hApPy BiRtHdAy CaPtAiN!!

Captain Jack, Dad's little bear and Mom's cuddle, stink, or silly bug (depending on the circumstance)- just turned 1! We worry the next time we blink he'll be going into kindergarten! The past year has gone by too fast, but we have enjoyed every moment. Jack has brought us an increased amount of love, joy, and laughter. We love you so much little bug!

We've noticed Jack's little personality develop over the last year. He seems to be a happy, easy-going, fun-loving kiddo. He loves to interact with other people- everywhere! Whether we are at the grocery store, church, or at exercise class Jack knows how to get people's attention and make them smile. What a great quality! I think others will always been drawn to him because of this. My cuddle bug knows how to make me feel better on days when I'm stressed and how to make his dad laugh with his many different grunts and growls. The Captain is good at giving hugs and kisses. It makes us so happy to get a slobbery kiss on our cheek or tiny arms wrapped around our neck. 

Its true he is nearly 100% sweet, but lately Jack has got a bit of an attitude and temper. He seems to know what he wants or doesn't want and has figured out how to protest if it doesn't go his way. Jack is smart and witty too- He likes to play by the gate blocking the stairs, but knows its wrong. When we tell him "No Jack" he simply smiles and crawls away really fast trying not to let us catch him. Then looks back at us and laughs! Jack can say Da-Da-Da, Ma-Ma-Ma, Daw (which is dog), Mooo, and his own versions of ball and throw. He knows where people's nose, lips, eyes, and belly buttons are too. He is such a picky eater. Fruit, bread, yogurt, cereal and snacks are just about the only things he will eat. Balls are still his favorite things to play with. Heath taught him how to play pass and he loves it. Jack likes to brush his teeth and tries to brush his hair with my hair brush. He's got a lot of energy that keeps us on our toes!

For Jack's First Birthday we had a little party. Mom and Dad, Grandma and Grandpa Bleazard, Grandma and Grandpa Lambert, Aunt Jamie and Uncle Keith, Aunt Heidi, cousins Landon, Kalli, Jake, Tanner, Brie, Easton, Mack, Ky, and Jarom, Great-Grandma and Grandpa Gundersen, and Uncle Zach Silva were all at the party. He was a popular kiddo that night. We opened presents and had cake and ice cream. Jack's cousins Jarom and Mack got more excited opening presents than he did. 

Jack's cake was too big of a project for me. I vowed never to do something that time-consuming again. I even simplified and didn't make the football I planned. But once it was finished I was happy with it. Thank goodness for my husband. There would not have been cake with out his help. 

Jack was confused when we set the cake in front of him. I don't think he realized he could eat it. After we cut open the baseball and gave him a nibble of it he dug right in. Scowls of confusion turned into smiles of a kid on a sugar-high. 

Thanks for being such a great kiddo! We LOVE you!!

hApPy BiRtHdAy!