Jackson's First Christmas

Jackson got extra lucky this year and had 2 Christmas celebrations!  Aunt Tessa & Uncle Nick were flying out to Seattle for Christmas so we did an early family Christmas with a bit of birthday celebration for Tessa the week before Christmas.  Jackson loved eating the wrapping paper and bows and didn't seem to understand why were throwing the paper and bows away.  Then he began to realize that the yummy paper and bows were covering something even better - presents! Auntie Tessa & Uncle Nick spoiled his as expected.  Jackson got a ride 'n' push toy, a cellphone, and an Elmo book.  He loved them all!

On Christmas Eve we let Jackson open one present from Grandma & Grandpa Hill - after all it's a Hill family tradition.  He got a huge, plush lion.   Greg and I decided to start our own family tradition - so we drove around town looking at Christmas lights. 

Christmas morning started off with another new family tradition - Corrie made the popular cinnamon roll recipe.  Even Jackson got a few bites of them.  Then the little guy got spoiled again with more presents.  Grandma and Grandpa Hill got him 2 cute outfits and an electric toolbench toy.  Grandpa John got Jackson a Mother Goose Nursery Rhymes book and a kazoo (which none of the adults could figure out how to work).  Greg and I got Jackson a toss 'n' play ball toy - you push a button and these plastic balls are thrown around the toy.  It's supposed to help babies learn how to crawl... which I am in no hurry for Jackson to start crawling.  I got Jackson a wooden toolbox and tools (yes, Grandma Hill tried to "up" Mom's present).  He loves eating the hammer and screwdriver and waving the saw around - he's all boy!

Xmas Cookies with the Hill Family

Now that we are all in the same city, we decided to get together and make our Christmas Cookies together.  The Hill Family girls are natural bakers.... and eaters!  Here is a picture of Jackson with his first official Christams Cookie and his Aunt and Uncle.  Auntie Tessa even frosted it with a J for him.  Of course, once he got his hands on the cookie it crumbled to a million pieces but he was determined to try some of it.  That's my boy!!

8 months old

Jackson turned 8 months old this month!  I'm amazed at how quickly he is growing up.  It seems like only yesterday I could carry him around in one arm effortlessly - not anymore!!!

Here are some milestones for the past month:
1) He is trying a ton of real food - guacamole, chicken, celery, cucumber, mashed potatoes, Mexican rice, refried beans.  I don't think there hasn't been anything that he has disliked.  Maybe that's a reason why he's 20 lbs.
2) He took his first international vacation where he experienced his first "real" beach.  See below post.
3) He is soooooo close to crawling.  He can now spin himself around in several circles.  He can pull himself up and over from a sitting position.  He can push himself backwards, but just not crawling forwards yet.
4) He got to see his Uncle/Godfather Nick return home from Iraq!
5) He attended his first Thanksgiving.  And of course he had to attend his first Thanksgiving Day football game where he cheered on his Dad and Uncle Nick as they played football.
6) Jackson has decided he prefers to sleep on his stomach.  No matter how many times we roll him onto his back throughout the night, he always manages to make it back on his tummy again.

As you can tell from the pictures, it's impossible to get this kid to hold still for a picture!

Jackson's First International Vacation

Jackson, Greg and I spent 6 days in Cancun, Mexico for our first "big" trip since Jackson's arrival into this world.  He did fantastic!  Mom's research into making travel with a baby as easy as possible, lots of organizing and pre-planning, and being picky with our flight times so they coordinated with feeding and napping schedules made for a pretty easy trip.  Check out all of the pictures at
http://www.corrieandgregfrancis.shutterfly.com/

7 months old

On November 7th, Jackson turned 7 months old.  And boy did we celebrate with some milestones:

• Jackson experienced his first runny nose/cold.  It really didn't bother him except for when we tried to wipe his nose. 
• Jackson had his first ear infection.  Thankfully, I caught it really early when I took him to the doctor's to make sure his cold wasn't something worse.
• Jackson rolled over from his back to his stomach with a little coaxing with a toy by Mom. 
• Jackson cut his first tooth.  On top of the runny nose and ear infection, his first tooth (bottom right) started coming through.  I tried so hard to get a picture of it, but I had no luck at all!
• Jackson had his first taste of yogurt.  Graduates has these great little YoguMelts that literally melt in the mouth.  I picked some up as a "last resort" for any fussy bits during our trip. 
• Jackson will be taking his first international vacation later this month.  We are headed off to Cancun for a 6 day vacation!  I've been preparing for months making sure I have everything we need, making lists, trying to simply what we bring as much as possible.... wish us luck!

