Mum2Mum

Garage sales are not common in England.  This may be because garages are a rare amenity in houses over here.  I have only seen two sales outside of people's houses in the past four-and-a-half years--one had a sign that read "Attic Sale" but it wasn't in an attic.

Even though these second-hand sales are not common, some people--like us--depend on buying second-hand for baby things and household items.  At first, I felt that I was somehow doing a disservice to Jackson by not buying everything brand new; however, the 'big' items like the jumperoo and stroller were in such good condition that I couldn't pass-up the deal.  Lee and I have saved hundreds of pounds with the English versions of garage sales.

One option is using Facebook:  there are a few local Facebook pages where people can post their items to sell or items wanted and then connect with people to buy them through collection or delivery.  This has worked very well for us and we've never had problems with scammers or otherwise.  It even helped us get rid of an old wardrobe in a matter of minutes!

A second option is a business called the Mum2Mum Market which was recently featured on Dragons' Den (the U.K.'s version of Shark Tank).  These markets are basically the equivalent of a craft show mixed with a rummage sale.  Merchants reserve a table at a local high school gymnasium and then, after customers pay a £2 entry fee, they can inspect the tables of baby clothes, toys, or other infant and toddler equipment and buy directly from the tables of their choice.  I think these markets are a great way to save time and energy over the alternative of charity shops or even the Facebook route of waiting for a desired item to be posted.

It would be nice to have enough money to buy everything brand new for Jackson, but I hope one day he realises that everything we got him--new or used--we bought with the best of intentions and chose to make his life happier.

Our family

Jackson helped us by (somehow) looking right at the camera when the timer went off.  He's a natural!

Playing and laughing with Mommy

An interesting reaction to swede (rutabaga)

Developmental updates:  Jackson made himself laugh this week, which is new.  I was cooking his dinner and from behind me, in his highchair, Jackson chuckled and sort of sighed at the end of the laugh.  I noticed him do this a few other times while he was playing independently.  The fake coughing has reached an all-time high and happens often when we're in restaurants where Jackson seems to be seeking sympathy from everyone and when he gets it, he smiles--then continues the act.  Jackson has been grabbing the spoons of food heading toward him mostly with his left hand and then he hangs on and guides the spoon the rest of the way into his mouth.  The favourite foods this week were apple, pear, and potato.  I've noticed that sometimes when Jackson wants a toy that is to the left of him, he will reach across with his right hand and grab it--or vice versa.  Maybe he just feels like making things more challenging?

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