Jackson's Birthday

Yesterday was Jackson's 1st Birthday. Since we aren't having the party for another week and a half, we decided to do something special as a family. We were going to go to the zoo, but the weather turned COLD again. So, we decided we would go to Aqua Palace - an indoor water park.Jackson stared in amazement for a few minutes, but then got right into it!There were slides.Which he thought were pretty great.And he enjoyed hanging out and playing with these bars.But his favorite thing was the cool water fall.He thought it was amazing!We had such a fun time! This video has some of our favorite moments.

Happy Birthday, Jackson! You are SO loved!

Swim Classes

Jackson and Mommy (along with friends Ian and Alicia) just finished an 8 week swim class.Each class starts with about 15-20 minutes of group exercises. During this time, Jackson generally disregards the instruction of our teacher and tries to run off on his own, either playing with something else in the room or trying to go straight to the pool.Ready to swim!We do some group activities. If you're thinking one of those babies looks a little "off" it's because our instructor swims with a plastic doll named Suzanka.Jackson really enjoys the water.We practice "jumping" in off the side of the pool.Jackson and Ian have a great time at swim class. Moms enjoy it, too!The babies have even learned how to go underwater! At the end of class, we have some free swim time. Jackson LOVES free time. Jumping in from the side of the pool is his favorite thing...He feels like such a big boy!

11 Months Old

Time is flying by, and we're quickly approaching Jackson's first birthday...we can hardly believe it. Jackson's growing and learning all the time. He started regularly using some signs this month. Here he is practicing with Dad. This book has a few of our favorites. Here's Jackson trying the sign for water.Reading books continues to be Jackson's favorite thing. All day long he goes to his bookshelf to pick the book he wants, then brings it to Mommy or Daddy to sit down and read. It's not surprising that the first sign he did on his own was "book".We've had some fun play dates with Ian this month...and the boys are really starting to enjoy each other.They like all of the same activities - and fashions. (Check out the LL Cool J pants they've got going on.)The best day Ian and Jackson had together was when they stayed late at our house and got to have bath time together.They really enjoyed the post bath play time. I definitely had some better pics than this one, but they exposed the family jewels & I thought maybe I should show a little respect :)Woody is putting up with a lot from Jackson these days.And Jackson is getting more gentle...in general :)Mostly this month, we've just really enjoyed Jackson's growing personality. He is so funny and clever. We laugh a lot...at his antics... And funny faces. Silly boy!

Hope for Spring....

We just had our first sunny (above 0 degree) day in months! The snow has almost all melted. Hooray - there is hope for Spring! It was so beautiful that we had to get out and enjoy it. We met up with Marcus and Ian and hopped on a tram. Wondering why Cisco's making that face? He's just asked whether we could "capture the smell" on camera :) The man in the back of the photo was pretty ripe.We headed down to the Vltava River to feed the swans. Mommy's showing Jackson how to do it.
Like this, Mom?
The swans were very brave.
Jackson and Ian were both pretty fascinated.
Okay, I think I'll give it a try.
Come and get it, swan!
The swans were a little more hesitant when Jackson tried to give them bread...but that's probably a good thing :)
What a beautiful, beautiful bird!
We're pretty sure Jackson would have walked right into the river if he could. Don't worry...Mom's got a death grip on his back!
It's always a treat to walk through town, see Prague Castle in the background and remind ourselves that we live here :)
Back on a tram for the ride home. Jackson's starting to get excited about the trams and Metro trains these days.
So thankful for the gorgeous day, the sunshine, and of course our wonderful baby... Life is good!

10 Months Old!

We arrived safely back in Prague just in time for some beautiful snowfall! We took Jackson over to the park to see what he thought.Jackson's getting a demonstrating on how to eat snow. Daddy's an expert.It was pretty cold, so we only stayed out for a little bit, but Jackson thought it was pretty neat.

Jackson's 10th month has been very fun. He's learning so much now...and he makes us laugh all the time. He's so fun and silly - and did I mention smart? Here's a 2 minute video showing some of his favorite things.

We are so proud of our boy!