the blairs' blah blah: July 2011

Under Construction...Stay Tuned

Hello friends,
It's too late to be changing backgrounds to my blog. Stay tuned for a new look...just trying to find out what that new look might be. I haven't updated the blog in a while and blogger has added new features. I will get a little sleep and work on it this week.

Any tips?
Karen

Cars 2: Charlie's first movie (well, almost)!

Earlier this summer, Charlie's good buddy, JT, invited him to the movies for his birthday. The boys and JT's sister, Julia, watched Cars 2. All three kiddos (and their mamas) had a fun-filled afternoon. I am calling this Charlie's first movie, though Adam did take him to Madagascar when he was about 6 months old. This was the first "real" movie for him to see. He loved it, though I think he was disappointed that Lightning McQueen and Mater were not there in costume to greet us. When we pulled up to the theater, he said, "Mommy, I don't see Lightning yet." Well, we'll have to wait until Disney World one day, Buddy.

Birthday Boy

Dear Jackson,
Happy Birthday, Little Man. Daddy and I love you so much. You are such a joy to be around. When you were younger, you were very laid back and just an observer. You still observe before you dive into anything, but when you dive...you dive headfirst (literally). Lately, we have had to both be in the bathroom when you are bathing, as you will dive headfirst into a toy, the tub, or your big brother Charlie. You are going to be our little athlete, we think, as you will throw anything (food, balls, toys, etc.) with great aim. This weekend, Big Charlie remarked that you might be a pitcher. You are a great napper (unlike your big brother). When you are tired, you put your head to one side of your shoulder, and we know that you are ready. We put you in your bed and within minutes, you are snoozing away.

Jackson, we want you to love others like you do now and to love God with all of your heart, mind and soul. God has entrusted you to us, and we pray for you daily. Always love others first and put their needs in front of your own. Stay close to Charlie and to your other dear friends and family. Charlie and you have a special friendship. He makes you laugh like nobody else. You love waking up each morning and seeing Char Char in your room. I pray that you will stay close to him for a long time.

A lot has changed in a year when we were fearful that your little lungs were not quite ready for life. God has blessed you with a healthy first year (after a little slower start). Daddy and I are thankful for you and all of the joy that you have brought into our family.

We love you so much!
Mommy and Daddy

Silly Pics

July 4th Fun!

Lily Kate loves her Jackson. She is the best girl cousin in a world of all boy cousins. She is the best babysitter, and I wish she lived closer to us.

Price had a ton of fun with Jackson and Charlie.

A month makes a world of difference when you are three. During the Memorial Day weekend, Charlie screamed when we put him in the lake. After a few swimming lessons and some practice in the pool, he loved the lake. In fact, he didn't want to come in each afternoon. Jackson also loved the lake water, though I don't know if we got pictures.

Charlie had his first "tube" ride during this past July 4th weekend. Lily Kate and Price were there to help him on the "jet ski" tube. As you can see, Adam was proud of his boat boy.

Price loves a water gun and any toy for that matter. He is such a good cousin to his boy cousins.

Uncle Adam and the cousins swimming at the pier.

The birthday boy finally tuckered out on a long boat ride.
Aunt Priss held him and had the magic touch!

Happy 1st Birthday to "Jackie!"

On July 1st, this little guy turned one! We are so thankful that it was a happy day. Last year when he was born, he was in the NICU for 13 days, so we are glad he was feeling up to celebrate this year. For his actual birthday, we were at the lake with Adam's family. For his birthday breakfast, Adam bought him some powdered sugar donuts.

Yes, he enjoyed them.

Charlie was excited to celebrate with Jackson as well. He was ready for the cake and the singing.

As you will be able to tell in the next few pictures, he also really enjoyed his cake. The caterpillar is fitting, since this little guy is still army-crawling all around. This mama is enjoying the last few weeks/months of non-walking.