This week was a lot of fun because Lee took the week off from work and we got to get out of the house every day. Jackson and I are usually restricted by the buses and trains which aren't the most convenient for travelling around with a baby. But this week, we were free to roam the land in an actual car as a family.
The highlights of the week were trying new restaurants which included an American-themed steak house; touring Acorn Farm; visiting great-grandpa Don, Aunt Jane, and Uncle Rick; stopping by SMSB so all of my co-workers could meet Jackson; and touring possible nurseries for Jackson to go to when I return to work.
Our top choice of five nurseries was also the one we went to first. We were so pleasantly surprised and knew that Jackson would have many opportunities at this particular daycare for the first four years of his life that we cancelled the last two tours we had on our list. Out of curiosity, we went to our second and third choice of nurseries but they didn't really measure-up to the one we chose for Jackson.
Luckily, the nursery we like has openings for September. We have to fill-out an application, send a deposit, attach a copy of his birth certificate, and then meet with the person who will be assigned to be his 'key worker' after the paperwork is completed. (This seems to be the protocol at all of the nurseries in the area.)
Once I go back to work, I know it will be really hard to leave Jackson with new people, but Lee and I are both looking forward to Jackson making 'friends' with the other babies and being able to use his engaging social skills with the teachers at nursery. He will also learn so much because there are 11 acres of land to explore--which includes woodlands, grassy areas, and a meadow. Within this acreage, the children get to grow their own vegetables; look after rabbits and guinea pigs; visit goats, donkeys, chickens, and sheep; play in tree houses; spend time relaxing in an orchard; play on climbing equipment; and learn soccer (football) skills from professional players! Inside the nursery, the children have their own chef to make the snacks and meals during the day. There are also many teachers who work alongside the nursery nurses to plan activities for the children every day. Lee and I both got a very good feeling walking around the building and it seemed like a very bright, cheerful place to send Jackson with thoughtful attention to detail spent on designing the baby and toddler areas.
When September 5th rolls around, I will be incredibly heartbroken to drop-off Jackson at nursery, but I know I'm in the majority with so many other moms who have to go back to work. I do feel lucky that I get to have so much time off--much more than if I was teaching in the U.S. During these remaining months, I will continue to do as much with Jackson as I can. Now that we've found a nursery that far exceeds anything we could've imagined though, I will feel a little bit better about the big transition that is looming.
Wearing his Indians jersey and sporting a smile
Jackson's hopeful that it could be Cleveland's year to win the World Series
Bundled-up for the farm adventure!
The meerkats were his favourite to watch because they were zipping around their habitat so quickly
All of the piglets were hiding in their shelter until Jackson got out of his stroller and then about 20 of them appeared and walked up to the gate
Time to leave Acorn Farm for another day
Developmental updates: Jackson loves to play peek-a-boo and he laughs every time we peek from behind a wall or blanket even if this happens 50 times in a row! He has also developed a hearty laugh. Whenever we make a funny face or dance around trying to amuse him, he rewards us by laughing at the appropriate time. To fall asleep during the day for a nap, Jackson likes to be sung to and his current favourites are Twinkle, Twinkle and She'll Be Comin' 'Round the Mountain. Jackson is really close to being able to sit on his own without any props or parents holding him in place. This week, he started choosing which toys he wants to play with and also grabbing toys out of our hands if he wants to play with those instead. Today, I reached out my hand to get his pacifier from him, but he reached out his hand that didn't have the pacifier and held onto my hand--either in an attempt to be loving and melt my heart or block me from taking away his pacifier. Either way, it was very sweet. He weighs 18 pounds 9.5 ounces now and he has almost outgrown all of his 6-9 month outfits.
If you see Sammie Miles Davis, Jr. and Bella, give them my love.
