Jackson Cole

And what would you like for Christmas this year...?

2009-12-06T16:50:00.002-05:00

This was Jackson's first time on Santa's lap and he was a Champ! No hesitation, just excited for it to be his turn to sit on Santa's lap. When Santa asked Jackson what he wanted for Christmas this year he replied, "Puzzles!" He and Santa chatted for a bit and then Jackson hopped off his lap. We weren't sure what to expect from him going into this so it was great (and quite the relief) to see how well he did. Yay Jackson!

Posing for the Camera: Dec 2009

2009-12-06T16:47:00.004-05:00

Believe it or not, Jackson did these poses without any coaching. He layed down in front of the tree and posed like he did this for a living. It was hilarious to watch. He's such a natural!

The Goat Whisperer

2009-11-26T15:45:00.002-05:00

He was basically one with the goats. Or maybe the goats were so responsive because he was feeding them corn kernels. Either way, he kept yelling, "They love it! They love the corn!". This was at a little petting farm that we have a ways west of us. They have goats, cows, a pot belly pig, ducks, and kittens. Jackson thought the kittens were pretty cool since they were so friendly. He chilled with them for a while on the front step.

We went back to this petting farm a couple of times and will return in the spring when they re-open.

Chilling with his new kitty friends

Mimi assisting Jackson in feeding the goats. Mimi felt bad for the baby goats and tried to have Jackson feed them only.

He was pretty darn popular when he had the corn in his hand

Halloween 2009 - Go Diego Go!

2009-11-26T15:40:00.002-05:00

Jackson's first time out Trick or Treating was a success! He was amazed that you could run from door to door, just say "trick or treat" and someone would drop candy in your pumpkin bucket. It was hilarious to see his face! He did a great job and said "thank you" after each time he received candy.

He was Diego from "Go Diego Go!" and his little girlfriend, Abby was Dora from "Dora the Explorer". They were so excited to see each other all dressed up in their favorite characters. Such a treat to see them together!

Apple Orchard Playdate - Sept 2009

2009-09-21T14:34:00.002-04:00

We had a playdate at Minnetonka Orchards in Minnetrista this past Friday. Jackson has a few ladies he hangs around with (he's quite popular). He loves the goats, pigs, turkeys and corn maze. He found the one puddle and splashed around for quite some time. The kid loves to get dirty!

Fireworks with Papa!

2009-09-21T14:31:00.002-04:00

Jackson's favorite thing is watching and participating in the fireworks at Papa and Mimi's house. He takes after his Daddy when it comes to fireworks - the bigger, the better!

Jackson likes to pick out which firework Papa will light and just can't wait for the next one to come!

Watering the garden, and himself, and the frogs, etc...

2009-08-25T15:22:00.000-04:00

Jackson's First Boat Ride on Lake Minnetonka - July 2009

2009-08-25T15:21:00.000-04:00

Jackson's First Horse Ride on "Buddy" -- July 14, 2009

2009-08-25T15:18:00.001-04:00

2009-06-09T13:36:00.000-04:00

Big man!

2009-05-26T11:06:00.003-04:00

Our little boy is growing into his own little man. He is getting so big, he is now 37" inches tall and weighs around 30lbs. We go to the park after work a couple days a week for some bonding time and so he can unwind and stretch his little legs. He has been working a lot lately on his letters and numbers. He is repeating pretty much everything that is being said around him so really have to watch what I am saying around him. I have been working with him at nights to try and get him to use his little Elmo toilet. I think soon we will have some action and that will make Daddy really happy:0)

Every day it is something new and exciting! I love him the way he is right now and don't ever want him to grow up. He is my pride and joy and I Love him so much!

We spent this last weekend at G-Ma and G-Pa's house and he got to see most of his cousins and had a blast playing in the dirt pile at Auntie Carrie's house and playing in the pool. Let's just say that he was exhausted and can't wait to see his cousins again for playtime.

Sorry it has been along time since the last posting...just finding the time now to keep this updated as often as possible. Pics to come soon.

Lions and Tigers and Bears, oh my!

