Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Happy Veteran's Day

Our sweet Pappy was in the Veteran's Day Parade in Franklin today. Jacob and I decided to go. I'm so glad we did...what a good time!!!
he's proud to be an American
Pappy's Float
Pappy
lots of marching bands
Pappy and Gran
Jared's mom went with us - this was the best group pic we got
After the parade we all went and had a nice lunch at Stoveworks in the Factory. Papa Doc was able to join. Lots of thoughts today about my grandfather who was also a Vet and served his country proudly. What a great way to celebrate this special day and say thanks to all the Vets who have done so much for us!!
In other news, our sweet little 12 month old is doing so much these days. Here's some of the things he's been up to -
-We took Jacob for his physical yesterday. He is growing so well. 90% in head circumference, and 60% and 30% in weight and height.
-Jacob is busy, busy, busy. He LOVES to play with his toys. Some of his favorites right now are his dump truck, ball pit, helicopter, and Noah's Ark. He also really likes the books that make noises.
-Jacob can know put a ball in a hole or net. And he will do this over and over and over again.
-He loves riding in his wagon
-Jacob can now point to his belly button
-Some new fave foods are mushrooms, spinach, strawberries, chicken salad, pineapple, nutrigrain bars, goldfish, quesadillas, and yellow turnips. We have such a FABULOUS little eater on our hands.
-Jacob is saying "no" and "yes" all the time now. Just recently we discovered that he DOES know what they both mean. What a big boy.
-One of the harder things right now is that J is really testing boundaries and my consistency. The other day he kept crawling towards the steps (he knows he's not supposed to go over there). I didn't even go anywhere near him...all I did was say his name softly and he would turn around, look at me, and then start crying. Oh my!
-He is learing how to manipulate things like puzzle pieces to get them to do what he wants them to do
-He can say "mama", "dada", "baaa" - which I think means ball, and I swear he says something that sounds like "Jacob"
-When he wakes up from naps he'll lay in there forever just talking to himself. He also likes to pull back the curtain and see what's going on outside. So cute!!
-He is learning to throw food on the floor - not so cute!
-He is standing up by himself all the time now and is quite good at it. He gets so proud of himself. The other day he took a 1/2 step. It won't be long!!
-J has become quite the cuddler. Which I love - NO COMPLAINTS HERE. Our new bedtime routine involved rocking him until he falls asleep while singing every song I can think of. Any suggestions?
We are just continually amazed at how much he is learning. What a joy to be the parent's of this precious little guy. We are so thankful!!

Thursday, November 5, 2009

Jacob's Birthday Weekend Extravaganza!!!!

Our sweet little boy turned ONE last Saturday, October 31st...our little Halloween baby! We had a great weekend of celebration. I can't believe Jacob is already a year old. The time has gone by so fast. This has hands down been the best year of my life. This time last year I was just getting used to having a baby and now I can't imagine a day without my little monkey man. The following note was written on J's actual bday.

Jacob,
Today you are ONE. Can you believe it!?! This year has gone by so fast. I remember last year when you came early. I could not wait to meet you, and hold you, and kiss you, and snuggle you, and watch you sleep, and rock you, and read to you...I could go on forever. Now I love to watch you feed yourself, wave bye bye, clap your hands, stand up by yourself, play with your toys, and get excited about so many things. I love to watch your eyes light up - those big, beautiful blue eyes that just melt my heart. And, I love to listen to your silly, precious giggle. You can make me laugh like no one else. I love it when you want to snuggle with me and read a book. You have come a long way from the newborn I held in my arms for the first time 12 months ago. I am so proud of you and the way you are growing. It is so fun to watch you learn and explore this great big world around you. I hope you never lose your excitement and passion for life. You are such a happy, playful, loving, gentle, inquisitive child and I absolutely LOVE those qualities about you. I pray you will continue to be this same person as you get older. Oh, how I love you so. God know just what child would be perfect for me and I am so very honored to be your mommy! I have loved this first year with you. Getting to know you and pour into your life. I look forward to year two. May it brings as many blessings as this first year has.

All my love,
Mom
(Be warned - there are MANY pictures to follow....)

We had two birthday parties. Saturday was for friends and Sunday was for family. The first pictures are from the friend party. The kids came dressed up in costume. So stinkin' cute!!!
Birthday sign


Present Central

Party Favors

Waiting for guests to arrive with Papa Doc
Family Photo Time
Me and the monkey

Sweetest little monkey I know
Playing with Becca
Emma dressed as Fancy Nancy
Addy the peacock

Jacob snuggling with Matt
Playtime
Having a moment with Pops
Jeremy and the BDay boy

Taylor didn't want to wear her costume
The Corn's
Getting ready for cake


Yummo!!!!

Messy Messy
Present time
Cars
Super fun books
What's in here?
Blocks
Super cute bib that Jenny made
Noah's Ark and a Krispy Kreme hat from the Crawfords. Thanks guys!!
Aunts

The Shoe's

Daren the donut guy
Of course we had to do a little trick or treating Saturday night. Here's a family shot before we left the house.

Showing Coach his dump truck - I think this was one of his favorite presents
Balloons of Fun

Too Too Cute
LeeLee and her monkey
Sunday was the family party. It was just as fun as Saturday. Jacob was definitely celebrated well. We got yummy cupcakes from the Cupcake Connection. I almost didn't want to eat them they looked so good. Almost.


Present Central...again
Snuggling with Tara
Sweet Pappy
Mot Mot

Cupcakes 2 days in a row

Delish
Do you think he likes sweets?

Going for a ride on the dump truck

I like my caterpillar

The wheels on the bus go round and round
The wagon
Checking out his new toys
Trying out the wagon for the first time -we LOVE it
Happy 1st Birthday Buddy!!!