Jack's First Birthday Party

We celebrated Jack's first birthday with a gathering of Jack's friends and family at our house over the weekend. He had a pretty big turnout with 52 people showing up...so much for small! LOL. With a large family, sometimes even the "little things" turn into a big affair. Here's a shot of some of the people in the back yard. We had to hold it outside even though it was a little chilly for early May because not everyone would fit in our house. We had fruit kabobs and other little snacky items for everyone.

Jack had a lot of his friends show up including Jackson and Emma. Jackson seemed to enjoy playing with the lawnmower and Emma...well Emma just enjoyed being outside with all the kids. I think we had about 15 kids under the age of 3 at our house!! Jack's a popular kid! What's not to like about him?!

We ended up getting a little smasher cake for Jack. He had eaten his first cupcake on his actual birthday and so was a pro when it came time to dive into his cake!

He enjoyed opening his presents from all his friends. Mom and Dad were a little overwhelmed at everyone's generosity. But Jack took it all in stride.

The most special gift of all was the wooden rocking horse that Jason made with the help of our wonderful neighbors Wally and Angie. Wally's dad used to make rocking horses for all the kids in their family, and Wally continued the tradition using his little brother's horse as a pattern. This was the last horse that Wally had pieces for and him and Jason spent weeks in the garage working secretly on it. Angie made the mane and tail for them. It will truly be a keepsake item for years to come!

Happy Birthday Jack!

Today is Jack's first birthday! I can't believe that it was one year ago today that we were in the hospital laboring all day and into the night thinking it would never end! But it did and out came the sweetest most adorable little boy in the whole world. This year has been a whirlwind of wonder, worry, excitement, fear, laughter and delight. It's truely amazing how fast babies grow and change.

To celebrate his birthday, Jack invited his Mamaw, Papaw and Aunt Ashley over for cupcakes and of course PRESENTS!! The boy didn't waste any time on the presents!!

All the excitement tuckered him out! Poor baby! I look at him and think about he really was a baby and fit his whole body on that pillow when he was first born. I think about how that blanket could swaddle him, how he hated sleeping on his tummy, and how many other changes have occured so quickly in this year. It makes me happy and sad at the same time. Happy he's growing and is strong, but sad that he's not going to be a sweet baby forever. I know he has to grow and get big, but this time is so short and I can't believe how fast he's becoming a big boy!

Happy Birthday Lincoln!

The month of May is a very busy birthday month. It starts off with Jack's buddy Lincoln's birthday. Lincoln was born the day before Jack. His mom is my good friend Julie. Julie has been a great friend to go to for mommy advice and being able to raise our sons together has brought great joy to my life. I love seeing Lincoln and Jack together.

Lincoln had his party on Saturday at Arbuckle Acres Park in Brownsburg. It was wonderful because the kids could play on the equipment and run around. Lincoln and Jack's friend Bowen was there as well. Bowen was born at the end of May. His mom works at the same school I do/did (it's still hard to believe I'm not employeed sometimes). Jack had a lot of fun playing with Bowen on the different playground equipment.

Jack seemed to love the rocker animals. The expression on his face in this picture cracks me up! He is definately all boy!

Jack also liked stealing Lincoln's new toy car.

Lincoln's party was a great way to start the month of May. We look forward to celebrating Jack's first birthday, surviving throwing our own first birthday party as well as going to Bowen's first birthday.

Happy Birthday Lincoln!