Grandma and Grandpa's Visit

 My parents came for a visit in October.  It is such an exciting time when they visit and this was the first time they had met Jackson.

 There are always lots of games when Grandma is here.

 We also had a chili supper.  My mom started this tradition when we all lived in Florida.  When the weather cooled down, she would make a big pot of chili and we'd come to her house and eat.  Such good memories.

 When I found out they would be here in October, I decided we would have a chili supper.  Except this time I made the chili (just like mom's) and it was my kids coming over.  Strange how things have changed over the years.

 Mom and I took the kids to Lane's while she was here.  It was so hot this day!

 But the kids didn't care how hot it was.

Even Jackson got in on the pumpkin pictures.  Their visit came to an end all too soon.

Grandparents??

Anna had been sick on and off for a few weeks, which is sadly, not unusual for her.  So, at first, I didn't give it a second thought.  I was still sleep deprived, so I didn't have second thoughts about many things.  One Monday at school, I was headed into the nursery with Jackson, and she was rapidly heading out the door with all her things in her hands.

I asked her where she was going and she said she was going home, that she was sick again.

Without thinking, I asked her if she was pregnant.

YES! she said as she slowly turned green!  I gave her a quick hug, we talked briefly and then she was gone, heading home to bed.

It took a few minutes for it to register what that meant.

It meant that I was going to be a grandmother.  Whoa. 

It's not that I didn't want to become a grandmother.  It's that I just had a baby myself- how was my daughter now going to have a baby? 

When Anna and Joseph went public with the news, alot of different people asked how we felt about becoming Grandparents.  We really didn't know how to answer because, quite honestly, we didn't really know how we felt.

Of course, we're thrilled about Joseph and Anna becoming parents.  And we're thrilled about another new baby in the family.

But the grandparent part?  It's totally foreign to us.  And it's hard to think about when you are still getting used to your own new baby.

It's just alot to take in in such a short time.  Within 4 months, our oldest son got married, our oldest daughter got married, we welcomed our 8th child in our family and found out we were becoming grandparents. 

One of those events is alot.  But combine all 4 and it's mind boggling.

A good mind boggling!

I'm excited to hold Anna's baby and see who he or she looks like and watch Anna and Joseph as they enjoy this new baby.  It's an exciting time and I'm so thankful they live so close.

Now to get used to the name Grandma!

Jackson's Dedication

 We had Jackson dedicated on October 8th because my parents were here.  The only one  missing was Zachary.

 Poppy and Nana

 Jackson and his older parents. :)

 The whole crew.  Notice Ben?  Guess he was tired.

 Grandpa, Anna and Ellie

 Paul and his 5th son

 Our dear friend Jim Williams

 The beautiful cupcake cake Angie made.

 Big, dark eyes

We love this baby.

Noah's Ark

 Paul and I took the kids and his dad to Noah's Ark, an animal sanctuary.  It was a beautiful day.

 Paul's dad told him that it had been many years since he's been to the zoo.

 Jackson was great!

 

Not exactly sure what she was doing!

Cell Phone Photos from September

 One of his first smiles.

 Most people say Jackson looks just like Ben.

 This is when we realized we need to be using the seat belt to strap him in.

 Sunday afternoon snooze with Dad.

 Sleeping again on the table at school.

 Another first smile picture.

  We have spent so so many hours just like this.

 After a bath one evening.

 Semi smile.

 One of his first big smiles.

 Love his expression in this pic.

Jackson and I spent many hours in this rocking chair in his first 2 months.  Now? I wouldn't trade it for anything.  Then? I would have given almost anything for a good stretch of sleep.  It's fascinating how time changes your perspective.