Another year, another site

Well...we made it! Jackson's first year was full of so much joy. It is amazing the amount of love and happiness he brings to our lives. I am also happy to report that I was able to keep up with this blog (well, sort of) for a whole year! But as we enter this chapter (a.k.a. Year 2), I have decided to move on...hey, hey, hey...don't freak out yet! I am simply going to make a move that will make my life as mommy a little easier. I use Shutterfly to create my photo albums so it will be a huge time saver to upload my pictures and commentary to one site. So here is the link to our new family site http://themeneelyfamily.shutterfly.com/. To make the move worth your while I have added several new pictures, videos and Jackson's first year album. I hope you will check back often to see what is new in our lives. Thanks for following!

Dress Rehearsal

With his birthday only weeks away, Jackson has been getting lots of practice in his birthday suit!

Zoo, Trip 2

On Sunday, November 8th we decided that the unseasonably warm November afternoon seemed like the perfect opportunity for Jackson's second trip to the zoo. We stopped at nearly every exhibit...spending extra time with the polar bear, ring-tailed lemurs and baboons. Once again the dolphin show was the highlight of Jackson's day. This time, he was even more engaged in the show - clapping his hands, dancing to the music and pointing at the dolphins when they jumped.

Yo Ho, Yo Ho...a pirate's life for Jackson!

Jackson's Halloween costume was ARRRRsome! It was sewed with love by his Great-Grandma Bev (with a little help from Grandma). Ahoy mates...check out our little pirate!

Gearing up for Halloween

Jackson was very young for many of his "first" holidays (4 days old at Thanksgiving, 4 weeks old at Christmas). So we were really excited for his first Halloween because he is much more active and aware. Grandma bought Jackson a set of spook-tacular pajamas...the skeleton bones even glow in the dark! He loved playing with his mini pumpkin from our trip to the pumpkin patch. We carved it after he was in bed and Jackson giggled when he saw the funny face in the morning!

Junk mail finally has a purpose...

Jackson and Lily are excellent little helpers. Look how great they are at sorting the mail!

When the parents are away, Jackson will play...

Jackson spent the week of October 17-24th with Grandpa and Grandma Boeglin while Mommy and Daddy vacationed on the sunny beaches of Cancun, Mexico. We planned this trip one year ago...when Jackson was still in my belly...and the reality of how hard it would be to leave our baby for a week didn't even cross our minds. But despite missing Jackson, we enjoyed a relaxing week away from reality and responsibility. Of course, Jackson was so busy with Grandpa and Grandma he didn't even realize we were gone. Here is a look at his week...

Jackson attended the Big Blue Block Party and opening night scrimmage for the Indiana State Sycamores. He loved watching his Aunt Melanie coaching on the court and listening to the pep band.


Jackson helped my Uncle John celebrate his 60th birthday at his home in Greencastle, Indiana. He played with Lilly (my cousin Jenny's daughter) who apparently thinks that Jackson is a "really fun baby to play with."

Deming Park in Terre Haute has a great new playground. Jackson loved swinging with his Aunt Melanie.

Apparently, a week with the grandparents means no rules and all fun. Jackson definitely came home with a few new tricks (i.e. bad habits). Thanks Grandpa and Grandma for teaching him to feed the dog, play with her food bowls and pull up on the dishwasher.

Grandpa and Grandma took Jackson to his first parade. Bundled up to keep out the cold, Jackson watched Indiana State University's homecoming parade.

Thanks for the great week Grandpa and Grandma!

It's the great pumkin, Jackson David!

On Sunday, October 11th we took Jackson to pick out his first pumpkin at the Fall Harvest Festival at Waterman's Farm Market in Indianapolis. Aunt Melanie and Nicki joined us for the fun-filled fall afternoon. We took a hayride to the pumpkin patch where we picked out a baby pumpkin for Jackson. Unfortunately, the pumpkins were either tiny or gigantic so we were unable to find one suitable (and carry-able) for carving. We quickly conquered the corn maze (which was either really easy or we are just really smart) and enjoyed hot apple cider.

Homecoming 2009

Butler University Homecoming was Saturday, October 3rd. This year was filled with activities for the 5-year reunion of the Class of 2004. JD and Jackson tagged along to the various homecoming events at my alma mater.

We started the morning with a champagne toast in Irwin Library...site of our class gift "The Heritage Walk." The class posed for a picture on the steps of the library as we did during Senior Week 2004. Jackson practiced his new trick...pointing...during the shot.

The Alpha Tau chapter of Delta Gamma is under construction! The chapter house is expanding to hold a total capacity of nearly 90 women. When I lived at the home at 737 W. Hampton Drive it held just over 60! Even though I sit on the House Corporation and have had a hand in the plans, I am still shocked every time I see it. My friends (and sisters) went back to check out the construction progress.

While at the house, Daniel McNeely and Jenna Daugherty "bounced" with Jackson to Beyonce. He enjoyed the entertainment, although I was nervous that they weren't in the right "state" to be handling my child!

Jackson and I stopped for a picture by the golden anchor in front of the house.

In true Butler fashion, no one in my group actually attended the football game. However, we attended a tailgate (called Barktoberfest) in the parking lot. Jackson watched the parade and played some lawn games before conching out in my arms. Although a lot has happened in the 5 years we have been gone from campus, the memories come flooding back when we all get together and enjoy such a wonderful day.

Watch out Aunt Melanie...here comes Jackson!

So the goal might not be regulation height...but, come on. Aunt Melanie has nothing on our rising star!

"Cool" Dude

I am not sure why we find it so amusing to stick our child in various things and take photos...I only hope that one day he finds the humor in it as well. We were getting ready to go to a football gathering this weekend and the cooler seemed as good a place as any to temporarily contain our not so easily contained little mover. He thought it was hilarious (as he does anything that makes Mommy and Daddy laugh).

First Haircut

On Sunday, September 20th, Jackson had his first official haircut. I have decided not to count the handful of times that JD has gone after him with the electric clippers...this is the one for the record...er...baby book. I was starting to sound like a broken record telling people that he really needed a haircut so we made the trip to Cookie Cutters. It was a kid-friendly, albeit overpriced, experience. I will say, however, that I am thankful for the car chairs and Elmo-playing televisions because, overall, it was easier than expected. Jackson fussed a little about the stranger messing with his head but didn't seem to mind the scissors or clipper part. Sorry folks, the faux-hawk is gone!

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