Happy Halloween!

Jackson experienced his first Halloween - and here is his version.

Mommy and Daddy took me to a big park filled with this yellow scratchy stuff called hay and these big orange things called pumpkins.  I kept trying to eat the hay and pumpkins, but Mommy wouldn't let me.  They bought me very first pumpkin... I'm not really sure what I'm supposed to do with it.

Then the next day Auntie Tessa came over with her crazy dog Frank.  He tore up my teddy bear when Daddy fell asleep and Mommy and Tessa were outside making the house look scary :(  Then later that night, Mom dressed me up in all red and put this black thing around me - I guess it's called a cape.  She filled my bottle with something red, but she wouldn't let me drink it.  Then she put this red stuff all over my mouth.  Later that night Mommy got dressed up and she looked scary.  She looked like she hadn't slept in weeks and she had something that looked like red drool running down her neck.  I'm not sure why, but Mommy and Daddy put me in my stroller and took me to some of the neighbors houses.  For some reason everyone kept giving me candy, but Mommy wouldn't let me eat it.  Then we went back to our house and little kids that were dressed up funny kept running up to us asking for candy.  I'm not sure what this Halloween is all about, but I liked it!

6 months old!

Wow, I can't believe Jackson is already 1/2 year old.  It really seems like just yesterday that we were leaving the hospital with our new family member!  Here are some of Jackson's latest milestones:

• He discovered how to stick out his tongue after watching Mommy and Daddy do it to him constantly.  Watch out KISS, this kiddo has a tongue on him!
• He is loving his baby food.  Sweet potatoes are now his favorite!
• Jackson continues to try out adult food.  He likes juice from grapes, juice from watermelons, blueberry scone, spaghetti noodles with a touch of sauce, and Pumpkin Pie Blizzard.  Ice cream still seems to be his favorite!
• He is officially back in the "normal" status for his weight and height... but now his doctor is saying his head is growing out of proportion to the rest of him. Great now he is going to have a big head.... but that's because he is going to be so smart!

That's the latest on our little one for now.  

Jackson's 1st Pageant Experience

This weekend we decided to have Jackson experience his first pageant.  A dear friend of ours, Jackie Cline, was judging Miss Pima County in Tucson, so we packed up the car and headed down to support her and enjoy the pageant.   We had a great time catching up with our friends - the DeNigris' and Tuckers' before the show.  During the pageant, Jackson was great!  He managed to stay awake through the entire swimsuit competition... but fell asleep halfway through the talent portion.  Go figure - what a boy!  Thankfully he woke up for part of  the evening gown competition - mommy's favorite.  He was completely mesmerized by all of the sequins, rhinestones and sparkly embellishments.

Mrs. World and Jackson (left). 

Miss Arizona Savannah Troupe, Jackson and Corrie (right).

We also capped off the weekend with buying Jackson a new toy - a jumperoo!  He loves it.  And we love it even more - now Jackson can entertain himself while I clean the house or make dinner!

Baby Farmer

Gotta love having a mom that's a photographer!!!

Photo by Cottage Ink

480-539-8403

One Packed Weekend - BBQ, Pie, 5K, Phoenix Zoo!

This past weekend was packed full of lots of fun activities for Jackson (and us).  Saturday, we packed up the car and headed to Rock Springs, AZ (10 minutes north of Anthem).  Rock Springs is the smallest city I have ever stopped in - population of 3!  Despite the tiny size, they have a great restaurant called Rock Springs Cafe.  I fell upon this "hole in the wall" when I was Miss AZ some 6 years ago.  This past weekend they were holding their monthly "Hogs 'n' Heat" BBQ in conjuction with their Oktoberfest.  So we headed up north for some cooler weather, great food, beer and their internationally known pies.  Anyone that knows me, knows my main motivation for making the trip to Rock Springs was the PIE!  While at the Oktoberfest/BBQ, Jackson enjoyed playing in the grass for the first time!  (Hey in Phoenix, you don't play in your yard during the summer - it's just too hot.  So that is why he is experiencing grass for the first time at almost 6 months old). 

