An Auntie's Love...

I have the most amazing sister in the entire world. Neither Adam nor I could spend AJ’s actual birthday with him since we both had to work. I felt a bit better knowing he spent the day with his Grammy and that he would get lots of special attention on his big day. But still, I was sad at work today and missed my little guy like crazy. My day perked up a bit when I heard that his Auntie Renee and cousin Ryan went to spend some time with him today too. “Good…at least he won’t be lonely on his first birthday.” But then…Renee gave me the most wonderful surprise. After AJ was tucked into bed ( a very happy little boy from his very busy day at Grammy’s), I opened my email to find this…bring on the water works!!!

Thank you, Renee.  This made my day more than you will ever know.  AJ is very lucky to have you as his Auntie...as I am to have you as my sister.



Happy Birthday to Our Big Boy AJ!!

Happy Birthday to you…Happy Birthday to you…Happy Birthday Dear AJ…Happy Birthday to you!

Our little guy turned one today.  It’s hard to believe how very much our lives have changed over this past year.  The love we feel for AJ is absolutely indescribable.  Thank you to all our friends and family who’ve lent us a hand, or a sympathetic ear, shared the laughs and love as we worked our way through this first year.

We celebrated AJ’s big day with family on Saturday.  AJ was a very happy boy to see all the people he knew in one place.  He also managed to inhale his birthday cake faster than anyone I’ve ever seen before!!!

Elmo was the theme of his party.  (He is after all AJ’s favorite movie star!)

I think AJ handled the birthday festivities like a pro!

  

 

   

     

AJ enjoyed opening all his presents…

   

   

Jekyl & Hyde

AJ has been STRUGGLING with sleep over the last couple of weeks.  He went from sleeping through the night with little waking to waking every hour on the hour.  As a result of these sleep disturbances, we have "AJ Jekyl" and "AJ Hyde".  Here's a clip of one of his "not so fine" moments from the weekend.

These shoes were made for walking...

AJ has been practicing VERY hard and all that practice paid off today.  AJ took his first steps to Mama!!!  Unfortunately, Daddy was at work, but Mama managed to catch it so he could see.  I couldn't be more proud than I am right now.

Lunch with Enzo

We had a great day today.  Mommy and AJ took off to meet some friends for lunch this afternoon.  AJ got to hang out with his buddy, Enzo, and a enjoy a "big-boy" lunch of grilled cheese and broccoli-cheddar soup.  (The soup was Mommy's, but AJ devoured the ENTIRE cup by himself.)
  

Waiting patiently for his food...and eyeing Enzo.

 

That's a pretty sweet car...are you sure I can't play with it?

Oh yeah...it IS a nice car.

So a horse walks into a bar...the bartender says "why the long face?"  Get it?!

T-R-O-U-B-L-E

LOOK OUT!!  Someone has found some creative ways to use his toys...and he's getting himself into LOTS of trouble these days.

Improper use of the snail!!  He will be breaking out of here before we know it!!

I thought it would be a good idea to get AJ his very own "comfy" chair...an early birthday present (in hopes that he might actually sit still for 10 minutes).

I was WRONG!

AJ did figure out how to use his snack trap though.  THIS actually keeps him busy for over half an hour.  *HEAVEN*

How could you not just LOVE this face?!?!