Apologies

I apologize again about the lack in blog posts!  I tried to post at least once a week… but needless to say, I was unsuccessful in that quest! 

There has been a lot going on in the McDermott house…

Brian has been busy with work and getting the yard ready for the summer.  The yard was a little neglected last summer because neither of us had time to deal with it while also taking care of a newborn!  This year, we have removed a few dead trees, cleaned things up a bit and even started a small garden!

I have also been really busy with work.  I am lucky enough to be working from home for the time being – but having two separate contract jobs can be quite demanding!  Often times, I find myself work late into the night to get everything done.

Despite how busy we are – there has been a lot going on with our little man.  The past few months have included a trip to the rodeo, a case of pink eye, new tastes, St. Patty’s Day, a trip to Dallas, James getting in trouble for biting, a new swing, a spring football game, new teeth and much more. 

Stay tuned this week for James’ 14-month post!*

And since I cannot do a blog post without one picture…  

*I know, I know… I have been slacking on his monthly posts and missed the last two months.  The older James gets, the harder it is to keep him still and get a good picture.  The homemade signs in the pictures were just not cutting it anymore.  Luckily, I discovered some adorable stickers with the months that you can just stick on a shirt and although I wish I would have found them for the first year, they did have a set for months 13-24 that will be utilized going forward!

Matching Outfits

A few mornings ago I was getting James dressed for school while Brian got himself ready to take James to school.

Obviously, we both had the same idea for the day:

The Weather

In honor of the beautiful 88 degree day we are having in Austin today - I thought I would post a picture that has something to do with SNOW!

I was going through my phone earlier and found this shot of James and Brian back from when we went up to Iowa in December.  As you can see... I do not think James was too thrilled to touch the cold, white stuff all over the ground!

The Doggie Door

James has discovered the doggy door.

At first, he was just very intrigued with it and would watch as Brandy would go through it.

Sometimes, he would push out the flap - but only ever so lightly.

Now - he has taken to dropping his toys outside through the door.  

Yesterday, he even tried to lean all the way outside to pick up the toys he had just dropped.  Daddy had to rescue him before he fell through!

I think it may be time to retire the doggy door while James is playing!

Leaving on a Jet Plane...

Last week, I had to go on a business trip to New York and it was the first time I had to leave James.  I tried to be brave, but I kept tearing up on the way to the airport while looking at my sweet little boy besides me in his carseat.

It was a LONG three days away and I am sure a LONG three days for Brian, who was on his own.  I got the following text from Brian on my second day on the trip and thought I would share:

I like cake!!

First Birthday Party: Picture Overload

I already shared the main details of the party - so, now it is time to share all the pictures from big day!

The morning of his party started off great.  James was in a good mood and was being his usual adorable self.  A few hours before the party, Brian and James took a nap together and unfortunately... James did not wake up on the right side of the bed!  Boy was he cranky!  

For the first half of the party - James was definitely not himself.  He was being very clingy and only wanted to be held by me, his daddy or his Auntie.  Luckily, he soon adjusted to all the people and the excitement - and before the end of the party, he was having a great time!  At one point, he just walked up to one of his presents and started taking all the tissue paper out!  We took that as the sign to open the rest of his presents...

Our family picture with the birthday boy!  

And who can forget about the cake??  

Although James did enjoy a carrot-cake cupcake on his actual birthday the day before - this was his first cake all to himself.  Of course it had to be in the shape of a football for my future quarterback!