The Jackman Crew

One of my favorite Ella videos....EVER.

2011-01-10T20:57:00.000-08:00

Family Pics

2011-01-10T20:50:00.001-08:00

We did some last-minute family pictures by the very talented, Katy May!

The past 6 months.

2010-12-12T21:36:00.000-08:00

September: Jackman-family trip to The Big Island.

September: An incredible trip to Paris...

And Belgium.

October: Ella was "The Devil Wears Prada."

October: Pumpkin picking.

Summertime Splashes!

2010-06-30T22:34:00.000-07:00

At the Pop-jets in Old town Gilbert with some friends.

Ella couldn't get enough!

Where's the Marshmallow?

2010-06-30T22:31:00.000-07:00

The Sweet One!

2010-06-30T22:15:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to our Sweet Ella.

Last Saturday we celebrated Ella's first birthday. The theme was The Sweet One candy shop! It was so much fun to be with so many friends and family. Ella sure made out with a TON of her favorites...balls, books and bows!

This was my kitchen at 1 a.m. the night before the party, I was trying to get my Betty Crocker on. It took me four boxes of cake mix to create 2 dozen cupcakes. I kept overflowing the cupcake foil.

Here are a few of the decorations.

Ella enjoying her cupcake!

The talented, Megan Papworth, was at the party…so more pictures to come!!

Hey Moms!

2010-06-04T12:10:00.000-07:00

Hey Arizona Moms:

If you live in the East Valley and are looking for something fun for your girls to do this summer, check out my friend's website. She does a Culinary Craft Camp. So fun!!

I have taken her adult classes... (yes, I am trying to learn how to sew)... and she rocks!

You can check it out here: http://www.createyourownjoy.com/

-Meagan

San Diego 2010

2010-05-27T23:17:00.000-07:00

My mom wanted to squeeze-in “one last” family vacation before my little bro, Sean, leaves on his mission.

So, off we went to San Diego, with the whole family & a few close friends!

Day #1 – We checked out the Sea Lions then headed to soak-up-the-sun (clouds) at Del Mar beach.

Day #2 – We went to the Japanese Friendship Garden at Balboa (Sean is leaving for the Kobe, Japan mission) then we spent the day at the San Diego Zoo. We ended the day with the yummiest restaurant, Extraordinary Desserts!

Day #3 – Cam and I took the family to our favorite beach, Tide Pool Beach. This picturesque location was incredible. We had the entire beach to ourselves. After the beach we hit-up the Carlsbad outlets.

This is one of my favorite pictures.

Day #4 – Started off at Scripps Aquarium then back to Tide Pool Beach. The sun was finally out and we took advantage of every moment on our “private beach.” Of course we ate at the all-time-best place, Pat & Oscars! For those of you in Arizona, you might remember it as "Oscar's". I am still craving a breadstick.

Cam kept dunking Ella's feet into the aquariums.

After a quick "wardrobe" change, Ella wanted to walk the beach for hours.

Ella learned the "O-face"... thanks Cam.

The END.

Ella's 10 months old.

2010-04-25T18:03:00.000-07:00

Today Ella is 10 months old.

It is hard to believe my baby is almost one.

Here are a few of our favorite things about Ms Ella at 10-months:

She screams. LOUD.
She is learning to walk. She can take baby-steps if she holds our hands.
Her baby-babble talk has increased. She will have full-on conversations with herself.
She still hates getting dressed.
She loves blueberries.
She can give high-fives.
She dances.
She LOVES music.
She loves being outside.

Adventures in Tucson.

2010-04-24T09:47:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday we traveled south to Tucson with the Hills. We went to the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum and Sabino Canyon.

The babies loved seeing the animals at the museum and playing in the river water in the canyon... Even though the water was 38 degrees!

Cam lost his sandal on the tram ride up the canyon. But, he was later reunited with his long-lost flip-flop.

We had a blast with the Hill family. Here are some pics of our adventures in Tucson.

