Jake is 1!

I could type for days and not truly find the words to describe what a wonderful 1st year we've had with our sweet Jake.  Matt and I are constantly amazed by him.  His silly, fun loving, curious nature makes him a joy to watch grow.

This month he continues to cruise with increasing confidence and often takes the risk of letting go - I know walking is coming soon!  He loves to play, especially with all of his new birthday toys.  He's completely weaned (Mommy says, yippee!) and loves whole milk.  Jake loves to eat, especially his fruits and veggies, cheese, yogurt, and chicken.  There isn't much he refuses!  Tank and Bella remain his favorite targets for practicing "banging things," although he intends to taunt them with love.  We have a grand total of 7 teeth.  At his 1 year appointment he weighed 21 pounds, 12 ounces, was 30 inches long, and growing like a weed.

Here are pictures from this past month and his 1st birthday party.  Thank you to our friends and family who continue to make Jake feel special and loved!

We look forward to continuing to share our journey with you!

Shanda

Always Thundered Up

After swim class party

We are working hard on keeping a hat on outside

Snacking with GP

Birthday Banner

GP and Jake

Balloon Wreath

Table decoration

The guest of honor's throne

Sweet treats from Saradee

Jake had to be awakened from his nap for his party, so he was feeling a bit shy

Mommy and Jake

Snuggling with Amber

Jake wouldn't let go of Opa

Banner with a picture from each month

Opening presents

Daddy, Mommy, and Jake

Happy Birthday!

Jake was ok with the cake, but preferred sugar snap peas and cheese

Tyson, Jake, Harrison

Checking out his new books with Oma

Always sharing snacks with Tank and Bella

Pushing his new shopping cart

Styling in his new Seattle Mariners hat from Aunt Abby

11 Months Old!

Hello Friends and Family,
I am 11 months old!  This month I've learned so much and have grown so big.  Here are this month's highlights:

• I have the promise of 4 teeth although they are not all completely in yet, but they have broken through the gums.  This is progress!  My new teeth make me look different and changed my smile, but I'm still one handsome guy.  I like to give a silly grin in which I wrinkle up my nose to display my new chewing devices.
• I am about to complete my second session of swim classes.  I am a splashing fool.  I think my instructor, Brian, is so silly.  He and Mommy help me glide on my tummy and on my back.  We are working on kicking, splashing, blowing bubbles and reaching. My favorite part of class is singing songs and flirting with the girls in class.  I give high fives after class and wave bye bye.
• I am still crawling with increased speed and cruising with improved confidence.  Although I'm not standing on my own or walking yet, I am moving in that direction.  
• I have learned to pick up pieces of food and feed myself.  I don't eat baby food anymore.  I eat mostly table food and what Mommy and Daddy are eating.  Yummy!  I use sippy cups without handles, drink a little juice, and enjoy lots of fruits and veggies.  My latest meal is the Kung Pow Chicken that Daddy made.
• My favorite hobbies include - rolling objects and chasing them, banging objects together, knocking down block towers, banging on the back door for the dogs to come in, giggling loudly to get people's attention, playing with empty boxes and bottles, riding on Daddy's shoulders and looking at my books.
• I take 2 naps each day and sleep great at night.  
• I weight 20 pounds and 13 ounces and I'm 29 inches long.
• I wear 12 or 12-18 month clothing.
• I love cars and anything with wheels.
• Rolling a ball to Bella and Tank is a fun game to play!

Here are some pictures from the last month.  Next time I write, I will be 1 year old!

11 months old

Mommy and me before bedtime

I love reading with Daddy

Hot and sweaty at the park

Talking to Bella as I ride in my wagon

Sheer joy while watching my cars go round and round on my racetrack

Hanging out with Daddy

Happy Mother's Day, Mommy!

These cousins spoil me rotten!

So big!

Mommy and me at the zoo after her 5K race

I love to look at my books

Concentrating on my reading

Bella strategically places herself under my high chair when I eat

Partners in crime when it comes to unrolling toilet paper and going through the trash

Wagon fun

Sliding at the park requires the proper hydration

So big and so messy

Daddy was an All State swimmer so he's giving me some pointers at swim class

Yum - spaghetti

At the zoo with GM and GP

Petting a goat is fun.  Watching it poop is even better.