~The Perkins~

KK's House

2011-08-19T10:04:00.000-07:00

In July we went to Lenexa to visit my Aunt Kay, aka KaKa!!! Best vacation we have had in a long time. Always great seeing family! Kay instantly became JPs favorite when he arrived as she had him tons of Toy Story and Cars toys (even a Buzz and Woody Sleeping bag). JP also became instant friends with the "puppies!"

Happy Father's Day!!!

2011-06-19T11:42:00.000-07:00

Happy Father's Day! Today I start to blog again and hope to never let time lapse again between posts. Happy Father's Day to all the dad's out there and especially to my dad, papa, and husband. Three of the best men I know!!! They all keep me in line and we all know what a hard thing that is to do!

Wo-man

2010-09-18T13:40:00.000-07:00

I want to know why the "wo" in front of man entitles me to the laundry person??? Troy is probably thinking that it is the same reason that I spend $54 dollars on shampoo and conditioner! Maybe I should take off the price tag on the shampoo and conditioner.

Oh sh*t...Did I just post that!

And We're Back!!!

2010-09-08T07:27:00.000-07:00

After a world wind summer and trying to manage being a full-time working lady + mommy...I am back. July was sort of a blur with illnesses and family visits. I will have to post pictures later from all of the visitor's that came and saw Jackson! Jackson has had a great summer so far and we can not believe it is September already. Jackson is growing rapidly and just weighed in at 33 lbs. He is tall enough now to turn the water faucets on in the bathroom! His favorite thing right now is a "car" and he will say hello and bye to just about everyone he sees. He is trying to say short sentences and talks constantly. He likes to take you by the hand and show you around constantly saying, "see, see, see"! He got his first haircut last wednesday and now he doesn't look like a baby anymore. He sadly looks like a little boy. He is growing up way to fast. Maybe I should have another one...

On the move...

2010-06-07T17:43:00.000-07:00

We are currently getting the final touches to our new home ready for our BIG MOVE!!! At least this time we will be only going 20 miles up the road instead of half way around the world. We haven't set a date for the move yet but will let everyone know as soon as we make a decision. More Big News later...

1st Boat Adventure...

2010-05-18T16:39:00.000-07:00

Our friends, The Wellen Family, had us over on their boat for lunch last Sunday! Jackson had a blast and I can't wait to get him into the water. He especially loved the stirring wheel on the boat!!!!

Jackson Walking

2010-05-06T17:29:00.000-07:00

1st Birthday Portraits!!! Beautiful boy...

2010-04-05T05:33:00.000-07:00

Good Times...

2010-03-25T13:22:00.000-07:00

Happy 1st Birthday!!!

2010-03-09T17:54:00.001-08:00

Sweetness is finally 1 year old! Oh how time flew by this year! It seems like yesterday I was sitting in labor and delivery anxiously awaiting his arrival. Not to mention the 4 feet of snow outside and the fact I was in Oslo, Norway. This past year has been a whirlwind and now I am happy to saw we are beginning a new chapter or our lives here in Northern Virginia. I look forward to taking Jacskon to the National Zoo and touring the National Mall during my favorite time of year...when the Cherry Blossom’s are in full bloom.

School and 1 Year Check Up...

2010-02-23T17:59:00.000-08:00

Jackson has started daycare and even though it breaks my heart, he is adjusting very well. They do have to pry him off of me every morning but when I call to check on him he is fine (Oh and I only call 1x per day now instead of 3-4x, i think the teachers think I am crazy). The teachers told me he only cries for about 5 minutes and then is content. He likes to observe the other children before playing with them, but by the time I pick him up he doesn’t want to leave...which makes me feel great. But now when I pick him up he gives me this wonderful smile and then goes right back to doing what he was doing (whether it be throwing his snack like his friends or playing with toys). OH and I didn’t break down when dropping him off...instead I almost broke down when he didn’t want to leave with me.

We also had our first year check up and he is one healthy baby boy! He weighed 25 lbs and was 30 inches long. He didn’t care for his vaccines or the nurse (sorry to the nurse whom he hit and kicked) but he was fine about 15 minutes after his screaming fit. But then again I might have had a fit after being tortured by the doctor and having 4 shots (at least he thought it was torture). He is getting 4 top teeth in right now and two bottom molars. He doesn’t seem to be too affected by it but we will see as time goes on...

