3 years...

3 years ago on this very day my water broke while I was taking a nap after demolishing some mac & cheese.  But to hear more about that, click here, because that's not what this letter is about.  No, on the eve of your 3rd birthday I thought I'd FINALLY update this blog for you.  A little bit, at least.

That picture above is you and I at Party City, where we've been twice in the last week getting prepared for your birthday party.  Which we just had to cancel.  Well, not cancel, postpone.  Your parents picked the coldest day in Southern California's recent history for a pool party: a high of 48 degrees with a 70% chance of rain.  I have lived here for almost 10 years and have never come across a day like that.  BLAST!  Good thing you can't quite grasp the concept of days/weeks yet because I keep telling you your party is in 3 more days weeks.  

You're still busy at Sports Class.  That's you on the right passing the ball to Coach Derek while the other Jackson in class watches.  Your cousin Rinnie is joining us for the next session of sports, and it will be nice to have a girl in the class, even if she does chase butterflies like I did in athletic situations.  

You got into preschool!  That's right, you "got in" because I applied back in May and just found out.  Because getting into preschool around here prepares parents for the college admissions process WAY, TOO, EARLY.  But we're very happy with the school you'll be attending full-time in the fall (well, from 9am-12:45am Monday-Friday).  What will mommy do with herself?!  If you say exercise I swear to God...

Well there you are, my two favorite guys.  I can't believe you're turning 3 tomorrow, and at the same time I can't believe you've only been in my life for three years.  I don't remember what it was like without you.  You are my little best friend, my teacher, and the coolest 3 year old I know : )

oh hello there

I am a horrible mommy blogger.  I haven't written you a letter in months.  So here are a few random moments, to hold you over, until I get my act together.  Which is going to happen.

Jack-isms of late:

(Squirming in car) "Mama there's a booger in my throat and it's making me move!"

(Looking through a magazine) "I think Dada gave me this magazine when he was a mailman."

(Telling Katy and I what the specials are at your "restaurant") "Sour muffins that are good actually."

And some Instagram photos:

playground romance...

teacher's pet...

tackle football in indy...

snuggle time with mama...

beach baby

you are one lucky boy.

not only do you live in California by the beach, your Auntie Katy takes pictures like this one.

when we met, we were awkward, giggly little 14-year-olds.

now she's Stella's mommy.  

she's that very silly Ari's wife.

she's your Auntie Katy.

she's mama's best friend.

and she just happens to be the best.photographer.ever.

EVER!

go to here for more pictures.

p.s. I will chase away pigeons for you any day Mr. Jackson James...

O Christmas Tree

I know you're not going to tell anyone that we've had our Christmas tree up for over 3 weeks now.  Just like I know you're going to pretend that you were wearing underwear in this picture.  And I KNOW that you're going to get over your paralyzing fear of Santa Claus so that I can get a picture of you on his lap.  For my "This Is How I Terrorize My Child" photo album.  

Bike Club

You're learning to ride a bike.  In the house.  Without pants.  That's how it's done, right?  

WATCH OUT FOR THE BAR, SON!

"I snuggle with you."

It won't be weird if we do this when you're 15.  I swear.  It won't.  (Please.)

Trick or Treat!

We had a great Halloween!  Full of costume changes, sugar-induced meltdowns and red cup in hand trick or treating parents.    

There you are... Rapunzel, Super Why and "I-Don't-Want-To-Dress-Up" sorting through the candy we were giving out, and by "sorting" I mean hoarding some for yourselves... 

It took you a second to get into the whole trick or treating thing.  You were very judgmental when it came to choosing houses.  Take this one for instance...

3 lousy, tiny pumpkins and what's with that spotlight above the door??  And forget it if they had their lights on, door open and even a bowl of candy visible - if there were no pumpkins?  You'd say, "No, I need a pumpkin house."  

You're the boss : )