The Blackburn Family

Tennis & Swimming Lessons 2011

2011-07-06T13:43:00.000-07:00

This summer Paxton had his first swimming lessons! He had two sweet teachers, Miss Catherine and Miss Cara. They were super sweet and Paxton did pretty good. He is not fond of people that he doesn't know and it usually takes him quite some time to warm up to people. However, lately he has been alot better with this! Grandpa also tried to teach Paxton tennis one day after swimming lessons.... but Paxton wanted to have a snack instead. The top picture is after snack time with Grandpa. I think that was Paxton's favorite part about swimming lessons :)

Paxton with Miss Cara

Paxton with Miss Catherine

Paxton jumped off the high dive, NO FEAR!

Lake Fun

2011-07-06T12:53:00.001-07:00

We went to the lake this July 4th weekend and had a blast! Paxton enjoyed his newest toy that his Papa bought for him, the tube/float- I don't know what it is called but you could hear Paxton screaming for joy as Papa pulled him around the lake! Barrett likes pool water, but the waves of the lake were a little much this weekend. He likes riding the boat... as long as the conditions are right- late afternoon and cloudy with a breeze :)

8 months and summer fun!

2011-06-23T19:52:00.001-07:00

Barrett is 8 months old! I don't have any official stats since this isn't a month that we visit the doctor but because we have had to go for yet another ear infection, I do know that he weighs 21 lbs and 12 oz. Some things he is doing now are scooting around, still chewing on everything although there is much less drool since the bottom two front teeth have appeared. Barrett's new favorite food is eating the dinner combinations that Gerber offers, like macaroni and cheese/vegetable chicken/vegetable beef/ turkey and rice! I have stopped making baby food but because my last batch was so huge, we have about one more week left of vegetables. Barrett's newest accomplishment is pulling up! He is no longer satisfied with sitting, he has to be standing and because of that, he has learned how to pull himself up. He is quite advanced :) Check out the two pictures below. I cannot believe how much the boys look alike!
Barrett 8 months

Paxton 8 months

This could be one of my most favorite pictures of Paxton!

Paxton is quite the dare devil now too- he enjoys playing outside on his swingset but he really enjoys climbing up the side and having Barrett watch!

Being Scared and Jesus

2011-06-21T18:24:00.000-07:00

Lately, Paxton has had trouble going to sleep at night. Before now, he went to bed around 8:30 and went straight to sleep without getting up. However, these days we are lucky if he doesn't get up 3 or 4 times. He is consistent with one thing... he says he is scared. Apparently this is common among his age group or at least in his class and today there was a discussion among a few of the kids that his teacher overheard. The teacher was kind enough to write down his quote for us. Paxton's portion was this...

"When I am scared,

Jesus is always right behind me.

He always protects me.

And he can go to everyone's house and

protect you too!"

Ben and I have never been so proud! We have been praying at night with Paxton for Jesus to keep him safe and help him not to be scared. As a parent, you don't always know that they are paying attention but we are excited to know that Paxton is actually listening :)

Barrett scooting

2011-06-18T18:19:00.000-07:00

So it took Barrett forever, but he finally started to crawl... or scoot. He has also started babbling and Ben and I both think he is saying Mama. I am very excited about this because Paxton said Dada first. Enjoy the video but be warned...this is my first attempt at you tube videoing so bare with me because the video is the wrong direction and I couldn't figure out how to rotate it. Anyone that knows how, please share your knowledge!

7 months

2011-06-10T13:08:00.001-07:00

I somehow didn't put a post up for Barrett's seventh month :( He is actually now 7 months and 2 weeks! He is inchworming around and he's really fast. He can get to whatever he wants and usually that is something to put in his mouth. He is teething like crazy! He is huge eater now, eating 3 times a day and taking his bottle about every four hours. He naps twice a day usually about one hour in the morning and 1 1/2 -2 hours in the afternoon. He sleeps at night from about 7:30 pm till 6:30 am. He is the world's best baby and is completely rotten. He LOVES his brother and thinks everything Paxton does is absolutely hilarious! Another knew habit... falling asleep in the car. If the car ride is longer than 5 minutes, Barrett is out. Sounds great, until it interrupts his nap schedule. Oh well, it could be worse- Paxton HATED the car! Barrett's tear duct is still giving him some trouble and when he wakes up from sleeping, he has eye gunk. The doctor keeps reassuring us that we don't need to worry about it until the one year mark. We'll just have to see!