2008-09-01T14:59:00.002-04:00

We took Jackson to the Minnesota Zoo today; it's his second trip this summer. He just loves the monkeys, fish, dolphins and bears. We went and saw a bird show while there and he saw his very first Bald Eagle. Quite a big sight for such a little guy. We discovered the huge sandbox they have for the wee little ones and the water fountain that the Zoo has for the little ones to run around and cool off in. He LOVED that!

Labor Day Grilling with Mimi & Papa

2008-09-01T14:53:00.002-04:00

Mimi & Papa hosted us for some turkey burger and corn on the cob (or mac & cheese if you were under the age of 2) this weekend. Jackson showed Mimi & Papa how well he plays the bones and Mimi taught Jackson how to properly manuver a grocery cart. This will come in handy once he turns 16 and Mama makes Jackson do all the grocery shopping (oh the joys of motherhood).

Jackson's State Fair Debut

2008-09-01T14:50:00.001-04:00

We took Jackson to the Great Minnesota Get-Together this weekend. He got to see horses, cows, goats, sheep, pigs, etc. He even was able to touch one of the dairy cows. He was hesitant at first but then he went right up and pet him...and then ran for his life! ;-) He had a great time and was amazed to see all the animals that he's been learning about for so long.

Our latest discovery...

2008-09-01T14:48:00.001-04:00

I can't say that I'm proud; but I knew it was going to happen soon. He found his nose and discovered what fun it can be to stick his finger up his recent find. He thinks it's hiliarous and I don't blame him. Every time he does it we laugh and make a joke out of it. One of these days that will have to end...

The Face That Keeps Me Going

2008-08-06T17:18:00.002-04:00

Playing with Addie (just one of his many lady friends!)

2008-08-06T17:15:00.002-04:00

They are quite the pair. Both are very outgoing and they compete for toys with the best of 'em. Dress code called for diapers only this day!

He LOVES Yogurt!

2008-08-06T17:10:00.002-04:00

He's so silly! He loves peach yogurt and everytime I put it down in front of him he goes to town on it. The messier the eating session, the better the yogurt was (in his mind). We are quite friendly with the wipes because almost every meal needs a little yogurt in it!

Jackson's First Zoo Experience

2008-07-06T15:47:00.004-04:00

Not exactly an animal but at least he's showing interest in something at the Zoo!
So many things to see! Dada & Jackson staring at the animals
A bird!!
It was hot that day...very toasty
Finally, some shade!
The Three Stooges :)
I love this picture; he is so intrigued with the dolphins

The J Man & The Har Har

2008-07-06T15:45:00.003-04:00

Such a tolerant pooch... so understanding

All smooches for little Jackson
The dismount
Making nice after a rough ride

Fun With Cousins

2008-07-06T15:41:00.003-04:00

Kaileigh, Paislee & Jackson sharing in some good eats!

Donovan & Jackson already discussing their strategy for future soccer matches

Cousin Zach holding Jackson for the group photo

All EIGHT grandchildren on the Vendel side plus Grandma and Grandpa Vendel!

Donovan & Jackson admiring Peanut; the friendly Dummer Doggie

Fourth of July -- The Vendel's

2008-07-06T15:36:00.002-04:00

Jackson was all smiles in the pool which splashing around with Dada & his cousins. Surprisingly, he stayed in the big pool for qutie some time and then went straight into the kiddie pool on his own. He really seems to enjoy the water and playing ball in the water (and of course splashing anything and everything!).

Jackson's First Time in the Pool!

2008-07-06T15:34:00.003-04:00

Although he may look a bit unsure by the end of our pool adventure he was having a GREAT time! It was a little cool that day so we had to exit a bit early...but overall he really enjoyed himself!

Kissing Cousins

2008-06-22T18:44:00.002-04:00

Although widely accepted in some parts of West Virginia...we don't typically promote cousins kissing here in the Twin Cities. This was an exception though; it was too cute not to snap a quick shot of this!

Jackson and his counsin Kaija were caught kissing @ Church just after cousin Donovan's baptism.

Cousin Donovan's Baptism

2008-06-22T18:41:00.002-04:00

Today was cousin Donovan's baptism and all of Jackson's cousins were able to attend! After a hearty nap he engaged in some fun play and 'mingling' with the cousins. He had a great time with Grandma & Grandpa Vendel too! A great (and exhausting) day!

