Potty Training and Other Stuff

Ok, so I really am trying to be better about updating our blog!! Everyday is not possibly and really every week isn’t too realistic, so we will stick to updates as often as I can. Here goes...

Potty Training!!

It’s going pretty good!! Jackson is getting the hang of it and is so proud when he goes on the potty, even if it is just a little bit of “pee pee”. When he does both the little guy is over the moon!! I’m so proud of him for doing this and doing it so well. He is now starting to tell me or someone that he needs to go, HUGE in the realm of potty training, especially since he is only 19 months!! We have a routine which helps a TON!! Wake up in the morning and watch some cartoons and stretch, then we go to the living room where Jackson plays and I fix breakfast. We eat breakfast and do a quick cleanup before we excitedly rush to the bathroom to get on the potty!! Pants down, diaper off, butt on seat!! Then I tell him, “Good job Jackson!! Now lets put some poo poo’s and pee pee’s in the potty!!”. I let him have some privacy while I get a clean diaper or pull up (which ever Jackson prefers for the day), and then wait for him to tell me he is all done (I either ask and he will raise his arms to say all done, or he will yell for me, Ma Ma!!!). With the routine in place and a few periodic bathroom stops we are down to about 3 diapers/ pull ups a day!! YAAAHOOO!!!!! So enough about that... What else has gone one... Not much really... May 15 came and went with lots of sadness for me!! Frank(Jack’s dad) and I were supposed to get married that day. It was a lot tougher then I anticipated! Of course Frank didn’t understand why i was so upset, but he is a guy!! Not much else to write about, I’m still working on getting the Civic sold so I can buy a new used car. It’s looking like I will trade it in and loose my butt on it so that I can have transportation again!!

How is everyone else though?? What is new?? School, work, family, friends, life?? Let us know!!

We love you,
Brittany and Jackson

Lifes ups and downs as of late...

Ok, where to begin... It has been a year since I have posted on here and for that I’m sorry... Time and life have gotten away from me in many ways!! Jackson is 18 months old now!! He is HUGE!! Now in the 67% for his weight and 70% for height!! He is super healthy, a picky eater, a wonderful funny little boy!! He runs around the house like he’s on a mission. He loves to help everyone do anything!! Sesame Street and Elmo as well as Tigger are some of his favorite things in the world!! He is starting to potty train, HURAY!! I LOVE it so much!! He is a total Mama’s boy and his daddy, despite everything that is going on, is one of his favorite playmates.

I took Jackson out to play last week after the rain. He found the puddles and mud! He was a yucky mess, but I don’t think I’ve seen my little explorer have more fun, ever! He saw his first frog and wasn’t sure what to think!! I tried to catch it, but it got away before I could. He is growing up so fast and changing so much I just can’t believe it!! He is so smart and follows directions so well I’m just amazed!! He isn’t talking as much as he probably should, but we aren’t too concerned yet because he has started to talk a lot more lately!!

As for me, my life has been insane!! Not only am I a single mommy now, (Frank and I have split up) but my grandmother passed away on March 14, 2010. Everything has been tough and a real struggle. I try as hard as I can to find happiness in Jackson and my family, but with all the sadness of the loss of my Grammy, and the failure of a 2 1/2 year relationship, as well as knowing that Frank and I will never be friends again, let alone a couple. I’m saddened by how untrustworthy he has become and the lengths his family has gone to to sabotage us. It hurts that so many people that know nothing about me other then what they have heard from unreliable sources would work so hard to destroy a family. News flash your grandson/ great nephew is the one that loses out the most. I’ve since moved home to mom and dad’s with Jack. We are staying in my old bedroom and getting by. I haven’t had a vehicle for about a month now, and boy is it tough. You never realize just how much you use a car until it is gone. I don’t do all that much driving, but when you need to run errands and can’t because you have no vehicle its tough to make arraignments in order to have one. So thank goodness I just got a check from my secondary insurance company for when I had my surgery, because now I’ll be able to afford to pay off some bills and put a down payment on a new-used car!!

So I guess life isn’t totally awful!! I have the greatest blessing from a huge tragedy!! I’m very thankful for the support of my family and the love and understanding they have shown Jackson and I during this turbulent time. Thank you all my friends and family for helping us through this tough time. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate just being able to vent a little and hear you say that everything will be ok, or that I am making the right choices. We love you all and thanks again!!

Brittany and Jackson

Nearly 6 months old!

