Such a BIG Deal

In the middle of our busy month, something really cool and grown up happened to our firstborn, Mommy's FIRST baby...JACKSON LOST A TOOTH!!!!

 

 

We found out his tooth was loose just a little before his 5th birthday.  I noticed it was sticking out ever so slightly and wiggled it only to find out it was loose!! Mommy was a little sad at that moment and sorta in shock! We let it run its course and didn't bring it to J's attention. We really started to notice how loose it was a few weeks later, so we started searching for a children's book to explain the process and a pillow for the Tooth Fairy. We literally found the book the night before he lost the tooth. The tooth was gone in the morning, but I found it on the floor beside his bed. Much to our delight, he thought losing a tooth was awesome, and his teacher said he was super excited to show his classmates!!

 

Yes, it fell out normally, not knocked out, the permanent one is on its way in, and on top isn't the typical first one lost but not a sign of anything unusual for J!

Christmas Traditions

I really loved celebrating Christmas throughout the entire month of December with the boys, especially Jackson since he is older this year and can understand & embrace our traditions. This year Dave and I decided to purchase an advent calendar and candles. The calendar ended up being perfect for Jackson. I didn't know exactly what I was looking for when I went shopping, but I ended up finding a blank nativity scene and each day of the month we discussed one thing about that special night.  He had a sticker to place on the picture for that day until the entire scene was complete.  A few years ago, my sister passed down the Fisher Price nativity set for us to use. This was perfect for both boys but especially Luke. He could hold a chunky baby Jesus, and we could remind him who He is.  There was just a moment at the beginning of the month when I had everything placed out, and I felt that ounce of pride about sharing the true meaning of Christmas with the boys in so many neat ways. I told J that we started a new month, December, and that this was special because of Jesus's birth, etc. I showed him some of the new things Mommy had put out, and I was sorta feeling that pride when I confidently asked him, "So, who has a birthday in December?"  He proudly and joyfully exclaims, "Ryan!"  (pride quickly washed away). Yes, you are right, Little Guy, but....

 

We also love to take a ride around town to see the Christmas lights while Dave and I enjoy a cup of hot chocolate, and the boys get a cup of chocolate milk. Yummy!  The last thing we do is bake cookies for Santa on Christmas Eve.  We love the American Christmas traditions, also.

 

Merry Christmas 2012

We ended a very tough year for our family in 2012 as we endured Dave's job loss in September, numerous tests and scans on Jackson this summer, the loss of another grandparent for me, and just a year of firsts without my sister.  At the end of everyday, however, Dave and I were still able to say to one another that we have been given much.God met every one of our financial needs, kept His arms around our boys and provided answers for Jackson's vomitting, and always reminded us that we find rest and contentment in Him.  Our hearts have been humbled and may they never be clouded with pride that blinds us to His will, His path, His blessings.

 

~Dave, Melissa, Jackson, and Luke

2012

 

 

More Birthday

J's birthday fell on the day after Thanksgiving, so we celebrated it at Grammie and Grandpa's beach house followed by a couple of days in Charleston with MeMe and Guapo.

 

Look Who is FIVE!!!

 We celebrated Jackson's birthday at the place of his choice, a bounce house! We just love how clean this one is, and he truly had a great time!  Our theme was Jake and the Neverland Pirates! I think the pictures tell the story best....

 

Birthdays

I am soo behind on posting, but what better way to pick it up than with birthday celebrations! We went to our friend, Parker's, fifth birthday party in November at a ranch.  Really cool!  Dave and I agreed that this was such a good experience for both boys. To be honest, J hasn't been to a zoo since he was 18 mos old and has only been to a small farm around Halloween a couple of years ago.  This place had a small playground where the kids could play while waiting on the party to start. Perfect. Then, we ate lunch and went on a wagon ride where the animals come right up to let you feed them. Luke wasn't so into that, but after riding for just a bit, J asked for a bucket of food to feed the animals. Personally, I liked the experience as long as I didn't have to get too close to the animals. Dave, on the other hand, loved it all! After the ride, you could feed some additional animals behind the fences.  The boys did not want to leave but were exhausted and filthy. Perfect. Sure signs of a great time :)

Halloween

 

Halloween night was busy!  I only captured a few pics, but Luke caught right on and wouldn't stop as long as Jackson was still going!! A few times, L nearly fell through the door when they answered, because he was knocking so hard! And, Jackson, he didn't want to stop even after his bucket was FULL!!!