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!