Up North Eh?

On Jackson's 6 month birthday we headed North for our long anticipated family reunion. We flew into Calgary and then had to drive 3 hours to my brother's house. We went to Ihop on the way home and got to visit with Brian who picked us up. We left the next morning for Whitefish, Montana where my sister in law's family has a condo. It was a 4 or 5 hour drive through Glacier National Park which was full of traffic, construction, and beauty. It was seriously the most majestic view ever with waterfalls, lakes, snow, trees, mountains, rocks, wildlife, etc... It took forever but we made it. We met up with the family and got the party started. Over the next few days everyone else started arriving too. We spent our time at the Condo playing games, talking, going on walks, swimming, and going out to do activities. We went to an adventure place one day where we all did bumper boats, go karts, mini-golf, and basketball. Another day we went bowling and then to Pizza Hut. Some of the family went hiking in glacier one day and it was amazing! We saw a bear! Jon went fishing while we hiked. And let me just say... hardest hike ever, especially with a baby. And I didn't even carry him most of the way. We had to crawl in snow across a cliff and I swear we all almost died. But it was so exhilarating and worth every second. The view was incredible. Another day some people went canoeing but it was cold so I stayed home and napped and hung out with my sister and my mum and the little kids. 

After a few days at the condo we headed back to Canada for my nephew Harrison's baptism. The bishopric forgot and it started way late, but it was still good. We spent the next few days at my brother's house taking family pictures, having a bonfire, playing football, making cotton candy, playing soccer, eating way too much, playing Clue, going to the Cardston Temple, etc... It was such a great trip and we were all together except for my sister's husband Scott. My cousins even joined us who I haven't seen in 8 YEARS! They lived with us for a while when I was young and we were always very close. I love their kids like siblings. I am uploading tons and tons of pictures, because I want them in our blog book. 

Jackson- 6 months and 1 week old

Bohn Grandparents, Brian, Harrison, Devynn, Selk Grandparents

Kensington and "Baby Jackson"

Savannah and J

Sterling

Kens and Jon

 

Sterling, Clarissa, Brenna, me

Jessi

Savvy

Sandra and Jessi

 

 

Kens and Moo

 

 

Biggest 6-year-old EVER

Jessi's reaction to her curls

Perry, Kay, Jon, Janet, Jackson, Harrison. Devynn, Kensington, Brian, Sterling, Brenna, Sandra, Clarissa, Cameron, Xander, Savannah, Joshua, Daniel, Valerie, Jessi

Craig (my cousin) Kristi, Madeleine, and Seth (Spencer is in Columbia on his mission)

Which one is Pregnant??

Brenna, Seth, Harrison

DAN!

JESS!

Madeleine, me, Craig

That's a wrap.

Birthday Fun

Back track to June. It was Jon's birthday so of course we had to celebrate. We met my parents up in Asheville  because they were there for my dad's work. We stayed 2 nights in their hotel. We went to dinner and explored the city together. We went to Biltmore, went swimming, went shopping, Jon had a crazy fishing experience, and then we came home. I was so happy we could go to Biltmore since Jon had never been before. If you don't know what this is, google it. It is beautiful, especially the view and the gardens. The best part was we got to go for free because my dad had passes from work. It is normally really expensive to go. Then a few days later Jackson and I celebrated Jon's actual birthday at home by surprising Jon with decorations and gifts and taking him shopping and to dinner. It was a simple and fun day. We are so glad to have Jon in our lives!

Chilling at the hotel 

wanna-be grandpa

playing in the splashpad

Grandma playing with Jackson on the balcony

first time in a real pool (we tried at the beach but he screamed)

Croods DVD and waffle maker (which came broken....so that was cool)

