Jackson's 3rd Birthday Party

I have known for a while the theme of J's party this year would be Mickey Mouse.  It wasn't until after Christmas that I really started pulling it together.  I planned to have it the weekend before his birthday instead of the weekend after since I was going to be so pregnant.  Well, come to find out I went to my doctor on Wednesday, Jan. 28 to find I was dilated to a 3.  To say I was freaked would be an understatement.  Here, my planner self had planned a party well before my due date, and I was at a 3!!!  I kind of went into I need to rest more mode so I won't have this baby before the party. 

 

Of course, my mom came to the rescue and helped me clean my house, so I wouldn't overdo it and have the baby before the party.  Thankfully, God was looking out for my sanity, and the party went on with no problems!!!

 

Here are some of the details from the party:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I think I have figured out the perfect combo to throwing a kid's party.  J's first birthday party was pretty elaborate, and after that I knew I had to find a way to throw a fun, cute party with not as much work.  For me, I have found that!!!  My party's are far from Pinterest worthy but I think they are festive and cute.  And more importantly, J LOVES them!!! 

 

He really got into it this year.  As I decorated over the course of the week, J would come in and point to different decorations.  He would say, "What is that?" 

I would, "It's for your birthday party." 

As the week went on, he would say, "It's for MY party!" 

"I have a Mickey party." 

"I have a Mickey cake."

Seriously, if that doesn't make you want to throw a party for your kid, I don't know what will.  And that is my driving force!!!  To make J feel special!!!!

 

I originally was going to order Babe's Chicken for our food, but after the doctor scare my mom suggested we do Chickfila chicken nuggets ( a J fav!!!) and some simple sides- chips, fruit, and biscuits.  Then, she took care of it all!!!  I didn't have order it, pick it up, or go to the grocery store.  My mom rocks!!!!  Everybody needs a mom like mine!

 

 

I can see more of Chickfila party trays in our future.  Talk about perfect for a kid's party!!!

 

 

 

 

Circling up for our pre-dinner prayer.

 

 

Kids' table with all the cousins.

 

 

 

J's version of smiling for the camera!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 I couldn't love him anymore!!!

 



 

 Family of 3!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Opening countless presents!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

The aftermath- almost as a bad a Christmas morning!!!  But thankfully Meema and Uncle Tony jumped right in and assembled the race car ramp toy we gave him!!!

 

In all honesty, throwing parties for J is one of my favorite things!!!  Next year, I won't have one party to plan but TWO!!!  Bring it on!!!! 

 

 



 

Sweet Memories

Since I found out I was pregnant, I have been quite emotional about my time with Jackson.  There are times when it's just J and I that I sit and cry with him.  Especially lately,  he has been so sweet.  I think of how it won't just be he and I anymore.  I also worry about how baby brother will take away my time with him.  Being an only child, it's hard for me to imagine not giving my undivided attention to Jackson.  Don't get me wrong I am super excited about Bennett, and I look forward to watching the brother bond and friendship form in the coming years.  It still doesn't make me a little weepy at times thinking about how I won't be able to spend time just with J anymore. 

Over the last few days, J and I have had some good one on one time.

Friday we spent the whole day together.  We didn't even leave the house.  We played and did stuff around the house.  Plus, J had a really runny nose, so he wasn't feeling 100%.  It was a good day to just hang out at home.  Again, something we've done a lot over the last 3 years, but I know this special time is coming to an end.

I love all of these, but this last one is great because it's both my boys in the picture!!!

 

Saturday mornings have also become J and Mommy time.  Aaron is gone all morning tutoring, so we usually just hang out in our pjs and play.  Sidenote:  J is still obsessed with Christmas.  We still sing his 4 favorite songs ALL the time!!!  And we watch Rudolph.  Specifically, the Misfits song!!! He loves that song!!!

 

Then, yesterday we had another Mommy/J day.  Other than meeting RaRa for lunch,  another common occurrence on these days!!!  We spent the day at home.  But because it was so beautiful outside, we went to the park after our lunch date with RaRa.  We spent an hour swinging and climbing around the playground. 

 

Such sweet little memories that have become such a big part of my life, I am cherishing even more now before Bennett gets here!!!

 

 

 

 

Birthday Weekend

This past weekend we continued celebrating Aaron's birthday.  Like I've said before, birthdays are big deals in our family. 

On Saturday afternoon, my parents watched J, again!!! Yep.  They're amazing!!!

This gave Aaron and I sometime to do our own things.  I ran errands, and Aaron chose to go for a run.  The weather has been beautiful, so he decided to take advantage while little old me decided to go to Babies 'R Us and Target to get some more things for Baby Bennett. 

I had made reservations at Bob's Chop and Steakhouse in downtown Fort Worth.  We had never been to this place before, but it was Aaron's choice.

I was pleasantly surprised at how delicious it was.

 

Birthday Boy!!!

 

Our amazing dessert- Peanut Butter Brownie Sundae!!!

It was too die for!!!

 

On Sunday after church, my mom had us over for lunch to celebrate Aaron's birthday as well.  She made him a delicious shrimp and rice dish with asparagus.   It was so good!!!  Then, for something different she went to Nothing Bundt Cakes and got Aaron a cake.  She got the cake of the month that had caramel and pecans in it.  Pretty appropriate seeing as Aaron's other favorite dessert flavor besides strawberries is caramel. 

 

I love how Nothing Bundt cakes decorate their cakes!!!

 Blowing out the candles!!!

 



 

J is really getting into the whole birthday thing!!!  He loves blowing out candles.  We had some leftover cake last night, and he thought we needed more candles.  I guess he has a point.  It is a birthday cake. 

 

We finished off our weekend with our Financial Peace University class at church.  My parent again watch J, so we can attend.  After our class, we headed back to my parents to get J.  My dad had gotten Subway sandwiches, so we stayed and ate.  And as usual, J cried when we had to leave.  He loves RaRa and GPa's.  What's not to love!!!  It's his Nirvana!!!