Well, Jackson will be six months old on Tuesday. He is growing so fast and is too darn smart!! He uses sippy cups, and cups with straws like a darn pro. We lace his water with a little bit of apple juice to get him interested. He loves to suck on ice pieces until they melt, then he either drools them out, or swallows the liquid. He is a big eater and I can’t figure out where all the food goes. He is a tall skinny baby. Clothes that are 6-9 months are a little short on him, but they are too big around. He is healthy, has allergy problems, but hey, we live in California, who doesn’t?!?!? He can roll over very well from his back to his tummy. He’s working on his balance to sit up better, he still tends to fall over. He walks all through the house with our help and much prefers to stand and walk then lay down and scoot/crawl. Looks like he will be one of those babies that totally skips crawling and goes to walking. He has discovered hitting and likes the different sounds that come about when he slaps me or Frank, the tables, walls or anything else he can hit. We got him an Elmo Live last weekend. He absolutely LOVES it. Other then Tigger I think it is his favorite toy. He laughs when Elmo tells him stories and does silly things like sneeze and blow kisses. Jackson knows how to give baby kisses now too, except I call them kissies. He giggles when I ask for one. He also gives hugs and love’s. Loves are hugs where he will pat or rub our shoulder, neck, or back. He is so silly and so smart. Has started to say Da... Da... Really loud. Still says MOM sometimes, but I don’t think he has made the connection between the word and me. He babbles and squeals all day long and is a riot to listen to. He also screams and we go back and forth to see who gets loudest. He always wins. He is a pretty good sleeper as long as he has his Tigger and his snuggly blanket. He ADORES he great grandmothers. My Grammy and Franks Grandma. We visited Frank’s Grandparent’s in Pollock Pines two weekends ago. It snowed and we all had a blast! Jackson and Grandma Jan were connected at the hip the entire time. We got home and he would cry and look around for her. We are hoping to go visit them in Vegas soon. I finally got Kaiser to agree to refund my money for the appointments for his circumcision, and they are going to pay for his surgery in 6 months or so. That was a battle and I’m so glad it is over!! Not much else to say right now, I think I’ll end this and update again once we have his appointment next week.

We love you all very much and hope that everyone is doing great!!

Much love,
Brittany, Frank, and the smart little Jackson!

Let’s see… Today is Saturday, February 21, 2009, Jackson will be 5 months old on the 7th of March. He is getting so big… Very Tall, not too fat but has filled out nicely. He has more hair now and it looks pretty red. He will have either green or brown eyes, possibly hazel, they are pretty dark so we know blue are out!! He found his voice around the 2 ½ mark and has been talking up a storm since. He can say a few things, but doesn’t really use them to communicate, just when he feels like it. He spouts off with an Oh! In excitement, an uck! With disgust, Hi! sometimes with meaning, and Yummmmmm when eating food he likes!! He is very stubborn and wants to walk already. He takes every opportunity to stand and walk while assisted. He has been grabbing things and putting them in his mouth since just before he was 3 months. He rolls over to both the left and right when on his tummy. Roll’s to his sides when on his back, only a matter of time before he makes it all the way over!! Is starting to army crawl to get to things he wants, like his favorite toys, (Tigger, Teddy, his linking rings, and few others) and needs little assistance to sit on his own.

We saw the pediatrician on Monday, February 9, 2009. He was very impressed at how well he is doing and how strong he is. Jackson discovered a while ago that he can push things or people away that he doesn’t like or want. The doctor said that much older babies do that, that it is very rare a baby his age will figure that out. We were instructed to start solids, and have. He LOVES apples and banana’s, enjoys corn a whole lot, will eat carrots when they are mixed with something sweeter. Like’s broccoli alright, but prefers his corn and fruits. We are going to try peaches today and sweet potatoes in a few days. He has the best smile I’ve ever seen and makes any bad day better when he flashes those dimples. He is starting to get along with his daddy better, and has a bit of stranger anxiety. He adores his great Grammy, loves his Pappa, thinks Ya Ya is silly, and looks at Uncle David like don’t drop me Uncle legs (6’4” is a long way to fall). Overall he is the best baby I could ask for. I love him more and more each day and cannot wait to see what he discovers or learns to do next.

