Planting a Mighty Oak Tree

Today, my mommy and daddy helped me plant an Oak Tree. You may remember back in September in my music class we sang a song about Fall arriving and the mighty Oak Tree. My music teachers passed out two acorns with instructions on how to grow the might Oak tree.

Well, this is when we are suppose to plant it, so my mommy and daddy took me out today in the warm afternoon sunshine and helped me plant what I hope will become a 'Mighty Oak' tree. I planted both acorns in one pot and if anything is going to happen we will know in about six weeks. My mommy convinced me that we should plant it in a small pot to leave in the house by a window that gets lots of sun, and if something happens than we will transplant it to a spot of my choice in the backyard in the Spring!

My Great Grandma Joanie also gave me a 'money' tree for my First Birthday that I will need to plant in the yard soon. Both are very exciting to plant around my birthday and the New Year. I hope to watch them grow as much as I do!

Lets hope my 'Mighty Oak Tree' grows...

p.s. I also have another bottom tooth today! I have actually been working on it for a couple of weeks, but my parents noticed the new pearly white today. Yahoo, for my fifth tooth!!!

Birthday Letter From Your Old Man!

Well Jake,

You are one whole year old, and sure to let us know that you are the boss (got that from your old man of course, we just let the women think they are).

Been a crazy year, from Christmas at Saint Mary’s to Christmas in a new house we have all seen you grow up a lot.

Hard to believe you have gone from not even being able to hold your head up to now learning to walk, playing your snowman (over and over) and eating real food, all in just one year.

Looking forward to what you will be able to do next year at this time.

Merry 2nd Xmas and Happy 1st Birthday Kiddo

Love, Dad (AKA the guy who always says NO or DADADADADA)

My Second Christmas Celebration!

T'was the night before Christmas

And all through the house

Nothing was stirring

Not even a mouse.

Mom was in labor at St. Mary's

Where she hoped my arrival would

be Christmas Eve,

But as you well know the night quickly past,

And I made my grand entrance as Santa passed out the last of his stash....

Seems sort of weird but that is how I celebrated my first Christmas. I'm only 1 year old, but I celebrated my second Christmas today. It was fun! I sort of figured out how to unwrap presents and I got a great loot! I received a baby backpack (Mets of course), super soft holiday jammies, books, money for college, toys, more toys, clothes, more clothes, oh, and did I mention toys?

My parents and I had almost the entire family over for Christmas Eve dinner. It was really fun to hang out with everyone! I showed off my walking skills and my mad dancing skills. It was really a good time...

I'm such a lucky little guy and I love my family very much for always thinking of me and making all my days, not just Christmas, special!

What A Difference a Year Makes, and Baby It's You!!!... Happy Birthday Jacob!!!

Happy Birthday Big Boy!

You have changed beyond words this past year...

Here is a picture of Jacob when he was born and now!

What a difference a year makes!

Happy Birthday Baby Boy...I mean Big Boy!

We celebrated Jake's birthday with a small cupcake with a single candle and the Happy Birthday song. He almost ate the entire cupcake, but decided at the last minute to share the sugary goodness with his doggie.

He has changed so much in the past year. He is currently babbbling with some real words and I'm even tempted by the power of walking. He is currently 21lbs and 29" tall. This puts him in the 25-50 percentile for both his weight and height. He has gained about 13.5lbs and grown 8.5" in the past year. It is amazing to think that not that long ago he was the tiny little guy below...

Walk the Line...

After having a big dinner and opening a few Christmas gifts from my grandma, grandpa and GG I decided I would take my very first steps!
Yep, you read correct, I took the biggest step between infant and toddler....three days before my First Birthday!!!
First, it was just a step, and everyone was sort of speechless and then came claps and hoots from everyone for my accomplishment. I think nobody could quite believe their eyes at first. Then I started walking back and forth (4-5 steps) between my grandma and grandpa and then my mommy and daddy. We tried to take a picture, but it just didn't quite capture the moment. We will hopefully have some video or something up soon.
It was really, really amazing. I actually have a lot of confidence when I take my steps and go a little bit further each time. When I get tired I really need to sit down and rest. At one point I was sort of breathing quickly because of the excitement.
I was up way past my bedtime showing off! I'm sure in another month I will be motoring!

Let It Snow...Let It Snow...Let It Snow

Looks like we may have a white Christmas after all. Today when I woke up it was fairly clear, but by the time we were heading back from our big day in Carson City with photos, dogs and Santa it was snowing. It was pretty darn cold also. My mommy and daddy had me all bundled up and my grandma found some baby Uggs so I was wearing those....oh, stylin!!! A drive which would normally take about 25 minutes took us over and hour because of the roads being slick. It didn't matter to me because I slept. I really, really needed a nap!!!

