We Have a Tooth!

This past weekend (also my b-day weekend) was spent at home trying to figure out what was wrong with my usually happy baby.  He's had drainage/cold symptoms since last week, but it's not like him to not take all of his bottle at feeding time.  He was also doing more than usual spit-up, and was SSSSOOOOO fussy.  Oh and last Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday he didn't sleep any at school.  He's not a good day napper, but he will sleep some at school.

Sunday morning we got up and I just could tell that he didn't feel good.  We stayed home from church, and hung out around the house and tried to figure out what was wrong.  By Sunday night, I was thinking he for sure had an ear infection because he was totally out of sorts and didn't even go to bed like usual.  He just wanted to snuggle with me, and then he would cry about every 15 minutes.  We looked in his mouth, and there was a little white spot on his bottom gums that I knew was a tooth trying to come through.

Well, as it turns out, as we were driving to the doctor this morning, I felt the jagged edge of that little tooth poking through.  We still went to see Dr. Wilson because I wanted to rule out an ear infection, and luckily he has great ears.  She thinks he's finishing up a little cold, and the rest of the aggravation is from the tooth.  She also said to watch out because the other bottom tooth will be right behind it, so it looks like we're in a long ride with this teething thing.

Happy Jackson! (Which is also how he was at the doctor's office). 

Irritated Jackson.  (Which is how he's been most of the last two days at home). 

Annoyed Jackson.  

I get tickled thinking about this picture.  Since he's gotten bigger, I've recognized this face as him being annoyed.  Apparently being born was also annoying to him. ha! 

Seriously mom - could you stop taking pictures and wipe the drool off of my face. 

He didn't nap much this afternoon, and after a short walk in the Bjorn, it was time for a bath.  He enjoyed his warm bath so much that he fell asleep.  I really REALLY hated to wake him up, but obviously we couldn't have napped in the tub.  He got his jammies on and then totally freaked out.  Brent finally got him to go to sleep, and after another bottle, he's down for the count.  

I just hate that he doesn't feel good and that he can't tell me what hurts.  I'm also a little sad that the days of seeing that gummy smile are numbered. But I'm trying hard to be happy for the new beginnings, not sad for the endings.   It's a reality I must face - my baby is growing up! 

  

Three Month Pictures

These pictures were made at Sears on September 30, 2011, and I loved the way they turned out.  We'll be going back there for future sessions.

Spitting.image.of.his.daddy. Even the eyebrow.

This outfit was smocked by my mom, and he looked so precious in it. 

Yes, he's a poser. 

Can't believe he's almost 4 months old!

The Pumpkin Patch

This past Saturday, we met up with the Cross family at the Schaffers-Collins Pumpkin Patch in Mayflower for a play date.  It was a very fun experience, but a little warm for a "fall" outing.  I had Jackson in his cute Ghost outfit, and I know I was more excited about the trip than he was.  This was the first time that we got to hang out with Terri, Bracy and Lila since J was born, and it was so fun to have the babies together.  Terri is a college friend and former roommate of mine, and both of our husbands get along great. 

Here's Farmer Jackson with Miss Lila.  Oh the things we'll do for a photo opportunity!

Mommy and Jackson.  I can't get this kid to look towards the camera.

We waited in line for the hayride for about 30 minutes, and J decided it was a good time to nap.  I do like the Bjorn, but it was really warm.  And being the awesome mother that I am, I totally didn't think about the sun that day.  Can you say Baby's First Sunburn?   We will be finding Jackson a hat and some sunscreen before our next sunny-day outing.  I tried to shield him the best I could -I even put one of Lila's bib's on his head.

The pumpkin patch....someone should have told that guy to bend at the knees. ha!

Right before this was taken, Lila reached over and grabbed Jackson's paci and it was going towards her mouth.  Lila is 8 months old, and was much more aware of Jackson than he was of her.  She is the cutest thing and such a pretty baby.  It has been a joy to go through this motherhood experience with a lot of my close friends.

We were on the downhill slide of the outing, and just had to stop for one more photo.  Lila is sitting up really well.  Jackson, not so much.  We couldn't get both of them to look up at the camera because that hay was so interesting to pick and look at. 

My son is gangsta leaning here. He's like "Whatever Mom. This is lame." ha!

I tried to prop him up here, but again, he wouldn't look up or smile. He looks so sad here - ha!

Afterwards, we drove to Maumelle and had a fun lunch.  The food and company were great, but I was worn out by the time we left.  Let's just say both L and J had blowouts and needed wardrobe changes.  Terri and I spent about 15 minutes in the women's bathroom getting them cleaned up.  Oh how times have changed.  And I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world.

When a Door Closes

God opens a window.  Today was Brent's last day at Alltel/Verizon.  It's very bittersweet because it wasn't in our plans, but we are confident that God is in control of this situation.  I have been very reassured that He is working on a specific job for Brent, and when that job comes our way, we will be sure to give God the glory.

Pray for our family as we make our way through this unknown territory.  We've seen it numerous ways in the past, and God will continue to provide and take care of us throughout this journey.

Randomness

These are some random pictures from the past few weeks.  We laid Jackson in the floor to play, and he fell asleep holding the toy with the paci on his chest.  It was so funny!  He's still not a great napper during the day, so when he does pass out like this we leave him alone.

I got his big picture framed, and for our little house, it is really big.  Originally I thought it would look good in the bedroom, but Brent said no to that.  He said it was like Jackson was staring at us! ha!  So I did some rearranging and put it on top of the piano, and I really like it there.  This frame doesn't have hangers on the back, but once I get some put on, we'll probably hang it on the wall.  I hope one day to live in a bigger house, so that's why I went ahead and got the big print.

