It has been two months since I updated our page...nothing new except that Jackson is talking up a storm...he does not always make sense, but it sure if fun trying to figure out what he talking about.  He is totally off the bottle and is potty training...fun fun.  We have been working in the yard and doing projects around the house and it is really coming along.  Tomorrow is Colin's Baptism (my sister's 5 month old baby) and my mother returns from India on Monday evening.  My Uncle Wayne passed away three weeks ago and we are all still trying to accept the loss of him in our lives.  Work is good and I am still teaching college classes at Arkansa Baptist College.  We are planning to attend the Lyon College Scotish Festival in April and that is about the only thing coming up in the coming month...all is well.  Take care,

 

JLD and JKDH

Well...Christmas went well and the two weeks off from school was loved by Jackson and endured by mom...haha.  Jackson is no longer using a bottle at bed and is now asking for the potty...so we are getting there...his schedule is tight and we have set backs, but so far, all progress is good.  Nothing new to report...just rapid growth...haha.

We are happy to report that Colin Preston Hagen was born on November 13, 2008 and mom and baby are doing just great.  If you look in the recent album, you will also see Jackson and I with Santa...let's just say that Jackson is not a santa fan...haha.

 

Everyone have a wonderful holiday season!!

 

Jamie

Happy Halloween!!!

 

Jackson was a lion and he had a big time at Trunk or Treat at Dad's Church in Maumelle...Enjoy the photos!!

 

Jamie

Friday and Saturday have come and gone with two parties celebrating Jackson's Second Birthday!!

 

ENJOY the photos...

 

Jamie

Preparations have begun for birthday #2...Saturday at Murray Park.  Paul is flying in from Seattle and all of Jackson's friends will come to chase him at the park...the theme this year is the Backyardigans...(see photo)!  He loves these little creatures from Nick Jr.  HAHA.  I will have birthday photos next week.

 

Jamie

Well it has been a long summer and we are glad that the weather is getting cooler and the days shorter.  Jackson is truly falling into fall...he is so clumsy these days.  He is doing just great and chattering away.  He will have his second birthday on October 11 and I think we will have a party at the zoo...but that is still being decided.  He loves animals!  He is more and more interested in balls and sports and sticks and rocks and all things boy.  We are scheduled to have new photos made in a few weeks, so check back for new photos, but I will post photos from Labor Day at the lake.  I am teaching 3 college classes this fall and still work disasters full time.  Nothing much new here...just work and chasing Jackson...take care.

 

Jamie and Jackson

Well there is not much to report here...just summer hear.  Jackson is growing and learning so much...almost daily he has a new word or phrase...today the new

phrase is, "Oh Man!".  Apparently my dad (paw paw) hit his head today and said, "Oh Man".  Jack then began the hilarious process of incorporating that phrase into

all his conversations.  Barry and Liz moved into their apartment this weekend, so Jackson and I are back to living alone, with Chica, of course.  Liz and Barry have

been good for Jackson and I am sure he will miss them playing with him, but with them living in Little Rock, I am sure he will be able to visit them and vice versa.

Paul is now working outside of Seattle, Washington, but plans to visit Arkansas once a month. Paul's mom and dad came to visit in June and they all went to lunch, the park and the Museum of Discovery...Jackson had a great time.  My sister is having a baby boy in November, so we are all eager for a new baby and in about one year,

perhaps Jackson will have a buddy to play with.  My sister Katie will move to Arkansas in the spring of 2009, so slowly, everyone is coming back to central Arkansas.

All is well, work is good and other than that...I am just holding on for FALL!!! Take care.

 

JLD and JKDH

Well we got back last night (Saturday) and I can truly say that Jackson had a ball at the beach.  The condo was wonderful and we were right on the beach and only steps away from a pool, kiddie pool, and we had a huge outdoor tile deck area where Jackson played many hours each day.  The condo also had an indoor pool and hottub but Jackson was not so sure about the pool that was inside, but he was okay with the outdoor pool...the ocean sort of freaked him at first, but he did enjoy spending time digging in the sand with his beach toys, feeding the birds and finding shells.  I enjoyed the largest outlet mall I have ever seen and the cities of Orange Beach and Gulf Shores were nice...the drive was long, but Jackson did pretty well.  I think it will be easier to vacation with him in a few years, when he understands what is going on...but we will see...for now, we will spend this week getting back on schedule and beginning potty training.  Love to all...Jamie and Jack

Sorry it has been so long since I added info.  All is well and please look at our recent photos.  Jackson is doing very well and learning new words and running faster all the time.  I am sad to report that we lost almost everything at the farm in Saline County in the recent tornadoes, but my house in Little Rock was spared and we are all safe.  I am still working for the Diocese of Little Rock and handling disaster recovery and programs throughout Arkansas.  I am also still teaching two classes at Arkansas Baptist College.  Jackson and I are going to the beach the week of Memorial Day, this will be Jackson's first time at the beach...hope he likes the sand and ocean. 

 

Anyway...all is well and we hope that you all are well too!!!

 

JLD and JKHD

Sorry it has been so long since I updated the space...I have no idea how this year has already gotten away from me.  All is well and Jackson is growing and leanring

at a rapid pace.  I assure you that he keeps me on my toes...he is the best aerobic workout and sleeping always sounds better at 10pm than does cooking myself some

dinner..haha.  Everyone in the family is well and none were affected by the recent tornadoes....our areas only got high winds, no twisters.  Needless to say, I am still involved with the tornadoes and we are providing disaster and long term recovery in all the affected areas, so last week was hectic.  We are also in the process of closing out the Katrina program, so a new crop of disasters is not convenient.  Jackson is learning to eat with utensils and we purchased a potty chair today...I am just going to slowly introduce it to him.  Jackson has finally mastered "Mama" and I think about half of the time, he actually knows who that person is...haha. He is slowly starting to expand his acceptance of new foods and he only has a bottle at bedtime...sippy cups or regular cups during the day.  I am teaching two classes this semester, but I am not longer working on adoptions...there just is not enough time for a third job.  Teaching only has me away from Jackson one evening a week, which gives him time with his Aunt Sarah, Uncle Sean, Various Cousins, or perhaps Mimi, Paw-Paw and Granny.  I am really, really, really wanting another Sebring convertible...BAD.  Spring is coming and I still miss that car...stay tuned...I may just have to get one soon...I will be getting a nice bonus on March 31...two months salary...sure will be hard to resist.  Everyone keep warm and prepare for the spring tornadoes...gonna be an active season.

 

Jamie

Jackson and I had a wondeful Christmas with our family and friends.  Last year, my mom (mimi) was in India and Nepal, so this was her first Christmas with Jackson.  Of course last year, Jackson was only two months old, so it is not like he realized what was going on.  This year Santa brough Jackson a train set, VTECH bus, Tonka Dump Truck, Balls, Noah's Ark, Books, Clothes, and much more than any little boy needs.  Santa brought me some new tennis shoes, a new purse, razorback flag, comforter set, carbon monoxide detector, digital key chain and much more than any big girl needs. HAHA.  Barry was in Little Rock for Christmas, while my two other brothers, Jonathan and Lee spent Christmas on the beach in Gulf Shores.  My sister Katie was home for Christmas, but my sister Sarah traveled to Cape Girardeau with her husband, Sean to visit his family this Christmas.  Barry announced that he planned to ask Liz to marry him and they have decided to live together.  Jim has accepted a good contract postion with Alltel and he will continue his search for a permanent full time position as well.  My postion ends in March and I am now looking for my next opportunity.  I don't resume teaching until the the third week of January and I have decided to no longer do adoption home studies, so I have really enjoyed this break...I have gotten so many little projects done around the house.  I look forward to the coming year with all my family and friends and I hope for peace, prosperity, and blessings for us all. 

 

JLD and JDKH

A great time was had by all last night at the First United Methodist Church of Maumelle's annual Trunk or Treat.  Lots of folks decorated their trunks and the kids went from trunk to trunk in their costumes and got lots of treats...then we all went inside for a huge chili dinner.  Jackson was a cute dragon and cousins Jackson and Savannah were Superman and a Razorback Cheerleader.  We had a great time and Jackson did well in his costume.  This week Jackson will wear his costume to daycare on Wednesday and then he will visit his friends in the Riverdale area on Halloween night...BOO!!!

Yesterday we celebrated Jackson's one year old birthday with a small party at his school, with mini-cupcakes and last night, Mom, Jonathan and I took Jackson to a new restaurant called Cheeburger, Cheeburger and had more cake...(see photos).  Saturday is Jackson's official party at my sister Sarah's house.  We will have hot dogs, burgers, cake and watch the Razorback game against Auburn.  My sister Katie is coming from St. Louis for the party and then on Sunday we are headed to the Arkansas State Fair!!!

 

We survived the first year...YAHOO...and Jackson is a pretty typical one year old...very ACTIVE.  HAHA.

 

Take care,

 

JLD and JKDH

We had a crazy and busy weekend with grandpas birthday and god-daddy Jim's 35th birthday!!  We spent Saturday at the lake with lots of our relatives and had yummy food.  Sunday we hosted Jim's 35th birthday party at Wild Oats and it was an eco-friendly birthday.  Labor day...we rested and got prepared for the week ahead.  We should have a normal week and we are glad that it is finally September...which means October is close and fall and winter are coming...YAHOO.  Jackson will be one year old on October 11 and I can hardly believe it has been a year...a long and also very short year.  Jackson's baptism is soon and we had photos made this weekend of the precious boy in his baptism outfit...so check back soon to see the baptism pictures...that will be the next album and blog in the next two weeks.  Enjoy your week.

 

JLD and JKDH 

Well our air conditioner has been repaired 3 times but we hope we are done with repairs.  The house repairs have been on hold due to the excessive heat...105 and above so many days and no rain.  I hope to be able to paint the new soffits and facia boards soon.  The yard is DEAD...haha...and the crepe myrtle bloomed beautifully and then all the blooms promptly burned as well.  Today Jackson is going to the park with Aunt Sarah and Uncle Sean and last night he got to visit his counsins Jackson and Savannah.  Jackson is now in a new classroom at school, he is with the 10 to 16 month old infants and is doing well.  He is just learning how to eat stage 3 foods, with some texture and he is just like his mom and the textures kind of freak him out...he is not big on how the pieces feel in his mouth...haha.  Paul recently took some photos while visiting and they are in an album on this page.  We are looking forward to fall which will mean Jackson's baptism and 1st birthday!!!  More news to come, love to you all!!

 

JLD and JKDH 

Well there is not a whole lot to talk about except the HEAT!!!  Today it was 104 degrees and Jackson and I are staying cool.  We did our grocery shopping last night and we washed/dryed clothes in the cool of last night.  Today we went to church, lunch at mimis cafe, visited goddaddy Jim and then relaxed at home.  Tonight I am making spaghetti that is baby-proofed and Jackson can eat it...he is starting to eat some table foods if they are mashed well.  I would prefer him to eat food that I make rather than baby food, so I can control the spices, sugar, etc. Last week I made him some mashed potatoes (made with formula milk) and macaroni and cheese (also made with formula milk) and he loved it.  He is doing well with his bath, except that he wants to get up and move around which will no doubt lead to a fall...so the battle is keeping the butt in the seat.  Jackson is still doing well in daycare, but he has gotten a few bad report cards lately...he is learning to share without taking the toy from others...haha.  I will soon be teaching two classes this fall for Arkansas Baptist College and I am looking forward to returning to the campus. Work at the house continues and I am currently working on two adoptions...life is a whirlwind.  Hope everyone is well...we don't get out much in the summer...but fall is just around the corner...so hope to see you all soon!!

 

JLD and JKDH

Hi.  Sorry it has been so long since my last post.  It seems as if we skipped June and July and now we are in the HOT month of August.  Jackson now has 4 teeth...two upper and two lower...all in front.  He loves to swim, but he is not a fan of the hot weather...I think he gets about as hot as his momma.  I have had to put sun visors on the back and side windows of the car to keep him from the sun.  Jackson can crawl...FAST and he can pull up on his own and is very close to standing alone.  Needless to say, he is a HANDFUL right now.  We are on a pretty good daily routine and Jackson now eats one to two jars of food at lunch and one to two jars of food at dinner.  I have not found anything that he refuses to eat, but I have discovered some favorites...Macaroni, Tomato and Beef dinner is a true favorite and he recently discovered that he enjoys Coconut Pudding.  One thing that is funny, he doesn't like fruit juice of any kind.  He will drink water pretty well and he is eager to use a cup.  Baths are a daily part of our routine and he loves the water...we certainly do have a dolphin on our hands.  I will look into starting him with the Little Rock Dolphin's Swim Team at the Little Rock Racquet Club when he is one...I think that is the earliest he can attend.  One thing that is concerning...last week Jackson's daily report card for three days indicated that he was not having good days, was fighting, and overall was being a pain.  I suppose that he is going through a phase of testing limits and learning about "things" and his ability to posess what he wants, when he sees it.  He is learning no-no, but he doesn't always get it.  He has no interest in television, cartoons, or movies...so that is good.  Jackson's personality is coming together and he can be quite charming and also quite challenging...he is certainly a flirt...he loves attention.  My mom always pokes his tummy and says, "boogety, boogety" and now I have taken to calling him "boogie"...not boo-gee...buuggee.  He really seems to respond to it.  I am in the process of planning his baptism and will have his baptism photos made soon. I will begin teaching again on August 20, at Arkansas Baptist College and I will continue to work as the Case Management Coordinator for the FEMA contract for hurricane recovery in Arkansas.  There has been a lot of work done at the house...all the landscaping has been removed, cleaned, mowed, weedeated and the house and deck power-washed.  The soffits and facia have been replaced and primed for new paint.  In the spring we will plant all new landscaping and we will paint the house in the next two weeks.  I have to travel to Cincinnati September 12-15 for a national conference on poverty.  Jackson will be staying with my sister and my mom.  So all is well with us...just busy days and nights...hope you all are well. 

We had a wonderful Mothers Day with my mom and my brother.  I got a lovely bracelet with Jackson's name on it and clothes...Jackson and I bought the Razorback stroller on the album.  That was our Mother's Day gift...isn't it cool? I am enjoy the summer break from teaching and I am currently handling two adoptions.  Jackson is doing great on baby food and he is enjoying bath time more and more.  We will be adding to our family the last week of May and we are happy to report that Uncle Manuel is coming to visit from Kuwait.  Uncle Jonathan has moved back to Little Rock, so now Lil J and Big J are getting more time together.  Growing like a weed...more to come soon!!

Jackson and I had a wonderful time last weekend...we traveled to Batesville to Lyon College (mom and dads alma mater) for the annual Scottish Festival.  You can see from the pictures that I finally got to meet my new best friend, Colin Malone.  Colin is my good friend Alvin's son and of course he belongs to Alvin's wife Anita as well.  The bagpipes were in full swing and we got lots of gear in the Lyon Bookstore.  I am sure this will just be the first Scottish Festival for Jackson...perhaps next year he will get to participate in the kids events.  Jackson recently had his 6 month old check up and he is 27 inches long and 21 pounds and his development is perfect.  He is in the 90% percentile...whatever that means.  This is the last of week of classes, so my teaching is coming to an end.  I am glad to have the summer off, although I love the work.  I am currently doing one adoption as well.  I am learning a great deal about multi-tasking...haha.  Jackson has progressed through rice cereal, grain cereals, fruits and today had carrots for the first time...he is really getting comfortable with eating from the spoon and we recently discovered the pedialyte popcicles are great for teething...tooth number 1 has broken through...something new happens every day.  Everyone enjoy the last week of April.

 

JLD