Marley Farms.

2010-04-23T11:46:00.000-07:00

This week we took Ella to Marley Farms. Who knew there was this awesome rescue farm a few minutes away from us!! Ella was excited to see the all of the animals. We saw donkeys, zebras, camels, pigs, goats, llamas and mini-horses. And more! If you want to take your family, you can learn more about it here.

Fun on the farm.

Miss my girls!!

2010-04-22T23:33:00.000-07:00

Last month, Cam, Ella and I were in Utah visiting Cam's family. My sweet friends, Tara and Dawn, came down to Orem to visit. It was such a treat! It was so great to see them and catch up. I miss you girls.

Tara made this adorable headband for Ella. Thanks Tara!!

You can check out Tara and Dawn's work at http://uniquedistractions.blogspot.com/

Ella is 9 months old.

2010-03-30T22:26:00.000-07:00

Our baby girl is 9-months-old now. Time flies!

This is such a fun stage. She is into everything and always on the move. We get to see more and more of her sweet and social personality.

Ella:
* Is on the move!
* Loves to blow kisses
* Loves to roll her tongue
* Loves to huff and puff
* Is pulling herself up
* Claps for herself and for others
* Loves to kiss herself in the mirror
* Loves to bang the doorstops and listen to the loud rattling noise they make
* Is a tough-cookie – now that she is crawling, she doesn’t look where she’s going and bonks her head on walls and furniture. She just looks up at me a smiles.
* Screams. Loud.
* Is a social butterfly. Loves being around other babies and kids.
* And, she has a *thing* for shoes. If there are shoes around…she will find them and have them in her mouth.

The Ostrich Festival.

2010-03-13T21:22:00.000-08:00

I took Ella to the Chandler Ostrich Festival today. Yes, you read that correctly. The Ostrich Festival. Ella LOVES animals so we went to the petting zoo. Then, we went to watch the Ostrich race. Did you know there are Ostrich jockeys! I swear. It was an experience!!

Here is Ella at the race trying to fit in.

When I turn my back.

2010-03-13T21:18:00.000-08:00

So, Ella has this love of cords. Any type of cord- she wants to chew on it. The computer, my flat iron, TV cords, Lamp cords...anything.

Here she is munching on the DVD cords.

We are such great parents!

Ella is on the move.

2010-03-13T20:42:00.000-08:00

Hello Blog, I’m back.

I’m so sorry. I haven’t posted an updated in awhile. Cam is always getting on me to update our blog…to me it is just “one more thing to do.”

But, I love blog-stalking my friends and family. So, here’s our update.

Life has been very busy the last couple of months. Cam has been working a ton and I started a marketing consulting business. The combination of the new business and Ella on-the-move…life is crazy.

Yes, Ella is now crawling. As first-time-parents, we didn’t realize how much this changes everything!

Now that Ella is on-the-move...this is how I get ready in the morning. Ella kicks-it in the tub with her toys.

Ella is 7-months.

2010-01-27T23:05:00.000-08:00

I can’t believe Ella is seven months old already! To say that she is the love of our lives is an understatement. Cam and I are irrevocably in love with her. Her personality just lights up a room and she brings joy to everyone she meets…except when she’s teething, which we’ll get to in a minute.

A few milestones:
• She weighs in at 18.2 lbs. (90%) @6-months check-up
• She is 27.5 inches long (95%) @6-months check-up
• Four bottom teeth
• Can sit up on her own
• Now eats in a highchair
• Flaps her arms up & down when she gets excited
• Still loves to sleep in her swing
• Loves taking baths
• Babbles
• Loves prune-flavored baby food
• Loves going on walks
• Is able to get up on all fours…and rocks back and forth (Almost crawling…nooooo)

Cam calls it babysitting.

2010-01-27T22:56:00.001-08:00

Every once in awhile, Cam will use the term “babysitting” when referring to tending our daughter, Ella. I explain that a parent does not babysit. You just parent.

