Easter 2008

What a wonderful Easter Sunday this turned out to be. We started the day at Grandma's house with Easter baskets full of goodies and Easter eggs aplenty. Jake's cool camo basket was stocked full of videos, cups, a new toy, and a new book. Although, for the first few minutes none of it seemed near as interesting as Grandma's camera . As we made our way outside Jake wasted no time searching out all ot the Easter eggs and filling his cool camo basket to the brim. Mom helped him "crack" into his new found treasure and shared with him the rewards of his hard work. His first Easter seemed to be a smashing success with the bar set high for next year.

I'm over a year old

I realize that it has been over two months since we have updated our blog and for that I'm sorry, but rest assured more pictures are to come. Jake has now flown past his one year mark and seems to be well on his way to two. His walking has improved tremendously and he seems to be able to reach further onto the countertops each day. He has four teeth on top and four on the bottom and eats like a horse. His favorite foods at this point are fruits (especially strawberrys)with vegetables coming in a close second. Although I don't believe there has been anything put in front of him that he hasn't eaten. I sure hope his height continues because the belly is already there. Thanks to everyone for all of your support this last year. We've never been on such an incredible emotional rollercoaster with the highest highs and the lowest lows as we have been on this year. Jake has been our shining star brightening each day no matter how dark it became. We love him so much and don't know how we would have made it through such a difficult time in our lives without him.

Jake's 1st Haircut

Today Johnna and grandma took Jake for his first haircut. I was told he did great and escaped unscathed. He is just growing up too fast. I can't believe that he will be 1 year old in two weeks. I was hoping to celebrate his birthday with a Green Bay Packers Superbowl win, but that changed this last weekend. Now I guess I can devote all of my attention to Jake on his first birthday without any distractions (as it should be).

Christmas 2007

Christmas this year was bittersweet. Without my dad here things just weren't the same, but we made the best of it that we could. Johnna set out a nice tribute to dad, complete with a bottle of Jameson Irish Whiskey that Pop had given to me last Christmas. We drank a toast to him and shared some of our best Russell Byrd moments. On the brighter side, being that we had Jake and it was his first Christmas our spirits were lifted quite a bit. Obviously, Jake had been getting all kinds of things from his loving parents and grandparents all year long so trying to figure out stuff he didn't have took a little thought. His two biggest gifts were a new chair just for him and a rocking/bouncing pony. He especially loved the pony as you can see in the picture. All in all I'd say his first Christmas was a huge success. Maybe next year we can get Jake to be a little more comfortable with Santa.

First time meeting Santa

Johnna, Jake, my mom and I attended a Christmas party at our friend's house on December 23, 2007. While we were there Santa arrived in his trusty golf cart to deliver early presents to all of the kids. This was the first time in Jake's young life he was going to meet Santa and we were all excited, yet very nervous about it. Things didn't start out so well and Jake started crying immediately upon seeing Santa pull up in the golf cart. As Santa read the names on each present he handed out, Jake seemed to become more and more uneasy about the big jolly man in the red suit and funny hat. Close to the end a small gift was removed from from Santa's gift bag and he read Jake's name aloud. As Johnna walked him up to Santa's lap Jake began to scream. However, the funniest part came after Johnna had set Jake in Santa's lap and he turned to look up at the person whose lap he'd been set on. When Jake realized he was sitting in the arms of the round man with the big beard he lost it. We were so happy to have the camera on hand to catch the special moment.

Jake's 1st Steps

It has been really exciting lately as Jake has learned to walk without having to hold onto anything. His first steps were short-lived, but they brought a huge smile to his face and have opened up a whole new world for him. Here's a short video of his first steps.

The Big Day!!!

Well today was the day. At 1:30pm Johnna and I were officially pronounced the parents of Jake Ryan Byrd. The Court hearing took about 15 minutes and we were surrounded by friends and family for support. Judge John Nelson told us that he was very happy for us and that Jake looked to be a perfect fit for our family. What a perfect Christmas present this was in a year so full of ups and downs.