Jovie's 1st Birthday!!

Wow...time seriously flies...and I can't believe she's already 1!! Jovie is just the love of my life...and I know why it took us so long to have her... she is such an easy going child- so mild mannored and just the sweetest!

Just to trip out, here is Jovie 1 year ago...

and her one year later...

Well, for her 1st birthday we decided to have a bbq and swim time with a few friends and family. What else can you possibly do besides swim when it's still 105 degrees outside?!! Well, our in-laws graciously allowed us to have her party at their crib (and how thankful we are to you guys!). Honestly, I don't know why I stress myself out about parties and all, since very little of it is within my control.

I know it's kinda lame doing a themed birthday for a 1 year old but I just couldn't NOT do something and all my brain cells are dead- so I just opted for Mickey Mouse Clubhouse since Jovie enjoys watching that show (2nd to Baby Einstein) and it's kinda unisex so the boys won't feel like it's one big "chick" fest! I'm sure that will come in another few years!!

As suspected, Jovie didn't just dig right in to her cake...I had a feeling this would happen (in May we went to the beach and she didn't like the sand getting stuck to her hands) so Blake and I helped to smash her hands into her cake and put her fingers in her mouth. She liked the cake and frosting once she got a taste of it, but she just wanted us to feed it to her! She is so funny like that!

Of course she was ready to hit the hay by 7:30 pm and we hadn't even opened gifts yet, so needless to say that happened EXTREMELY fast!! Thanks again for all of the lovely gifts!

Thanks to everyone who came and (hopefully) enjoyed themselves!! Jovie won't remember this birthday (unless she has crazy supernatural powers...hmm...doubtful) but Blake and I sure will and are just so happy you all shared this special day with us!

It's swim time...

A smile tells it all, doesn't it??! Jovie has just LOVED being in swimming lessons this summer. We took the mommy/baby swimming lessons at Brimhall pool for two sessions this summer and it was just so much fun! This was Jovie's face every time we went to the pool!

It's a momma and a baby!!!

My friend Susan and her daughter Maren took lessons with us and it was so fun having friends there with us! Another friend Laurie and her son Tyler took lessons with us the first session- and let me tell you, the water was so cold then, we almost thought our kiddos were gonna hate swimming!

But, you can just tell these little water babies just LOVE splish-splashing and being together! How funny is Jovie's lower lip--- such a silly face!

Jovie could hardly contain her excitement- she had to eat BOTH of her hands!

And always after swimming lessons was shower time and Jovie loves that too- I just love how cute she looks in this towel! My little shower flower baby!

The pool has kept me sane here in the 100+ degree heat. I don't know how anyone living in Arizona can stand NOT swimming. It is essential for the complete cool down, plus Jovie naps SO WELL after she swims! I LOVE LOVE LOVE the pool.

It is finished...school, that is...

I am a Phoenix!!! I FINALLY completed my Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education!!

Only one more test to take and I'll have my certification to be a teacher!

Commencement at University of Phoenix stadium- me on the jumbo tron!!Holla...Me with my (not so real) diploma. Saaaaaawweeeeeeeeeeet!

My babies helping me celebrate. Blake bought that beautiful lai for me- how thoughtful!!

That 102 degree heat got us revved up for some swimming time. This was Jovie's first real day at the pool (too bad she hadn't napped all morning because she was ultra tired and cranky- but a trooper none-the-less!)

My brother Eli and his cute little guy Isaiah- it was his first time in the pool too and he LOVED it! He is a natural water baby!

My neice Indianna just loved floating around and enjoying the water- what a smile!!

Jovie took a little ride in the turtle floatie...I don't think she's quite convinced she likes the water... yet...Jovie and Isaiah playing on the floor- they are so funny together. Jovie isn't crawling yet and Isaiah (who is 3 months older than her) is just crawling all over the place and Jovie just thinks he's the funniest thing ever! She loves little kids- it's too funny!Overall it was a very satisfying day...totally nice to be among family and finally get that degree over and done with!!!! YAHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

Now, what's next?