Apple Jack Party

Jack's turning one and we're doing it Minnesota style.

I have no idea where I got the idea for an Apple Jack party but as soon I heard it, it stuck. There is a huge apple harvest in Minnesota in September, perfect for my Johnny Appleseed.

The hunt for all things apples started in August, when we moved into our new house. Michael's had some super cute apple gear I scooped up at the dollar spot, including his invitations.

Here is the house all decked out for apple fun.


For the itty bitty ones, I made these little apple hats- yes they look like some sort of elementary school project but I couldn't help myself. Jack wasn't a fan...

We had an apple tasting station for guests to try the popular varietals of Minnesotan apples.

We used caramel apples for the favors with more of those darn cute stickers from Michaels.

Jack's highchair...

With my oven out of order, I had to go ahead and order Jack's cake last minute. I got this cake from Byerly's (similar to Bristol Farms for my CA friends). They gave us the round cake for free for his first birthday- Woohoo!

 

and the apple cake... yes it's cheesy- but I couldn't think of anything better to write :P

Jack's big present? A Radioflyer wagon which he enjoyed getting rides around the lawn in. His favorite gift? Tickle Me Elmo- he went CRAZY for it!

(whats cuter than a baby in a wagon? two! Jack and his buddy Jude)

Jack had a great time at his party. Full of smiles, laughter and a few steps too! Thanks to everyone who came to share this special day with our little guy.

A movie with Jack's cake demolition and Tickle Me Elmo fun will be posted on FB soon!

Here we go again

I'm pregnant... again.

On the third night of living under our new roof, it occurred to me - I had missed something... something that was now 2 weeks late. 2 weeks you might ask? Yes, 2 weeks of packing, cleaning, purging out all the junk one accumulates over time. 2 weeks that included not one, but TWO negative pregnancy tests. So while I was unpacking our bathroom and stumbled upon a pregnancy test and took it (always buy the multipack!). It turned positive instantly. In slight disbelief I went into the other room and told Ryan. His expression was priceless, he was so genuinely happy.

quite similar to this... The day Jack was born

I, on the other hand, had several different emotions and thoughts overcome me. Yes, of course I was excited, what a true blessing! But also shocked and a little scared. The thought of having 2 under 2 floored me. Two sizes of diapers, two carseats and double strollers filled my mind. It didn't seem real-I can't be pregnant can I? Then it all started to click, the 3 hour naps, that 3 pounds that just won't budge, the tears during an Oreo commercial, the random cravings for beans and rice... oh baby I'M PREGNANT

L

Look what I did!

At my first doctors appointment a week later, they did what I've heard is called a "bean-scan"- looking for the little bean of a baby- sure enough there it was, little heart beating like crazy. All my doubts and anxiety melted away instantly. There was my beautiful beanie baby!

source: (www.jellybelly.com)

Mostly, I've been feeling great- a little tired, a little moody- ok A LOT moody but hanging in there. And one of my favorite parts of pregnancy has already started, the cravings- from broccoli nachos (yes, chips, cheese, and the green stuff) to chocolate donuts to Olive Garden, I want it all! Good thing the doctor gave me to OK to continue exercising!

Baby #2 is due 4/1/11 so Jack and beanie baby will be 18 months apart. Someone told me it's good to have them so close together because they won't know life without eachother- I like that.

Advenutres of Captain Jack

Captain Jack has been very busy.

On Monday, he made an innocent teddy walk the plank...

He went exploring in uncharted territory, reaping havoc along the way.

Stopped to rest during his travels but not for long...

What will Jack be up to next? Stay tuned....