Notice the drool coming off of Barrett's chin!

Paxton gets jealous when we are trying to take pictures of Barrett, so everytime we have to make sure to get one that includes Paxton! Besides that, Paxton isn't jealous- we are lucky!

Playtime fun

2011-06-06T13:43:00.000-07:00

Christy, my sister, and Michael (8 1/2 months) came by to play when they were in town on a short visit. The boys had a blast! They both have the same interests- eating and chewing! I am excited to see these two grow up together! Barrett (left) Michael (right)

Fun at the pool

2011-06-06T13:15:00.000-07:00

FINALLY our neighborhood pool opened. We have been here 4 years and it took a while but it was worth it! The boys love swimming....

Big Splash :)

2011-06-06T13:06:00.000-07:00

I know this post is extremely late, like almost a month from when the boys had their first bath together, but I somehow forgot to share it! Anyway, the boys LOVE playing together in the bath and I was able to get some pictures that weren't too revealing! They'll love these later in life!

Paxton's 1st Babysitter!

2011-05-08T05:46:00.000-07:00

It's hard to believe but Paxton had his first babysitter last night :) Ben and I went out for a much needed date night, which by the way eventually landed us at Target, and Ms. Tori kept Paxton and Barrett. Tori is one of Paxton's teachers at Auburn First Baptist. Have I mentioned before how much Ben and I love Auburn First Baptist Child Development Center? Paxton is learning so much and his teachers are fabulous! Paxton had a really great time because "Ms. Tori came to play with him at his house". He thought that was really special. I can't wait to see how that plays out at school. Thanks Ms. Tori :)

6 Months

2011-04-25T18:57:00.001-07:00

I can't believe that Barrett is 6 months old! We celebrated with another trip to the doctor. Yes, Barrett has another ear infection... that makes 5 in his short 6 months! Finally, the doctor mentioned putting tubes in. Paxton didn't have to have them; in fact he has only had 2 ear infections in his whole 3 years. Also, Barrett was 20 pounds and 2 ounces :) He is the chunky monkey! Since it was not his "official" visit we didn't get his height, but I thought it was kinda wierd that we ended up at the doctor on his actual 6 month birthday! One of the things Barrett really enjoys right now is chewing... he has learned to grab your hair or face and pull you to him while he lovingly chews your face, preferable your nose or chin. Barrett has been eating solids for a couple of months now, but he has decided that his favorite is carrots! He is an amazing kid- the happiest baby I know. He truly only crys when he is hungry or tired! He has decided that he doesn't like his carseat. He is still in the infant carrier. I am trying to make it last as long as possible because it is so much easier. However, if he keeps on growing, he won't last much longer! Barrett has started rocking on his legs and belly. He really wants to crawl... I am not ready for that. Stay tuned!

Happy Birthday Paxton!

2011-04-10T08:08:00.001-07:00

It is so hard to believe that my little boy is 3 years old. He is the most amazing little man! Some his favorite things are Spiderman, Thomas, Backyardigans, fishing with Daddy, swimming in the pool, and playing with Barrett. This year, Paxton didn't have a party outside of the small one we had at school. Instead, we went as a family to A Day Out With Thomas in Calera, AL. (Thanks Dede for the tickets) I think this is a tradition that we will continue. I know I am late getting these pictures posted but we had a celebration that lasted several days! Enjoy!

Blowing out the candle at the school party

This is Paxton's friends at school. They are all precious!

I have to give Ben the credit for this present. He thought of it and got it himself. Let me tell you, it was a hit :)

Boarding Thomas the Train

A picture with the engine driver

A Day out With Thomas was at a Railroad museum. There were lots of old steam cars and Paxton got to climb in one and ring the bell.

There was also a petting zoo!

And a train ride with Nana and Papa!

When we got home, Ava and Grandpa brought over their present.... a bike!

Even though it is Spiderman, Paxton still isn't too excited about having to wear a helmet, but mommy insists on it. After all, I am very clumsy and Paxton is too!

It didn't take too long for Paxton to get the hang of it. Just this past week he rode all the way down our street and back!

Lap Time with Papa

2011-03-16T19:17:00.000-07:00

The boys love their Papa! Tonight, Barrett was sitting in Papa's lap and we remembered a picture that we had gotten of Paxton in Papa's lap, so we got one of Barrett too!