Our Day in the Sun

2008-06-21T16:30:00.004-04:00

We had so much fun in the sun today. We played in the little blow up pool for the first time and then Jackson dug around in the rocks and wood shavings with his little yellow shovel. He really enjoys being outdoors so we try to spend as much time as possible at the park or in the back yard.

His Sweet & Innocent Side

2008-06-16T21:33:00.003-04:00

Active, so darn active!

2008-06-16T21:32:00.002-04:00

Stay @ Home Mommy Time

2008-06-16T21:29:00.002-04:00

June 12th was my first day as a stay at home mommy. So far, nothing beats it! Jackson & I have quality time together every moment (expect when napping of course) and he's such a little fun boy these days! He laughs at everything and has started saying "mooo" when asked what a cow says. He loves to say "duck" and carry around his little wooden duckling. He has a new trick or a new word every day. Never a dull moment!

Silly Smiler!

2008-05-05T20:46:00.000-04:00

Jackson Love his Mimi

2008-05-05T20:44:00.001-04:00

Jackson & Mimi snuggling. We call Mimi the "fluff". Jackson never wants to leave her and is always reaching for her. She might just be his favorite person. But you wait...once Mimi has to start disciplining him it might just be another story. Look out Mimi!

2008-05-05T20:42:00.002-04:00

He's up, he's down, he's all around! Now that he's mobile, Jackson can never decide what he wants to do and when. He's all over the place! He sure is so much fun at this stage. Always laughing and always playing with everyone.

Walking with Papa

2008-05-05T20:38:00.002-04:00

Jackson does his best to walk on his own... and most times is quite successful but he never turns down a hand to help. Papa took him out strolling this past Sunday during a family BBQ at our house. They also shared some pretty tasty goldfish together!

FIRST STEPS

2008-04-24T21:50:00.002-04:00

Jackson chose to take his first steps tonight. It was so amazing to watch and we got it all on video!!!

Baby Feet Are The Best Feet

2008-04-24T21:48:00.002-04:00

12.5 month feet...

Family Photo

2008-04-24T21:46:00.001-04:00

Day care requested a family photo of us for their infant room wall. Sadly, we came to realize that we didn't have a family photo. Thanks to Auntie Jennifer we were able to come up with really quickly! The was pre-hair cut as you can see.

First Haircut - April 12, 2008

2008-04-24T21:43:00.003-04:00

He was so good for his first hair cut. We attribute that mostly to the fact that he was super tired and just sat there, dazed and watching cartoons. It's amazing how much they can grow up with just one hair cut.

So Tuckered Out

2008-04-24T21:39:00.002-04:00

Often times when we pick Jackson up from day care there has been so much going on that day (eating, playing and mingling with his classmates!) that he's just beat. So in the short ride from day care to our home (3-5 mins) he'll pass out just as you see here. He's so peaceful when he sleeps it's hard to imagine that he's the crazy man he is when he's awake.

Picture Day @ Day Care!

2008-03-16T20:28:00.001-04:00

Loving his monkey

2008-03-16T20:27:00.002-04:00

Crazy with cupcakes!

2008-03-16T20:25:00.002-04:00

Jackson's 1st Birthday!

2008-03-16T20:23:00.001-04:00

The eyes of an angel

2008-02-14T10:50:00.002-05:00

It's so hard to be away from him during the day while at work. Luckily he has a great day care provider and he is very happy there. Hopefully sooner rather than later we can make arrangements so that I'm home with him during the day...life's too short to be away so often.

Peanut Butter Lover!

2008-02-14T10:48:00.002-05:00

His new favorite thing to eat is crackers with a boat load of peanut butter on them. It's messy, but he eats it so we're all about the peanut butter these days!

Bath Time in the Big Tub!

2008-01-31T21:01:00.000-05:00

Just My Daddy & Me

2008-01-31T20:57:00.000-05:00

Jackson is just over 20 lbs now and growing quickly. He is quick to pull himself up on everything in sight and loves to "explore". I think he's figured out the zones which are off limits and tries for those first every time! We've found his new favorite food: Ritz Crackers and Peanut Butter. He's not a big eater; loves the bottle still, but this peanut butter discovery could help transition into more table foods. He has four teeth on the top and two on the bottom. No sign of any more coming through just yet. I'm sure we'll hear all about it though once they start peeking!

