Christmas

Jackson playing with a few of his Christmas toys.

Playing a little football
Uncle Stephen and Jackson
More football




Nanna and Mommy
Train ride at the Lufkin zoo.
Sarah, Aunt B and Jackson
Christmas was a blast this year! Being with family is the best and that's just what we did. Jackson was very interested in his presents this year, which made it a lot of fun for us. He loved opening and then actually playing with his toys instead of just the paper and the boxes like last year. We spent our time in our hometown of Lufkin with my brothers Stephen and Ben, sister-in-law Brooke, our sweet friend Sarah, my Mom and Dad, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. We are so blessed to have such an incredible, fun family.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Cookies for Santa

It's that time of year!

Justin and Jackson at the Neiman Marcus Parade. Only Jackson could see the action. It was crowded.
The Lighting of the Christmas Tree at Prestonwood!
Jackson and his buddy Mason, sharing cookies at Dinner at Bethlehem.
Dinner at Bethlehem

It's my most favorite time of the year! I'm so thankful for Jesus' birth. How amazing is it that He came to this earth as a human to live life and die to save us. Wow! I look forward to many Christmas' to share with my family and what an honor and privelege it is to share Jesus and this wonderful time of year with friends and family. Merry Christmas!

Baby Girl McAdams!!!

Here she is! Cute as ever! We still can't believe we're having a girl. We're trying to get used to saying 'she', 'her', etc. I went shopping as soon as we found out and bought a dress to hang in "her" closet. Now all I need is some tights, shoes, a cute bow, and............. I'm sure I'm missing some other accessory. We can't wait to welcome her home!

Awaiting Blogger

For those of you who are keeping me accountable to blogging, I have figured out there is something wrong with my computer and blogger. It will not allow me to post new postings from my personal computer, so until I figure out the problem, new postings are soon to follow, I promise. There's so much to post during this time of year! Hope everyone is having a blessed Christmas season! It's my most favorite time of the year!

Trick or Treat!

Cousins Carson, Maddox, and Sydney

All suited up!

Jackson getting used to the whole trick or treat idea.
Didn't let go of that popcorn!

We had a full night last night with Jackson. We began the night trick or treating with our cousins, the Pedersons. They showed Jackson the ropes because they're pros at this. At first Jackson would walk up to the door with the kids and as soon as the person would answer, he would take off running the other way. He didn't know who they were and what they were doing. Once he got used to the idea that these strangers put candy in your bucket, he liked trick or treating. He would say "ticker teat". After a few houses, we took off to the annual Prestonwood Fall Festival. There were a lot of people and a lot of fun activities to do! When Jackson saw many of the booths, he would say "ooh". Jackson's favorite activity was the bounce houses. He could bounce forever! Unfortunately, my camera did not take good pictures at the festival and we took many cute ones with our friends. So, friends, if you have some you would like to send our way, we would love to see them.

Pumpkin Patch

We finally made it to the Big Orange Pumpkin Farm this morning with the Russ family. We had so much fun feeding the farm animals, taking countless pictures in the pumpkins and riding the hay ride. Jackson loved every minute of it!

Cowboy Fan

Yesterday we went to the bank just to meet Terence Newman, the cornerback for the Dallas Cowboys. He was signing autographs as marketing for this branch. Before he came to the table to sign, we were waiting in line with Jackson. The only way we could keep him in line with us was with a tootsie roll pop they had at the bank. He had it all over him, but we didn't care as long as he stayed with us. Bribery is okay when you're trying to keep your kid safe, right? Anyway, as we were waiting, Jackson broke out into a dance from the music playing in which Terence joined in when he came back to the table to sign. Very cute. Once we reached the table for an autograph, we asked to take a picture with Jackson and Terence. I warned Terence that Jackson was sticky from the candy. He then asked, "Did you say stinky or sticky"? Embarrassingly, I answered sticky. I hope he would not think that I would put my stinky baby up next to him.

Our Little Peanut

Friday was our first doctor's appointment and we finally got to see our little peanut. I was 9 weeks and the baby is an inch long. I find myself comparing objects to its size, like grapes, coins, etc. Whatever I come across that is an inch long. It's so crazy to think that little blob with a heartbeat we were seeing is going to be a baby at home with us in no time. We could see little nubs where its arms and legs are growing and a little bit of squirming around. That made me laugh a little. The due date is May 3, but he/she will be here around the last week of April because of having a c-section.

When we ask Jackson where the baby is, he proceeds to lift up Mommy's shirt and point to her belly. A little awkward when someone asks in public;)

First Day of School

At home sick on the first day of school
Feeling better for the "next" first day of school

Jackson started his first day of CLC at Prestonwood this week. His real first day was supposed to be last week, but unfortunatley he got sick. For his first day picture, he chose not to wear his backpack. Instead he preferred to pose next to it and his napmat, in which Mommy had to later carry. I think that goes against the purpose in a backpack. Oh well, maybe he'll get used to it.

Happy Birthday Justin!!!

I'm a little late in posting this, but Justin celebrated the big 3-0 on September 8th! He is now in his 30's ;) No longer twenty something, as I usually remind him. I think we all think we're always going to be "20 something", but somehow we surpass that and 30 doesn't seem as old as we once used to think. Although, I still have a few more years to enjoy the "prime" of life in my twenties, right? We celebrated at Babe's for dinner, our favorite and then topped it all off with some chocolate birthday cake at home with family. Fun times!

(This is the only picture I took and I took it at the very end of the day, right before Jackson went to bed, because I had forgotten to take one all day.)

Happy Birthday Justin! I love you! Love, Melissa

Jackson Has An Announcement

Yes, that's right! Jackson is going to be a big brother! As you can tell from Jackson's face, he just can't contain himself. (Actually, he has no idea what we're talking about, but it's fun to try and explain there's a baby coming, to a 19 month old.) We are all so excited. It's still pretty early, but we just couldn't wait to share the news. The due date is somewhere around the first of May.

Party Time

CHEEEEEEEZZZZZZZZZZE!

Maddox and Jackson bounce, bounce, and bounce some more!

Happy Birthday Carson!!!

We celebrated our cousin Carson's 6th birthday at ASI Gymnastics today! It was so much fun! Jackson was everywhere. He was the youngest attendee and tried to keep up with the games and rules as much as an 18 month old can keep up. He loved the trampolines. I think we need one for our backyard. Who doesn't love a trampoline?

My favorite picture of all is the "cheese picture". Jackson knows how to smile for the camera now. It sounds more like "teeeeeeeeeeeeezzzzzzzzze".

Summertime Fun

If it involves play, mostly outdoors, count Jackson in. He is everywhere these days! Little Gym, swimming, or playing in the sandbox are all new loves in Jackson's life. He definitely keeps us on our toes!