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!