come out of his penis. I gave him a hi-5 & some congratulatory words. It makes a Momma proud!

This morning, upon waking up, I proceeded to the bathroom, Jackson in tow, to take care of my urinating. When I was through I asked Jackson if he would like to sit on the toilet again. He confirmed again, diaper was removed, he climbed up & he proceeded to urinate once again. Only this time a flatulence was emitted - toot-toot! He laughed at himself... it was so endearing. I gave him another hi-5 and more congratulatory words.

I'll state this... it's just the beginning as I have had the privilege & experience of potty-training other peoples children, only to know that it takes lots of patience, encouragement & timing! But it still makes a Momma proud - Daddy too!

17 months old...8.3.08

2008-08-09T09:38:00.004-05:00

Just a few pictures from the past week. He's been busy talking, new words all the time, using sign language, new signs are being learned pretty frequently, and he had his very first acupuncture treatment. We've also been observing his handedness.

Jackson really enjoys reading. In fact, when I picked him up last week at his school one of his teachers said that after he woke up from nap he found a book went back to his mat & read quietly. That's my boy.

Saint Augustine - a Day with the Fletcher Clan

2008-07-12T08:54:00.007-05:00

On our way to St. Aug

Huggin on Papa for the first time in a quite a while... He loves his Papa.

Having fun with G.G. & Papa.

That's cousin Ryan Ashton in the background. Jackson wanted to imitate what R.A. was doing.

Getting some sun & fun on the banks of the Matanzas.

Playing w. Mommy.

Getting dangerously close to jumping right in the water. Jackson hasn't learned yet that he doesn't know how to swim, but that hasn't stopped him from trying.

Getting lubed up!

Slip-N-Slide fun...

More Slip-N-Slide fun.

Fun times w. Ryan Ashton in the pool.

What a great day!

Tire Swinging with Papa.

Not sure who had more fun, Jacks or Papa?

Jacks wanted to get inside the tire.

Then back out.

A man on a mission - figuring out where we were going to eat for dinner! We all decided to eat at the Creekside Restaurant in St. Aug.

Fun time w. Auntie Anna after dinner at Creekside.

Jackson, Auntie Anna, cousin Ryan Ashton, Uncle "Gooze" Kenyon.

Being silly & having fun...

A new family picture...

The Fletcher Men!
The Fletcher Women & the boys w. one on the way... Auntie Anna is pregnant!!!

Ryan Ashton loves his Mamma! Smootchie Bootches. Needless to say, we all had a wonderful day together, thanks for the great memories!

Dancin Days are here

2008-07-12T07:36:00.004-05:00

Boston Children's Museum, Fun w. JuJuz, Worlds End, and A Good friend

2008-07-01T20:00:00.014-05:00

The Big Milk Bottle - at the entrance to the Boston Children's Museum.

In the souvenir shop.

Playing w. Bubbles.

More fun w. Bubbles.

Getting right into the bubble solution.

Enjoying every minute of the Big Bubble Machine.

Here goes another humongous bubble -

Now it's time for some climbing...

Jackson had so much fun on this climbing apparatus - it climbed/reached all the way up to the fourth floor. Jackson did not leave the first floor part of the apparatus.

Having a blast!

Going higher & higher.

Whooo- Hooo!
Everybody looks so much smaller from up here!

Getting crazy in here.

Time for some Shopping!

Now let's whip up some lunch!

These twins were so evil - Jacks climbed in & they instantly started kicking him & laughing... needless to say I asked the girls "Should we be kicking ladies?" Their dad ran over & told his girls "that's not nice"... they both looked at me with these very evil looks - very unsettling considering that they're probably under the age of 4!

Rock Climbing 101.

Rock Climbing 102.

Bobcat fun - move over buckoh - I'm in the driver's seat.

Now what does this stick thing do?

Is that a Water Buffalo?

All tuckered out...

Why on earth are you taking my picture - you are SO disturbing my beauty sleep.

Ahhh, now that's more like it.

Fun w. Auntie JuJuz...

Nap time??? I don't think so.

We found a great bargain at Whole Foods. One kid for a super sweet price - free - as long as he fits in the bag!

The Monkey Face...
Worlds End in Hingham, Mass - what a great time we all had.

Love this face on Jacks.

What do we see here?

These pictures are so sweet - Jacks just loves his Auntie JuJuz. By the end of the trip he was saying JuJuz too.

Hand in hand.

This is a favorite from the World's End collection.

JuJuz & Jacks - best buds.

Look at those muddy feet.

So picturesque!

Here's another shot of those muddy toes!

Ah, a friend from waaaayyyyy back in the day, Ali! Thanks for being such a great friend.

More Beantown fun...

2008-07-01T19:25:00.005-05:00

Jackson's new best friend - Bronson... They both LOVED each other immensely. "B" was so gentle & affectionate to Jacks - so sweet.

Jacks is attempting to "love" Bronson aka "hug" him.

A little R & R for Mommy - taking in a Red Sox game in the Dunkins Corporate Box - sweet seats, Thanks Julz for taking me, Thanks Lynne for watching Jacks so that I could go!!!The Infamous Green Monster!

Of course, Jackson's up at bat while I'm at the game...

Nothing quite like a little foam finger action from a wee one at Fenway Park to really make a ball game great!

What a perfect end to the game - the sun setting & a W in the books.

Nothing like a little Yoga workout in the early morning hours.

And, now on to the ball for my ab workout.

Here's Jacks' other new best friend, Romeo. Jacks followed Romeo EVERYWHERE in the house... even up & down the stairs. Romeo was nothing like our Bubbies - he actually allowed Jacks to pet & snuggle with him, something that Bubb's hardly ever allows Jacks to do.

Beantown so far...

2008-06-25T09:40:00.009-05:00

On the tarmac at Charlotte, NC

Crashing on Bronson's pad

This is how we roll in the Benz... top up

Rollin with the top down

dinner at the Ashmont Grille

something sweet & minty for Mommy

Stunt-man tricks

2008-06-18T18:44:00.004-05:00

Great! I have the sneaking suspicion that this is just the beginning of stunt-man tricks...

Summer's almost here & it's Pool time

2008-06-18T11:23:00.004-05:00

No words necessary - just enjoy the compilation of Pool Time pix!!!!!!!!

Sunny Days are here...

2008-06-18T11:16:00.003-05:00

This was all Jackson's doing - he put these sunglasses on all by himself. He was quite proud of this accomplishment.

15 Months Old today!

2008-06-03T12:51:00.004-05:00

Today we made the early trek to Dr. Michelle's office for Jackson's 15 month old check up. Well, we had a great report from Dr. M... Jackson is now 27 lbs (80%) and 34.5" tall (95%). She asked what Jackson has been saying, if anything, and we were happy to report that he's been saying approximately 6-10 words, as some words are "starter" words, while others are clearly words. For example, his starter words include "bub-bah" for Bubbies the cat, "buh" for butter, "aba-oh" for avacado, and "bah" for ball. Yes, you noticed too, lot's of "B" words. His other words are same as before, Daddah for Daddy, Appah for Apple, etc...

Jackson points to just about everything & wants to know what it is, so there's lots' of pointing, grunting, I'll say what the object is, then he repeats the word. It's great... so cool to watch his cognitive & language development working simultaneously.

Here are some fun pictures from today - it poured this afternoon while Jacks napped, and while dinner was on the stove & oven cooking we took a few minutes to get the mail & discovered this fabulous mud puddle - well, Jackson actually noticed it & I obliged.

Yes, those are butterflies on his pink & purple Welly's. They were $1.50 at a local thrift shop - I couldn't pass up the sweet deal.

He plops right down in it! At-tah boy!

I think he's diggin the feel of the muck & mud.