Paxton, June 2008 (3 months old)

Barrett, March 2011 (4 months old)

BIG Fish :)

2011-03-13T18:00:00.000-07:00

Late this afternoon, I went outside to tell the boys that dinner was ready and I saw Paxton in the middle of reeling in a bass from our pond! I don't know a lot about fish, but for a almost 3 year old, this one seems pretty big to me! Congratulations Pax!

4 months

2011-03-13T11:11:00.000-07:00

Barrett is officially 4 months old. We have started waking up in the middle of the night which for us has not happened since he was 5 1/2 weeks old. I am not a fan. Luckily, he is able to cry himself back to sleep most of the time. He is trying to roll over and has been successful a few times. He mostly attempts this at night when he is having one of his fits. Ben took Barrett for his 4 month check up so I don't have the stats but the ones Ben remembered were that he weight 17 lbs and 3 oz. Also he was 27 inches long! He is actually 1/4 of an inch longer than Paxton at this age. Also, Paxton was 17 lbs 12 oz so he is not too much smaller. I think it is because of his awesome eating. Barrett will drink 6-8 oz every 3 hours like clock work. We started the rice cereal which he is okay with. I don't remember how hard scheduling food was when we did this with Paxton. It's amazing how much you forget in 3 years.

Even Paxton is getting in on Barrett's teething progress!

Barrett's First Tooth

2011-02-20T06:43:00.000-08:00

So, I don't have a picture because it is kinda hard to take a picture inside a 3 1/2 month old's mouth but Barrett's first tooth has broken through. It is just a tiny bit but you can see it. We have been thinking for a couple of weeks now that it was coming because of all the drooling and gnawing but you never really know. Unfortunately, I think he also has another one trying to break through so I guess he'll be a cranky a little bit longer! Congratulations Barrett!

Happy Birthday Payton!

2011-02-19T12:05:00.000-08:00

Yesterday we went to Payton's 2nd birthday party! I can't believe she is already two! It was so much fun. There was a jump jump, cow, pony-which Paxton insisted was a horse-, and baby pigs. By far, Paxton loved the baby pigs the best. He was so protective of them and warned everyone to be gentle. Ashley and Jonathan did a great job planning! So much so, that when Paxton woke this morning he asked, "Can we go to Payton's party?'.

This is a cute picture but unfortunately they were both looking at another camera!

When Ashley put on Payton's special birthday hat, Paxton demanded that he get one too! Thank goodness Ashley had already thought of that and had a hat for all the kids!

The same thing for blowing out the candles... Paxton didn't understand that he wasn't blowing out candles, and kept trying to help Payton. Sweet Ashley put candles in another cupcake and let him blow them out. Thanks Aunt Ashley!

It took the whole party for Paxton to approach the "horse". He still wouldn't ride him.

"MOO"

These pigs were the hit of the party!

Who doesn't love a jump jump!?!?!

Growing Boys!

2011-02-05T09:17:00.000-08:00

It's so hard to believe that Barrett is 3 months old! He is growing like a weed. He loves to eat! He weighs 15 lbs and 13 oz! He is smiling and laughing. He likes to hold things and it is wierd but he recently has developed a love for chewing on his burp clothes and bibs. Paxton started teething early and if I remember correctly, got his first tooth around 4 months so I guess Barrett is starting down that same path. Barrett is still a great sleeper, sleeping 10-12 hours a night! We are still waiting on the daily naps that last longer than 45 minutes, but we definitely don't want to rush his growing up!

On the other hand, Paxton started his new "Big Boy School" this week. It is awesome! He is now going to Auburn First Baptist where they have an amazing all day program for 2 year olds! His teachers are very sweet and he seems to really enjoy it! He brought home his first painting this week, a groundhog! He was so proud!

Barrett is 2 months!

2011-01-03T18:52:00.000-08:00

It is so hard to believe that Barrett is 10 weeks old! He had his 2 month checkup today and he did great!

2 month stats:
weight-13 lbs 3 oz (80%)
height- 23 3/4 in (50%)
head- 14 3/4 in (10%)
eating- 5 oz/3 hrs
sleeping-10 pm- 8am at night

Christmas 2010

2011-01-03T18:31:00.000-08:00

This Christmas was the Christmas of flashlights and Spiderman! At each one of Paxton's 4 Christmas' he got at least one or both items! He was thrilled! These pictures are of our family Christmas and you will notice that Barrett is not in a single picture. That is because the little man likes to sleep (usually from 10 pm to 8 am) and he slept through Christmas! At our house, you don't wake a sleeping baby, even if it is Christmas!

