Sweet Home Chicago...Jackson's 1st Trip Home

WOW what an absolutely wonderful and overwhelming trip home. It had its good moments and its bad...but more good than bad. Started off a little rough with Justin blowing a tire and not being able to fly in for the weekend. Not so much fun for him that day! On Friday, Jackson got to meet his Auntie Dorothy and Erica and I was so glad to see them. I miss them so much and it's so hard being so far away from them! Then, on Saturday we had a get together with some of my high school buddies. It was so good to see everyone and show off my kid. I was so glad to get to catch up with them all and I wish we'd had more time. Next, was family day on Sunday. Jackson met almost every member of my Westfall clan. I think he may have been a little overwhelmed by everyone b/c he really hasn't been around that many people all at one before. He was just adorable and such a good boy, which he for the most part always is. His sleep schedule got completely messed up by the last few weeks of travel, but we'll get him back on track! The rest of the week went by too fast: Jackson got to meet Shannon, Caroline, and Meri. Also, got to hang out with my grandparents some more and got to see Harry Potter on Thursday with my cousin Stephanie. I had such a good time and it was so nice to be able to get out of the house. Jackson had a really good week in Illinois and I think he was mesmorized by all the things he could look at. It was like information overload for him :0) Overall, it was a nice trip home!

As far as Jackson goes, he's just getting so big so fast. I can't even begin to wrap my head around how different things are now. He's been sleeping through the night for a while now and he will usually sleep from between 9:30-10 p.m. to about 6:30 to 7:30 a.m. I finally got him sleeping a little longer by bundling him in his baby burrito and I've decided that's the best invention ever! As far as eating, he's taking about 5 bottles a day and eating about every 3 hours...thank goodness. He will nap, but never for very long and he fights sleep like no other. I just want to be like let yourself sleep little man...let yourself sleep. Before we left for vacation, he would nap in his swing, but now he won't nap long unless he's in your arms. This is both good and bad b/c it's great to cuddle, but I don't want him to not be able to sleep anywhere but in someone's arms. Jackson is getting to be one strong fart. He loves to stand up and look around and he's holding up his head better. He still hates tummy time, but we're working on it. He can see better and is smiling all the time now. I love his smile and love making him do it...now if only I could get more pictures of it.

I go back to work soon and I'm kinda looking forward to it. I've loved spending this time with Jackson, but I have to admit I get a little bored when I do the same things everyday. I'm looking forward to being able to get out of the house more and having some more adult interaction! BUT I will miss getting to hold him and cuddle him and feed him and love on him whenever I want. I will probably cry for awhile when I drop him off, but I have no choice right now. I also can't wait for Justin to be back home full time. It has been the worst ever with him being gone and I look forward to having him home. Only a few more weeks...

Well I guess I should get back to reality. I take Jackson for his shots on Monday all by myself and I'm not looking forward to it :0( So sad for my little man.

Here are a few pictures from our trip: