Sittin on the Couch

Jackson can now sit up with some support so sometimes he likes to sit on the couch and play with his toys or just watch TV. He will just ignore me and stare at the TV, such a typical boy!

I have no idea what he is doing in the picture but I think it is hilarious! I think it is one for his high school yearbook for sure!

Crooked Smiles and Mommy Toes

Like every other American teenager I had to take biology in high school and college. In those classes we learned about genetics and how there are dominate and recessive genes. When Joel and I found out we were going to have a baby we would have bet the farm that he would look exactly like me...I mean, I have every dominate feature that you could possibly think of. So we were both very surprised how much Jackson looks like his daddy. Almost exactly like his daddy, especially the eyes. I wanted to go back and tell my biology teachers that they didn't know what they were talking about.
Well even though everyone sees Joel in Jackson there is some Darci in him too. For example his hands and feet. He has the classic long skinny Banks toes. I had to take this picture to prove that I am really his mom! See how we even both have our big toes lifted, this was not planned, I didn't notice it until a few days later. I've also noticed lately that Jackson has my mom's crooked smile. I absolutely love his little crooked smile and how it reminds me of my mom. There are also a lot of my personality traits that are surfacing in Jackson, like the fact that he isn't 100% happy when he first wakes up. He needs a little extra time in the morning and after naps.
Bottom line...it is so much fun to see both Joel and me in this little baby. It is such a little miracle how it all works!

By the way, As you can see I am WAY overdue for a pedicure! I guess having children changes priorities. Don't worry though, I won't have ugly feet for too much longer. After seeing this picture I am making a point to go get one this week!

We Have Corrupted Him Already!

I am very aware that it makes me sound old but, I LOVE JEOPARDY!Especially teen week when I can actually answer some of the questions. We watch it almost every night. This particular night I was in the kitchen making dinner and came out to see Jackson watching. I think it is the first time he has even noticed the TV. But hey, I guess there are worse things he could be watching. We moved his swing so that he didn't have to strain his neck to watch. Maybe his first words will be in the form of a question!
Don't worry he hasn't been too corrupted. He had no interest in Wheel of Fortune......YET!

3 years down...eternity to go!

Today is our 3 year anniversary. On one hand it seems like the last 3 years have just flown by, and on the other hand it seems like we have been together forever. Either way the last 3 years have been awesome. Here is a quick recap of "Joel and Darci".

2005- Met in the singles ward in Claremont.
I went to one of his concerts at the high school where he teaches. I was very impressed.
I told Joel "I think I'm going to marry you!"
Most guys would have run screaming, but without missing a beat he replied "I'm free on Saturday!"
He asked me out for our first date right after that.
We dated from M arch-September
Got engaged in September.
Bought a house in October. I moved in.
Planned a wedding.

2006- Married 2/11 in the Redlands, California Temple
Joel moved in.

2007- Married =)

2008- Married =)
Jackson born 11/3

2009- Living happily ever after



A couple of my favorite wedding pics.






And here we are today. Happy as can be!




I really love my husband and my life with him. I am so lucky to have him. Everyone who knows him just adores him and he really is my best friend. Since it is our 3rd year anniversary, here are just 3 of the many reasons I love my Joel.

1. He makes me laugh every single day. I mean it, there has not been a single day since we started dating when he hasn't made me laugh. He is the funniest person I know.
2. His testimony. He has such awesome faith and is such a good example to me and for Jackson. He truly makes me want to be a better person to be worthy of him.
3. He does everything in his power to make me happy. He is always thoughtful and considerate and puts up with my sometimes difficultness. What more could a girl want!

He really is the best!! And we are genuinely happy. And I know that this is just the beginning. I look forward to every day and more happiness to come.

Thanks Chelsi

So apparently, having a blog has made me a member of the "Blogger Family". There are some wonderful people in this family. Like Chelsi. She is my sister-in-law's friend, who I've never even met, but she made me the new header for my blog. She is so awesome to do that for me. See...there still are plenty of nice people in the world.

Parenting Preemies

Every Tuesday Jackson and I go to a Preemie class that is sponsered by the hospital. Different nurses come and talk about things to expect and not expect with a premature baby. Sometimes I wonder why we even go at all. He is doing so great, and often the topics and concerns don't even apply to him. But there is a free lunch and I'm always up for that!! Even the other moms there say that he doesn't even seem like a preemie. This day Jackson was smiling and talking to me and everyone was loving it. I think I need to get a faster camera though, I always seem to miss that perfect smile.


Darci: Who do you love the most?
Jackson: MOMMY!!
(I know that is what he is saying)

Life at Home

I have been off of work since Jackson was born and don't have to go back until mid-March. I am loving every minute of being home with him. Since sometimes I get a little bored we starting going for walks every day as long as the weather is nice. This day it was just a little cold so I bundled him up and out we went. This is what he looked like at the end of the walk. I just love this picture!