Christmas 2011

Ahhh...Christmas has come and gone! This year was a whirlwind leading up to the big event because I had school until December 23rd. It is nice to start the break with so much time off after Christmas.
It was so fun to see Jack take in all the Christmas festivities this year. He was obsessed with the lights and decorations everywhere. He also knows how to point out Santa and snowmen. We broke down this year and bought a Christmas tree (haven't had one since 08) and maybe next year we will put some ornaments on it. Hey--babysteps here guys! I'm excited for next year when Jack understands the concept of Christmas a little more and actually wants to open some of his presents.
Santa was far too good to us this year. He must have lost his "naughty" list. :)  Jack got way too many toys and clothes and Gabe and I didn't do too bad either.
The normal Christmas traditions had to be shaken up this year...my nephew Connor was diagnosed with strep and croup on the 23rd and we didn't want to expose Jack to that so Gabe and Jack stayed home while I dropped presents off at my mom's house. It was fun seeing everyone, but I wish we could have all been together. After I came home we headed over to Gabe's Aunt's house. It was a fun, loud time just like normal! We had great food and Gabe got to play Santa for the 2nd year in a row. It is so funny to watch the little kids get so excited when he walks in. We also tried to get a picture of Jack with him but that didn't work out too well...apparently Jack is scared of mascots and Santa! Ha ha!
It's nice to sit back, look at pictures, and reflect on how lucky we are.  :)

Jack with Nana BEFORE Santa

Jack isn't a fan of Santa...even when he looks and sounds familiar

Jack loves this crate! All he wanted to do was sit in it!

We had to bring the presents to Jack in the crate.

He loves his Sparky pillow pet!

Trying to figure out how he can rip this tree down.

Anticipating the presents.

Presents weren't exciting--lets play!

Jack loves looking at himself in mirrors

Jack is definitely my child--he loves this rocking horse!

This was the ONLY family picture I got!!! Ugh!!

Jack's 1st Haircut!

Jack got his first haircut today. Pretty much 13 months after he was born. :)  His hair wasn't out of control but it just needed to be evened up and cut into a style. There were times Gabe and I would call him Frankenstein because his hair would hang over his ears and the top of his hair would be pushed forward. Now he looks like an All-American boy! Ha ha!
He did surprisingly well...as long as he had something to eat. We took him to Sportclips, the same place Gabe goes, and they did a great job. It was the fastest haircut I had ever seen. The poor girl had to cut as fast as she could before Jack moved again. He looks so handsome now. :)
Few other things about Jack right now---he no longer walks, he runs! When it comes time for him to do something he doesn't want to he runs and tries to hide. If he needs a diaper change or it's time for a bath he takes off.  He has 12 teeth and the 13th (an eye tooth) is getting ready to pop through. He has distinct words for his favorite things: nana = food or drink; da da = dad; ma ma = mom (FINALLY); di dah = dog. He knows where his belly button and "chi chi's" are and isn't afraid to show anyone. He walks around lifting his shirt up and smacking his belly. Jack is the only kid I know that doesn't like to sit in the bath. He stands and walks around the entire time. I don't know how he does it because I would be freezing! This kid cracks me up! He is changing so quickly and each day brings something new to laugh at! :)

Getting ready for the haircut. Snacks are already in hand!

Not a fan of her cutting by the ears!

The goldfish were key to the success of today!

All done! Jack is striking a model pose...

Handsome boy!!! (I don't think he was too happy with me...)

One of Jack's favorite things is sitting in the fridge. I like how he has milk all over his chin too!

Bubble Santa Claus

This was the only shot I could get of him showing his belly button. This kid doesn't stand still!

Jack's 1 year stats

Gabe took Jack to the doctor today for his 12 month check up. Yes, we are a little behind, but November was a crazy month and we wanted to wait for things to slow down in case Jack got a fever again like the last time he got his vaccines. I am always anxious when Jack goes to the doctor because I want to know how he measures up to kids his same age. (Yes the competitive side of me comes out)  At this point Jack weighs 26 lbs 14 oz (98%), he is 32 inches tall (97%), and his head is 49.5 (99%).  Jack continues to grow at a nice steady rate! :)
Jack has been working on 4 teeth coming in at the same time. He currently has 11 teeth which include 3 molars. There are 2 more teeth ready to break through at any time. Poor guy! No wonder he has been a drooling machine!
We also had Jack's 1 year pictures taken and threw in some family shots. I couldn't be happier with the way the pictures came out. We haven't had any real family pictures taken since Jack was at his newborn shoot and those weren't my favorite... :-/  Jack was a total ham for the pictures which made the day really nice. I have included a few of my favorite pictures.