On another note, we have had our fair share of medical issues with the poor little guy. He was circumcised at 3 days old and the doctor who did it messed it up royally! (If you do not support circumcisions or have a problem with them for whatever reason, I don’t care! I don’t want any comments about OUR choice to have it done. Good, bad or indifferent. I’ve heard enough from everyone so keep it to yourself.) We had to take him to urology to see if it needs to be fixed, and if so when. He does need it fixed, so in about 7 ½ months my poor little trooper will have surgery. I’m glad it will be fixed, but terrified he has to have anesthesia. He has also had thrush off and on since he was about 2 months. It is a terrible thing that is affecting us both, but not harming him. He had an eye infection caused by a piece of fuzz or something that got in his eye. It was awful for him but he bounced back and is fine. My poor little angel has had to take so many med’s already, it really sucks, but he is so strong and such a trooper about everything. Nearly always smiles and squeals, loves to blow those bubbles, raspberry at me and pop his tongue on the roof of his mouth. He finds it hilarious to stick his hands and fingers in my mouth, so I can pretend to bite them and make silly noises, loves being tickled and squeals so loud when he does.

I’m so proud of him each and every day. I wouldn’t trade this life for anything. It’s now that I realize I’m exactly where I want, and need to be. My son, Jackson Robert Lucas is the most amazing baby I’ve ever met. Yes, I am biased, but I hear all the time about the joy he brings to other people, how beautiful or handsome he is and everything. He is just amazing.

We love you all, and hope everyone is doing just as great as we are.
Hugs and kisses to all,
Brittany, Frank, and Jackson

Nearly 3 weeks old!!!

Well, Jackson is almost three weeks old. We have survived many nights of little (for Frank) to no (me) sleep. I’ve always known newborns are hard, but didn’t realize it’d be this hard. It was a challenge in the hospital just because Jackson had to me closely monitored due to his breathing problems. It was nice to get home and get adjusted. It’s nice to still be home and know that he is healthy and going to be just fine. He is a spunky little guy who is still very responsive to daddy’s voice and loves to cuddle with his mommy.

It’s so surreal that I am a mother. When my family or friends talk to me about it, it just doesn’t seem real. Even though he is here, and mine. At times I feel like someone is going to come to the door and say ok, I’m here to pick up my son. I’m so very glad that that won’t happen. He is my son, a creation of me and Frank. I love him more than anything. I love his daddy more than anything.

Jackson has the cutest smile with his Grandpa Frank’s dimples. They are amazing!! His smile can make my bad day better; it puts a band aid on the pain of sleepless night. I love the interaction I have with him, as simple and small as it may be, it’s wonderful. He and Frank have a little game they play. They stick their tongues out at each other like snakes. It’s so very cute. I know at times it is very overwhelming for Frank. It’s hard to listen to the cries. Sometimes he cries for something real, a diaper change, a feeding, some attention or just because he is frustrated. Frank often doesn’t handle it well; he has gotten much better, but still struggles with Jackson’s mode of communication.

I know Frank doesn’t feel like it sometimes, but he is such a great dad to Jackson. He loves him regardless of how hard the day has been. He goes back to work on Monday, I feel happy and sad, mostly sad. I’ve enjoyed having him home, but there’s been time’s where I get so upset that he won’t calm down and listen to me that I wish he would just get out of the house and let me take care of things. Now, I understand he has to be involved and I’d love for him to take on more of the diaper changes and bathe’s and such. I know with time he will get more confident and get involved on his own. He has also struggled with bonding. I feel like sometimes I have to ask him to spend time with Jackson. It’s gotten better, and I know I’ve got much more knowledge and experience with babies, he’ll get there with time.

On a completely different note, Jackson and I have an appointment with Social Security on Monday. Since that’s who pays for me to be out of work, I am legally disabled. Jackson is my dependant therefore he qualifies for benefits as well. That in its self is a HUGE relief. So that’s our big thing Monday, then on Thursday since the pediatrician who circumcised him did it wrong, I have the unfortunate task of taking him to get it fixed. When we went for his well baby visit last week the doctor said that in the next few days it should come off and be fine. I told him several times that it has looked exactly the same for at least 5 days. He said he could snip it and be done, but it would make him bleed and he would be uncomfortable. I much rather him do it then and there then now have to take him and get it done on Thursday. The good thing of Thursday’s appointment though is that it is with my old pediatrician who we are going to try and have him take on Jackson to his patient load. It would make my life so much simpler since he has worked with all of my doctors before and breastfeeding I need a good team like I had before.

