A Painted House

Ever since we moved into our house (over three years ago), we have loathed the color. It wouldn't have been terrible, but since the previous owners only used one coat of paint and only painted half of the chimney, it looked ridiculous. So...we had a couple estimates, which came back insane, so we decided to do it ourselves!

It took us a while to find the right color, but we settled on a sage green with a taupe trim...eventually a deep red door. So, here are a couple "before" pictures...

Jason working hard
I dug this flower bed myself :)

Stand by for "after" pictures...

Speed Demon

JP's Aunt Patty got him this car for Christmas. Since we live in Boston (aka winter is cold!), we kept it hidden until his first birthday. Since May 4, I believe this car has driven at least 100 miles. And no, it's not electric, those miles were pushed by mommy, daddy, grandma and pappap!

He has now learned how to climb in and out of it himself. The first time he did it I was in another room when I heard the blinkers on the car clicking. I snuck out into the living room, and there he was! Sitting in his car, ready for a ride. When he noticed me peeking, he made his "truck noise" (which sounds like a motor with a little rolling of the tongue) to let me know he was ready for a ride.

We can't get enough of this kid! ;)

A few weeks ago...

I turned 30, and Jason took me to the Big Apple to celebrate. Grandma and PapPap flew up from WV to watch JP for four days (THANK YOU!!!). They were nervous that JP might have some separation anxiety or miss us....uhhh, I don't think he noticed we were gone. He even said "pap pap" several times and they taught him how to say "light" although it sounds more like "LIE?". When we came home, he gave me a quick hug, ignored Jason and went back to playing. I guess we should be happy about that? lol

Back to NYC, we had a great time together. We did a TON of walking and exploring. I think NYC has better pizza than Boston, sorry friends. Our hotel was great. And the best part about this trip was that Jason planned everything!!!! EVE.RY.THING! The train tickets, hotel, restaurants, wicked, etc. It was wonderful! Oh, and Jason loved Wicked (although he might not admit it!).

Here are a few pictures from our trip:

Party Time

Yesterday was JP's first birthday party (a little belated, but nonetheless...). We had beautiful weather and a great turnout of friends for our backyard bash. JP was a little overwhelmed at times, but overall had a good day. He slept great last night, so I think the little guy was beat! Here are a few photos from his special day:

JP enjoying his friends in the make-shift ball pit:
Marcus, Nathan and Sam also enjoying the balls:
Liam meeting Heidi, the puppy (don't worry family, it's not OUR puppy!):
JP's cake...when he saw it, he made his "truck" sound (sort of like a motor sound):
Coaches cutting the cake:
He did not appreciate the singing:
But, he enjoyed a little taste of cake:
After the party died down, Daddy jumped in the ball pit with JP:
"Thank you, everyone, for making my day so special!" Love, JP

Happy 1st Birthday, Jason Palmer!!!!

I have to admit, it's been a rough day for mommy...I had plans to post JP's birth story, but I think if I attempt that now, I may ruin my keyboard with the tears that are bound to fall. So, I'll give it a day...I'll digest that our little miracle boy is one year old, then I'll try again.

Until then, here are two pictures from our photoshoot yesterday with Sara Colket Photography (colketphoto.com). She emailed me these two this morning. JP was not very cooperative, and wanted nothing to do with the cupcake:

Posing with mommy, but smiling at daddy:

Get into the Groove

JP is...

One's Not Enough

Can your baby do THIS?!?!