Monday we went to Little Treasures, but it was a brand new experience and I left quite sweaty and worn-out. Up until this week, Jackson always played quietly in one spot with the 'treasures' provided. On Monday, however, I chased him around the whole time and pulled his hands away from grabbing all of the moms' shoes. (We have to take our shoes off when we enter.) Jackson only has two more sessions of Little Treasures, but for the last two weeks, our visits may be shortened so as to maximise the fun for all of us. It is sad to see this playgroup come to an end for us because it is a sign that Jackson is officially growing out of the 'baby' activities.
Most of this week, I was feeling under the weather with a sore throat and runny nose. This doesn't sound like something that should slow one down, but with the congestion build-up and the head cold it brought on, I just wanted to rest and take it easy at home.
I made up for the lack of activity for Jackson on Friday, though. We finally got to see our friends, Sally and Penny (mother and daughter). It was great to visit with them and to see how much the babies have grown after they haven't been together in weeks. Due to their mismatched nap times though, there wasn't much playing; although, they did seem to communicate across their strollers while we were on a walk to the beach and back.
Today was my 29th birthday! Woohoo! Jackson gave me lots of snuggly cuddles today which is out of the ordinary as of late because all he has wanted to do for days is crawl around constantly. (He must have known that all I wanted was to hold my baby for my birthday.) I got to open cards from my parents, brother and sister, my friend Karen, and Jackson and Lee. Then I had a package waiting for me with two puzzle books (I do puzzles like Sudoku and crosswords every day), a 50-pack of Crayola markers (felt-tips), and a 30-pack of Sharpie pens. (The different markers are to go with some intricate colouring books that I got for Christmas because my coloured pencils weren't cutting it.) Tucked into the card from Lee was a little surprise voucher that told me we are going to have a family weekend away in York to go to a theme park called Flamingo Land. It also has a zoo at this theme park and it sounds like a perfect getaway that includes Jackson. (I couldn't bear to leave him and go on a trip without him.) Our accommodation sounds exciting as well because we will be staying in a barn conversion just outside of York's city centre. I was truly surprised and appreciative for all of the planning that Lee did for my presents and I can't wait to go on our first big trip away from home since we had Jackson.
Tomorrow I think we are going to round out the celebrations by going to my favourite restaurant: Viva Brazil. But tonight, I will finish the big day with some chocolate cake.
Crawling outdoors at his new playgroup on Wednesday. Also, sporting a traditional English 'waterproof' (head to toe water resistant outfit).
Pulling himself up and standing with pride
Put me in, Coach! I'm ready to play!
Our little Sweetie Pie
Developmental updates: Jackson stood on his own for the first time this week. Even though it was a matter of seconds, he took the risk and let go of Lee's hands while he was holding himself steady. He also started a new trick of hanging on to a table or other sturdy surface with one hand and then reaching out to us to hold on to with the other hand. He then uses us to hold his weight and pivot to face a new direction. The jumperoo has officially been retired and is in the attic now. It was sad to pack it away, but there is now a lot more room in the living room for Jackson to play with his toys. Jackson's hair is getting long very fast. It looks really cute because he has little wisps that stick out behind his ears and they add a bit of whimsy to his appearance. His teeth are on the brink of pushing through because we can see his gums have turned pale pink in a few tooth-shaped places and he has been gnawing on everything in sight. The amber bracelet has does wonders for his teething, though, and we haven't had to use any medicines since he put it on. As a birthday present to myself, and also to prepare for Jackson's start at nursery, last night we started making formula bottles. So far, they have not changed his sleeping pattern, but it has been more convenient than I anticipated during the day to make bottles. As soon as he turns one, he will move on to whole milk, so he will only be on formula for about six weeks. (I made it as long as I could, but I think every mom has a different breaking point and I felt it was time.)
If you see Sammie Miles Davis, Jr. and Bella, give them my love.
