Jake's birthday.

I was thinking about Jake's birthday -- like, the actual 24 hours of the day -- after it happened, and it dawned on me the range of emotions this kid goes through in a 24 hour period.

I took the day (Sept. 12th) off work to hang out with Jake for his birthday.  We slept in until like 8 a.m. and it was wonderful. So upon waking he was sweet but sleepy.  We went downstairs and let him open a present from me, first thing.  He was EXTREMELY excited to finally get his Weebles town.  (He had seen it in my trunk 3 months ago -- 'cause I saw it at Target for 33% off and went ahead and bought it early, then hid it in my mom's garage all summer) and he had a blast playing with it.  Heck, *I* had a blast playing with it.

We got dressed and headed out to the mall.  I wanted to have his picture taken for his birthday at the Picture People.  In the car Jake was chatty and excited, as I had promised if pictures went well we would go to Toys'R'Us afterward and look for trains.  (It's all about trains right now.)  Just as at the wedding, Jake had a train in each hand all day.  Jake was EXTREMELY shy and clingy the entire time we were getting pictures taken, but also acting goofy all at the same time.  After we got some pictures (it took forever and I was sweating from trying to corral him and make him behave), we ran over to Toys'R'Us and mommy spoiled him because it was his birthday.  Jake is ADORABLE when we are shopping, tells me all of the things he likes, and I'll say "Well we don't have to get everything we like, but we can look at it for a minute then put it back."  And he accepts that.  He was very excited about the new train we picked out.  Then back to the mall to pick up the pictures -- I got one free, and bought 4.

At this point we were hungry, so I took Jake to Olive Garden.  It was like 2 p.m. so we didn't have to wait in line (wah-hoo!) and again Jake was shy with the waitress.  He behaved very nicely during our meal, and kept himself amused with his trains.  He's such good company these days if he and I go to a restaurant, because I've taught him he has to behave.  (Most of the time.)  Our meal was great, and I had the waiters bring out a birthday cake to him and sing their Happy Birthday song.  I was shocked that he wasn't shy about all of this, his eyes lit up when they came up to the table and he just smiled and smiled as they sang, then promptly sat up and blew out the candle when the song was done.

Then since I had the day off and I NEVER have a chance to go, I stopped by my eye doctor's office (between the mall and my house) to get the pads of my glasses replaced -- they had both broken.  I thought this would be a quick in and out visit, but my glasses have been a little damaged in the last 2.5 years ('cause I'm rough on EVERYTHING) and she couldn't get the screws to line up.  We were there for 45 minutes -- but Jake played quietly with his trains and the books.  He kept talking to me, but it was polite and silly talk, nothing bossy or obnoxious.

We drove to Nana's so she could tell him Happy Birthday, and to give her our left-overs.  We sat for a while, and Jake sat on the couch and drank a sippie cup and watched Sesame Street to just kind of chill/mellow out instead of a nap.  Because we were going home to have a birthday party . . . 

Comments

[Kate]

I *love* the picture of you and Jake together! I just can't get over how cute it is. I think you've inspired me to do the same thing for Christmas for Brent. :)

You talk about how polite and well behaved he is, and you know what? You can tell just by LOOKING at him that he's a good kid.

[Jen_Jake'smom]

Priscilla can back me up here, that I work VERY HARD on his behavior. It's something we talk about every day, and I don't let much slide. The funny thing is, though, I hardly have to correct him at all (for public behavior) because he knows what's expected of him.

Now at home, there are times I think he's insane. But everyone's entitled to a break-down or two a day. heh. Now if I can just get him to SPEAK to people aside from me and my mom, we'll be good to go.

jen

[Shelly]

He is one handsome guy! Happy Birthday!

I need to send you an email, but can't find your address. I also need to pay you for helping me. I have spaced out. Sorry about that!

Shelly

[Jen_Jake'smom]

pagesbyjen AT juno DOT com

jen

[Sue]

Awww, I just love that 1st photo of Jake, what a gorgeous little boy he is! The photos are all great, he did so well. Jake is so well behaved, I think that's wonderful. Great job mommy! Sounds like you both had a great day on his birthday.

[Kelly]

Love the pics and SO glad he had a wonderful birthday!!!!

I really love the first one that is a close up of his beautiful face and the one of you two together!

[Andrea]

Glad to hear that Jake's birthday went well!! I love, love, LOVE all the adorable pics of him!! My favorites, though, are of the two of you (you look gorgeous!!!) and the close-up of the Jakester!! It's great!

[Leslie]

The new pictures are adorable!!!

It sounds like you 2 had a nice day..I always take the day off on Ella's b-day too...I guess it is sort of a nostalgic day for me and I like to share it with her :)

[Felicity]

Happy, Happy Birthday to Jake! What a cutie! It goes really fast, the time with them...For isntance, exactly how the heck did I wind up with a daughter in HIGH SCHOOL? I'm glad that you 2 enjoyed your day. On my kids' birthdays, we always start the day with me telling them the tale of their birth. So we don't forget anything.
Jan, thanks for you kind wishes when I was ill last week!

[Sandi P.]

Great write-up of his b'day Jen. Thanks for sharing all the gorgeous pics of your son (as well as you) with your cyberfriends.

Love,
Sandi