Pumpkin Patch

As much as I love my husband, I must admit that I LOVE my weekends with Jackson while Jesse is working.  Yesterday we went to the local pumpkin patch.  This is something I've been wanting to do as a family all month but Jesse wasn't interested.  I distinctly remember looking forward to picking out a pumpkin as a child.  I fondly recall removing the pumpkin guts with my small hands and then baking the seeds. 

I waited until after Jackson's two hour afternoon nap and feeding before driving 15 minutes to the farm.  Jackson was amused by the goats, cows, and horses.  He had a good time on the ground playing with the pumpkins and he was content in the wagon.  The wind started to pick up and it was already chilly out.  Jackson's mood quickly declined.  (Sad note: I didn't even think about the farm only accepting cash and I only had my debit card so we didn't even get a pumpkin!) 

I'm so happy to begin another favorite fall tradition and spend another wonderful Saturday with my boy!

Six Month Well Check

This past Tuesday (Oct. 25) was Jackson's six month well check.  This was his first appointment with a pediatrician.  Various concerns with our family physician over the past few months caused us to seek out a pediatrician.  (He showed zero concern with Jackson's allergic reaction to the cloth diapers, poor weight gain, or psoriasis.)

We originally made an appointment with a pediatrician the day after Jackson turned six months old.  We've actually had to cancel two previously scheduled appointments because Jesse forgot to ask off work.  Technically Jackson was 6.5 months old.

It has only been five weeks since our Urgent Care visit where Jackson only weighed 14 lbs 9 oz.  Stress and pressure resulted in my body no longer producing milk, forcing us to switch to formula.  It was clearly a good choice because Jackson weighed 16 lbs even at his well check on Tuesday and measured 27 inches long. 

Here are his 6 month stats:

	Weight	Height	Head
Birth	8 lb, 15 oz	21.75 in	14 in
1 Month	11 lb, 1 oz	23.25 in	15.25 in
2 Month	12 lbs, 15 oz	25 in	15.75 in
4 Month	14 lbs, 4 oz	25.75 in	16.5 in
6 Month	16 lbs	27 in	17.5 in

The pediatrician was thorough, friendly, and professional.  I asked about the knot on his neck and she said it was related to his cradle cap.  (I don't understand what those two things have to do with one another, but she's the specialist so I trust her.)  She also said that Jackson had excellent trunk control and should begin sitting up within the next few weeks, and that his top gums are swollen so we should expect the top two teeth to come in very soon. 

I wasn't as impressed with the nurse.  She was rather slow with each shot and Jackson was expectantly upset.  He still has dark bruises on his legs from the shots four days later.  I've heard such terrible things about six month shots, but Jackson wasn't fussy at all in the hours and days afterwards.  If anything, he just seems to sleep more.

BEACH!

Quick vent: I have seriously been working on this post ALL week.  Ever since we switched our Internet services my Internet has been extremely inconsistent.  It will work for 5-10 minutes, then disconnect. 

So...last weekend was the Annual Robinson Family Beach Trip.  This began several years back and we have continued the tradition of going to the beach each October.  This year it was just Jackson and I with my oldest sister, Christina, and her family. 

I was very aggravated that Jesse wouldn't ask off work for the weekend.  We knew the dates of the trip several months in advance and I asked Jesse to request the weekend off when he was hired at Babies-R-Us.  He didn't ask off and I really didn't want to go without him.  After talking with Jesse on Thursday night, we decided it would be okay if I drove Jackson down by myself and we spent the weekend with my sister. 

We drove down Friday night.  I was dangerously tired and debated whether or not I should spend the night in a random hotel when we were only halfway there.  Jackson slept the entire time and I was able to drive with the window down and sing along to the radio to try and keep myself awake.  We didn't check in to the hotel until nearly 11 pm.  Christina helped me unload the car and set up the pack-n-play in the room.  After initial excitement, we both slept very soundly.

Jackson was wide eyed by 7 a.m.  We had a relaxed morning watching the sunrise.



The chilly morning air was the perfect excuse to break out the ASU sweatshirts!