Hear is the first real snow of the season in Reno ...

Picture Time....

Today was such a busy day for all of us! First we had photos done to mark my First Birthday and Christmas 2006. Everyone was very excited that I was born on Christmas. We also had a family photo taken and even got Ms. Munchkin in the mix. It was a lot of fun, but very tiring. I had three outfit changes and a naked photo! Can't wait till my mommy brings that out on my first date...

The family photo is the first professional photo we have had done since my arrival last year!

After that we went over and visited with my grandma, grandpa and GG. We packed the doggies (Munchkin and Bonnie) to go visit Santa. Yep, you heard right the dogs just had to see Santa. Munchkin and Bonnie posed together for one shot and then each had there own shot and then I decided that I had to visit with the Jolly Old Man! Then all three of us sat for a picture. I was such a brave boy and I was very curious about his beard! I didn't cry a bit, but I also wouldn't smile. Since I can't really talk yet I wasn't able to tell him what I would like him to bring me this year, but next year it will be on. I was fascinated by his bright (I'm talking) bright red suit. Munchkin could tell that Santa must have had something mighty tasty for lunch since she spent a good 10 seconds smelling his mouth and breath. Everyone laughed!!!

My mommy is allergic to dogs so we couldn't stay long enough to get the pictures, but my grandma picked them up for us, so maybe we will have something to show on Monday!!!

Look Into my Eye's I Cast a Spell on You!

Somehow I ended up with every singing, dancing and talking Christmas toy available for purchase. As you can see I'm completely amazed by these creatures. If it has a button I'm on it.

My family has heard 'Frosty the Snowman' at least 503 times. It is amazing that you can push a tiny button and he will sing and dance for me...over and over....and over and over!

Not quite....Just a bit more.....maybe next year!!!

My mommy and daddy put a gigantic tree in our Kitchen nook. It is like the outside inside.

Today was the first day I have been able to see it. I spent some time with my grandma and grandpa over the weekend, but I ended up getting a little tummy bug and my grandma watched me most of the day and then dropped me off at my mommy's work.

After a small nap and snuggle time with my mommy this ginormous tree with bright shiny lights and glass balls caught my attention. I was amazed. Mouth opened amazed. I immediately got off my mommy's lap and with authority crawled to the tree. Oh the things running through my head. When I get my hands on it the damage I can do.

My mommy and daddy are not dummys I think they know my movements pretty well because I soon realized that there was a gate around this glowing ball of fun that my mommy called the Christmas tree. I tried and tried, but was unable to get my tiny paws on the tree. Of course my mommy was laughing and snapping pictures.

Next year it will be on...Just a little bit taller! For now I will chew on my Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer thingy...

Home on the Range

My mommy and daddy took a small get-away and I was spending time with my grandma and grandpa this weekend. I went with them to a home with real live animals. I got to visit with a donkey who was wearing a Santa hat and a horse. I ventured out and gave the horse some love. Only with my grandpa's reassurance that it was safe. It was very fun. Notice the beautiful Nevada sky in the background!

Tiny Turtles...Turtles in a Half Shell...Jacob Power!

So many new things are going on right now. I have had a first birthday party with my birthday coming up fast. I will be celebrating Christmas. We have a new home. I'm eating more and doing more things. I have started to wear shoes. I'm off the bottle and now get formula/milk from a sippy and last but not least in the Tour de Jacob I started a new room at daycare. I have gone from infant Cub to Toddler Tiny Turtle! We have been working on a transition all week and today was a practice run with me staying all day in the Turtle room. I actually didn't do that well. I had to return to the Cub room a couple of times during the day to get reassurance from the ladies I have grown to love. The new ladies are very patient and I'm sure within a couple of weeks I will forget about my Cubbie past!

I will be in this room till I'm 2, so I will have plenty of time to get used to my new surroundings and have some fun. There are four more children in the room than in the Cub room for a total of 12. Not too bad really...it should be fun after a small transition period. My mommy told me she would stay and play next week so it would feel more like home!!!

My parents went Caroling tonight, but it was too cold and there was no place for me to safely sit so I had to stay home with my GG. There was a lot of people at my Grandma and Grandpa's house and with all the new changes I had a hard time falling asleep. My mommy held me and sang my favorite song and I was able to drift off. Gosh, being a big boy is a lot of work.

My parents insisted on taking a picture of me on my first day of Tiny Turtle's can you imagine what they will do when I really go to school???

PS Check out my cool Van's!!!

My First Haircut!!!

