This week we had really great weather for a couple of days--sunshine, no rain, and just a little chilly--so Jackson and I went on some excursions to look for adventure and excitement in Merseyside.
Wednesday we went to Liverpool on the bus with a pitstop in Formby on the way. We had lunch at Five Guys and Fries and Jackson attracted so much attention! One of the employees came over three separate times to gush over him. He really loves to show-off his smiles and although he doesn't realise yet just how big and smiley his eyes are, he seems to be using them to his advantage. And then it felt like people were coming up to us left and right to stare at Jackson and talk to him. He was a little star and made lots of people smile.
We met a lady on the bus who talked to us from Liverpool to Ainsdale and was very complimentary toward Jackson. She said, very factually, that his "ears are a nice size and well-placed," he "is very observant," and she doesn't "take a liking to all babies, but he has a very cute face" which will "help him in the future--everyone will want to be mates with him." It turns out that she is a retired pharmacist so maybe that explains the quick general assessment.
After we all went out to eat tonight at Nando's, we noticed Jackson's undeniable ability to attract attention from everyone with whom he makes eye contact. He's quite the charmer and no matter how cute he gets, what I love best is when he nestles into the crux of my elbow to take a nap, smiles his toothless grin and reaches up to be hugged every morning, and tries new things, showing his eagerness to experience all life has to offer.
When he's older, I'm sure he'll have his special Valentine; but, he will always be our little Love, Angel, Sweets, Prince, our Valentine.
Looking up at his rolling coach
Having fun crinkling his foil blanket
Jumping wildly in his jumperoo
Making his new 'buzzing' noise
Developmental updates: Jackson now weighs 17 pounds 11 ounces. He got his last round of shots on Thursday and only cried for about a minute after all three were done. (He's done with injections until he turns one.) Last Sunday, Jackson started pursing his lips together and making a buzzing noise. As far as rolling over goes, he still only rolls from being on his front to being on his back and is doing this quite easily, sometimes resting on his side half-way through a roll. At playgroups with the other babies, Jackson has started reaching for the babies' hands and staring at them, as if waiting for them to talk to him.
If you see Sammie Miles Davis, Jr. and Bella, give them my love.