But this is what I came home to one day… Cam babysitting.

Notice Ella in her bouncer with a DVD player on. Notice Cam on the couch with the TV on.

Actually, I think this is a pretty great idea!

January Date Nights.

2010-01-27T22:42:00.000-08:00

Cam and I had the opportunity to have some really fun DATE nights this month. We normally do the dinner and a movie thing, then back home to Ella. But, we got to Live It Up this month!! Supercross and the Suns. Cam’s idea of perfect dates.

A Complete 180.

Last time I went to a Suns Game, I had FLOOR seats. No lie. I sat next to Steve Kerr. This time, we weren’t the very top row…but the second to last row! But it was still a blast.

Christmas 2009

2010-01-04T20:33:00.000-08:00

Christmas 2009 was such a memorable one for Cam and I because it was the first Christmas with our daughter, Ella.

We were fortunate enough to spend time in Arizona with my family then travel to Utah to be with Cam’s family.

It was truly a Christmas to remember.

Brrr...it's cold outside.

2009-12-12T06:51:00.000-08:00

Ok...it was only in the 50s...but that's cold for us Arizonians!

Do you recognize her in there? She is the girl in the pink!

Cam and Ella

Me and Ella

Family Photo Op

Fun with Friends

So much to be grateful for.

2009-12-12T06:34:00.000-08:00

This year Cameron and I have so much to be grateful for. We are truly blessed. The long-awaited birth of our daughter has brought us more joy than we have ever imagined.

This year Ella and I spent Thanksgiving at my parents' house; Cameron spent Thanksgiving working. He enjoyed Thanksgiving dinner at the Village Inn with his flight crew. We missed Cam on Thanksgiving but are grateful for his job.

First time with mashed potatoes.

Ella just wanted to eat her toes.

Maddy trying to keep a secret... shh...
she selected Sean for Christmas.
She told everyone about two minutes later.

Ella and Sean on Thanksgiving Day.

Baby Bumble Bee.

2009-11-08T18:36:00.001-08:00

For Ella's first Halloween she was a baby bumble bee.

After all the work planning the costume, getting her in it and taking pictures, she feel asleep before the ward party! So, we had a sleeping baby all night.

Oh well, I am already planning next year! I am stealing an idea from a friend... The Devil Wears Prada. I am going to dress her in a little devil outfit and use rhinestones to spell out Prada on her top. Hehehe... only eleven more months!

Pumpkin patch.

2009-11-08T18:24:00.000-08:00

The day before Halloween, Cam and I went with some friends to a local pumpkin patch. Of course we know that babies don't have any clue what is going on...

We just really wanted to go through the corn maze and go to the petting zoo without looking silly...so we have to bring the babies!

Ella and Cam in the baby pumpkin patch.
(Please note Ella's Halloween outfit! Yes, I had her in an orange tutu.)

We went to the petting zoo...quickly.
Too many germs; those things spit!

The boys and the babies navigating through the corn maze.

Family Pic.

Ella's first time eating oatmeal.

2009-11-08T18:15:00.000-08:00

Ella LOVES oatmeal!

I gave Ella oatmeal the first day the doctor gave me the green light... and boy, did she love it. Seriously, she was grunting. (She gets that from Cam!)

Here are a couple of pics from the first oatmeal experience. Enjoy! She sure did!

Utah trip.

2009-11-08T17:49:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago, Cam and I had the opportunity to take Ella up to Utah for the first time. We were finally able to introduce her to Cam’s extended family. It was such a blast to have Grandma and Grandpa Jackman and Cam's siblings around to play with Ella.

Day one - We took Ella to Sundance for a picnic lunch.
It was so beautiful there with all the leaves changing colors.

Cam teaching Ella how to walk.

Day two - Visiting Grandma Hatch & Temple Square.

That night, Cam's parents had all of the extended family over to meet Ella.

Day three - One of my most favorite places...Park City!!

