Notes from the Hammans

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

A "nautical" 1st birthday...

The day after my sweet Jackson turned 1, we had his birthday party with all his little friends and their Mommies and Daddies! After racking my brain for months on a theme (I am not really a big theme kind of person!) I decided to go with the very cute yet subtle nautical theme. The colors were navy, red and light blue and we threw the cutest party at a park nearby our house. The weather couldn't have been any prettier!

I had so much fun planning all the little details of his party. My family flew in early to help me get ready for the big day. They were amazing and helped with everything! We had sailboat sandwiches, "nautical" cupcakes and the sweetest "candy bar" complete with gummy "life preservers" and swedish fish! I even found the most adorable tote bags for all Jackson's friends to take home, with bubbles and goldfish crackers inside. When it was time for Jackson to enjoy his birthday cake, he took full advantage of it, not surprising since Kyle has the biggest sweet tooth ever! A definite highlight was Jackson's dedication at the party. My sister and brother-in-law spoke and prayed for Jackson as all our friends and family witnessed our commitment to raise Jack in God's word and love. We truly have the most amazing people in our lives and we are so blessed that they LOVE Jack so much. Needless to say, Jackson's first birthday was a very special day for Kyle and I and one we will remember the rest of our lives. We still cannot believe we have a ONE year old!

Let the party begin.....Happy B-day Jackson!

Some of the yummy desserts

Cake pops!

Jackson's "smash cake"

I love cupcakes!

All the little details: #1 and sailboat sandwiches!

Nautical decor!

The candy bar! Complete with gummy "life preservers" and swedish fish.

Some of the tables

A little nautical bag for all of Jack's friends!

These are soooo cute!

Birthday water.

What a beautiful day.

Jackson's dedication

I'm ONE today!!!

Jack and Jake showing off their rides!

With cousin Bo!

Cake time!

Yummy!

Nana, Papa, Grammie and the birthday boy!

Time to open presents!

Proud parents of a one year old!

Friday, March 4, 2011

Happy Birthday Jackson!

Dear Jackson,

Today you are one year old! I cannot believe how fast the last 12 months have gone and how much you have grown. I remember how scared I was that day that you came so early. I can still close my eyes and remember every wrinkle and every smell as they put your tiny little body in my arms. And at that moment, every fear melted away for a second and I knew my life would never be the same. You came into this world strong and determined and have not let up since. You have shown me the depths of God's love and I am forever grateful for the gift of being your Mother. You are such a kind little boy. You pet the neighbors dog so carefully and you love playing with your friends. You and Daddy are BEST FRIENDS. You love to watch him shave and put things together and go on walks. And boy, does he love you too! I love the way you LOVE to snuggle, I love the way your face lights up when I come get you from your nap. I love the way you take both hands and pull my face into yours. You are a typical boy that is for sure and you have plenty of bumps and bruises to prove it! Every month has been more amazing watching you change and grow. For months my heart melted with joy as you said 'Dada" but there are no words to describe how incredible the word "Mama" can be! You are the joy of my life Jackson. And as much as I wish you would stay my baby forever, I cannot wait for all the adventures to come. Happy birthday sweet boy! May every year be as wonderful as this first one was! I love you to the moon and back!

Love,

Mommy xoxo

The day you were born.....

one year later.

Happy Birthday Jackson!

Friday, February 25, 2011

In one week....

this little bug that surprised us 5 weeks early will be ONE year old! Most wonderful year of my life....

Thursday, January 20, 2011

Back to work....what?!

Last week I got an unexpected call from my principal who left a message saying that she had a "proposal" for me. When I called back, she explained that one of the Kindergarten teachers was going to take on more of an administrative role, and they needed someone to take over the morning Kindergarten class! After the shock wore off, I sat down and told Kyle about it. At first we thought, although it would be a great opportunity, we had no idea how we could make it work with Jackson. I mean, I was not even thinking about going back to work for another 6-7 months (maybe). Where would he go? I hadn't even thought about a daycare....plus, was I ready? So I called my Mom because she always gives me perspective and then I prayed about it. Well, I think God was giving me a little shove because Kyle came home the next day and said his boss was willing to work with him so that he could basically make his own schedule! So, after a day or two of going back and forth, I decided that I would take the job! And I start Monday....Ahhhhh!

I think this will be really good for me. I mean, it is only 3 1/2 hours of teaching a day (so easy!) I am home by noon and I have the rest of the day with Jack-man! Plus, it will ease me back into work. I am working with the best Kindergarten team too. They are truly amazing and have made me feel so good about coming back. One of the teachers even said in an e-mail, "You can bring Jackson to meetings anytime you want. He is part of the team now too!" It will also allow Kyle to spend more time with Jack which is awesome! He will have him 4 mornings a week so we don't have to worry about finding and interviewing a daycare last minute.

And even though I am at peace about starting back, I can't help but feel anxious about meeting my new kids and their parents, a little nervous (Kindergarten is a whole new ballgame) and a little bittersweet about leaving my little man (I know, I know, it's only 3 1/2 hours a day!!) But we have been connected at the hip the last 10 months and he is getting so big so fast. I am afraid if I blink, I will miss something. He is truly the light of my life!

So I am enjoying the last few mornings with him and feel so grateful that I was able to stay home with him this long. I am really looking forward to being in a classroom again and seeing all of my wonderful colleagues. I think it will be great and I am so blessed to be given the best of both worlds!

Who could leave this face?

Thursday, January 13, 2011

Jackson's first Christmas!

This Christmas was especially meaningful because this was the first one with our sweet little boy! Celebrating the holidays are always so special, but experiencing the sights and sounds with Jackson made it even more joyful! He is the best "gift" I have ever received!

We spent Christmas in Oregon with Kyle's parents, Kyle's brother and his girlfriend, my Mom, my sister, brother-in-law and precious nephew Bo and Grandma and Grandpa! Lots of family around us! The week was filled with parties and lots and lots of people in the house. Kyle's Mom hosted a Christmas Eve breakfast for 60 people in honor of Jackson!!! All of their closest friends stopped by to meet Jackson and have some yummy food. We also had a dinner/gift exchange one night with another family and their kids. Christmas morning was so fun! Even though Jackson was only 91/2 months, he had a great time "opening" all of his gifts from Santa, Grammy, Nana and Papa. So spoiled! :)

I definitely gained a pound or two from all the eating that always seems to take place when we get together......but, it's the holidays, it's ok to have a second piece of pie right??

It was a great week full of new memories, laughter and joy! And for the cherry on top, we even had a little snow! Jackson was memorized watching the little flakes fall from the sky!

What a special year! We cannot wait to teach Jackson about baby Jesus and the reason for the Christmas season. We are so thankful everyday for our little miracle and we are looking forward to many more Christmas' together.