August 18th

These two share something special. A birthday!

They also both have eyes that are a matching beautiful shade of blue.

And they look alike.

All day long we kept singing Happy Birthday to Jackson and he would smile. I think he was getting excited about the joint birthday dinner celebration planned for that evening.

We have always enjoyed Dad's favorite chocolate cake that my grandmother used to make for him. Jackson thought it was a winner as well. It's delicious.

I'm so thankful for every birthday celebration with my daddy. I love hearing the story about the first time my mom tried to make Gammy's cake when they were married. And, I just love a reason to celebrate him. I pray this year that he's able to experience the gospel in new ways and is blessed with many opportunities to share his love and joy to his children in Haiti!

Jackson must have been plotting how to really celebrate his birthday because late in the afternoon, he took a bunch of steps!

He has since walked across the room several times and it always brings a smile to his face. And to ours.

We went to the doctor last week for his check up and because he'd been battling an ear infection. So, one year and his first round on antibiotics. Poor little guy.

He weighs in at 18 pounds 8 ounces and is 28 inches long. That puts him in the 5th percentile for both.

Jackson is such a sweet sweet little boy and I'm thankful for him every day. He loves to explore, loves to climb, loves playmobil people, loves his brother and daddy, loves to play in the bathroom, and loves to nurse.

He still won't take a bottle (I quit offering...) or a sippy cup. He is interested in tasting/licking our food but spits anything out if it makes it in his mouth. Breast milk is truly amazing. I'm thankful for a plentiful supply!

He consistently says "mamama" and "dadada" for Matt and me and sometimes "buh-buh-buh" for brother. And the last couple of weeks he babbles and chirps when he plays. I love his little sounds!

He is usually napping once a day in the afternoon with Graham but occasionally takes a morning nap if he wakes up too early. Little buddy falls asleep great for naps and bed but doesn't sleep great at night.

Jackson is growing and learning new things every day and I love it! He is still my baby and I know this phase in his life will feel like a blink when he's older. So I'm trying to treasure everything from the sweet way he says "mama" as he crawls through the house to the countless times he wakes up in the night. We love you sweet Jackson!