Happy Birthday, Jude!

Jude turned 2 on January 2nd! I can't believe our little baby is already a "toddler". Here are a few milestones he's been reaching:

- He talks A LOT! Like whole sentences. His latest one is, "Mommy, I have question..." and then will just stare at me when I ask him what it is. Crazy kid!

- He has mastered climbing up ladders and almost mastered climbing back down. It's an important thing to learn because he is constantly trying to get up onto the top bunk of the bunk bed.

- We are slooowly transitioning to a "big boy" bed, emphasis on slow. Hopefully we'll get there before baby #3 need the big crib.

- He is quite the monkey. Jude loves to climb, probably because he sees Lance climbing and jumping off of everything. He has learned to climb out of any pack-n-play and even climbed out of his big crib!

- Jude is extremely cuddly. If he knows you and sees you across the room, he'll run up and give you a hug, or put his head in your lap and love on you for a minute before going back to his toys. This is basically how he greets all our friends and neighbors whenever he sees them.

- He loves to give a "hug and kiss", especially if he thinks you're sad. George will play a game with him and pretend to be sad. "Daddy sad!" Jude will counter with, "awww, Daddy sad!" and then give him a "hug and kiss" until George says, "Thanks, Jude! Daddy happy!" It's pretty hysterical.

- Jude wants to be a big kid like Lance. Anything Lance likes, Jude likes. Nerf guns, Bay-blades, or just hanging out with the big friends--Jude thinks these are all fabulous. Lance tries to be a good sport about it.


We celebrated Jude's Birthday on New Years Eve so most of our family could make it. Jude actually understood what was going on because while I was making his cupcakes the day before, he kept saying, "Happy Birthday me? Party! Party!" So funny!

This video is a little blurry (we're still trying to figure out how to use my new camera) but it gives you an idea of how excited Jude really was.

I saw a cute Hungry Caterpillar-themed Birthday party on Pinterest and thought it was perfect for Jude.

We had a simple lunch of pizza with snacks of apples, pears, strawberries, oranges and "plums" (they were actually blackberries because I couldn't find any plums).

The cake! Red velvet and french vanilla swirled cake with cream cheese frosting.

Jude getting some help with his orange from Pop Pop.

Mason, Callie and Bryce came and the kids had a great time playing while the adults ate lunch.

Then, it was time to party!

"Smile, Jude! Show me your teeth!"

"Now say 'Eeee!'" Perfect.

Daddy lighting the candles.

Singing... and waiting.

Getting help from big brother to blow out the candles.

I wonder what he wished for.

Yay!

Funny story--Jude saw Lance grab one of the candles and lick off the frosting, so he grabbed the other and tried to do the same, only he put the wrong end into his mouth! This picture was taken right after he realized what he did. I don't think he was hurt because he didn't cry, but when my mom turned it around so he could lick the end with the frosting, he was very hesitant.

Baby pillow pet!

Gum? For Me? Thanks, Lance!

Jason, Amy, Chad, and Pop Pop.

Laura and Mason, Grandma, Grandmom, Jason and Amy (with Callie and Bryce).

Laura and Mason.

Nice hat! Thanks, Grandma!

Why I'm almost never in any pictures...

What a haul!

We are so lucky to have so much family close!

And for the last gift...

A bike!

Thanks, Lance. What a helper!

Mason thought it was fun to push Jude around on the trike, too. He's a strong boy!

Enjoying some birthday cake.

Having a go on the bike again.

Afterwards, we all sat around while the kids wrestled with Uncle Tyler and had a good time. It was a great little party and Jude was super happy, exactly what we were hoping for.

Happy Birthday, Jude! It's been a wonderful two years and I can't wait to see what new things you learn and to watch you grow as the years go by. Thanks for being ours and bringing such joy to our lives!