Jackson : 18 months

18 months old - that's right, our son, Jackson, is 18 months old. I can't believe my last blog post about his updates was 6 months ago - it seems like yesterday! Where is the time going? Our little guy has changed SO much in the last 6 months - it's shocking. He is still the same loveable cutie pie, but he has also become quite the little "BOY". There is no question that Jackson like's trucks - his first word with meaning was "GUCK". And we had no clue what it meant.....until he started pointing to every single car/truck/atv surrounding him. 5 months later, and he still can't get "Tr" into the word - his new nickname is "Guckmeister".

Some other fun facts about our son:

* His vocabulary grows everyday. Some of his favorite words: Daddy, MaMa, Nana, Papa, Boo Boo, Bub, Marney (Barney), Kona, Nose, Eyes, Toes, Duck, GO, NO, all pau (all done in Hawaiian), baby, hi and bye (to name a few).

*He knows how to tell us he is hungry (in Hawaiian) and when he is all done eating (in Hawaiian).

*He loves Barney & Nemo.

*He can tell you where his and others hair, head, eyes, nose, belly button, arms, hands, legs, feet and toes are. He can't figure out ears yet.

*Completely switched to milk in a sippy cup and all table food.

*Can walk up the stairs without any support.

*Loves to climb anything - especially people.

*Knows that his baby sister is growing in my tummy.

*Super ticklish on his neck - When Daddy gets going tickling him, it's hands down the best sound.

*HATES having his diaper changed.

*Sleeps 12 hours straight almost every night.

*Chews on the inside of this mouth - just like his mama.

*Loves to get on and off the couch (by himself) probably does this 100 times a day.

*Should have been born outside - this kid LOVES being outside, no matter how cold it is.

*Very much enjoys wearing his daddy’s, grandpa’s and uncle’s shoes. Not women’s, just men’s.

*Loves being barefoot.

*Yells at other cars to “GO!” when they’re being slow- just like his Daddy

*Such a problem solver.  He has figured out how to climb over tables, open cabinets, and maneuver his way into places he’s not supposed to be.

*Loves to High-Five, give daps, and noggins.  He also loves Touchdown’s and will raise his arms over his head.

*Loves the Cat in the Hat, Sesame Street, Super Why, and Barney.

I have NO idea what the next 6 months will look like – but if it’s anything like the last, we are in for quite the adventure.  Jackson reminds us EVERY day how lucky we are to have him as our son.  He give such sweet kisses and snuggles – and is sure to give us that “kids eye view” of everything.  We love you Jackson.

Monthly Check-in (21-24)

Week 21                                            Week 22

Week 23                                         Week 24


What weeks? 21st-24th
Total weight gain: 18lbs (time to lay off the ice cream)
Baby Growth: From three-quarters of a pound and approximately 10 1/2 inches long to just over a pound and almost a foot long.
Maternity clothes?: Started out at 21 weeks still being able to get away with my pants unzipped and some maternity tops – but now it’s ALL maternity. Sad. But my very generous sister-in-law, Leina, let me borrow all of her maternity gear!!! 
Stretch marks?: Nope!
Sleep?: Really good. Don’t tell Malia this – but she’s not waking me up in the middle of the night to pee. 
Best moment this month?: Announcing to the WORLD that we are expecting a baby GIRL along with her name (Malia Christine).
Movement?: Ummmmm movement is an understatement!!! At one point last night I told Shane that it feels like Malia is using my bladder as a trampoline and doing toe-touches in my belly. This goes on ALL.DAY.LONG.
Food cravings?: Tillamook Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream. Honey crisp apples and Starbucks orange cranberry scones.
Labor signs?: No way!
Belly button in or out?: Flat
What I miss: Being able to put Jackson to bed every night. It’s getting harder and harder to slowly and gently lay him down in his crib. My belly just gets in the way.
What I'm looking forward to: Getting started on Malia’s nursery. I have so many ideas for what I want to do – I just have so much going on right now, I haven’t pulled the trigger yet. 
Weekly Wisdom: Workout during pregnancy!!!! Even if it’ a short walk everyday. Those pounds will catch up to you eventually.
Milestone: We’ve hit viability week!  This means that if Malia were to arrive today, she would have a successful chance at making it in this world!

Update on goal for 2011

Something I failed to leave out of my “Goal for 2011” was that a big part of this “goal” was due to the fact that I was “let go” from one of my part-time jobs.  At first I was quite embarrassed as I have never “failed” at a job before, but after letting it sink in for a month, I’ve realized that not only was it not really my fault, but it is a blessing in disguise.

When I first went back to work part-time in July, I was working for the older woman in Medina.  Then, her son (Chairman of the Space Needle) needed an assistant – so they looked to me to fill in my other 3 days to make it full time. After a 20 minute interview – I was offered the job. So far so good.  Well, I should have asked more questions, I should have found out more about the job and what it entailed, I should have known that I was way under qualified for the job.  Shoulda, coulda, woulda….

I won’t go into details, but at my 60-day review – it was agreed that this job was not a good fit. They asked me to stick around until they could find a replacement – and train the replacement (talk about awkward). And to keep me motivated, they would up my pay and give me a decent severance……that’s when the light bulb turned on.  After taking a hit to my pride, and a LONG talk with Shane – we decided this was actually a great opportunity to pay off all of our debt.  All of that “extra money” that I would be making during the time they were finding a replacement, we would use for debt. And so far –we have.

I am proud to report that since the Goal for 2011 post, we have already paid off  $4,576.58 in debt and we are only half-way there.  It’s bittersweet to make those payments – but once it’s done (and there is no turning back) it’s a HUGE weight off of our shoulders.

Although finances are VERY personal and confidential – I am so glad that I told family and friends what we are doing and posted on my blog about it – it has really kept me accountable.  I am very proud of what we have accomplished thus far and I can’t wait to make the post that all debt has been paid off. Stay tuned…..