This was our attempt at a Christmas card photo and it turned out great BUT it was taken too late and I couldn't get it out in time, so I gave up and will try again next year! I did order it for some thank you notes, but they are lost in the mail! Merry Christmas!

One Month!

2010-11-25T06:20:00.000-08:00

Barrett is one month old! We went to the doctor yesterday and Barrett weighed 9 lbs 4 oz (up from 8 lbs at one week) and he was 22 inches (up from 21 inches at birth). This boy is a big eater! It is still hard to believe that he is almost a whole pound smaller than Paxton was when he was born (10 lbs 3 oz). Paxton is enjoying his brother.... especially sharing all his toys- mostly his powpows and trucks!

The Best Big Brother!

2010-11-11T12:41:00.000-08:00

This is the best part about having a second child.... seeing Paxton and him bonding! Paxton thinks Barrett is the best toy in the world and he adores his little brother!

2010-10-31T12:37:00.000-07:00

Barrett William Blackburn

Barrett arrived on Saturday, October 23rd at 11:02 am. He weighed 8 lbs 8 oz and was 21 inches long. His delivery was easy and we are so excited to finally meet our newest little man!

Barrett 34 weeks

2010-09-27T17:27:00.000-07:00

Ben and I had to go to the doctor today for an ultrasound to check Barrett's amniotic fluid and to check his weight to make sure that both were okay. The doctors were afraid that he might be really big and he might also have too much amniotic fluid. However, both were good. He was about a week and a half big at around 6 pounds 1 ounce, but that was about a pound smaller than we had originally thought so we were happy. We were able to get 2 good pictures of his face and one great one of his feet! He looks so much like Paxton, it's amazing.

Barrett

Paxton

The Georgia Aquarium

2010-07-27T13:25:00.000-07:00

Today, Paxton, Ben and I went to the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta. We weren't sure how a toddler in the middle of his terrible twos was going to do but it was amazing. Paxton is obsessed with fish and he had the best time! He said his favorite fish was the shark! By the way, thanks Aunt Christy for the free tickets!

Happy Father's Day

2010-06-22T07:31:00.000-07:00

Ben enjoyed his first Father's Day where Paxton was an active participant. Paxton was able to pick out Daddy's presents this year and tell Ben "Happy Father's Day", which he screamed periodically all throughout the day on Sunday! It was the most precious thing I have ever heard. Paxton adores his Daddy!

It's a boy!

2010-06-07T15:50:00.001-07:00

Ben and I went actually a couple of weeks ago and found out that our newest baby will be a boy, but we went again today and got some newer pictures. We are told to expect a pretty large baby since Paxton was 10 lbs. 3 oz. At 18 weeks and 3 days, the baby already weighs 8 oz. I don't really know if that is large or not but the ultrasound tech said that the genetics of weight don't start showing themselves until after 25 weeks. I guess we will just have to see! Regardless, we are thrilled and as of now, the baby's name is Barrett!

Easter Egg Hunt!

2010-04-03T10:35:00.000-07:00

Today we had our church Easter Egg Hunt and Paxton had a blast. It was at the Bennett's house and they have horses and chickens! Paxton kept calling the horses 'horhees'! He is absolutely precious! Yesterday, Paxton's Nana, Ben's mom, practiced with him so he would be aware of what to do... and he did great!

Four Christmases!

2009-12-28T07:32:00.001-08:00

The Blackburn Christmas consists of two days full of Christmases- four to be exact! Christmas #1 is spent Christmas Eve morning at my mom's house. Christmas #2 is spent Christmas Eve night at my Dad's house. Christmas #3 is spent at our house Christmas morning. Finally, Christmas #4 is spent at Ben's parent's house. I tried to capture Christmas with each family and actually ended up taking over 1,000 pictures. Needless to say I had to weed out quite a few. I hope you enjoy our many Christmases and hope yours was just as joyful!

Christmas #1 - My Mom's house

Paxton was amazed with all of my mom's dancing Christmas animals! He wanted everyone to dance with him. After he dances he goes around the room trying to blow out any candles or things that he thinks are candles. He is so smart! In the video he says "dance Meme" He is talking to me... His daycare provider is named Meme and so he has also decided to call me that as well. When he really wants something he will call me momma, but usually it's Meme. At first, I guess it kind of bothered me to be Meme but then I realized that if he was calling me Meme it must mean that he truly loves her and that makes me very happy! Anyway, enjoy and DANCE!

