Baby Johnny is one!  Like most parents say, I can’t believe it’s been a year.  Time has gone especially fast since we started juggling two kids and building a house at the same time.  I really would like to congratulate all of us for making it through the first year with our second (and last) child!

On the morning of Johnny’s first birthday, he woke up extra early around 5:30am. Maybe he wanted to remind me of a year ago or maybe he and I both needed a special moment alone.  I held him close and rocked him back to sleep as I reflected on the last year. 

Where do I begin… Johnny is such a lover.  He’s my little boyfriend.  He goes in for hugs and kisses whenever possible.  I guess he’s a mama’s boy or maybe I’m just a boy’s mama.  He likes to hold my hand and gaze at me with a sweet contentment.  There’s a deep sensitivity to him which makes my heart melt daily.  I find our alone time so precious as most moments have been a little hectic the past year.

Johnny is also such a “boy”.  He growls constantly, mostly at animals and tractors, but this is his major form of communication right now.  He throws anything that comes in contact with his hands.  It started with Prissy’s ball but has now gone on to Cheerios in the car or noodles at dinner.  I try to tell him “no” and shake my head.   He will then adorably imitate me and I just start laughing (we’ll keep working on this one).   

Another way to describe Johnny is with his nickname El Jefe, which is Spanish for “the boss”.  He’s earned this status in our family which is quite a feat.  Charlotte’s one of the spiciest older sisters around and El Jefe is not going to lay down quietly.  There’s only a 7 pound difference between them and that gap is closing quickly.   With that said, one of the greatest joys I’ve experienced over the past year is the interaction between Johnny and Charlotte.  It’s taken a lot of patience and encouragement, but their love and admiration for each other makes my whole existence as a mother feel complete.  I’m excited to see these two grow up together and continue to form their sibling bond.  

It’s been a thrilling year getting to know this little guy and we can’t wait to see who he becomes.  Happy first birthday, Johnny Jr.!

Below are the pictures of Johnny’s first birthday party.  It was a lumberjack theme set in a beautiful park in Park City.  Thank you to all of our friends and family who joined us to celebrate.

Thank you to @jafflz for the amazing catering and @thecakeway for the coolest lumberjack cake and cupcakes.