From Bathtime to Potty

Nice Boots, dude!

Note to self: Do NOT attempt to potty train your toddler within the first 2 weeks of a new baby's life. It's just not a good idea...the laundry alone is reason enough! That being said, the transition from one child to two has been pretty smooth. All I need is my mom to permanently move in with us ha-ha! I do not know what we would have done without her help. THANK YOU just doesn't quite seem to cover how blessed we are to have her with us. I am trying not to think of her going home this weekend! As you can see Braden is just as active as ever and Miss Marinn hated her first bath...we love these kiddos.

Snow can't stop this boy from riding his bike Loving this pink bundle!

Presenting Marinn Claire

We are so happy to finally announce the arrival of Marinn Claire. She was born January 5th at 2:50 pm. Even though she was 7 lbs 8 oz she looks a lot like 9lbs 1oz Braden did. Thanks to Mom's chubby cheeks(hey at least she got my dimples too)! Labor and delivery went really fast after pitocin was started and was really intense but we both made through okay! My Dr. just about missed her arrival thanks to a major snow storm. You'll notice that once again I have petichia from pushing...so much for looking good post pardom! Marinn is a joy to our family. We are trying to enjoy her more and worry about her less. It is something special to see Kim hold her because he has been wanting a little girl for so long.Brady has been really gentle with her and is doing his best to be a patient big brother. Here are a few first pictures of her...enjoy!

And the name is...

I've had a number of people ask me if we have figured out a name. For some reason we have a lot boys names we like but girls names are harder for us. We actually decided awhile ago and thought we'd make it public so those of you who don't like the name can get used to it! Drum roll.....Marinn Claire.

Now that that is settled maybe she wouldn't mind coming a bit early?! Any ideas out there? I have included some pics of the not quite done nursery (mostly for my mom!). I am struggling with what to display on the shelves as you can tell. Isn't it funny what you fixate on when your nesting?

Blessing Day for Taylor Lynn

Could this family be any cuter?!
Kristi & Grandma J admiring

The star of the show!

We love you Tay-Tays!

We were so proud to attend the blessing of our new niece, Taylor Lynn. It was a particularly beautiful blessing for a particularly beautiful baby girl. There is something very moving about seeing multi-generations of men surround a tiny newborn and exercise their priesthood.

Mimi, this one is for YOU!

You asked for it, Mimi and here we are in all of our glory! Only 8 more weeks (hopefully a little less!) until we meet our baby girl!

Nate's Wedding

We had the opportunity to attend a very close family friend's wedding this weekend. Nate is like considered another brother by the Jackson Boys. He was so happy and we are all really excited to have Collette and her children a part of the family. The weather was perfect( BTW all you Mainers...the 70's temps are turning into snow tomorrow...feel better?!) and the venue was breathtaking. I realize now that I have NO pictures of the bride....I know...what was I thinking! You'll just have to trust me that she was gorgeous. In fact, Brady kept asking where the princess was! Another funny Bradyism...when we walked into the room there was a quartet playing and Brady said, "Hey, this is Baby Mozart!". And it really was Mozart--does this mean that there is hope for my sports obsessed little guy?

Sean, Brandon, Nate, Kim, Kim Sr...just missing Stephen!

Papa and Brady up to their usually hi jinx!

Braden looking G.Q. !

The Haunting, The Fun

This year brought Dumbo to town (thanks Aunt Maria). Brady was definitely more excited about Halloween...well somewhere between excited and spooked! Here are some of the highlights of our holiday. Hope all your little goblins (and big ones!) had a wonderful day!

The Happy Halloween Family!

Darling Dumbo

Dumbo and Daddy

Dumbo and Mrs. Jumbo

Dumbo, Sir Camden, Dino Colby

Dragon Jack

Dark Lord Brandon, Psycho Jamaican Sean, Dumbo, Skunky Jordyn, and Baby Taylor