Catching Up With Jack

Even though it's still so HOT outside, the calendar says it's Fall. So I thought I would take a few minutes to catch our faithful readers up on Jack's world. We have spent much of our time this summer at the library. Jack LOVES going to the library. He gets in there and sees so many of his favorite characters on the book covers and goes wild. Thankfully the other library patrons and staff are so kind and over look the excited, wild one year old running around. Jack always ends up bringing home several books. He loves to sit and read the books to himself. I wish I knew half of what he is saying when he reads and all of what he is thinking. His sweet, smart mind never takes a break.

I LOVE the library!!!

He has also gotten into puzzles this summer.

It takes him a second or two, but he always figures it out.

Wake Up Poppa!!

No sleeping when I'm ready to play!!

There have been days when he just

wasn't into mommy's photo sessions.

NO MORE PICTURES!!!

Grenada recently held a festival on the downtown square. My sister was staying with us that weekend, so we decided to check it out. Once the men and women started singing on the gazebo, it was all we could do to keep Jack from climbing up there with them. He loves to be "FRONT AND CENTER"!! That's our Jack.

Although it was sooooo hot, it was a very nice event.

They were handing out flags.

Jack still plays with his everyday.

I'm ready to go now.

Find me an air conditioner!!

We recently went to French Camp with my mom for lunch. I couldn't resist getting Jack's picture with the covered wagon. Although there really wasn't an official "seat" for him to sit on. We just had to make do.

Taking a few minutes to think things over.

I had to get a picture of this rare moment -

Jack being still!!

We've been cheering for the DAWGS!!!

Look at that face!!!

This is the point in the game against LSU

when Jack realized his cheering wasn't going to help.

Bless his heart, we knew the game against LSU was

going to be ugly, even before kick-off, but we encouraged him to keep

cheering, "Go Dawgs". He sounds so cute when he says it.

Plus John is quick to remind us that a Mississippi State education

is what puts the roof over our heads, so we keep cheering!!!

I also wanted to update all of you on my condition. As many of you know, I had surgery July 20. I posted about it in a post or two above this one, so if you don't know, you can go back and catch up. After my surgery, Dr. Kerr told me that I could not pick Jack up for two months!! Since John goes to work everyday, my parents came Monday thru Friday from 6:30am until 6:00pm to help take care of us. I am so happy to say we all survived and as of Monday, September 20, the ban has been lifted!! Monday was the first time in two months that I have been able to lift Jack out of his bed in the morning and put him down for his nap in the afternoon. Monday was the first time in two months that I have been able to pick him up and comfort him when he is upset. Monday is the first time in two months that I have been able to pick up my sweet boy, for no reason, and give him a big hug and kiss. It has been WONDERFUL!! We have not left the house. We have spent our time going for strolls, playing ball outside and snuggling!! Jack's big thing right now is playing on our bed, so we stack up a bunch of pillows, sit on the bed, sing, read, talk and just hangout. We have missed my parents and we really enjoyed having them with us, but this is really nice too!!! And I know my parents would have helped out another two months if I needed them, but I know they are glad to get their life back.

I am feeling great!! My neck has been a little sore and stiff at night this week. But Dr. Kerr told us to expect that for a while once I started lifting Jack. But thankfully no pain, and the soreness doesn't last long once I'm able to slow down. I really have nothing to complain about. I go back to the doctor October 11, for a check-up. Like Dr. Kerr said the day of my surgery, "By Christmas, this will all be a distant memory!!" I'm just amazed by this whole process. I know there are people among us with serious health issues, so having two disc replaced is nothing. Thank you for all of the sweet e-mails, cards and phone calls. They mean so much. God is so good everyday!!

Now, on to other HUGE news. Yesterday we started potty training. And I am so happy to announce that this morning, Jack tinkled in his potty!! We were so excited and Jack just stared in amazement. We had to run and call John at work to tell him the good news! Jack has been so good about going and sitting on his potty whenever we ask him to. He likes for someone to sit and talk to him while he's in there, but until this morning no action. I know this is a small step on a long road, but we are still so proud and excited.