Growing into a little man

2008-01-31T20:55:00.000-05:00

King of his crib @ 9.5 months!

2008-01-13T21:12:00.000-05:00

Well we have entered the stage where we absolutley must pull up on everything in site. The fish tank, the coffee table, the tonka truck and especially the crib. He's dangerous at this point because he is not quite stable enough to be "trusted" to stand on his own but he sure acts like he is... He is quite active these days. His one mission in life has become... CLIMB EVERYTHING HE CAN! :-)

Cuddling With His Mimi

2007-12-26T19:03:00.000-05:00

One of Jackson's favorite things to do is cuddle with Mimi. He loves it when she rocks him to sleep in the rocker. It's one of the few times he'll rest when there's a lot going on around him.

All Dressed Up For Christmas!

2007-12-26T19:00:00.001-05:00

He sure loves his daddy...

2007-12-23T22:43:00.001-05:00

Playing with Grandpa Bob

2007-12-23T22:39:00.000-05:00

More of Christmas with the Vendel's

2007-12-23T22:37:00.000-05:00

Christmas with the Vendel's

2007-12-23T22:35:00.000-05:00

A Family Affair

2007-12-11T20:54:00.000-05:00

Jackson's First Photo Session

2007-12-11T20:50:00.000-05:00

A couple of Jackson's better moments on Saturday. Our friend Neil came over and took some (just 500!) great shots of him. He was such a good boy and loved having his picture taken. There were so many great pictures I still can't figure out which are my favorites. I guess when it's your child they all look priceless!

Who's Got a Milk Gut?

2007-12-05T16:15:00.000-05:00

See the Milk Belly? We just love it!

Picture Perfect

2007-12-05T16:12:00.000-05:00

Jackson loves to hang out w/ Mimi and Grandpa...Grandpa is one of the few men (aside from Daddy) that Jackson is comfortable with. I guess because he's with women all day at day care he hasn't had much exposure to men. He sure does get a kick out of Grandpa Bob now! Just a glimpse of him and Jackson gets a smile on his face :)

Dress Up Day at Day Care

2007-12-04T11:40:00.000-05:00

Mid-November they had dress up day at day care where the photographer brought in costumes for the kids and took pics. Jackson was a chili pepper! Probably the cutest chili pepper I have ever seen (not that I'm biased at all...).

A little angel

2007-11-30T08:40:00.000-05:00

His two top teeth are coming in now. They look really big. Cole wants to start calling him "Bucky" Vendel... I hope he's kidding but I'm pretty certain that he isn't. But man are those teeth looking LARGE. He's been pretty fussy because of the teething...but has maintained his charming disposition through it all. Hopefully they'll coming through in their entirety soon!

Everything Looks Better in Black & White

2007-11-23T22:37:00.000-05:00

There's Nothing Wrong With Living With Mommy & Daddy

2007-11-23T22:34:00.000-05:00

I saw this tee-shirt at Target and spent the rest of my shopping trip cracking up. I had to buy it for him; couldn't resist!

Jackson the Elf

2007-11-23T22:32:00.000-05:00

It keeps him warm.
He doesn't fuss when I put it on him.
It fits.
We'll continue to wear it.

Passed out

2007-11-23T22:29:00.000-05:00

It may seem that he sleeps in this hat and jacket quite frequently...but it's not that we're too lazy to change him before nap time, it's that we know the if an attempt is made to move him in any way nap time is spoiled. And if you are a parent, you know just how valuable nap time can be! Don't wake the baby!

Giving It the Old College Try

2007-11-05T18:22:00.000-05:00

Although distracted from time to time by Harley the Dog, Jackson is trying his best to get going on the crawling. He has gone backward, rolled around, army crawled and "jumped" forward, but hasn't crawled just yet. We're expecting it to happen any day now!

Oh, and guess who has his 2nd bottom tooth in now?? :)

Just Like Daddy...

