JACK : 1 YEAR OLD TODAY

Jack loved his birthday cupcake. We'd been practicing the whole idea of actually wearing the party hat but just pulling it off and yanking the glittery parts off. Jack kept it on and was the cutest little birthday boy every tonight. Good practices for his cake on Sunday!

Jackson - we can't believe you are turning 1 today. We look back on each of our favorite baby pictures of you over the past year and are amazed by how much you've changed. You are an incredible blessing in our lives and our pride and joy! Happy Birthday Jack Bear!

A fun one from this morning!


Jack & his red balloon
When we were out and about Jack got a red balloon for his birthday. On the way home we stopped at the park to fly dads kite. Jack ended up flying his balloon.





























HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU - JACK...JACK!

Sunday Fun

Our weeks feel so full and seem to rush by so on the weekends we like to slow life down. Jack normally gets to romp around in his PJ's until after his morning nap. He absolutely LOVES to ride on dad's shoulders and looks as natural as can be. I will get a video someday of the most hilarious thing they do. Mike bouncing up and down and in turn Jack does too, while anticipating the take off. Mike finally runs around the house with Jack on his shoulders, Jack squeals in glee while bouncing wildly up & down.
They are quite the pair.



















On Sunday, we spent most of the day outside in the glorious sunshine. Mike mowed and Jack decided to stack rocks on the ledge of the fence. It was quiet amusing as Jack is just learning how to play with things instead of just putting everything he picks up in his mouth. It is really fun to watch him learn how to "do" things. Seems so simple but the task of lining rock along the fence was 20 minutes of pure fun. Who needs toys?


Jack made it look like so much fun that dad had to join in.

By the end they had quite the line up.
Of course, Jack got thirsty and had to drink out of dad's water. I am amazed that he has already learned how to drink from a straw. And he LOVES it.
While playing in the yard a frog came to join in and Jack was so excited by the green jumping bean.

Then we watched anxiously from his stroller as we finished our yard work in the front yard.

The Students: Pierre and Clo have now been with us for 2 1/2 months. Just 1 month to go in their American stay. We ended the day making our own customized pizzas which they thought was a great idea. We have definitely had a very full house (almost feels like a fraternity) these past months. But knowing that it is coming to an end makes the approaching new season much anticipated. We will be making their rooms into the "kids rooms" and preparing for the arrival of #2!
New Baby: I am 20 weeks along and ancipating the big ultrasound that we were going to do today but we pushed it off until the 3rd. People keep asking if we want a boy or girl? Strange question since you can't pick. But I say that another boy would be fabulous because I love brothers and think it would be easier. But a girl would be loads of fun, i.e. decorating, pink, dress up, a wedding someday. But Jack will make a great big brother to either sibbling. So, we wait 10 more days to find out.
Jack's 1 year: Can't believe he's turning 1 on Thursday! Loads of photos to come on Thursday.

Baby #2 on the Way!

I can't believe it has taken me this long to post our big news! We are expecting again. Due date July 18th. This is week 17. We go in for our ultrasound in just a few short weeks. It has been a surreal thought to consider being pregnant again. But we are JUST SO EXCITED! The news did come as a surprise but we were talking about having our kids close together. I calculated that Jack and #2 will be approximately 17 months apart which I can't be happier about. The 1st trimester symptoms are still lingering but I am feeling better and have a little more energy and appetite.