1!

Last week Jacksen turned 1 and I still can't believe it. The weekend before we had a family brunch for him. We decided to ditch the whole huge party thing this time around. We definitely did it with Lu, but it can just get so crazy (not to mention expensive). We did fruit, cinnamon rolls, a yummy breakfast egg dish, and donut holes. Instead of cake, Jack dug into a donut with chocolate frosting which he was thrilled about.  It was a super fun celebration and so much less stressful. I still wanted it to feel like a party, so I still decorated a bit. I made some pennant banners to hang around the house with pictures from his first year and a mini version for his high chair.  I love balloons so we got him the giant 1 balloon which was probably my favorite.

On his actual birthday we tried to think of some of his favorite foods and landed on pizza, so we decided to make our own. Lucy and I made cupcakes too. Both were definitely a hit. Later in the week he had some baby buddies over for a little play date party and that capped off the birthday festivities.

The night before his birthday, I started remembering back to a year ago. I've thought about it before but of course this time was different. I remember the contractions and thinking, "this is it." I remember sneaking in to kiss Lu on her forehead as she slept, knowing the next time I saw her, everything would be different. I remember right before all the craziness of pushing and thinking, he's really coming. And then there he was. Our precious Jacksen Cary Cliff. Sometimes when you're pregnant it can seem so long, but then suddenly a year seems so fast. 

Jacksen is such a sweet little guy. He gives hugs, waves, and has the best giggle. He is a great sleeper (thought not quite as awesome as his sister ha). He likes to shake his head while we say "no, no, no." The boy loves the kitchen (definitely learned that from his Dad) and his favorite time is bath time. He loves going in to wake his big sister up in the morning and crawls all over her bed while she hides under the covers. His favorite song is "If you're happy and you know it" and he is a master hand clapper. Jacksen has changed our lives in all the best ways. I can't wait to see who he becomes!

2. Things I just don't understand.

2. Vegetables.

I don't understand how people actually enjoy the taste of vegetables. A couple of weeks ago we were eating dinner. I don't remember everything we had but I remember the broccoli. I looked over at Jordan as he was eating his broccoli and asked, "Do you really like the taste of that? Do you really enjoy eating broccoli?" His answer? "Oh yeah, its delicious!" Seriously? I just can't believe it. When I think of things I like to eat, veggies are pretty near the bottom of my list. It all started back in daycare where I succumbed to the peer pressure of preschoolers. That's when I noticed that other kids didn't like eating their vegetables so neither should I. Its been a struggle. I remember in elementary school one day, there was a teacher or lunch lady walking around the cafeteria. She told me to eat some carrots from my plate and stood there and watched me while I did. I can still feel the involuntary gag reflex. As Lucy has gotten older I've realized that my time of veggie avoidance is coming to an end. How can I ask her to eat them if I won't? Its been a slow progression but I'm happy to say I've made some headway. Green beans and asparagus are a couple favorites. Not sure if favorites is really the right word, but as far as veggies go, they're at the top. Do I think they're delicious? No. Do I eat them anyway? I'm trying!

Merry Christmas Colonoscopy

This was Jacksen's first Christmas and it was a good one. We have spent the last month gearing up for this special day with all sorts of fun Winter/Christmas activities. Tree cutting, Zoolights, watching Polar Express, Lucy's first preschool Christmas program, its just all been so great. We have a little advent calendar that I used when I was younger. It goes through the Christmas story with these tiny books, reading a part of the story each night. Its so fun sharing it with Lu and Jacksen now.

We started out Christmas morning at our house. We opened stockings as a little family. Jacksen was mostly puffs and squeezers but he was happy as a clam. Next Jordan's Grandpa Jack and his wife Fran came over with Jordan's mom and brothers and everyone had breakfast while we opened presents together. Then it was off to Jordan's Dad's and then ending the day with a Christmas dinner at his Aunt's.

Lucy has been so excited, asking for Cinderella shoes practically everyday and stopping to try them on when we pass them at Target. We don't do Santa so I told her to ask Jacksen for them and he definitely came through! She was thrilled when she opened them and insisted on wearing her little high heels out to see friends. I think she kind of loves the little clicking sound they make on the wood floors.

Jacksen wasn't super into actually opening the presents, but loved the paper. And the toys inside it. It was a really special day. So crazy to think that Jacksen was hanging in my belly at this time last year and now he's almost one. Time seriously flies.

One thing I could've done without? Colonoscopy prep. I had to schedule a colonoscopy for the day after Christmas otherwise my deductible would reset. Of course the only time they had available was the day after Christmas. Lucky me. So there I was on Christmas rocking a clear liquid diet while everyone around me enjoyed delicious food. The real kicker was that nasty 4 liter drink you have to down but I made it through, watching Downton Abbey while Jordan and the kids were at his family's Christmas dinner. The actual procedure was no big deal and I came home to a yummy cinnamon roll and Christmas feast saved for me from the day before. 

My parents came down the next Saturday and we had our own little Christmas with them. We are so blessed to have such great family and friends to celebrate with. I love Christmas and I already can't wait for next year.