Inauguration Day

Jackson was up this morning with me as I drank my coffee watching the Presidential Inauguration. We were amazed at the number of people on the Mall. Jackson is as excited as we are about our new President! Here he is doing a little dance (I think it might be "the robot") in his pj's as Obama gives his inauguration speech:



We danced a little jig together afterwards and sang "Bye, Bye Bush - Hello Obama!". We were very inspired. : )

Vaccination Time

Jackson received his next set of vaccinations this past Monday. Only two this time. He did great - cried a little after the shots were administered and was a bit fussy the rest of the day, but that quickly passed.

Instead of the "standard" American Academy of Pediatrics' vaccination schedule, Jackson is on Dr. Robers Sears' (aka "Dr. Bob") alternative vaccination schedule. The AAP's schedule recommends that infants receive a combination of as many as six immunizations during each of their 2-, 4- and 6-month checkups. The same vaccinations are administered in Dr. Bob's schedule, just spread out a bit ---- one or two every month. I feel this schedule will be a little less taxing on his system.

As many of you know, I have an autoimmune disease that I feel was brought on by the hepatits B series of vaccinations I received 10 years ago. I had to get this vaccination in order to work in a medical lab. Because of this, I am very concerned about the vaccination schedule for Jackson and am keeping a close eye on his reactions.

While I hate worrying about vaccinations (do the ingredients include mercury/aluminum/ formaldehyde, fevers, breathing problems, etc.) I know, for the most part, the diseases they prevent are far worse than the usual reaction from the shot. I think people forget about this when they decide not to immunize their children.

In any case, I'll get off my soapbox now!

We've had Spring-like weather here in San Jose this week. Temperatures in the mid- to upper- 70s! We have taken advantage of the nice weather and spent as much time as we can outdoors. Jackson's been on trips to the park, to the East Bay to visit friends and their babies, playing outside. Its been great! Here is a picture of Jack enjoying some tummy time outside:





He's starting to hold up his head very well! Still a little bit wobbly, but he's getting the hang of it. : )

Mom/Baby Pi-Yo Class

Jackson and I went to our first mom/baby Pi-Yo (pilates-yoga) class yesterday. Last time I did yoga was a few weeks before Jackson was born, so it was great to get back into it. It was also nice to see the babies of a few mom's in my prenatal class and also from the hospital birthing class and to talk to the moms about how their labor and delivery went. And, it was good just to be outside of the house.

How does this mom/baby yoga work, you might be wondering? Basically, Jackson lays on a blanket at the top of the yoga mat and I will pick him up when doing certain poses. Kind of like extra weight. Sometimes he will lay on his blanket and I will bend over him and tickle or sing to him. About 1/2 way during the class, we did a pose that included gentle rocking and he completely fell asleep. So, I completed the rest of the class without him as he snoozed away on the blanket. He was the only one who fell asleep!

The only part I didn't care for was the hokey-pokey at the end of the class, but probably because I was doing it by myself and it seemed kind of silly. I will probably go back again, though!

Happy New Year!

Hope you all enjoyed the holidays and that your new year is starting off well!

Jackson had a busy past 2 weeks - visits from family and friends and spending time with daddy over his 2 weeks off.

Christmas Eve found us at Uncle Mike and Aunt Cathy's for the annual Stull/Mullen Christmas exchange. We had a wonderful time! Here is a picture of 4 generations of family from that evening:


Jason, Lala (Jason's grandmother), Jackson, and Dana (Jason's dad)

Here is a picture of Jackson and his "bottle":


He was a fantastic little sommelier!

On Christmas Day, we opened presents from Santa at home. That evening we went over to Mima and Poppa's for Christmas dinner. Delicious, as always!!



We were excited to see Omi and Opa (my parents), who arrived from Arizona on Christmas Day, a few days later! This was their first time meeting Jackson. We enjoyed a belated Christams dinner with them, my sister, and my brother's family the following Saturday.

Here are Opa and Jackson:


Jackson had a fun time ringing in 2009 at Omi and Opa's on New Years Eve. We enjoyed traditional German food during the evening.



Omi and Opa - come back again soon!

Xmas Fun!

This weekend was full of great holiday fun! We went a caroling at the Somewhat-annual Stull Caroling Party. Since I really can't carry a tune, I sooth myself afterwards with hot cider. Mmmm!! It was tons of fun, as always. Here is a pic of Jason, Jackson, and me after caroling. Jackson is wiped out!!



Sunday night we went up to San Francisco for our annual holiday dinner with Mark. It was our first night out with out baby! (Thanks Mima and Poppa for watching Jackson!!!) We did well - no hourly phone calls. But, we did sneak a peek at his picture on our camera during dinner. ; > We were in the mood for homey food, so we decided to head out from Mark's place to the aptly-named Home restaurant. We got there in time for the Early Bird Special. I kid you not. Geez....a bunch of old geezers!! Then, off to Martunis for a martini before heading back to Mark's place. It was a night of festive fun in SF - it was great to see you, Mark!

Hope everyone is enjoying the holidays! Christmas is almost here...

Here Comes Santa Clause

Ho, ho, ho...Jackson met Santa today for the first time!

We were hoping to visit Santa last night, but after we fought the crowds and finally arrived at Valley Fair's Santa's Workshop at 4:55pm, we were told Santa is going on a "break" and will be back at 6:10pm. What??! This is prime picture time and Santa is taking a break?! Bah-humbug! Doesn't Santa have "back-up"? *Sigh*. We decided to go home and try another day.

So, I went this morning and there was no line at all! Yipee! Jackson was fast asleep and just woke up right before they took the picture. That's why he looks a little confused. : ) He's wearing a little Santa hat himself, but its a bit hard to tell in the pic.



Happy Holidays!!!

Jackson Does Not Like...Tom Cruise!

So, Jackson is in his swing watching Regis & Kelly (yes, it is his..or maybe my?... morning indulgence) and he is usually quite happy watching it while Mommy is getting dressed and making coffee. (Yes, I admit I have used the tv as a babysitter while I get dressed...) All of a sudden I hear him crying and it looks like it is because Tom Cruise is being interviewed. Coincidence? I think not!* ; >

* Disclaimer: I used to like Tom Cruise until the whole Oprah jumping on the couch thing and Matt Lauer "glib" comment...so, this may be biased.

Here is a pic of lil' Jack from yesterday. We are going to try to visit Santa this week! Stay tuned...