I have heard A LOT lately on why I haven't updated my blog...well truth be told, I'M BUSY. Back in the day, I used to have loads of time. I woke up every day, checked on Noreen, and sat around just WAITING. Waiting for graduation, waiting for motivation to do my homework, waiting for James to come home, waiting for Noreen to get ready, waiting for nap time, waiting for a phone call, etc. Ok, mainly I really was just waiting for a baby. I found that the more time I spent waiting, the more time I seemed to have. However, now I have a baby .
Now, I take one little look at the sweet face crying "play with me" and I just have to stop waiting. He will lay on the ground making all sorts of noises that progressively get louder and louder. He'll roll over and then get stuck and start crying. So, I usually end up trying a new toy and trying to get something done again. However, by thet time, he's usually ready for a nap. He's a great napper...takes several a day. The only problem is...they're about 5 minutes long. seriously. But, once I see those little arms folded (which they usually are... must come from James' side) I start the playing process again. Well, actually, I'm a little selfish because I wake up every day, load Jackson in his jogging stroller (a steal of craig's list for only $50) and try to at least get an hour of exercise in. I used to be able to go outside, and Jackson stayed awake staring at everything we passed. Esepcially when the leaves were changing colors. 
However, now it's a little too cold and by the time we've gone around the little indoor track about 15 times, I usually look down, noticing he's extremely quiet and I realize that once again, I am the one doing all the work. But, once he falls asleep, I'm able to take him into the staff gym and he sleeps while I can lift again. I love the staff gym! It's me, my aunt, and a bunch of old men who just ride the bike. I never have to wait for a machine and it smells EXACTLY like westwood's old, crusty, weight room. By the time I'm done, Jackson's up and starving (of course) and we barely make it in home to eat, take a quick shower, and meet James for lunch. By the time I get back, it's time to put Jackson to sleep and start my usual 3 hours or so of work stuff. I'm always behind, but I am slowly learning that if I was ever caught up, I'd probably get bored. Now, at least I don't have to wait! Now, that brings me to work, no one seems to know what I do when I'm "working". So, take today, I had cleaning inspections for 5 apartments, got all the housing contract release forms ready for my 75 guys that are leaving on missions, and worked on evaluations for my 3 RA's. I am also in the middle of hiring a new male RA for next semester and reviewing applications, interviews, etc. That, and I'm still trying to arrange some counseling appointments and prepare to plan some weeknight activities. After about 3 hours, it's time to feed Jackson again only now, 
he likes REAL food. Preferably, anything but milk. I was going to hold off on the solids another month until I noticed he was already eating everything (the neighbor's cheerios at church, a whole half graham cracker the babysitter fed him, bits of my food off my plate, etc.) and so, he became an even HAPPIER boy. He sleeps better, and has lots more energy. In fact, I even had to retire the swing. He loved his swing until the same thing happened three times and I couldn't take the risk of it happening again.
He gets too excited (and since he is so close to almost sitting up) when he sees those toys in front of him, he lunges forward. The swing, already moving forward, can't quite handle the new pressure and therefore, Jackson's head becomes stuck and the grunting begins. I was too afraid that he would strangle himself and we packed the swing away.
However, now it's a little too cold and by the time we've gone around the little indoor track about 15 times, I usually look down, noticing he's extremely quiet and I realize that once again, I am the one doing all the work. But, once he falls asleep, I'm able to take him into the staff gym and he sleeps while I can lift again. I love the staff gym! It's me, my aunt, and a bunch of old men who just ride the bike. I never have to wait for a machine and it smells EXACTLY like westwood's old, crusty, weight room. By the time I'm done, Jackson's up and starving (of course) and we barely make it in home to eat, take a quick shower, and meet James for lunch. By the time I get back, it's time to put Jackson to sleep and start my usual 3 hours or so of work stuff. I'm always behind, but I am slowly learning that if I was ever caught up, I'd probably get bored. Now, at least I don't have to wait! Now, that brings me to work, no one seems to know what I do when I'm "working". So, take today, I had cleaning inspections for 5 apartments, got all the housing contract release forms ready for my 75 guys that are leaving on missions, and worked on evaluations for my 3 RA's. I am also in the middle of hiring a new male RA for next semester and reviewing applications, interviews, etc. That, and I'm still trying to arrange some counseling appointments and prepare to plan some weeknight activities. After about 3 hours, it's time to feed Jackson again only now, 
he likes REAL food. Preferably, anything but milk. I was going to hold off on the solids another month until I noticed he was already eating everything (the neighbor's cheerios at church, a whole half graham cracker the babysitter fed him, bits of my food off my plate, etc.) and so, he became an even HAPPIER boy. He sleeps better, and has lots more energy. In fact, I even had to retire the swing. He loved his swing until the same thing happened three times and I couldn't take the risk of it happening again.
He gets too excited (and since he is so close to almost sitting up) when he sees those toys in front of him, he lunges forward. The swing, already moving forward, can't quite handle the new pressure and therefore, Jackson's head becomes stuck and the grunting begins. I was too afraid that he would strangle himself and we packed the swing away. By that time, James is usually home and we head off for anothe dinner at the cannon center (which still hasn't gotten old) and then I go back to finishing a few more work things while James does homework. James sure has been so busy this semester but he handles it well. He was called as assistant scoutmaster and went on the first campout last weekend. He still had two tests to take that weekend and when he actually got a chance to sit down and study, I found him totally engrossed in his homework. Poor guy just wears himself out sometimes. But, he still finds time to
exercise and play intramurals. I LOVE when James plays intramurals. He comes home SO much happier and actually has a lot mroe energy (especially when they win). His flag football team has actually made it pretty far this season. ALready their in the elite 8 and tonight they play to try and make it to the top 4. James is the quarterback and even though he's never played that position before, people compliment him every game about how good he really is. And honestly, sometimes it really does surprise me too about how accurate his throws are. Despite everything else, we've enjoyed a great family reunion with my mom's side of the family.
James especially enjoyed the spaghetti and meatballs
Sheeeesh! Why don't you just write a novel. I guess you have to do that since your last post was in the summer. When was your birthday? I was supossed to know about that one! Great update. I loved the pictures, especially of Jackson. He's growing way too fast! Love you.
ReplyDeleteWoah! Jackson is already eating solids! I can't believe he is that big. It seems like Grace took forever to get that old.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the update. I read every word. Julie told us you are coming for Christmas after all. We can't wait to see you all.
I read every word...and then I read the comments above and saw that Megan put that too :) But really I did. I loved the update and especially loved the first part where you put, "I am BUSY!" Jackson gets cuter and cuter if that's even possible. We need to get together now that our black plague has left!
ReplyDeleteWhat a busy life! That success story makes me want to try the solids. That's so funny that you realized he was eating everything anyway!
ReplyDelete