I felt like Jackson was ready to try some cereal to see if maybe it would help him sleep through the night.  It only did for one night, so I decided to wait to talk to the doctor in a few weeks.  It was fun to give it a try though.  He really did fine with it, so it won't be long now before we start doing it every night.

We spent last weekend at home, and he had some time in the bumbo.  He still can't straight up very well, so he doesn't really like to be left in it for long.  But he will watch the TV if it's on, and he especially likes it when football is on.  This was for Uncle Josh - he's got another football watching buddy now!

See - he just kinda slumps over and then gets mad.  He's also not to far away from discovering his feet, and from the way he arches his back, it won't be long before he rolls over back to front. 

 

Children are a Heritage of the Lord

Sunday morning was very special.  Brent and I took Jackson in front of our church and promised to raise him in a Christ-centered home.  There were 9 babies dedicated during the 10:30 service, and all were boys except one!

Mimi and Pops got to come to the service.  Jackson's like "Hey! What are ya'll doing here?"  He is starting to recognize them, which is fun to watch.  We were all hanging out in the hallway before the service, and Mimi had Jackson, who just passed smooth out.  Nothing like a grandma's touch!

I know.  He looks just like Brent. He looked a little like me when he was first born, but not now.  That little boy face is starting to appear, and it's all Haywood/Gardner right there.  (Brent really favors his mom's brother, Uncle Wyn, and Pap).

I believe this might be our first family picture outside of the ones that were taken at the hospital. Not too bad I suppose.

I really love this one!  Jackson looks like he's calling the Hogs with his Pops.  I'm sure they will do it eventually, but hopefully not in church. ha!

Mom and Dad couldn't stay for lunch, so we went home to change clothes (hello - can it not be 90 degrees in mid-October).  He must have been tired because he doesn't do this very often.  I even laid him down in the crib and he napped for several more minutes before getting up. 

A Prayer for New Parents

Our Father, we thank you that You have considered us worthy to guide the life of this little one. Because Your Son was once as our child, we know that You understand our concern. We pray that you give us wisdom to teach our child to know Your ways, to live as an example of Christian love toward others, to share the truth of Your redeeming grace, to offer assurance in times of anxiety, to provide serenity in a place of turmoil.  And when this little one has grown to maturity, give us the confidence to release the ties that bind us together, knowing that what You have promised is true, "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it."  Amen

Jackson,

We pray that you will love God with all your heart, mind, and strength.  He will light your paths, just as He has done for your dad and me.  Remember that "you are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works" (Eph 2:10). You have an amazing Christian heritage, and your dad and I have promised to pass that torch to you.  We also pray that you will grow up to be a man of integrity, with a heart full of kindness and compassion for those around you.  For when you have those characteristics, everything else will fall into place. 

We love you more than you'll ever know!

Mommy and Daddy

Happy Birthday Pops!

This past weekend, Jackson and I packed up and headed to McGehee for the weekend for Pops' birthday.  It was a surprise, he couldn't believe that we were there.  Before we left Cabot, I put Jackson in this shirt and took his picture.  To get these cute smiles, it takes both Brent and I - one to hold the camera and one to talk to him. 

He is really starting to "talk" a lot and it's so fun to hear. I can bet that by the time he actually does start talking, we won't be able to get him to be quiet. 

He enjoyed lots of Mimi time this weekend. 

On Saturday, we loaded Jackson in the stroller and went to Owlfest.  It's a little festival done during homecoming and it was really fun to get to show him off to some people I've known for a long time.  It was windy and really nice outside.  You could watch the Razorback game under the tent, visit booths, and eat BBQ. We even watched a hot-dog-eating-contest!  People talk a lot about how the Delta is one of the most economically depressed areas in the nation, and that certainly is true, but it's home to me.  So if you're not from a small town, then don't judge, because you don't know how great it really is.  (I didn't come to this thinking until after I left).

J is laid back chilling....

Saturday night we had dinner at home with Nannie, and Aunt Debbie and Uncle Mike who were visiting from Springfield.  It was a nice evening, although about 7 p.m. Jackson was done for and went to bed.  You can tell he's sleepy here with Pops. 

Sunday morning was church, and Jackson did go to the nursery during big church.  He hates the car seat, so there's no hanging out in that thing during the song service or message, and I really didn't want to wrestle with him because I knew I wouldn't get anything out of the message.  He of course did fine, and still got to see all of our McGehee church family.

We had to have another photo session after church with Pops and Jackson because they were both wearing their Polos. 

But then our hands got in the way....

I think Pops is just absolutely taken with the Mister, and he has given my dad the Silliest Grandpa Award. 

Coming back to Cabot on Sunday, I snapped this picture of the cotton.  I love this time of year at home because the sea of white.  We also thought we were going to see some movie stars in Dumas, but it was not to be.  On Friday when we passed through, I did see where they were filming the movie "Mud" with Reese Witherspoon and Matthew McConaghey.  They were at the motel next to the Piggly Wiggly, and I could see the lights, cranes, directors chairs, but nobody famous.  I thought about riding around the parking lot just to catch a glimpse of the movie making, but Jackson was screaming, so I decided to power on and get to McGehee.  I was fascinated with the idea that Hollywood came to south Arkansas.  Not so much the famous person thing, but just the whole process of making a movie.  Where did everybody stay, how long do they work, etc.  Can you imagine what would happen if you were in the Dollar Store and Reese Witherspoon walked in?  I would be afraid to talk to her, because I feel sorry that she is hounded by the paparazzi a lot.  But I would tell her that she has a look-a-like that lives in Memphis.  Just check it out for yourself...