It’s been a whirlwind nine months, my sweet busy boy.  ♥ 

• I love how when you say your name — “Jah-shan” — it kinda sounds like a cross between Jakzen and Jazz Hands.  Totally fitting, little dude.
• To date, you have never been shy a day in your life.  Stay that way, okay??
• Although bedtimes are difficult these days, you have definitely proven you are skilled at the art of negotiation, are far too clever, and boy, oh boy, you know how to make yourself heard.
• Although you know your ABC’s and are a good counter, when left to count by yourself, you prefer “Jak Math” which often goes “1, 2, 3, 4, eighteen, fourteen, eighteen”, followed by clapping and cheering.  (PS – your math is way more fun.)
• You have impeccable manners, but again seem to prefer your own methodology.  In lieu of “No, thank you”, you continue to say “No, Uncle Juan” (which apparently are very similar phrases in your world).  And when “Thank you, mommy” is appropriate, you prefer to skip right to “Welcome, mommy”.  I figure as long as you’re saying something in the ballpark, it’s all good.
• Potty training is going, well, slowly.  But with each of those  itty bitty accomplishments you make, we both feel like we’ve won the lottery every single time…especially when they are followed by the Happy Potty dance!  So even when you pee in my make-up bag, it’s not in a diaper, and that’s a step in the right direction….(I hope).
• And kiddo, when you say “I love you more” and give me a “lip kiss” (and don’t wipe it off!), I’m putty in your hands…

Because of you, little man, my every day includes laughing out loud, biting my tongue, smiling proudly, and gritting my teeth.  The good stuff totally outweighs, outnumbers, outlasts the bad, and you keep me on my toes, just waiting to see what you’ll do next.  Your mommy (and daddy and “bro”) love you!

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So I went to the front door…and found this…Good thing you sent us that email, Auntie erin!!  We never woulda found this surprise without it. 

(PS – Jakzen and Maguire are in love with their new dump truck.  They say thank you!)

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And oh my, are we in for a world of trouble in the not too distant future…or at least a world with less sitting.  Our little dude is on the verge of crawling.  In fact, he wants to move so bad that he gets mad when his limbs don’t quite work they way he wants them to.  He is getting up all on fours now — and then rocks on his knees.  And that’s when he goes between being totally proud of himself, to being crazy angry when that toy is still juuuuuust outta reach.  Thankfully he has an obliging older brother who would rather just get him the toy than listen to his squawking.

Thankfully the one thing that has remained the same throughout all of his 8 months is that monster smile.  And the infectious giggle.  And the chubby cheeks.  And this mommy is hoping those things never go away (yes, even the cheeks!).

I’m so very grateful that Jakzen and Maguire have these 2 amazing role models in their lives.  (And yes, I say that even though I know full well they will be the cause of endless grandfatherly shenanigans in the years to come…)  Happy Birthday!!