He is an official army crawler and pulling up on everything. I now regret saying oh how I wish he would crawl, walk, etc. I miss when he would just sit and stay!!! He also likes to throw things and will throw just about everything...even if it is food. We are trying to learn manners but you know he is a BOY!!!

Happy Valentines Day!!!

2010-02-15T19:16:00.000-08:00

We had a good Valentines Day...did you???

50 things about Jackson you might not know...

2010-02-12T13:31:00.000-08:00

He loves anything you are eating
His red ball is his favorite toy (he knows how to kick it too)
He has mommy separation anxiety (at least his teachers are willing to work with him on this issue)
He only likes to be held when he wants something or is sleepy.
He rather walk everywhere holding on to someone than be carried.
He really doesn’t like his high chair.
His first word was Mama, then Papa, then Apple!
He now says “up” constantly because he wants to stand and walk around (even though he is too unstable to walk by himself).
His first fruit was bananas, first vegetable carrots, first meat chicken.
He loves bath time as you can see in the picture.
He is learning to be devious.
He only has two teeth but chews like he has eight.
He refuses to crawl because it is too exhausting not because he doesn’t know how.
He is learning to share his toys and food.
He rather have milk than juice.
He loves to clap and give high five.
He loves to wave hi or by at strangers then turn his head when they wave back because he is shy.
He is fascinated by snow.
He likes to see how things work
He is very intuitive.
He start day care on Monday.
He turns 1 in two weeks.
He loves, loves, loves looking at the window and then licking it.
He can do a lot more things than he is willing to admit.
He got his father wrapped around his short, chubby finger.
He is loved by many people across the world!!!
He still has crystal blue eyes that melt all the ladies hearts.
He loves carrying on conversation with his stuff animals.
He rather play with kitchen utensils.
He loves dogs.
His favorite song is the Hot dog song on Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and Old McDonald!
His mother took the batteries out of one of his toys because he figured out how to push the music button over and over.
He now tries to mimic small things you do like nodding yes or no, sticking out your tongue, and peek a boo.
He likes to throw things.
He prefers his father over his mother when he is home except when it is bedtime.
He has only been sick twice. Hope the carrier monkeys at day care don’t get him.
He allows his mother to drink her cup of mommy juice, I mean coffee, in the morning as he talks to the birds outside the window or whatever might be out there (last approximately 15 minutes before we are over it, but happens every morning)
Can say nei nei nei (no no no in norwegian)
He is fascinated with drinking straws.
The boy loves music (any kind)!
He is most talkative after he eats.
He still takes 2-3 naps a day.
His hair is curly when wet but straight as straw when dry.
He looks more and more like Troy everyday.
He weighs close to 30 pounds.
He points to where he wants to go and what he wants...ALL THE TIME!
He loves American Idol.
He will let anyone hold him as long as his mommy is not around.
When put into a room full of children or people, he will observe them for several minutes before attempting any contact or socialization.
His laughter is the best thing!

Farewell Norway...Hello DC!!!

2010-01-26T07:05:00.000-08:00

First let me apologize for not keeping up with my blog!!! Things have been hectic. Troy and I are moving back to the states. Troy will play for DC United again! We are both very sad to leave our friends in Norway, however we are very please to be coming back to the states. It is a great opportunity for Troy and Jackson will now get to live closer to all his family. I will be joining the working force, so right now I am currently looking for a solid, educational daycare. Decisions, decisions, decisions... Oh the things you do to make sure you child has the best!!! I suppose this is the first of many.

Jackson Adventures 2009 (Part 5)...Meeting Aunt Kay

2009-12-07T18:03:00.000-08:00

When I was in Florida my Super Aunt Kay came to see me. I loved snuggling with her. I think she liked it too!!!

Jackson Adventures 2009 (Part 4)...Gram and Grandpapa's

2009-12-07T17:52:00.000-08:00

Next I drove to Florida and was able to play outside all day. I also met Dooley...he likes to lick my face. Not sure what I think about him...

I really like Grandpapa's truck...I think he told me he would buy me one when I turn 16!!!