So this is where Jackson’s at as of his appointment Thursday 10/23/2008:
Length: 21 ¾”
Weight: 7lbs 11oz
He has gained almost 3” of length in 2 weeks. My guess is that he will be as tall as his Uncle David some day.

Well, it’s time for another diaper change and feeding and then off to bed!! I love my boys more than anything on this earth and I’m so BLESSED to have them both here and HEALTHY!!

Hope everyone is doing well and as happy as we are.

The Lucas Family,
Brittany, Frank, and Jackson Robert

Daddy, leave me alone!!!

Daddy and Jackson. It's true love!! (I love and ADORE my boys!!)

A half cracked smile... See his dimple on the left (his right). He has them on both sides, they are CRATERS!!!

Just barely missed a smile!!

Heyyo!!

Thats a bright light Daddy!!

Hey!

Waving to everyone!

Yesterdays blog, posted today....

Just to update everyone real fast…

Jackson Robert Lucas was born Tuesday, 10/07/08 at 8:13am. He weighed 7lbs 7oz and is 19” long. He has dark hair and not a whole lot of it. He did inhale some amniotic fluid when they delivered him, so he has been under a close watch in the nursery. He was struggling at first, but now is doing very well. We are breastfeeding and that’s going good. He has Frank’s dimples. And pretty much is a mini Frank. He is a very good baby and has a ton of personality already. He loves to be held close so he can look up at whoever is holding him. He is a great sleeper and an even better eater! We are both going home today!! All his test results that needed to be negative are!! He is getting one shot and they are scheduling his appointments. We have a BEAUTIFUL baby boy. The pediatrician that has been treating him was just in and telling me how cute and defined he is. I asked if she said that to every mom and she said no. She said Jackson is truly the cutest newborn she has seen. I feel so proud!! I love my little boy and his Daddy more than anything!!!!!!

Frank is the best daddy Jackson or I could ask for!! He is loving, caring, tender, gentle, sweet, strong, protective, and just ALL AROUND AMAZING!!!!!! I’m so impressed at how well he has handled everything. He held Jackson for the first time yesterday; it was hard for me to not cry my eyes out. It was one of the most touching and beautiful things I’ve ever seen. Just the two of them gazing in each other’s eyes, it was and is true love.

I never understood what people meant when they said the love for your child and for your partner are two of the strongest loves there are. I can honestly say there is no amount of words to describe how much I love Jackson, or even how IN LOVE I truly am with Frank. He is an outstanding man and I cannot wait to spend the rest of my life with both of my boys!! Life can’t get any better than this!!!

Time for me to shower and get finished up. Love you all and thanks for all the kind wishes!!
Brittany, Frank, and Beautiful Jackson Robert Lucas

Jackson and his Daddy!!!

Our Beautiful Boy!!!

Not so great news...

Today was our amnio. It was somewhat nerve wracking. We had to go in for a regular appointment just so that Jack could be measured and checked for all the length and weight stuff. Plus all the stuff they check me for. All that went really well. The doctor said that he is right on track, still on the bigger side, and really low in my pelvis. So we then got sent up to L&D. I was admitted sort of, in order to do the amnio. It went just fine. Jack kept getting in the way then he finally moved. The needle was small, didn’t really hurt, was just kind of like a blood draw prick. I did have some mild discomfort and my tummy still feels tender. So that whole part went well. They monitored me and Jackson for about 30 mins afterwards to make sure that there were no problems. We were discharged and told to call for the results around 4. The nerving part was that the doctor after withdrawing the fluid said he didn’t think it looked as good as he hoped, not that it wasn’t healthy, just that there weren’t enough particles and there were no bubbles when he was withdrawing it. I felt a little down about that and more nervous than anything. I still went and had my blood typed and checked, but as it turns out it was sort of a waste. The numbers came back, but they were a little too low for a Friday delivery. So there will be no Jackson this weekend. We are going to have another amnio on Monday and they feel confident enough that a c-section has been scheduled for first thing on Tuesday morning. So his birthday will hopefully be on October 7, 2008. That’s about all there is to report. We are both a little sad that it’s not happening sooner, but it will allow us time to get some more stuff done, some of which has turned out to be pretty important.

So everyone, say a prayer that Monday things come out a little better. Jack’s still very healthy, just telling us now what a problem child he is going to be!!

We love you all and hope everyone is well!!
Brittany, Frank, and a pain in my stomach Jackson!!