Nashville: Day Five

Jackson didn’t sleep well last night. That cough just seems to be getting worse. I was really worried about him so I (again) changed plans. We were supposed to head to Susan’s to watch the kids but instead she brought them over to Mom’s while she went to the doctor. Jackson seemed to perk up after playing with Rebekah, Caleb and Joshua so after Susan’s appointment, we all headed to Cool Springs to take “Cousin Pictures!”

This is the fourth time we have taken all four for pictures. I keep thinking it will get easier – so far, that hasn’t happened! We were able to get a few really cute pictures though!

After the photo session, we went to the food court for lunch where we noticed Caleb’s eye was not looking so great. Susan left the mall and headed for the doctor – Pink Eye! Yuck :( So far none of the other kids have had any symptoms of an eye infection but Jackson’s cough still is lingering. It isn’t getting any better, and I am starting to think it is time to head to the doctor.

Nashville: Day Four

Jackson woke up in a better mood this morning. He didn’t have a fever but we decided to take it easy anyways. Instead of a play date, we just went out to lunch my friend Laura and her son, Ford. Thanks to Williamson County Spring Break, we joined dozens of other youngsters at the Brentwood Chick-fil-a for lunch.

Though our lunch was short, we were able to catch up. It is always great to see Laura and Ford. Hopefully next time, Ford and Jackson will be able to play!

Laura and Ford

Tonight, Susan, Emily, and I took my mom out for a belated Birthday Dinner. Mom wanted to go to McAllister’s. The restaurant was not crowded we we were able to have a great dinner and talk. After dinner, Susan and Emily came over to watch Marley and Me with me. Unfortunately, Jackson’s cough worsened and I had to take care of him instead. We postponed our movie watching until later.

Nashville: Day Three

Today didn't start off so hot.

Jackson was up last night from 10:30 to 2:30. When I finally got him to settle down, he only slept until 8. I took his temp and he had a low grade fever. We cancelled our morning plans with Erin (and Elizabeth) and Pauline (and Rachel), and by 9:00, Jackson was back upstairs for a morning nap. Two and a half hours later, he woke up for lunch. Shortly after lunch, he was back in bed for another two hours. Needless to say, he was one tired little boy!

His fever broke this morning, but it was back up again before dinner. I thought the fever might have to do with teething, but he is coughing a lot. If tomorrow starts out like today, we will be heading to the doctor in the morning.

Though his little illness put a damper in our morning plans, it didn't hinder our evening! Net, Drubby, and Uncle Melvin came over to play. They were all going to help my mom watch Jackson while I went out to dinner with Ashley. It was great seeing them for a few minutes until I headed out to meet Ash.

We changed our original plans to meet up in Green Hills so I could be closer to home in case Jackson got worse. We tried a little Mexican place up the street from my parents. It was quiet which was nice and the food was pretty good as well.

I had a wonderful time with Ashley. We talked wedding, jobs, family, friends and old times - My favorite topics! I love being with her and miss nights like this so much! I am glad we made time to spend some quality time together! Next time we see each other we will be heading to the beach for her bachelorette party – Whoo Hoo!

I promised my mom I would be home by 8 to get Jackson to bed. I was so surprised to see that Net and Drubby had stayed the entire evening. Evidently, Jackson and Drubby entertained each other all night long!

Big D and Little D (and Tigger!)

Playing blocks

Old friends deep in conversation


I just finished giving Jackson a bath and putting him down to bed. He's still coughing, but hopefully, he will be able to get a good night sleep and wake up better than ever tomorrow!

Nashville: Day Two

The beginning of Day Two came early this morning. Jackson woke up around 6, and I let him play in his crib for while. My dad must have heard him playing and came in and got him so I could sleep a little longer! Thanks, Dad!

As I was catching a few extra Zs, my mom and dad fed Jackson and got him all ready for church. Since it was in the 70s today, he was able to wear the new shorts that my mom made for him. Aren't they cute!

Church was great. It is always nice going back to my "old" church and seeing everyone. I love catching up with people, and letting all my mom's friends see Jackson. He has figured out how to flirt in church :)

This afternoon was party time! Erin, Erin, Shannon and I threw a bridal shower for Ashley at Erin's new house. It was so much fun. Erin did a great job hosting. Everything looked beautiful and it was a fabulous afternoon celebrating Ashley.

My sister Susan made the cake for the shower.

She started taking cake decorating classes earlier in the year and is doing a great job.

The beautiful bride-to-be and her mom, Julia

Shannon, Erin , Ashley, Leanne, and Erin

So we haven't taken a picture like this since the Mother/Daughter Tea at High School graduation.

Since all of our mothers were at the shower to celebrate we got this great picture.

After the shower festivities, Emily came over to watch the ACM awards with me. The first number was a collaboration of a few different singers: Sugarland, Carrie Underwood, Brook and Dunn. Jackson loved that and showed off a few of his signature dance moves for everyone.

I really enjoyed watching the awards with Emily and my mom. They both appreciate country music so had fun talking about all the artists and songs!

