Eight

Our case worker came by for a visit last week. I cannot believe that we have been a family for eight months now. Parenting is still very new to us and we are learning a lot. I am grateful that we have so many friends with children around the same age as Jackson. We are able to share the triumphs and challenges of parenting young children.

Jackson's speech has really taken off.  He has become very verbal and labels everything he sees. We were looking through a photo album the other day and he said the names of all the people in the book. Jackson will also ask about people we saw two months ago! Jackson will talk to family members on a daily basis.  His mode of coommunication is Facetime. The first few times we used Facetime, Jackson just stared at the screen. Now, he is at the point where he can communicate through words. It is amazing to see how he talks to his grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins.

Next week we will celebrate our First Thanksgiving together. I know it will be extra special...

We hope that you all have a great November. Happy Thanksgiving!

Fun times in October!!!

The Changing Seasons

The weather here has been cool, breezy and there are definite signs of the season changing. September is a defining month in our family.  September 2010 was the month that we were matched with Jackson. I remember a year ago we were getting paper work done, waiting for documents to arrive from China and there was a lot of uncertainty in the air. But throughout the whole time, God was in control (and still is) and He paved the wave for us to be united as a family. The past 6-8 months went by like a whirlwind and at times were crazy! However, I would not trade it for anything!
As October begins, I think about all of the "firsts" Jackson has had with us. There are actually too many to name but these are the ones that come to mind: 

• riding on a train 
• eating ice cream
• going on an airplane
• going swimming
• sleeping in a bed
• petting a dog
• picking up leaves
• riding a trike

I know there will be many more of these but everything is new for him. We just smile when he gasps at new food or gets excited over something as simple as the rain falling.  I know these are big moments to treasure.

Here is a journal of Jackson's happenings from his perspective...

My grandma is going home...thanks for watching me!

I am going back to Cali...

Hmmm I wonder what we will do in California?

I visited with my cousin. We had so much fun!

I ate Fossilman's ice cream.

We went to Daddy's favorite-Coffee Bean.

And his other favorite- In & Out.

I played with my other cousin and great grandma.

I ate Hawaiian food (all we do is eat)!

I played with trains and cars with my grandparents.

Finally, I get to ride a train but my mom wants to take a picture!

I saw a lot of trains!!!!

I made it through the TSA line...it's time to go home.

But don't forget...It's GAME DAY!

Happy Labor Day 2011!

Happy Labor Day!

Life has been chaotic so blogging has been put off for awhile. August flew by like the wind and now we are in September. September signifies a change in the season...summer ending and autumn arriving.  As we start seeing the leaves turn from one color to the next, our lives are constantly changing as well. I always wonder how people balance work, life and the everyday challenges and still have joy in their lives. There really is only one answer-God.

Anyways, back to the "Low Down."  Our little guy is not so little anymore. Jackson grew one inch in one month. He is now 37 inches long and 2 1/2 years old.  His shorts actually look short and he is just long. He is still a great eater and likes to snack on cherry tomatoes, carrot sticks, fruit and usually just drinks milk and water. Jackson's speech is progressing and his vocabulary has expanded. He knows how to say important things such as "pizza...ice cream...Thomas...Harold...Bertie...and cars." 

Jackson spent a lot of time with Po Po (Grandma Gin) this summer.  They worked on the garden, drew pictures, and she taught him how to sing songs. Gong Gong (Grandpa Gin)  also visited us for month and we all had a lot of fun.  We went to Louisville and visited the Slugger Museum and Churchill Downs (the site of the Kentucky Derby). It was a great weekend trip and we all took home bats!

JLow 2 and 3 in front of the world's largest bat.

Jackson calls watermelon, "ha-ter-me-me."

Just taking care of business

Getting ready for "Game Day!"

We hope your summer was filled with fun just like ours. The big guy just woke up and now he wants to press all the keys on the computer!!!  Bye for now!

Happy July!!

Happy July!  I love the 4th of July celebrations that take place in Nashville.  I feel as though the spirit of Americana takes place during this weekend.  We had the opportunity to go to a community block party.  Every family brings a dish for the potluck, there's a parade for the children, the mayor of Nashville speaks, a sing-a-long, and the Declaration of Independence is read. You can feel the excitement in the air and I just had to sit back and take it all in. In the evening, we grilled burgers and had a smaller, still festive celebration with a few close friends. It was a long day but greatly enjoyed.

The State of Tennessee flag.

The tables before all of the food arrived.

Jackson is not really drinking soda!

Happy Father's Day 2011!

"Happy Father's Day" to dads everywhere!  Jackson is so blessed to have a wonderful dad, two grandfathers and many favorite uncles.

I know I have not  blogged for the past six weeks.  I am figuring out how to simplify life although it gets better each day. If you have any tips for me, please let me know. 



The Low family has been very busy with weekend trips, visitors and play dates.  Here is a snap shot of the month.

First road trip to Atlanta, Georgia.  No problems in the car!!!

We had to eat at the Varsity.

JLow3 always copies JLow2....can you figure out what it is??

First zoo trip with Yee Yee and Uncle Spencer.

Jackson and Yee Yee on a train ride at the zoo.

4th auntie (Som Yee) came for a visit.

Tricia also came for a visit.

This is what I do when my parents are at work.

JLow3 loves his books!! 

Baking with grandma.

 

Last Week

Last week was challenging. Jackson came home from the hospital, grandpa went home and I went back to work. We all made it through the week but it wasn't easy. I am so grateful for good friends, my mom and supportive family who encouraged us. Jackson continues to heal and is doing well.  He is communicating with us more and has been very expressive. I know it has been a BIG adjustment for him and I thank the Lord everyday for his life.

Mother's Day 2011

My first Mother's Day was quite eventful. Well,  I went back to work and survived. The first few days I came home very exhausted.  Jackson just wanted my undivided attention which when translated to toddler terms, play...play...play!!! Thank goodness for grandparents!!!! Then, we spent the past few days in the hospital.  Jackson had his palate repaired. The most difficult part of this was when he came out of surgery and was waking up. I know he was confused and scared. He just kept on crying and crying and all I could do was hold him. The only other things that consoled him was his "Floppy" bunny and "Brown Bear" blanket.  He was a lot better after the first day.  He was to stay in the hospital for 5-7 days but he made a lot of progress with his recovery and came home this morning.  It was a nice Mother's Day gift.  He is doing well and acting like his normal self. 

Jackson has been in our arms for two months now. It has been challenging and exhausting but at the same time joyful and incredible.  The Lord has been so marvelous and amazing.  HE has really worked in our lives and stretched us to the ends of the earth. Being parents to Jackson is a testimony to God's faithfulness.

Happy Mother's Day to all!

Trains!

A fun day watching the trains.

It was a beautiful day and Jackson watched the trains for a long time!

Easter 2011

Easter 2011 was eventful.  We started the day by celebrating our Risen Savior, went to lunch and then to an Easter egg hunt.  The Easter egg hunt consisted of two toddlers and nine adults.  It was awesome!!!!