Tonight after work my parents took me to Snip-its. The place was great and had a lot of bright colors and fun things going on. Turns out I was going to have my haircut for the first time. I got to have a ride up and down on this fun chair that was just my size. The lady covered me in a pink drape and apologized a hundred times because of the color. She said they only make the really small drapes in that color. I don't care...real men wear pink!!!

The lady who cut my lovely locks was very nice and she was very calm and gentle. She also worked quick. At one point I was just staring at her for about 30 seconds. I really wanted to make sure I knew what was going on. We all had a good laugh over it. I didn't have a lot of hair, but it was just enough that it was bothering me. I feel much better. I didn't cry or get freaked out at all...who is a big boy!

I got to keep my hair. I will probably try to eat it if given the chance. I also had my photo taken and a certificate of bravery for my first adventure in grooming...the haircut!!!

It's Almost Here...A Birthday Letter to Jacob from Mommy! Happy 1st Birthday Jacob!

Dear Jacob,

Happy 1st Birthday big boy!

This has been an amazing past year. It has been very different from any year past.
When I had you on Christmas Day 2005, I don't think anything or anyone could have prepared me for the next 365 days.

Those days have been filled with laughter, amazement, tears, adventure, and yes, even frustration, but more than anything, love! Through everything, I never realized I could love someone as much as I love you. When I see you snuggling with your daddy, saying Mama and Dada, smiling or babbling it makes me realize even more what a joy and how amazing you really are.

You were the tiniest person I had ever held when your daddy handed you to me , and now you are a 'toddler' who can babble and nearly walk. I know you will never stop amazing me.

Thank you for being patient with me this past year and allowing me to learn some of the ropes of parenting one step at a time, this is only just the beginning for us my little man. You have shown me that I don't have to be perfect, and know exactly what to do 100 percent of the time, and that you don't care if the floor is swept or the laundry is done. Having you come to me to take a nap or have a snuggle in my lap has shown me that I may not have all the answers, but we are all doing just fine.

I don't even want to guess what you will be doing in the next year. I enjoy watching it day by day with your daddy, munchkin, and a family who loves you very, very much!

Happy 1st Birthday Jacob!!!
Love,
Mommy

I Stood Up All by Myself Today!!!

What a busy weekend!

Sunday morning while playing a song for my mommy on my new piano I decided I would just stand right up without any help at all. I have been trying to stand for a couple of weeks now, but when I realize I'm standing by myself I plop down with a very puzzled look on my face, but not today! I stood for quite a long time and then I did it again from a sitting position about 3 times.

Watch out parents....I'm 3 seconds from walking!!!!

Happy Birthday to Me!!!!! Happy Birthday to Me!!!!

Today, my parents and I hosted my very First Birthday Party at our new home. About 35 people including my Papa and grandma Karen and autie Bailey from Palm Springs joined to help me celebrate my big day! My actual birthday isn't for a couple of more weeks, but it is close enough to have a party. My mommy and daddy went all out to throw me a very cool 'Puppy' themed party! I had a banner with my name on it and lots and lots of bright colored balloons and streamers. I even had a blow up birthday cake in the front yard!

My daddy prepared pizza and my mommy baked my cake and cut cheese into dog bones and PB&J sandwiches into little doggies. We also enjoyed 'ants on a log' or celery, peanut butter and rasins and crakers.

Besides the cake that mommy made for me, my daddy ordered a Seseame Street cake. I didn't have any of that, but my guests sure enjoyed it. There wasn't a piece left!!!

I had so many presents and everyone was so generous! I got a really cool little car with flames on it to strole around on from my Aunt Holly and Evan and I also got a remote control car, bouncing tigger, 'Jacob's Room' plaque, baby grand piano, portable booster seat for the dining room table, alphabet pal and a tool box just to name a few.

We had some games like: What time was Jacob born (Joe Conforti won) he guessed within 2 minutes of 5:19 a.m., How many doggie treats in the container (Joleen Nemeth won) with guessing within 3 of the 55 in the container, What can and can't Jacob do right now (My grandma Donna won) she got all 34 right and finally the egg game! Everyone cracked an egg on their head. All the eggs were hardboiled except one, but really they were all hardboiled. Rachel Conforti was the last to crack the egg on her head and was such a good sport because she was sure that she had the bum egg that she won a prize!!!

Everybody who was at the party signed a photo mat that my mommy made and my first birthday picture will go in very soon!

I was very tired after cake and really had to take a nap after getting cleaned up, but the party went on without me! I'm a little tyke and having so many faces was a little overwhelming, but after my nap I was ready to rock some more!

My party was about 2 hours long, but some guests stayed later and it was really fun to visit and then show off my new toys.

Thanks daddy and mommy for such a great day with great and generous friends and family!!!!

I'm almost offically a Toddler! Can you believe it???