After breakfast (food brought from home) we headed down to the beach.  It turns out that Jackson is NOT a fan of the actual ocean.  He screamed and cried when the waves hit his feet.  He was only content on the beach when someone was holding him.

He certainly didn't mind the lazy river or pool though.   

Once back in the room, Jackson and I crashed for a good two hour nap.  I can't think of anything better than cuddling with my baby while listening to the waves crash outside the balcony door.  Jackson and I met up with the family for lunch (again, food brought from home) and then headed to Broadway at the Beach.  I walked around with Jackson in the Ergo the entire time.  Christopher and Emily had fun feeding the ducks and looking for ways to spend their money from their grandparents.  After dinner we continued with beach traditions by getting a dozen hot Krispy Kreme doughnuts.  YUM!  Christopher and Jackson were too cute with their Krispy Kreme hats.

Jackson and I slept soundly with the balcony door open the entire night.  We had to check out of the hotel by 11 a.m. so we spent the morning on the beach and pool before packing.  We made the most of our time and had a blast!

My brother-in-law, Scott, helped me load up my car by 10 a.m.  Jackson was exhausted from his busy morning so I decided to let him nap as long as he could in the car before stopping for breakfast.  He must have been really tired because my stomach was growling so loud I finally decided to stop at 1:30 and wake him up.  We had a long, leisurely lunch at Cracker Barrel.  Jackson ate some of my mashed potatoes and green beans.  He slept the entire car ride home.  I drove straight to Concord Mills so we could visit Jesse.  Both my boys missed one another tremendously and they were adorable during Jesse's break.

As apprehensive as I was about going to the beach alone with Jackson, I am so very happy that I did.  Ever since I stopped nursing I feel like I've lost special time with just Jackson and I.  This weekend was such a wonderful experience to share with my sweet boy that I will always remember.  

Sweet Potatoes

We gave Jackson sweet potatoes for the first time tonight.  (Jesse and I ate sweet potatoes and pork tenderloin for dinner.)  Jackson liked it alright...not as much as bananas but more than avocado. 

 As always, eating solid food turned into a wrestling match over the spoon.  Curiosity won over.

 Jackson's favorite thing to do at the dinner table is a mixture of yelling and laughter.

 And after everything was cleaned up, Jackson smiled and continued to babble over Jesse and I.

Love him!

In Christ All Things Hold Together

This was the first weekend of our new schedule.  Jesse was promoted to Assistant Manager at Toys-R-Us.  I was paid to go in to work yesterday from 8-4.  Race traffic was horrendous.  I was not looking forward to my evening alone with Jackson after a long day of work.  I must admit, it was so nice to play with Jackson one-on-one, just like when he was a newborn.  It was even nicer to enjoy a couple of hours alone once Jackson was in bed and Jesse was still at work.

Jesse had to work from 11-7:30 today, which meant Jackson and I were on our own during church.  I found the sermon today to be particularly meaningful.  The scripture was from Colossians 1:15-20.  The verse that stood out was verse 17: "He is before all things, and in him all things hold together."  The pastor said, "The world is not held together by you or me.  We don't have to be in control because God is in control. Our response is to trust in God and love one another."  My disliking for my school has only escalated over the past few weeks.  I feel like it's up to me to somehow get every child on grade level and turn this failing school around.  The sermon today was a much needed reminder that I am not the glue that holds everything together and I must surrender and trust God. 

As uplifting as the service was, I was totally pissed off when I picked Jackson up from the nursery and discovered that someone hit my car in the church parking lot.  I considered calling the police but it's such a small church I didn't want to embarrass anyone or make anyone upset.  The whole thing would have been awkward.  I assume it was an elderly person who backed into my car.  I guess I'll never know.

I managed to have a very pleasant afternoon with Jackson and be super productive.  I cleaned out my car, vacuumed downstairs, washed/dried/folded four loads of laundry, made a quick run to the grocery store, and planned lessons for the school week.  Despite only taking one nap the whole day, Jackson was very playful and in a good mood.  The weather was gorgeous so we went for a long walk around the neighborhood before bed.

