Jackson's Blessing

Here is our happy family on Jackson's blessing day. Even though I didn't really have to do anything I was so nervous. I felt like I had been waiting for that day for forever and I just wanted everything to be perfect. And of course it was. Joel gave Jackson such a beautiful blessing, and the rest of the day was great. I will never forget it. We had about 30 people (family and friends) all come out for our big day. We were so glad that everyone could make it. After the blessing we invited everyone to our house for a little brunch. I wasn't sure we would all fit in our little house, but thank goodness for California weather, we were able to open the house and hang out on the patio too.

I feel horrible because I didn't get a picture with all the Wilsons that were there, but these are my wonderful in-laws. With all of my family out of state, we are lucky to have Joel's parents nearby. Marietta made most of the food for the party. I was so thankful that that was one less thing I had to worry about. Baby blessings are a lot of work!

Not only did my big bro from Utah come, but my two substitute big bros, Mike and Greg, also came with their families. It was so good to see them. They still tease me as if I was 15 but I love them. Sometimes when we get together I feel like I'm back in high school..only now we all have spouses and kids. Man, we're getting old!

I pretty much have the cutest neices in the world. Kennedy finally got to hold him at the party. Cassidee held him a lot but I didn't get a picture. She's like a little mama. And Sicily wouldn't stay still long enough for me to get a picture.

After everyone left Jackson just crashed. Parties are exhausting!

The Banks' come to Cali

I was so happy that my brother Joseph and his family could come to California to see Jackson get blessed. They have driven all the way from Utah twice in the last couple of months to be here with us. I love them so much.

They were all so excited about sunny weather in January that we decided to have a picnic for lunch. After eating the girls wanted to play with uncle Joel.

This is how Jackson enjoyed our picnic. The SoCal sun is nothing new for him.

Play Time

Jackson loves his activity gym thingy. It has a star that hangs upsidedown on it so that when he is laying underneath he can see it. When the arches that it hangs on move, it lights up and plays music. As soon as Jackson figured this out he started kicking the arches to make the star work. I'm pretty sure he's a genius!

When he does get it work he squeals with delight!!

Holiday Season

Of course Jackson had no idea what Christmas was but still he got more presents than any kid I know. I have always loved shopping for myself but now I love shopping for him even more! (and that is saying a lot) We can't wait for all the many Holidays to come and to watch him enjoy each one.

Coming home!

Jackson came home on November 20th after 2 1/2 wekks in the NICU. We were a little nervous but once we were all home everything was better than ever.

Life in the NICU

Having to leave my baby in the hospital was the hardest thing I have ever had to do. But we were so blessed to be at such a great hospital with the best doctors and nurses. We visited Jackson multiple times a day and called all hours of the night to check on him. We even got personalized baby training on how to give Jackson a bath, check his temperature, change diapers, burping, nursing, and any other question we could have possibly had. And being first time parents we had plenty. Everyone there loved Mr. President (as they called him) and we know that their wonderful care helped Jackson to come home sooner.

Jackson has arrived!!

Jackson has been full of surprises from the very beginning. We were very surprised to find out that we were having a boy after 8 months of planning for a girl! He surprised us again by joining our family 5 weeks early. I had to have an emergency c-section due to some pregnancy complications.

He was born on November 3,2008, weighing 5 pounds 12 ounces and measuring at 18 1/2 inches long. Because he was a little early he needed a little more time for his lungs to develop before he could come home, but our tough little guy got stronger every day and came home not too much later and before the NICU nurses thought he would! Joel and I were so excited to start our family and were so blessed to be entrusted with such a sweet little boy.