Jackson!

Jackson now knows his name and responds to it with a smile.  According to our baby milestones book, name recognition happens in the 19th week so we're right on schedule.

The last few years, Lee has always planned our Valentine's Day festivities.  The first year, when we were scraping by, he made reservations at a restaurant in Preston.  When we were doing better financially the next year, we ate out again but at a slightly better restaurant in Birkdale.  The third year, Lee planned a surprise getaway weekend in the Lake District.  And last year, we had a spa break in Kirkham.

This year we went to Play Town and crawled around in the ball pit.

Neither of us are ready for the babysitter stage yet, so a lot of our outings are no longer than two hours and mostly during the early afternoons.  Play Town has a really good cafe with restaurant-quality food so we even had a meal out on 'the town.'  Jackson got to experience a slide for the first time and, well, you can see the results below this post.

Valentine's Day this year was also nice because we managed to get to church on time which hasn't happened a lot lately.  Jackson was alert and happy during the hymns and then slept through the entire sermon--and he wasn't the only one we saw do this!  All of the people were very complimentary of Jackson again and most of those who sat on the opposite side of the sanctuary couldn't believe that there was a baby present when they spotted him at the end of the service.

Thursday, we had our first play date at our friend's house in Ainsdale.  It was very cute because the other two babies are a few months older than Jackson and they reached for his hand and wanted to touch his face to greet him.  Wouldn't it be amazing to know what these babies are thinking?

Something I've noticed this week and am treasuring is that Jackson is so excited to be awake in the morning that he's started talking to himself and making his happy noises.  Then when I peek into his bed and let him know that I'm awake and ready to pick him up, he is just as excited to see that I'm there to start his day with him.  What a wonderful feeling!

Having fun with Daddy on his first time down a slide

The second time down wasn't as successful

Opening Valentine's Day cards from the Carpenters

American clothes and books from the bayou from Uncle Scott and Aunt Kirsten

Pretending to be an astronaut

Developmental updates:  Jackson might be in the teething process.  There are no teeth peeking through, yet; but, they may be making an appearance soon.  He's been crying more than usual and needs more cuddles and attention so our guess is that his teeth may be pushing their way upward.  Today we tried swimming again and Jackson managed to kick his feet and splash his arms at the same time, so he seemed to be understanding the technique that's required.  When he sees a toy he wants, he will lean forward so far that he practically folds in half, reach for, grab, and bring the toy he wants towards him.  Jackson likes to be a part of the action so he enjoys sitting in his highchair while we're cooking, washing dishes, or cleaning in the kitchen.  The monotony of the kitchen tasks even lulled him to sleep once this week!  He has been laughing more frequently and has also started fake coughing to see how we'll react.  Jackson is quite the character!

If you see Sammie Miles Davis, Jr. and Bella, give them my love.