What a year!

I really wish I had started this blog a year ago! I can already tell that this website is going to become a great snapshot of our lives as I record all the new adventures that we experience as a family. Since I missed the first 15 months of Jackson's life, I thought I would go back and highlight some of the adventures of Year One!

July 25, 2007
7 lbs 8 oz
20.5 inches

Proud Mommy and Dad

Mimi and Pop-Pop with Jackson

Dad, Grammy, KD, and Jackson



August 2007
When Wesley and I were discussing names for our baby, we agreed on the boy name immediately. Wesley comes from a very close family. His best friend and role model in life is his dad, Jack. We knew we wanted our son to carry this strong name in honor of his dad.

For his middle name, we looked to my side of the family. I have always cherished my relationship with my Papa. I admire him so much as a husband, father, grandfather (and now great grandfather!) Though his name is Wilburn Carroll, those who really know him call him Drubby, a nickname he picked up from his older sister when he was a young boy. Though it is not your "normal" name, when we hear it, we are reminded of my Papa, a dedicated Christian that both Wesley and I truly love and admire.

Our prayer is that Jackson Drubby's character will reflect the two amazing men he was named after!


Jackson meets Drubby for the first time - August 30, 2007


September 2007
Road Trip! Jackson and I traveled solo to Knoxville to visit Grammy and meet Cousin Macey and Aunt Shannon. How fun!


October 2007
We went with Rocky, Ashley, and Camp Wyatt to a Pumpkin Patch. Jackson did so great all day!


November 2007
We celebrated Jackson's first Thanksgiving at Grammy and KD's in Knoxville. Everyone was there! Even Paw-Paw was able to celebrate with us!



On November 26, Jackson had his first taste of real food - yummy!



December 2007
Jackson's first Christmas was spent at Mimi and PopPop's in Nashville. Great Pop-Pop and Nanny were in Nashville too so we were able to celebrate with them!


This was the last time we would visit with Nanny as she passed away in April 2008.


January 2008
Jackson started becoming very active after the New Year! He started sitting up this month! He was so proud of his accomplishment!



February 2008
We started taking Jackson to Wednesday night Bible Class. He loved sitting up by his friends at the table!


March 2008
We celebrated Easter at home this year. Several families from church came over for Easter lunch. The cutest Easter Bunny ever even made an appearance at our house!



April 2008
Wesley traveled to India so Jackson and Mommy traveled to Mimi's! Jackson loved spending time with his cousins - Joshua, Caleb and Rebekah. Unfortunately, it is very hard to get a good picture of four little ones, but here is our attempt.



May 2008
Jackson started eating real food. His favorite - pizza! The night he first tried pizza, we also gave him ice cream and Mr. Pibb! He really enjoyed that night out :)




June 2008
The Teen Center won an award from Northside Hospital and we were invited to the Atlanta Zoo to accept the award. It was a hot but great day! Jackson decided to give the elephant statue his best "What are you looking at" face!




July 25, 2008
What a month! We first celebrated Jackson's birthday at the Bender's Family Vacation in early July, and then had another celebration at our home on the 26th. What a fabulous year of happiness we had to celebrate!

There is so much more I could include in this "Year in Review" - I didn't even include all that we have done since he turned one like his first week long stay at Mimi's (without Mommy and Dad!); our trip to Knoxville for a UT football game; our visit to the Children's museum in Chattanooga....

There are so many memories to cherish and so many more to look forward to as Jackson continues to grow! We are a blessed family!