three

Jackson is THREE today!  How did that happen?  He has been such a challenge, but at the same time, so. much. fun.  Jackson has a strong will, a lot of personality, and he's not afraid to show it.  He wants things done a certain way, and will loudly and defiantly express his displeasure if things aren't going the way he wants, no matter where we are.  I've had so many unpleasant experiences with him in public that I hardly bat an eye anymore.  For example, today we had to bring all four boys to the Post Office to apply for their passports.  Before we were going Logan asked if we had been there before.  He said something like, "You know, the place where to you talked to the guy and Jackson cried?" Me: "Ummmmm.....yeah, that's like every place I've been in public with him, I'm going to need a better description than that!"  And, can I just say that it is REALLY HARD to discipline consistently when managing a busy household?  Everything else doesn't just stop for a bit so that I can deal with one issue at a time.

But, Jackson can also be such a blast!  He still loves to talk (big surprise), and has an ever expanding vocabulary.  There are some words he doesn't pronounce correctly, and of course it's the cutest thing:
traptor = tractor
bana = banana
Miss Snephamie = Miss Stephanie (his Sunday School teacher)
brespes (or something like that) = breakfast
and a whole host more that I'm not thinking of right now.

Jackson is often quite friendly when we're out in public (if he's not mad and throwing a fit about something).  People love his smile and the twinkle in his eye - how could you not?!  He is doing so much better this school year than last.  Waking him up in the morning generally goes well (especially now that Mike's around when the boys get up), and if I have to wake him up in the afternoon (he hardly naps anymore) he's generally not a total beast.  Also, I'm actually able to help at some school things and have him along!  It is so wonderful to feel freer to help out with some things and not have to worry about finding a sitter all the time. 

Some things Jackson loves: his blue rain boots, almost any kind of dip for food (sour cream, guacamole, ranch, ketchup, mustard, and mayo...), forklifts, combines, being a stinker, and potty talk.  Yup.  We're having a harder time controlling that one with him than we have with the other boys. 

As usual, I know I'm forgetting things that I'd love to record and remember.  I LOVE seeing our boys grow up, but I hate forgetting all the cute little things they do when they're little!

I have plenty of other catching up to do on the blog, hopefully will have a chance for that soon...