Love

Jackson at Six Months

14 pounds, 9 ounces, 25 1/2 inches

I have TWO teeth!

I am eating food. Mommy has made me green peas and sweet potatoes. I love the sweet potatoes, but I don't really care for the green peas. She plans on making green beans, carrots and squash next. She will also try and get me to eat some avocado and some bananas.

I am sleeping in my own room at nighttime.

I give Mommy the best hugs around the neck.

I love to play with Mommy's hair.

I love my Jumperoo!

I love to touch Daddy's face.

I cry when I see that my Mommy is not holding me.

I "flirt" with ALL of the ladies!

I can sit with the support of my boppy.

I do not like baths anymore!

I love to play.

I love my brother and sister! They love to give me toys and talk to me.

Potty Talk

Joshua has been potty trained since March! He has done and continues to do a fabulous job. May I highly recommend the Baby Bjorn Potty Chair for all of you mommies of boys! It does its job quite well. I have been starting to wonder when I should put the potty chair up. I must admit, I am getting a little tired of the little white potty sitting in the kids' bathroom. I am also a bit tired of dumping it out and cleaning it after each use. I know, I know, this makes me sound really lazy, but I am looking for any and all ways to make this ship move a little quicker. Abby Kate loves to use the "big" potty and uses her stool to reach it. I do not have to assist Abby Kate or Joshua with using the potty at all. Now I'm only called in to wipe! I always love it when I hear, "Mommy, come wipe me!!!" Which makes me question - when can I stop wiping my children's bottoms? Anyways, back to my original thought. When can I put away the potty chair? Joshua is the only one that uses it. If I take away his throne, he will have to learn to use the big potty. I have a feeling that this will be quite a messy process for my little boy. I don't want to create more work, but I am still really tired of that potty chair and all that I have to do to keep it clean. So, what would you do?

Submitted...

...as a Bad Santa Picture

On Spoiling

Jackson is spoiled! He is my last baby and I am enjoying each and every moment. He has been a great baby from day one! I think that having one baby is a WHOLE lot easier than having two!!! I have absolutely NO sympathy for those moms that complain about their ONE baby (especially if it is their first). When Joshua and Abby Kate were little it was nearly impossible to please both babies at the same time. When one cried, the other cried. When one ate, the other ate. When one needed to be held, the other was right there with us. Thankfully, we had them on the same sleep schedule, so that was huge help. In order to keep up with the demands of two babies, I was one organized scheduler. (It helps that I am that way by nature and it is the only way that I can function). The most frustrating part of caring for two babies was that I could not meet every need immediately. Someone was always left in want of being held or played with. When both babies cried at the same time, I had to see whose needs were more pressing and meet that child's needs first while trying to "gently" pacify the other.

With Jackson, things have been quite different. I am more laid back about the "schedule" thing. I do not let the schedule dictate our time together. Instead, I go with the flow that Jackson has created. If he is hungry, I will feed him. I do not try and "hold him off". If three hours have passed since his last feed, then I will feed him when he wants to eat. I know that after eating, Jackson will play for about an hour to an hour and a half and then be ready to take a nap. I do not lay him down to rest at a set time each day. Yes, he still gets in his naps, they are just according to the last time that he ate. I am working on dropping one of the nighttime feeds. He has done this for the past few nights very well. He will still wake up, but Jason will kindly go into his room and put him back to sleep for me.

Jackson moved into his own room this week. I was clearly not ready for this, but he was. I still hold him while he falls asleep. He can and will lay down in his crib and fall asleep on his own, but I don't want him to. Unfortunately, this will all change soon. I know that he needs to go to bed on his own or I will be stuck putting him to bed like this for the next 2 1/2 years. I still swaddle him to sleep. He loves to have a burp cloth near his face (this is a good thing seeing as how he loves them all and I don't have to have that "one" special thing). The burp cloth is clearly his "lovey", but I am looking for a good name. "Lovey" is not really a good "boyish" name. Any suggestions?

I cannot stand to hear him cry. If he cries, I pick him up. Why should I let my baby cry if he only wants to be held? This time will pass way to quickly. Last night while saying prayers with Abby Kate, I pulled her up into my lap to cuddle. I was amazed at how BIG she was in my lap!

