The Connaway Family: Happy First Birthday Jacob Bailey Connaway

I wanted to write a little something for Jacob, attempting to reflect on this past year. I have come to realize I can’t begin to describe what this year has meant to me. Over the last few days, I have been recalling memories of going into labor, at 12:57 AM a year ago was my first major contraction and 33 minutes later, my water broke. I don’t think I have ever been so terrified, excited, and anxious at the same time. It was such a remarkable experience, giving birth to Jacob with my husband and my mom right by my side. At 12:14 PM, seeing Jacob for the first time, touching him and holding him is something I will never forget, it’s a feeling that is beyond words.

I have the best job in the world, I get to stay home with Jacob every day and have watched him grow from my little baby into a wonderful little boy. I am in awe of him each and every moment. His smile is heart warming, his laugh is infectious, and when he looks at me with his big blue eyes, I can’t help but smile and think of how lucky I am.

My favorite time of day with Jacob is in the morning, he wakes up with a glowing smile and showers me with hugs and kisses. He is my cuddle bug for a few moments before he turns into my independent little boy. I love listening to Jacob chatting all day long, whether it’s with me or with his toys, it puts a smile on my face. He continues to surprise me every day with new things.

This past year has been the most incredible year of my life; I am so blessed to have a wonderful and supportive husband and a son who I adore. I look forward to the years to come.

I Love You Munchkin!

Love,

Mom

We had an amazing party on Saturday, thank you to all our friends and family. We are very lucky to have all of you in our lives, each of you are very special to us. Thank you for all the gifts and cards in the mail over the last week, it has been a lot of fun for Jacob to open gifts and have fun with all his new toys. Jacob also got lots and lots of clothes, might not be too exciting for him, but his mom and dad really appreciate it! Thank You!

While Jacob was taking a nap on Saturday, he received a gift in the mail from Uncle Kelly and Aunt Lisa. When he woke up, I brought him downstairs and set him on the floor, he immediately looked over at his toy box and saw this blue turtle sitting on top of it. He got the biggest grin on his face and raced over to it. He loves this turtle! Unfortunately, he carries it around by the throat, but I don't think the turtle minds!

Getting to my mom's house for Jacob's First Birthday Party!

Jacob's Birthday Cakes!

Mmmm... what's this?

Wow! Water Bottles, and it has our names on them! Very Cool!

DVD's from Aunt Melissa and Uncle Cary

Farm Truck from Marshall, Nan and J.P.

Little Leaps! Great-Grandma's think alike... we got two!

Aidan helping out opening some presents

Awesome race car from Uncle Mark

My first tricycle from Grandpa Chris and Kim

He keeps blowing that thing in my face!

Ha! Take that!

Thank you to everyone! We had such a great time and we are happy to share this moment with all of you.

Smash Cake Time!!!

Jacob was very conservative in the beginning, he kept taking a little bit of frosting and then looking around for Nate and I. I think he was waiting for someone to take the cake away from him - he got over it after awhile.

Starting to get messy...

What? You put this thing in front of me!

Hey, this is fun - can we do this everyday?!?

Would you like some?

Sharing with Amy

I think Jacob put a pretty good dent in his first birthday cake.

Next stop - the bathtub!

Grandma giving Jacob a much needed bath

Maggie and Laurel and Baby Teagan (coming to us in December)

Whitney chillin' on the couch - "Hey, why didn't I get any cake?!?"

Oh, man! These girls are back again, are we keeping them this time?

Proud Uncle Nathan

Grandpa Bill

Great-Grandma Jane

On Jacob's real birthday-day, Nathan, my mom, Darel and I took him out to dinner at St. Cloud's in Seattle. It was a great restaurant, excellent food and they were great with Jacob. He enjoyed every minute of all the attention he was getting. We ordered Jacob his first meal off a restaurant menu - mac n' cheese. Yum-Yum!