I never intended for my blog to only be occasional updates, but it's turned into that...lol. Here's another update. :)

Andrew
My super fabulous husband graduated! He began college when most of us did, out of high school. He paid his own way, so it took him longer, and then 9/11 happened, and he decided to give back to his country - for a year...in Iraq. He had a sweet baby girl and managed to establish himself in a career he loves. And now, he's finished his Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Political Science. I'm so proud! I had it easy, and I totally know that...he didn't. We've both had to sacrifice (I remember many "date nights" spent teaching him what I could remember of algebra and editing papers on the international implications of public policy), but I'm so thankful to have a driven, hardworking man to call friend and husband. I orchestrated a fishing trip for him to celebrate that and his 30th this November, but it's not taking place until March... Next up? We're thinking law school, which depends on some LSAT studying and might involve some major life changes (more on that, later).

Payton



Payton is doing awesome in school. Andrew met her teacher a few weeks ago...we still don't love the school or the area where she lives, but we're pleased that she's enjoying school and learning a lot. She's still adjusting to sharing the limelight with a brother, but is doing well for a girl who has so much on her plate. She loves making Jackson laugh and enjoys big girl responsibilities like carrying him around (supervised, of course). P is getting geared up for her favorite holiday...Halloween. She's a witch this year and will be trick-or-treating with us. I'm not quite sure how I'm going to make Jackson's costume work with that, so we'll see.

Jackson



Holy crap...how is it possible that he's 6 months old? He was supposed to go in for his checkup and shots Monday, but we ended up in there early Friday b/c his cough is back (again!). We're hoping we've got that figured out now. He's certainly been a good sport about breathing treatments, etc., but I'm ready for my baby to just get to enjoy being a baby. He's obviously not feeling too bad since he's a whopping 16+ pounds now. I LOVE HIS FAT ROLLS! I swell up with pride when people comment on them. He loves playing in his exersaucer, is super close to rolling back over onto his back, and he's getting much better at using his hands to grab and hold things. He's so proud of himself when he accomplishes something like that. He loves playing with his Daddy (they bite fight), and he still turns every time he hears Daddy's voice...but he's my cuddle bug too. He recognizes his name and loves to coo. He gets such a serious face, like he has something really important to share. And his laugh still melts my heart. :) He's eating some food now...he started with prunes b/c we needed some help pooping. He tolerates those, LOVES bananas, and hates green beans so far. We're also working on using a sippy cup. I need him to drink some prune juice everyday, and he won't take it in a bottle...So far, he likes to hold it and bring it up to his face. Not sure he's got the sucking part down...The boy still loves to be sung too, and one of my favorite things to do is look into his beautiful blue eyes staring back at me while I sing something awesome. :)

Oh, yeah? And Me...
How my life has changed over the last year...my nails go unpainted; I go to work with wet hair sometimes b/c I spend too long playing with Jackson in the mornings; laundry sits in the dryer; the floors aren't always clean...and I couldn't care less...most days! I'm finally good at going back and forth between having two kids many weekends and just Jackson the rest of the time. Going to work is still hard for me, especially since Jackson has been sick. BUT, we continue to count our blessings in Melanie, my friend who keeps him, and in my job, which is not perfect, but pretty awesome. I'm still enjoying teaching at the gym, but find that my classes are the only time I make it there. I wish I could make time to go more...It's not for vain reasons that I'm ready to finally shed the baby weight, but I'm very tired of having a closet full of clothes I can't wear. I'm seriously considering becoming a Discovery Toys consultant...do I really have time for one more thing on my plate? I just think I could be good at it, and would like it...

Life is at a crossroads of sorts for us, so we're spending lots of time thinking and praying about what next for us...