Jakob Daniel and Everleigh Grace Hall

The final installment of Jakob's monthly pictures! It's been a fun twelve months you with, teddies I like this whole birthday thing   Are there any more cupcakes?

We had some friends over last night to help us celebrate Jakob's birthday.  The weather was perfect, so we moved the entire party outside.  That turned out to be a good thing, because otherwise we would have quite a mess to clean up inside by the time Jakob was done demolishing his cupcake.  Happy birthday, little man! Don't mind me, just having some crackers like a big boy I did such a good job sharing my toys with my buddy Graham What the heck is this thing? I better start with just a tiny taste Maybe I need a couple fingers full more Oh yes, this is GOOD. I'm too busy eating cupcakes to smile for our family picture This is the most efficient way to consume as much cupcake as possible at once Mommy and Daddy have been holding out on me....this is great! We should have these every night with dinner Mix a little mac & cheese in with my frosting?  I don't see why not. I'm so happy I feel like I could reach up and to...

Happy first birthday, Jakob Daniel!  Before you were born, it was Daddy and me, and we had each other.   Then you came into the world one year ago, and we had you.  Now we have everything. Also before you were born, everyone told me to enjoy every moment because you'd grow up so quickly.  I got a lot of advice while I was pregnant, but thank goodness I heeded that particular one.  In just one year, your Daddy and I have watched you grow from a 5.5 pound peanut into a joyful, adventurous, loving little boy.  It's incredible to look back at the early blog posts and compare your early days with what you've become.  Every day you make us so proud.  It seems like you're able to identify new animals, figure out a challenge, make a new sound, or get even closer to taking your first steps on a daily basis. You're going to get lots of fun presents for your birthday from people who love you.  Believe me, little one, you've got a devoted group of fa...

I love to eat mac & cheese Who wants more?  ME!  ME!  ME! CHEESE!

A year ago today, I got the call from my doctor while I was at work saying I needed to get to the hospital, and yes, I would have to cancel my dinner plans for that night.  Shortly after that, I texted my sister to ask if she'd mind sharing her birthday month with Jakob (rather than my mom sharing her birthday month....KJ didn't mind.)  It was the start of a very long few days, which were ultimately worth all the anxiety and pain.  That being said, here's how I spent April 27 this year.  I think it's obvious which day was more enjoyable and relaxing! Mmm, watermelon is yummy I've got spring fever! Are you sure all these layers are necessary? This is more like it!  Freedom!!

Jakob's new thing is laying on the floor...or anything nearby that's soft and fluffy...when he's playing. Don't be fooled, I'm not tired! Can I lay on you, kitty?  No?  Okay.  Moving on. Hmm, I think Saratoga might make a comfy cuddle buddy Oh yes, this is much nicer than the hard floor This is my favorite pillow Even kitty's tail is so nice and fluffy

Showing some love for a classic, "Dumb & Dumber." "Good-bye, my love!" "I'll tell you where. Someplace warm. A place where the beer flows like wine. Where beautiful women instinctively flock like the salmon of Capistrano. I'm talking about a little place called Aspen."

Just a text update (sorry!)...Jakob's 5th tooth came in yesterday, and he's started saying "hi."  When we were out walking Holden yesterday, a little boy rode by on his bike and said hi to us.  Before I could respond, Jakob piped in with his own "hi!"  So cute! 

Jakob absolutely adores Kenya.  He follows her around, screeches in delight every time he sees her, and does his best to pet her.  Unfortunately for Kenya, Jakob is still trying to grasp the concept of being gentle, and he has quite a way to go. I love laying on this kitty Wait?  Where are you going? I got you! Mind if I join you for some bird watching? Mommy, I've got my sights on you now You know you love my drooly grin Pucker up!

Jakob received a package in the mail from our Maryland family friends, the Masones.  It's called the IncrediBlock, and it lives up to the name.  Jakob loves all the different colors, sounds, lights, and facets.  Truth be told, Dan and I have been pretty entertained by it too! Good thing I'm here to help Daddy get this set up WHOA, check this thing out!! There's so much for me to play with on this toy It jus told me the cow says "moo!" HAHAHA I love pushing the lever to make the blocks fall I'm one lucky little man!

We decided to use a bit of our tax refund from this year and take Jakob to Stowe for an overnight.  We couldn't have ended up with a better April day...70, breezy, and partly sunny.  We took a four mile stroll along the bike path --complete with a nap for Jakob-- stopped in at one of our old favorite pubs for a beer, had a great Mexican dinner, and spent a lot of time playing in the huge jacuzzi tub in our room. Now this is a serious big boy bed! Is this a tub or a little pool? I can't wait to get into my suit later tonight It's amazing I didn't turn the water on while I was in here Time to stroll And time to nap I'm having a snack at Mr. Pickwick's Pub Check out the cool town hall I'll have a couple of tacos, some rice, and a bottle  I'm never too full to say no to kisses from Daddy Okay, it's time to get in this tub YAAAAAY! We gotta get one of these!