Celebrate Good Times

What a big week for the baby. Aunt Melissa, Uncle Ronnie, Rylee and Maddox flew into town this week from Florida to meet Jackson and have a little bonding time. The trip to the petting zoo/pumpkin patch was almost rained out - but the gang stuck it out and Rylee got to feed some goats and she found a peacock feather - so I guess that was a recipe for success. On Saturday Jackson turned 4weeks old and his dad turned 1,820 weeks old. A big ole family dinner was enjoyed by all at me-mere & pe-pere's house. The next day we went to the Amazing Maize Maze. This thing was HUGE. In retrospect, probably not the best activity for our particular group. But, the weather was nice and it got everyone outside for a bit... even if we did wander around a corn field for several hours with three little people in tow. All and all, it has been a great week. Jackson is looking forward to spending a few more days with the cousins before they have to head home. Next week Aunt Jenna will arrive for her first visit. Stay tuned!

Jackson Meets Aunt Melissa & Uncle Ronnie

Maddox & Jackson Having Lunch at the Petting Zoo

Talking to Cousin Rylee

Jackson, Aunt Melissa & Cousin Maddox

His Mommy Thinks This is Funny

Family Birthday Photo

We Finished the Maze!

Hanging at the Pumpkin Patch

Rylee, Ronnie, Lauren, Jackson & Matthew made it all the way through the maze!

Chaos in the Maze

Time out for Love from Dad

Weeks 2 and 3

Ok.

So, I kinda slacked off on my blogging duties last week.

This whole being a dad thing takes a little more out of a body than I originally anticipated, so it might be a while before I get into the groove of posting every week. Anyway, Jackson has been pretty busy. He lost his umbilical cord, got his first bath, gained back his birth weight and is plowing through the Pampers like they are going out of style. All good. He also got a quick visit from his Fincastle Grandma and Grandpa who seem really happy to live so close. Aunt Melissa and family are headed into town this week so we should have lots of new photos for next week too. Enjoy!

Three Weeks Old!

Just Chillin

Little bitty hands

Love from Mom

This one is for the rehearsal dinner at his wedding

Liked the bath better than the drying off...

Need a thumb after the trauma

Love from dad

Flashing gang signs...

Visit from Grandma & Grandpa

Talking to the grandparents

Two Weeks Old!

Going Home

No more idle chit-chat. Just photos.

Meeting Aunt May

Hot Mama

We're both tired

Signing Out!

On our way

Not So Sure About This Car Seat Thing

Last Group Shot at Hospital

In the Car

Going Home!

Everyone Wants to Say Hello

Me-Mere

Pe-Pere

Grandma

Gandpa Jake

Nana

At The Hospital

Jackson's first few hours were pretty action-packed. There were lots of people he had to meet. In addition to Mom and Dad, all the grandparents and his great-grandmother were on hand to wish him a happy birthday.

THANK YOU DR. GORSUCH!

THANK YOU DR. SHARWARY

The Welcoming Committee

And So It Begins

My friend Stuart started a blog when his daughter Lily was born and has faithfully updated the page every week since. It has been really cool to see Lily and her brother growing up - even though I haven't actually been to Maryland in years. Now that I am a father, I'd like to give friends and family who live in distant lands the chance to watch our family grow.

Jackson Jacob Ladenheim was born at 12:56 am on September 27, 2008. He weighed in at 7lbs. 6oz and was 20.5 inches long. His mother did a fantastic job. I have never seen anyone work so hard at anything in my life. It was humbling. Unfortunately, after more than 2 hours of pushing, it became clear that we were going to have to have a C-section. Apparently, Jackson's head was just a little too big. This should surprise... nobody. He is a Ladenheim.

We'd like to send a special "Thank You" to Dr. Ehab Sharawy, Dr. Lisa Gorsuch and all of the great folks at Presby. Huntersville.

Without any further ado, here is the first set of pics. Enjoy and we'll see you next week.

Before

Jackson's first picture

Tired after a big day

Our First Family Photo