Jackson Adventures 2009 (Part 3)...Louisville

2009-12-07T17:47:00.000-08:00

I went and met some of my mommy's besties...I would post more pictures if they would email her the pictures!!!

Jackson Adventures 2009 (Part 2)...a real bath!

2009-12-07T17:41:00.000-08:00

Then I got to take a bath in a REAL tub!

Jackson Adventures 2009 (Part 1)

2009-12-07T17:35:00.001-08:00

First I went to meet my great grandpa when I arrived in Columbus, Ohio. We had a great time!

Bouncing...

2009-11-07T00:55:00.000-08:00

My new favorite thing...STRINGS!!!

2009-11-07T00:54:00.001-08:00

Happy Halloween!!!

2009-11-07T00:51:00.001-08:00

I swear officer I wasn't drinking...

2009-10-27T13:02:00.000-07:00

Finally...Mommy and Me

2009-10-27T12:52:00.000-07:00

If you look closely Troy is in the background!

Apple Turnovers Recipe

2009-10-20T23:23:00.001-07:00

I couldn’t find any recipe that really jumped out at me so I created my own. Troy really enjoyed these one crisp fall afternoon.

Dough:
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup sugar
4 cups of flour
1 teaspoon salt
200g (1 1/2 cup) butter
1 egg

Directions:
Better to have all ingredients at room temperature. Cream butter and sugar (if you don’t what this means call your grandmother). Sift flour and salt. Add sour cream and flour to butter and sugar, alternating. Add egg. Mix and set in fridge until chilled.

Roll out dough to thickness you prefer. Cut dough into 3-4 inch diameter circles or you can do squares. Place a spoonful of filling in middle of dough, fold dough over and pinch with fork. Cook in oven 375 for 20-30 minutes (until golden brown).

Filling:
3 large apples (red-yellow kind are the best because they are sweet but tart)
1 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon corn starch
1 tablespoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon nutmeg (optional)
1 tablespoon water
1/2 stick of butter

Directions:
Chop up apples and cover with lemon juice so they won’t brown. Add all ingredients into a sauce pan and cook on low until sauce is thick.

Vanilla Cream Sauce:
1 cup of powder sugar
1 teaspoon of vanilla
Milk to thickness you want.

Directions:
Mix and then drizzle over turnovers.

Beautiful Eyes...

2009-10-16T13:23:00.000-07:00

Airplane

2009-10-12T10:56:00.000-07:00

The Chairs Attack...

2009-10-12T10:50:00.000-07:00

Mom I just don't understand why this ball won't go into my mouth...

2009-10-06T10:01:00.001-07:00

It's a bird, it's a plane, it's Super J...

2009-09-29T12:01:00.000-07:00

This was suppose to be Jackson's Halloween costume but we think he will out grow it by then!!! You can also see that sweetness can sit up by himself now. Baby boy is growing up...tear, sob.

Barsel Gruppe (Mommy-n-Me Group)

2009-09-29T11:48:00.000-07:00

Maria "the oldest"

Jackson and Frederick

Jackson, Frederick, and Theodor

Frederick and Jackson having a discussion. I think they were trying to see who could be the loudest!

Karl and Theodor

This is why Troy is not allowed to dress Jackson...

2009-09-22T07:24:00.001-07:00

He looks like a little boy and not a baby!!!

I dag skal han stoppe Lyn... Det er tid for revansje.

2009-09-21T11:36:00.000-07:00

Today we shall stop Lyn...It is time for revenge!

It all started with a telephone call from Anita in the front office of VIF. She wanted a baby picture of Troy. Of course I said yes and would try to get it to her by that afternoon, if not by the next morning. Did I stop to ask why...No, it didn’t even cross my mind. (Some say your brain gets smaller after having a baby, I think that is a myth...but Troy is thinking it might be true.) So the next day my jackass construction worker shows up at my house to put in my glass doors, but low and behold he has the flu. Maybe it is the swine flu...who knows. All I know is i told him to not touch or get close to Jackson (I am pretty sure I gave him a eat shit look too) so I packed up Jackson and left to watch the end of Troy’s training. Well we got there for the last 15 minutes of training and Jackson really enjoyed watching Troy or maybe it is the trees and their leaves blowing in the wind...we will tell Troy the latter. It all starts again...we are leaving the training grounds with Troy when the VIF media reporter approaches Troy with a “piece of paper,” so I thought it was just a regular interview so Jackson and I proceeded to walk further until we came to a screeching halt because Troy was screaming my name so loud that I think people in Sweden might have heard it. Well that “piece of paper” was the baby pic of Troy and they wanted to use it on a poster for the game on Sunday.

