10 months old

Our little Jackson McQuinn is 10 months old and is having a burst of development.  He’s begun to crawl, sit up in his crib, stand up in his crib, and cruise along furniture all in the past week or so.  It’s amazing how different he is from Lauren.  He loves to stand ALL.THE.TIME!  If he’s not standing he’s pretty much not happy.  He has an amazing ability to play and be engrossed in an activity independently (when he wants to) for quite a period of time.  He has an unhealthy obsession with adult technology items (computer keys, mouse, cell phones, ipods, etc) and loves to EAT (pretty much anything we give him except green beans, those are a no way!)

After our little photo session Jack entertained himself by emptying out some drawers in his bedroom.  I knew he was being waaaay too quiet in there.

Like I said, he loves to stand.  He’s also kind of an ankle (leg) biter and loves to be attached to legs while standing.

Another yucky Saturday

Why is it continually rainy, cold and yucky on Saturdays?  I’m beginning to think we’re never going to see a nice Saturday again.  On a funny note, check out Lauren’s outfit on the right.  She picked it out herself.  On Saturday morning, she woke up and played with Grandma and Grandpa while we slept in.  After playing for awhile, she told grandma Pat that she wanted to get dressed and picked out the dress and shirt to wear.  She must not have wanted to wear the tights that go with it (or forgot about them) and started looking for some pants to wear with it.  She finally found a pair and said, “these will do perfectly.”  I guess a kind of matching outfit is a small price to pay for sleeping in until 8.

A visit from The grandparents Thompson

The grandparents Thompson arrived today, and not a moment too soon.  Kevin has been gone for a few days for an ITS conference and Jack is desperately trying to crawl down the stairs Evel Knievel style.  The new gate arrived by UPS 10 minutes after Kevin left for the conference, and while I feel confident in my skills, I didn’t think I would be able to switch out the bits on the drill.  John was happy to oblige and had the gate installed lickety-split.  We’re very pleased with our new retract-a-gate.  I love that I don’t have anything to step over when coming up the stairs (part of why the previous gate ended up in the trash.)  However, my favorite feature is that it’s retractable, therefore not a permanent eyesore at the top of my stairs.  My friend Kari has these gates and I loved them from the get-go.  Thanks so much for the rec!! I should have taken a photo with the gate across the steps so you can see how nice it is.  I guess you’ll have to settle for seeing it in the background of some upcoming pics until I remember to do it.

Poor chocolate bunny

He led a good life… Lauren enjoyed her Easter basket from Gaga & Papa a little early today.

Lauren’s spring program

                                    Before                                         Gaga walks in the door                                      After

Apparently, I’m just chopped liver.  The spring program was not in the church and that was a very poor decision that I don’t think they will repeat.  There was nowhere near enough room for everyone and the lighting was terrible in the gym.  My pictures are pretty much pure garbage, but oh well.

They sang some adorable songs and recited some bible verses.  It was short and sweet.

Surprise!

Today, when Jack woke up from his nap I was busy with something (I can’t even remember what it was) so Lauren said she’s go in and talk to him for a minute until I could get him out.  Then, I heard his musical bear that is attached to the inside of the crib start to sing so I knew something was up.  I went in there to discover this.  This was the first time she was able to get herself into the crib (and still hasn’t figured out how to get herself out safely, so she’ll just wait until I help her.)  Anywho, it was very sweet to see them interacting so nicely.

Lauren wanted me to take another picture of them together on the chair.  However, not a single one is publishable. 

Tuesday

“You’re squishing meeeeee!”

Monday’s at the Mall

Today, we went to the mall for a little play time, lunch and a carousel ride.  Lauren love’s the merry-g0-round and it’s free on Monday’s!  Jack also enjoyed his first ever ride.  He giggled and smiled the entire time.

Sunday

Lauren loves Yo Gabba Gabba, A LOT!  So much so, that she and Jack will be having a YGG birthday party this summer.  Anywho, last night as we were putting her to bed it was apparently on her mind and she came up with the most interesting tidbit that she dropped on us.  She was concerned about Toodee’s feelings because in the YGG theme song, all of the other Gabba friends have 2 descriptive words telling about them and Toodee does not.  She was worried that Toodee would be sad that her description is less than her friends and wanted to tell DJ Lance that he should change the theme song.

Enter today, Lauren dictated a letter for Kevin to send to DJ Lance telling him about the grave injustice that has been put upon Toodee.

Jack just looked cute and stood up a lot.

Super Saturday

We had a fun Saturday, starting with chocolate chip pancakes.  Jack even enjoyed one (sans chips.)  We also made a trip to the Children’s museum.  Kev had fun on the tapescape with Lauren.  He was worried about his weight but the sign says it’s cool for adults too.  You can even see another dad in the background having a blast.  We’ll definitely miss this exhibit once it’s gone, it’s ingenious!

Sprout also enjoyed a little airtime.