Jackson has a schedule. I know that he must nap and be feed and have play time. The only difference with him is that I let him dictate those times. I am not watching the clock anticipating what is coming up next. I definitely feel more in tune with what Jackson is wanting or needing. I know that I can meet each of his needs and I do that in a timely manner. I once read that you cannot "spoil" a child during the first 6 months of life. When you meet your child's needs immediately, you are instilling in them trust! I am enjoying each moment. These moments are very short and they will all end sooner than I will want them too. So for now, I am spoiling my baby and we both love it!

Merry Christmas!

From our family to yours, Merry Christmas!

Our Night Out with the "Rocks"

Girl's Night Out!

Abby Kate and I had so much fun in Nashville! Abby Kate had been looking forward to seeing the Rockettes for a very long time. She was thrilled when she woke up on Friday morning about the day we had ahead of us.

We were able to meet up with Tara and Hope outside of the Opryland Hotel and walk in together to the Delta area. Abby Kate was so happy to see Hope. She adores her so much! We all rode on the Delta River Boat. The girls really enjoyed being on the water and seeing all of the wonderful sights in the hotel. Jackson even enjoyed the ride. He LOVED watching the fountains and waterfalls.

After riding on the River Boat, we decided that it was time to get some dinner before the show. We tried eating at the Aquarium Restaurant, but ended up leaving without eating (Poor service. We sat down and after ten minutes decided that no one was coming to our table to take our order). Abby Kate was still very fascinated with the fish in the aquarium. We were short on time, so we strolled up to Johnny Rockets and grabbed a quick burger and some onion rings (I might add that these were the best o-rings that I've had in a long time). I met up with my Dad and he took Jackson for me and went off to meet up with my mom. My parents had so much fun keeping Jackson.

We walked over to the Grand Ole Opry and saw the Rockettes. I have always loved getting to see the Rockettes. I have gone the past two years with my mom and I am still amazed at the talent! I was so anxious to see the look on Abby Kate's face as she watched the Rockettes perform. She absolutely LOVED every minute of it! I think that her favorite part was seeing the Rockettes dressed up as "Ragdolls". I always love seeing the "Parade of the Wooden Soldiers".

After the show, we met back up with my parents to get Jackson. Tara treated me to a Decaf Peppermint Mocha from Starbucks. Yum - o!

At the end of the night, we rode in a Carriage Ride outside of the Opryland Hotel. The lights were beautiful. While riding in the carriage, Abby Kate looked up at me and said, "Momma, this is so much fun!"

Abby Kate was sad to see the night come to a close. When Tara and Hope left, she cried for a long time. I let her talk to Jason on the phone while I drove out to my parent's house. I loved hearing her describe the night. The funniest thing that she told Jason was that our horse, Tiny, stunk! This was the first time that I had heard that. We finally fell asleep at 11:00 in the same bed with Jackson in his bassinet right beside us. (Abby Kate has started calling his bassinet a manger.)

This is what Abby Kate wanted to wear to Nashville for the evening. Doesn't she have a great sense of style?

Abby Kate and Hope in the Opryland Hotel.

Abby Kate and Hope on the Delta River Boat.

Tara and Jack on the Delta River Boat.

Hope and Abby Kate on the Delta River Boat.

Abby Kate sitting on a church pew in the Grand Ole Opry during intermission.

Abby Kate LOVED looking at all of the Christmas lights while we waited in line for the Carriage Ride.

Abby Kate and I enjoyed our Carriage Ride outside of the Opryland Hotel.

Tara, Hope and Jack on the Carriage Ride.

The 12 Disciples

I have been working on the 12 disciples with Joshua and Abby Kate. I got Joshua on tape. We still have a lot of work to do near the end of the song. I am so proud of my little boy!

Our Girls' Night Out

Abby Kate and I are headed to Nashville tomorrow for a girls' night with my sister-in-law and niece (of course Jackson will come along for the ride since he can't leave his mommy). My parents are planning on meeting us at Opry Mills and will entertain Jackson during the night.

Abby Kate is very excited about seeing the Rockettes (or as Abby Kate likes to call them, the "Rocks") with Aunt Tara and Hope. We are also planning on taking a boat ride through the Opryland Hotel, a Carriage Ride to see all of the Christmas lights outside and having dinner at the Aquarium Restaurant.