(Why might they want to use a baby picture...well the last time VIF beat Lyn was the day that Troy was born...like I knew any of this. Like I knew it has been 28 years since VIF beat Lyn! I have a hard time keeping up with my baby regardless to soccer statistics.)

So they proceeded to get troy to pose just like the baby picture so they could put up a “past” (baby) and “present” photo. Of course the entire time I am about to keel over with pain in my side because I am trying not to laugh so damn hard. Truly one of the funniest moments of my life...it even got some smiles out of Jackson. The whole time Troy is now giving me the eat shit look I gave my constructor worker. This is when I thought maybe I should start looking for a divorce attorney...just kidding. Well Sunday morning when I woke up sure enough the baby picture was posted on the website:

http://www.vif-fotball.no/article2711582.ece

I still don’t know if the picture was posted on a poster around the stadium, I only hope so!!!! However, it was definitely posted in the biggest Norwegian newspaper, VG. VG is like the New York Times!!! Troy says revenge is a bitch...we will see about that because I don’t know if he has met my other side...the Devil. Ha!

Can’t be any worse than when Troy dressed up as a Renaissance man, if pregnancy is my excuse to a smaller brain what is his?

Look what I found...

2009-09-21T03:15:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YzMQBqNtOaY

Endorsements...

2009-09-19T04:24:00.001-07:00

I don’t endorse products often but there are two products that I think every new mother needs.

1) DESITIN...this is why: My son is 6.5 months old and he has never had diaper rash!!! I was told that if you put it on every other diaper then you will avoid diaper rash. Just ask my Nana...one of the first thing is realized was that my baby’s butt was SUPER clean. She said it reflected well on the mother. Well Thank You Desitin!!!! I like being viewed as a good mom. (I keep ahold of those comments for when Jackson is screaming bloody murder and the promise of a 69 Camaro won’t get him to stop!) Furthermore, who doesn’t like a clean baby butt. Secondly, when you have a “big” boy, meaning has rolls everywhere, can’t sit up yet because his head weighs half his total body weight, quadruple chin, etc...it comes into great use. When you have a quadruple chin sometimes foods gets caught under it and the folds become irritated. So I just put Desitin on it and it clears right up. So now one of my new motto’s is: If it is red, put Desitin on it!!! I definitely have become one of those mom’s who hours later finds Desitin underneath her finger nails.

2) Barefoot Dreams Bamboo Chic Blanket: It has to be the most soft, wonderfully feeling blanket I have ever laid my hands on. Jackson was given one by our great friends, The Panters. (THANK YOU) He absolutely loves it. He loves to wrap himself up in it and take a nap (little does he know so does his mommy). The best thing about this blanket is that you can wash it a million times and it still retains its luscious, softness. As a new mother I have learned very quickly that if it can’t be washed or sterilized then there is no place for it in my house. (Yes, I know babies need germs, but Jackson gets plenty from chewing on Sydney’s toys...just kidding) This company also has adult clothes, baby clothes, bedding and much more. I am thinking about getting some sweaters and a baby blanket for chubs. Here is the web address, so check it out: http://www.barefootdreams.com/

Milkyway, Snickers, Tolberone...

2009-09-15T12:07:00.000-07:00

What can you do to occupy a baby while you eat a nice dinner with your husband??? Give him CHOCOLATE!!! (At least it was still in the wrapper but it kept him busy for 30 minutes!!!)

Best Husband and this is why...

2009-09-15T11:58:00.000-07:00

1. He woke up this morning and cleaned the bathroom.
2. Came home from work to take care of Jackson so that I could have a nice lunch with friends. (thanks Lauren and Tracy)
3. Cooked me pasta with mussels in a white wine sauce.
4. Cleaned the dishes while I played with Jackson
5. Made a strawberry syrup to put over my pound cake for my "Mommy and me" group.
6. After Jackson went to sleep we sat down to candle light and had a glass of wine! (Thanks Tracy for the wine!)