Last year, Paxton had not figured out how much fun it is to tear into a package. I think he got it this year!
I cannot believe Paxton is big enough to ride a motorized vehicle! He is growing up too fast!

Ben helps Paxton unwrap his Radio Flyer tricycle. He calls it his "truck" because it has a compartment on the back like Daddy's truckbed.

Tons of fun- now where will we store it???? Just kidding- thanks Mom (Dede) and Robert, Paxton has had a blast playing with the tunnel!

Christmas #2- My Dad's house

The ONLY family picture from the 2 day festivities. Not that great but at least we have one.

Uncle Nic (Christy's husband) pushes Paxton on the train! My Dad and Ann got Paxton this train because the last time he spent the night with them, he woke up in the very early morning (he was sleeping with them) sat straight up in bed and said choochoo when he heard a train. From then on, Dad said he knew exactly what he wanted to get Pax for Christmas!

I am sooooo proud my little guy loves to clean! I hope it continues! Thank you Aunt Christy and Uncle Nic, the vacuum is definitely a hit!

"Up, Daddy, up!" Paxton encourages his father to help vacuum. In reality, Ben is much better about vacuuming than I am.

Let me explain- My Aunt Loni, from Minnesota, always has a themed Christmas present for the entire family. This year it was a "Viking" Christmas. Paxton was a little nervous about the hat, but he was a trooper!

Yes, it is Barney! I always said my child would not watch that stupid dinosaur, but Paxton loves Barney. No, really... he LOVES Barney!

Paxton even wanted Barney to ride his train!

Awww, a sweet moment looking a the tree. Nope, he is a true boy- he is touching the lights and then pulling his hand back "HOT"! He loves to touch hot things and then make sure everyone knows they are hot!

This is the neatest wooden train. It has different shapes that go on the pegs to make the train cars. Thanks Aunt Bridget!

Paxton loves to hit and bang things, so what better than a hammer and pegs!

Recently, Paxton has developed a love for all things that have to do with writing; so, Ben and I decided that in order to preserve our carpet, furniture, walls and clothing we would ask Ho Ho (Santa) to bring Pax an Aquadoodle. It was a hit, but I don't think Simon enjoyed it as much!

Notice the trucks are in a straight line... Yet another OCD tendency Paxton is exhibiting!

Oh, but a minute later, he reminds us that he is ALL boy and has the trucks ramming each other.

This gift is one better left in the store. It is a minature CD player BUT it never is quiet. It could have been the most obnoxious toy Ho Ho brought!

Another sweet moment gazing a the tree.... Think again, this picture was taken moments before Paxton took the curly things (I don't know their name) off the tree and walked around Ben's parents' house using them as a powpow. Precious!

Picture perfect!

It is a running joke with Ben's family how Mr. Arthur always steals Paxton and no one else gets him and guess what????

This is a priceless picture of Paxton and Ben's Meme- that makes Meme Paxton's Great Grandmother; how awesome is it that he is getting to know his Great Grandmother !?!?

And what would Christmas be without a BIG dumptruck, no excuse me Uncle Seth, a Dirt Mover!

Of course to Paxton, this Dirt Mover instantly became another ride on toy!

Back at home Christmas night-

When I saw my two men on the couch like this I couldn't resist.

PooPoo in the Potty!

2009-12-23T08:56:00.001-08:00

Paxton poopooed in the potty! Of course, I took a picture because everything this child has done for the past 21 months has been caught on camera! He is so cute about using the bathroom. He tells the teetee and poopoo bye and then insists on flushing and closing the lid. No, we are not potty training yet, I am not ready; however, whenever he says he needs to go we do! I think we may try during Spring Break!

Paxton helps Daddy decorate!

2009-11-26T15:58:00.000-08:00

While I was at school on Tuesday, Paxton and Daddy were busy setting up the tree and decorating! It was the most amazing site to see when I came home. I walked in the door and Paxton looked just like this... On top of a ladder putting ornaments on the tree. He sure is becoming such a big boy! I also got some video on my camera, but I am having trouble uploading it. Hopefully I'll figure it out soon because it is precious!