The Big Party

Today we hosted a little get-together for Jack to celebrate his 1st birthday. We invited our family and a few of our very close friends...and just had a blast as a group. Since Boomer and Jack are such buddies, we themed the party around dogs. The cake had a dog that looked like Boomer, we had cupcakes with dog bone confetti and chocolate dog lollipops, and our snack mixes were in decorative dog bowl dishes. Even the invites were addressed from Boomer (he has excellent pendmanship) and the Bananna bread cake I baked him was in the shape of a dog bone. We had fun with this theme.

Of course, there was the ceremonial "smashing" of the birthday cake, which was a hoot. And there were a lot of treats to eat. What made it a great event were the people and the thoughtfulness of our family and friends. Jack received some incredible gifts...including a "Jack-sized" swingset, a picnic/activity table, a customized toddler-sized cornhole set (OU Bobcat Themed!!!), some great interactive toys, puzzles, books,and super-nice clothes. He even got a special birthday package from the Kelley's, who live in the Netherlands, with a super-cool frog that he loves to hug and cuddle on. But the best gifts around us are the gifts of the friends and family we have to help and support Jack.

I can only wonder what was going through Jack's mind during his birthday party today. He totally enjoyed it and did really, really well, but I'm sure that he had no idea what was going on. And that's okay, as there will be many birthday parties for him to learn that HE'S the one being celebrated. Happy Birthday Little Guy! Cheers to you!

High Five!

Jack's quickly learning a lot of new moves--- and making some really great sounds. Its very apparent that he's trying to mimic what we do and interact with us on every level that he can. Its sweet to watch him begin to connect with us. Whenever he sees us smiling and encouraging him, he responds with a big grin or giggle. Its the best.

Recently, he's started doing his "High Fives." Mike has been working with him on this move and now, he's definitely got it down. He's also learning how to wave hello and goodbye. We're still working on "Touchdown," but that move's not quite there yet. We've got time.

I just love watching this increased interaction develop. Its amazing how such simple communication can be so meaningful. Every day he seems to interact with us just a little more. And every time, its just a little bit more adorable. The best part of all of this is that as his personality unfolds, it is showing such a beautiful little being. He is so sweet, so happy, so genuine in his affections. We just adore him.

Quality Time

Our home has been so full of family this week...and its been just wonderful. Thanksgiving is hands down my most favorite holiday. Its one of those days where you feel an overwhelming sense of connectedness and appreciation for all that we have. We had a great dinner...in fact, I did my first turkey from scratch, and it turned out great (I was as surprised as the rest of us :). My parents, Nonna G, Kevin & Danny joined us...and we had a really relaxing, enjoyable day. Jack got to catch up and have some bonding time with Uncle Danny & Uncle Kevin too. It was a day completely dedicated to quality time.

In addition to eating (and we did do a lot of that...especially Jack), we went on walks, tossed the football, caught up on the happenings in our world, played in the basement with Jack's toys, watched football and just chilled out. With all the running around we all do during our busy lives, its been so nice to just have some relaxing time with the people that matter most to us. Ahhhh...that's the beauty of Thanksgiving.

Quality time like this can never be over-appreciated. On Thanksgiving, I always seem to find myself thinking about all that we have to be thankful for...and there's a lot....Jack, our families and close friends. They make "quality time" so "quality."

Funny De-Ja-Vu

A year ago to the day, Jack & I came home from the hospital. It was the day before Thanksgiving and it was so neat to watch members of our family meet Jack for the first time.

One of the photos that really stood out was my Dad holding Jack on the couch with Boomer all nestled up against them. The picture was priceless. Fast forward exactly a year and we found the exact same scene unfolding. Only this time, instead of calmly laying on my dad's lap, Jack was reading a book. From infant to toddler...what a difference a year makes. Still the same cuddly puppy and awesome Pop...just a quickly-growing little boy.

Happy Birthday, Happy Jack!

Our little baby's the big "1." And we had quite a fun time celebrating it. At school his class finger painted birthday balloons (they were the shape of the week and they dedicated them to Jack). He also had a special snack with his pals and teachers. A number of people called and texted and emailed us to wish him a happy day. And, it was just that-- a very happy day. Two of our neighbors and some friends brought by gifts (one even arrived all the way from the Netherlands--- Amy, you're amazing). We're so lucky to have the support zone around us that we do. I'm sure Jack wasn't exactly sure what made today a special day...but we sure do.

