He's 1!!!!!

And we're in trouble for going so long without posting so I will try to make this one worth it for the faithful readers out there who we have disappointed for so long. My dear son deserves a post for his first birthday, and a tribute to his first full year of life in 2009 as we bid it farewell and enter a new decade. Before we do, I must re-cap some things we've learned, some sleep we've lost, and the road that lies before us with this darling little boy.

He blessed us on the 26th of December 2008 and our lives were forever changed. We brought him home and while it took some adjusting, we soon fell into a routine with the help of family and friends to get through the first few weeks. Thank you mom for all that you did and for all the time we were able to spend together while I was on maternity leave! After having a C-section it was tough healing and tough learning in the beginning, but after the first few weeks Jacob and I started what would be a full year of the nursing relationship, and what a beautiful bond that would become. I am very thankful for that, and for all of the support Jeff provided while we were learning and while we were supplementing, and while we were adding solids. But all the while, lots of people mixed and warmed and handled my breast milk and we all helped Jacob get nice and chubby. go team.

So like all children do, Jacob grew and he changed over the first few months, from his first smile to his complete disinterest in rolling over...and then all at once; he rolled, he crawled, he began pulling up. All the while, he spent his days with our babysitter Poojaa and she took good care of him; helping him stay nice and chubby and safe while we were at work. We of course spent our free evenings and weekends in amazement of this new little person who took over our home and forced us to buy way too many swings, pac n plays and bouncy seats to figure out how in the world he liked to sleep best. By 10.5 months he was off to the races and practicing his new walking craft. Jeff and I find ourselves laughing, looking at each other, and looking back at him in absolute amazement. From the sounds he makes to the expressions he has picked up, we couldn't be prouder of this little man. He is a "perfect combination of the both of us" as Jacob has been described time and time again.

Jacob, you have enriched our lives far and above anything I could have ever possibly imagined. We have lost more sleep this year than I could have ever imagined either. You suck at sleeping. Aside from that, you're the most perfect little boy with the most perfect disposition and I hope that you will always remain this sweet, carefree little child that just can't wait to give his mommy and daddy screams and hugs when they walk through the door. I find myself looking at this "large" child and wondering what in the world happened to my little baby? Where in the world did this year go? Where did those tiny little newborn diapers go? And the newborn onesies that were actually too small when we brought you home? And how in the world did you ever fit into newborn hats? Well, they are all in the attic now, waiting on baby #2. And if Baby #2 is a girl, what in the world are we going to do with all of your little baseball p.j.s...If you don't like sports, we're in trouble cuz I'm pretty sure your nursery theme has exploded all over our house....there are balls everywhere. ha ha ha.

To my precious child who didn't like his birthday cake because of the "texture" I'm sure. To my precious little boy who LOVES broccoli, squash, yogurt, milk, cheese, beef, chicken and will eat almost anything besides bananas (and now birthday cakes). And to my son who has always loved to talk even when the words were simply just not words...it's amazing how quickly you have learned "thitty that" (kitty cat) Broosh (brush), Maaaamaaaa, Hi Daddy, chicken, CHEESE, pwee (please) ba (bottle) Mi (milk), Juj (George, curious George that is) Ball, Bye, boon (balloon), dug (dog), you can make vrrooom noises when you push your toys around, you can show people "how big is Jacob," (thanks Granny Rochelle), you can show us "touchdown!", you love passing out high fives to your daddy and just recently to your mommy, You just started giving big sloppy kisses when requested, and Yes most importantly, you can hum along to the Florida state fight song and do the chop...We wish you a very happy first birthday and we love you very much.