Happy birthday Jonas!

Today was Jonas's first birthday! I can't believe it's been a year! A year ago today, my life changed forever. He entered my world and a whole new aspect of love grew in my heart. This year has been the most transitional year for me. If I thought life was crazy before, it definitely got crazier. I had to reinvent myself in so many ways. Gone were the carefree days when I could go out shopping all day or just hang out with Jeff as he drove around. I now had to plan any outing around naps and feeding schedules. I could no longer just jump up and run out of the house in a moment. I had to grab diaper bags, diapers, baby food, etc. But, you know what? I wouldn't change it for the world. Jonas has brought so much joy into our home and our lives. There is just something about the innocence of a child that makes us all a little kinder, a little more loving, and a little more joyful. It has been a fun year! That's not to say there weren't moments of frustrations, anxiety, and helplessness, but those moments were grossly overshadowed by the laughter, joys, and love. Jonas is a spunky little boy. He definitely has opinions and makes them known. However, he is inquisitive and social. He likes to be around people and in new places. He likes to explore and figure out how things works. He is completely mobile. He can climb stairs, walk, run, and get into about anything he wants (and especially those things we don't want him to). He still likes bath times and loves to swim. He can say "mama", "dada", "ball", and "moo" (he even knows "moo" refers to the cows!). We're pretty sure he's also said "no" a couple times, but I'm still in denial. He knows how to point to what he likes and loves being outdoors. (I can't wait for it to cool off a little more so I can love to be outside with him!) He has 6 teeth and I'm pretty sure there are a couple more on the way. Since we had already had a birthday party, today we decided to go back to the Museum of Natural Curiosity to celebrate. I still wanted to do something fun for his birthday even if we'd already had a big party with all the family. Jeff and Danny joined Jonas and I. We first ate lunch at the Tower Deli at Thanksgiving Point before going to the museum. Jonas loved the museum this time just as much as he did the first time...and he got just as wet. Luckily, I was a little more prepared this time. Jonas explored everything! It was fun to watch Jeff interact with him and help him explore. Jonas is extremely loved.

Pure joy!

I love this picture.

After we finished at the museum, we headed back to the house. We had a normal dinner then Jonas got to open a few more small gifts I got him. I wanted to save some of our gifts for him to open on his actual birthday. He got a Nike basketball (that he saw and wouldn't let go of when I took the boys shoe shopping at the Nike outlet) and a few small cars. After the gifts, I tried the cake thing again. He still didn't like it. I had a slice of cake left over from a cake smash he did yesterday at his one-year-old professional pictures. Jonas was still unimpressed. Jeff helped him blow out the candle, but he still wanted nothing to do with the cake. Oh well...more for us to enjoy! It was a great day! We are so glad we have Jonas in our family. We can't imagine life without him. Happy birthday Baby J!

Totally less than thrilled with the cake thing again!