Now what makes him a keeper is he did all this with out asking. He just wanted me to relax! Did your husband do any of these things???

New Look!!!

2009-09-09T02:47:00.000-07:00

Making some new changes to my blog. For example, you will see advertisements!!! Send Jackson to college or pay my student loans. The more you visit the more money I make!!! There is also a Guestbook at the bottom. Hope you like the new look. Happy Blogging!!!

Giggling at Momma and Daddy...

2009-08-31T03:25:00.000-07:00

Happy Boy makes Happy Parents!!!

2009-08-28T11:38:00.000-07:00

Kitchen Nook

2009-08-27T12:50:00.000-07:00

2009-08-25T09:12:00.001-07:00

Happy Birthday Gram!!!

2009-08-25T04:36:00.000-07:00

Jackson: "Hey Mom"
Me: "Yes Little Big Red"

Jackson: "I'm bored...Let's make Gram a Birthday Card"
Me: "Ok that is a great idea"

Both: "Happy Birthday Gram, We love you!!!"

Me: "Little Big Red, you can't eat the card."
Jackson: "That is what you think"

Having fun with Daddy...

2009-08-22T10:54:00.000-07:00

Jackson Laughing at Sydney!!!

2009-08-13T09:13:00.000-07:00

Home Sweet Home

2009-08-08T09:15:00.000-07:00

The small touches that make a home a home...

Marriage Confessions 101...

2009-08-08T09:09:00.001-07:00

Let me set up the scene...

The husband has been gone for the entire month of July playing for the National Team...Go USA (must add he did a DAMN good job)!!! Thus, the desperate housewife has been a single mother for the entire month.

Husband: Why do you want to take a nap? Why are you so tired? (Of course he says this joking around)
Desperate Housewife: EXCUSE ME…Obviously you don’t value your life!
Husband: Obviously I don’t (laughing out loud).

Thus, the desperate housewife storms off pounding her feet into the stairs…plotting her revenge!

Love my Bumbo...

2009-08-08T09:05:00.000-07:00

We're Back...

2009-08-07T10:57:00.000-07:00

Finally we have internet again!!! Here are some recent pics of sweetness...

Jackson Gregory a.k.a Guy Harvey

2009-07-27T09:42:00.002-07:00

Carrot Top!

2009-07-18T11:59:00.000-07:00

Play time...

2009-07-18T11:45:00.000-07:00

Going to take Sydney for a walk...

2009-07-17T10:52:00.000-07:00

I've been peed on...

2009-07-17T08:38:00.001-07:00

I always knew I wanted a little girl and this is why...

Jackson woke me up at 400am for a bottle and diaper change. Well, right when I was changing the diaper...just switching the diapers out...pee propelled off the diaper onto my face. Caught off guard I stopped changing the diaper and the fountain proceeded to pour all over my night gown, the sheets, and of course Jackson. Jackson thought it was hilarious of course…laughing and giggling. I told him that little girls didn’t do things like this. He then proceeded to scream…I must have hurt his feelings.

Maybe one day I will have a little girl so I can avoid being peed on or at least my face can avoid it. However, I wouldn’t change my sweetness for anything, pee and all!

Not a drug addict...unless it is sweetness!!!

2009-07-17T08:26:00.000-07:00

Before you jump to conclusion...NO I have not been shooting up crack or heroin! I found these on my arm this morning and was curious to why I have the SAME bruise on the SAME exact spot on both of my arms. Well when Jackson and I went to the market I discovered that it was from the car seat and how I was carrying it. So it is Jackson fault for being so FAT! But who wouldn't love these thighs...

these cheeks...

So I forgave him and let him cuddle with me!!!

Ticklish

2009-07-11T05:29:00.000-07:00

Where Jackson gets his good looks...

2009-07-10T08:58:00.000-07:00

Slowly Decorating...

2009-07-09T11:20:00.000-07:00

My Sweetness...

2009-07-05T14:28:00.000-07:00

Love watching TV before going to bed...

2009-07-05T12:16:00.000-07:00

A Mother's Love...

2009-07-04T06:39:00.000-07:00

Words can't describe a mothers love...

