Lauren's First Birthday

I can not believe that my baby girl turned one. It has been such a wonderful year. Lauren has been such a blessing to our lives. From the moment that she was born, she has fit into our family so perfectly. She is so easy going and loving. She just goes with the flow in whatever situation we put her in (can you believe that she traveled to Italy at four months??). She loves to cuddle, give kisses, and snuggle. She is just a joy. I think that is why I had such a hard time with her turning one. I don't know if is the fact that Lauren is my second child or what, but I was kind of sad that her first year was over. I found myself wanting to have a nice birthday party for her, but on the other hand, I was so sad that my baby was not a baby any more. The morning of her party, I just wanted to cry. By the time the party started, I was in the party mood to celebrate my baby's first birthday.


Of course I continued the tradition of making the birthday cake. They definitely look homemade, but I like taking the time to make something for my child for their birthday. As I stay up until all hours of the night making their cakes, I find myself reflecting on the past year. It is a great time of reflection for me and a labor of love for my child. Maybe one day I will take a class so that I can get a little better at decorating cakes. . .


The decorations.


The birthday girl!! Mama J took care of finding the perfect dress for the occasion. She took it to get monogrammed too! Even the diaper cover had Lauren's name on it!! What a perfect party dress!

Lauren and Jackson with Papa J.

The party begins! Honey and Poppa traveled all the way from Louisiana to be with Lauren for her birthday! We were so glad that they came!

Grandma and Lauren.

Jackson had fun playing with the kids from the neighborhood during the party.

They discovered static electricity with the balloons!! How fun!

Uncle Jonathan and Lauren

Cake time!

Jackson wanted to help blow out the candle.

Lauren finally reached out and touched her cake. She loved the icing!

Yummy!

Lauren's piece of cake. She loved it!

All of Lauren's friends from the neighborhood.

More cake.

Present time!

A book! Lauren LOVES books! (Imagine that??) She has been saying the word "book" for a long time now and brings books to you to read often.

Lauren, our "Pretty Girl".

Happy Birthday to my sweet and wonderful one year old!!

Father/Son Outing

Thomas' work had two tickets to the Stars' game the other night. Thomas got to go, and he took Jackson to the game. Ever since Jackson was a baby, he has loved watching hockey. The mall in Frisco has an ice skating rink, and we would take Jackson to the mall and watch people ice skate and play hockey. He LOVED watching the hockey and often asks us if he can watch people play hockey. Needless to say, Jackson was excited about having a "Boys Night" to go to a hockey game.

The American Airline center.

Jackson wanted a jersey and a hockey puck. Mommy said no to the jersey, but agreed to him getting a t-shirt. He did get a puck. He was so excited to get a REAL hockey puck!

Daddy and Jackson at the game.

The boys had a wonderful night at the game. Jackson watched the game intently and had lots of questions to what was going on during the game. When they got home, he started asking to play hockey (again). (Of course I am not thrilled with this request and am trying to ignore the requests as much as possible!) Time will tell though on what Jackson's sport or activity of choice will be!

Saints

There has been a lot of excitement with the Saints this year!! Our house has been alive with "Who Dat" fever!

The other day, Jackson fell asleep on the couch (which that alone was a shocker --he is not a champ sleeper). I had to take a picture of him.

Isn't that cute!

Having Fun

Lauren is getting bigger, and we are having so much fun playing with the two kids together. Jackson and Lauren are starting to play more and more together too. Only watch out if you take the toy that Lauren wants!! She has been the most easy going baby. Now that she is a little older, her personality is coming out. She will let you know that she wants something with a loud squeel! If Jackson dares to take a toy that she wants, she will not let go and screams LOUDLY!

Here's me with the kids having a little fun with a diaper box.



Whee!!

All Dolled Up

What a cutie pie!

Dress up

Jackson loves to dress up and go on adventures. Here he is in his explorer outfit.