Jackson: 4 Years

Sweet, sweet Jackson.

Yesterday you turned FOUR, and this birthday hit me like a ton of bricks. Three still feels so small to me, but now you're four, and you're a regular big kid. You are incredibly well-spoken, funny, charming, and smart. So smart. You remember nearly everything, hold entire conversations, and are eager to understand the world around you.

You've come a long way from the shy toddler we knew just a couple years ago. You now happily engage in conversations with strangers (when we're safely by your side, of course). You had an entire conversation with the waitress at dinner last night, telling her about your light up shoes, the packages you opened in the morning, and confidently ordering your own food and drink. And when she walked away, you said to us, "she really likes my birthday."

You're an incredible big brother to Conner, and have taken the role with such grace, I can't help but melt with pride. You understand his need for me, and you've been nothing but helpful with him - often beating me into his room when he cries to soothe him and offer his pacifier. You're easily his favorite entertainment, and you make him giggle and smile without much effort at all. It's clear that he is fascinated by you.

Your favorites include:

• The color red. All day, the color red.
• Construction vehicles.
• Machines of any kind.
• Water flavor drops.
• Telling jokes.
• Paw Patrol.

As I tucked you into bed for the last time as a three year old, you gave me the biggest hug and said, "I love you so much mommy. So much." I held back tears as I left your room, knowing that when I would hold you again, you'd be another year older. These years have been everything we'd hoped for you - you're healthy and happy and thriving. But the time passes entirely too quickly, and I'm holding on tight to these days.

You've blossomed in the last year, and your shining personality is more fun than ever. Experiencing new things with you is our favorite. The world is at your finger tips sweet boy, and we can't wait to see where this life takes you. We're so excited for this next year with you - fantastic fours, right?!

Conner: 5 Months

Sweet Conner,

This was a big month for us! We made a leap from waking up every 2ish hours to waking up once (sometimes twice). What.a.difference this has made for all of us.

We added cereal this month, and I don't think it's any coincidence that the very night we introduced the thick stuff, you slept from 9pm - 3:30am. It's only been about a week, so I'm treading carefully - but I *think* we may be safely be in a better sleeping routine (at least for now.)

You continue to have the biggest personality - when you're mad, you are MAD. But baby boy, when you are happy, you might be the world's sweetest baby. Huge smiles, belly laughs, and chatting happily to yourself (or whoever will listen) isn't unusual. You don't love any of your baby gear, but when you're in the right mood, you'll lay on the floor playing happily on your play mat for long stretches of time. You've rolled from front to back several times, but I still don't know how controlled it is. And, you rolled from back to front once, and have tried to repeat several times with no luck.

I make a fool of myself regularly in an effort to make you smile and laugh, but it takes Jackson almost zero effort - you are fascinated by him!

You usually take short naps and fight falling asleep during the day, but bed time is a different story. You know the drill, and every night around 7 you're ready to be put in your crib. You fall right to sleep without a single tear.

You're also having no trouble grabbing at things, and getting them to your mouth. You chew on anything and everything, and the drool is nonstop!

Each month is a little bit more fun (and better rested) than the one before it. What an adventure this is, sweet nugget!

A FOURTH Birthday Party

Jackson,

Believe it or not, in just a few days, you're going to be 4! In order to celebrate, we threw you and your best little girlfriend, Lexi, a joint Paw Patrol party. I think the adults had just as much fun as the kids, and it was such a joy to celebrate the two of you!