Here we are

I can't believe we're halfway through the summer already.  I get so sad at this point---seeing more and more back-to-school ads, getting the fall catalog for the park district, knowing cold weather is on the way.  GAH...I hate winter, and I think I'm really dreading it this year.  No, really, I dread it EVERY year.

This summer has been nice and busy for us!  We've had lots of weekend plans, and some unexpected events.  My dear, sweet Aunt Betty died last week.  She was 86 and this was coming on for a while, but it's still so sad.  She was a great influence in my life, someone I loved and respected greatly, and I'll miss seeing her at family parties.  She was always so loving, and I'll miss her deeply.

Jackson and I have been going to the pool a couple times a week.  It's fun and he's really getting more and more comfortable in the water.  He's never had a problem with water, but last year, I remember having to watch him every second we were there because he'd walk and fall over and go under.  There's little that scares me more than the thought of my child drowning.  I was on him like a hawk.  This year, he's able to get around better, especially since we stay mostly in the shallow end.  I still watch every move he makes, but there's a lot less panic in me!  Today, he was floating around and pretending to be a fish.  It was great!!  He's learning to blow bubbles in the water, and he LOVES to jump off the side.  We found a good spot where he can jump and I don't have to be too afraid of him going under, and he can just stand up and pull himself up the side by himself.

My mother-in-law comes to visit most Tuesday mornings.  Jackson LOVES her so much, and that's nice.  Admittedly, she does drive me a bit nuts, but this is good for Jackson, and I usually leave the house while she's here, so I deal.  We have our mother's helper who comes once a week as well.  Ana the great is AMAZING with Jackson, and loves to spend a couple hours with him!  I like to have a little time to myself to get things done around the house (I'm always home when she's here---she's 12 and not yet babysitting for real, but this gives her a chance to get used to him and to see what it's like to spend time with him).  She's great and the sweetest girl!  It's nice to have some distractions during the week so that Jackson doesn't spend 24/7 with just me.

This weekend, we have parties tomorrow (Sat), and Paul's dad visiting on Sunday (he likes to visit once a month).  Next weekend, our big family weekend at Waynee World.  The following weekend, another weekend at Waynee World with Paul's sister, her husband, and their kids.  I will never complain about going to Waynee World!! 

Here's to the next half of summer!!!

The ABCs of Jackson

A side note: his lunch was sitting in front of me while I filmed this, which is why he makes a comment about eating.  My Mother of the Year award will be in the mail soon for THAT one...

Another side note: we'll be having his speech re-evaluated again in the next couple of weeks.

ENJOY!!!