The next day we got up before the sun, so I could run in my first 5K post-baby.  I ran in the City of Hope 5K and surprised myself by finishing in 30 minutes 35 seconds - only about a 1 1/2-2 minute difference from my pre-baby time.  Because I ran in the race, we were given free admission into the Phoenix Zoo.  So, of course, we had to Jackson to the zoo for the first time.  Unfortunately, because we woke the "sleeping dragon" up at 5:30 am to head out to the 5K, he slept through the entire zoo.  The only time he woke up is when I woke him so I could get a picture of him with the giraffes.... hey, his outfit had giraffes on it - perfect photo op! 

5 Year Anniversary ... and Jackson's first "off-site" babysitting experience!

This past weekend Greg and I celebrated our 5 year wedding anniversary!  Boy does time fly!!!  My sister graciously offered to babysit Jackson so we could enjoy a romantic (and quiet) dinner together.  So we packed up all of Jackson's things (diapers, toys, bottles, you name it) and headed over to Auntie Tessa's place.  Jackson loved his time with Tessa - they watched Finding Nemo, took naps with Frank (the dog) on her couch, and played with Perla the kitty.  This was Jackson's first time to be watched by someone away from our house, and he did just fine.  Auntie Tessa spoils him, so next time he might not want to come back home :(

The Joys of Motherhood

Having your infant suck on your knee just to occupy him for a moment.  Then standing up and realizing the drool is running all the way down your leg.

Wearing just as much butternut squash baby food on you as your little on has actually eaten.   Mostly in part because your baby has realized how to blow air out as you are trying to give him a spoonful of baby food!

Getting to work and realizing your blouse is still damp from your little guy drooling all over earlier that morning.

And last of all but definitely not least - trying to soothe your baby while he is teething!

Lots of Celebrating

Wow, this past month has absolutely flown by. First off, our house in Colorado is officially sold. Greg flew up to Colorado to finish packing up our belongings and then made a 24 hour trek driving all of our belonging in a huge trailer down to Phoenix. Thankfully his dad accompanied him on the drive, which let Jackson and I be off the hook. Plus this allowed Greg's dad to spend 2 days visiting with Jackson and my family.

Jackson celebrated his first Grandparents Day by attending an Arizona Diamondbacks game with his grandpa. Despite his perfectly coordinate outfit and a determined Mom, Jackson didn't make it onto the big screen yet again :( We'll have to make it to another game to see if the third time really is a charm.

Some fun milestones over the past month:

• Jackson has added baby food to his meal plan. So far he seems to like applesauce the best... but hates it when mom sneaks in some rice cereal with the applesauce. He's also enjoyed some real food - watermelon, broth and blueberry muffins! Ice cream is still his favorite though.


• Jackson has really taken to "carrying on conversations". He will coo and make all sorts of noises for hours as long as you do the same right back to him.
  
• Jackson thinks his Grandpa is the funniest person around. My dad will laugh and Jackson will immediately copy him and giggle just as loud as can be. Of course the minute the video camera goes on, Jackson refuses to laugh at Grandpa.
  
• Jackson attended his first winery. Yes we were the couple that dragged a baby around to some local vineyards in Southern Az. Thankfully he didn't fuss or cry so he didn't ruin anyone's quiet wine tasting!


• Jackson met a long time friend of mine, Julie, who is responsible for me competing in pageants. While enjoying our time with Julie, Jackson had his first exposure to pageant girls since the Mrs. America Pageant was being held that weekend. Jackson also walked away from this meeting with an adorable crown bib and a blue "My First Birthday" party hat!
  
• Jackson is becoming much more mobile. He is learning to arch his back so he can roll from his back to his side. He's also getting bored on his belly - he is kicking and reaching as he tries to figure out how to crawl!


• Jackson submitted his application for his passport. Mexico here he comes!!
  

