Gabe's 60th Birthday party

Last night we celebrated my father-in-law's 60th Birthday. It was a fun night filled with friends, family and music - the 3 most important things in Gabe's life. I feel so honored and blessed to call Gabe my father -he is a truly inspiring and loving man. And how lucky that Jackson gets a grandpa that can't wait to spend time with him, snuggle with him, laugh with him, love on him and teach him the things that he taught Jackson's daddy.

We rented out Ellersick's brewery and in true Gabe style, he invited more than the place can hold. Although the brewery was packed to the gills with friends & family, we made it work and had a blast. We had a slide show, hula, great food (made by Phyllis), good music (by Gabe) and created awesome memories......

The Makanani's really know how to throw a party!

Merry Christmas

Jackson celebrated his FIRST Christmas! What a huge milestone for his mama (considering Christmas is my FAVORITE holiday). It was nice this year because Christmas was so easy, which is what we needed towing a 5 month old around. And I have to say, Jackson was such a good boy ALL DAY LONG, beginning at 5am and going all the way to 8pm.

It started out Christmas eve at the Makanani's - we had a nice dinner and spent time with the family. When we got home, Jackson went right to bed and I asked Shane to get the video camera all ready for Christmas morning. Once I put Jackson down, Shane asked me to come look at something.....it was the video of Jackson's birth DAY....and let me tell you, the waterworks just flowed. We haven't pulled out the video camera since the day Jackson was born and it was just beautiful watching him and us on the day of his birth - I told Shane it was the BEST Christmas present he could have ever given me.

In true Christmas tradition, all 3 of us got brand new jammies to wear to bed...we put them on and went straight to bed. Woke up at 5:30am and opened our presents - Jackson had a pretty good time opening gifts from us and Santa!

Then it was off to the Makanani's and then to the Sogn's. It was so great to spend the day with our families and for Danny & Emily to finally meet Jackson (they both live in NY). Jackson was a lucky little boy for his first Christmas getting LOTS of books from his Nana, Papa, Grandma Grandpa, Aunts & Uncles. He didn't get too many toys - which is fine by me, next year will be NUTS. The best gift of all is the nursery that my mom put together at her house - she got a crib, bedding and is using the rocking chair that she rocked ME in. It's perfect and it's a nice place for Jackson to go when he is over there :)

Since I was so tired, I didn't snap too many pictures - but here is what I have:

Houston, we have feet!

A few months ago, my friend Gretchen told me that one of her biggest regrets was not getting photos of her son Cash finding his feet. She begged me to make sure to capture him putting his feet in his mouth for the first time....I took her advice and did just that.

Jackson has found his feet and can't get enough of them! First day that he found them was on December 22nd.....and Daddy found him doing it :)

5 Months Old!

I know, I can't believe it either our baby is 5 months old! So many new things to report about our little angel, and mostly how much fun he has become. Since we don't have a 5 month appointment I can't report on his stats, but I'm guessing he is about 18 lbs and 27 inches long - whoa baby we've got a big boy. When I see pictures of him, he looks like a 1 year old......my baby is growing up so fast!

Some fun facts:

*Jackson is now wearing 9 month clothing, he will definitely be in 12 month by spring - goodbye 12 month shorts and tank tops :(

*He laughs all the time and has smile is on his face 95% of his waking time. Anytime ANYONE smiles at him, he gives one right back :)

*Wearing Size 3 diapers.

*He is rolling over tummy to back and back to tummy.

*He got his foot in his mouth last night - it was pretty darn cute.

*Jackson LOVES LOVES LOVES the jumperoo Nana & Papa got him. He gets some serious air in that thing.

*He already had his first "cold" and did pretty well in recovering.

*Jackson is a big boy and is officially SLEEPING IN HIS CRIB for all naps and for the night. I think it was harder on me than it was on him. The first night he slept all through the night.....I was next to him on the blow up mattress.

*Speaking of sleeping through the night, the last 2 weeks this has been non-existent. I'm hoping this phase will end soon - mama needs some sleep! The good news is that he is able to put himself to sleep now - no more rocking him for 20 minutes before getting him to sleep.

*He has a concentration face that shows he is definitely working something out. We love watching his wheels just turn and turn.

*He has already had 2 haircuts in 5 months; we are checking to see if that is some sort of record.

*He knows his name and will look around to find who is saying it.

*Jackson loves to snuggle and nestle right in the crook of our necks - my heart melts when he does this.

*Jackson schedule is getting pretty definite, up by 7am and down by 10pm - the in between is pretty much a blur, but those times are set ;)

*His hand/eye coordination just blows me away. He grabs at anything in his reach and puts it right into his mouth -we think he's the smartest baby alive.

*His newest sound? HIGH PITCH SCREECH. It's the voice of 1000 angels.

*Jackson is 100% a mamas boy.

Jackson's Santa Pics

Jackson was lucky enough this year to meet 3 Santa's; lucky little guy! Visiting Santa was a trip down memory lane, when my parents would get me, my brother and sister in our Sundays best to get our picture taken at Fredrick & Nelson's back in the 80's.....ahhhhh how I miss Fredrick & Nelson's. I've looked far and wide for a comparable Santa, but just couldn't find one that matched up. Looks like the Alderwood Mall Santa will have to do for Jackson and his future siblings.....

And yesterday, the Westin had their annual Employee's Children's Christmas Party. Since my mother-in-law Phyllis is an employee there, she was very proud to bring her grandbabies to the party. It's been YEARS since she has attended and I loved how she strutted around with a baby (either Jackson or Kea) in her arms the whole time. She is a very proud Nana!

Caution : Poop Ahead

Everyone tells me that the best brand of diapers on the market are Pampers - and thus far, we have NEVER had one blowout we couldn't handle. But, in an effort to save money, because I'm always looking for new ways to cut costs, I decided to try a non-name brand diaper. It was SIGNIFICANTLY cheaper and while I was strolling down the aisle at the store I thought, I mine as well try, so I can say I "tried".

Day one: Pee leaked out and soaked Jackson's onesie. Poor guy. But I wasn't convinced to give up just yet. The ultimate test was a poo.....which only occurs about every 3-4 days and they are MASSIVE.

So last night around 8pm, Jackson woke up HYSTERICALLY screaming. I figured he must of been hungry, so I immediately put him on the boob. Side one done and STILL hysterically crying (thinking he must be REALLY hungry), put him on the other boob. As I am nursing him I get a whiff of something foul, but I figured he just ripped one of his normal farts. Then I start rubbing his back......it felt like playdoh.......

I immediately pull him off, put him on the changing table and rip of his clothes only to find his entire body (yep, ENTIRE BODY - minus the arms) covered in his poo. I won't go into much more detail, or even show pictures of his RUINED clothes......here are the pics before I hosed him off in the bathtub.

Visit to Santa

Yesterday, Jackson got to meet Santa for the first time - well, it was actually Santa's messenger, Dave (Lincoln's dad). I was really nervous about Jackson meeting the man in the big red suit, especially with Shane gone on business and potentially having to comfort a scared baby after the sight of the jolly guy with the long white beard. But to my surprise, Jackson LOVED Santa! Santa handed Jackson candy cane after candy cane and Jackson continued to shove them into his mouth and break each one - strong little fella!

After the photos with Santa, the Manahan's asked me to snap some family Christmas card photos for them - I had SO much fun doing this! I didn't realize that I really enjoyed taking photos....might be something I look into more ;) I won't post those pics until after Leina & Lincoln decide on their Christmas card photos - but I have to say, they are one good looking family!!!!