It feels a little like the last week of summer vacation...

But not as carefree.

In one week my maternity leave is over. In one week I start a new job. In one week my 9 week old baby will be left in the care for the first time with new people in a new place. It's hard to believe how quickly the time flew. I can remember in the last few weeks of my pregnancy feeling like August 3rd was a decade away.

Monday Jackson and I made a visit to his daycare. Mrs. Nelson joined us to offer her support. I am happy to report it was a pleasant visit and I left feeling reassured of our daycare decision. It will be an adjustment to return to work and deal with the inevitable illnesses Jackson is bound to experience, but overall I feel ready. More than anything I am just ready to settle into our new norm and routines. I suppose it's change I fear the most.

Robbie and I have enjoyed getting to know our child. Jackson is, by most accounts, what people refer to as an "Easy Baby." He cries when he's hungry, wet, or tired. He wakes up in the middle of the night to eat and goes right back to sleep when he's done. He's what I refer to as a social pooper, waking us up around 5:30 am every morning so we can witness his grunts. When he's awake he's interested in the ceiling fan, our faces and sharing very large, generous smiles. I recognize that at any moment our luck with his predictability can, and more than likely will, change...but for now, we count our blessings and enjoy his easy-going personality.

Lately I've noticed when he feels he is lacking in the attention department he will give a hearty cough. When he was first born he did this kind of gagging thing that scared the daylights out of us. Now, we just attend to him and make sure he is okay. I think he's learned, "Hey, If I cough or gag...they will come." It cracks me up.

And finally his tear ducts are producing tears. Sometimes he cries this ridiculously sad, loud, red- faced cry and the other day I noticed giant crocodile tears streaking his face. They did a number on me of course. Poor baby.

I am looking forward to my last weekend as a Stay At Home Mommy. My own Mommy will be here Saturday to help out and keep Jack for my first two days back to work. I am so grateful.

It's taken me all week to get this posted. It seems I've been rather busy with various activities and, oh, napping with the boy. He apparently naps quite well in the afternoon with me in my room. Wish I had known this when he was three weeks old and I was a walking zombie!