catching up

Ah, WOW time sure does fly. I can't believe its been 2 months since our last post. Lets try and make this easy and stick to a list. Have fun y'all!!

1. We had a quick visit from Grandma Jen and Grandpa Dan in early Oct. It was a bit of a surprise but we had fun going to the Cloud Gate (aka big mirror, egg thing), sitting on the bull outside the library (or was it some sort of old exchange building??), eating ice cream, riding trains (aka the Metra), playing at playgrounds, and picking out pumpkins!

Side story: we are at the Cloud Gate and Jackson loves to look at himself and others through the mirrors. He saw this family of boys standing next to each other holding their hands up and starting copying them. All of a sudden I realize the boys parents are trying to get a family photo. I wonder if a picture of them and Jackson is out there on a holiday card.

 

2. Uncle Don finished his first season on Varsity Football at Xavier (Appleton, WI). They had a fantastic season and almost made it to the State Tournament, one more win and they would have been at Camp Randall. The family is so proud of him and his team. Jackson got to see his first HS football game the last weekend in Oct. It was a bit windy and cold but we all had fun watching Donny play. Jackson also liked being hand feed popcorn and hot cocoa!

3. Halloween was quick but fun. Mommy and Daddy were exhausted after we drove back from Kaukauna on Halloween Day we weren't sure if we even wanted to take Jackson trick or treating. Plus, for 2 weeks prior Jackson wouldn't even think of putting on his SKUNK costume. The costume was custom made by my mom and so awesome. The idea was given to me by my best friend (Anne), who suggested buying a black hoodie and sewing white fur onto it. Well, I couldn't for the life of me find a black hoodie. So Grandma made one from scratch (vest, tail and hat with ears). We tricked Jackson into putting it on on Halloween by telling him we were going to the playground (bribing with candy didn't work at all). Once we were out and about, Jackson had a blast. After some encouragement he would walk up to the door himself but he would only say trick or treat to mom or dad not to the strangers. He was so cute (esp from behind) to watch run in his costume.

4. In early November we dashed-off to our old neighborhood in Columbus, Ohio to visit some friends, who just had their second baby! It was fun to see Jackson and his old pal Nolan reunited. We only stayed for a day and a half but it was fun to see them all!

5. As soon as we returned from Columbus we were off again but this time a much shorter drive to Kaukauna for Thanksgiving. It was a very relaxed visit, which (to me) is the best kind. We saw most of the Carnot family. Some highlights include: playing in the YMCA's huge gymnastic room, playing with all my cousins, meeting up with Conner and Issac (Jackson's uncle Brett's sister's toddler), and taking a stroll around the block in my wagon with aunt Molly, Grandpa Frank, and Grandma Chris.

6. First snowfall it Chicago, and Jackson loved it. He loves eating snow but we can't do that here. There is just too much trash and GLASS. He listens well, especially if we remind him so I don't think this will be a problem.

7. Our last bit of news is that we are expecting baby #2! We are all very excited, although I think it might be too soon for Jackson to completely realize what's going on. We had our first ultrasound before Thanksgiving. We forgot how awesome it is to see those first glimpses of the babe. It makes it all seem so real and tangible. Tony would like to be surprised this time around and I'm wanting to find out the sex, so we have some thinking to do before our next visit. Our due date is late May/early June (official date of June 2). We'll be sure to try and keep the blog updated more often but things are definitely busy this time of year.

We hope you all have a spectacular Christmas and Holiday season. Happy New Year (if you don't hear from us beforehand). Wishing you all the best!