Happy Birthday Jackson!

Today is Jackson's first birthday! Of course, I'm a mean mom and scheduled his 12 month doctor appointment today - shots and all. He weighs 21.5 lbs and is 31 inches tall. He's now sleeping it off, and we will spend the afternoon with a trip to the library and dinner at a 50's diner.

We celebrated his birthday on Saturday with a party at home with friends and family. It was the perfect day for a party, sunny and warm enough to have the windows and doors open.

Our theme was monsters, and I searched high and low for everything monster. I didn't realize monster stuff was hard to find, but I had fun with it. Overall, I think the party was a hit! Jackson surely enjoyed himself!

Guests were greeted by monster footprints leading them up to the house.

A sign on the front door warned guests of the fun inside.

Banner made just for Jackson!

I made a photo display of Jackson's first year.

Yummy cupcakes! The tower was made from empty boxes decorated with wrapping paper and ribbon - it worked perfectly!

The monster favor bags included bubbles, monster head squeeze balls and monster shaped lollipops.

The main room all decorated.

The spread was delicious!

Monster coloring pages, sidewalk chalk and monster mitts for the kids. We also had monster bowling set up next to the table.

Mommy and the birthday boy!

His shirt matched the table runner and fabric I used. Also, special thanks to Mary Had a Little Party for making the banner, front door sign, party hat and cupcake toppers to match the theme!

Blowing out the candle!



Not sure what to think about the cake.


The kids had fun with the chalk!


Quietly enjoying the balloons after the guests had left.


It was such a wonderful day! I can't wait for his next birthday and for what is in store for us in between!

One year ago today...

...I was ready to pop!

Jackson's due date was March 11th and I was anxiously waiting for him to come. These were the last pictures of my belly before he was born three days later. Looking back, I can't believe I was that big!


There is El Andy giving his nephew a pep talk!


If I remember correctly, I spent those last few days not able to do much. My belly had taken over and I was anything but comfortable. Jackson's feet had taken residence in my ribs and I really wasn't sleeping. It was a good thing he came early!

Now one year later, we are preparing for his first birthday, and I can't believe how time has flown. He's moved so quickly from a newborn that needs help for everything to this little boy who is growing in leaps and bounds.

We're having his birthday party tomorrow, and I can't wait! I will post pictures ASAP!

In a bind

We've just survived a 5 day bout with a stomach virus for Jackson. Today he is finally eating solid foods, and I am relieved. It was a mess and I am so glad it is over.

Unfortunately, he got his bug while we had family in town and managed to pass it on to the grandparents. Right before we realized he was sick, I took these pics...

Jackson loves the new snack catcher that I got him. At first, I thought it was so he could eat the snacks. Then I realized he likes to put his hand in, swish it around and feel the treats through his fingers. Like a mini sensory bin. Well this night his hand got stuck, and he really couldn't figure how to get it out.

So, he went about his business with the snack catcher on his hand. Crawling, playing, all no problem. What, there's something on my hand?? No, I meant for it to be there.


Maybe the chair back will help me get this thing off.

Free at last!