This coming weekend Greg and I celebrate our 5 year anniversary. My sister has graciously offered to babysit Jackson. This will be his first "off-site" babysitting experience and my sister's first time babysitting him. Jackson is captivated by Auntie Tessa so I'm sure the two of them will have a great time. We'll keep you posted on how Mom and Dad do with their first evening without the baby!!!

Chunk

Well, after a not so pleasant 4 month check up it has become my life ambition to fatten my baby up! Apparently, he was too skinny for his age at his last appointment (he was measuring in the bottom 5th percentile for weight). So, we've moved his feedings closer together, increased the amount of formula, and even added some rice cereal to his diet and we now have....... a chunk!

• Jackson has discovered his toes.
• He intentionally laughs now... and at the right times (not during scary movies anymore).
• He loves ice cream and has had his first taste of Ghiradelli chocolate! Yummy!
• He is eating rice cereal now - although he definitely prefers ice cream over boring rice cereal.
• He is grabbing food off our plates. He is mesmerized by food - imagine that!
• He held a girl's hand for the first time. Watch out ladies we have a flirt!
• He is constantly rolling over from his stomach to his back.
• He is becoming much more opinionated over which toys are his favorites.
• He is starting to be able to sit up on his own... but eventually tumbles over.

This photo was taken just seconds before Jackson decided to pee all over Daddy's stomach.

Notice the facial expression!

Also, this month, Dad survived his first weekend with Jackson by himself. I hopped on a plane to Vegas where I met up with my sister and a co-worker/friend from Colorado. We had a great girls weekend filled with pool time, dancing, drinking, eating, shopping and so much more! I missed my little man, but I was glad Greg had a full weekend to discover what I do when while he's away from work every day. Needless to say, Greg was happy to see me return home and handed the little guy over right away!

16 weeks old

Jackson is 16 weeks today and is growing every day. Tomorrow he has his 4 month check up and I'm eager to see how much he weighs. Over the last few weeks Jackson has been busy:

• He laughed for the first time.... as we were watching a scary movie.
  
• He carries on "full conversations" with us making all sorts of noises and cooes.
  
• He is sleeping more at night. He has been sleeping through the night since 6 1/2 weeks old, but now he is making it from 10 pm to 7:45/8 am! This is great when Mom and Dad are trying to get ready for work before he wakes up.


• He had his first taste of real food - ice cream (what else would you expect he is part of the Hill family after all).


• He is putting everything in his mouth now!


• He has discovered Mom has a nose and mouth... and hair!


• He has outgrown many of his 0-3 month old outfits - finally!

Jackson is also loving the fact that he has a photographer around 24/7 who is capturing all of those special moments. Here are some of my mom's latest pictures.

My first 4th of July!

Jackson enjoyed his first 4th of July in style! We spent the afternoon with my parents and sister swimming, relaxing, and enjoying BBQ. Then once the sun went down we began the hunt for fireworks. I, of course, became the overly concerned mom - I was nervous about going to a large display where the sound would be too loud for Jackson. So we decided to watch the fireworks from afar and in our car due to it being over 100 degrees out. Unfortunately, the fireworks display we went to looked like it was run by an amateur. So after about 20 minutes, we decided beat the crowds and head home. But, we were doing it for Jackson.... and his scrapbook!

My 1st D-backs Game!

This past weekend we took a break from house hunting and decided to enjoy ourselves in our new city. So, we ventured out to Chase Field where Jackson attended his first baseball game. Despite having great seats (dugout box), Jackson decided to sleep through the majority of the game until I decided I needed pictures of his first game and he needed to be on the big screen. So I started doing anything I could to draw attention to Jackson - dancing him around, making him wave and even having him participate in the infamous wave...but I failed in getting him on the big screen. Maybe next time. We did walk away with a free bobble head souvenir and a "My first D-backs game" button for his scrapbook.

Thanks Auntie Tessa for my adorable red and white Polo onesie. I was appropriately dressed in Dback colors for the game! Go Dbacks!!!

The heat is on!!

