Take me out to the ballgame

On Sunday, we met up with friends for an Indianapolis Indians game. It was a beautiful day! Although we didn't watch much of the game, we had a great time visiting and chasing the kiddos. I was excited to show Jackson the only reason that his mommy goes to baseball games - to sing "Take me out to the ballgame" during the 7th inning stretch. I think he liked it!

Dave and Cooper (Olecki), Todd and Nolan (Kenworthy), Jeremy and Jake (Lowey), JD and Jackson

Mommy's Night Out

Two of my friends from college, Ali O'Malley and Tanis Miller, are getting married this summer so everyone came into town for a girls' weekend to celebrate their upcoming nuptials. JD has been mentally prepping for weeks...it was the first time he had Jackson by himself for more than an hour. On Saturday night while I was catching up with my sorority sisters, Jackson and JD did some quality male bonding. I am happy to report that they both survived!

Race Weekend Picnic

On Saturday, we hosted an impromptu pre-race day cookout at our house. By hosted I mean that Ross and Alison decided to bring all of the items they had purchased and prepared for their cookout down to our house so that I could participate around Jackson's naptime/nighttime schedule. Jackson's pal, Nolan Kenworthy, dropped by for some playtime. Notice that Jackson is practicing his newly acquired sit-up skills. All-in-all, it was a beautiful afternoon.

Another day, another skill

Every time I sit Jackson down lately, he tries desperately to sit up. It is funny to watch his little face contort as he attempts to sit up in his swing or bouncy seat. So last Wednesday I decided to try out one of his "big boy" toys - a basketball goal from his Aunt Melanie. He was really into playing at this new angle. In terms of development, Jackson decided that rolling over is not a milestone he wants to acknowledge (he has only rolled from belly-to-back twice and back-to-belly once). Sitting up is way more fun!

First Vacation

Last week, we took Jackson to Hilton Head, South Carolina for his first vacation. It was great to have some time away from the daily grind, but vacationing with a 6-month old was far from a vacation! We spent a lot of time shuffling baby gear back and forth from our condo to my parents' and running up and down from the pool for feedings, naps, etc.

The weary traveller...luckily, Jackson did a lot of napping during the 12-hour car ride to and from Hilton Head.

First dip in the pool...Jackson loves bathtime but wasn't sure what to think of the pool. If only they kept the pool water as warm as his baby bathtub!

Jackson surprised himself - oops, I mean me - with a cool new stroller for Mother's Day. JD has decided that Jackson's official color is orange...hmmm, I wonder why?!?!

A walk by the marsh on a beautiful South Carolina day! There was a lot of rain during our trip but this day turned out wonderful.

Congrats Graduate!

Mary Beth graduated from Butler University on Saturday, May 9th. We were antsy during her long graduation ceremony because we were leaving immediately afterward for our vacation in Hilton Head, South Carolina. You can tell just how anxious we were by the lack of quality pictures. The one picture we attempted to take of Mary Beth receiving her diploma turned out fuzzy. However, we were able to get an excellent shot of her boyfriend, Chase Doner, as he shook hands with "Bo Fo" (that is the affectionate nickname students have bestowed upon BU President Bobby Fong). Congratulations Mary Beth...I am so proud of you, baby sister!

Happy Birthday Nana

We want to wish happy birthday to Tina. Of course, she would definitely have been known as "Nana" to Jackson. Although a lady never reveals her age, Tina would have been 60 today. She was planning to retire last summer and we often joke that we would have had to beat her off with a stick - she would have probably moved into our basement to be closer to Jackson! When we cleaned out her closet, we found a pile of books (many with "grandma" in the title) that we assume were meant for her "to-be-created" grandchildren. Amidst the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, we try to remember to talk to Jackson about his Nana and the wonderful woman that she was. Happy Birthday Tina! We miss you very much.