So serious

Jack and I met some friends for a picnic at the park today. The weather was just beautiful and Jack had a great time playing on the playground (You wouldn't know it by the pictures though. He's got this same serious look in all of them.) It's the first time we've been since he's been walking and he just toddled all around that place. Now if I can just keep the big kids from shoving their toys in his face...

5, 6, 7, 8...

So, I know this has nothing to do with Jack but still...

After nearly 11 years, the '95-'96 Aledo Highsteppers (a good number of us anyway) reunited. We had such a ball catching up with each other and looking back at the fun we had in high school. Ahh the days when we'd come to school in leotards (not pretty) for morning practice, kick off demerits(ugh), and let Ms. Bevan make us up like we should be walking down Rosedale. Not to mention the black spandex one-piece with the white jazz belt (who's idea was that?) or the track suits that were so slick you'd slide right off your chair if you weren't careful. You gotta love the trips down to San Antonio for competition and all the ruckus we'd cause at every restaurant we'd frequent. Those were some good times... It's amazing to see how much life has changed for everyone and what everyone's doing now. Several of us are mommies and everyone that came that night seems to be doing great.

Girls I had so much fun! Let's not let so much time go by before we do it again!

New kicks!

Jack got some new shoes on Saturday and he's getting used to walking around in them. He does really well and we did some running (falling) and playing in the yard yesterday afternoon. His joy is absolutley infectious! This is what it's all about, folks.

And so it begins...

We've started a new tradition. With one little mark, we've made the doorway between the playroom and the kitchen very special. This is where Jack and our little-ones-to-come will be measuring up.

In his birthday suit!

Appropriate, since it was indeed, his birthday...

Oh what a difference...

... a year makes! Let's take a look back, shall we?

Jack's Birthstory - written the day we brought him home from the hospital - April 10, 2006

I went to the doctor on Friday and at 40 wks, 2 days I was dialated to 3 cm, 50% effaced and -2 station. The doctor stripped my membranes during the exam which wasn’t pleasant but not too painful either.

At about 9:45 that evening I began having contractions that were 20 minutes apart. I wasn’t too concerned because that had been happening to me all week. I’d have an episode of regular contractions for a few hours and then they’d taper off. Not thinking I was in labor, I went to bed and slept fitfully.

I couldn’t take being in bed any longer and got up about 3:45. My contractions picked up to 10 minutes apart. Jason was a bit skeptical when I told him I was in labor. We got up and did some last minute preparations for the hospital, packed the car, showered, etc. We called my mom and I continued to labor at home. Jason and I walked around the cul-de-sac and I did lots of swaying and “labor dancing” to alleviate my pain. By 5:00 my contractions were 5 minutes apart.

My mom arrived around 6 and we left for the hospital around 6:30. Let me say that the drive was torture! Having to sit still through the contractions was really difficult and made the pain much worse! When we arrived at the hospital my blood pressure was elevated (duh, I was in pain!) in triage so they had me lay down which was no fun either. When the nurse checked me at about 7:15 I was 4-5 cm, 90% effaced.

They got me settled into my labor and delivery room and I continued to labor, medication free. The rocking chair and warm compresses were my best friends! A little tip… if you’re planning natural child birth then STAY OUT OF BED! The pain was so much better when I was moving around.

The doctor (not mine as it was a Saturday and he wasn’t on call) came to check me at 9 and I was 5 cm. He wanted to break my bag of waters but I convinced him to wait another hour. He came in about 10:15 and I was now a 6, again wanted to break my water and I convinced him to wait one more hour to see how I progressed. Well, as I was moving back to the rocker from the bed after being checked, my water broke on its own! Yay! About 20 minutes later I began to feel lots of pressure and had the nurse check me. I was an 8! 20 minutes later, I was complete. That transition business is no joke. I went from 6 -10 in 40 minutes… fast and furious!

I pushed about 4 times and Jack came right out! Everything pretty much went according to my wishes and the whole experience couldn’t have been better. Jack was born a big 8 lbs, 14 oz, 19 ½ inches long.

I can't believe it's been a year already. We spent the morning at church and then came home and celebrated Easter and Jack's birthday with our family. Jack really had a great time digging into yet another birthday cake - chocolate this time - extra messy!

We're now embarking on the toddler years. Woah. I'm sure the next year will be full of discovery. Jack loves to walk around the house and just marvel at what he's doing. He really entertains himself with his new perspective on things. I love to just watch him explore and squeal with delight at new things he notices. He loves to study his world. I may not hear him for a couple of minutes and discover him looking out the back door, quite intently, at a bird or a squirrel. We can't wait to see what the future brings.

Jack, we thank God for you each and every day. You are such an amazing blessing in our lives and we can't imagine what we'd do without you. You are so funny and bright. Your hugs make early mornings extra sweet. Your giggles bring joy and energy to our home. What a gift you are. We love you to the absolute width and depth and breadth of the universe... and we'll never stop.

We love you Munchkin - Mama and Daddy

What the???

Snow? Really? It's the day before Easter, ya know? This is nuts.

Jack and Gabby checking out the snow. That'd be me in the reflection... freezing my tail off.

When did it happen?

When did my little baby become my little boy?! As I was watching Jack play this morning the realization that he'll technically be a "toddler" tomorrow hit me. Crazy.

Go Rangers!

Happy Home Opener! Stay warm Aunt Jenny!

In the park...

What happens when you have a couple of babies who are overdue for their afternoon naps and dress them up in their Easter clothes, take them to the park, and expect them to pose for some pictures? You get some pretty interesting pictures. I think I took nearly 130 pictures that afternoon and didn't get a smile out of Jack or Selah. Oh well; kids will do what they want I suppose.

Happy (early) Birthday Jack!

Although Jack's birthday isn't til next Sunday, we celebrated Jack's 1st birthday party yesterday evening. We had a wonderful turnout and had a great time with our friends and family. Jack was walking all over the place and had such a fun time playing with his cousins. Jack had a great time digging into his cake and getting messy - although it did take him some time to warm up to the idea. Thanks to everyone for coming out and celebrating an amazing 1st year with us!

The cakes - Thanks Meagan!

Jack and Pappaw

Jack playing with the Amico cousinsJack and Honey

"Happy Birthday to Youuuuuuu!"Pre-cake...... the first bite......have some Mama!waitin' on some water

Jack's showin' off for his company!

One small step...

Jack took his first steps on Friday evening while playing with Daddy. This opens up a whole new world for us. He's too cute toddling around. He'll take about 5 or so steps and then plop down, only to get right back up again. He's so proud of himself and gets so excited when he realizes he's walking. WALKING! Wow.

We did get some video of it but I haven't had a chance to upload it to post.