On Father's Day, we officially relocated to the desert of Arizona. Thankfully, we have my family here who has graciously allowed us to stay with them until we find a new home here. When I say graciously, that might be an understatement considering we is 6 of us - Greg, me, Jackson and our 3 pets. For those of you that know our crazy lab Harley, you won't be surprised to hear that as soon as she went into my parent's backyard she made a b-line into the pool. Yes, our lab loves the water. I think she has made a splash in the pool on a daily basis so far!

We are all settling in quite well. Greg started his job this past week and has enjoyed getting to know his peers and reconnecting with some old co-workers from his previous days here in AZ. I accepted a job as a Part time Personal Banker at a WF branch in Fountain Hills. I will be working as a PB initially, but will be transitiong into the Assistant Store Manager role. Jackson seems to be happy to have his grandparents and aunt here to spoil him even more! And the pets love the extra attention too.

In Loving Memory of Emma Lou Francis 6/8/1918 - 6/9/2009

This morning we recieved news that Greg's "Yiayia" (Greek for grandma) passed away the morning after her 91st birthday after suffering a stroke last week. We are so thankful that we had the opportunity to travel up to Glenwood Springs to introduce Yiayia to her great-grandson Jackson 2 weeks ago. According to family members that met with her after our visit, she thoroughly enjoyed the chance to hold Jackson. Greg and I adored his grandma and are at peace knowing that Emma Lou is know with her beloved husband Gus and her daughter Virginia.

2 months old

Wow, it's hard to believe 2 months ago Jackson was born. Maybe it's the new and exciting experience or the lack of sleep that makes time fly. Jackson is growing up so quickly. He is lifting his head, rolling over from his tummy, smiling, crying with tears, recognizing our voices and so much more. Here is a pic of Jackson with his Kaloo on his 2 month birthday.

Packing Up with a Newborn! Arizona here we come....

Yes, it is official - Greg and I are moving back to Phoenix this month!! Greg accepted a position with USBank in the East Valley and he starts July 1st. So now we are frantically packing up the house, putting it on the market, making plans to move, and looking for a job for me with Wells Fargo all while taking care of a newborn. Piece of cake, right?

Our temporary address in Arizona will be: 1309 E Treasure Cove Gilbert, AZ 85234. We will keep the same cell phone numbers (after all this is why we have had AZ cell numbers for the past 4 years) and we can also be reached at 480-539-8403.

Holy Crap!

Wow, the pleasantries of motherhood. As I writing the last post, Jackson decided to have a MAJOR blowout and that is an understatement for sure. Crap all up the back of his onesie and all over his blanket. Nothing like feeling a warm sensation on your lap and discovering your little one is covered in crap! Love being a mom!!

Off to Great-Grandmother's

Over this past weekend, we decided to take Jackson to meet his Great-Grandma (a.k.a YiaYia) in Glenwood Springs. Greg's YiaYia lives in an assisted living home about 3 hours away from Denver, so we packed up the car, baby and dog and headed up the mountains to Glenwood Springs. Apparently YiaYia was very excited to meet Jackson, because when we arrived everyone knew who we were there to see. We spent about an hour visiting with YiaYia before we got the boot because lunch was ready.

After our visit with Grandma, we headed to Aspen to stay the night with a Francis family friend, John Kelly. John lives in the caretaker's quarters of a beautiful home located right on the ski mountain. Shortly after we arrived, John and his family asked if we wanted to join them on a "quick, little walk", so we decided to join them. Little did I know that this "quick, little walk" was really a hike up the ski mountain. Dear God!!! I thought I was going to die. Not only have I not been able to get some really good cardio exercise in (besides walking) since having Jackson, but I also was carrying Jackson in his front carrier. So it's hard enough to climb a steep mountain, but then you add a 10 pound baby to your chest! Jackson probably would have loved the hike had he not fallen asleep within the first 5 minutes. Of course later than evening I was feeling the repurcussions of keeping up with the group and not calling it quits as my doctor probably would have suggested. Oh well, I got some great exercise and Jackson got to go on his first hike.

The Absolute Must-Have For All Future Moms!

