Christmas traditions...

Now that I have my computer set up again, and some "spare" time on my hands, I can get back to blogging! The real dilemma is where to start with the pictures! So I went with Christmas pictures, and then I'll catch you up on the move, kid and baby!

Here's our crew at Benihanas for our Christmas Eve tradition. We love the food and the show is a special treat.

Even Jackson enjoyed the entertainment.
Natalie is wearing her new outfit direct from India from Aanya and Auntie Nupur.
And here we are coming downstairs the next morning... What did Santa bring?! It's a new highchair for Natalie's dolls!!
And on to the stocking...
Later, after breakfast we got to open more presents. Natalie loves these magnetic "paper" dolls from Mama Sally and Aunt Kellye...
And I'll have to show you all a picture of Natalie's (and Jackson's too I guess) playroom with this cool market set up in it... Thanks Mama Elaine!
So check back and I'll post a whole bunch of pictures to get you up to speed for the New Year!! Have a happy and safe New Year's Eve.

Happy Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving day was pretty hectic until dinner was over - so that's my excuse for not having pictures until then!! Here's a shot of Natalie debating her next dessert choice. She ended up choosing yet another chocolate cookie.

Natalie with her two favorite people: Mackenzie and Lara.
Cousin Rozella is going to have a little brother too soon! Right around Natalie's birthday!
Jackson hanging out with Nannie, sporting his holiday duds.
Natalie getting her hair done - she wouldn't let me do it before we left the house - it's so much more fun when someone other than Mommy does it!

Dad and Jackson resting after a long day of family, food and games.

aquarium with Dad

Natalie and her dad met their friends Bella and Ken (respectively) at the aquarium last weekend. Jackson and I stayed home and enjoyed some (relative) quiet.

The most talked about part of this outing were the "real mermaids!!" who were there to demonstrate how recycling can help keep the oceans clean for everyone.
I think they had a good time.

Jackson's weeks 2 and 3

I'm taking advantage of my 9 year old cousin. I'm "watching" her this morning on her day off, and she is keeping Natalie very busy!

I've had lot of help these last couple of weeks. Many visitors have come to meet Jackson, and they've also been so nice to give Natalie plenty of attention, which she naturally craves even more than usual. So anyway, before I run out of time, here are some pictures from the past two weeks.

Jackson getting some outside time while Natalie and I draw with chalk.
Jackson checking out his new kitchen! We move in at the end of the month! Less than two weeks!! I can't wait. :)Hanging out with Gary and Regina.


Going for a long walk. (Jackson rode kangaroo-pouch style in my jacket. It will be good to find my slings and stroller when we get our stuff out of storage!)

Jackson naps on everyone he meets. Here he is with Aunt Duayna!
Napping through dinner with Dad. Hes still so small but he's up almost 1lb from his birth weight!
And sleeping on me!

We're all getting along fine. I'm getting used to interrupted sleep, and Jackson just worked out a clogged tear duct but is still battling a photo-spoiling case of baby acne! I'll try to post more frequently in the coming weeks, but no guarantees!

our new addition

Last Wednesday night, 11:19pm, our little man Jackson was born! He was just perfect. 6 lbs, 4 oz, and almost 18 in long. We've been settling in this last week very well. I'm not sure if this is just old hat, or if he's a very good baby, but it feels much easier this time around. We're figuring out our routine and trying hard to keep Natalie busy so she has no reason to resent her little brother. Following are some pictures of our first week together!

picture catch up

It's that time again! Time to catch up on all the random pictures that don't really go with anything else. After this post, my camera is clear, and I'm all caught up! Maybe the baby has come by now and perhaps I've even managed to post something about that, (is that optimistic or what?!) Or maybe not.

Here's Natalie perusing the latest Fisher Price catalog, (lollipop in hand).

Painting at Discovery Days. Very fun event, but a little chaotic.

Thanks for the fancy lollipop Aunt Eileen!!
Natalie enjoyed going through all the baby stuff I've stored.
Another ballet shot.
The house! Painted!
And with wallboard! Natalie and her dad are sitting on the couch, watching something funny on the TV.
Nat in her new room. Now the walls are all textured, the trim is in. Tiles and cabinets are also in. It's getting close now!
Looking for eggs in Erik and Renee's new chicken coup. There was one!
Hanging out with Delwyn. I love their little matching Keen sneakers!
Trying on her dad's new BBQ'n gloves.

Showing us her ballet moves. All of her tutus are in storage so her dad made her this one out of tissues.
Eating chicken wings at the Dark Horse... our old college hang out!
And that brings us up to the present! Phew!