The difference 7 months and a lollipop can make...

Many of you may remember just how traumatic Jackson's first haircut was on September 7, 2007. We have spaced his haircuts out as far as possible because it was such a traumatic event for him. So, since then he's had only a handful of haircuts. We had his first haircut done at the barber shop Donald always had his hair cut at. The barbers there always do such a great job with Jackson even though he is screaming, and his hair cut always looks so nice, and so much like a "little man."

Today I was feeling mighty brave, so I thought we'd venture out to get a haircut because let's face it, he's needed one for weeks now. He was so cute when I told him after his bath that we were going to get a haircut. I kept reminding him that it wouldn't hurt and showed him how she would gather his hair and "snip, snip." So all morning he would gather his hair and say, "sip, sip." We went to a local salon and had them cut his hair, and he did such a great job!

It was a HUGE improvement from only 7 months ago. He pouted for a few minutes, but then did a great job being such a big boy and sucking on his lollipop. Lollipops are one of those treats he only gets for going to the doctor or doing something that big boys do. He thinks they're such a special treat! Here's a few pics for comparison =)

This pic was taken just after we got in the car. I let him sit in my lap today so I couldn't get a pic while he was getting a haircut but I think this picture speaks volumes!

Lazy Weekend

We had a much-needed lazy weekend this weekend. We were able to spend lots of time outside with Jackson, and let him enjoy this beautiful weather! He's into watching all the bugs, lizards, birds, and was thrilled he was able to get pretty close to a rabbit today. He's been helping me with the yard work lately as he drives his power wheel around and throws sticks into the back of it so he can later dump them in the backyard. He also is very helpful watering the flowers, or picking weeds out of the flower beds. It's so exciting to watch him learn new things, and demonstrate his independence.
Hopefully we'll have some new pics to add later this week. I finish up with final exams this week so we'll be able to get out and do more as soon as exams are behind me. Say a prayer for these finals. This has been my hardest semester yet, so I'm praying the finals go smoothly.

Washing the car with a 2 year old...

I wish I had pictures to go with this post, but unfortunately my camera was dead when I needed it the most today! Jackson and I decided we would wash the car today. I thought he'd have a great time getting dirty with mommy today, and boy was I right! He had a blast being in control of the water hose today, and the one corner of my car that he was in charge of was washed at least 10 times, so it's clean! I don't think there was a dry spot on me or him once we were finished, and it took his mind off of his new John Deere tractor for at least 30 minutes. These days that's an accomplishment! What a day!

In other news...I'm finishing up another semester of grad school. I have finally finished all 3 of my papers for this semester, and now I'm in the process of studying for finals next week. I will have a couple weeks of a break before summer session starts which is very much needed right now! Donald has been so wonderful about helping out around the house so that I have all the time I need to take care of everything I need to get accomplished to finish up the semester. I have truly been blessed with an amazing husband!

Well it's off to study some more for final exams. Say a prayer for me during this time as I could really use it! This has been the hardest semester of classes I have ever had, and I've wondered at times if I'd make it through, but I have, and I'm glad to say I can see the light at the end of the tunnel.

For some time now I've wanted to create a family blog to keep everyone informed about what's happening at the Irwins. I hope you enjoy seeing a snapshot of our life, and I look forward to my friends and family blogging to keep us updated on their life as well. Wish me luck in this endeavor!