It was a Thursday afternoon, nearing the very end of my senior year of college; I had just finished my last class of the day (I want to say it was...SLPs in the Public Schools?), and I was walking out of the education building on Utah State University campus, when two of my dear roommates came running toward me, yelling (in such happy, cheerful tones), "You're an aunt! You're an aunt!" They told me that several minutes earlier, my brother Aaron had called for me at my apartment to announce that his wife (my incredible sister-in-law) Amy had their baby. (Nope; I didn't have a cell phone back in April of 2004. How old-school is that?) Jamie and Julia ran to my room to check out my class schedule (that I kept on my wall, for just such an occasion as this, I suppose?), then they ran up to campus to wait outside my classroom building to pounce on me with the delightful news.
When it had fully sunk in what they were telling me, I flipped out right there on Utah State University campus.
I was an aunt! To a sweet little boy that I hadn't even met yet, but already loved so deeply.
Later that evening, I headed to the hospital with the rest of my family (who had come from Brigham), and I met Jackson Anthony officially for the first time.
I had always looked forward to the day I'd become an aunt (and, okay, a mother, but let's not go there right now), and meeting this little man (with a cute, screechy cry, and skinny, old-man legs) was so much better than I had ever imagined. Jackson was as good as mine, and I'd do anything (ANYTHING!) for him.
And now...somehow...my Action Jackson is an eight-year-old. Where does the time go? I remember the day he was born like it was yesterday!
I also remember (like it was yesterday):
-coming back from AK when he was 4 months old, no longer a skinny newborn, but a chubby, happy, bouncing baby, his cute personality already shining through...
-watching Jackson scoot and crawl and learn how to walk...
-watching him watch lights (especially at Christmas), and how entranced he was (and still is) but lights...
-listening to him erupt with laughter when one of us would yell, "Stellllllaaaa!" (from a Streetcar Named Desire? I've never seen it, and I don't recall exactly how it came to be that one of us initially started yelling "Stella," but I remember, with clarity, Jackson's reaction; he'd get into a fit of laughter and look around at each of us, and when he'd calm down enough, he'd start yelling, "Stella!" until one or more of us would chime in and yell it right along with him, which would throw him into another fantastic fit of the giggles, and I have to tell you: this game never got old for any of us.)
-when he was diagnosed with autism. It was a bummer, but possibly made me love this sweet little boy even more.
-watching him play in the water; whether it's a swimming pool, in the tub, running through the sprinklers, or playing in the cold water from the hose (no sprinkler head attached), this kid has always been a water baby. His eyes light up at the very prospect of playing in water. (He has been known to run at full speed into a lake, fully clothed, and splash around on the shore, smiling like a fool the entire time.)
-having him walk up to me, climb up me and wrap his legs around me, and take part in one of the longest hugs in history. (That happened a few years ago, and it's one of my favorite memories of all time.)
-listening to him laugh. I don't remember all the things that make him laugh, but it doesn't matter: Jackson has the best laugh I've ever heard. Hands down.
-being the person to present him with his beloved chocolate. He makes eye contact and bestows unto you the biggest, most genuine smile. Every. Time. :)
I could go on. For pages and pages, I could go on about the sweet memories I have of my sweet Jackson, and list all the reasons I love him. He is a fantastic kid who just makes my heart melt into a pathetic, drippy puddle. I love my Jackson; he has changed my life for the better, and I thank him for it.
And now...some pictures (in kind of chronological order):
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| bathtime! i told you this kid filled out. so squishable. and kissable... |
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| a very new jackson with a younger (chubbier) aunt gina |
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| oh, those cheeks! |
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| Christmas 2006 (this was taken a couple of weeks before jackson became a big brother) |
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| swingin'! (taken a few months after jackson became a big brother) |
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| taken at mcdonald's play place. jackson loves climbing. |
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| handsome brothers: seth and jackson (taken about a year ago?) |
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| i told you this kid loves water... (kaylee's first birthday party, august 2011) |
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| jackson loves being squishe... |
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| more tub time for action jackson |
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| yeah. my jackson is one handsome boy... |
I know he can't read this, but here's Auntie Gina wishing her sweet Jackson the happiest birthday ever!
I love you, Bug!!!
7 comments:
I adore this! Gave me chills! It's the same way I feel about my first nephew. I can't get enough of my other nieces and nephews but there is just something about the first :) He's so handsome! Your an amazing aunt!
This one made me feel all nostalgic and sentimental. I love that boy and he is truly a blessing in our family's lives.
A sweet blog qbout q sweet 8 year old little boy that has stolen a lot of hearts~ Gma
And now I'm crying...but I think he did have a good birthday. When Aaron and I were putting him to bed we sang him "Happy Birthday" and he touched Aaron's chin when we were done, so we sang it again, and again. Thanks for the lovely post about our big-boy Jackson!
Aunty Gina - just sounds like the Aunt that always makes you laugh and sneaks you secret chocolate.
What a studly little man, Gina, he's the cutest.
Great post.
Finally read this. Well done. I don't even have anything smart-alecky to say.
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