More Jackson Birthday Celebration Shots

More Shots from the Party - See previous post for details

Happy Birthday Jackson!!!

Well, it is so hard to believe that Jackson has been wit us three years. He is so big and so smart.

We had his birthday this past Saturday at the MOCHA (Metropolitican Oakland Children's Art Museum) in downtown Oakland. The kids came for 2 hours for guided art activities, cake and fellowship. Jackson was the king of the party, flying arond from table-to-table visiting with all his friends. Kids and their parents from Desiree's Mommy Group and children who live in our building were the main folks who came. We had a special appearence from Jeb, Jackson's Godfather.

Adeline enjoyed herself too. She got to spend time with Grandma Vicki, who came into town for the special occasion.

Jackson got a bunch of neat presents. His favorite seems to be the Star Wars Light Saber that mom gave him.

Enjoy the pictures, more to come.

BFF = Bedtime Friends Forever

Yea...I know...gratuitous schmaltz....

But you know how often do we get Jackson to sit still long enough to chillax with baby sister.

The "team" was in a good mood tonight so we took some quick snaps before bed...

Jackson was being sweet to his sister. He was calling her "Ruby Lou" along with his dad. Baby talking her telling how sweet she was and how much he loves her...

These guys are gonna be partners in crime for sure...you can just tell we're in for some big trouble...but worthwhile trouble for sure

Sun returns to Oakland!

It's been raining off and on for weeks here during our Winter wet season. The kids finally got out to the park today. Jackson enjoyed his first attempt on the out door climbing wall. Adeline caught up on her zzzzzzz's.

Enjoy

Jedi Jackson

Yes...

For those of you who know me well, you will not be surprised that Jackson is a HUGE Star Wars Fan.

To give a little background...I was 3 years old in 1977 when the original film came out and my parents took me...I was awstruck (heck, adults were awestruck, why wouldn't a 3 1/2 year old be too!) I had everything Star Wars for years...my bedspread in my room, my freakin curtains were splashed with Luke and Leia, Han and Chewie...had all the toys...you get the picture.

Well...Mr. Jackson has now been bitten by the bug just like the old man. He picks up anything with any length to it...a pencil, a marker, a stick, the broom...whatever...and calls it a "light saver" For Halloween he was Master Yoda. He can explain the whole Skywalker Family tree (i.e. Anakin = Darth Vader= Luke's Daddy). Although he keeps forgetting Leia's name and refers to her only as "Solo's woman." Hilarious.

The other morning he came up to me as I was making him breakfast and in a very serious tone explained to me that "Daddy, I know the power of the Dark Side." I gave him a long look and told him, "I know you do you, son."

Here is a picture of Jackson in his Yoda outfit. Enjoy

Phil

Jackson the Thanksgiving Scrooge

Desiree got a new Sony digital pocket-size camera for her birthday this year. It takes good shots and fits in her purse which is what she really wanted. In 2007, her birthday fell on thanksgiving, so I took some time using the camera's video feature at the dinner table to ask her what she was thankful for...chaos ensued.

Enjoy

Keep Still Jackson!!!!

Desiree and I tried for about 5 hours one day this last month to get a good shot of Adeline and Jackson for our Christmas card. We expected to have trouble with the baby, but the real trick turned out to be keeping Jackson still long enough to execute our evil plan.



Here are some of the "outtake" shots from that nightmare. Enjoy



Phil

Off to see the Dr.

Today both kids went for their check ups. I was really glad to have Phil with me, since I am still adjusting to handling both kids on my own. We really need a double stroller very soon (have to strap the boy in or he is running wild). Jackson is doing well, he is average in all the categories of growth, but Dr. Fan kept commenting on how smart he is and how advanced his verbal skills are. We are really proud of him. Now baby dear, she is a fatty! She is in the 90th percentile in height, weight, and head growth. Little girl weighed in at 11lbs 13 ozs. Pretty chunky for only 2 months. Dr. Fan told us to really watch out since she feels she will be rolling over pretty early for her age since her head control is pretty good. Good thing she is looking to be strong and tough, she will need to be to defend herself against her big brother.

Jackson only had to have an eye test and hearing test, and despite our worry of hearing problems, it seems it's not that he doesn't hear us but that he isn't listening to us. Adeline on the other hand was not so fortunate and had to have three shots. Not fun for mom who had to hold her for them. She has been pretty miserable all day and sleepy. I hate when they cry in pain like that!

So Phil's last day of paternity leave is Tuesday. It has been a great two months and I am a little scared to be on my own with both kids. Baby doesn't worry me but Jackson and baby are a little frightening. We are still getting ready for Jackson's Birthday party at The Children's Museum of Art in two weeks. It is amazing all the planning that goes into it, right down to the goody bags you give the kids. Jackson is really excited about the sticky plastic lizards we got for his goody bags.

After doing my first blog entry, I am really excited about this. It is really easy and seems like a great way for grandparents and friends to keep up to date on things. Only thing is I have to be fast, since I get distracted by ALL the stuff I need to do. If it is not a kid peeing and pooping every where, it is a baby that needs something. I seem to never be completely on top of things and my To Do List never gets any shorter.

Love to All
Desiree

Santa Claus was GOOD to Jackson

Jackson had a very memorable Christmas. He is totally into the Santa Claus mythos and was very excited to write Santa a letter this year for his wish list.

We left it by the fireplace a few days before Christmas and Santa's elves stopped by to pick it up. To Jackson's pleasure a letter arrived for him from the North Pole comfirming in fact that Jackson had been added to the "nice" list and that his letter had been recieved. Jackson was very excited.

On Christmas morning Jackson was surprised by the loot Santa left. He brought Jackson a suit of armor with shield and sword (he really wanted one) and a GIANT Tonka Fire truck.

The next day he wanted to know if Santa was coming back that night...NOT TIL NEXT YEAR JACKSON!!!!

He also got a Return of the Jedi DVD from Mom and Dad that is already worn out from overuse...He loves all things Star Wars just like his Dad.

Adeline Learns to Smile!!!

Adeline has been quite the happy baby since she was born, but just recently she learned to smile and she has been putting her new skills to good use.

She really likes it when mom picks her up and she gets all smiley.

Welcome to our new blog to update our friends and family about the kids and all the crazy things they do. Check back often for updates and feel free to respond to our posts.

Love

Phil and Desiree