Why do I love Parky City you ask? The yummy restaurants!

Day four - Ella Meet Brigham!
Reminding Ella that the Jackmans bleed blue!

Our Adventures in Yuma.

2009-10-08T10:21:00.001-07:00

Last weekend Cam had to work in Yuma, Arizona. So, Ella and I went along! Cam worked nights so we got to experience all that Yuma had to offer during the day!

Day 1 - Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park.

Family Photo Opp at the Jail!

Oh look, something about Mormons.

Cam in jail.

The "Dark Cell" where the "bad" prisoners went.

Colorado River.

Ella enjoying some history.

Ella kickin' it at the hotel.

Day 2 in Yuma...The Yuma Park-n-Swap!
(We were the only white people).

The Zoo.

2009-10-08T10:11:00.001-07:00

Last week, my friend Tara and I took our kids to the zoo. Of course Ella didn't know what she was looking at but I still loved it!

Tara's kids excited to see the zebras.

My kid looking at the zebra (attached to her carrier).

Ella looking at all the different things to see.

All three asleep before we left the parking lot.

The move.

2009-10-08T10:06:00.000-07:00

September was a busy month at the Jackman home. We moved into a new home in Gilbert, Arizona. As many of you know, moving is no easy task!

While Cam was out-of-town for work, Ella and I got to pack almost the entire house! She wasn’t much help.

Thank you to my brothers, dad, Jason, Mitch, Katy and Billy for your help with the move!!

Ella helping me pack.

This is how I really packed the house. Thank you Baby Einstein!

Let’s take a closer look.

2009-10-08T09:56:00.000-07:00

As mentioned in my post below, my friend made Ella a headband to match her blessing dress. However the word “headband” understates the magnitude of this piece of craft-genius. We refer to it as her “head piece” .

This too can be yours. If you would like your own head piece for your baby (or necklace for yourself) let me know and I will put you in touch with the artist! :)

Ella's blessing.

2009-10-08T09:47:00.001-07:00

September 6th Cam blessed Ella in the Maricopa 4th Ward. It was such a spiritual and emotional day for me. I had hoped for this day for so long.

We are so blessed to have such a loving and supportive group of friends and family. Cam’s family drove from Utah just for Ella’s blessing!

Thank you all. We love you!

Grandpa Jackman with Ella. (Please notice her headpiece created by my talented friend, Tara).

Saying Good-bye to Cam's family.

A Little Californiacation.

2009-09-09T23:28:00.000-07:00

First annual "Friends Trip!" Last week we went to San Diego with our friends... the May's and the Hill's.

Our first night there we went to Sea Port Village. Lots of fun stores and yummy food! We noticed one thing at Sea Port Village... lots of people working out. Lots of guys running around with no shirts on. Haha... nice dinner entertainment.

On our first full day in California we went to Del Mar Beach. The babies did so great at the beach all day.

My little bikini baby!

Cute family pic.

Notice Ella's Pike Position.

My happy baby! She LOVES the beach.

Ella playing with dad.

Hanging out in the shade.

On our last day at the beach we all went to Solana Beach. There was almost NO ONE there. We had the beach to ourselves! It was awesome.

Heaven!

We had to move these tents so many times to stay in the shade.

Easton getting a little flirty with Ella.

Easton getting A LOT flirty with Ella.

Danger!

Blake's hungry!

Smile Ella.

2009-08-26T21:38:00.000-07:00

Ella is starting to smile and coo! She is especially smiley in the mornings; this of course BRIGHTENS our day! This is such a FUN phase.

We've had better days.

2009-08-20T13:33:00.000-07:00

Today Ella had her 2 month shots. She was so happy and cheerful before we went to the doctors, now she is so sad and teary. And, so is mom!

Thank heavens for baby Tylenol!!

Before

After

Bath Time Success

2009-08-16T21:38:00.000-07:00

We did it!

