He's 2!

It's so hard to believe that Jackson's now two years old! Time has flown by since he was born. I happened to see some pictures of Jackson from this time last year on my mom's camera this weekend, and he still looked like a baby! He wasn't walking yet, and had just started to grow some hair (what can I say- the kid was pretty bald for months!). He now looks like a big boy (~38 inches and 35 pounds... still off the charts!), a toddler, who runs everywhere (FAST!), and is so into his cars, trucks, motorcycles, airplanes, his vacuum, his books, NASCAR, Sportscenter, and Noggin, American flags, his family, friends, and pets. He'll slow down just long enough to give out bear hugs and kisses (which are sometimes just headbutts). His favorite word is "Ewawa" or "Lella" (for his little sister's name :)).

We celebrated his actual birthday (July 6th) by attending our weekly playdate with friends, and having an early dinner out at Red Robin (no appearance by the Robin, but they did sing to Jackson and bring him a hot fudge sundae). The evening was capped off by a visit to RDU Airport's Observation Area, where we all watched planes take off and land. Jackson yelled and pointed at each one excitedly. He's got a zest for life (and anything with an engine) that can be hard to match.

Yesterday, we held his birthday party at Planet Child in Cary, a favorite place of Jackson's. We usually go there about once per week to play, and it's a hit with Jackson's friends also. We set the party for later in the month, so that we would have time to adjust to life with Ella before hosting a party of any kind. We had a safari themed party, complete with animal print balloons (probably one of the best things about the entire party, if you were to ask the toddler guests), pizza, beautiful and yummy cupcakes and cookies by the Messy Chef (my favorite cake lady), and lots of play time (the train table was the biggest attraction by far). I'll post a few pictures when I get a little more time to do so. Jackson had such a great time with friends and family, and got so many great gifts, that he was too excited to nap afterward! The party went by so quickly for me, that it was over before it began. I didn't get a chance to enjoy it or talk to everyone as much as I wanted to, but I think it was still a success!

Ella spent the majority of the party asleep on my chest in her Baby Bjorn. I realized that she was already a month old as of Friday. One of my friends mentioned to me at the party that it would be time to plan Ella's first birthday party before I knew it. I think they're right! Time has sped up since her arrival. She (just like her older brother) is a very good baby- even sleeping for up to 6 hours at night. She will not hesitate to make her needs known, but is easy to please. She is looking more and more like Eric every day! Of course, we're tired, but things are going very well for us as a family of four. It's an adjustment, but we're doing it! It's been easier than I thought this first few weeks would be, and I'm so grateful for that. Admittedly, I've not been on my own. My mom and sister Michelle (and her hubby Dan) have taken time and have been here helping out, which has been awesome (as well as Eric, of course- yay paternity leave!). Cleaning, cooking, taking care of Jackson and getting him out and about- you name it! I've actually only been on my own for 6 weekdays in a month. Now- if I can just convince Michelle and Dan to quit their day jobs, and move in as our nanny and groundskeeper, we'll be in business. ;)