Oh, and I let him eat cake for dinner. Well, it wasn't exactly cake-- it was pumpkin bread with icing. Hey, its his birtday and you only turn one once, right?!?! He had a blast. As did Boomer who ate cake thrown off of Jack's highchair. Boomer definitely liked Jack's birthday.

Happy Birthday, Happy Jack! Oh, and just because you're one doesn't mean that we're going to stop calling you "Baby Jack." We just love that nick name...so it's gonna stick around for a little while longer.

"One-Take Jack"

Tomorrow is Jack's first birthday. I cannot believe it. Every day, he becomes more and more of a personality...as evidenced by him today at the portrait studio. No joke, he was "One Take Jack." That's literally what the photographer named Jack today when we had his one-year-old photos taken. Although we had to wait, for what seemed like hours, and actually was over an hour, he did unbelievably well. These may be our most favorite photos. We're just putting up the ones for his 1st Birthday. We also had Christmas portraits taken, but we're gonna wait to post them. Let's get through Thanksgiving photos first :)

Anyway, words don't come close to helping me explain how much he means to us. He is an absolute joy. He's the best gift we've ever been given. I fell in love with him the moment I held him for the first time. Even though that was 364 days ago, I remember it like it happened this morning. Immediate and unconditional lover-- that's the way I describe it. And now that we're a year into this the only thing that is different is that this feeling is 364 days stronger. It grows everyday. Every moment we see yet another layer of his personality unfold.

Jack's One Year Old Photos:

a Request From Jack's "Nurse"

A number of our friends who have younger children have told us that the first year is the roughest for babies in daycare. Their immune system is still building up and they're getting exposed to a number of different illnesses. Children who aren't in daycare tend to have their roughest time when they are in kindergarten. I've heard this from a ton of people, including our pediatrician.

All I have to say is that I sincerely hope they are right. Because Jack has had his share of sickies...and there is nothing I'd like more than for him to have less of them. This week, he's been battling an ear infection...its the first one that he's had which has been persistent, complete with a pretty decent temperature. Jack's doctor said that this year, in particular, has seemed to be a lot more difficult in terms of illness for little ones. He also said that after a baby experiences every season, their frequency of illnesses decreases.

I'm hopeful they're all right. We've had a couple of not-so-fun medical situations. Apparently many parents have been in the exact same boat that we're in now. We're just really looking forward to this ship coming ashore. Bye bye stuffy nose. Go away colds. That's enough ear infections :) Here's to coming to the end of our first series of four seasons...so says Jack's nurse (aka "Mom").

I guess its time for a "Toddler Tracker"

Peapod Tracker....This is what we called the tracker that counted down the days until Jack arrived on our original website, StorkHopefuls. Then, once Jack was born, we changed it to be a tracker until his first birthday. And, for the past 11 months, 3 weeks and 3 days its been doing exactly that...counting down the days until our little baby turned the big "1." I cannot believe that day is now less than a week away. Yes, our infant all of the sudden turns into a toddler next Monday. So, it'll be time to create a new tracker...one that counts down the days until he turns 2.

But for a second...just a moment I want to freeze time and take it all in. I don't want to forget this first year. For the past 359 days we've seen this little being's personality just explode into such a fun character. It happened so fast. In the past year, he went from glazed stares to kind, endearing glances; looks that just melt your heart. He went from trying to hold his head up to having these strong muscles that allow him to move so quickly around. And we know walking isn't too far away. When he was first born, it was so hard to determine why he was crying. Now, we can decipher what different cries mean and although he's just beginning to form words, he's able to communicate and comprehend so much. He went from a complete liquid diet to feeding himself "cakey-pans," which is what we call his favorite food, pancakes.

I remember all the fuss we made about the first time he held his head up, or the first time he rolled over. And then all of a sudden, he was sitting, then up on all fours, then crawling, then climbing, and now creeping along different pieces of furniture. Just yesterday, he stood on his own without holding on to anything for a bit. Its just amazing.