2007-11-05T18:18:00.000-05:00

Well, his Daddy is never caught without a hat unless at work, so I guess it's only appropriate for his son to wear a hat all the time too. It may be a little big but at the rate he's growing it will fit in no time!

The Halloween Monkey!

2007-10-31T07:42:00.000-05:00

It's too appropriate for our little man; he truly is the little monkey boy!

Herringbone Anyone?

2007-10-31T07:39:00.000-05:00

Although he opted to sleep through most photos of him in his lil' suit, he still looked adorable! Such a little charmer I tell you! Oh, and that 2nd tooth has finally come through! Hopefully it's smooth sailing from here on out!

First Road Trip

2007-10-31T07:36:00.000-05:00

We packed up the car, strapped Jackson into his cow-print car seat and headed for Kansas last weekend. My cousin John was getting married and it was an event that we couldn't miss. The trip was 8 hours each way and Jackson was an ANGEL! We were all so impressed with how he handled himself. He was calm, cool and collected the entire time which is more than I can say for his Daddy and Auntie... ;-)

His First Tooth!!

2007-10-22T22:29:00.000-04:00

I must report that this weekend Jackson's first tooth popped through. It's a beautiful and perfect tooth. The other bottom tooth is about to peep through as well. He's still trying to chew on everything in sight and I expect this, but I am somewhat relieved to have that first tooth pierce through. I feel as if a weight has been lifted! He's been teething since he was two months old and hard-core teething for about 3 months now...it's been a nightmare. I am sure that we have many more weeks (months?) of nightmares ahead of us, but again, it truly feels like a weight has been lifted! Yea for the first tooth!

Who Me?

2007-10-22T22:19:00.000-04:00

His eyes get me everytime. I think they are probably the most beautiful set of eyes I've ever seen. Now if they would only stay shut at night for more than 10 minutes at a time! Silly baby!

Playing with Dear Dad

2007-10-22T22:18:00.000-04:00

They always seem to find lots of time to play together! No one can make Jackson smile like his Daddy!

A future model?

2007-10-22T22:16:00.000-04:00

He sure knows how to strike a pose!

Ummm...what kind of face is that?

2007-10-22T22:14:00.000-04:00

It's amazing the facial expressions wee little ones are capable of making. This particular expresion looks like he just swallowed a bubble gum ball and saw a scary monster at the same time. I give him a 10 for originality.

Is that a sock on your head???

2007-10-22T22:12:00.000-04:00

How silly is Daddy? Yep, Daddy thinks he's pretty amusing. Poor, unsuspecting Jackson...

Sleepy McSleeperson!

2007-10-16T09:35:00.000-04:00

We just can't seem to keep this one up during walks. He will watch Harley walk ahead of us and then drift off quietly. Not a bad deal. Now if only he had these same tendencies between the hours of 8pm and 6am!

Working in some semi-solids...

2007-10-12T09:29:00.001-04:00

We've started working in some of the Stage 1 Gerber baby foods... Jackson has decided that bananas are his #1 preferference. He's so funny when he eats; he takes the spoon from me and tries to feed himself. In doing so, he ends up dragging the spoon through his hair, over his clothes, on his cheeks, etc. So much to clean up!

Fuzzy Monkey Man!

2007-10-04T21:13:00.000-04:00

Playing and Learning!

2007-10-04T21:07:00.000-04:00

I want to buy him a new toy every day...but have to realize that if I were to do that his room would fill up and then where would we play?? He really likes to touch, feel and explore everything he lays eyes on. It's amazing to watch his eyes and try to figure out what he might be thinking. These days I am sure he's thinking..."I wonder how that tastes..."

Down Time for Mom and Dad

2007-10-04T21:05:00.000-04:00

Although Jackson does not spend too much time SLEEPING in his crib, he sure does like to play in it! He can lie there for and hour or so just watching the mobile, talking to himself, and playing with his new-found feet!

Those Darn Teeth!

2007-10-04T21:03:00.001-04:00

Cole & I continously question if Jackson will EVER keep his first tooth. It has been four months of teething, pain, irritation, and misery. This poor babe...we're crossing our fingers that we are at least close to the first break through!