I think that we are all in for a magical night and I can hardly wait!!!

(Of course, I will post pictures next week).

Questioning

"Hey, what are you guys doing?"

This was asked by Joshua while he watched Jason kiss me the other day.

Joshua and Abby Kate's Thanksgiving

We asked the kids on the way home from Nashville on Thanksgiving Day what they were thankful for.

Abby Kate said, "I am thankful for God and all of the people that God made."

Joshua said, "I am thankful for fat turkeys, God, my bed, my blankie, mountains, schools, rivers, valleys, football, Nannie and PawPaw and me."

Hope that you and your families enjoyed a great Thanksgiving.

Jackson at Five Months

14 pounds, 9 ounces, 25 inches

I found my toes.

I can roll from my belly to my back.

I can roll from my back to my belly.

I am a huge flirt!

I love to reach out and touch my Daddy's face.

I love to pull Mommy's and Abby Kate's hair.

I can transfer a toy from one hand to the other and back again.

I love to roll around.

I can reach for all of my toys.

I love to "talk".

I can take my pacy out of my mouth and put it back in.

I ate cereal for the first time this month and absolutely love it!

Jackson eating cereal for the first time!
(Doesn't he look thrilled?)

Booger Talk

This morning on the way to church, Jason and I overheard Joshua and Abby Kate in the back of the van talking to one another. This is what we heard Joshua saying to Abby Kate.

"Hey Abby Kate, I have boogers in my nose. See!"

I turned around to see Joshua "showing" Abby Kate his boogers. He was tilting his head all the way back and he was making a "snotting" noise with his nose all scrunched up. "See!"

The joys of boyhood...

My Backyard View in November

Jackson's Four Month Pictures

Check out Jackson's four month pictures at www.capturinglifephotography.com and let us know which pictures you like. When you go to the website, click on "Children and Family", then click on "Clients" at the top of the page. Type in the password "bybee" at the bottom of the page and check out my little man! My favorites are #1, #5 and #11. Jason's favorite is #5. What do you think? 

A Jason Story

Have I ever told you about the time my husband wore my jeans?

Back before we had kids, Jason was getting ready for church on a Wednesday night. That particular night I was not feeling well and decided to stay home. Jason hurriedly changed out of his "teaching" clothes from school and into some jeans and a nice polo shirt. He kissed me goodbye and left to teach the teens in our youth group. Jason got home late that night and I noticed his jeans. I thought that they looked a little "girly". The wash was not a typical "male" color, the fit was a bit snug as it hugged his hips and thighs pretty tightly and the jeans flared away from his ankles to reveal a perfect boot cut. When I questioned Jason about his jeans, he admitted that they were really tight. I told him that they did not look like his jeans at all. When I asked to see the tag, I told him that he had, in fact, just worn my jeans! He was totally shocked at the thought of wearing my jeans and really embarrassed that he had just worn "girly" jeans in front of all the teenagers at church. After we shared a good laugh, he was thankful that he did not have to go on a serious diet to fit back into those jeans.

Sleeping Habits

For the past few weeks, I have been having a hard time making it back to my bed after waking to feed Jackson. Jackson is still in our room (I have absolutely NO desire to move him out) and when he wakes to feed a couple of times in the middle of the night, I feed him in our recliner in our room. The only problem that I have is that I fall asleep in the middle of feeding him. Last night I slept for 3 hours in our recliner! When I finally woke up, my neck was killing me. I have tried my hardest to stay awake for the 10 minutes that it takes to feed Jackson, but I just can't seem to make it. Any of you moms have any suggestions on how I can make it back to my bed before falling asleep while feeding my baby?

Yep, That's My Boy!

Today at preschool, Joshua and Abby Kate experienced their first substitute teacher. At lunch, Joshua decided to climb on top of his seat and stand at the lunchroom table. According to all of the teachers, he was grinning from ear to ear. And, yes, his mom is a teacher and his dad, a minister!

Anyone Else Having This Problem?

Ever since we set our clocks back an hour, my kids have had a hard time. My days and nights have been filled with screams, crying and moodiness. They have started "back-talking" and throwing fits. I will admit that my sleep schedule has been a little off too, but I am not dealing with it the way that they are. Hopefully, we will all return to our normal happy selves quickly! Until then...