Hmm.. What's this? Something small enough to fit in my mouth...let's try it out.

mmmm - yum!

Splish-Splash I was taken a bath all upon a muddy old night... rub-a-dub just-ah splashin' in the grub...

Time to go in for dinner.

The Harmonica

2008-05-20T20:10:00.004-05:00

On Sunday afternoon, after church, Jerrod gave Jackson the harmonica to play. Jerrod put it to Jackson's lips & said blow. He did and well, the rest is history. He LOVES to play the harmonica now. We've taken it with us when we cruise into town & he sits in the backseat & plays it. He even offers it to Jerrod & I to play too. As soon as I get a video of his harmonica playing I will post it.
Until then...
OK...Here it is.. filmed today, on location in the subadoo - shortly after church because that's when all good harmonica playing occurs.

words & signs

2008-05-12T20:20:00.006-05:00

Jackson has a few choice words to share...
"All done"
"Hot"
"No No" sounds more like Na Na, but not to be confused with Nana :)
"Dad"
"Momma"
"Apple"

He's still using sign language with "More" being his personal favorite sign to use. He also signs "All Done" while saying it.

San Antonio, Texas Part 2

2008-05-12T19:35:00.006-05:00

Nana & Jacks checking out the Hyatt's indoor waterfall, which leads out to the River Walk.

The San Antonio Zoo, the following pictures are all from our trip to the zoo.

Whose feet are bigger?

Jackson LOVED all the aquariums.

YEAH for the aquariums!

more aquariums

Jacks enjoyed all the other children at the Zoo too, particularly this little boy.

He mimicked almost everything this boy did - wanted to be "like the big boys & do big boy things".

Getting a wee bit of rest while watching the Elephant eat.

After an afternoon swim on the roof-deck pool Jacks fell asleep in Nana's arms. So sweet.

The Alamo!

Jackson attempts to "walk in Mommy's shoes"

Our last day in San Antonio & at the CYFAR conference. What a week!

All of this travel calls for a "Mommy Time Out"!

San Antonio, Texas Part 1

2008-05-11T17:32:00.007-05:00

Jackson, Nana & I spent 5 days together in San Antonio, Texas. I had to attend a conference for work & Jerrod was not able to take off work, so Jackson came with me and Nana volunteered her fabulous Jackson watching services for the week... We did loads of fun things, many of which are captured below in the pictures. Although one adventure was not.

Nana took Jackson to the San Antonio Children's Museum while attended a workshop. Nana said that Jackson ran, played, watched a lot of elementary school-age children playing, and had THE time of his life for 3 straight hours. When they left the museum & walked back to the hotel Jackson was asleep in the stroller before they hit the end of the first block.

After a nice long snooze soon after take off Jackson checks out the view on the flight to S.A.

Then he checks out the older woman sitting behind us... they enjoyed interacting with each other...

Howdy Partner, lets rustle up some grub at Whole Foods...

Nana & Jackson were hanging out in the minivan while I took in a quick trip to Whole Foods.

Guess who's driving us back to the Hyatt?

The River Walk, well actually a lovely waterfall leading into one spot in the River Walk - there are many waterfalls throughout the River Walk

Jacks & I

This building is 8-sided with gargoyles and all these interesting faces to ward off evil spirits.

two cool shot of the River Walk

A Few Random Ones...

2008-05-04T19:56:00.004-05:00

Loving or Huggin' on the cat...
Bubbies is being quite sweet during this picture... she tolerates his "love"

Daddy took these series of pictures... sort of reminds me of "hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil"

This picture was taken just down the street from our house. So cool that a vintage truck was passing by at just the right time. I love this time of year in Florida... everything is blooming & popping up all over the place. Here are Black-Eyed Susan's & Phlox. I'll post pictures of the Zinnia's when they bloom.

Watermelon

2008-05-04T19:45:00.002-05:00

Jerrod, Jackson & I went to a party at our friends, the Collins' house a few weeks ago. We were celebrating the end to our 13 week (Dave Ramsey's) FPU (Financial Peace University) Class.

Jerrod & I are on baby step # 2. We've already paid off over $5,000 during that 13 weeks. We are so excited about getting out of debt... now here's the best part - Jackson enjoying the "fruits of our labor" Hah! He is definitely Curtis Bell's Great Grandson.

Fishing

2008-05-04T19:04:00.006-05:00

Last Thursday, Jerrod, Jackson & I packed up & headed out to the river... we were greeted by several UF students "studying" for finals. They had their cooler full of "books" or another four letter "b" word. Anyway, this was Jackson's very first trip on the boat. First, I just need to say that he LOVED being on the water & in more so being IN the water... He LOVED, LOVED, LOVED it. Enjoyed it from the moment we casted off. Here are some of our favorite pictures from the day.
Ps. Jerrod & I had a great time too - this was our first Family fishing trip... although little fishing was actually done.

Daddy & Jackson

Jackson gazing at the water rushing by

snooping around in something on the boat

Jackson really enjoyed letting the water rush through his fingers & hand

Daddy says "Jackson's a True Fisherman"... even though we didn't catch any fish!

Watchoo Talkin Bout Willis?

Daddy...fishing for some lunkers

lovin being in the river

He did NOT want to come out of the water

This totally freaked out Daddy... Jackson was not, he was having a blast

He had the best time

shallow water - Daddy feels much better about the depth of this water

a close-up of some water life

as our old friend Dr. Steve used to say "he's slap-wore out"

Washing the Truck w. Daddy

2008-04-21T14:20:00.004-05:00

On Saturday April 12th, Daddy & Jackson took to washing the truck while I planted some larkspur seedlings one of the fig trees. Jackson was originally helping me plant, but soon wandered over to Daddy - who had the hose (Jackson thrives on "hose" time) and a bucket of bubbles (another favorite of Jackson's). Anyway, between the hose, the bubbles, and a scrub brush planting/digging in the garden was a thing of the past.

Also, we have learned that Jackson LOVES to be hands-on with (almost) everything. If he's watched you do it once he's already got his hands in it & doing it for himself. Mr. Independent is what I like to refer to him occasionally. In fact, a few Sunday's ago when I picked Jackson up from Sunday school one of the teachers commented that Jackson was "independent, almost too independent"... I totally agree! My boy is growing up so fast, I think the next group of pictures you'll see will be of him driving the truck rather than washing it again with Daddy!

I LOVE my Fletcher boys!

Mixing it up!

2008-04-19T09:34:00.003-05:00

Jackson & Nana bake together almost every week. Well last week, after I came home from work, Nana announced that Jackson knows how the "mixer goes". I asked, "What does that mean?"... and she & Jackson proceeded to show me what that meant.

Well, see for yourself...

On Campus

2008-04-05T09:49:00.003-05:00

Jackson & I had a wedding shower to go to on campus yesterday, which was quite lovely. Some good friends of ours are getting married so we decided to bake a carrot cake for their shower too. It was yummy. When we were through with the shower Jackson & I went to my office to do some work & make some phone calls. When we were done with that we where heading "down the hill" to Shands to get my eyes examined. I called to get in, which was an "emergency fill" appointment, and then asked the price. The lady on the line said "well it can be anywhere from $200 to $700 for seeing an attending". I expressed to her that I had already spoken with the attending physician regarding the procedure that was to take place. The lady said, "but the attending can have more tests run". I said not with out my consent. So I asked her again, "how much will this procedure be?" The lady said again "between $200 & $700 dollars. I said thank you very much & cancel my appointment. Needless to say, they wanted to me to get there by 3pm, and then wait several hours to "fit" me in. I decided that walking campus was infinately more appealing. I apologize for the tyrade, but people have to realize that life needs to lived & not stuck in a waiting room so that one can pay that kind of money for 1 procedure. We stopped to smell the roses today.

Jackson fell asleep on the walk to Lake Alice.

