Home

I had no idea how good (home) it was until this last week. I have been home every day this week. I haven't filled my schedule with lots of running around. Only one day was I gone most of the day but the rest I have just had uninterrupted time at home with Jackson. Wow what a blessing that is. I've spent more time down on the floor with him then I have in ages. . .and I want to keep that going. I simply can't believe how much I learn from him everyday.

I would say that last week was a harder week for him. Adjusting to home after being gone probably was harder on him than we realized. But this week he has settled into a nice routine and has really been a good kid overall. He continues to learn so much. By now he knows and can identify half of the alphabet and he has started counting.

We just got more of these pics back from our good friend Brooke who did a photo shoot in St. Louis. Seriously these will remain with us for a lifetime. It SO makes me want to get a good camera and take pics but I will have to keep saving for that!

We took a very relaxing and fun weekend to the Ozarks with our friends the Allens, Andes and Laudonios. It was a kid-free and amazing time. Our cell phones stopped working as we turned into the road that led to the cabin we stayed at. Needless to say we were thankful that and for the Andes' wondeful hospital. Tradition that needs to continue for sure!

Jackson has turned into a sort of picky eater. . .which leaves me going now what? We do our best but his appetite just doesn't seem to be what it used to. I'm hoping its just a stage.

Some of my favorite things he has been doing lately:

• At night, when he gets ready for bed, or when it is naptime he says "Cover you" Meaning he wants us to cover him with his blue blanket that he has gotten rather attached to.
• He refers to motorcycles as "woodcuckers". Took us a long time to translate that one.
• He still loves cars, trucks, trains and now has added firetrucks. He has a red fireman hat he got from our neighbor Owen. A couple of nights ago he had to wear it to bed.
  
• Lightning McQueen (pronounced by Jackson as "Ack Ku Queen" is by far his favorite character. ANYTHING with McQueen makes him excited...along with Mator.
  
• Grandma Weitl and her puppy Schmitzy came to visit this last weekend and she was so great taking care of him so we could go to Andre's birthday party. They had a great day and I think he truly enjoyed spending time with her. Grandma Joan comes up in another week to help us out.
• Aunt Kenzie moved out this week. She comes back next week for a going away party. The day she left Jackson was sitting in his high chair and said, "Candy" aka Kenzie, and I said "Where did she go?" He says, "in bed." I said why don't you yell for her. . .and he yells. "Candy...come here..." So cute.
• Anytime the doorbell rings he runs to it and says "Come in."

I told my co-workers the biggest blessing of summer for me has been seeing the world through the eyes of a child. It's amazing what stops him in his tracks, an airplane, a car, a truck, a dandelion. If only I could have a little piece of his awe for life as I go on-I think I will be much happier!















The Ozark Trip!















Grandma Weitl & Jackson




















Jackson being silly (happy cuz Lightning McQueen is in hand).
















This is the typical look of Jackson when we try
to take a picture. Stone cold. He refuses to say
"Cheese." This is Schmitzy.















This is Jackson lounging...with Lightning McQueen slippers.




















Again...