Jackson grooving to the music!

Jackson loved dancing with his Aunt Emmie

Even though Wesley is miles away, he still has Internet. Jackson wanted to play with the camera last night so we took this picture of the two of us for Daddy.

We love you and miss you!

Nashville: Day One

Once the final dates were set for Wesley's India trip, I decided that Jackson and I needed to take a trip to Mimi's!

We got Wesley off on Thursday, and yesterday we took off. After a brief stop in Chattanooga - Thank you to my brother-in-law and sister in-law for watching Flash again for us - we arrived in Nashville around dinner time. We had a nice relaxing dinner and prepared for the week ahead. Since it has been awhile since Jackson and I have been up here, we have a busy week scheduled with play dates, dinners/lunches with friends, and major family time!

We started off our jam-packed week bright and early today with an Easter Egg hunt at my parents' church. Susan and her family joined us as well. It really was a great time.

Mommy and Jackson at Hillsboro's Egg Hunt

Before the hunt, all the kids played around on the playground.

I have mentioned this before, but Rebekah is not one for the smiles :-) Here she is enjoying herself on the playground.

Jackson found the fun slide!

Around 11, they started the hunt. It was great because there was a special area designated for those 2 and under. The big kids were kept out so the little ones could take their time figuring out what was going on. It didn't take long for Rebekah to figure out there was something special in each egg!

While she was going to town on some chocolate, Jackson enjoyed the hunt.

After the hunt, Susan and Tim left Joshua, Caleb, and Rebekah to stay the afternoon with us! It was so fun! Jackson and Rebekah became big buds! Here they are strolling to the car together. How precious!

We were headed off to Costco where they enjoyed some time with Mimi!

After Costco, all four kids played outside.

Here's Jackson helping Rebekah up the hill

Look how big Joshua and Caleb are! They had so much fun outside with Pop-Pop!

It was a fun day, but boy, am I tired...and it's only day one!!

Wesley goes to India

Almost three years ago, Wesley traveled with a group from our church to India. Grace Chapel supports a family in the Ongoul region who runs an orphanage from their home. In 2007, he took his first trip over to see this ministry firsthand. He returned again last year, and Thursday, he left again for a week.

Wesley has such a passion for the work going on over there. It is not an easy trip for many reasons: the travel time to this section of India is about 36 hours; the culture is so different from the US; and the language barrier is great. Even so, he loves his time over there!

He arrived safely at the orphanage on Saturday morning (Friday night our time). I have talked to him a few times and the group is doing great. So far, four of the children in the home have been baptized!

They are keeping a blog for the trip. Take a peek and if you have time, leave a comment. I know they would appreciate hearing from people back home and I know they would love your continued prayers as well!

http://web.me.com/wesleybender

It's Official...

Jackson is an official ISR swimmer! And he has the trophy to prove it!

After six weeks of lessons, Jackson graduated from ISR today and I am SO PROUD! In fact, I don't think I have ever been this proud of anyone in my life.

To graduate from the ISR program, the student has to be able to perform the float-swim-float sequence while in a bathing suit, summer clothes, and winter clothes. It was amazing to watch as he instinctively knew what to do even when weighted down by 10+ pounds of wet clothes.

Now that the lessons are over, I can really reflect on how much he has accomplished. The first day he was in the water was so difficult for him and me. I watched as he became disoriented because he had no idea what to do in the water. Today, I watched as his instructor simulated a fall into the water and he automatically came to the surface and flipped over to a float. Incredible!

Just so you can have a glimpse into what he experienced the past 6 weeks, I thought I would share some pictures from his testing days.

Jackson and his fabulous teacher, Kim. Though Jackson wasn't a fan of Mrs. Kim in the water, he loved her outside the water! She was so wonderful and patient with Jackson. We will both adore her and will miss seeing her on a daily basis.

This is Skylar. Her lessons were right before Jackson's so we saw her everyday. Yesterday, when Jackson came in, Skylar came up and gave him a hug. I guess she knew he was about to test-out!

Summer Clothes Day

Though there were tons of toys by the pool, Jackson wanted to bring in his books. Here he is with a Tigger book and the story of Moses.

The facial expression seen here was what he always looked like before entering the pool. He was not a fan of the "pre-lesson" time!

Jackson is floating by himself in his Summer clothes (shirt, shorts, shoes, socks and a regular diaper)

After the lesson, Jackson was always in a better mood. Usually though, he wasn't this happy. I asked Kim why she thought he was extremely happy this day. She said it was because even he knew what he had accomplished. He was proud of himself!

Winter Clothes Day

Again, Jackson was uneasy prior to the lesson. I guess I would be too if I realized that I was going in the water with my coat on :)

Look at him float!! He did so great and when we stripped the wet, winter clothes off him, we realized he was carrying at least 10 extra pounds! Way to go, little man!

Again, Mr. Happy after the lesson.

Jackson pushed the grocery cart around everyday. I guess I should get him one as a "Congratulations" gift.

I Can Swim - Just Watch Me!!

Way to go Jackson!