Happy 1st Birthday

Can you believe it's been a year since Jake was born? We definitely can not! Jacob celebrated his first birthday on the 16th and we had a small party for him. We had a lot to celebrate this year but we kept it small for Jake's immune system. So far it seems to have held up pretty good even though it was an exciting day filled with family and friends. Here are some pictures from the party!

Birthday Boy with his Nonna

Cupcakes made my mom and dad

Jacob's Birthday cake! My first experience with cake baking a decorating. I think it turned out okay. The theme of the party was Jungle Fun!!

Looking at pictures from the day Jacob was born with Nonna and Great Grandpa Bayerl

Family Picture - Jake, Mom and Dad

Jacob with his godparents - Nicki and Brian
Jacob's hoping that baby girl in Nicki's belly comes out soon so he has a new friend!

So excited to have a farm set!

Opening presents with a little help from cousins!

Really wanting the #1 cupcake!

Not quite sure what to do next.. mom usually doesn't let me make a mess

Figured it out quickly.. enough mess for mom

We had a great party and we want to thank everyone for their support, prayers and generosity over the past year. We are hoping that Jacob's second year is much healthier but we couldn't have asked for a better little boy. We are so grateful to have so many people in his life that love him as much as we do. Bring on good health for year #2!!

New Years Weekend & Sickness Update

Jacob has been sick off and on since early December. He went to the doctor the Tuesday before Christmas for a bad cough and runny nose but the doctor diagnosed a virus. He still wasn't feeling well on Christmas Day and we thought that maybe all the excitement of Christmas wore him out. However, when he wasn't feeling well and the cough had gotten worse the Monday following Christmas we took him back to the doctor.

Unfortunately the doctor appointment resulted in a trip to the hospital for chest x-rays and blood work. We knew the results weren't good when the doctor called about 45 minutes after we left the hospital. Jake has pneumonia in both lungs and his white blood count was elevated. We were put on the strongest antibiotics to hopefully avoid the hospital. So far it is going okay but he still seems to still have something viral going on.
We've also been officially told Jake can not be exposed to public places or crowds. We were pretty much already doing these things but as precautionary steps only. Now they are doctors orders.
We are hoping for a much healthier 2010 for our little guy.
Since we are officially home bound we had great friends visit on New Years Day. Here are some pictures of Jake playing with his friends.

Nicki (Jacob's Godmother) and Daniel

Jacob pushing Daniel on the Pooh Ride-On

Jacob with Lauren and Little Matt (as opposed to Big Matt - Jacob's Daddy)

Jacob and Matt (A Mizzou boy after my heart)

Thanks to our great friends who stopped by to provide some welcomed distraction to our day stuck in the house. Thanks Brian, Nicki, Daniel and soon-to-be born baby girl Warren who came over for lunch. And thanks to Tom, Lauren and Matt for coming over for dinner!!

Chistmas Eve and Day 09

We received the okay from the doctor to take Jacob out for one day to celebrate the holidays. We've done a pretty good job keeping him isolated to the house but decided we would seize the opportunity and go out on Christmas Eve.

We spend Christmas Eve with the Bayerl Family. Jacob got a really cute Winnie the Pooh ride-on that he absolutely loves. We also went to his Grandma and Grandpa Beffa's house where we saw lots of family from out of town.

Jacob and me reading books from Great G&G Bayerl

Jacob and Great Grandpa Bayerl playing with the Hallmark singing holiday toys
Jacob Playing with his Pooh Ride On - It was a little warm so we lost the shirt (I promise we came with one)

Since we couldn't go anywhere on Christmas we decided to have Christmas dinner for our parents and close family. I even made my first ham - not as difficult as I thought. However, Jacob really needs to get well asap so I can stop this homemaking stuff.

Christmas Morning.. Got so many toys not sure which to play with first!


After Christmas.. So happy

It's amazing what a difference a year makes. Last year I was very pregnant with Jacob. This year we had a great Christmas seeing it through his eyes for the first time. He loved to open his presents and had a great time with friends and family during the holiday. We can't wait until next year!!

Beffa Christmas 2009

We started celebrating the holidays a few weeks early with the Beffa Family Christmas. Jake had a great time playing with all his cousins, aunts & uncles, and grandparents. Jacob was the 12th grandchild on the Beffa side with #13 born in August. Needless to say he has lot of cousins to play with and enjoys the holidays with them!

Jacob and his cousin Lydia with Grandma Beffa

Jacob playing with his cousin Ella

Jacob playing with Grandpa Beffa

Now playing with Aunt Terri

Jacob in his new sled from Uncle Andy and Aunt Sandy in Texas.

Matt with Lydia