Jaclyn Armstrong: firsts

Showing posts with label firsts. Show all posts

Yesterday (6/15/13) was a big day for us... Logan finally got his first hair cut! I've been thinking about it for quite some time, mostly because those long curls tickled his ears and he always had hair in his eyes. But as much as I knew he needed it, it was so hard to willingly cut the long blond curls that defined our little boy's look.

We went to Pigtails & Crewcuts in Murfreesboro on the recommendation of a friend. I can't say enough good things about them! We had such a great experience, and although a little pricey it was worth every penny.

We chose an Army airplane for Logan to sit in, and as we put him in it they went into action. The owner blew bubbles to keep Logan entertained, and most of the time he had no idea anyone was messing with his hair. He was a perfect angel! He held tight to daddy's hand the whole time, but no tears!

For the first time this pregnancy, Logan's first haircut brought the hormones out. I may or may not have teared up a little when he showed off his new big boy haircut. He is so grown these days, and his new hair matches his new little boy independence.

Since it's almost March, and Logan is almost 13 months old, I thought it might be a good time to share some pictures from his birthday party (better late than never, right?). The lighting was pretty terrible and I didn't take nearly as many pictures as I hoped, but I really loved the way everything came together. I focused on the food (learned from my wedding planning days), and didn't plan a lot of elaborate decorations. The best parties are all about good friends & family, and celebrations of love. Which is exactly what we did.

custom invitations from Vintage Sweet Designs on Etsy

One thing I didn't plan on? Waking up to a blanket of snow on Groundhog Day. Luckily it melted quickly, and only stopped a few people from joining the party.

Of course our theme was airplanes, and I had a lot of help with the decorations. Mom arrived late Friday night with the banner made, and stayed up until 1am securing each of my thousands of photos for the other banners. Together with my Dad they brought everything to life the next morning, filling the clubhouse room with streamers and balloons and as many pictures of Logan as I could find. I used a few airplane props from his bedroom for the final touches.

The room was overflowing with pictures of Logan... exactly what I wanted. I used Printicular to print all of our instagram photos at Walgreen's, and printed some (about 100?) of my favorite photos of Logan's first year. Inspired by this photo from Pinterest, I hung the pictures with clothespins. Simple and colorful.

Always the control freak, I insisted on making each and every platter of food on my own. I spent all day Friday in the kitchen, and most of Saturday morning, too. Thank you, Pinterest, for lists that never stop growing and endless ideas that I have to try.

smoky cheese ball recipe here

A few years ago I hosted a baby shower for a dear friend of mine, and decided to make my own buttercream frosting for the cupcakes even though I only owned a hand mixer. Never again. This time I opted for boxed cake mix, and premade frosting from Publix. Best decision I ever made. And at least they were pretty?

I also went simply and easy for Logan's smash cake (which he hated, by the way). Funfetti boxed cake mix, and funfetti frosting. And the cutest airplane candle holder from Amazon (here).

I totally planned for and expected cute smash cake pictures. Boy, was I wrong. He enjoyed the singing and being the center of attention, and flying his airplane around, but that's about it. He wanted nothing to do with his cake. And when we forced him to try a little frosting so he could see what he was missing, it was all over. He screamed and cried, and threw up the nacho cup he had enjoyed not long before. Definitely not the pictures I hoped for!

The little ones had a great time at the party. So many little cuties!

Overall, the party was a success and exactly what I hoped for. Happy birthday to my sweet little boy! Here's to many more years of celebrations with friends and family.

Logan attended his first birthday party this weekend, to celebrate Maddie turning one!

He was such an angel baby at the party. I received so many compliments about how well behaved and laid back he was, despite the chaos around him. He sat and played, but mostly he observed everyone and everything. You could just see the little wheels turning in his head as he took it all in. When other kids played with him, he smiled. When they took his toys, he found new ones. No meltdowns, no tantrums. He was so content that I forgot to feed him and forgot to change him until his diaper had completely soaked through.

For Maddie's gift I crocheted an adorable toddler hat, and my first big flower to embellish it. I can't wait to have a little girl!

I made a basic double crochet hat, added a scalloped edge, and used this pattern for the flower. It was easy and quick!

Now back to hats in all shades of blue...

The men in my life are nothing short of amazing.

My husband flood my heart with happiness and love. There is no one else I'd rather be on this journey with. I am a better person because of him, and Logan will grow to be a better man because of the example set for him. He lives his life for his family. When I look at him my heart explodes with love.

For as long as I can remember, I have been a daddy's girl (sorry, Mom!). My father is the most generous, selfless man you will ever meet. He has supported me in every bad decision I've made in life, and always been there to pick up the pieces when everything fell apart. In his eyes I can do no wrong. He has sacrificed so much for all of his girls, and would do it again without a complaint. Nothing makes him happier than to see us happy. And no other GP will ever compare.

My father-in-law has come into my life and filled a void I didn't even know I had. He's not a father I ever expected or asked for, but he has embraced our relationship with open arms. He is always there for me, and even offered a shoulder to cry on when his son broke my heart. He knows the true meaning of the word family. I am so grateful to have him as my own father now. It has been amazing to watch him in his new role as Granddad, and I look forward to watching Logan grow to love him just as I do.

Father's Day reminds me that I am the luckiest girl in the world. I am surrounded by inspiring, ambitious, courageous men who fill their hearts and homes with love. I am forever grateful.

We spent Memorial Day with our awesome TN friends Josh & Laurie (& their boys), and Logan finally went swimming! He was battling a not so good day due to missed naps and overstimulation, but he still loved it.