Jackson loves to be around people and when he's not observing and taking in new sights and sounds, he doesn't hesitate to open up and talk to his baby friends and their parents. He has a very inviting personality and he pulls strangers toward him and they often just speak to Jackson--I'm merely his chauffeur.
On Monday, England had a Bank Holiday so we got to have a day out and about with Lee. The rest of the week included swimming, play dates at parks, and festivals in Southport. Today Jackson turned eight-months-old and I noticed this week how much more fun he gets every day. He's 'talking' more, enjoying trying new foods, becoming more sneaky and grabbing things around the house to play with, responding more to hugs and kisses and leaning in toward Lee and I for cuddles, and moves around more as he tries to figure out crawling.
It truly is amazing how much a baby changes in the first year. As I put Jackson to bed tonight, I took in all of the ways he's changed even as he goes to sleep: he likes to arrange his own blankets, position his stuffed animals, and to top it all off, grab a book to look through before he nods off to sleep. I was trying to picture the first night in the hospital as this was all happening and I was filled with pride for my smart, adorable, sociable little baby and how much he's learned from his first day. He is so easy-going and makes our lives so happy with every little thing that he does.
Happy First Memorial Day, Jackson! We celebrated by going to the promenade in Southport, enjoying the sunshine, and eating at a Chinese restaurant.
Snuggled in bed with his bunny and Sleep Sheep
Finding new ways to play in the ball pit. He leaned out so he could grab his pack of baby wipes which he loves to crinkle.
Play date at the park with his friend Penny
The heron...the saga continues
A play date at Hesketh Park with many babies and moms
Baby Fonzie
Jackson's first Ainsdale Gala Fun Day watching 'Rumple the Magician'
After the Fun Day, we went to Southport's annual Food and Drink Festival
Mommy and Jackson love food festivals!
Happy Eight Months, Jackson!
Developmental updates: Jackson still loves to play with and 'read' tags on his toys and we often catch him quietly examining the labels instead of playing. He likes to join in conversations and this week, he responded to the other moms at the park when they talked to him. Four nights this week, Jackson only woke up once during the night so hopefully this trend will carry on. Jackson doesn't need his pacifier to go to sleep anymore and he rarely uses it during the day. We got the paddling pool out on Tuesday and Jackson still loves the water. He has a little watering can and I poured the water near him and he had a lot of fun putting his hand under the flow of the water. Jackson gives 'kisses' by leaning his open mouth on my face and sort of slobbering. His new favourite song is 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, Once I Caught a Fish Alive.
If you see Sammie Miles Davis, Jr. and Bella, give them my love.
