I know we all want to give our kids the best start in life. Each day I try to think of ways to enhance my son's creative side.

I have noticed he loves the water and I want him to explore that passion, but I want to make sure he is prepared. I am going to enroll him in swim classes this summer because I feel it is never to early to start. I want him to be confident in the water. I plan to upload pics of BJ swimming in the near future... as soon as he starts his classes.

It seems everyone has an opinion but my husband and I are the ones who make the ultimate decision... hard decisions that will impact my son's future. At 13 months is it time for him to go to daycare? Have one on one attention from a nanny? Spend more time with his grandmother and great-grandmother?

I love that B.J. has so many family member who love him and want to care for him. We are blessed. Family is so important to me... but I don't want them to have to carry the burden everyday when my husband and I are at work.

I am leaning toward daycare... I hope to have him in a clean and education daycare within the next month or two. Wish me luck :-)

I can't believe I survived (lol). B.J.'s first birthday was a huge success but a lot of work. We had a moonwalk/jumper, clown (face painting, ballons, and magic) and cotton candy and popcorn machines. There were about 100 people in our backyard. Did I mention the food... hot dogs, hamburgers, James Brown's Jazzy Potato Salad and Coleslaw, gumbo, spagetti, salad, cake, ice cream....

The funny part is I always said I wouldn't be one of those parents who goes all out for their kids 1st. birthday (lol) but it was worth it... I love the little munchkin and he had so much fun with his friends and cousins!!!

Family! Having them is so fulling and rewarding.

My parents live in California but have traveled here several times since my son was born. They call and checkup on him almost every day and let us know they are here for us no matter what. They love being Grandparents.  

Thanks to my Uncle Wayne every couple of weeks we get a Macy's box in the mail. Inside are clothes and toys. In today's box were 5 new outfits, a jacket, and two stuff animals... all for BJ. In fact he has sent a box to us every month since we got married (and we celebrate or 2 year anniversary on March 25th) He's even been sending items on my wedding registry that I did not get.  

I married into a large family. My husband has four older brothers and two sisters. All of them have been so loving towards our son.

I can't say enough about his parents... My In Laws have been with us every step of the way. When my water broke... in the middle of the night... they made it to the hospital before we did. They share a special bond with our son.

Ok... I know I still have almost two months to go... but I have been busy planning BJ's first birthday party. I am so excited!!! Although, I also don't want to be over the top... he is only going to be 1 and he probably won't even remember the day.

I have already rented a moonwalk and hired a clown to do ballons. We are working on a cirus theme so we need to get a popcorn machine. Ok... we'll maybe I am going over the top, but my baby only turns 1 once!!! Right???

It is just a matter of time... BJ turned 10 months on the 14th! He is pulling himself up, crawling everywhere, and getting into everything! We are driving ourselves crazy trying to baby proof the house (something we should have done before he was born)

He loves it when I hold his hands and he walks in front of me... but he doesn't yet have the confidence to do it on his own. I can't wait to see my little man take his first steps... it is just a matter of time!

My son is such a happy baby... he laughs all the time and especially enjoys his time with his dad. My husband loves to play games with him and teach him how to dance.

I took BJ for his 9 month checkup earlier this week. He weights 24 pounds!!! I actually thought he weighed a little more than that... but the good news is his checkup went great. He is a healthy baby and on the right track. I am so looking for to seeing his first tooth... and while he runs in his walker I can't wait to see him take his first steps with out it!

Baby BJ has his nine month check up today! I am looking forward to seeing how much he weighs and how tall he is. At six months he was almost 19 pounds... I am sure he's close to 25 pounds now.

His little personality shines through more and more everyday... yesterday I put my hand up while I was talking and he did the same thing, it was so funny!!! I predict he will be walking within the next couple of weeks :-)

It was such a joy watching Christmas through my son's eyes. He was so excited to touch the Christmas Tree (although really he just wanted to eat the ornaments!) B.J. is now nine and a half months... it is hard to believe just how fast time flies. It seems like only yesterday we brought him home from the hospital.

I am looking forward to his nine month check next week. He still hasn't gotten his teeth in yet... I am wondering if that is because he was born six weeks early. He seems ready to eat solid food, but I feel like we should wait until he can chew. I look forward to hearing from his doctor on this issue. I will keep you posted :-)