1st Taste of Birthday Cake

Jayden's 1st Birthday Party

Today was Jayden's 1st birthday party and we believe it was a success. Thank you to everyone who celebrated the day with us. Jayden had a great time visiting with all of his friends and family.

Happy Birthday Jayden!

Tonight was Jayden's birthday and we had a little celebration at home. This weekend we will have a big party for the big boy!

Mama & Dada gave that boy a few gifts on his actual birthday.

And in preparation of a birthday cake at his upcoming party Jayden enjoyed a cookie with some blue icing.

We love bath time!!

First Sleepover

Tonight Jayden had his first sleepover with cousin Jacob spending the day and the night with us (while his Mama and Dada were out of town). Jayden really enjoyed the company but we discovered that he definitely needs work on sharing his toys.

Season Opener - Go Gamecocks!

Tonight was the season opener for the Gamecocks and Jayden was ready to cheer! While we were watching the game, we decided to practice walking. Jayden is starting to walk 6 - 8 steps on a regular basis but still needs a little coaxing. It won't be long and I am sure Mama and Dada will regret some of this practicing, as he will be moving even faster.

Practice Makes Perfect

With a week until Jayden will get to dive into a birthday cake for the first time, Mama decided to let him practice getting messy with cookies. He had no problem taking on that challenge.

Mama's baby is growing up

This weekend we went and bought Jayden front-facing car seats. Last night we went and had an Edwardsville fireman install them in Mama and Dada's vehicles. Here is Jayden after Dada picked him up today from Aunt Bev's. Such a big boy!!

Great Aunt Rhonda's 50th Birthday Bash

Walking with Grandpa, Grandma & cousin Jacob. It was so hot that Dada took my shirt off.
I like the view from all the way up here

Wow, this is a long night. Keep dancin' Grandma but I am getting tired.

I know its shocking...

...that it took this long, but Jayden attended his first Cardinals game tonight! The Cardinals won big so he was a little shocked in the beginning by all of the yelling and cheering. After awhile he was playing with the fans around us (especially a little boy behind him - named Jayden too), clapping when we clapped and dancing to the music played by the stadium. Mama can't wait to take her little man to many more games in the future.

Unfortunate day with Mama. Glad to be home!

Jayden got to spend the entire day with Mama today but it was due to unfortunate circumstances. We went to the doctor and then over to Cardinal Glennon for some irregular breathing that we had noticed. After a brief scare from the doctors, we think Jayden's diagnosis is good. Thank you God!! Here is my little boy enjoying a snack tonight after a very long day!

Per request...the house (only one year late)

Some of our friends have been asking us to post pictures of the house. We had set up a blog when we were building (way before this blog existed) but then I quit during tax season, go figure. Anyway, I figured I would take some tonight. Don't mind the flags/posts/lines in the front yard (the city is getting ready to work on our road) and don't mind the dirt and hay bales in the backyard (tonight Mike & his friend Jeremy were planting grass seed and laying out hay for the back yard).

Double Fisting!!

I think our little baby is getting really close to taking off walking. Tonight he decided that one push toy isn't enough, he was going to double up!

Waterpark Again

Dada saw the pics from Mama and Jayden's trip to the waterpark last weekend and decided he just had to go too, so Mama, Dada & Jayden went again this weekend.

Hello, Hello!

Here are a few new pics of Jayden's new trick (holding the phone to his ear). I wonder who he learned this from??

Old, Sorry - Last day in Columbia, SC

I am sorry that I didn't put these on earlier with the others from vacation, but here are a few from our last day in Columbia, SC. We were back for the weekend at Rich and Amie's.

The kiddies watching Jayden's favorite movie.


Mike & Jayden sitting on Kayleigh. Don't be fooled...she loves every minute of it (she misses us)!!!

Kayleigh and Tyler blowing bubbles at Mike and Jayden (Jayden was eventually leaning to get them, but can't get down in the grass due to our beloved southern fire ants).

Tyler, Jayden & Kayleigh (our three babies...we love them so much)!

We can't wait to see the Smaciak's again! We love them all so much and miss them terribly!!

Day with Mama - Fun at the Waterpark

Today Jayden and Mama spent a day together (while Daddy went to the lake). We decided it was the perfect day to go to the local waterpark for the first time. We had a really great time together.

Little Soccer Player