Yesterday the weather was just perfect. Jill and I took advantage and walked to the bagel shop then played outside with kids afterwards! Here are few pics of the kiddies!
Little Brooke with her bow, soo sweet
This week has been a funny one. Monday was so beautiful that Jake and I went to the park wearing only sweatshirts. It was so nice and made me wish for warm weather. It was amazing how much more he can do at the park now. He was "walking" around and climbing. It was great.
Then, today we woke up to another coating of white snow. We have been inside a lot lately. So, we are both getting creative with how to keep ourselves occupied. Jake discovered that toilet paper is very fun!
Lately, I have been having so much fun being a mom. Jake is growing up so quickly and learning new things everyday. This week he started answering questions with a south jerzey,"yeah." Would you like more bread..... "yeah". SO cute! Of course afterwards the teacher in me says, "you mean...Yes." He has also learned to come down the stairs. He loves opening and closing things as well as taking out and putting back in. My favorite new skill is that he LOVES to dance. He dances all the time. 
Today, we started a gym/swim class at the YMCA and he had a blast. He learned how to climb up stairs and go down the slide all by himself. Afterwards, we swam in the pool with some new friends. Jake was just splashin' away and giggling. On the way home he lasted five minutes before falling alseep.
What a weekend! We celebrated our little boy's first birthday on Saturday. I still can't believe it. The thought makes me want to cry and smile at the same time. I feel so special to have been chosen to be his mom and can't wait to share many more years together. He is such a sweet, happy and loving baby.
Well, we are all back to life! Jon is back to work and feeling well. Jake is smiling, giggling and waving to strangers again. I'll tell ya though, it was a rough one. This virus going around is nothing to mess with. Everyone who had it told me, but like most things in life... you believe it AFTER you have experienced it. Jake would literally not let me put him down for three days. He was waking at night getting sick and was miserable all day unless he was sleeping. Jon was in bed for two days and came home early from work the third day to take an afternoon nap. If you know Jon, that is shocking. At one point I actually thought this was never going away and that Jake would never be independent or happy again.... sounds silly I know but it was bad. However, somehow I have managed to survive and not get sick (thank God). I always find that during times of struggle, I pray all day. I pray in the shower, in my car, while taking a walk... all day. However, when things are going well, I pray less often. It always bothers me. I have been through some very tough times in my life and during those times, have felt closest to God. I have felt at peace with life and what is really important. We seem to forget him during the good times. Or should I say the day to day. I remember to thank him for the big things. When, I should thank him for everything. A smile, a sunny day, a cookie, a nice conversation.... everything. These lyrics are to one of my all time favorite songs and explain exactly that. 
Planes, Trains and Automobiles!
Jakes first snow with Daddy!
Jon showing Jake the fire
Ladies in the kitchen as usual
Expecting Parents of a BOY!!!!
Jake tearing into one of his many gifts... he was spoiled
Eko and Jon playing backgammon