Here is Lake Alice on the campus of The University of Florida, quite lovely isn't it.

Here is the Baughman Center. This is where Jerrod & I were married. I love the architecture.

After Jackson & I walked all around the Baughman Center & toured the inside of it. We walked out the front doors to spy a squirrel. Jackson took off after the squirrel, where the squirrel ran up this oak tree. Jackson is try to see where the squirrel went & why isn't he back on the ground ready for some play time.

We love this picture of Jackson. Such joy, love and zest for life in that expression.

Easter Sunday

2008-04-03T20:07:00.006-05:00

Here are a few from Easter Sunday.
The latest Family picture. Daddy's new hair cut inspired Jackson's haircut (see next post).

Here's Jackson & Mommy, awaiting the Easter Egg Hunt on the playground at Church.

Could there be an egg hiding in the tire?

I found one, I found one!

I am TOTALLY POOPED out after a hard day of hunting.

The best part of the Easter Egg Hunt, Jackson could care less about the candy inside - he just wanted to nibble on the egg. I wonder if next year will be the same?

Tumble Dry Low, Please

2008-04-03T19:50:00.007-05:00

The other night Jerrod, Jackson & I were out on the back porch. Jerrod working on getting his website ready for his practice, Jackson milling around doing whatever, and I folding laundry. When out of the corner of my eye, I notice this. caught right in the act! No denying it. We've got the proof right here.

Look at that face, he's about to bust out crying... he knows he's been caught!

If I can just make it out, she'll soon forget what she saw... meanwhile Jerrod was so engrossed in the website stuff, I believe he was on the phone w. Neal discussing website options, that I had to take these picture & then display them on the camera. He relayed the on-goings of Captain Insaino to Neal.

I think he's attempting to throw me off with cleaning out the lint trap - good diversion tactic, but it can't fool your Mom - she ALWAYS knows what's going on.

Jackson's 1st Official hair cut

2008-04-03T19:29:00.005-05:00

Last Thursday, the 27th of March, we were headed to Ocala to get my teeth cleaned by Tammy a dental hygienist who works in my father-in-law's office, aka Jackson's Papa's. We'll what was supposed to be just a teeth cleaning ended up being a root canal... ugh! The good news was, in between my teeth being cleaned & my root canal, Jeanette, Jackson & I cruised over to Stuart's (famous) Barber Shop to get Jackson's hair cut. There was other good news, even though the root canal took almost 3 hours, I actually fell asleep in the chair. I apologized to Pop's...he said that he's stick Jeanette & I in a room together to snore each other out... funny thing is my Mom snores too, what is it with women and snoring? Jerrod doesn't snore, Jackson doesn't snore, I believe Pop's doesn't snore... Anyhoo, here is how it all went down.

Here we are just starting off...

Jackson looks a wee bit nervous...

He did great until she brought out that noisy buzz saw apparatus...

I think the lady gave him a spray bottle to play with, Jackson LOVES to be sprayed in the face with water. It contented him for, oh about 2 minutes, then he was SUPER freaked out. He ended up sitting in my lap for the trim around the ears & back of the neck line. All in all, for a first time and only be just shy of 13 months old, he did fabulous.

Now is that not the cutest face ever or what? I am not biased about my boy, no...no way.

Here is Jackson with his Granny post hair cut.

The Wild Azalea Festival

2008-03-21T19:28:00.006-05:00

On Saturday, March 15, Jerrod, Jackson & I set out for White Springs, Florida. Home of the Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park. THE most beautiful state park I have ever had the luxury of visiting & walking around at. I highly recommend going! Here are a few pictures from our family outing, which was quite fun too. Here's Daddy & Jackson... Here's The Stephen Foster "house". Pretty sweet for a backdrop of a wedding, which was taking place later on that afternoon. Mommy & Jackson in front of the Garden of Azalea's at the Stephen Foster S.P. The 97-bell carillon, built in the 60's, sort of reminds me of Denny Chimes on the Quad at The University of Alabama...
The Fam...

Silly Hat Day's

2008-03-12T12:39:00.003-05:00

Need I say more?

Master Gardener Jackson

2008-03-12T12:21:00.003-05:00

Jackson has a new love - The Great Outdoors. Every chance he gets he's out the front door, off the porch & into something... anything. He LOVES to get his hands dirty and his clothes even dirtier.

I will have many more pictures to share over the coming weeks as we will be planting lots of seeds in our flower gardens. This past Sunday we planted some sunflowers & morning glory's. We'll post some pictures of any of the flowers that grow.

Jackson enjoys hanging out in his new wagon, courtesy of Granny & Papa Fletch - Jerrod's mom & dad. We pack it full of "gardening tools" & essentials. I may have to invest in some type of slicky-pants for Jackson, as his pants are ALWAYS covered in dirt when we are done gardening.

Florida's Finest

2008-03-12T12:16:00.002-05:00

Thanks to our friends Uncle Tommy "T-Bone" & Auntie Dawn Lowe for Jackson's personalized Florida Gator Football Jersey.

Only Gators Get Out Alive!!!!!!

Jackson turns 1 & other fun facts...

2008-03-04T09:41:00.009-05:00

Jackson turned 1 yesterday, the 3rd of March 2008. We celebrated his birthday on Saturday with family & friends out at the Farm. Jackson got to dig in to his own birthday cake, which was a Strawberry Country Cake (A Barefoot Contessa recipe). It was 2 layers of cake, with a layer of whipped cream and strawberries in the middle and on top. He loves strawberry's and with it being strawberry season in FLA I decided to let him have one of his favorites. Here are a few pictures of him digging in. (More pictures to follow).

Also, we had Jackson's 1 year check up w. Dr. Michelle yesterday. Jackson is 25 lbs and 33" tall. He has 10 teeth & is speed walking everywhere. He's sleeping in his very own toddler bed, has been for the past few weeks and as of last night we decided, with the encouragement of Dr. Michelle to allow him to fall asleep on his own for naps & bedtime. Something that Jerrod & I have been slowly working towards over the past few weeks.

He's not a happy camper about "self-soothing" at all. However, he is 1, he is now in the stage of Autonomy V Shame & Doubt (Erikson) and he's doing so many other things on his own, plus Dr. Michelle said that now is the best time to do it. We, Jerrod & I, both agreed. Last night was one of THE hardest nights of sleep in our house, 1 I am sick with the flu, and 2, the first time he woke up the cry lasted almost an hour. This was an opportunity for me to truly rely on the power of prayer and God's love, not just for me, but for Jerrod & of course, Jackson. I can say this without hesitation, I can now understand on the tiniest of tiniest levels what I must have been like for God to allow his son to suffer so much for us (make no mistake about it, I am SO not comparing 1 night of self soothing to what our Lord and Savior did for us, just noting what it's like to be a parent).

These next 3 pictures of are Jackson taking a stroll in the yard one day 2 weeks ago. The weather was chilly (yes, it does get chilly in FLA!) and we went out to enjoy it. He LOVES being in the yard, digging around, finding pecans, sticks, you-name-it.

I'm trapped & I can't get out!!! Who put my baby crib outside?

Here's a few of Jackson swinging.. another favorite thing to do in the yard... He enjoys waving to all the cars that drive by the house too. Please note the stick... his favorite book is The Snowy Day, by Ezra Jack Keats. In this story there's a page or two about a stick - "a stick that was just right for smacking a snow covered tree"... well we don't have any snow covered trees here, but we've got plenty of sticks. I'll blog later with an omage to sticks & Jackson.

A Random Collection

2008-02-16T15:33:00.002-05:00

WE LOVE HOODIES!

it runs in the (extended) family...

2008-02-12T21:52:00.002-05:00

Ok, this is my cousin, Sue's baby, Zeke, he's also a bit on the "big" side to say the very least... Ah, maybe Jackson's not be the biggest baby after all.... way to go Zeke!

