Walking Blindfolded

Just a few pictures and videos to catch up on the past few days.  Jake is really getting the hang of walking, now.  However, he chooses to play this game with us where we either put a hat or washcloth over his face and he walks as far as he can until he runs in to something or falls down.  It's so funny and he really waits until his face is covered.  This confuses us considering he can't even walk proficiently with both eyes uncovered!

Jake playing with me on the couch.  Addy is frustrated that she can't snuggle or nap at this point.

Addy still trying to nap while Jake is jumping on her

Couch fun!

Jake in the basket

Jake Meets Santa!

Today, we went to Bass Pro Shop with Becky, Steve, & Emersyn so Jake could finally meet Santa!  We waited in line for over an hour and Jake was doing pretty good until he met the elf at the front of the line.  As she jingled her bell bracelet in Jake's face he became very serious faced and I knew it was not going to go well.  She told us to just put him on Santa's lap and get out of the way.  Well, I placed him on Santa's lap and the kicking and crying began!  Santa tried to hold on tight, but Jake was getting squirmier and crying louder!  I finally went over to grab him back and Santa told me to sit on his lap with Jake in mine.  This still didn't settle Jake, but we got two free pictures out of the deal to capture Jake's very first meeting with Santa!

Daddy video taped the whole fiasco!  Merry Christmas!

FINALLY, caught on video!

We finally got Jake walking on video!!  It's a little dark, but at least we got some footage for now.  He loves walking back and forth between the couches.  I also included some photos of him in his new big boy PJs that Grandma D bought him.  He wouldn't keep the sleepers on most of the time!!

Always hanging with his croc

So excited about walking

Walking!

Random video today of Jake hanging out

Dogs, Thanksgiving, & WALKING

We all had a great time back in Ohio for Jake's 1st birthday party and Thanksgiving!  It was a long haul (7 hours each way), but it was wonderful to have all the family together!!

Jake's official birthday fell on Thanksgiving day this year, so me and Daddy let Jake open up his gifts that morning.  He got a lawn mower and a Leapfrog music table!  He really enjoyed them and even knows how to start up the mower!  We ate Thanksgiving dinner at Lisa's parents house with Dad and then headed over to Grandma Phyllis's for a second dinner!  Jake was all about the desserts and not all about the turkey.  He definitely has a little of mommy in him!

On Friday, Grammy & Papa Butwin drove in to town for the weekend.  They helped us get everything organized for the big birthday party the next day.  We made cupcakes, Jake's smash cake, and puppy chow that night.  Lots to do the next morning, but Grandma D, Grammy, and me got to the hall at 10:00 am to start the decorating! 

The party turned out perfect and just how I envisioned most of it!  Jake had so much fun socializing and playing with his new toys.  He wasn't excited to take pictures, though, so not too many of the three of us for a family picture.  Jake got so many great gifts!  His favorites, so far, are the crocodile wagon and nursery rhyme book from Uncle Mike, his puppy bank from Grammy & Papa, his puppy pillow from Grandma D & Grandpa, and his bead maze from Grandma Phyllis & Papa Joe!

Jake, also, took LOTS of steps over Grandma Ds house!  Looks like we got ourselves a little toddler!!

Lots of pictures, but  I just picked some of my favorites, and videos, too!

Grandpap Firmstone & Jake

Papa Joe playing with Jake

Present table

Dessert table

Papa & Jake

Sharing with Addy

My favorite!!

1st Birthday Party in Chicago

After lots of baking and decorating, Jake's party was a success!  We were up by 7:00 this morning getting everything organized and ready to go for Jake's big day!  My punch turned out delicious, too!  It was great to see our friends, especially those who traveled to see us!  Jake is truly blessed.

Jake played with Emersyn most of the time.  He did sneak into the arms of Auntie Marylou quite a bit and climbed up to visit Jenny and Claire every now and then.  He ate some pizza and his cupcake time was priceless!  He was very social and super talkative!  He gave everyone lots of smiles. 

When it came to gift opening, he was more excited about the tissue paper than he was about the clothes that were inside.  I, on the other hand, was ecstatic over all the clothes and generous gifts!  Jake got, two pairs of jeans, two fleece outfits with dinosaurs, two pairs of PJs, two vests, lots of cute shirts, and a toy set of keys!  I can't wait for him to try on all his new stuff!

All our friends stayed from 1:00-5:30ish and took some cupcakes to go, since I made a little too many!  Enjoy all the videos and pictures!

Jake's cupcakes!  Made with pretzel rods, fruit roll ups, chocolate covered almonds, and lots of icing!

Jake showing Addy some love!

Playing with Emersyn

Jenny reading to Jake

Most of the gang

Getting kisses from Auntie Marylou

Cupcake time!

Birthday gifts!

He loved the paper!

Happy Birthday song!

Diggin' in!

Turn up volume for this one

Mohawk Boy!

Daddy watched Jake the other night while I went to Zumba class! (Loving it, btw)  When I came back, I was surprised to see my little man sporting a mohawk that Daddy gave him during bath time!  He look so funny and cute!  It's hard to believe that another haircut might be in the near future! 

Jake started a new thing the other day...rocking out.  He swings his head and arms, usually to music, but sometimes just out of the blue.  He loves it and I think it gets him dizzy.  He, also, tried taking some steps with Daddy.  He can stand for long periods of time, but as soon as he goes for the step, he falls over!  He's going to get it soon!!

Today, Jake started showing interest in his cookie jar that you place the shapes through.  He loves toys that make him think!  Video of him below trying to put the right piece through the right hole!


Tomorrow is Jake's 1st birthday party in Chicago!  The theme is football, of course!  Lots of pictures and videos of the day will be posted!
(Videos are dark)

Rockin' out