Okay, so now that I've been a Mom for 6 weeks I feel as if I have enough experience to start giving advice to those future Moms. The one absolute must-have, can't live without item is.......... BabyWise - the guide to infant sleeping! Before I was a Mom, everyone told me I just had to use "BabyWise" and Melissa even bought me the book and made me swear I'd read it. The book promises to have your baby sleeping by 6 weeks. So, of course, I read it thinking it can't hurt at all! Thankfully, Jackson appeared to be a pretty good sleeper right off the bat - he'd wake up once around 3 am for a feeding and then would wimper a few times throughout the night if his swaddle became undone, he needed a diaper change or wanted his pacifier. I was a little apprehensive at first that the BabyWise technique was working because I didn't really see a change in Jackson's behavior or sleep patterns, but I kept it up because everyone that had used this technique said "suddenly one night around 6 weeks our baby slept through the night". As week 6 approached, Greg and I were keeping our fingers crossed that the same thing would happen for us. And......... at 5 weeks, 6 days old Jackson slept through the night for the first time. (When I say slept through the night, I'm meaning waking up around 5:30 or 6 am.) When I woke up and the sun was beginning to rise, I was thrilled to realize he had slept all night long. But then I started doubting our success and figured I must have gotten up last night to feed him, but I was too tired to remember. Nope, I'd remember that. Then as I laid there, I began worrying that maybe something was wrong with Jackson -is he breathing? Yep, he just whimpered - good he's alive. Then I came upon the conclusion - OMG, BabyWise really worked!!! So naturally I'm thrilled and can't wait to experience another night of sleep, but life isn't that easy. Jackson reverted back to his typical 3 or 4 am wake up time the last few nights. But then last night he slept until 6 am! So, the most valuable piece of advice I can give any new mom is buy, read and use BabyWise! It really does work.

Hit the Road, Jackson!

This past weekend, Greg and I decided to take our first road trip with Jackson. Actually, Greg wanted to go kayaking and rather than be left alone for the entire weekend with a baby, I decided to tag along so at least I could get some help or a break once in a while! (I'll let you decide whether I was ever able to drag Greg away from the river long enough to give me a break.)So Friday morning we loaded up the baby, Harley Dog, Greg's kayaking gear, our stuff, Greg's friend and his dog Rio and we hit the road. We went to Buena Vista a town located on the Arkansas River, about 3 hours away from Denver. Again the whole purpose of the trip was for Greg and his friend to go kayaking, so they did, but we also managed to make a few fun stops for Jackson and his first road trip.

We of course had to hit up the local hamburger/ice cream stand!

And the local dairy and goat farm!

Boys - I told you not to taste the cheese that was sitting out in the warm store!!!

My first Mother's Day!

I can't believe I'm celebrating Mother's Day now! You would think about 5 hours of pushing, being a mother would seem so real, but it still hasn't sunk in yet. Greg did great making sure my first Mother's Day was perfect, despite asking me if I wanted to drive to Buena Vista (3 hours away) so he could go kayaking!

We started off the day by opening my presents - I wish every day started off like this. Greg and Jackson gave me a beautiful serving bowl and platter for Spaghetti Thursdays. (Greg has a friend who told him to prepare for lots of spaghetti dinners - it's cheap and kids love it.) Then I was shocked to open a small box that contained a beautiful Rose de France ring. The ring looks like a 4 1/2 carat diamond, but when you get up close you notice the stone has a pale, pale pinkish-lavendar color to it! It's breathtaking and as Greg said "it can hold it's own against some pageant bling!". After our gift session, we headed out to a local restaurant for some breakfast. Greg had made brunch reservations at a very nice restaurant, but after a quick conversation we thought economically and mentally it was a safer bet to go to the neighborhood restaurant. At least, here I wouldn't feel so bad if Jackson started crying. After breakfast, we drove around town exploring some of Denver's historic neighborhoods and then headed to the Denver Botanical Gardens for thier Mother's Day celebration. Unfortunately, the weather was not cooperating so most of the day's festivities at the DBG had been cancelled, but it wasn't bad enough for us to tour the gardens still. We enjoyed our time looking at all of the different flowers, plants, herbs, etc and of course realizing that not every place is we stroller-friendly (but we managed thank our all-terrain stroller).

1 month old!

