Big News!

It's been a long time since my last post, but I'm back with a big announcement!

A "Very Hungry Caterpillar" Birthday

Jackson's second birthday party was so much fun planning and attending that I am sad it's over!

As a former first grade teacher (and forever child at heart) I LOVE children's literature. Jackson has had so much fun feeding his caterpillar as we read "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" by Eric Carle that the inspiration for our party theme was found. I was very excited about a literary theme and incorporating healthy foods.

Here are our invitations. Jackson helped me glue on the eyes and we hand delivered them.
Here are some of the decorations from the party. This is our friendship caterpillar. It is a picture of Jackson and each child who attended the party.

Birthday Banner (This was SO easy to make, I'll never buy another banner.)

Guest Tables

For those of you familiar with the story, I'm sure you guessed the little signs say "On ___day he ate ____, but he was still hungry."

(For the record, we hadn't finished slicing the apples when this picture was taken. We did end up with a full tray.)
Here are our party favors. I ordered these cookies from a local bakery, they did a fantastic job! (After making favor cookies for J's first birthday I swore I'd never make them again. Let's just say they took all day and weren't nearly this cute!)

The sign says: "The party is over. Can you believe I am TWO!? Thank you for coming, it was great to see you! Today was so special because you were here with me. Can't wait to see you next year, when I'll be turning three!"

Carrying a three foot long caterpillar cake in the middle of a tropical storm isn't easy, but he survived.

Here's a family shot. Please note my caterpillar, I get a little excited. ;)

I think Jackson had enough sugar to last him until next year.

On to Halloween planning!

He's TWO!

Daniel and I were looking forward to filling Jackson's room with balloons as he slept last night so he would wake to a birthday surprise. Unfortunately he woke as we were filling his room in the middle of the night. He said, "Mommy! Bawoons are edeywhere!" Thankfully, he went back to sleep easily and helped us fill his room with the rest in the morning.
Daddy went in to work a little late this morning so we could eat a special birthday breakfast and Jackson could open his gifts from us.

See that birthday plate? I love it. My sister bought it right after I found out I was having a boy (which feels like a few weeks ago) and this was the first time he's used it. I'm looking forward to many more "I'm super special today!" occasions in the future!
I asked Jackson what he'd like to do this afternoon. I told him to pick anything he'd like to do with Mommy. I really expected the park since we've been the last two days due to the beautiful weather. He enthusiastically squealed, "Let's go bowling!" What? This kid cracks me up. I guess I'll learn to be more specific next time. Thankfully, he was happy to play outside instead.

I'll be posting party pictures soon. We had a fabulous time!

Almost two!

I just rocked my one-year-old for the last time. Tomorrow my baby turns TWO. Happy birthday to the provider of more giggles, kisses, and adventures than I ever imagined.

Sweet Singing

I have been singing Jackson the same goodnight song for as long as I can remember. It melted my heart when he started singing back to me last week.

My Calling

For as long as I can remember I wanted to be a teacher. I remember bribing the neighborhood kids to play school with me when I was in elementary school. I walked downtown the the teacher supply store with my allowances and turned the spare room off the garage into a pretty impressive little classroom. I was made to teach. I love it. It was my calling.

No part of me planned to stay home with Jackson. I loved my job. Why would I quit? I couldn't answer that question until after I held him. Then I knew. I couldn't sleep imagining going back to work. My heart was breaking. I didn't want to miss a second- not.one.second. After many tears, prayers, and number crunching sessions- I resigned. Part of me feared I would regret it. What in the world would I do all day? What if I was miserable?

I followed my heart anyway. I am SO glad I did. I wouldn't trade one second of this time with this boy for anything. I thank God that His plan was so much greater than mine. As many sweet friends saw their babies off to kindergarten today, wiping their tears as they pulled out of the car line I realized in the blink of an eye that will be my baby and those will be my tears. Thank goodness we have four more years!

So today we had a "Not Back to School" celebration-Jackson and Mommy style. First on the agenda: J shaped pancakes.

After reading books, singing songs and staying in our pajamas for entirely too long I couldn't help myself and we did some crafts.
How can I miss teaching when I get to do it everyday with the most adorable student I've ever had?
I was wrong about my calling. This is it...

Jackson's First Haircut

For nearly a year and a half I wondered if Jackson would need a haircut before he started kindergarten. Alas, my once completely bald baby needed his first haircut. I held onto the curls for as long as I could. I finally realized that I had three options: a haircut, a ponytail or some cut-off shorts and boots. The haircut won.

Before

Jackson did a fabulous job!

I love this curl! I have twirled it around my finger each day for months.

It has a new home in his baby book now.

After

My handsome, big boy.