In this picture, the quilt that Zeke is laying on was made by Jackson's Nana - my mom, Kathleen! Gotta give Nana a shout out every now & again.

Shake & Bake Baby....Shake & Bake!

2008-02-07T17:03:00.001-05:00

Don't mind Auntie Julie's face.. she's not a ghost, just some SPF on her face from a recent walk w. Jackson... the Florida sun in February can be quite scorchin'.

Where did I put those chocolate chips???

Auntie Julie's recent visit included baking oatmeal chocolate chip cookies!

A recent venture on the road

2008-02-07T16:22:00.000-05:00

A voracious reader at the early age of 11 months... so astute he can even read upside down!

Auntie JuJuz is snapping the pictures... He LOVES his Auntie JuJuz. They had so much fun together on the ride from Nana's house in Yankeetown to our house in Alachua.

Enough pictures already.. enough with the Paparazi.

I need a moment to myself please...

This picture's gonna cost ya!

We're Walking... We're Walking...

2008-01-29T22:26:00.000-05:00

It is official... SOUND THE ALARMS... Jackson is on the move.

He's on foot & he's off. The first 2 steps began on Christmas Day and it's been a roller-coaster of walking, crawling, mixing it up, bumping into things, falling down on his butt, and weebeling and wobbeling ever since.

I call his walk "The Frankenstein" walk... it's so funny. He walks with his arms stretched out just like Frankenstein... Needless to say, the word on the street is "batten down the hatches trouble just walked into my life"

Ps. I'll get the video (of him walking) loaded this weekend... I tried to do it the other day but Blogger has been uncooperative.

Jackson & Ryan Ashton

2008-01-29T08:10:00.000-05:00

These are from Thanksgiving 2007... they are so cute I had to share them. Jackson & his cousin Ryan Ashton are having some fun before the big feast.

Bathtime

2008-01-09T07:00:00.000-05:00

There are a few things that Jackson loves, one of them being Bathtime. He/We take a bath at least once a day sometimes 2, sometimes 3 times a day. It all depends on how crazy messy he gets at dinner time, which if I allow him to he will get super crazy messy. He enjoys this, so I allow him to do it when we're home. These were taken during his Saturday evening bath time on the 5th of January.

Getting soaked!

That's me in the tub w. Jackson.

So happy.

Just chillin' (I like how Jackson strategically placed that squeezy bottle & his hand to protect that family jewels - atta boy!)

This is why Jackson loves bath time... Mommy & Jackson sportin' the mowhawk - lookin' like "Mr. T". This is my take on the "mother-child" let's dress & look-a-like thing.

Post-bath - all clean & pretty ready for play time.

The first few steps...

2008-01-07T10:30:00.000-05:00

The video is a bit dark, but you can still see our boy taking a few steps. The first 2 steps were taken on Christmas Day. He's been taking more & more every day since. We filmed this Saturday night, 1.5.8, during the debates on ABC. We are so proud of Jackson - he's doing great.

10 months old today!

2008-01-03T21:36:00.001-05:00

Jackson is 10 months old today!

Great news developmentally, he's started walking! YEAH. He took 2 steps on Christmas day last week, and last night before bed he was taking a few steps at a time for about an hour. Today, he's been taking 4, 6, and more steps each time. It's so amazing to watch this developmental milestone & transformation. It's truly awesome, as a Mom, to witness Jackson progressing and to see the look of accomplishment, joy & satisfaction on his face.

Other news, Jackson is using sign language. Of course he knows how to say Hi & Bye, but he also knows how to say more. This is VERY evident when we are eating & drinking. In fact last night, I woke up to Jackson (wanting to nurse)making his nursing noises - gesturing for "I need you Mommy" and low & behold what did I see, but yes, in deed, I saw him signing more... as in more milk! It was hard to believe my eyes at 2, 3, & 6 am, but I promise that he was signing more - way to go Jackson... great use of your words.

Anyway, I have been trying desperately to post Christmas pictures & the fun times we had over Christmas break, but Blogger has been giving me quite the hassle in uploading my pictures. I will do my best to get that up soon. Along with video clips of Jackson walking & signing.

Ps. Happy New Year!

Happy 1st Christmas!

2007-12-25T14:32:00.000-05:00

Jackson had a blast w. the packages, ripping the paper, eating the paper, ripping off the bows, eating the bows... all sorts of fun to be had.

here are a random sample of pictures from the past few days, including today.

This is Grandpa Eddie or Grandpa-grumples as he's more affectionately know! Jackson & Grandpa are down at the Farm in Romeo, Florida. This was a few days before Christmas.

Here are Jackson & Grandpa on his Harley down at the farm.

I'll have to give the backdrop to these next few pictures. We took Jackson to Buddy DeGraff's house in Melrose Florida. He decorates his house with "a lot" of lights, and he dressed up as Santa on this very special night. Jerrod knows Buddy from working at Gator Door these past several years. Anyway, when we first arrived this is how Jackson felt about "Santa"...

Seeing this we didn't want to be those cruel parents who force their kid like totally bizarre looking -jolly old red faced & white bearded strangers, so we walked Jackson around took in all the sights, sounds, & smells (Santa has an fire pit outside - the aromas from the fire were fabulous). Then we found this wooden Santa, and from the looks of this picture it would appear that Jackson was "cool" with Santa.... oh, just wait. (I'll post these pictures later - blogger has really been a pain lately when uploading pictures!)

We were invited to spend Christmas in St. Augustine this year. With it being a "quiet" Christmas, at least that's what we were told by those who've had their children, that we would do something different this year before the craziness hits next year & every subsequent year after that. So, here are a few pictures from Christmas Day with the Carters, Jerrod's cousins. Ellie, the youngest Carter, gave Jackson a nickname.... "Jacksy" - it's hilarious!

Here's Jackson w. Catie Carter - he LOVED Catie, was really taken w. her.

Catie, Jacksy & Ellie & the sweet dump truck Auntie Julz gave Jackson for Christmas.

Catie & Jackson

Jacksy & Ellie

Daddy & Jackson all tuckered out from the mornings doings.

Jackson just woke up from his nap. Mommy & Jackson talking on the phone w. Nana & Grandpa Eddie - wishing them a very Happy Christmas!

Here are a few from out ventures out & about in downtown St. Augustine, at "The Fort". Daddy & Jackson - as we make our way around The Fort.

Mommy & Jackson half-way around The Fort, overlooking the Matanzas.

The Fam at The Fort

On our way home from St. Aug we had to take Clarissa, our cat, to see Dr. Lynn Peck, a holistic Vet- she's fabulous with animals. Anyway, this is when Daddy & Jackson where hanging out in the car waiting for Bubb's to be done w. her appiontment.

Another sweet one of "Jacksy"

This is one of our finds in St. Aug - a swing for Jackson! He LOVES to swing. Daddy hung this up this past weekend. He swings at least once a day on it. Laughs, giggles, & loves being on his swing.

9 months old...

2007-12-17T14:43:00.000-05:00

Finally, an update! Jackson is 9 months old, well he's actually 9.5 months old, but who's counting?

At his 9 month check, on 12.3.07, up he was 23 lbs, 30" long or 2 1/2 feet tall! Way to go for our big boy. He's 95% for both height & weight for his age.

He has 8 teeth - the last 3 have already broken through the gums & are now in the descending process. This is how it makes him feel!

He's making all new sounds all the time, for the past 3 days is been a "W" sound, as in we-be or we-bay or as I like to say "we-bay-jammin Mom"!

He's been cruising for over a month now. He's already stood, own his own w. out any supports, for several seconds at a time. He's walking w. assistance, either holding onto one of our hands, or legs, or his walker/rider/scooter thingy.