Jackson officially celebrated his 1 month birthday yesterday! It seems like just yesterday Greg and I were bringing our little man home from the hospital. Not only has time flown by, but our little man has grown and changed so much just in a few short weeks. At Jackson's last appointment (his 2 week check up) he was already 7 lbs, 3 oz.; I have a feeling he is now sneaking up on 8 lbs. Greg and I continue to be amazed at how quickly Jackson has mastered some major milestones such as rolling himself over from his tummy to his back and lifting his head and moving it from one side to another. I, of course, think he is so strong because of the numerous hours I clocked in the gym while pregnant with him and my healthy eating (except for the occassional trip to Chick-fil-A)! Greg disagrees with me and claims Jackson's strong because "he's my boy".

Here are some pics from Jackson's first month!

My first Easter photo shoot - thanks Grandma Trudy!

Grandpa John came down from Montana to meet me!Thanks Uncle Jason & Aunt Christina for my cool guy shirt!

In Loving Memory of Erin Hotsenpiller Nov. 15, 1977 - May 4, 2009

Yesterday, Greg and I received some tragic news regarding a very good friend of ours, Erin Hotsenpiller. Erin passed away unexpectedly at the young age of 31. Greg and I first met Erin just over a year ago when she married Greg's friend, Jeremy. Erin had a passion for life, love, friends, family and entertaining! Erin was always the first that was willing to try something new or crazy - which was so appropriately represented in her quick romance with Jeremy. Both Erin and Jeremy's families had been trying to set the two of them up for several years. Finally in April of 2007, Erin and Jeremy met while Jeremy was back in California visiting family. After only knowing each other for a few days, the two of them decided to take a spontaneous trip to Disney World where Jeremy ultimately proposed to Erin. The next day the two were headed to Vegas where they got married. Within days of getting married, Erin packed up her bags and moved to Colorado where Jeremy lived. That was when Greg and I were so blessed to get to know Erin.

Erin's personality, attitude and love for life was so contagious. I will always cherish the times we got to spend with Erin at company gatherings, walks with the dog and Jackson in Wash Park, our lunches and dinners where we complained about the "boys", our girl time over a bottle of wine, and our attempts at beating you at Sequence. While all of us who knew Erin have suffered a great, unexpected loss, we will always be thankful for the times we got to spend with her. God Bless you Erin!!! We love you!!

Arizona here we come!!

It's official, I just booked Jackson's first plane ride. We are headed home to Arizona May 28th through June 1st for some bonding time with Grandma Trudy, Grandpa Irv, Auntie Tessa and maybe even a chance to meet Uncle Nick and his family! I think I might be somewhat crazy for taking a 7 week old on a plane by myself, but it will be an adventure. I can't wait to introduce him to the beauty of the desert and all of my AZ friends.... and maybe even introduce him to the pool while we are out there!

Week 3

Week three was marked with Greg returning to work after having 2 weeks off for paternity leave. Let me tell you those two weeks of paternity leave were so greatly appreciated, especially since I had a c-section and was just now able to move around more and drive!

This week was also filled with lots of new experiences. Jackson survived his first trip to the mall - 6 hours of shopping are under his belt now. Jackson visited Dairy Queen for the first time - hey he wouldn't be part of the Hill Family without a love for DQ! This week was also filled with lots of visitors. Auntie Tessa visited... and spoiled our little guy. Grandpa John (Greg's Dad) is visiting from Montana. Greg's aunt Rene and cousin Gus also visited last night. Jackson is quickly meeting all of his family! Oh and one more update from week three. I now officially have 7 lbs left to lose!!

week 2

Jackson's first 2 weeks of life have been filled with lots of exciting experiences- first trip to Wells Fargo, first major snow storm (almost 2 feet in 36 hours), first pediatrician appointment, first diaper rash, first commercial photo shoot and so much more!
Yesterday, Jackson was asked to be a model for a cloth diaper marketing campaign. I have a friend who owns a cloth diaper company, Rumparooz, and she needed a newborn for her marketing materials. So, Jackson and I headed on over to her home for a photo shoot. He was a bit fussy at first (apparently he doesn't enjoy being in front of the camera as much as Mom), but then calmed down and appeared to be a natural. Here is a picture from the shoot.

Thanks Mom for this beautiful storyboard of Baby Jackson!!