Birthday Hangover

So yesterday Jac Jac had the privilege of having her very first birthday party with family and close friends. Laura and I made some bar-b-q and then our families brought everything else and it was great. Jac's Aunt Chelle even made her first birthday cake and she did a great job. We are so lucky to have family and friends who help us celebrate these special times in our children's lives. I will post some more pictures of the party later, but you can tell Jac Jac had a great time at the party since this is what she looked like at 8:30 the next morning...what a hangover!

Happy Birthday Jacqueline!

Dear Jacqueline,

Today you turned a year old and your Mom and I could not be happier. We are so blessed to have two healthy and happy little girls. It seems like just yesterday that we were bringing you home from the hospital and now you are crawling, drinking through a straw, eating all kinds of foods, and saying things like dog and Dada.

When your Mom and I were trying to decide on a name, we both agreed you should be named after my Dad (or Poppie to you). We weren't sure that your Poppie was going to be around when you were born so we wanted him to know that we would never forget him and that his newest granddaughter would be named in his honor. When we first told your Poppie that you were on the way, he told us we would have to rent another grandfather because he couldn't handle two grand kids! Secretly though he was ecstatic and telling everyone he knew that you were coming and he couldn't wait to spoil two granddaughters. Sadly, your Poppie passed away 4 months before you arrived. However, I truly believe he met you in Heaven before you arrived in this world for us and he has given us little signs since the day you were born letting us know he is still here watching over our little family.

Right now you are the happiest baby and we love it. So many times you have been sick with ear infections and we never knew it because you never cried or fussed to give us a hint that you weren't feeling well. Instead you refused to sleep at night and would wake up screaming only to calm down when you got in bed with us. Speaking of which, I think your favorite place in the world is in Mommy and Daddy's bed snuggling. Many a mornings I have woken up, barely hanging on to the side of the bed because I am being pushed out by the 3 most beautiful girls in my life. Sure Mommy and Daddy talk a big game about sleeping in your own bed, but deep down inside we love snuggling too. Just recently you have begun sleeping through the night and your Mom is more ecstatic than anyone about that.

Some special traits you have right now are that you are almost always smiling, but you are also showing that you have a nice little temper if things don't go your way. I cannot tell you how excited I am as a Dad to see how both of my girls will be with their little teenage attitudes. It should be loads of fun! You also love our dogs, Tiger and Buddy. They always make you smile just when you see them. You cannot get enough of your big sister and when she is home, you have to be wherever she is. I hope you two remain this close for life.

Seriously though, we love you very much and would not trade you for the world. Not a day goes by that you don't bring a smile to someones face and for that I am grateful. Everyday I thank the Lord Almighty for being the Dad to two beautiful healthy little girls.

Happy Birthday Jac Jac. We love you!

Love,

Dada

A Short Visit

E.C. and D-Doggy

Last weekend half of So Happily Us came to us for a night. Unfortunately I got ill and ruined a good visit, but it was still good for EC and the girls to be able to play. Hopefully we will see everyone again soon!

Fun with the Camera

Just some pictures of the girls for fun.

Haircut Time

This girl is growing up. I still remember her first haircut when she had to sit in Laura's lap because she was so scared. Now look at her!

2nd Annual Jack D. Oliver, Sr. Memorial Blood Drive

Today was a big day for the Columbia Fam. Today was the 2nd Annual Jack D. Oliver, Sr. Memorial Blood Drive sponsored by the Knights of Columbus Council 13713. Last year we were able to get 30 units of blood for the Red Cross. This year, we raised the goal to try and get 35 units of blood. I was very nervous if we were going to reach the goal since it was such a beautiful day outside. Well at 9am when the doors open, we had a line waiting to donate and it never slowed down all day. So did we reach our goal of 35 units? Heck yes! We actually blew past that goal and we able to collect 53 units! How awesome is that?

I personally want to thank everyone for taking time out of their day and coming out to contribute. The amount of support we got would have made Dad so proud. A special thanks to my Father-in-law who helped me set up this morning, worked all day, and helped clean up this afternoon.

Real Estate Plug....

Ok, I know I have been really slack....life has gotten a little crazy these days! But I am diving back into the Real Estate Guru blog. There is just too much going on in the real estate market right now not to share it with you all!! This is truly an incredible time in our economy. I am confident that if we look at the opportunity side of this market, we can make some awesome investments for our future. Check out the Real Estate Gurus link above!

Visitors!

This weekend we were lucky enough to have the Freemans come to town for a short visit. Delainey and Jac had a great time playing with Michael and Sam while the adults socialized. The girls did a little shopping and the guys just hung out. Unfortunately, Erica and Mike weren't feeling so great, so it was a low key kind of weekend. It was still great to see them and hopefully it won't be long until we see them again!