He's just figured out how to clap his hands all on his own. So today he's been totally enjoying me singing "if you're happy & you know it", and boy is he happy. I have a video of it & I will try to post it.

Other Jackson news, His Daddy graduated from Acupuncture school yesterday!!!!! Yeah for Daddy. We are SO VERY PROUD of him. He finished all 3.5 years with a perfect 4.0, and he was/is essentially class valedictorian, as they do not actually grant that honor at his school.

He's signing too. He knows how to wave Hi & Bye, say "more" with his hands, tell me he wants something, like my drink, by extending his arm & then opening & closing his hand.

The down side to more Jackson freedom, as in crawling, cruising, etc... he's into EVERYTHING!!!!!!!!!! the toilet, the garbage cans, you name it. One of his favorite things to do is to go in our room or his room, go to an open drawer & start pulling out the contents 1 by 1... my job is clean-up crew!

Food - Jackson is all about feeding himself. He is so over being spoon fed. Looks like I'll be returning those last 10 baby food jars to Publix. Oh well, at least they will give me a full refund without any hassles.

Jackson LOVES to eat (of course) whatever we are eating, which makes it rather challenging if it's something that his system can't handle, like cheese, or other dairy products, which if any of you know me at all you know my love of cheese/dairy!!! We have also discovered that he has horrible gas from Cayenne pepper... boo-hoo. We love cayenne, as I use it in lieu of black pepper, which is actually harder on the digestion than cayenne.

Jackson LOVED spending time with both of his grandmothers. My mom, Nana, & Jerrod's mom, Gramm's came up every week, at least once a week, to stay w. Jackson while I went to UF to teach Youth Development to Juniors & Seniors in my Department. It was great to see how much they love Jackson & how much he loves his grandmothers. I love that this special bond has already taken shape. We have been blessed by both of our parents in numerous ways this year.

Things Jackson enjoys:
Reading (YEAH), Jackson really & truly loves to read, just ask either of his grandmothers. His personal favorites include: Brown Bear, Brown Bear, Panda Bear, Panda Bear, Polar Bear, Polar Bear & The Very Hungry Caterpillar.

Nursing, yes, still a very big fan of nursing, he nurses 3-4 times a night still.

Sitting in his backpack, he loves to be in his backpack when I am cooking, or washing dishes, or going to Lowes to work on finishing up our Kitchen remodel. He LOVES to watch & take everything in. He is super curious & wants to know all that's going on.

Bathtime, he loves taking a bath. He could be in there for hours.

Brushing his teeth, another personal fav of Jackson.

Washing his hands, this a recent discovery... running water in the sink = play time! it's not just for getting those pesky germs off your hands!

Exploring boxes and cabinets, loves to open, close, get in, crawl on & over any type of box we have in the house.

Folding laundry, he loves helping me or my Mom fold laundry, especially neatly folded laundry, now why is that???

Paper, he loves to eat paper. Whether it's toilet paper (not used) or scrap paper, or magazines, or whatever he can get his hands on he wants to chew on it...much to my chagrin!

Loves to say Momma & Dadda & does it to the right person too, not just to any old fool!

He's figures out how to use "stuff" to climb higher & higher (scary). He's used a can of olive oil to stand on to reach up to a higher shelf in the back kitchen. He's used several of his toys to stand on to get on top of the coffee table or get up on the couch.

Jackson loves the vacuum cleaner. We have an electrolux cannister vacuum cleaner & he loves to chase it around, help me vacuum & then try to eat the cord.

Jackson has figured out, for the most part, his body. He know's where his penis is (this is very important for mankind, right???) and he knows how to duck his head when crawling through something or under something.

I (highly) suggest turning the volume way down, as my voice & singing are just HORRIBLE! Apparently, I have 1 fan!

UF Homecoming...

2007-11-03T19:16:00.001-05:00

I had to share this... it's a short one, but sweet. Jackson & I watched some of UF's Homecoming parade on Friday. Jackson is now 8 months old. He's pictured here in his brand new Kelty Backpack (Thank You Auntie Julie!!!)

Jackson at Jax beach 10.14.07

2007-10-23T18:25:00.000-05:00

We went to Jax beach on 10.14 to visit w. our friends Tim & Cat... Here are a few fun pix of Jackson enjoying the beach.

7.5 months

2007-10-23T18:16:00.000-05:00

Sorry for the delay in between posts.

Growth & Development Updates....
Jackson is pulling himself up to stand - all the time - crawling faster than most people walk, and he's even been standing for a second or two completely unassisted. The best part is, is that he's already figured out how to sit back down!

His 4th tooth is decending...he has 2 teeth on top & 2 teeth on the bottom - so cute.

He's recursive babbling -saying "dadah" babah" "mamah" "cah" & so many other sounds..

He's huge, he looks more like a year old, than a 7.5 month old....

These are pictures that our friend Glenda took of Jackson when he was 6.5 months old...

6.5 month update... 21.10 lbs & 29.5" long/tall

2007-09-25T17:39:00.001-05:00

Well, here it is the middle of September already and Jackson is approximately 6.5 months old. On Monday we had our 6 month visit to the Ped, Dr. Michelle Massais, one of the best around! Anyway, we had the usual measurements taken, discussed foods, safety, anything new, etc.

It appears that our boy is still progressing (growing) along the growth curve, only maxxed out to the 95th percentile! He weighed in at (it sounds like a weigh in for a boxer, and in this corner...) 21.10 lbs and He's 29.5" tall.

Other Jackson news, he's cutting his 3rd tooth, this time it's on top. He has also been pulling himself up to stand. He's been doing this for just over one week. It started last week when my mom, Nana, was watching him. He's already trying to move around while standing too.

He really enjoys feeding himself, so I've been giving him toasted O's, puffed rice, cooked carrots bites, banana's, and peas. He's already moving towards greater independence, a bit scary for me & Jerrod.

I almost forget... Jackson is crawling & sitting up! It's all so cool!

My oh my, how growth & development fly bye...

6 months old, already

2007-09-08T18:53:00.000-05:00

This shot was taken on 9.3.07 when Jackson & I went for a walk.

I can't believe I gave birth to Jackson just over 6 months ago. Not only has it flown by, but I still can't get over the all the changes he has gone through.

To give you a few updates: We know he's over 20 lbs, we just don't have the exact weight. You see we, Jerrod & I, each weighed ourselves at the Publix scales, obviously we did this separately, then weighed ourselves with Jackson, and we both agreed that he's over 20 big ones.

Jackson's starting to make sounds: last night his first "distinctive" bable was dada! I was thrilled to hear this & of course, Daddy was psyched! Atta boy! He LOVES to screetch at the top of his lungs... giving his vocal cords a really nice work out. too funny! He even laughs at himself sometimes after he screetches.

He loves to drink out of my water bottle & ANY of my glasses, whether it be wather, or a sunshine, he enjoys drinking out of an adult cup.

Jackson's eating like a Viking. He's already eating, Toasted O's... just like Cheerio's, only Organic. He's been on solids since 4 months, but has recently added chicken & turkey to his diet. Everything he has eaten or tried he has gobbled up. This boy LOVES food.

Jackson totally enjoys bath time, which happens at least once a day. He truly enjoys eating so much so that he likes to put it all over his belly. He usually starts off with a bib, but he has figured out how to take it off, so mid-way through eating, he pulls the bib off & then begins to wipe his food all over his chest, his face, his ears, & in his hair. I've taken a few pictures. It's absolutely priceless. Funny, I could care less about him getting messy, but Jerrod is very neat with him... sort of the opposite in real life. Jerrod is not as neat as me & I am normally the neat freak. Strange how Jackson can change your attitude about certain things.

