Jacob's First Year

Dear Jacob,
You have brought a new meaning to life.  You have made our hearts feel something they have never felt before.  Your smile, hugs, and kisses can turn a bad day into a best day.  Without effort you touch our lives in an amazing way.  We love you beyond words and you are a true gift to your dad and me.

1 MONTH

2 MONTHS

3 MONTHS

4 MONTHS

 5 MONTHS

6 MONTHS

7 MONTHS

8 MONTHS

9 MONTHS

10 MONTHS

11 MONTHS

12 MONTHS

1 YEAR PICTURES

My sweet friend, Emily, took Jake's newborn photos and was so gracious to take Jake's one year pictures just before his birthday!  She is so talented and I love watching her grow through her work.  Thank you, Emily, for being such a lovely friend and for such a gift!

These are just a "few" of the many beautiful pictures captured...

Jake's REAL Birthday

The day after Jake's birthday party was his REAL birthday.  Jake's aunt, uncle and cousin spent the night so we continued the celebration.  Later that day Neal and I took Jake to the pool and came home for yummy cake!  Is was a nice, relaxing, love-on-Jake kind of day!

We saved Jake's gifts from mom and dad for his actual birthday.  He got a new ride which we drove down to the pool that afternoon!

One of his other surprises was an Elmo guitar.  Jake loves dada's guitar and what could make one better than dad's??? ELMO!

Jake's cousin, Allie Jane.

Jake

Another round of cake to celebrate the REAL day!

Jacob's First Birthday

I know I am behind, but these are moments that must be recorded...

Jacob turned ONE on August 7, 2011!  We are amazed at how he has changed over one year!  He is a true blessing to our lives and our love for him grows deeper every day.  We decided to celebrate Jake's first birthday with family only.  It was probably a good idea because our home was packed!  It was a wonderful day.  Thank you to each one of you who took the time to travel, celebrate, and share our love with Jake on this special day. 

THE BIRTHDAY BOY

 This is by far one of my favorite photos from the day.  Jake loves music on the radio, on a toy, and especially from a live person.  We sung happy birthday and Jake applauded!  He loves to clap and loves to get everyone in the room clapping.  A-matter-of-face he will stare you down until you clap with him.  When you start his eyes move to the next person.  This photo is so him!

DECORATIONS

Jake's 1st Haircut

Jake got his first haircut on June 24th (10 and 1/2 months old) by our local "barber," Cosmo.  Jake's dada and Budroe also get their haircut there as do many of the men in our area.  So, nope, Jake didn't get to sit in a little car or airplane while he got his first trim, but instead sat in the best place in the world...dada's lap!

BEFORE: Sitting Outside Cosmo's Shop

PREP: Cos Getting Ready, Dada Holding Jake, Mama Clicking Photos

PRETEND: Cos, Pretending to Cut Dada's Hair

AND WE'RE OFF..

AFTER

AFTER: Giving Cosmo Five

Summertime

Jake has been a busy boy this summer.  When Jake started crawling he didn't scoot he zoomed and when Jake started walking he didn't walk, he ran so, it has been a busy summer to say the least!  Here is a little taste of our summer...

HANGING WITH ALLIE AT THE BEACH

SPENDING TIME AT THE POOL

PLAYING AT THE PARK

LIBRARY TIME AT ONCE UPON A LAP

PLAYING AT THE MALL

DISCOVERY PLACE WITH JAKE'S FRIENDS

 OAK ISLAND BEACH PARTY WITH NANA

DISCOVERY PLACE KIDS

CHARLESTON WTIH AINSLEY

We've had a great summer and made some wonderful new friends!  Now we are looking forward to enjoying some cool fall weather and getting outside without the hot heat!

Love - Hate Relationship...

No, I'm not talking about Jake!  I am talking about this semi new device...

When my netbook was overtaken by viruses it was time to say goodbye to it and so we decided to say hello to the IPAD.  It's quite convenient and has been fun to have, but when it comes to pictures it is not user-friendly hence my serious lack of updating our blog.  Now that I am the happy owner of a MacBook Air we are back in business.  I will be catching up over the next few days so stay tuned...