Captain Crabby

2009-06-26T12:27:00.000-07:00

Mom I beg to differ...

Giggle...kinda!

2009-06-26T12:08:00.000-07:00

I have silly parents...

2009-06-26T11:46:00.000-07:00

Happy Father's Day!!!

2009-06-21T06:20:00.000-07:00

Mommy and Jackson: Happy Father’s Day!
Troy: Thank you…I didn’t think you would remember
(Betsy rolls her eyes)
Troy: How about you go to the gym with me today?
Betsy: I can’t because who would watch Jackson.
Troy: The ‘Lil Valle’ (VallHall--gym daycare) is open from 11 to 2pm.
Betsy: (rolls her eyes and curses under her breath) With a smile…I guess it wouldn’t hurt!
Troy: That is the spirit (with a tap on the back)
Troy: I am going to do a circuit today and I am going to start with a 15-20 minute jog, of course you can do the jog at your own pace. I would like it if you would join me.
Betsy: My own pace is a slow walk…right back to bed!!!
Betsy: Since I am going to the gym I get three pieces of bacon for breakfast!!!

I hate when Troy is right! I went to the gym and feel a hell of a lot better. Thus, Exercise + Big Coffee in the morning = Happy and Awake Mommy. On the other hand, right when we got to the gym and handed Jackson to the “babysitter” he started screaming. I guess if my parents handed me off to a complete stranger I would cry too but wait they did….TROY!

Norwegian Exploits of an American Baby...

2009-06-17T09:56:00.000-07:00

Today my morning started off great. I woke up at 7am and before I had to cry and scream for someone to get me, Daddy came and picked me up. Furthermore, my breakfast was already warm and ready to go. Daddy then processed to dance like a maniac and I thought he was pretty funny so I gave him a couple smiles. The main reason I smiled was not because he was so funny but because he looked like a fool. But he thinks it is something special when I smile so I milked it for all it was worth. My smile can already get me anything I want! Just ask Gram or Granny…

Daddy was a big help to mommy this morning as he let her sleep til 915am. Then she got me ready for my appointment with the physical therapist. My midwife or "Earth Mother" (what a silly name...last time I checked my "Earth Mother" was named Mommy) was concerned about my flat spot on the back of my head (right side). I tried telling her at my first visit that it was hard switching my big head from side to side but she didn’t listen. On the other hand, that was two weeks ago and I am much stronger now. Plus Mommy makes me practice at home, especially when I don’t want to be bothered…mean woman.

So on the car ride over I decided it would be in my best interest to take a nap before all this “physical” activity. However, when I got there I really didn’t want to be bothered. But the PT didn’t care. She poked, pried, and tested me for a whole hour. Doesn’t she know not to wake a sleeping baby…apparently not. To make matters worse when everything was over she told my Mommy,”There is nothing wrong with this baby, he is strong, healthy, and just LAZY!” She should have asked my Mommy that before she woke me up and pissed me off because you know what…MOMMY ALREADY KNEW THAT.

Smile--Part 2

2009-06-12T04:42:00.000-07:00

Smile!!!

2009-06-12T03:44:00.000-07:00

I didn't know how hard it was to catch this on camera!

The Jackson Way!!!

2009-06-10T11:09:00.001-07:00

I used to think there was 2 ways: the right way and the wrong way. Then I moved to Norway and found out there was 3 ways: the right way, the wrong way, and the Norwegian way. THEN I was soon corrected by learning the 4th way: (the right way, the wrong way, the Norwegian way) the JACKSON way!!!

Hey whats going on...

2009-06-10T10:55:00.000-07:00

Tell me about your day...

2009-06-10T10:05:00.000-07:00

War at Home...

2009-06-03T08:49:00.001-07:00

Dear Jackson,

Time has come to put on your “big” boy pants and consider the following:

A) Sleeping more than 5 hours at night (lately it has been 3.5 to 4) or see below (B)
B) Avoiding being bright eyed and bushy tailed at 330am in the morning
C) Realization that the pacifier is not a drug that must be used prior to “good” sleep, if not see (C)
D) Therapy for crack (I mean pacifier) addiction. (It doesn’t have to be in your mouth for all hours of sleep!)
E) All of the above.

Consideration of these things would be greatly appreciated.