These next to shots are sooo sweet. Jackson woke me up early one morning, I fed him breakfast, got him cleaned up, dressed him, then layed him in with Daddy while I went to take a shower. When I got out of the bathroom they were both sound asleep together, priceless. The shots are very grainy - I didn't dare turn on a light or open the blinds.

Jackson has been working on sitting up. He's being doing Fabulous! He sit's in a tripod for up to a minute, sometimes a bit longer too. He is also kneeling, this is new thing for him, he's been doing it all week. He crawls to something then gets up on his knees for better viewing or reaching. He totally humors himself this way too.

Jackson is working on crawling. He's rocking back & forth on his hands & knees, he's not yet on all 4 crawling, but most of his efforts, when he does "scootch" around, include getting up on all fours. You can see that he's got the mechanics, he's still figuring out how to put it all together. Each day I see something new with his crawling. I'll say this about it, despite not having put it "all" together to crawl on all 4's - this boy can get places, and fast!

Jackson enjoys helping Mommy wash the dishes. When I have a sink full of dishes & Jackson is not at all sleepy, I'll sit him in one side of the double sink to wash dishes with me. He has such a blast. He leans forward, sticks his mouth under the faucet & drinks right from the tap. The funniest part of this, is that he did that all on his own, about a month ago. He just leaned in, opened his mouth & started drinking. It sort of freaked me out at first, I kept thinking... he's going to drowned or something, but no - he's smart enough to take himself off the tap (hahaha) before that happens. He's too funny! He also tries to "help" me wash the dishes by splashing the water, eating the bubbles, & sucking on the dishrag that I use to wash the dishes.

This one is a shout out to his Auntie Lynnie, she hooked him up with a bunch of Red Sox outfits. Go Sox!

Finally, Jackson is super friendly. Regardless of where we are, he's smiles, laughs, and interacts with people. As I said in a previous post, he LOVES the ladies. Today, Jackson & I had to make a run to Lowes, while Daddy worked on the kitchen. While we were there, we met Tracy at the returns counter, Larry in aisle 21, and our checkout lady - all with big smiles, a few giggles, and his very engaging eye contact. I've got to say, for only being 6 months old this kid's got some great eye contact. He's extremely observant!!! You can't get ANYTHING past him, he's too smart for the usual bait & switch method. No sirreee bob, he's onto you in a snap.

We'll that seems to be about all that's coming to my very tired brain. When I think of more, I'll post it.

Here's my happy boy!

One last hoorah...

2007-08-20T13:01:00.000-05:00

A few of us decided to head to the beach, St. Augustine, for one last hoorah before the start of the fall semester. Almost all of us has to go back to school/work & we needed one last great day... Also, this was a first to the beach for one of our friends, Aurelia!

We packed up & headed out early from Gville and arrived at Anastasia State Park around noon-thirty. We traveled in 2 cars, Jerrod driving us in the subadoo, along for the ride where Brian & Glenda, while Marcus drove the lumina with Sarah, Aurelia, Holly & Maddox. Here are a few lasting memories from our trip.

Here is Jackson commando crawling...

Jackson doing his early afternoon workout, featuring pushups...one, two, three push

Jackson absolutely LOVED the water, here's one of Jackson & I playing in the water

Jackson's on a mission

Jackson is sitting up - taking in all the site's at the beach.

Jackson is working on crawling here

I love the look on Maddox's face!

Marcus & Aurelia taking a siesta

Sarah & Aurelia

Family Time!

Mommy & Jackson

Brian & Glenda

Brian & Jackson

The group, from right to left, Holly, Maddox (in the baby jogger), Marcus, Sarah, Aurelia (in the sling), Glenda, Brian, Jackson, Me, & Jerrod

Back to work

2007-08-20T10:55:00.000-05:00

Yes, it's that time of year, when kids cry out that summer's over & parents thank God that it's already gone. Me on the other hand, am happy that fall is here & sad that I will be leaving Jackson while I teach at UF, it's bittersweet to say the very least.
The best part of my going back to work, I work at the University of Florida as lecturer and as a State Evaluation Asst. on a federal grant, is that Jackson will be taken care of by my Mom, aka Nana, and Jerrod's Mom, aka Grammy, or Grams, or GG....

Here is Jackson w. Nana,

We are so blessed to have both sets of parents/grandparents within an hour of us. Jackson will have so many fun times & special time with his Nana & GG. I, on the other hand, will be teaching Youth Development to approximately 100 UF undergraduates, this is my third time teaching this course, but it's been over 2 years since the last time I taught this one. I'll update as the semseter progresses.

here is an older picture of Jackson w.his GG

Jackson's 1st "header"

2007-08-13T13:15:00.000-05:00

Last Tuesday morning Jackson took his first nose dive off the bed. Here are the results. He's healed beautifully & the Ped said that he should not have any scars (so, no Vanilla Ice - Ice Baby scars).

Here he is today, as you can see he has healed beautifully!

2 Teeth

2007-08-06T12:45:00.000-05:00

Jackson's first tooth is in and the second, as you can see, has broken through the gum line. This morning he's been a wee bit cranky, can ya blame him? Right now he's got the biggest smile on his face. He's doing great!

One sweet boy!

2007-08-05T18:45:00.000-05:00

This past weekend, Jerrod & his buddies (and the wives) had their annual "Swamp Cracka's" weekend down at Lake Kerr in Salt Springs. This was one of my favorite shots of Jackson. I will post more pictures later of the whole weekend. This was too precious not to post right away.

Jackson is 5 Months old today

2007-08-03T06:35:00.001-05:00

Good Morning!
Today, Jackson is 5 months old. Sorry, no # 5 hat... I am just not the industrious this early in the morning.

Last check on his weight, which was taken 2 weeks ago, he was 19 lbs. He's close to doubling his birth weight! He's doing so great on sitting up too. Everyday he seems to be able to sit for a second or two longer than the previous day. He is also quite the "Ladies Man"... yes, he loves the ladies. He seems to be a bit of a flirt. And, his first tooth is almost all the way in! And, it appears that # 2 tooth is will be making its introduction any day.

Mommy & Jackson

2007-08-01T19:47:00.001-05:00

Jerrod took these of us on Sunday afternoon.

Sometimes Jackson thinks his Mommy is crazy... Daddy usually confirms his suspicions!

Sometimes Jackons thinks his Daddy is nuts too...

Eatin' in the big boy chair

2007-08-01T19:36:00.001-05:00

Jackson has been doing so good with trying to sit up that we decided to give it a whirl in his big-boy booster chair.. well, as the picture shows, he's doing great!

Here's what he's been eating lately (and loving it all too!) We've been combining veggies this past week & he seems to be taking everything in stride.
Peas
Sweet Potatoes
Carrots
Mashed Potatoes
Butternut Squash

Apple Sauce
Bananas
Cantaloupe

Sittin` Up!

2007-07-30T17:21:00.000-05:00

Jackson is currently working on sitting up...look only 1 handed.

of course he was just leaning against the pillows, but he did use his ab-roller to sit up!

Today's Walk

2007-07-30T11:32:00.001-05:00

This morning, before the oppressive heat got to us, we went for a walk. These are some pix from the walk.
Jackson fell asleep within a few minutes of leaving the house.

He slept for almost an hour- a near record breaker for him!

Of all the horses that we see along our walk, this was the only one that wanted to be photographed! He loved having his snout rubbed too.

He's all smiles after his long arduous nap! Now it's time for my nap!!! Oh don't I wish.

Today's random fun pix

2007-07-28T13:45:00.000-05:00

Grannie & Grandpa Bell

2007-07-28T10:35:00.001-05:00

During our morning walk the other day, we walked down to the Forest Grove Cemetary. This is where many of Jerrod's family is buried, including Grannie & Grandpa Bell (we live in their house on the family farm). Grandpa Bell was famous for his yummy watermelon!

