HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JACOB!!!

It's hard to believe that it's been a year since we were blessed with our precious, little Jacob Allan. I had no idea how much he would melt my heart and change our lives...for the better, of course. He is such a loving, sweet, smart, and handsome little bugger. It's amazing what his little laugh or one of his wet, open-mouth kisses can do to your heart.

So, for Jacob's first birthday we decided to have an Elmo party, since Elmo always brings a smile to his face when we're watching Sesame Street, in the toy aisle, etc.... Jacob is fortunate to have a very talented Grammy who decorated his 1st birthday cake, smash cake, and cupcakes for his friends. I know I'm biased, but I was very impressed with her work!

Our dear friends Shannon and Travis were going to be out of town for Jacob's party, so they stopped by the night before. This worked out well, as Jacob had a little pre-party practice in unwrapping his birthday gifts.

A guitar! Now Jacob can hang with Travis' band! Rock & roll, baby!

I think he's getting the hang of it! I also think he was a little more impressed with the wrapping paper than the gift...typical toddler!

Jacob wasn't sure what he thought of the cake... He did love everyone singing to him, and he was sure to show his appreciation with some applause!

Did I mention that the frosting was homemade butter cream...Mmmm! Mmm! Mmm! Yummy!

We thought maybe Jacob would be more in to the cake with a less intimidating cupcake...no such luck. Oh, well, more for the rest of us!

Hunter loved the icing, though! I guess there's still hope for Jacob. lol

Amanda was there to give Jacob some birthday hugs, too!

Mackenzie and Jacob got their pool gear on and we're ready to go for a dip!

Isn't that precious! Mackenzie wanted to give Zoe a kiss.

Elaine and precious, little Catherine...her first birthday party.

Balloons!!! For me?!?!?!







Jacob and Pappy simmering down after a long day/night of fun!

Jacob showing Pappy his new Elmo boom box!

Josh helping Jacob go for a little stroll.

Aunt Jaime, Jacob, and Uncle Josh

Jacob, Daddy, and Mommy

Thanks to all of our family and loved ones for sharing Jacob's special day with us.

We are so blessed to have you in our lives.

I hope to add some more pics to this posting after Uncle Josh

gets me the disk with the photos he took.

Happy 1st Birthday, Jacob!

We love you!

Believe it or not...11 months old already!

Yep, 11 months old...and he's keeping us very busy. Jacob is a little explorer...into everything. He loves his books, balls, "Little People", and more. This last month he's really broadened his horizons with food, too. He only has two teeth now, but he likes grilled chicken, ham, pasta, pizza, scalloped/mashed/sweet potatoes, applesauce, pears, peaches, yogurt, etc...all "big people" food. He never turned down one of the baby foods we offered him, so we hope these good eating habits will keep developing as he gets older. He's drinking out of his sippy cup like a pro now, down to one bottle at bedtime, and only has his pacificer when he goes to bed or is at the doctor. We're definitely blessed with him being such an "easy baby". We're already starting to brace ourselves for the "terrible twos" and threes...I know it has to get harder. Jacob isn't walking on his own quite yet, but he's taking 2 or 3 little steps at a time, so we're thinking it's going to be soon. Watch out, world!

Top 10 Reasons to Stay at Grammy & Pappy's...

Well, any of you who ever met my Grammy and Pappy know how cool they are...I wholeheartedly agree. I decided to make a Top 10 list of the reasons to stay there, from my last visit. Enjoy!

10. Grammy has special connections, and I got to meet the Easter Bunny IN PERSON! I didn't cry or flinch a bit...we quickly became friends and he told me to expect a big basket for my very 1st Easter.

9. Where else can you find a warm, cozy body to fall asleep on? Uncle Josh has the magic touch.

8. Quality time with my big brother and cousins always makes me smile. Greg and Adam can sure make me laugh!

7. LASAGNA...need I say more! Grammy is always introducing me to new, big boy foods that I love!

6. My very own Easter Bunny ears...yep, I'm the Easter Bunny-in-training! You do see the resemblance, don't you?








5. Free reign of all the band instruments I need (i.e. pots and pans)!

4. Words of wisdom from my wise Uncle Jeff, and, of course, cuddle time too!

3. "On the road again..." - My very own train AND monkey backpack...yep, I know you're jealous!

2. CHOCOLATE! Yum! (Yeah, I only had two or three licks...and I did leave a tooth mark or two [I only have two!] in the bunny, but it was worth it!)

...and the #1 reason to stay at Grammy & Pappy's.....GRAMMY & PAPPY, of course!

HAPPY EASTER!

Well, it wouldn't have been Jacob's First Easter without some Easter photos. It's hard to believe that he is 11 mos. old already. Boy, time flies. Jacob was a real trooper, posing for a lot of pics...standing and sitting, playing with the bunnies and an Easter basket, etc...

Well, he sported the "wave," his serious side and, of course, his contagious laugh....where he laughs so hard that it's silent and his eyes are little slits. Too funny!

Can't you just hear that laugh!?!?!