Biting His Lip...

2007-10-04T21:01:00.000-04:00

Jackson has found a new habit...biting his lower lip...it's adorable and we laugh everytime he does it. Such an innocent little man!

The Shirt Says It All...

2007-10-04T20:59:00.000-04:00

Breakfast with Mommy

2007-09-16T21:04:00.000-04:00

Visiting with Family

2007-09-16T20:57:00.000-04:00

Jackson got to hang with Grandma and Grandpa Vendel and Uncle Shane this Sunday. As usual he made his way around to every lap in the room! :)

Baby It's Cold Outside...

2007-09-15T07:56:00.000-04:00

Unfortunately it was just shy of 50 degrees here yesterday. Jackson and I wanted to take Harley for a walk, but what's a little boy to do when it's so cold out there? It was a challenge, but Mommy was able to get him into his "puffer" snow suit. Once on, he was pretty content, but it sure was a process to get it on him!

Laid Back...

2007-09-14T11:57:00.000-04:00

Sometimes I think Jackson mistakes the camera for Mommy's face because I'm taking photos of him non-stop. He just looks at me like I'm crazy once I raise the camera to my face to take a photo of him. Hence the blank stares in almost every photo ;-)

Our Little Peanut Aint So Little Anymore...

2007-09-14T11:53:00.000-04:00

He's getting so darn big, it's amazing. Sometimes I don't notice how BIG he is until we look back at these photos. Oh how quickly the time passes. We're at 5 1/2 months already!

Looking His Best for Day Care; He's Stylin'!

2007-08-23T21:10:00.000-04:00

Quite handsome if I do say so myself! :)

Rub-A-Dub-Dub...Jackson Was In the Tub!

2007-08-23T21:08:00.000-04:00

Getting Ready for the Cold Weather

2007-08-23T21:07:00.001-04:00

It's never too early, right?

Rocking with Daddy

2007-08-23T21:03:00.000-04:00

One of Jackson's favorite activities is to rock in his chair. He loves to stare at the black letters on the wall... he'll probably be a writer (hopefully a successful one; Mama doesn't want to work forever you know!)

Somebody Might be Teething...

2007-08-23T21:00:00.000-04:00

Poor Jackson... the little man just can't catch a break. If it's not one thing it's another. He is currently teething and will chew on ANYTHING in sight. He loves Mommy's hair and blankets, and bright colored items. He really doesn't discriminate...

Jackson and Mommy 08/17/07

2007-08-23T08:53:00.000-04:00

This was when we went to visit Shane, Jennie and baby Donovan in the hospital. We did have clothes for Jackson...we were just in between outfits due a an unfortunate spit up incident. He sure loves to be naked though!

Jackson Welcomes His New Cousin Donovan Shane!

2007-08-23T08:17:00.000-04:00

Aren't they just adorable together? I can't believe how much BIGGER Jackson is than Donovan and sadly I can't recall Jackson ever being that teeny tiny! Donovan is the spitting image of his Daddy! Donovan was born on Thursday, August 16th around 830pm. We are so happy that he is here!

A cuties in stripes!

2007-08-16T08:23:00.000-04:00

We're fast-approaching the five month marker. We can't believe how quickly the time has passed. Jackson's developing so well and we are so proud of him. He's a big laugher and loves to be tickled. He's so excited that his new cousin, Donvoan Shane will be joining us soon! Jackson spent last weekend with Mimi and Grandpa while Mommy and Daddy were up North for a wedding. He was so good for Mimi and Grandpa (or so they say!). What happens at Mimi's stays at Mimi's! :)

17 weeks old! (4 months on 7/26!!)

2007-07-24T13:19:00.000-04:00

We just love our little Monkey! He's getting so close to crawling..he just needs a little extra "umph" in him and then he'll take off on his own. His personality is just amazing; he's the most wonderful thing that has ever happened to us (don't tell Harley).

The Cousins Meet Again

2007-07-24T13:16:00.000-04:00

He's One Happy Baby (12 weeks old)!

2007-06-24T20:40:00.000-04:00

Who Got a New Toy?!?

2007-06-24T20:39:00.000-04:00