Much Love,
Mommy

Dear Mommy,

Maybe you should just put on your “big” girl pants and DEAL with it because I am just a baby. More to the point, it takes a lot of feedings to maintain these succulent, voluptuous rolls that all other babies envy intact.

Your favorite,
Jackson Gregory

P.S. Maybe you should talk to God about the Sun coming up at 300am!

We're Back...

2009-05-27T05:33:00.001-07:00

Made it back safely after a great trip to FL and GA. Jackson and I are both exhausted and are resting for the reminder of the day. Now if I could only get him to rest with his eyes closed and in his own bed. We were both glad to see Troy! Here are some great pictures of our growing little boy. He surely is the apple of our eyes. More pics to come from Kristin's wedding, Alex's graduation, and fun at the bayou. Thanks to all family and friends that travelled to meet our little boy.

Silly boy...

2009-05-08T14:19:00.000-07:00

We went to the Embassy to pick up passports today and it was a little chilly outside so I put a hat on Baby Jack. Then we went to VallHall, Troy's training facility, to meet up with Papa.

Mommie (as Papa walks in): There's papa!
Papa: Jackson has your mother lost her DAMN mind.
Jackson: Smile!

Big Belly!!!

2009-05-08T14:15:00.000-07:00

Sweetness...

2009-04-28T00:10:00.000-07:00

Big Boy...8 weeks!!!

2009-04-27T23:58:00.000-07:00

Incredible Hulk...I mean Jackson!!!!

2009-04-27T23:49:00.000-07:00

Embassy Fun...

2009-04-16T07:38:00.000-07:00

Troy, Jackson and I went to the Embassy to register him as an American citizen and to get him a passport. Little did we know that the American Embassy is like a prison? It has to be the ugliest embassy in Norway and the most guarded. It took 30 minutes just for Jackson, his buggy, and me to get through security. The security guards looked at me like what is all the shit you are brining. Well when you have a baby that baby comes with a bunch of shit. Furthermore when you go out, even if it is just for a couple hours (like register your baby at the Embassy or get him a passport so he can return to the country where he is a legal citizen…you know the stuff they require you to do by law) you still have to take a bunch of shit. Even on the website it says bring the minimal amount of stuff…what is ever minimal when going out with a baby…seriously!

Then I had to convince the security guards to let me take a bottle in (did they honestly think I was going to feed my baby poison or maybe they thought that bombs can be made out of formula…who knows). They looked at me like it was the most stupid question ever asked. Obviously these guards did not have children because you don’t go anywhere, even if it is 50 feet from your stroller without a bottle.

Needless to say we finally entered the Embassy after the guard had to open the bomb proof 100 pound door. So Jackson will finally get his American passport, social security number, and won’t get deported from Norway because he now has his Norwegian visa. The fun part of the morning started when we had to run down the street to get Jackson a passport photo. Oh and the lady made sure to tell us his eyes had to be opened…don’t all babies have blue eyes? Anyways before going to the embassy I checked the list of items to bring to fill out the paperwork. Now passport photo was NOT on the list…parent’s passports (check), marriage certificate (check), birth certificate (check), and money to pay for passport (check)…nowhere on that list was there to bring a passport photo of the baby.

So now for the fun part of our morning. We get to the photo place and Jackson is sound to sleep…sleeping peacefully might I add (maybe it was because he thought it was “party” time from 1-5am). So we blew on his face, pinched his cheeks, tickled his feet, grabbed his thighs, put cold hands on his face and belly…still we got no response. This child was in a sleep coma. So our last resort, being the horrible parents we are, changed his napi and placed a cold wet wipe on his frank and beans. Boy did that wake him up! Now not only was he awake, he was extremely pissed. So now we have this awake baby who is throwing a fit (rightfully might I add). So now we had to calm him down. So finally we got the paci out (Paci=baby cocaine). He finally stopped crying and we were able to place him on Troy’s lap. However, just imagine taking crack from a druggie…they get pissed. So after he calmed down once again, we figured it we would have 1-2 sec before he realized his crack…I mean paci was taken from him. So the photographer got everything set up and right when I grabbed the paci she snapped the photo, which happened to turn out great. So then we took Mr. Grumpy pants home, fed him, and put him to bed. Now if someone would just feed me, burp me and put me to bed, we will be doing great!