This was the best I could do to get Jackson in the picture without setting him down on the ground where the red ants were abound!

Swimming w. Glenda

2007-07-28T10:28:00.000-05:00

We swam with Glenda the other night at her pool. What a blast we had. I am in the process of teaching Jackson how to swim. Step 1: learning how to blow bubbles. I keep y'all posted on his progress.

This was the view on our ride home from swimming!

My 1st Tooth!

2007-07-28T10:24:00.001-05:00

We think Jackson's second tooth might be making its grand entrance soon too! When looking at this picture, it looks like the 2nd tooth will be coming in on the right-side of his first tooth.

Dinner w. friends

2007-07-23T15:37:00.000-05:00

Last Thursday we had a lovely dinner at Brian & Glenda's house. Also joining us for dinner were Gary & Shelley. It was so nice to get out & socialize...dinner was delish too! Here are a few pix from the evening.

Jackson was asleep when we first arrived.

This is the first time Jackson has EVER taken a bottle!

Jackson loves his Mommy & his Blablah

And Mommy loves her Jackson!!!

ps. Thanks Glenda for the pix!

Peas Glorious Peas

2007-07-16T14:52:00.001-05:00

I took this just prior to bathing him! He LOVES peas!

The boy is just like his Mommy, lovin food & lots of it!

Cuttin' Teeth

2007-07-16T10:19:00.000-05:00

You read that right! Jackson is cutting his 1st tooth. I discovered it this morning while attempting to feed him cereal, which he had NO desire to eat. Instead, he wanted to munch on my finger, where I noticed a sharp little edge on his lower jaw. I am so excited for this, especially considering that he's been drooling for 3 months - no lie.

The strangest part about this is that early Sunday morning I had a dream that Jackson cut two teeth overnight...strange how your mind works & how clued-in a mommy's brain & gut are to her child!

4th of July Pix

2007-07-14T10:14:00.000-05:00

The fam... at the St Augustine Fort

Jibbies in his baby jogger celebrating the 4th

Big Cuz - Ryan Ashton at 19 months old

Jackson w. his G.G. after a bath, he loves his G.G.

Making Strides...

2007-07-12T16:02:00.001-05:00

Jackson is totally blowing me away....yesterday & Tuesday, while he was in his infant carrier seat with the canopy/sunshade pulled up & over his head for some quiet "Jibbie" time, I notice these 2 little hands peeking out, reaching up over his head grabbing for the edges of the sunshade, then whamo - he makes contact, grabs on, and dramatically & forcefully pulls it down, so that the canopy is now in front of him- with no visual obstruction left for him....I kept thinking "that little bugger, how did he figure that one out so dang quickly???" He did the same thing to my Mom while she took him for a walk the other day in his stroller while I was at an acupuncture appointment. Making Strides...

In other Jibbie news, he's doing his darndness to crawl, or at least pull with his arms & push with his knees & toes across the floor. Let me tell you this, if he sees something he wants, this kid goes for it! He's lifting his butt up in the air, like he's getting ready to do downward-facing dog in Yoga. Oh, he's doing pushups too. Making Strides...

He's also VERY interested in what Mommy is drinking! He's been sipping from my glass of water every chance he can get his hands on, literally! He's also very interested in what we eat, he thinks he's ready for big people food, not just yet. Making Strides...

He's been introduced to carrots... Jibbies meet carrots, Jibbies eats carrots, Jibbies loves carrots, Jibbies poops orange! What a day, what a day! Making Strides...

St Augustine for the 4th of July

2007-07-06T08:57:00.000-05:00

Hi All,
Sorry, No pictures to post w. this... we are working on saving up for a digital camera so there may some down time w. pictures. Anyway, a quick update on Jackson. As I said in an earlier post, Jackson is rolling over like crazy, he's also "hitching" or doing what I did as a baby... he's using his upperbody strength to move himself across the floor. It's so cool to watch him move, grow, & develop.
Another new food: last night I introduced mashed potatoes...a HUGE hit! He couldn't get enough of them. So very exciting to see our little boy eat new foods- experience new delights.

Ok, now for a cool update, while at the beach, Jackson "dunked" 6 different times in the pool. Here's the trick, if you blown on a baby's face - their instinct is to hold their breath for at least 5-10 seconds. This is the perfect time to dunk them under water. The first time I did this with Jackson he came up a little bit frightened.. so needless to say, I did not try this again the same day. the following day we were back at the pool & we tried it again. He did great & seemed to be ok with it. We tried it a few more times over the course of that day & the following. He was such a great sport - in fact, he loved being in the water. On the last day there, he stayed in the pool for so long I thought he was going to prune-up. Didn't want to give him too much chlorine over-exposure.

July 4th, we went to the Fort in downtown St. Aug. to see the fireworks display. We were with Auntie Anna, Uncle Gooze, cousin Ryan Ashton, & Uncle Eric. Daddy, Jackson & I walked down San Marco from our hotel room, at the Cozy Inn... by the time we got there, almost 9pm, Jackson was hungry. So I had to nurse him, which I used a nice big umbrella to block any peepers, plus it helped that it was dark out. He nursed through almost all of the fireworks display. He did detach himself for the finale... where he was completely mesmerized by all the bright lights, bright colors & the constant changes in scenery.
We think he enjoyed it!

All, in all, it was a good trip for Jackson - he got his first experience w. dunking & fireworks, plus he spent a lot of time with his Papa Fletcher & his GG - Gram-Nette. And, he got to hang w. his big cuz Ryan Ashton!
Ps. Uncle Eric took a few pictures at the fireworks to when I get those I will post them.

4 Months old

2007-07-02T10:39:00.000-05:00

This picture was taken at Tara & Neals going away party last month.

Jackson is already 4 months old, as of July 3rd!

Jerrod & I are totally amazed at his development. He's already rolling from front to back & back to front (started rolling from back to front of Friday June 29th). He's working on sitting up - loves to use those ab muscles!

He's been eating eating baby cereal for almost 4 weeks. We started him early on rice cereal because I was nursing him amost every 2 hours both day & night! Plus he was 16 lbs - what most 6 months old weigh. Then after 2 weeks of rice cereal Jackson called it a day - no more of that bland junk... onto oatmeal cereal... which he's been eating for 2.5 weeks.. he's about had it w. that too. Last friday was his 4 month check up.. All positives from Dr. Michelle - who we love. He weighed in at 17.12 lbs (90th percentile), 27.5" long (95th percentile), and 43cm head circumference (70th percentile)...

ok, so, last friday night for the very first time Jackson ate sweet potatoes! HE LOVED THEM!!!!!! He's a huge fan & no signs of allergies - whoo-hoo! His grandpa Bell would be so proud, considering that the house we live in & the land we live on was his & he was famous for growing THE best sweet potatos in Alachua County! The man was a legend...

Anyhoo, my jynormous one just woke up & I think I smell something stinky!

Tara & Neal's Goodbye

2007-06-25T16:13:00.001-05:00

Jackson & Mommy!

2007-06-17T20:27:00.001-05:00

These were all taken yesterday at Petey's Summertime Seafood & Bar - Rye, New Hampshire!

Jackson is looking at his Nana in this one...

Jackson's Blabla - Leonardo the Lion

2007-06-17T19:42:00.000-05:00

This is Jackson's favorite new toy! It's a gift from his auntie Lynnie... thanx Lynnie... as you can see he LOVES it!!!!

This jacket is a new score from auntie Julie aka JuJu's... thanks JuJuz!!!

New Pictures of Jackson - 3 + months old

2007-06-17T19:26:00.001-05:00

Jackson's got the best facial expressions!

Jackson looks so much older than 3 months in this next picture.... don'tcha love the drool hanging off his chin!

Jackson's 1st unassisted Roll!

