What's in a name?

I'm not sure if everyone knows the meaning behind Jackson Thomas, so I thought I'd share.

Jackson Thomas is named after his two Great (and I mean GREAT!!) Grandpas. Jackson for Matt's Grandfather, Jack and Thomas for my Grandpa, Thomas. This was one of the only names we could both 100 percent agree on. They're both excellent names on their own, but together they just sound so strong. And that's perfect for our little guy who came out holding his head up! I also have to say, it has been mentioned, quite a few times, that Jackson Thomas sounds very presidential....

I'm also very proud of how his name turned out, with the jungle animals (well, I'm not sure a penguin is a jungle animal and the turtle....) as the letters. Matt and I worked on these together and had a blast! I think they definitely completed his room!

What a trip!!

We're back in Oregon!! Home from our trip to Arizona to watch our beloved DUCKS in the BCS National Title game. We left Friday, January 7th and returned Saturday, January 15th. Even though the Ducks didn't win, we had a great trip and had fun seeing family along the way.


It was quite a long trip and Jackson was such a trooper in the car (his sleeping habits out of the car left a lot to be desired!) Friday we left Portland and made it to Central Point to watch Alex's basketball game and spend the night with Grandma and Grandpa. Saturday was a looooooong day in the car, we made it all the way to Palm Desert, CA. That was OK though, because Sunday was a short 4 hours to my Grandparents' house in Surprise, AZ where we stayed until Wednesday. Not only did they provide us with luxury accommodations, but they were on duty with Jackson so Mom and Dad could go and enjoy the game! We wouldn't have been able to make the trip without them, Thanks so much Grandma and Grandpa!!!!

We were bummed with the way the game ended, but our Ducks played a great game and it really was an experience of a lifetime!! It was also really nice for Matt and I to be able to go out and spend some time, just the two of us. Of course, we were getting constant updates from Grandma--


Actually it was pretty funny the way it worked out, the reception in the stadium wasn't great, I talked to my Grandma once and she kept breaking up. So I called my Mom and she was calling my Grandma for updates and texting me! Needless to say, Jackson was good, how could he not be with Great Grandma and Great Grandpa:)

On Wednesday we headed to Irvine, CA where we got to spend the night with Kelly, Darren, Syd and Skylar. We had a TON of fun there! The girls are both so much fun, Syd did a great job taking care of Jackson! Thanks for the hospitality, Fosters!!! We headed out on Thursday, even though the the thermometer was heading to 80 degrees, I couldn't convince the guys to stay another day;) We stayed just north of Sacramento that night and made it back to Central Point Friday for another basketball game! We actually got to see Alex play in this one, she's been nursing shin splints for much of the season and is just now beginning to really start playing again. And WOW, she looks good!! She'll steal the ball right outta your hands!


Saturday we made it home and it was so, so, so nice to sleep in our own beds! We spent the rest of the weekend unpacking and relaxing, trying to catch up on some much needed sleep. We're glad to be home and glad we went. Wish the outcome of the game would have been different, but there's always next year, right?! GO DUCKS!!!!

A better year than 2010 is hard to imagine.....

Just because we've been so fortunate to have Jackson join our family in 2010. Although, I guess when I think about it, each day with him is more fun than the day before! Some days I really do have to pinch myself to make sure this isn't a dream, he is just so loveable, we can't get enough!!


First off, we had a SPECTACULAR holiday!!! We were so lucky to see so many of you, and the ones we missed, well we really missed you and hope to see you early in the new year! We had our Christmas with Grandma Susan, Uncle Michael and Aunt Erica the Tuesday before Christmas. Matt made Manhattan clam chowder (it was a SO yummy!) and exchanged gifts. It was a great night and a fun beginning to Jackson's first Christmas!


On Thursday we headed down south to my parents house where we spent the next FIVE days!! We were so lucky to spend so much time with Grandma and Grandpa and Auntie Alex. Grandma found Jackson's tickle spot immediately and had him giggling all week:) Such a sweet sound! Jackson also got spoiled by his Great Grandma and Grandpa Craft and Graunt Ellen and Gruncle Kirk. I don't think this little boy could have had a better Christmas!




Jackson also had his four month well-check this past Wednesday. The doctor confirmed what we already knew, he's growing like a weed!! He weighed in at a whopping 15 lbs. 8 oz. and measured 27 inches long. That puts him in the 60th percentile for weight and the 97TH percentile for height!!! Look out Trailblazers:) He's been battling a nasty cold this week, but is definetly feeling better!

We rang in the new year with Grandma, Grandpa, Auntie Alex, the Weeks Family, Graunt Vicci and Grucnle Steve, family friends, John, Trish and Kara. It was a fun-filled night and luckily, Jackson DIDN'T make it to midnight:) New Year's Day, we were able to have a late Christmas with Blair Ashley and Griffin. We saw the second installment of the Griffin saga, which I think is up for an Oscar;) It was a perfect way to begin the new year!

(You may notice how much Daddy and Jackson look alike)

We're looking forward to heading to Arizona next Friday to cheer on our DUCKS!! We're so lucky that my grandparents live only 12 miles from the stadium so not only will we be able to stay with them, but we have a built-in babysitter!!!

Like I said to open, we have only excitement and anticipation for the new year! We hope the new year finds you all healthy and happy and with a little dose of Crose in your future:)

We love you all!!!
xoxo