Jack's first birthday

We had a small get together for Jack's first birthday. His party was space themed and complete with a solar system birthday cake. The sun was a three layer white cake that we iced bright yellow. We used cupcakes decorated as the different planets to finish out the solar system. Trying to mix up "mars" red was quite an accomplishment. Arthur and I spent a few nights making foil rocket ships to hang from the ceiling. We used tang in the birthday punch and made up some goodie bags using space treats we picked up from the Johnson Space Center gift shop at Arthur's work. Jack seemed a little unsure of what all was going on.... especially when he saw all the decorations around the house. He also was on the verge of tears throughout the Happy Birthday song before cake time. There is one picture above of his face while we sang to him. It is pretty sad looking but he managed to hold it together and enjoy his cake.

Its not Christmas til someone throws you into a bean bag!

Here a couple pictures from Christmas morning at my parents house in Bartlesville, OK. Jack loved all the stocking holders above the fireplace. He wanted to touch each of them first thing every morning. We also had Christmas at Arthur's parents in Ponca City, Ok but are still working on getting a few of those pictures. Jack got to spend Christmas morning there with grandparents, aunt/uncle, his Great Grandma Muz, and little Cousin Ellen. It was a very exciting few days for baby Jack.

My new snail pull toy!

Jack got to try out a pull toy for the first time. His new toy is a fun snail. It inches along as he pulls it and is super cute. Jack thought he was such a big boy pulling his snail along. We can't wait to see him pull it by himself.

Trying out the spoon

Jack is starting to get interested in the spoon we use to feed him. He likes to hold the spoon himself sometimes. It is really messy but he's gotta learn sometime. So far he seems to do best with applesauce. He dips the spoon in the bowl, usually upside down, and then straight to the mouth.

Safety First!

After a couple intense lion scooter crashes da da decided that Jack should don his bike helmet for future rides. Jack seemed pretty happy. I wonder why?!?!?

There's no snow in Pearland!

Tonight Jack got to check out snowflakes for the first time. It started snowing around 6pm in Pearland and we rushed outside to see everything dusted in white. Jack was not too sure what we were looking at but I definitely think he noticed the falling snow. It is such a rare event in Pearland/Houston area!

Its all fun and games til you get slapped in the face.

This is Jack and Carson. Carson invited Jack to his first birthday party and it was really fun. However, Jack took a real beating during the pre-cake photo session. Yikes! I told Jack this would be an appropriate time to use my favorite Eddie Murphy quote, "A karate-man bruise on the inside so he don't show his weakness". Its really too bad that Jack doesn't know the artful skill of karate because it would have sure come in handy for some defensive moves.

Santa is scary! No, no he's cool.

Throw the baby!

Jack's first Thanksgiving

Jack was brave and tried lots of Thanksgiving dinner. He like the mashed potatoes, dressing, and cranberry sauce. Also, he LOVED chocolate pie. Mmmm.... pie.

alphabet soup

Cabinet spelunking, plastic treasure trove

Big boy food

Jack has been very, very slow to take on finger foods or anything non-pureed. I am happy to announce that he is a cracker and apple eating machine now! He also like spaghetti noodles and cottage cheese.

Faster, faster!

Jack's buddy, Walter, let him borrow his cool lion ride. It has two modes. One lets Jack stand behind and push it and the other mode makes it a cool scooter to ride on. Arthur pushes Jack back and forth in our living area about as fast as he can go. Jack just hangs on and smiles..... even when they crash sometimes. :)

Horseshoe pit....Who needs a stinkin' sandbox!

Arthur and Jack decided to overtake the backyard horseshoe pit for a play sandbox. Jack seems to think this is a grand idea. I am still wondering how sand has the ability to creep into everywhere!

The drama of pencil drums