And it wasn't just Jack who grew so much this year. Mike and I went from being completely inexperienced parents to feeling rather confident in our new roles as Jack. Having a little person who is 100% reliant on you for everything is an incredible experience. At times, its scary because you don't want to do anything to mess up this special gift. But mostly, its a joy-filled process filled with wonder. As Jack learns new things for the first time, we re-learn how to appreciate all the little wonders of everyday life.

Cakey-Pans

Not sure how we come up with funny names like this, but I'm telling ya, this one's gonna stick. Its what we call pancakes. From the beginning, we've just called them "cakey-pans" when talking about them with Jack. Mike actually coined the phrase and I love it.

Speaking of loving things...to say that Jack loves pancakes is an understatement. In fact, I'd say they rank right up there with peaches and pumpkin bread as his 3 favorite foods. And his favorite restaurant? That's Bob Evan's, home of the best kids meals ever. We order the 5 sand dollar pancake meal and Jack goes to town. See for yourself. Its a total blast to go for a weekend breakfast with Jack. Of course, we also have to tip really well, becuase his table ettiquette and feeding coordination aren't the best yet. He makes a mess, but boy do we have fun!

Teeth!

This little boy is popping teeth faster than I ever imagined...seriously, new ones are showing up almost daily! For the longest time, he had 4 teeth...the two front middle ones up on top and a matching pair below. He then seemed to be drooling a lot and we could feel a bunch of teeth moving up through his gums...but nothing poking through the surface. Poor kid-- that couldn't have felt good at all.

Then, almost simultaneously, they all started sprouting through. Unbelievable. Suddenly, he has a bunch of teeth...including cuspids and more incisors. I try to count them all, but its tough to get a clear look with squirmey, which is how Jack acts when we lay him on his back. And reaching into to "feel" is dangerous. He's like a little piranah! He doesn't mean any harm, but he has no understanding of how hard those little teeth are!

We'll be off to see Amy at the dentist's office in no time!

Mr Independent

Gosh, I knew this would begin to happen. As Jack figures out how different movements result in different experiences, he's becoming a bit of an explorer. And, as exciting as it is to see him crusade in new adventures, there's a tiny little part of me that gulps...as I realize, he's getting older. And yes, a little less mom-reliant. I wan't him to be confident, and he's definitely showing this trait, but I don't want him to grow up so fast. I guess I better get used to it...later this month, Jack will have his first birthday. Gulp. There goes that little sinking feeling in my chest again. It feels like just yesterday I was putting him in his little "going home" outfit as we prepared to bring him home from the hospital. Now, he's beginning to enter that "Mr Independent" phase.

As for his little adventures, I must admit, they're hilarious. From trying to ride his motorcycle (and slowly, very slowly sliding off of it) to feeding himself cheerios and fruit (while getting more of them in his lap and ears than in his mouth), he's insistent to "do it myself." And he's so on the go. And super strong. When he wants to turn over (while in a diaper change, for example), he's determined. It amazes me how strong his little muscles are. In fact, I'm convinced he has little biceps! From chasing Boomer to flopping on pillows, he wants to experience it all. He's not exactly what I would call "coordinated" but he is beginning to figure his movements out. His independence is also quite evident at meal times. In addition to the finger foods he tries to feed himself, he also insists upon having his own spoon....not that he's able to use it properly, but he does know that it somehow goes in his mouth. Gulp. He's growing up.

Happy JACK-o-lantern

Halloween is the last "First" holiday Jack will have. Kinda crazy, huh?!?! For his 1st Halloween, Jack was Tigger from Winnie the Pooh...that's T-I-double G-E-R. Not only did I fall in love with the cuddly costume, it was the closest we could get to dressing Jack up like a Bengal in Cleveland (ha!ha!).

We really did it up this year....we made Jack-o-lanterns for each of us, attended a Costume Parade at school, we watched "Its the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown" about 6 times, we went Trick or Treating to a couple of houses on our street and then we went over to Hannah's house. Hannah is Jenn and Andy's daughter-- and she' is just so sweet with Jack. We had such a great time. I'm sure Jack didn't understand what all the hub-bub was about, but one day he'll understand why its such a fun holiday.

Some photos of the Fall festivities: