All I want for Christmas...

We had to finish up our Christmas shopping today so we decided to stop and see Santa at the mall. Jackson was asleep in his stroller and we pulled him out to quickly take this photo (rather than having a screaming baby on Santa's lap). Santa did not appear to be very comfortable holding a 3 week old baby. I think that is why Jackson's face is squished in the picture. I know people gain weight during the holidays but I promise that he is not as porky as he looks!

Weight Update

I should really be in bed right now since Jackson is finally asleep, but I wanted to post a brief update on Jackson's weight. We went to the doctor again today and he is growing like a weed. Here are his most recent vital statistics...

Weight: 8 lbs 3 oz

Length: 22 inches

Head Circumference: 14.5 inches

My First Party

On Saturday, we ventured out for the first time as a family. Doug and Elizabeth Sheets hosted an UGLY CHRISTMAS SWEATER PARTY at their home. Prior to Jackson's arrival, we purchased a delightfully ugly onsie that read "Mi Primera Navidad" (which means "My First Christmas" for those of you who don't speak Spanish). Jackson looked great at his first party!

18 Days Old!

For all of you who look to our blog for updates on Jackson, I apologize for the recent lack of posts. As you can imagine, we are incredibly busy adjusting to life with a baby. There are days when I can't find time to take a shower let alone post pictures on the blog! So here is a quick update...Jackson is doing great. He dug himself quite a hole weight-wise in his first week but I am happy to report that he is almost back up to his birth weight. Of course, this means I spend all day nursing him! JD is getting used to the lack of sleep and has perfected his swaddling technique. We have decided that he is a "spirited" baby. He has two speeds (1) asleep and (2) screaming his head off! Here is a video of him on his best behavior.

Hello, Old Friend

It wasn't long after we came home from the hospital that I got reacquainted with an old friend of mine. My first beer was a Full Moon in a frosty mug. Totally worth the wait!

Thank You Grandma!

We owe a big thank you to Grandma Joyce for staying with us after we came home from the hospital. From cooking our meals to taking the "late shift" we couldn't have done it without her! Thanks for spending these first precious days with us and our new son.

On a side note, I would also like to point out Lily in this picture. I know many of you had your doubts but she is a great big sister!

What a Wonderful World!

New Cousin

Jackson's reign as the youngest great-grandchild in the Luker family was extremely short lived. My cousin Amy delivered Baby Jacob at 2:57 am on Wednesday, November 26th. Jacob (left) and Jackson (right) visited each other in the hospital. We can't wait for holidays with these two guys running around!

Parade of Visitors

Jackson is already so loved! We have heard from tons of friends and family members who are excited to meet our little man. Here are some pictures of his first visitors.

Aunt Mary Beth, Grandma Joyce (Mam Maw) and Grandpa Dave were at the hospital waiting for Jackson's arrival.

Great Grandpa Bob and Great Grandma Bev came to visit their 7th great-grandchild!

Aunt Melanie was coaching a basketball game at the University of Detroit the night he was born, but she came to see him as soon as he came home.

Grandpa Clem came to visit. We really miss Grandma Tina but she is looking down on us from heaven.

Jackson is here!

Jackson is finally here. He was born Monday Nov. 24th at 2:17pm. He was 7lbs 14oz and 21in long. We are enjoying our new baby boy!

At the hospital

We have arrived at Community North Hospital to be induced. Things are going well and we are getting things started. Check out the posh hospital room. Stay tuned...

No Longer Our Only "Child"

People are constantly asking us if we think our "dogger" will get along with the baby. We are a little biased but we think Lily is going to make a great big sister! She is getting ready to head to Puppy Playground to play with her friends while we go to the hospital. Little does she know that in just a few short days her lazy routine will be turned upside down!

The Amazing, Expanding Brooke!

40 weeks seems like a long time...especially when you get bigger by the day! Here is a chronological glimpse at my ever-expanding midsection.

Saturday, May 3rd 10 weeks 4 days Indianapolis Mini Marathon

Monday, June 2nd 14 weeks 6 days Off to work

Saturday, June 21st 17 weeks 4 days Flat Top Mountain Anchorage, Alaska

Saturday, August 9th 24 weeks 4 days San Francisco, California

Sunday, September 7th 28 weeks 5 days Family Baby Shower

Sunday, October 26th 35 weeks 5 days Delta Gamma Baby Shower

Making "Room" for Baby

Jackson's room is ready for his arrival. Here is a sneak peak...

Jackson-O-Lantern

Halloween costumes are easy when you have a built-in prop! Here is a shot of Mommy and Daddy-To-Be dressed as Juno and Bleeker at a Halloween-themed couples baby shower hosted by our friends the Furrys, Kenworthys and Oleckis.