Hallelujah in Alaska

This is so neat.  I hope you all enjoy!

rough day today.

Nothing major.  Nothing we can't fix.  Just that being a parent is a really tough job sometimes. These are a few wise words I wanted to be reminded of today.

"Finish every day and be done with it. You have done what you could; some blunders and absurdities no doubt crept in; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day; you shall begin it serenely and with too high a spirit to be encumbered with your old nonsense."
-Ralph Waldo Emerson

‎"Don't ever discount the wonder of your tears. They can be healing waters and a stream of joy. Sometimes they are the best words the heart can speak."
-William P. Young

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
-John 14:27

"Tomorrow is a new day with no mistakes in it yet."
-Lucy Maud Montgomery

"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."
-Matthew 6:34

Well it is official

Our Big Guy is going to be a preschooler!  Yesterday Jackson, Owen and I headed out to visit the Open House and register Jackson for preschool that will be starting in the fall.  When we were in the car he told me how he was scared about going to the school and made me promise a hundred times at least that I would stay by his side the whole time.  I promised and told him that of course it was scary because he has never been to Preschool before, but before you know it you will love it and have a great time.  He said OK, but he still didn't think he wanted to go.  We walk inside with his little hand glued to mine, hiding behind Owen's stroller, just two little eyes peering out at this new place.  He was dying to see what it was all about, but still didn't want anyone to pay attention to him- just in case he was forced to talk to them or even worse... STAY.  The women that we talked to were all so nice.  They talked to Jackson even though he refused to talk back.  That is until one asked if he liked dinosaurs.  His eyes lit up and all of a sudden this lady was kinda alright.  He answered with a very small "yes" and actually made eye contact with her.

 The director of the Early Education Department took us around and showed us what a classroom is like.  At first Jackson didn't want to go anywhere near the door.  What if they made him go inside?  But after a few minutes, with the teacher explaining all the fun things he was going to be able to do in a few months he was more intrigued.  It was now OK to stand outside the door and peek in.   It was so colorful, with posters, artwork and crafts on all the walls.  There were toys to play with and games to do. The kids were right in the middle of doing "Jesus Time" and he knew the story they were talking about.  Maybe this place wasn't so strange after all.....

Well the teachers asked if we would like to come back and visit a class during school time.  i immediately jumped at the idea.  With Jackson, the more aware of things he is the more accepting he will be in the long run.  She told us that him and I could come for the day (or as long as Jackson was brave enough to do) and we were welcome to participate in any or all of the activities the other kids were doing.  Jackson could do the crafts, sing the songs, have the snack... I felt a tug on my pant legs and in a loud whispering hiss Jackson says to me "I'm not doing any of that."  I told him OK, we could do whatever he wanted to do.   The teacher went on telling us more about the school.. field trips, gym class, chapel, the playground.... all with Jackson quietly listening by my side.  Then it was time to leave, with an invite to come back on Monday for our preschool class day visit.

In the car Jackson was pretty quiet, just taking it all in.  After a few minutes he says to me" Mommy, I think I might want to do the craft and have the snack at preschool on Monday."  I told him that I was so excited because I was hoping to do the craft and have a snack too.  I peer at him through the rearview mirror and he is sitting there with a huge grin on his face.  His eyes meet mine and he says "Mommy.  I think preschool is going to be pretty cool."  Happy sigh.  I am so proud.  My sweet Jackson is growing up.  As sad as I am about him growing up so fast, I am also so very proud and excited for the new stage in life he is going into.  Normally Jackson is very shy about telling people things about his life.  It can sometimes be like pulling teeth to get him to talk to others about stuff that happens in the day.  Well not preschool!  Every chance he gets, he tells people about it.  He is so excited!  I know it is a while until he will be officially starting, but this is an awesome first step in the process.  Yay for Little Man!

Owen's 2 Month Dr. Visit

Owen 2 months old

Today Owen went in to see Dr. Biglow for his 2 Month well baby visit.  This little guys has been growing in leaps and bounds and I have been dying to see how much he has actually grown.  Well he was the hit of the office, of course!  No one could get over his hair- such a conversation starter.  If I got a dollar for every time someone commented on his hair I would be so rich already!

He is in the 50th percentile all around for weight, length, and head circumference.  He weighs a whopping 12 lbs 4 oz!  This means he has gained 6 lbs since birth- great job big guy!!  He also grew an inch and a half, measuring in at 22.5 inches long and his head circumference also increased to 40.5.  The doctor says my children are the cutest little boys she has ever seen (like I had any doubt otherwise... proud mommy moment. hehe).

She said that he is in perfect health and that we didn't need to come back until he turns 4 months old.  The bummer news is that he had to receive some vaccinations today- 6 in total!  Thankfully they group them together so he only had to have two shots and one oral vaccine.  But oh how I hate that cry.  It brings tears to my eyes every single time.  He was a champ though, he was able to calm down pretty quickly once he was snuggled in my arms.

Speaking of hair, his is growing just as much as the rest of him- and it is growing in blonde just like his brothers did!  It is about a half an inch longer then at birth, you can tell by the blonde roots.  Too cute.  Our little rock 'n roller.  Although in these pictures I think he looks more like a future line backer :)

Especially this one!

"Mommy, you're the best!"

I never tire of hearing this.  Jackson, I think you're the best too!  I love you my Little Man!

7 weeks old and already a heartbreaker

Our little Owen is so much fun these days!  He seems to be growing and changing every single day- it's amazing!  Not only is he getting heavier and taller, but his personality is starting to come out.  He smiles the moment he lays eyes on Scott and I and loves watching Jackson sing and act silly.  This week he has added another new talent- he found his laugh.  Oh it melts me!  I might be a little tired or feeling overwhelmed, all I have to do is lay eyes on this little guy and my entire day is brightened.  I recorded a little bit of my morning for you.  I hope it brightens your day too.