We figured out how to bathe our daughter without an absolute scream-session!! I should have known all along… this girly-girl likes our tub! All we needed was a large Roman tub and bath pillow and we have a happy daughter. I am just glad I can finally bathe her without my heart breaking because of her cries!

Good Night Ella.

2009-08-16T21:33:00.000-07:00

The other night Ella would not go to sleep. I tried everything…bottle, binky, rocking chair, letting her cry (only for a few minutes), swing, bouncy chair…She just cried and cried and was fighting going to sleep.

So, I thought I would check her diaper. As soon as I laid her down on the changing table… She Fell Asleep! Good to know. Next time, we will start with the changing table!

Bow Disaster.

2009-08-09T21:29:00.000-07:00

I love putting bows on Ella. I think she looks so cute with ridiculously huge bows. However, the bigger they are the more Ella has a tendency to pull them down! Check out our Big Bow Problem!

Best Buds!

2009-08-09T20:51:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we had a Rock Band Date Night (with the kiddos). Cam and his buds were rockin' out to Country Hits and the occasional Rock song ALL night.

Our Rock Stars!

Easton & Ella

Ella meet your Great Grandparents.

2009-08-09T20:46:00.000-07:00

Last week Cam's grandparents were in town and we had the opportunity to introduce them to Ella. It was so much fun watching Cam's Grandma and Grandpa with Ella. We are so blessed to have such loving and supportive family!

Thanks Grandma and Grandpa Cook! We love you.

Beach Babe.

2009-07-25T16:09:00.000-07:00

Last weekend we took Ella to California for a vacation with the family. Lauren picked the perfect beach location; we loved Del Mar Beach. The family spent the weekend soakin' up the sun, eating at Oscar's and shopping at the outlets.

Then, we received fantastic news on the last day of the vacation. Keven was accepted in to medical school at University of Arizona. Congratulations Keven and Lauren!!

It takes four guys to set up a baby crib.

Bikini Baby.

Sleeping on the Beach.

Happy Birthday Cam!

2009-07-25T16:00:00.001-07:00

Last Saturday we celebrated Cameron's 28th Birthday with friends and family. Cam is such a great husband and fantastic dad!! Ella and I are the luckiest girls in the world!

Happy Birthday Babe!

Grubbin' at Joe's Farm Grill.

Great Friends!

Power to the People!

2009-07-25T15:43:00.000-07:00

Ella is already opinionated!!We are in trouble!!

Lots of Love!

2009-07-25T15:24:00.000-07:00

Ella is the first grandchild on both sides... so needless to say, she is not lacking any attention. We are so blessed to have the love and support of our family and friends.

Ella with Great Grandma Hatch.

Ella and Aunt Maddy.

Ella meeting Aunt Linley.

Like Father, Like Daughter.

2009-07-25T15:18:00.000-07:00

We are loving getting to know our daughter's personality. One thing that was very obvious right away was Ella hates ruckus...just like her dad.

One thing she really hates is bath time! And, diaper changes. And, clothing changes. She just wants peace and quiet!

Meet our daughter, Ella Jordan Jackman.

2009-07-25T09:21:00.000-07:00

Ella Jordan Jackman was born on Thursday, June 25. She weighed 8 lbs 11 oz and was 21 1/2 inches long.

Cam and I were more than overwhelmed by the birth of our daughter. She is such a long awaited gift from our Heavenly Father.

Our New Family

Ella sucking her finger...

It's Time To Go Home!

Happy Birthday Maddy!

2009-05-12T09:54:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we celebrated Madison's 7th Birthday. She is such a sweet girl and I am SO lucky to be her sister!!

We went to Fudruckers and she got a milkshake for her birthday!

Getting Ready for the Baby!

2009-04-23T12:39:00.000-07:00

Cam and I just had our 3D and 4D ultrasound last week. Needless to say, she didn't want to participate. In almost every shot she had her hands, arms, even feet were up over her face. I think she has some of my stubbornness!

But, we were still able to capture a few really cool images.