Guess Who Turned "Doo!!!" Today??!!

YOU GUESSED IT! J.J.!!!
Jared Jonathan Alleman
born TWO years ago TODAY
August 21st, 2007
6lbs. 12oz. 18 inches

Two years later:
August 21st, 2009
32 lbs. 35-36 inches
(Only about 5 times as much weight and twice the height!)

I think it's pretty symbolic how much physical change happens in two years, because SO MUCH life and developmental, personality, etc. just keeps happening...I can't say that the whole day (very rainy afternoon) was filled with grand excitement, but I felt so blessed at so many points just celebrating this priceless life. Knowing those who have lost or whose struggle is great with the little ones they have, it is never far from my heart what a precious blessing it is to have a wonderfully developing, healthy and full-of-life little one. These are the things I so need to remember when I can so easily feel overwhelmed by what lies ahead and can just lose my joy and SHAME ON ME to stay there...there is so much for which to be thankful.

I can't say I had any grand plan for a cake when I woke up this morning. I had a really bad night's sleep and felt SO TIRED. JJ has taken really short naps the last 2 days(VERY unusual) and I just didn't know what to expect, but when he couldn't even lift fish crackers into his mouth at lunch and was asleep for his nap in seconds, I really hoped and believed he'd sleep a good 2 hours. So I went to work on a cake that I knew would involve his favorite--BASKETBALLS! I didn't have a plan when I made up the cake but because I only have 1-12 cup muffin tin, I decided to use that for some basketball cupcakes. Then, with the round cake pan, I had I figured I could do something with a hoop and later decided to cut out a hoop and the small cupcakes were because I had some leftover batter. Well, how sweet that it worked out like this! Much thanks to my friend Anita for her cake decorating supplies. What do you think??

Another great last minute idea was from Jared. We were hoping to share dessert with our neighbor Anita and her three kids. But since her husband is out of town, Jared suggested getting pizza and bringing it to them along with the cake. IT WAS PERFECT! Our kids just love each other and have so much fun and excitement being together. Anita had decorated this chair and JJ was beside himself with excitement to be with his mommy and daddy and his best buddies and Miss Anita.
(I think he looks so old here! I felt like he looked older as soon as he woke up! I also think he looks so much like Jared's family right now too!)
In the bottom right photo I have no idea what is going on, but with 4 kids 3 and under, cupcakes and ice cream...anything can happen!

Speaking of this, after pizza and before the cake, little Abby had run in to show me her pink Princess Pull-ups. Before we know it there is a Pull-up confetti celebration going on in the other room. Everyone was getting in on the action, but Abby definitely started this one. It was hilarious because when Anita asked Abby who would be cleaning up, she imediately said "Big JJ!" That's our JJ as she also has a little brother "Little JJ". Well, JJ definitely threw a couple pull-ups, but he was definitely a follower...in the end Abby was great to clean up with Mr. Jared.

I think that I am married to and the mother of 2 of the cutest, sweetest Jared's in the WHOLE WORLD!
Seriously, I am one blessed wife and mama and we are a SUPER blessed family! Thank You Jesus!