Friday, May 1, 2009

Jackson's First 2 Months

Wow...nearly 2 months has gone by since Jackson entered our world! It has been a whirlwind of new experiences, to say the least.Grampa and Gramma Bradford came over from Spokane for a visit. Gramma Gena helped me get the hang of breastfeeding (haaaa-lelujah) and cooked lots of great meals. Thank God for Moms! And of course, she enjoyed lots of time cuddling with baby Jackson.
Grampa Jack thoroughly enjoyed his job of holding and rocking his namesake. We call this "being the baked potato for the melting pad of butter." Grampa Jack is really good at making babies melt! Here's another one...Jackson looks like a baby monkey here :)Both grandparents got to help out with bathtime, too!Also, while they were here, I got some much needed R&R after giving birth. I'm still looking pretty pale here on the road to recovery, but definitely enjoying some bonding time with Jax. The sun came out, so we took Jackson out for his first walk.We have a beautiful park conveniently located right across the street.Proud Dad, taking a turn pushing the stroller.And here's our favorite spot in the park; A view over the city with Prague castle in the background.We all appreciated our time with Grampa and Gramma Bradford so much. It was a great experience for Jackson, and Cisco & I learned a lot of great tips for taking care of our new baby.They were here for 4 weeks, and I was ready to have them move in for good. I think Jackson would have approved!After grandparents left it was Cisco's spring break. We got to be home together for a whole week. Cisco really enjoyed each morning waking up and spending time with Jackson. Here's a video of them chatting in the morning.

The weather was beautiful so we made sure to get outside everyday. One day we went to Karlstejn castle, just a 40 minute drive from Prague.And another day, we checked out the local botanical garden.We also had a visit from Jackson's friend Ian, who was born just 9 days after Jackson. Ian was born about 5 weeks early, so they kind of look like Danny Devito and Arnold Schwartzeneger from the movie Twins here.We enjoyed some good down time at home over the break, too.We also had a big outing to a Greek restaurant in our neighborhood for Greek Easter. We went with about 10 of our colleagues.When we arrived, we weren't sure if it would work out because there was a band playing music right behind our table.But the music was good and apparently it didn't bother Jax as he fell asleep about 5 minutes after we arrived. He woke up a while later and enjoyed getting passed around the table as everyone wanted a chance to hold him.One important task we had over the break was getting passport photos for Jax. He was a great model. Even Zoolander's got nothing on Jax.Mommy was so impressed with his modeling skills, I thought I'd play a little dress-up. He was about to grow out of this cozy bear outfit, and the weather was getting too nice for him to need it outside.But I guess everyone has their limits :) ROAR!So, all is well here in Prague. Life has changed dramatically, but we are happy and Jackson's doing great. Spring is here and we're getting beautiful weather and gorgeous sunset views.
We're looking forward to summer when Cisco will be done with work and can be home with Mommy and Jackson!

Saturday, March 14, 2009

The Long Awaited Arrival of Jackson Walker

This is little Jackson James Walker, roughly 10 minutes after birth, under the incubator. He was born Sunday 8th March at 08:46 at 3.64 kg (8 lbs) and 50 cm (19.7")...with hair.
Here are Daddy and Jax (our nickname for Jackson) letting Momma relax later that Sunday.
and our wonderful doctor, Dr. Figurova, getting a little Jackson time as well.
On the first day, the nursing staff at Krc Hostpital took care of all of Jackson's needs except for feeding. But starting Day 2, Jax was with us in the room full time. Hannah liked having him in bed with her instead of in his small crib.
Which seems to be ok with Jax.
We spent 5 days in the hospital, which is very normal here in Prague. During that time you get help with all the basics...nursing, bathing. Here's Jackson enjoying his first bath. And you get to enjoy lots of time relaxing with your new baby, bonding and getting to know each other. So, on Thursday, it was time to take Jackson home. Here's Daddy looking pretty pleased with his special delivery.A quick sidenote about Krc Hospital. They have herds of goats and deer that wander around on their property. Here's a pick of a few of them as we were leaving the hospital.Jackson did fine on the ride home...but it was definitely the brightest his world has been since he was born.Here is the arrival at our apartment.Woody wanted to see what we brought. He was curious, but has pretty much kept his distance over the last 3 days. Clementine has been a little more involved...guess she has a mothering instinct :)
So...here we are...parents. Our world is definitely rocked and this will take some getting used to. But we're feeling so very blessed. Welcome to the world, Jackson...we have been anxiously waiting for you and could not be happier that you are here and part of our family.

Sunday, January 4, 2009

Bamberg Germany

It's pretty fantastic living in a location where you have access to 6 different countries within just a few hours drive. During our winter holidays we decided to get away for a few days to Germany and Luxembourg. Our first stop was in the German city of Bamberg. Bamberg is a beautiful and quaint town with a very classic German style. Up on a hillside is the Bamberg Cathedral. Here's I am (all bundled up as it was FREEZING) standing in the cathedral square.Inside, the cathedral was beautiful...particularly with the way the light was coming through the stained glass windows.
The cathedral was all decorated for Christmas so it was a really lovely time to see it. (You can click on the photos to enlarge them and get a better shot of the details. It looks a little dark in the small view.)
The cathedral also had an incredible pipe organ...definitely one of the most unique we've seen.
Outside the cathedral was a courtyard surrounded by classic German buildings that used to be living quarters.
Down on the river front, more charming German buildings.
We enjoyed a walk through the town.
Stopping frequently for photo opportunities :)
There were quaint, picturesque scenes everywhere we turned.What a beautiful town!