PREMATURITY AWARENESS MONTH

Take Action to Save Babies

Help save babies from premature birth by taking action at The March of Dimes.

More than half a million babies are born too early each year. Premature birth is the number one killer of newborns and babies who survive could be disabled for life. The March of Dimes is leading a national effort to save babies from premature birth.


Joshua ~ 2 pounds, 5 ounces, 14 inches








Jason holding Joshua








Abby Kate ~ 4 pounds, 7 ounces, 18 inches








Jason holding Abby Kate

Halloween 2007

I hope that everyone had a great Halloween. Joshua and Abby Kate had so much fun! I wanted to share some pictures from this year's Halloween.

Happy Halloween!

Our "fairy princess"
(Minus the wings)

Joshua is SpiderMan!

Our little 13 pound "JACK-o-lantern"

Abby Kate loved wearing Mommy's lipstick!

"Do you have a puppy?"
Instead of saying, "Trick or Treat" when we rang "Ms. Gina's" door, Joshua asked, "Do you have a puppy?". We don't know where this came from, but we will never forget it.

Joshua's first Tootsie Roll!

I ended up having to scrape the tootsie roll out of all his teeth. Our dentist would not be too happy with me!

Tate's Farm

Here are some pictures from our trip to Tate's Farm.

Jack's First Titan's Football Game

Daddy and Jackson at the game

Mommy and Jackson getting ready for the game

Daddy and Jackson before the game

Jackson in his sling getting ready for our walk into the stadium

Jackson watching the Titans play ball

Jackson slept through the 2nd half

Jack's First Titan's Football Game

St. Jude's Campaign for a Cure

Jason and I have been supporting the work of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital for the past few years. St. Jude’s is a non-profit organization with the mission to find cures for children with catastrophic illnesses through research and treatment. Today, nearly 5,000 children are being treated by the doctors and nurses at St. Jude’s. Children like Joshua Hooper, who was discovered to have neuroblastoma in October 2003. Thanks to St. Jude's, Joshua is still fighting.

We’ve volunteered to help the St. Jude Campaign for a Cure this year. At St. Jude, no family is ever turned away due to their inability to pay. We need money to save the lives of these precious children and to find more effective ways to cure childhood cancer. In the last three years, approximately 85% of the money St. Jude has raised has gone to the current or future needs of the hospital. But we need your help to continue this great work.

Would you consider supporting the work at St. Jude's? There are a variety of ways you can help:

• You can donate online by clicking here. You can sign up to join the monthly giving program (only $19 a month can make a considerable difference in the life of a child) or you can make a one-time donation with a debit or credit card.
  
• Sunny and I will be collecting one-time donations over the next three weeks. Please make checks payable to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. We will be mailing in all the donations we receive on Nov. 15th.
  
• If you're more comfortable, you can mail your donation directly to St. Jude at P.O. Box 187, Memphis, TN 38101-0187. If you'd like more information before making your donation, visit www.stjude.org or call 1 800 822 6344.
  
• If you're unable to contribute financially, please continue to pray for these children suffering with cancer and their families.
  

This is a cause that Jason and I believe in and we solicit your help and your prayers. Every dollar we give can help make a difference in the lives of these children and their families.

Just Horsing Around

After lunch yesterday, Abby Kate and Joshua were in the playroom singing "Old McDonald" while rocking on their horses (which they have named Jake).

Jackson at Four Months

13 pounds, 12 1/2 ounces, 24 inches

I can lift my head while on my tummy.

I love to laugh out loud.

I can hold my head steady when being held.

I can reach for my toys.

I rolled over from my belly to my back.

I can grasp my toys.

I can pull my pacy out.

I "spin" when lying on the floor.

I love to watch Joshua and Abby Kate running around the house.

I love hearing my own voice.

I love being pulled up to a sitting position.

I smiled at myself in the mirror.

I love to play.

I love hearing my mommy's and daddy's voices.

I cry every time my mommy or daddy puts me down.
*My mommy has really spoiled me, but she wouldn't have it any other way!*

I am starting to take better and longer naps.

I still love cuddling with mommy and daddy.

Unfortunately, I have eczema now.

I love watching the ceiling fans.

I love to suck my thumb.

I am losing my hair.