Ohio Family

Jackson had quite the surprise in store on Friday morning:  he got to meet his Grandma and Aunt (from Ohio) for the first time!  Although we didn't know if he understood what was happening, he must have felt the excitement in the air because the entire journey to Manchester Airport, he didn't doze off for a second!  And while we were waiting at the arrivals gate, he was looking anxiously at the people pouring through the door.

When we finally got to see my family, they were so excited to hold Jackson and see him in person.  We were all crying and hugging and it felt like Jackson's actual birthday again because he was being seen for the first time, through new eyes, and his mere presence was making us all weepy.

Sometimes, when Jackson meets new people or is held by someone new, he gets a little wobbly and wants to go back to Lee or I to be held and comforted.  But there must be a connection with my mom and sister because he didn't (and hasn't) done that once since meeting them in the airport.  He is loving soaking up their hugs and kisses--and attention!

It is also really nice to have extra hands around to help with Jackson's daily routine.  (Now I know how Kate must feel!)  My family is really eager to help feed, change, and dress him so the days feel much easier already.  Luckily, they get to stay for two weeks and it has only been two days.  At the end of their visit, I might need a refresher in motherhood.

Last time my family visited, we travelled all over England--Liverpool, Bath, London, York, and Windermere--in one week!  It was a very fast-paced trip and we did see nearly all of the hotspots in England, but the focus this time around has definitely shifted and every day, we are going to try to do a new activity with Jackson and stay around Southport.

So far during this visit, we have had a meal at The Hungry Monk, looked at antique shops, visited a local bookstore, and played in the park by the lake in town.  Jackson is loving every minute of being doted on by his 'new' family and we are really enjoying the extra company at home.  Hopefully the next two weeks go really slowly because we're trying to fit a year of Jackson and Carpenter Family time into 16 days.

Happy 9 months, Jackson!

Wearing his Ashland, Ohio t-shirt to Rhyme Time

Swinging in the park and showing Grandma and Aunt Paige around Southport

Eating waffles with Grandma

We were ready to go out on the town, but Jackson found a comfy spot to rest

Developmental updates:  Jackson turned nine-months-old on Monday and he started wearing a few of his 18-24 month outfits.  His arms seem to be growing longer by the second because he is grabbing items from the check-out counters when I think his stroller is far away from any dangling goods.  He almost managed to steal a pack of Halls throat lozenges and a gift bag.  As Lee and I were getting the house ready for my family's arrival, we noticed how especially patient and independent Jackson can be.  Most of the time, we watched Jackson in shifts, but there were some jobs that needed two people and Jackson was very helpful through his quiet playtime and happy demeanour.  He tried Cheerios, flavoured breadsticks, and vanilla baby biscuits (cookies) this week and enjoyed all of them.  When Jackson met my family at the airport, he made a new noise we've never heard.  It was a sound of pure excitement and he was pushing his fists down and smiling really wide, looking from person-to-person.  It makes me really happy to see him so elated to be with his Ohio family.

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