Jack's First Birthday Louisiana Style

We had Jack's Louisiana Birthday Party on Sunday because of the St. Patrick's Day Parade being on Saturday. It was a beautiful day, the house looked great, the food and drinks were tasty, and the crowd was huge (40) and perfect. The Birthday Boy slept into the party a little bit but it was totally worth it because once he woke up he was in full party mood. We played inside, outside, ate, did the cake, took some pictures, and then it was time to open the ton of presents that Jack got. His birthday was a huge success...can't wait til next year!

Jack wake up from his nap, we got him dressed, combed his hair, then he walked out with Nick to see all the people who were there to celebrate him. For just waking up and not being used to crowds...his reaction was priceless.

The weather was perfect so the majority of the day by most was spent visiting in the backyard and even tossing the football around.

After playing outside Jack came in to play with some of his toys in the living room. Can't you tell by his face that he was in a party mood and loving that everyone's attention was on him...what's new?!?

Jack sure is loved!

I mean could the smile get any bigger? I think he knew more cake was coming his way. Hope he doesn't expect sweets now that his birthday is over.

His smile quickly faded when the huge crowd started singing to him. He didn't cry...but he sure looked confused with what was going on.

I guess the song and crowd wasn't enough to stop his sweet tooth appetite.

He's such a good sharer.

Look behind Nick at all the gifts...Jack got a ton of great books, puzzles, clothes, and toys. Nick's favorite was the matching outfits that Grandma Relle got for them.

Out of all the toys that he got...all weekend all he wanted to play with was these two blue cups. You never saw him walking around the house without them.

The McMahon Family. We were really excited that Billy, Leslie, Savannah, and Carter made the trip in from Arkansas to finally meet Jack in person.

The Antie-Nolan Family

The Martinez Family came and Jack sure enjoyed playing with little Mac.

Uncle Jeffrey wasn't sure if he was going to be able to make it...but he did and we sure were glad.

Kiss Me...I'm Irish (and It's My Birthday)!

Saturday morning our Birthday Boy woke up early, had some breakfast, napped a bit, and then headed out to the Craig's for the St. Patrick's Day Parade. I used to go back in the day, but this was the rest of the gangs first trip to the Baton Rouge Festivities. Since our little man was geared up in his St. Patrick's Day attire we wanted to make sure everyone knew it was his special day so we made him a Birthday sign.

The weather was really hot, but pretty and Jack had a good time. Not really full of smiles, but no tears either. We've decided that we might rent him out for future parades because he was a magnet for good beads (and cute girls attention!).

Perfect little leprechaun!

Jack loved people watching while waiting for the parade to start.

The Relle Clan.

Dad would hold Jack up with the sign and there was a crew in front to catch the beads.

Mary Beth got Jack his leprechaun hat but he wasn't a fan of wearing it so Uncle Brian hid behind them and held it over his head for the picture....Jack wasn't amused and cut Uncle Brian some pretty scary looks.

"Throw me something Mister...I'm One Today!"

The weather was at least 84 degrees and sunny. Every now and then we would step back under the trees to cool off with a fan and some water.

After the parade when we went inside we found Jack's twin. They even both had green leprechaun hats (and neither one of them enjoyed wearing them).

"I did have fun Uncle Joey even though it was hot. Thanks for being my bead bodyguard."

"No hard feelings Uncle Brian. I know you only put that hat on me for Mom to snap a picture. Hope my good looks and birthday helped to get you some good loot for Mardi Gras next year."

"This birthday parade was awesome. I can't wait to see what happens when I turn two next year!"

"Happy St. Patrick's Day!"

Happy 1st Birthday Jack!

I can't believe that this time last year I was in a hospital room waiting anxiously to meet my little Jack. God granted us the perfect baby that he is, and the perfect toddler/boy/man that he will be. This year has truly flown by. I am so blessed to have had the opportunity to stay at home with him during his first year of life not only to get to know him on the level that I have, but also to be able to show him all day long just how much he is loved. This day is surreal to me and when I look at how perfect he is...it just makes me think about how lucky we are and how I'm not sure if anything, or anyone will ever be as special to my heart as he is.

Here is a look back at the past year.

Click on the picture/link below to view the montage.

Make sure to turn your volume up.

Warning: Pee and get a snack because it is 16 minutes long...it's hard to sum up such a wonderful year in any less amount of time.

Jack~ A Year to Remember

Mom's Way of Avoiding Packing

Today should have been spent packing and cleaning the house...instead we got Jack's bangs trimmed this morning so they will be the perfect length Wednesday for his One Year Photo Shoot. After that we headed to MST to pick up some reference forms for my job applications. It was great to see everyone and to let them see how cute Jack still is. The only problem was Jack and I barely breathed the whole time in fear that he would get sick this weekend for his Second Birthday Party. We made sure everyone kept a good distance and I wiped him down with Wet Wipes when we got in the car. Ashley, Lisa, and I were going to head up to the Lake in McKinney for a little exercise and then let the boys play on the playground...but the weather wasn't looking good and what a better way to avoid packing than to have everyone over til after 5. No worries....we're almost packed and will be heading out on schedule tomorrow morning. Here are pictures from our afternoon!

I guess Ethan and Jack were trying to tell me something by playing in the empty pool...I'm such a sucker and pulled out the balls for them to play with in the pool.

Jack actually participated for a little while this time. Click on the picture to enlarge it and check out Jack's sweet eyes...a new trick he has been doing that melts my heart.

Can't remember who had it first because honestly Jack does from time to time push it from the wrong end...You can tell in Jack's face that he wasn't going to just let Ethan stroll off with his walker.

Nope...they both grabbed hold and locked eyes...Soon there after Ethan decided it would be easy just to push Jack off the walker (smart boy because he is bigger-but not bigger than his Mom)...which landed him in...

Time Out! The cute thing was that Jack walked towards him with this look of, "Don't cry Ethan...we can share." Then he put himself in Time Out. After a minute they were both back in the pool with the balls getting along.