The Children's Museum

Today we had our first adventure to the Indianapolis Children's Museum, which is one of the awesome things for kids in Indy (it's the world's largest- so they tell me). And Jameson is so lucky because he got a membership for Christmas so we can go any time we want (Thanks G-daddy and Glammy!). I don't think he's ever been around so many kids before, but he really enjoyed himself. He was particularly obsessed with the bobcat he could play on, and I had to remove him so other kids could play. I foresee many trips in our future!

Thankful Thursday

It's Friday you say? Well I am going to pretend it is still Thursday. This week I am most thankful for faraway friends. I am the worst about picking up the phone and staying in touch. I don't know what it is but I just can't seem to get the hang of it. That is why I am so thankful that my pals understand this about me and are always working to keep our relationship going.

When we lived in Nashville for four years we were far from many friends and family. Now we are back home and many friends are off on exciting adventures which gives us a lot of fun places to visit. The blessing and the curse of our social media world is that you can feel connected without even picking up the phone, and it is so easy for me to fall in to that way of thinking.

And honestly new friends are wonderful, but not much can replace an old friend. The old friend who feels comfy in your home, and I don't feel the need to change my outfit, brush my hair, or sweep the floor for (there are probably 3 people who qualify for this type of first class treatment)! The old friend who has your baby won over in an instant, and he shows his love in hugs and body slams. That's true love!

So to all my faraway friends (you know who you are, though you may not be pictured here), know that I miss you dearly, think about you often, and I am always happy to hear your voice. Thanks for being the good friend and staying in touch! XOXO

Sickness and Happiness

Where to begin. Our little family has been in a roundabout of illness. Thankfully, not more than a severe cold, but enough to slow us all down. Jake had it first right around Jameson's birthday, and it took him some time to feel back to 100%. Then one Sunday morning Jameson woke up with an extremely snotty nose, nothing else, just the nose, and has been carrying that around for about 3 weeks now. He did have one or two puny days around the same time I battled round one right before thanksgiving. Round 2, which was even worse, came last weekend. I don't know what it is about whatever has got us down, but it just keeps lingering! Anyway I hope to say we are out of the woods but I am still looking for some resolution in my poor snot nosed kid.

I am happy to report that the interior of our house is fully decorated to celebrate Christmas. Our shopping isn't done and our cards have yet to be started but we will get there. Remember when I said I am a work in progress? I'm still working on it. My friend Lindsy over at Space for Joy wrote a post that was exactly what I needed to hear the day I read it (which it usually is, she's a true guiding light). It was called "Giving up Good". Sometimes I make a list a mile long of tasks or accomplishments I burden myself with and I can even get them all done but at what cost? I am focusing on those few things I feel truly deserve greatness, and giving up all the hundreds of things I fill my life with that keep me from focusing on the most important things, God and family. Simply put, it means things like laundry and christmas cards have fallen in the good category this week, among other things. And a lot of that deals with my terrible desire for perfection. And without boring you with all the details I have been able to push my burden for perfection aside this week and I know all these things will get done in due time.

I mean what could be more important than these moments:

Jake playing guitar after dinner, me taking the time to sit and enjoy, dishes can wait.

Tiny Christmas miracles!

That face! Jameson is incredibly self-entertaining but playing side-by-side are the moments I crave.

Fruitless attempts to get a picture by the toy soldier!

Family lunch during weekends at work

Thanksgiving Round Up

Well we had a successfully stuffed thanksgiving! We spent the day with family in Vincennes and all were impressed with Jameson's appetite. Unfortunately Jameson and I were still
hanging on to a cold but all the comfort food definitely helped! Jameson also had lots of farm experiences including very loud mooing cows and tractor rides. It was a beautiful day. Now on to Christmas!

Thanksgiving Thursday

Enter His gates with thanksgiving And His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him, bless His name.