Jackson is finally able to go to sleep immediately and sleep the whole night night without being swaddled.  He is so sweet in his footed pajamas sleeping peacefully next to his ducky. 

Now it's another dreaded Sunday night and I know I have another long week of school ahead.  If I can just remember that I don't have to hold the weight of the world on my shoulders...

Annual Hayride and Bonfire

Last night was the annual Robinson hayride.  Jesse had to work at 4 pm so he dropped Jackson off with me at school right after dismissal.  After taking care of school related business, Jackson and I were off to Gastonia to visit with my sister before heading to our aunt and uncle's house.  Jackson and Jude were too cute in their coordinating plaid shirts and jeans. 

My brothers and sisters, aunts and uncles, and nieces and nephews all gorged on pizza and s'mores before piling on the trailer filled with hay. Jackson had a great time and continued to babble throughout the hayride.  The kids entertained themselves by roasting marshmallows and wearing glow stick masks. 

God's presence was very evident under the starlit sky and in the sweet coos and laughter.  It was exactly what I needed after a very stressful week at work! 

You Are What I Didn't Know I Needed ♥

It's hard to believe that Jesse and I began dating seven years ago this month.  Today we celebrated our four year wedding anniversary.  In our four year marriage we have experienced life changing events and major transitions.  We've supported one another during my mother's funeral, our college graduation, our first day of teaching, buying our first home, job layoffs, my pregnancy, and the birth of Jackson.   

We listened to our first dance song tonight.  I still think the lyrics are perfect:

You are what I didn't know I needed. 

And you are what I've been waiting for. 

And you are so right I can't believe it.  

And I really want you to know what you are. 

Our marriage is such a blessing.  Amidst all the obstacles and transitions, the only thing I haven't questioned in the last seven years is my love for Jesse.  Seeing him as the father of my son has only strengthened this love.

Happy Anniversary!

  

Confessions

Even though I haven't pumped in two weeks, I shut my door and put the "Do not disturb" sign up during lunch every day because I want to eat in peace.  (We have duty-free lunch so I am not neglecting my kids or anything.)

I genuinely thought going on antidepressants would magically make me feel happy and successful at work. 

I teach at a school of reform and this is the last year to make growth before it is taken over by the state.  I secretly fantasize about the school being taken over in hopes that I can find another position.  (I would never want my kids to fail though.)

I sleep so hard that I don't even hear Jackson fuss much during the night anymore.  Jesse wakes up to feed him every night and I rarely even notice.

I daily question my decision to go back to work and get jealous that Jesse doesn't have the stress of grading, lesson plans, observations, and never ending data paperwork.

I bring home a whopping $1600 a month after insurance is deducted from my paycheck. 

After my first observation, my principal said "We hired you because of your expertise; we're just waiting to see it."

Happy 6 Months, Jackson Lee

You make Mommy and Daddy so very happy!

10 Steps to Raising a Happy 6 Month Old

Step 1: Buy fun toys that roll to encourage crawling.  (So far Jackson just rolls over on his back and slides himself towards something he wants.)

Step 2: Teach Jackson how to gently pet the cat.  (He has NOT mastered this yet!)

Step 3: Remove the bassinet from the pack-n-play so Jackson has more room to play.  Include stimulating toys and/or animals for him to play with.

Step 4: Adjust the car seat straps to accomodate for a growing boy.

Step 5: Take time to nap together!

Step 6: Prepare homemade baby food.  (So far we have mashed avocados and bananas.)

Step 7: Feed Jackson baby food and clean his messy face and foul diapers!

Step 8: Begin using the 6-month pacifiers to encourage proper orthodontic care.  (He's not a fan of the new big boy paci.)

Step 9. Stop swaddling Jackson at night.  (This has made it challenging for Jackson to fall asleep, but he's adjusted fairly well the past two nights without a swaddle.) 

Step 10: Continue to love on, pray for, read to, play with, take pictures of, and cuddle with your family!