Mommy went out to play...

I did it. I spent a night away from the baby. I was gone a whole 24 hours. And guess what? He was fine. So was I.

I honestly didn’t think I could do it. In fact, I was totally prepared to be driving back from Athens having a crying fit at 4 in the morning. It took me almost 45 minutes to leave the house. I had to kiss the baby about a thousand times and go over things with Chris at least a dozen times. This, of course, is totally absurd because both Chris and I know he is perfectly capable of taking care of the baby. It’s hard to explain, but it’s a very strange feeling to be away from your child. I know that Chris can take care of him, but I am totally convinced that Jackson needs ME. It’s kind of like the going back to work thing. I know he’s in good hands, but my hands are the best hands.

As I made my way to Athens for Anne Marie’s bachelorette party, I was 100% sure I was going to have fun and 25% sure I was going to leave before the sun was up on Sunday morning. I was preparing myself for feelings of guilt and sadness; however, once I got to the amazingly awesome Georgia Gameday Suites, the only feeling I had was happiness. I was happy to be there for Anne Marie. I was happy to be in Athens. I was happy to see my wonderful sorority sisters. I was happy to show off pictures of my baby. I was happy to know he was having a great time with his Daddy. I didn’t wake up Sunday morning until long after the sun was up (something that doesn’t happen too often any more) and you know what? It felt good.

I don’t want to be one of those moms that never leave her kids. I don’t think that’s healthy. Some separation is good, for both me and Jackson. Granted, being Jack’s mom is a huge part of my life now, but this weekend reminded me that I’m a lot of things – a mom, a wife, a daughter, a sister, a friend – and being well-rounded in all aspects of my life will make me the best mom I can possibly be for my son.

The Amazing Jack Neighbours!

My baby doesn’t perform tricks. He never has. When I was pregnant and was going for ultrasounds, he would be rolled in a position the doctor didn’t like and it was take a lot of effort to get him to move. Most of the time, they had to get a buzzer (a little stick that shakes) to get him to jump around in there. He’d move his hands in front of his face so we rarely got a clear shot of him. And when it was time to take ultrasound pictures, he’d wiggle around so they’d be all blurry. Yup, Jackson Wesley Neighbours has a mind of his own.

Even now, he does the cutest things, but the second I grab the camera, he stops. Even when he’s not looking at me, for example, on his play mat he'll be talking to his reflection in the mirror and try to grab at things.  I sneak up behind him with the camera all set to record, and he stops. Last night, he was talking up a storm, but when my Mom called and put the phone close to him, he stopped. Nope, he’s just not going to perform for anyone until he’s good and ready.

On a side note, Jack’s future girlfriend Hadley will be here by Monday (or earlier)! We are all very excited to meet her and are praying for a safe delivery! Congratulations to Rey and Heather!

The teacher becomes the student.

As parent, part of my job is to teach my son about, well, pretty much everything: right and wrong, good and bad, the importance of Georgia football season. I never imagined, though, that at almost 12 weeks old, he would have taught me so much already. Of course, there are the major things that having him has opened my eyes to: the amount of joy, wonder and love one little person can bring; the amazement you feel as you watch this little guy grow and discover the world; and a renewed sense of appreciation and love for your family and friends.

But that’s the sappy stuff.

Here are the things that Jack has taught me that I think, as a grown up, we tend forget:

1. A good burp after a meal makes you feel better.
2. The very first thing you should after you wake up is stretch.
3. It’s okay to cry for no reason sometimes.
4. Laugh when things are funny. Or silly. Or just there.
5. Smile often.
6. Sleep will always make you feel better.
7. Instead of always looking at the big picture, take time to look at the little things around you.

Jack has a fascination with ceiling fans. I can put him on the floor underneath one and he’ll watch it for an hour. He also loves to look at pictures and video of himself. I’m sure he doesn’t realize that it’s him and I could show him any random baby and he would love it, but my picture supply of random babies is rather limited. At night, Jack looks at the stars. Not outside, of course, but from his turtle. It displays stars on the wall and ceiling in three different colors. We turn this on every night and he will just watch the stars change color until he falls asleep. Chris and I will lie in bed and watch the stars, too. It’s amazing how peaceful and calming it can be just to lie there in silence watching the changing colors.

Thanks, Baby Jack, for teaching me so much already. I only hope I can return the favor.