Wordless Wesnesday

Thankful Thursday

I love the newborn phase and in fact I get to make a career out of caring for tiny precious newborns. I am even pretty comfortable with the infant stage because it is still pretty predictable, I am still in my comfort zone. Well I think it is safe to say we are in full on toddler mode in our home.

Jameson has been walking for a couple of months which means all kinds of exploring. He rarely sits still and loves to do loops around the great room and kitchen jabbering and chasing dogs with the occasional snack or milk break.

We are in the trenches of toddlerhood and I am scared. I am being pushed out of my comfort zone. Yes, I have lots of experience with toddlers but 24/7 is a little different than a few hours. I am convinced that raising a toddler should require a degree in psychology. They are emotional and vulnerable. I can't brush J's teeth without also giving him his own brush to wield. Same goes for feeding him anything with a spoon. And forget using the word "no" because he thinks that's funny and employ your best distraction techniques.

So today I am thankful for all of these new experiences. I was busying myself around my bedroom this evening folding laundry and I look down and see my little helper. Jameson was very happy to be taking each and every sock out of the basket and scattering them across the room and eventually putting them all back in. I am thankful for these little toddler moments because before I know it I will be missing them just as much as I miss the newborn and infant days.

Jameson's 1st Birthday Fiesta

I know you have heard it all before, but my oh my where has the time gone? Our little baby has become a little boy seemingly overnight! It has been an incredible year with too many blessings to count. Jameson is such a fantastic little person, but I am biased. Each new stage brings excitement and joy, but also the tiniest bit of a sad goodbye to the things you are leaving behind. But I am very proud of myself because I don't remember shedding a tear during the party, which is quite the feat for me (although I did have to watch the video Jake made of Jameson's first year 5 or 6 times beforehand to prevent that from happening)!

We celebrated Jameson's big day surrounded by family and threw a fiesta. We had a taco bar with all the fixin's, chips and queso, guacomole, frito salad, layer dip and more! Of course, there was way too much food, but I come by that honestly. Jameson was casually interested in opening his gifts in between socializing and photo ops. The weather was so enjoyable (60 and sunny in November!) and we were able to take the kids outside for a bit to have a go at the pinata. And of course, we finished the evening with cake and icecream. Jameson had a jumbo cupcake from The Flying Cupcake that he devoured perfectly, and not too long after that he was very ready for bed. Partying is such hard work!

Mimi, Mimi, and Lindsy

Small but mighty!

Vivian reading to Jameson

Most importantly we would be remiss if we didn't thank all the people who helped to bring the party together. From family who traveled and came after long hours at work to our parents who hosted, set-up decorations, bought and stuffed pinatas, aunts and cousins who helped provide food and drinks and friends who helped serve cake and drinks, it was all beyond appreciated. Jameson can't wait to pay you back in hugs and kisses.

Very interested in the candle!

Really going for it!

Our family

Happy Birthday Jameson!

Halloween

We had a pretty successful first Halloween. Jameson was a hit in his costume and he hit up both his grandparents houses. I was a little nervous because he had not napped well that day but he seemed to get over that when candy was involved. He went as a garden gnome. I was very impressed too because he left his hat and ears alone, never trying to remove them once. Here are a few pictures from my phone.

Sometimes it's good to be an adult

Because even though I felt like a kid waiting for Christmas I realized I really didn't have to wait! So after having the unopened box in my garage for nearly two weeks I finally broke out Jameson's birthday present. Seriously people, I can't believe I even made it this long! Can I just say it is his due date present? He may not have shown up but we can still celebrate, right? Needless to say when he dive bombed into it this morning with a giggle I definitely knew I made the right choice!

First Haircut

Getting warmed up

He would not sit still

What is going on!?

Did you say goldfish?

This isn't so bad

New 'do

Tiffani is a saint! Jameson was a total wiggleworm, as expected, during his haircut, but she got the job done! He mostly needed trimmed up in the back (his hair was practically shoulder length back there) so it difficult to see major difference, at least from the front. I am sad that I can't twirl his little locks anymore and run my fingers through that little mullet in the back. But he sure does look awfully cute!