Birthday Party Times Two

Jackson and Evan share birthdays almost one year apart exactly (Jackson on the 11th and Evan on the 13th) and because my parents travel from out of town there's a good chance we will have to share birthday weekends for many years to come...perhaps future joint birthday parties as well?

A few weekends ago, we had a birthday party weekend...first Jackson's big day, then Evan's the following day.  Thanks to a team effort, Jackson's first birthday party went off without a hitch (party was at 2pm, we were icing cupcakes at 2:05...but it all worked out in the end!). 

A first birthday is a milestone more for the parents than the child.  I recognize that Jackson will never remember the decorations...

or the cupcakes...

or the awesome cookies...

or the people that came to share in his day...

or the many presents that were opened...

But this is what parents do when their child turns one. 

I know that Jackson won't remember, but we will...we'll remember how he watched and observed and took it all in.  We'll remember...

--------------------------------------

Evan's big day was at Roly Pollies'... a kid's heaven of obstacles to climb and bounce on.  We will definitely go back once Jackson's a bit bigger and can join in on some of the other activities.  Such a fun place!

Reach for it!

Hugging on his great Aunt.

Attempt one at getting a cousin picture...

 and two...

 and three..............

 .......................

 ...........................

 ............................

...........oh well. 

Happy birthday to our boys!

The Birthday Post

Today I went back and read Jackson's birth story.  I hadn't read it since I wrote it almost a year ago...it brought it all back like it was just yesterday and I'm so grateful that I took the time to write it down.  It felt amazing to relive Jackson's first cries, seeing Jackson only days old, and remembering how when we finally got to take him home, we were three.  Pregnancy takes you on a journey that for most new mothers is very similar, but it is distinctly your journey.  Those 9 months carrying a child are spent wondering who that child will become and dreaming of who they might be.  And that hasn't changed one bit in the last year. 

I will never forget the words that my doctor said when I went to him after our NT Screening with our 1 in 5 risk of a child with Downs Syndrome.  He said, "This will be the best baby you ever have"...and he was right. When Jackson was born, everything changed and I cannot imagine a life without him in it.  We may have our own challenges, but he is the most amazing thing Adam and I have ever done. 

Today, I have taken a break from looking to the future and worrying about appointments, or schoolwork, and I've allowed myself to sit back and remember and reflect upon the last year.  To paraphrase a dear friend, "Having kids is almost painful, you love them so much."

So today, we allowed ourselves to be in the moment, see the curiosity and wonder through Jackson's eyes.

First time in the big boy tub.

Checking out his birthday present from Re-Re (his daycare provider)

 

You're suppose to eat this stuff, right?

Opening his gift from the Ebare family (Carson is one of his daycare buddies)

First gift from Mommy and Daddy

The final monthly shot!

Not too big of a fan about having dirty hands.

So Big!

Happy birthday Jackson...You have blessed us with so much.  We love you more than words can say.

Thankful

 One year ago, I had a little baby sitting in my belly...well more like wiggling all around in my belly and giving me heartburn on an hourly basis.  But it was magical...and I'm not going to lie...I miss that feeling many days.  Its amazing what has happened in a year and the many things I have to be thankful for.

Jackson of course, topping that list off.  He is a happy and healthy baby who's smile makes my heart melt.  He's at that stage where when you reach to pick him up, he raises his arms to meet you.  And when you get him up in the morning or get him from day care, he shows his affection for you with a big grin on his face that just says, "I'm so thankful you're here!  I missed you!"

Getting a laugh out of him is a little bit easier.  He's very interested in sounds and words, so its been added to our bath time ritual which makes getting him dry and dressed a tad bit easier.  So on any given night around 6:15, you'll hear me rattling off "Ba, ba, ba, ba, ba, ba...Ball!!!" Or "Ya, ya, ya, ya, ya, ya....Yippee!!!" (one of his favorites).

Tonight we're going to test out our new bath seat in the bath tub.  While Jackson is not sitting up on his own yet, it is just getting too hard to bath him in the sink anymore.  And I'm sure his Daddy would agree that it reeks havoc on the kitchen (and we'll be able to move his bath things from the top of our "pantry").

--------------------------------------------


Thanksgiving gave us a few days away from the daily work and stress...time to really relax and spend time with each other and our families.  We continue to be blessed by the love and support that we're continuously surrounded by.  And while we don't get to see some of our family often enough, a couple of days of food, laughter, and love will charge our batteries till we see them again to celebrate a certain someone's birthday (and his year old cousin).  (And hopefully Jackson's Uncle Josh and Aunt Lacey felt our presence far away in China...we're all anxious for their return in June.)

First Turkey Dinner with my side of the family.

Adam reading his favorite childhood story to Jackson

Cousin Evan is so good with Jackson.  He brings his toys over to Jackson, is gentle, and shares his sippy cup too!

Thanksgiving passing gives me the excuse to set up the Christmas tree and get in the holiday spirit.  Another moment to spend with our family, snuggle up on the couch, and enjoy the lights on the tree.  

 Happy Holiday Season to you!

Balance

I keep thinking that I'm going to find more time to update my blog, more time to clean my house, more time to grade papers, more time to do laundry...more time.  The problem is... finding balance is really hard.  When a spend more time with Jackson, I feel guilty about neglecting work obligations and when I work on my work obligations, I feel guilty about neglecting Jackson.  The best parts of my days are the moments I get with Jackson but it makes my work life rather stressful when I don't get things done as in my pre-baby ways. 

Ok...vent over...

Halloween...

I love Halloween...and while our days of major Halloween parties are limited, we had to dress Jackson up in a costume and participate in the spirit of Halloween...  Even though he won't remember and can't eat the candy yet. 

Are we having fun yet?

We visited about 6 houses with Jackson's cousin Evan before tapping out for the evening.  Why did I think it would be a good idea to trick-or-treat around bath/bed time?  Memories...


And for your amusement...Jackson's latest trick!

And on 11/11/11...Jackson turned 11 months old...and this may be my new favorite pic!

Lots of exciting things happening in the next month and a half!  More to come!!!  Off to take advantage of naptime and get some things done!  Happy Sunday!