Friday August 31, 2012

Dear Jackson,

Today we had to make the most of this cold and rainy day.  We were supposed to go to a cheese market with Liam and Jessica but plans changed due to the weather.  We made the most of it though and had a great day inside together.

You and I finger painting

You played and played with your cars a majority of the day, driving them on the couches, tables chairs and everywhere else you could.  Then I decided we should do a little something to brighten up this gray day.  We finger painted!  I cut up a couple sponges into different shapes for us to use.  You thought it was really fun to smear the paint all over the paper and yourself a little bit too!  I'm not sure which you liked more, painting or playing in the sink after it was all over with.

So happy to be painting

Time to get cleaned up!

The finished product

Tonight you all of a sudden had a terrible diaper rash, you screamed and screamed while I changed your diaper and again before we put you to bed. It broke my heart, I have never seen you scream so much.  My poor baby!  I'm hoping tomorrow it is all better!

Love,
Mom

Thursday August 30, 2012

Dear Jackson,

Today we had your friends Abby and Liam over for a play date.  You all had a great time playing together.  You and Liam played peek a boo by the coffee table.  It was so cute, you were both giggling away.

We found out that Abby is going to have a baby brother or sister in March.  It seems like there are going to be lots of babies around us in the next year or so. 

Tonight you played peek a boo with Daddy on the couch and were laughing really hard at him! It was a fun day!

Love,
Mom

Thursday August 29, 2012

Dear Jackson,

Today we went to the gym and you got to play while I did a quick run.  You were the only one there so the day care lady took you outside.  She helped you pick some wild flowers for me, it was so sweet.  You were excited to give them to me :)

After we got cleaned up, we went to meet Liam and Jessica and an indoor playground in Eindhoven.  You guys played for a couple of hours.  I think your favorite part was the car you can ride on and a little fire truck you can ride on. 

Playing in the car

Taking Liam for a ride in the car

Playing on the fire truck

Tonight you played with Daddy outside all night.  You were happy to have him home tonight!

Love,


Mom

Tuesday August 28, 2012

Dear Jackson,

Today we went to Daisy's house (your daddy's boss' house).  We played there for a few hours and then came home.  You still are not feeling the best, so sad to see.  You are coughing and still have a really runny nose.

Tonight Daddy had a work dinner so you got to talk to him on the phone because he wouldn't be home before you went to bed.  You thought that was really neat and were jabbering away like you were telling him about your day.  It was adorable!

You have been super tired tonight and kept getting upset at the smallest things, this is how I know you are not feeling well!  My poor little man!  Hopefully you will be all back to normal tomorrow!

Love,
Mom

Monday August 27, 2012

Dear Jackson,

What a great weekend you had!  You got to go to the John Deere dealer and had SO much fun!  You were so excited for the tractors.  We stayed and let you climb on and off the tractors for about an hour and then you were so upset that you had to leave.  Luckily we had gotten you a new toy tractor for the drive home as well as a bunch of brochures so you were happy the whole way home.  It really is amazing at how much you love tractors!

Today you were not feeling very well, you had a runny nose and sounded like you were congested at the same time.  All you wanted to do was cuddle with me and watch tractor videos on the computer.  You also really wanted me to take your picture and then show you what it looked like.  Here are a few of them.

Frowning at your mom

Almost smiling for the camera

Give me the camera!

Love,
 
Mom

Sunday August 26, 2012

Dear Jackson,

It was a pretty quite day. We were all really tired from spending the night with your buddy Liam and his parents. It was also very rainy out today so we barely left the house.

We did have lots of fun playing with your new toy tractor that you got yesterday. You hardly put it down! You even sat on it and rode it around. It made Dad really proud :-)

Another great weekend with lots of memories!

Love,
Dad

Friday August 24, 2012

Dear Jackson,

Tonight you really wanted to put on a pair of wooden shoes we had bought when you were just a couple months old.  They were just a little bit too small but you had fun stuffing your feet into them and walking around.  It sort of looked like you were wearing high heels.  

While we were reading books tonight we read a book with pictures of Grandma and Grandpa Fausch.  You said both Grandma and Grandpa it was great!  You really pick up on things so quickly!  They will be so happy to hear that :) They all miss you so much!

Love,
Mom

Thursday August 23, 2012

Dear Jackson,

Today we had the baby group over to our house.  There were about 30 people, 12 moms and 18 kids. It was a little bit chaotic but over all great!  You got to see all of your friends and played with them for 4 hours straight.  You seemed to be having an amazing time playing with all your toys and did a great job sharing with your friends.

Sharing your toys with CoCo

Playing with Mason on the slide

Waiting your turn for the slide

You have really taken to the babies and are just so sweet to them. You really loved Hattie today and tried to even rock her while she was in her car seat, everyone keeps joking that we need to have another baby for you :) Hopefully that day comes soon!  I think you will make a great big brother.  Right now though we really are enjoying our time with you by yourself.  You are such a sweet boy and we love every minute we get to spend with you!

Rocking baby Hattie to sleep, so sweet!

What a great day we had today, let's hope you sleep in tomorrow morning!  Mommy's tired!!!

Love,

Mom

Wednesday August 22, 2012

Dear Jackson,

Today we spent most of the day getting ready the baby group to come over tomorrow. I made lots of food for the big day and you played a lot in the kitchen with me. 

This afternoon we played bumper cars with your 2 little ride on cars. You thought it was really funny to see me try and fit on the car and laughed so much when we would "bump".  You kept saying again!

Tonight Daddy brought a new tractor brochure home from work which of course you loved. We took a video of you saying tractor probably 30 times.  We put it on facebook so your family could see it.  Everyone loves to be able to see you even when you're so far away from them. 

You got to have a cookie tonight and you kept calling it a cracker.  When it was gone you wanted more! Cracker, cracker, cracker :)

Now you're off to bed resting up for a big day tomorrow.

Love,
Mom

Tuesday August 21, 2012

Dear Jackson,

Today we went to De Splinter Park in Eindhoven to meet Liam and Jessica.  You had a quick cat nap on the way to park and were off and running when we got there!!! You not once stopped moving the entire time :)  You're quite the busy boy, it keeps me on my toes and I love chasing after you!  You love it when I do too!! You laugh and laugh.

Today at the park we got to see the birds and they also have a petting zoo with sheep, goats, donkeys, and a bunch of chickens.  You fed the goats leaves, you kept laughing each time they would take a leaf out of your hand :)  You also said neigh at the donkeys and baaa at the sheep! You chased around a chicken saying cock-a!  You really are learning your animal sounds.

You and Liam looking at the sheep

Feeding the goats

You also climbed up a BIG slide all on your own, it made me so nervous, but you did great! You are getting to be so big already.  You don't even need my help any more.  You also played with the big block which you always love.  It is fun to see you and Liam play together, you really like each other.  You wave back and forth and smile at each other!  I'm so glad you have a friend that is so close to you age here!

Playing with the blocks

What a big slide!

You and Liam playing at the playground!

Love, 


Mom

Monday August 20, 2012

Dear Jackson,

Today was another hot day, so we played outside in the pool again! You never seem to get sick of it!  This week is a busy week for us, tomorrow we are going to meet Liam at the park, and then Thursday we have the baby group at our house.  There is supposed to be 32 people coming.  We are hoping for good weather so that we can all be outside! 

Yesterday, Daddy and I taught you to cheers your drinks with us! You had such a great time that you even wanted to cheers with your banana.

Tonight you were so excited for daddy to get home from work, you ran over to the window and yelled DADA :) he loves that.  Immediately you both get huge smiles on your faces and it makes me so happy to see you two!  What a great little family we have. 

Tonight you got into your blocks box and daddy carried you around.  Every time he would stop you would say, gan, again, gain! 

Daddy carrying you around in the box

I love being able to have quiet fun days at home with you. I feel so lucky to be your mom!

Love,
Mom

Sunday August 19, 2012

Dear Jackson,


Wow, what a day! It was so hot today! We are just not use this heat and not having A/C. But we made the best of it and had a great Sunday.

This morning before it got too hot I mowed the lawn and you watched me the whole time. It made me feel good, someday when you get older I can teach you how to mow. Can't wait!

After a nice long nap we all went to your friend Liam's 1st birthday party. Liam was having an airplane themed party so everything was all about planes. You and I even painted a toy plane together. You gave Liam a ride-able airplane toy, you both thought it was pretty cool.

Opening Liam's Airplane!

Tonight we tried our best to stay cool by all playing out in the pool in the backyard. You thought is was so much fun to have the flower waterer sprayed on you. It was almost like you were taking a shower. I bet it felt great!

Playing with the waterer

Loving it!

Another great weekend in the books, I can't imagine life without you and Mom in it. Makes everything all worth it. Sweet dreams tonight :-)

Love,
Dad

Saturday August 18, 2012

Dear Jackson,

What a day! So many things to talk about; your Grandpa Fausch turned 66 today, it was extremely hot in Holland, we found out you will be getting a new cousin, and we had so much fun playing in the backyard!

It was so hot in Holland today, almost 90 degrees. So we decided to get the pool out, we had so much fun playing and staying cool. Mom also made some pop-sickles that helped to keep you cool. You loved them!

Pop-sickles!

While at the store today Mom picked up some chalk to color on the patio. We made all sorts of fun art! As expected your favorite drawing was of a tractor.

Chalk on the patio!

You favorite; a tractor

We also skyped with Grandpa on his birthday. He was so excited to see you! Uncle Adam, Aunt Rachel, Charlie, and Ellie were there and they let us know they were having another baby! The baby is due approximately April 11th. This is great news because we should be home before it comes. We are so excited for them and it will be great for our family as all the kids will be close in age and be able to grow up together.

Family pic in the pool

Can't wait for tomorrow!

Love,
Dad

Friday August 17, 2012

Dear Jackson,

We are still having the best weather in the Netherlands. It had been in the upper 70's and low 80's all week and this weekend it is supposed to be in the 90's.  A little too hot when you don't have air conditioning but we are enjoying the time outdoors and no rain!  Daddy is even watering the grass here because it has been so dry. 

Today you and I went to the park with the Coffeys, the Custers, and the Madsons.  You played with Liam, CoCo, and Abby and splashed around in the pool there.  You and Liam even had on almost matching shorts! There was a peacock at the park that you were fascinated with and it yelped once when you got close to it and you jumped.  You were scared just for a second and then thought it was funny!

Watching all the kids play at the pool

Liam and you at the pool with your matching board shorts

You have been tired all day and grumpy but had a huge afternoon nap! Tonight you were so tired that you even sat on my lap to snuggle while we read books before bed!  That is my favorite time of the day when you want to snuggle with me!  It doesn't happen very often but I will take it every chance I get!!

Love,

Mom

Thursday August 16, 2012

Dear Jackson,

Tonight you were such a big eater!! You had 4 chicken nuggets and then you got to have your very first ice cream cone!  You loved it. It was the world's slowest eating of an ice cream cone, but you really enjoyed it and only made a small mess.  You ran around the yard with it and had a great time with daddy and I tonight.  We love to do all these fun firsts with you.

Eating ice cream with Daddy

Love,

Mom

Wednesday August 15, 2012

Dear Jackson,

Today we had a busy day that started out with you getting up at 6 am.  That was way to early for the day but we managed anyway! First we went over to Liam's house to have blueberry and chocolate chip pancakes for Liam's birthday breakfast.  You ate the pancakes alone but would not eat the chocolate chips and wanted the blueberries on the side.

Next we took the same drive as Sunday and went to the beach near the Hague.  It is only an hour and a half and both you and Liam slept until we were almost there.  The last ten minutes we sang every song Jessica and I could think of because there was a lot of traffic and both you and Liam were ready to play at the beach!!

When we got there we had a quick picnic lunch where the birds kept trying to get our food!!! They were everywhere and kept getting closer and closer.  You and Liam really liked them but I did not!! After lunch we went down to the beach and played in the sand for a few minutes and then it was time for the water.  There were lots of waves like last time and you thought they were so much fun to splash in.  It is very cute to see you try and step over the water as it comes at you.  The waves are just your height so not too deep.  We went back and forth between the water and the sand so no one got cold and you both seemed to have blast! 

The ride home you both fell asleep again!  We had such a great day!! It was fun to celebrate your friend's birthday! I'm sorry I forgot out camera at home!

Love,
Mom

Tuesday August 14, 2012

Dear Jackson,

Tonight Daddy brought home a brochure called the John Deere Journal. You couldn't get enough of it, you kept opening up the pages saying tractor over and over!  Tonight you were saying all of the animal noises like moo, baaa, neee, and something like cock a doodle doo. 

We had traditional dutch pancakes for dinner which you ate pretty well!  They are always fun to have but you didn't like the syrup!

Tomorrow we are going back to the ocean to celebrate Liam's first birthday!

Love
Mom

Monday August 13, 2012

Dear Jackson,

Today you and I stayed at home all day.  Mom cleaned the house and got caught up on some laundry after our busy weekend.  You got up a little later today and we got back into our old routine of going to the gym, and walking the dog in the morning.  You really like the babysitter at the gym, and were happy to see her.

We watched some animated videos of tractors online which you loved!  Everytime we go to the computer now, you say tractor! Tonight you were pretty tired from only having one nap and while we were getting you ready for bed a big pigeon crashed into the sliding glass door.  It was so loud we heard it upstairs and Grace started barking a lot!

Otherwise just a nice relaxing day at home!

Love,
Mom

Sunday August 12, 2012

Dear Jackson,

Today was great day! Because the weather was going to be so nice (almost 80) we decided to go to the Ocean! During your morning nap we drove to the Hague which was about an hour and half away. It turned out to be a really nice beach with lots to do and see.

Family picture on the beach

The bungy jump area on the pier

View looking back at the beach from the pier

The water was a little cold but you loved playing in it. Mom and you went out into the ocean and everytime an wave would hit you laughed and laughed! You didn't want to get out but we had to because you were getting so cold.

Then we went back and played in the sand for awhile and then walked down the board walk to the Pier. The Pier had lots of shops and a restaurant and a place to Bungee jump. There were so many people at the beach! On the walk back you and I got a vanilla shake which you spilled all over yourself. On the drive home, you were so tired out that you slept almost the whole way.

Tonight we "skyped" with Grandpa and Grandma Hoshaw and when you saw him you said "papa!" That was great timing!

It was another great weekend with you and it is so much fun to play and do things with you.

Love,
Dad

Saturday August 11, 2012

Dear,

You and I got up early this morning and tried to let Mom sleep. You had some crazy hair when you woke up! Looked really funny standing up in the front.

Crazy Hair!

It was a pretty quite day other then we had you friend Liam and his parents over for supper. We also said good-bye to Murphy (or "Mur" as you like to say). He went home to his family after 10 days with us. You liked him so much and thought he was so funny when he first got here. But we are ready to get back to just one dog!

Bye-bye Murphy

We're planning a big day tomorrow, we're off to the Hague. The political capital of the Netherlands. It is also on the ocean so if it warm enough we will all go to the beach. You can play in a BIG sand box!

Love,
Dad

Friday August 10, 2012

Dear Jackson,

Today you and I went to the park in Eindhoven again.  We are taking advantage of the weather being in the 70s for as long as we can!   It has been so nice!  Tomorrow your friend Liam gets back from the U.S. and they are picking up their dog Murphy, so you will get to play with Liam and we will all have dinner together.

You and I have been working on saying I Love You.  I say I, then you say I, then Love, and you go aaaaa, and then I say you and you say uw! It's really cute!  It might be your first sentence!

I'm really looking forward to the weekend having daddy home with us!!!

Love you,
Mom

Thursday August 9, 2012

Dear Jackson,

I heard you slept in this morning until 7:45, you must have been tired! I was glad to hear that you and Mom slept in but I was sad not to see you. I also heard you had a great day at the kids play day at Kelly's. They have a big back yard with lots of toys and played with all of your friends.

Playing with Flo

Playing with Frida

Grandpa and Grandma sent you some presents today; a Cars Lightning McQueen Car, Elmo book, and a couple of outfits. You really enjoyed playing with the car and book.

Showing off your new car

Tonight was a special night for you and me because Mom went out for supper with her friends so we got to play together. We played outside and with all of your toys. You really enjoyed sitting on my stomach and bouncing while I was laying down. I also got to give you a bath and put you to bed. You did a great job reading books before bed time. You really enjoyed reading Polar Bear, Polar Bear tonight, you kept asking to read it again... "ga!, ga!, ga!"

Love,
 
Dad

Wednesday August 8, 2012

Dear Jackson,

Today you and I went over to the Driest house for the afternoon.  You got to play with William and Isabella.  William got out all of his cars and tractors which you loved! You were running around showing me all the tractors and just kept saying tractor on repeat!!

You also got to see the youngest Driest, Sophia, she is 4 months old next week and you thought she was pretty neat.  You kept saying baby and wanted to touch her.  You weren't even jealous that mommy was holding her.  I think you would like to have a little brother or sister soon!! You would love to have a little playmate all the time!

Love,
Mom

Tuesday August 7, 2012

Dear Jackson,

Yesterday and today we hung out at home together. Most of your friends are all on vacations but will be home at the end of the week.  So we have been trying to do some fun things at home.

Today we made a picture out of torn paper and glue!  You really liked the glue the best and just wanted to put the container in your mouth!



The picture we made

We also got a new car seat in the mail today and you got to play with the big box.  You climbed in it, put your cars in it, and bounced on top of it!  What a great toy :)

Playing in the carseat

Crawling in the box to get your tractor

You played in the sink today too while I got our dinner ready.  That might be your favorite thing to do right now.  You love to pull the chair over to the counter. 

Some new things you started to say are blue and purple.  You are saying neeee for the horse and baaa for the sheep.  You have also been scrunching up your nose for the big and say mooo for the cow!!!

Love,

Mom

Sunday August 5, 2012

Dear Jackson,

Today was another great day for all of us to be at home together!! The weekends are so nice when we can be together!  I think you're happiest when we are all home or doing something together!

Today we went back to the park in Helmond.  On the way it started to rain but we decided to chance it anyways. We lucked out and it only got a little windy for a little bit. You had a lot of fun again here at this park and finally I brought the camera along.

Watching the big kids play, smiling :)

Hi guys!

Building with the blocks at the park with daddy

Cool dude in the car on the way home from the park

You have really started to eat a lot lately and are always wanting to snack on something.  Tonight you kept pulling the chairs over to the sink and wanted to play in the water. You got so mad when we wouldn't let you play in their all night!

You have started to pick up on all kinds of things and are saying more words each day!  Today you said cracker, and Papa. When I ask you where things are in the book you point them out correctly almost every time. You are so smart, love watching you learn new things all the time!

Love,



Mom