Jackson's First Birthday

Happy birthday, sweet baby boy! I can't believe it has been a year already (and what a year it has been)! We had so much to celebrate. I had just finished my last round of chemo earlier in the month and was about to have my surgery. I was finally able to travel and we were thrilled that we would be celebrating with friends and family in Texas! I had so much fun (and became a little obsessed with) planning the party...it took my mind off my upcoming surgery, I guess. I figured it was the only birthday party I could do MY way, not Thomas, Batman, Spiderman, etc! Everything turned out perfect and we had so much fun with everyone! Jackson had a good time, too. It was wonderful to spend some time at 'home' with friends and family since we have been going through so much. We are so blessed to have such wonderful friends and family!

Buddies! Jackson invited two friends to his party. Tyler came all the way from Dallas to party with him! Unfortunately, cousin Luke was sick that weekend and couldn't attend. :( I'm sure those two will make up for lost time (and wear out their mommies) this summer!

Opening gifts!

Jackson with his cake.

mmmmm......that might be good!

Jackson's first birthday cake

The three of us after a little family cake fight!

Jackson's First Christmas

Never has Christmas been as special as it was this year. We knew way in advance that we wouldn't be traveling home to Texas for the holidays due to my treatments. We had never spent the holidays away from home and I knew it would be hard. I was worried that it would feel like just another day, nothing special, just the three of us at home. It ended up being one of the happiest, most memorable days of my my life! We had so much fun being Santa for Jackson, setting out his new toys. Babies make the holidays SO SO special! We spent the day relaxing by the fire, watching Jackson play with his new toys and made Pedro's tamales, shipped all the way from TX, for dinner (for those of you who are not familiar with Pedro's, they are the BEST tamales ever and are made in our hometown; and for those of you who are not familiar with Pennsylvania, there is absolutely NO decent Mexican food up here- surprising, I know). Christmas really isn't about gifts, parties and decorating...those who think so are REALLY missing out! I spent the whole day thinking about how truly blessed I am and how much I have to be thankful for in my life. Even when times are tough, we have it so good, just having each other. Life is so good!

Our little elf on Christmas Eve, obviously excited that Santa is on his way!

Jackson with all his new toys.

Playing with Daddy.

I think this was the favorite!



With Momma!