Just Relaxin'

One of Jacob's favorite Christmas gifts this year was his PBK Anywhere Chair. He loves to sit in it and read his books!
Today, I walked into the playroom to find this...

Happy New Year!

Look how you've grown!

On Jacob's one month birthday, we started taking a picture of him in a 12 month onesie. It's hard to believe that we took our final picture just a week ago. Looking back, we see what a little peanut he was and how much he's grown this past year!

One month old- January 22nd

Six months old- June 22nd

One year old- December 22nd

The pictures were a bit more difficult to take this time around because our little boy is mobile. The shot above is the only one we could get with him lying down flat on his back, the picture below is what he really wanted to do!!

Merry Christmas!

We hope everyone had a healthy and happy Christmas!!

Happy Birthday!

Jacob had such a wonderful birthday, full of fun! It began with his gift from Momma and Daddy (near the tree, not under!). He was so excited to play with his new kitchen, it kept him busy all morning!



After his morning nap, we all headed to the Dallas World Aquarium downtown. We had a great time learning about all the different fish, birds, and reptiles. Jacob truly enjoyed watching the otters and manatee swim by him and see the sharks swim above. It was great to watch him actually following the animals and show interest in what they were doing! We particularly liked watching the penguins, even though there were only two!!





When we got home, it was time for Jacob's afternoon nap. Afterwards, we met our photographer, Terry, in downtown McKinney for his one year pictures. It was definitely colder than we expected, but he was a trooper!

We have been truly blessed this past year and look back on all the wonderful things we've experienced with great thanksgiving. It's hard to believe all we've been through, from the middle of the night feedings to worrying about Jacob's lack of weight gain and to see our little boy grow into a happy and healthy one! The great thing to know is that the adventure has just begun!

Christmas in Kansas City

Jacob was so excited for his very first trip to Kansas City that he just had to get in on the action while momma was packing his bag! We left early Friday morning and spent the entire day in the car, but Jacob was such a trooper. He sat in the back with Mim and Momma the full eight hours sleeping and playing.

After our long car trip, we were ready for some fun on the Plaza! Our hotel was only a short walking distance from PF Chang's, where we had dinner. After dinner, it was time to walk around the Plaza and enjoy the lights. Jacob absolutely loves lights, so we knew he'd love the Plaza! It was pretty chilly at night, so he had to be nice and bundled up.

On Saturday, we headed out to Courtney's aunt and uncle's house to celebrate. There was snow on the ground, but fortunately the roads were perfectly clear! We didn't get to play outside because it was simply too cold! It got down to 4 degrees Saturday evening!!

Jacob loved spending time at Aunt Tracey and Uncle Eric's house and having playtime with his cousins! He also got to spend time with Momma's cousins and his Nana (Courtney's grandma). It was such a great time with family-the last time everyone had seen Jacob was the day he was born!

A highlight of the Christmas celebration is hearing the story of Jesus' birth. This year, it was Uncle Eric's turn to read and Ben enjoyed the story from the best seat in the room!

Aunt Tracey baked a birthday cake for Jesus that we all sang to and the kids got to blow out the candles. What wonderful traditions Courtney remembers participating in while growing up and now Jacob's gets to join in the fun!

While the trip was short, it was such a great time to spend together as a family. We are so excited to have shown Jacob Kansas City and the Plaza for the first time and look forward to many more trips in the future!!

Party Time!!!

On Saturday we had a housefull of friends and family over to celebrate Jacob's first birthday. It was such a great time to spend with everyone, especially as things get really crazy before the holidays. The three of us will be having a small celebration on Jacob's actual birthday, the Monday after we're out of town.

Unfortunately, it was a bit warm for hot cocoa!

We served typical luncheon foods and even had a special menu for the little ones that included fruit cups and apple slices!

Jacob must have been an extra good little boy this year because Santa made a visit to his party!

We were so fortunate to have Courtney's sister Nikki and her boys, Sam and Levi, in town from Chicago! It was great to get a picture of all the Finkelstein cousins with Santa.

Happy Birthday, sweet boy!

Getting some encouragement from cousin Sam

Jacob had a grand time digging into his cake. The only thing was, he didn't actually EAT any of it!

Almost finished and ready for a bath!!