Jackson's 8 Months!!

Jackson has hit another milestone, 8 months! We didn't do a big celebration this month as today was not a good day for Jackson. He celebrated his birthday by visiting the allergist. We had a really severe reaction to milk based formula a couple of months ago so we decided to visit an allergist to find out if he has any other food allergies. After a series of prick tests on his back and Jarvis, the nurse and myself holding jackson down for 15 min while he wailed uncontrollably, we found out that he is allergic to:

Milk
Beef
Rice
Oat
Strawberries
Apples
Egg Whites
Chocolate

This was heartbreaking for me, as everyone who knows me knows I love to bake...Egg whites???... chocolate??? Just what on earth will I be able to bake him? Well the good news is that he might outgrow most of these and in a baked form he might be less allergic to some of these items.

At 8 months, Jackson is full on crawling, unless he needs to get somewhere fast then he resorts to his "army crawl." He's saying many constant sounds and is very good at immitating. He has become very good at pulling himself up on anything and everything. And, while I've been told he is progressing very fast for a boy, I still am determined to have him hit the next milestone as fast as he can. I guess that's the A type personality in overdrive:-) He is now the most crazy sleeper ever! He is all over the bed, on his stomach, his back, his side, butt in the air, tucked in the corner of his crib, on the left side, the right... all I know is I do not look forward to him getting in our bed when we go out of town, the only one who will be sleeping will be him!

Peek a Boo

I just love this video!!!! Jarvis is talking to Jackson as Jackson is crawling under the coffee table. Everytime Jarvis calls his name he peeks around the corner like, "yeeeeesssss, are you calling me daddy?" After he looks at Jarvis, he goes back to what he's doing...exploring his world.

Jackson & Mason at Gymboree

A week after we worked with Jackson on his gross motor skill of crawling (special thanks to Wendy & Jonae for kicking off the creeping aka “crawling”), Jackson was able to show the other babies at Gymboree that he too can get around. As you can see in the video Jackson was moving all over the mat. He saw his friend Mason and quickly moved over to him. We think Jackson is going to be the party type as he loves to socialize and play. He might of overwhelmed Mason a bit by getting in his face and screaming. We are trying to teach Jackson to be nice and not grab other peoples faces or shirts but this seems to be his mode of interacting with others. I think this video is so cute, Jackson was trying to give Mason kisses when he started crying. But as you can see he’s definitely not the shy type!

Fun in the New Tub

Jackson has now outgrown his baby bathtub but is too big for his tub in his bathroom so I found this blow up ducky tub that fits inside his tub. Jackson loves to splash and chase his little toys around in the tub. He also loves to lay back to let me wash his hair. I see now he’s going to like getting pampered… his future wife better be prepared.

Ma Ma, That a Boy!!!

Ma Ma, that a boy!!! Finally, Jackson has realized who the sunshine of his life is and can verbally tell us! Jackson today called out for Ma Ma. Still can’t believe Jarvis caught it but he did. I believe he has been trying to say “Ma Ma” for a while now as I have seen him making this flapping movement with his mouth before but nothing came out. Well now he’s got it, and of course I am excited!!

Crawling? ...We'll Almost

Saturday night Aunt Wendy and Cousin Jonae watched Jackson so Mommy and Daddy could visit with some friends. After seeing several of the little babies in Jackson's Gymboree class crawling all over the place, they were destined to have him crawling by next week's class!!

Beachball Sans Le Beach

So I have been dying to take Jackson to the beach because I know he will get a kick out of it. But since we haven't figured out timing yet I thought I'd bring an aspect of the beach to him. One of our agencies at work gave all the marketing employees these great beachballs. So I brought it home to give to Jackson. As you can see he was trying to suffocate himself. I don't know what his deal is but he loves to put things over his mouth and nose and then inhale...don't worry, we will be keeping an eye on this.:-) He ended up loving this ball so now it is one of his favorite toys.

Playdate with Alistair

Jackson had his very first scheduled play date today. Frito-Lay has had 16+ women in marketing pregnant last year through this year. As a result, Jackson has many new friends! Alistair's mommy Rachel, invited us over for a little fun in-between naps...fortunately for us, Jackson and Alistair's nap schedule is in sync. Jackson is about 2 months older than Alistair so she was in awe looking at how active and crazy Jackson was. He is definitely the social butterfly and attempted to engage Alistair in a game of football, soccer and basketball. Alistair played along and was kicking the balls to Jackson who would then put them in is mouth! The playdate was short but fun, next time we'll have Alistair over.

7 Month Pictures

Today we went to take Jackson's 7 month photos and our photographer didn't dissapoint. Jackson is so active now that he was pretty much excited and bopping his head and moving his arms the whole time. I was thinking we may not end up with any smiling pictures, then Amy sent me this one...instantly I was in awe...it is such a reflection of how happy and content he is with life. He continues to bring us joy beyond what we could have ever imagined. Who would have thought one little person can brighten your day... just from a smile.