Jacob Brayden is 2 Years Old

September 22, 2008 was the day that changed our lives forever...

Our Little Prince was born. Our Little Prince, whom we prayed for and waited for- for so long!! Jacob was born on the 1st Day of Fall (mommy's favorite season!) @ St.Alexius Hospital. It was such an exciting time! And the excitement has continued since! Everyday we experience new adventures and truly live life all over again...through an innocent child's eyes. And, wow! It is really exciting, (and it sure makes us want to take naps alot because the excitement really tires us out too!!) This past year has been really fun. I couldn't ask for more fun, actually!

Jacob LOVES learning- through books, museums (we made our 1st visits to some Children's museums and The Shedd Aquarium this year- the fishies were his favorite by far!),

zoos (Jacob thinks animals are so cool and loves making their sounds and even imitating them), also, The Rainforest Cafe (loves the dolphins and gorillas), some television that mommy allows him to watch such as Sesame Street, Yo Gabba Gabba (his favorite currently), Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Winnie the Pooh (kind of over "Pooh" now), and a new one- Special Agent OSO ("Oh So Special")- all of which teach lessons in each episode and keep him busy for about 20-minutes at a time so mommy can shower, clean, etc.

Jacob has also been the little traveler. We have visited Michigan and the beach this year for the 1st time and he learned to love the sand and seagulls. Water has been a new favorite as well- swimming lessons this Summer helped Jake get more comfortable with the water and what to do. He now loves to swim anywhere he can (including the bathtub!) Swimming, I believe has given him more confidence to try new things on his own as well! Also, Jacob has been enjoying spending time at home playing with his toys such as puzzles, blocks, balls, leggos, coloring, play-dough, finger paint, playing drums, playing with forts, helping mommy cook and clean

, and taking walks outside to name a few. He is also learning how to act like a Big Brother- he seems to boss his kitty "Nina" around just fine. Sometimes I find him slamming a door in a room he is in after kicking Nina out!

Jacob has lots of "Little Buddies" who he enjoys seeing and spending time with. He has finally mastered all of their names- and talks about them often.

He sees his friends pretty often as well...the Summer has been a great season of outdoor playdates and get togethers. Jacob has been also meeting new friends through some of his park district classes he takes 1x a week-just a way to get out, play, learn how to listen to direction from an instructor, and socialize.

Lastly, Jacob Brayden is becoming a "Big Kid"- and I don't know how I feel about it.

He is the oldest of his cousins these days- he now is sharing the attention with Baby Mason and Baby Alyssa...

and is getting used to it and enjoys seeing them more and more. As this is all fantastic practice as months turn into weeks as we prepare for the arrival of his NEW Baby Sister. Jacob is a big boy now (he even tells us this)- he eats real meals

, goes pee-pee on the potty, talks complete sentences, runs everywhere, sings...

but, at night when he is getting ready for bed and snuggling up with us, he reminds us that he IS still our Baby- just our BIGGER Baby these days. We love you Jacob Brayden. Thank you, for coming down from heaven for us!!! Happy 2nd Birthday our Sweet, Sweet Prince.