Sweetness...

2009-04-15T08:51:00.000-07:00

The love of my life!!!

Naked...

2009-04-11T12:40:00.001-07:00

To popular demand, here is a naked pic of Jackson. Two seconds after I snapped this picture he peed all over Troy...PRICELESS!!!

6 weeks old!!!

2009-04-10T09:43:00.000-07:00

Something to help keep my sanity!!!!

2009-04-09T02:17:00.000-07:00

I am constantly asked health questions by family and friends so I have decided to create another blog where you can post questions and I can answer them (or you can email me your questions--bperkins1217@gmail.com). I truly enjoy researching and answering medical questions. I feel like it keeps me in the loop of current medicine and more importantly keeps my brain stimulated. I keep telling myself, I DID go to school and I DO have a great education, so why not put it to use. However, I am stuck in this country where they have a different language (why can’t we all speak English), where I am without work until I succumb to learning Norwegian (which I might add that I am taking my second course starting April 20th). Right now I am limited to baby talk, baby books, etc. The little burrito is taking over my brain cells and if they are not stimulated they might turn into noodles, if they haven’t already. I haven’t decided what to call my new blog so if you have any suggestions or any topics that you would like discussed…let me know!

My boys...

2009-04-08T08:40:00.000-07:00

One of Jackson's favorite things is to take an afternoon nap with his daddy! Sydney thought she would join in too. Such a hard life...

The Newlywed Game

2009-04-08T05:24:00.000-07:00

I watch Ellen everyday at 1130 if I am home and if I am not home I record it. We are two weeks behind over here so yesterday she had her wife on the show and they played the Newlywed Game. Troy happened to walk into the room on this question:

If your spouse was a dog what breed would they be? So of course I ask Troy the same question.

My answer: Yellow Lab
His answer (keep in mind I did not tell him my answer): You are not a yellow lab so get that out of your head. You are more like a Dalmatian. You are incredibly intelligent (good answer) but sometimes you are very aloof and don’t pay attention (what the hell). But when I think about it and maybe he is right or not!

Jackson went to his first game...

2009-04-07T09:35:00.000-07:00

Silly Sydney

2009-04-05T04:22:00.000-07:00

Sydney has always like to wrap up in warm laundry, but now that Jackson has arrived I try to keep her out of the laundry, especially his. However, she out smarted me this time. She jumped right into the dryer while I was in the kitchen.

Sydney thought she would have tummy time too!!!

2009-04-03T10:48:00.000-07:00

Tummy Time!!!

2009-04-03T10:37:00.000-07:00

Momma's Little Angel!!!

2009-04-03T08:29:00.000-07:00

Chubby Cheeks...

2009-04-03T01:27:00.000-07:00

Little boy is getting chubby...I just could eat him up. He is getting rolls, rolls, and more rolls. My favorite thing right now is his little hands. He is constantly playing with his hands. He came out with his right hand on his cheek and still has to have it by him when he is sleeping. I am SO in love!!!

The Burrito!!!

2009-03-31T12:09:00.000-07:00

Napping in my big boy bed...

2009-03-29T11:41:00.000-07:00

Trying to hold my bottle by myself...

2009-03-28T13:51:00.000-07:00

1 month Old!!!

2009-03-28T13:47:00.000-07:00

Not number 1 anymore...

2009-03-26T08:37:00.000-07:00

Betsy: Text message to Troy...CALL ME
Troy: What is wrong? Is Jackson okay?
Betsy: Jackson is fine.
Troy: Okay that is good to hear. Why did you call me then?
Betsy: I have a 101 fever and think I should go to the doctor.
Troy: Okay I will call him.

Hang up

Five minutes later
Troy: I called and he said to get there as soon as possible.
Betsy: Ok I will be ready by the time you get here.
Troy: I am going to eat first, is that OK?
Betsy: FINE! Hang up.

More pics!!!

2009-03-26T08:31:00.000-07:00

Payasan Chair Fun...

2009-03-26T08:00:00.001-07:00

Splish Splash...I was given a REAL bath...

2009-03-22T13:03:00.001-07:00

Play Gym Time!!! (Part 2)

2009-03-21T13:01:00.000-07:00