Update on Jackson

The Pincer Grasp


Musical Protege


(I tried to capture the movement in his arms.)

First Day of School Pictures

Kindergarten

Preschool

Playing with Dad

Six Months Old

My baby has reached the half year mark and I have to say that I am already missing his babyhood. He seems like a kid already--no more cuddly little ball. Grabbing, sitting, crying, eating, and lots and lots of toys are the name of the game for six month olds.

Ten Things I never want to forget about Jackson:

1. He'll lay on my bed with his arms around my neck and gaze into my eyes.

2. He thinks Alisa is hilarious.

3. He smiles, and smiles, and smiles.

4. He hasn't disliked any food yet. (Even that rice cereal which Alisa tried and almost threw-up)

5. When he falls asleep in my arms, I have the strongest urge to kiss his angelic face. . . but I don't because I know it will wake him up.

6. How easily he falls asleep (except when he's sick or teething or constipated or overtired or in a strange place.)

7. Sometimes, especially when he is asleep in my arms, I just don't want to put him down even though I know I should. Let me cradle him just a bit longer.

8. He gets really excited when Dad comes home from work.

9. He gets constant love from his brother and sister.

10. He loves his mama!

Pictures, Pictures, Pictures

Nice hair Alisa!! Cutest kid ever.

Summer T-ball

The Clean House

I have a strange relationship with the clean house. On the one hand, organized spaced make me feel calm and in control. On the other, I get tired of cleaning up the same messes repeatedly (like 6 times a day . . . ) And, I have this nagging feeling that people who always have a clean house don't have a life. You know, like, get a life! My busiest days are my messiest.

Recently, my beloved husband made a completely innocent comment about most people having clean houses and it really got me wondering . . . I claim that people just clean right before he gets there (just because that's what I do, he, he) . . . but maybe I'm decieving myself. Maybe I really am a slob. And maybe I really am lazy. I don't feel lazy or slobby.

Growing up, my mother always compared the status of her house to her neighbors: "So and sos dishes are always done." As a child, I really couldn't see the point. As an adult, I can see the temptation to do that but I have made a concerted effort to let it be. I mean, aren't there more important things about a person than to judge them based on if there are toys in their living room?

So what do you think? Do people let messes lie or do people really have tidy houses?

I Dare You . . .

. . . to find a cuter baby.

(Tessa doesn't count here because she's in another realm.)