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6 Months

Jackson is 6 months now, I can't even believe it. I saw a baby at church last week who was 4 days old and I couldn't believe how tiny it was. Are babies really that small? Was Jackson ever that tiny? I sat and tried to remember him so tiny and new but it was a struggle and that made me sad. I don't ever want to forget how Jackson was as a newborn. Month 6 came in with a bang! Jackson got two teeth at almost the same time. He was irritable and drooling one day so I did the tooth check. I had checked before but this time it seemed there was really something there. It was red and there was a teeny white bump. Within a few days a tooth popped through. And soon after was the second tooth. Jackson is still working on these teeth, they seem to be taking forever. But they are in and they are close to being done I hope. Along with teething, Jackson randomly has been glued to his pacifier now, especially for sleeping. I didn't want to get him attached but it does help distract him when he wants to nurse. We just tried it when he started teething and it soothed him a lot. This month has been the worst for sleeping. He has been up every two hours or less and won't be soothed until he is nursed. My goodness we are worn out. And on Jackson's 6 month birthday we flew to Canada which ruined his sleep even more. We are going to crack down on this before Jon starts school again. We hope. But I think naps have improved slightly, so that is something! Jackson has sort of lost interest in baby food this month. He is usually tired and prefers to nurse. He does better if Jon feeds him instead of me. And this month Jackson has been really trying to sit up and can do it sometimes. He likes to try to sit up in his bouncy seat and his bath tub. He also can sit in his booster chair now. Sometimes we will go to lay him down and he fights it because he wants to sit. He can sit really well when supported by the boppy. He will use it just to hold onto a bit but can mostly sit on his own, just not for very long yet. This boy is growing so fast and we are loving him so much.

Sorry for all the rambles. How about some pictures?

Stats:
We measured him the day before his birthday because his doctor's appointment wasn't until a week and a half later.
Length- 26 inches (26 and 3/4 inches at the doctor)- 50th percentile
Weight- 16 pounds (16 lbs 3 oz at the doctor)- 25th percentile
Head- 17.5 inches- 75th percentile (everyone in Canada kept saying he has a big head...I guess maybe he does, but I don't see it. I think he is just so handsome and perfect)

at the doctor, eating the paper

The 4th Day of July

Our 4th of July was nice and simple. Jon took the day off so we could head to the mountains to escape the heat. It was such perfect weather and Jon packed us a delightful lunch. He even packed enough to fill my bottomless pit of a stomach. When we got there, a parade was just finishing. I'm sad we missed it but I am determined to find us a parade next year. We toured some shops and met the cutest dog I have ever seen. It was so cute that I felt compelled to share my sandwich with it. Sadly, I did not get a picture. After shopping a bit and not spending a dime, which was our goal, we headed out on our little hike. We ate our lunch as we drove on the beautiful Blue Ridge Parkway and saw some gorgeous views. Then we made it the trail head. The hike was a mile loop total and very simple. We hiked to a pretty waterfall and enjoyed the stream and plants along the way. Then, we headed back to the entrance where I nursed little J and we just enjoyed the beautiful weather. Then we were ready to head home. We got home and Jon made delicious fajita burritos while we watch the World Cup game. Jackson was a perfect angel all day and never even cried. We opted to skip out on the fireworks this year as they are way past our bedtime. Jackson didn't seem to be bothered by the fireworks but Callie was scared and had to sleep inside. Callie kept quietly sneaking to our bedroom but Jon refused to give in and eventually she fell asleep safe and sound on the living room floor. We had a perfectly simple Fourth of July, it was wonderful!

foot shot for Mandi

We are so grateful for all of our many freedoms!!!

Nap Time Woes

Naps have been horrendous at our house since about month one. Jackson naps for about 20 minutes on average. A good long nap is 40 minutes for him and those are rare. Yesterday was a long hard morning. I spent from about 9 until 1 trying to get Jackson to sleep. He kept falling asleep and waking up screaming and was inconsolable. It was like he had a bad dream or a night terror and couldn't shake it and he was still so tired. I laid in bed with him and got him to sleep for close to an hour but he woke up and was still a screaming mess. Maybe it is the teething, I don't know. I finally gave in and nursed him a bit and then rocked him in my arms while he slept almost another hour. Poor guy just can't nap good unless he is in the car or with us. We are working on it but it is hard and stressful. He can go all day without napping at all, it is crazy. So needless to say by about 11 in the morning I was worn out. I kept praying for strength and patience over and over. But, after getting Jackson to sleep in my arms, I felt relief and joy. I love this little man so much. After his nap I put him in his little seat and just prayed that I could eat for a few minutes while he was happy because I was starving. I looked down to see the sweetest face looking up at me. It helped me remember just how sweet and innocent Jackson is. He is such a wonderful blessing.