2007-06-04T17:42:00.000-05:00

Yippie-Hooray! Jackson just did his very first roll all by himself. He rolled from his tummy onto his back! I have been assisting him in rolling from tummy to back & then from back to tummy, but this one was a solo roll. Another proud moment for Mummy & Daddy!

Yesterday, Jackson turned 3 months old. Crazy how fast he's growing & developing.

Pollinators of the world

2007-06-02T22:19:00.000-05:00

(Yes, it's a bit crooked & off center, sorry, I was trying to do my best w.out the flash on laying on my back w. Jackson asleep next to me.)

This is what Jackson looks at when he wakes up in the morning & from napping. Jerrod & I got this poster at the Worm Gruntin' Festival in Sopchoppy, Florida.. yes, you did read that correctly. It was a very small, but really fun festival in the "big bend" area of Florida, which is south of Tallahassee, right on the Gulf. It was our first trek up to the big bend area w. Jibbies (Jackson's nickname via Daddy). We acquired the poster from a few representatives from the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge, which is also located in the "big bend" area. The poster is vibrant & gorgeous, plus Jackson really seems to enjoy looking at all those pollinators. We talk about each pollinator & what they are, teachable moments abound.

Plus, now that Daddy (Jerrod) planted a few things in the spring garden, we get to actually see some of these pollinators at work in the vegetable garden, along with the blueberry bushes & in many of my flowers.

Our sweet baby boy

2007-06-01T08:44:00.001-05:00

Jackson's Baby Jogger

2007-05-31T12:01:00.001-05:00

Here's Jackson...

Jackson's starting to roll....

2007-05-27T16:50:00.000-05:00

Jackson's growth & development has been WOWing us... I will upload some pictures soon to share his progress, but for now words will have to do. Here's what been happening for Jackson:

He was 16. 5 lbs on Thursday May 24th He's reaching for items & grasping them He's laughing - yes, an actual laugh - so funny to hear him laugh! He likes to stand up & then squat down He has an activity center where he can sit in & scoot around using his feet & stand-up too During tummy time:

lift his head up off the blanket for extended periods of time,
rotate his head while lifted,
do push-ups with his hands (a mini-push up)
roll from his tummy to his side, then to his back w. only minor aid from Mummy tucking his arm under his chin

These next 3 pix were taken almost 2 weeks ago...

One of his favs is to suck his thumb while nursing! He's double-dippin already -That's our boy!

hmm...what else, he's outgrown almost all of his 3 month old clothes. We just ordered his crib mattress from Naturpedic (I'm so excited for him to be in his own special crib, plus my Mum aka Nana, is making his bumpers & crib sheets). We've got his room almost done, except for painting it & a small area rug, but that'll come later.

Gosh, I know there's more. Oh, our trip to see my sister & Mum, Auntie Julz & Nana, what a special time for all of us, pix to follow!

Jackson met his Grandpa Eddie on Grandpa Eddie's birthday, May 12th, another special day. Then Grandpa Eddie came to visit "The Kid" (that's what he calls Jackson) on his big ole Harley this past Saturday. He wants to take The Kid for a ride to "cruise"...we'll see about that!

Jackson at 8 weeks old

2007-05-11T16:47:00.000-05:00

(Mommy needs to work on centering Jackson in the picture!)

Jackson at 7 weeks old

2007-05-11T16:39:00.000-05:00

A few of the big boy!

quick update

2007-05-09T21:42:00.000-05:00

Jackson's grown some-more...he had quite the feeding frenzy over the weekend & thusly gained a bit more this past week... today he weighed 15 lbs 13 oz. (he was almost 15.14 #)

I'll have more pictures this weekend to share here!

Oh, fun news... my mom & I found Jackson a great dresser, mirror and matching bedside table. So on Tuesday we arranged Jackson's room, it's coming together so nicely. I'll have to take pictures of his room when it's complete - it's getting close!

Jackson is 2 months old

2007-05-03T09:06:00.000-05:00

Today, May 3rd, Jackson is 2 months old...

We had our 2 month check-up at the Pediatricians office yesterday. Our boy weighed in at 15.6 lbs. His length measured out at 25" and his head circumference was 41cm. WOW! His height & weight are both in the 95th percentile and his head circumference is in the 90th percentile. And, our Ped, Dr. Michelle Massias, said that Jackson is functioning developmentally at a three & a half month old level. That's our boy! We are so proud.

Things to know about Jackson:

He's cooing - THE most wonderful sound ever!
He's rolling from his side to his back
His head control is really good - getting stronger & having more control every day
He's tracking (eye movement)
He's learning how to pre-crawl during tummy time
He seems to enjoy sucking on his hands, fingers & thumb, especially the thumb
He's drooling (pre teething - maybe?)
He's smiling (social smile), has been for the past 3 weeks
He's laughing - so sweet!
He enjoys reading & looking at the pictures (he loves The Runaway Bunny)
He loves the ABC song - that's his favorite when his diaper is being changed
He's learning how to do the Itsy-Bitsy Spider
He loves spending time with both sets of Grandparents
He loves going for walks in his stroller w. either Mommy, Daddy or his Nana (Kate's Mom) at the helm
He loves to snuggle!
He's going to meet his Auntie Julie in a few weeks, we're very excited!

A couple candid ones...

2007-05-01T08:27:00.000-05:00

May I have a moment to my self please? I just need a little alone time, just me & my thumb..

" I ain't got time for your jibba-jabbah's"

Jackson is 15.4 lbs @ 7.5 weeks

2007-04-25T14:55:00.000-05:00

Here are a few photo's of Jackson. These were taken on a recent trip to St. Augustine. These pictures were all taken at Crescent Beach.

Here he's thinking..."I was so comfy just a few minutes ago, I had a full belly, I was nice & snuggly in my car seat & now what? The wind is blowing & the sun is shinning...what else is going to happen? Oh Mommy!"
Jackson has yet to feel the cool Crescent Beach waters...

Not sure what he's thinking right now, but it may be close to ...."what on earth has Mommy gone and done with me this time and where are my pants?"

These were taken after we left the beach area. Jackson is so happy to be in Daddy's arms.

Here's a sweet one of Jackson.

Jackson at the Gator's National Championship Basketball Game

2007-04-12T08:08:00.000-05:00

Good Morning All,
Jackson is taking his morning nap so I thought I would upload a few of his most recent pictures. These were taken the night that the Gator's won their 2nd National Title in Basketball... needless to say, Jackson was totally worn out at the end of the night from cheering his Gator boys on to victory! Go Gators!

Ps.Thank You Neal for the pictures of Jackson!

Jackson is now 13.1 lbs 4.2.07

2007-04-03T13:51:00.000-05:00

This song was written by Bob Dylan & performed by Susan Tedeschi on her most recent album, Hope & Desire. The song is Lord Protect My Child. I first heard this song when I downloaded the album from Itunes... it spoke to me then, and means so much more to me now. Here are the lyrics. As you can probably tell, I love music & I love lyrics, they can express & convey so much of what we are feeling and where we are at in our life's journey.

For his age, he's wise
He's got his mother's eyes
There's gladness in his heart
He's young and he's wild
My only prayer is, if I can't be there,
Lord, protect my child

As his youth now unfolds
He is centuries old
Just to see him at play makes me smile
No matter what happens to me
No matter what my destiny
Lord, protect my child

While the world is asleep
You can look at it and weep
Few things you find are worthwhile
And though I don't ask for much
No material things to touch
Lord, protect my child

He's young and on fire
Full of hope and desire
In a world that's been raped, raped and defiled
If I fall along the way
And can't see another day
Lord, protect my child

There'll be a time I hear tell
When all will be well
When God and man will be reconciled
But until men lose their chains
And righteousness reigns
Lord, protect my child