San Jose Rock & Roll Marathon

I finished my first half marathon this morning! 13.1 miles in 2 hours and 11 minutes.... I completed it in 10 minute miles, which was exactly my goal. There were a TON of people - at the beginning of the race when I was waiting in my corral, I was starting to feel like a cow being herded.... I didn't know how it was going to be physically possible to run among that many people! But, after the 1st few minutes it thinned out, and I was able to find my own path. Running among that many people definitely gives you a feeling of adrenaline that you don't get when running on your own.... I was in the zone! It was so worth it when I got to look over and see my family, and Bryan holding Jackson with a huge smile on his face over the side of the gate, right before crossing the finish line! Then of course we went out to a huge yummy breakfast at Hobee's afterwards! Here's to running a half marathon less than 4 months after giving birth to Jackson! Woohoo! I'll give myself a virtual pat on the back for that one =) 

It's Halloween.....

So naturally I will be dressing Jackson up as much as humanly possible. This is what I've got so far.......

My handsome devil - we ransacked Baby Gap for all of their adorable beanies.... they are just too cute to resist, and Jackson looks great in all of them of course.

The spooky spidey boy with his Tata......

3 months 4 weeks

Jackson is quickly approaching his 4 MONTH birthday.... holy crap! These last few months feel like they have just flown by, and Jackson is changing and developing more and more each day.

Latest and greatest in the world of Jackson:

• He is laughing.... yes laughing! He giggles and lets out screams of excitement when we are bouncing around or laugh with him.... best feeling ever!
• He is reaching out and swatting/grabbing his toys. It is fun to watch him stare very intently and then slowly start moving his tiny little hands in the direction of whatever it is he has his eye on.
• HAIR GRABBING! and earring, lips, and nose grabbing too..... gotta watch out for the lil' bugger because he literally grabs on with a death grip to anything he can get his hands on!
• He sits up in his little chair and bouncy seat by himself - we don't need to prop him up with pillows anymore. His back and neck strength are developing really well. 
• When laying on his tummy, he really props himself up good on his elbows and takes a good look around.... I have a feeling he isn't going to be wasting much time learning how to crawl! He has become so active!

Jackson is also quite the party-goer. So far, he has been to 3 weddings, one of which was in Pismo Beach, 3 baby showers, and his great grandma Lilian's one year memorial (September 29th - a very special day for our family). Let's also not forget that at around 10 weeks of life Jackson made his first international trip over to the UK to see his Aunt Nicole graduate! He has adjusted quite well to his happy life as a Mendez-Merk! 

 At Brea and Todd's wedding 9-29-2012

 Helping Dad out in the garage.... #257!

 Our family in London - August 2012

 Jackson flying on Mimi's lap to London - August 2012

 Jacksy with Tata & Uncle Ry in front of the London Eye on the Thames 

 Grammy's cake 9/29/2012

Practicing Tummy Time 9/28/12

Hanging out in my diaper at Brea & Todd's wedding because it was so hot! 9/29/12