Happy Birthday Jagger Saint!!

Our baby is ONE! 

There were cupcakes and ice cream, singing cards, sunshine, dancing, great gifts (books, legos, magna doodle, tool set, clothes and more!) and mostly, lots of laughter.  A perfect end to a perfect year!

Jagger is ONE!

We spent the first half of the day downtown...

Breakfast

For the love of banana...

Yes, it is that good!

First Father's Day

"Blessed indeed is the man who hears many gentle voices call him father!" -- Lydia M. Child

This last year I have been blessed to watch my husband turn into a father. His adoring words and playful ways have drawn our son into a deep love and bond that only a father and son could understand.  From hearing Jagger's first words "Dada" and watching his face light up and hands raise everytime Jacob walks in the door and so much more; my witness to this has been, truly, beautiful.

Jacob only had a two hour layover between flights this Father's Day.  So Jag and I picked him up from the airport, drove to a local flea market, grabbed some lunch and relaxed at a little lake and park near-by.  It was perfect.

To my amazing Father.  You have brought joy and sunshine and laughter into my life; and helped mold me into the woman I am today.  I love you Daddy. Watching you with Jagger is a special gift that I am blessed to be a part of.  He already loves you as much as I do--if not more! Happy First Grandfather's Day to you!

(These pics were taken the last week of May at my parents country home. Jagger loved relaxing and soaking up the rays with Grandpa.)

Oh blogger, I'm behind.

Here is a quick recap of what has happened in the last three weeks...and why I am so far behind!
Catching up...we MOVED!  Jagger helped daddy out quite a bit!

We moved to a fab new place in Chicago. Thrice the size of our last place, it finally feels like home!We have 3 bedrooms, sunroom, living, dining kitchen, pantry and garage! Heaven! So come visit! Here are a few shots of our new place...I am only now starting to decorate, so don't judge by these shots!

We then had company in town (pics later), and then my sweet baby boy fought off Roseola for the next week.It was awful, but we are healed and well and back to our adorable, happy self!

Brush'a-Brush'a-Brush'a

Now that Jagger has almost 4 whole teeth, I decided it was time to start teaching him how to brush them...

he's a quick study!  (Notice: his finger is actually INSIDE the "toothbrush" like it is supposed to be)

A little Arkansas dirt

Was smitten with his cousin Edy (8 months his senior), she however, was not too interested in his charms...

he even made her cry a few times, but he of course tried to make it up to her the best he could.

He got in the flower pots, and (FINALLY) got to try a little dirt for the first time,

yes, he loved it! Mommy was excited.

He gots lots and lots of his favorite things; LOVE and attention. 
From Grandmommy and Grandpa:

Uncle Caleb and Aunt Hannah:

Uncle Josh:

and Uncle Luke and Aunt Caitlan:

He even developed a new friend (the Grandparents new cat, aptly named "Meow-meow", by cousin Edy):

After 6 months of not visiting, we had an amazing time catching up.
We were all in for exciting news to discover that Aunt Hannah is due with baby #2 in Nov! Of course she is as beautiful as ever and already in the second trimester and you can barely tell! We can't wait for another little Hall!

The countdown begins (7 weeks) until Florida. The entire Smith clan (Aud, Noah and Abel included) will all be together for the first time in over a year. 
Can't wait!

First Mother's Day

Every day is Mother's day for me.  I am spoiled by this amazing little boy!

Sunday Brunch

Last weekend Jacob was home (a rare treat), and we were able to grab some delectable brunch with friends. It was noisy, busy, and booming; but I guess in the comfort of your daddy's arms you can sleep through anything!

8 Months

So, blogging isn't exactly my strength...and quite frankly, almost every photo on here is from my phone. I am far from the artsy mom types who seem ready to capture every cute moment on film.  But lucky for me, I have a phone and do my best! Here are a few moments I wanted to share of Jagger at 8 months.

STANDING...on his own.  He is strong, sweet, independent and adorable!

WALKING FURNITURE.  We have this game where I get on all fours and he "runs" away via the furniture while laughing uncontrollably.  He can manuver himself pretty effortlessly through our condo now.

CRAWLING INTO SMALL SPACES.  Enough said.  He can get himself in, but not always out. 

We are smitten.

Easter

A little late, but I really loved this pic. He was so excited to wake up at my parents and find this Easter basket that was bigger than he. I wish you could see the balloon, it was a giant "Peep", and many hours of entertainment. Next year, I am hoping for an Easter egg hunt!