Look who's walking.....kind of?!?

I looked in both Derek and my baby book to see when we started walking, and we were both right around 13-13.5 months.  So, Miss Jocelyn is right on target!  Jocelyn started walking yesterday, and unfortunately I missed it (insert tear and sad face).  Dad was johnny on the spot and grabbed the cam corder and got her walking.  She is still quite wobbly, and would much prefer to crawl or be held...but she can definitely walk.  I look forward to chasing her very soon! 

She is loving her new classroom at school and has made a lot of new friends.  The other day, I got the pleasure of taking her to school (normally Dad does this).   When we got to the classroom, I kneeled down to put her on the floor, and she immediately cruised over to the table and sat in a chair?!?  It was as though she was like "I am ready for my meal, someone please serve me".  I was like, well, I guess she doesn't need me anymore and walked out of the classroom.  I asked Derek about it, and he said she gets her breakfast as soon as she gets there at that little table.  Note to self:  Don't get in the way of Miss Jocelyn and her food!  Got it!

Below is the video Derek shot of Jocelyn walking back and forth between he and gramma.  It is kind of a long video, so you can watch a few second of it and get the idea.

I also had to include this picture.  This was over labor day weekend.  Jocelyn was soooo tired that she couldn't even finish her lunch.  She slept like this for about 25 minutes or so!  Ha!

Our little Aggie Princess!!

Our little 1 year old!!!

One year ago today Jocelyn came into our lives.  She has blessed us in so many ways.  Every time we see her smile or hear her laugh it just melts our hearts.  Honestly, she has been the best baby ever!  I have no complaints.  She has slept good, she eats REALLY good, and has a wonderful temperament.  Everyone always says that there is no love like the love you have for your children, and that love is indescribable. 

Tomorrow we take Jocelyn in for her 1 year check up!  She is so close to walking, but not quite there yet.  She will be moving up to the toddler room very soon, and as sad as that makes me, I am ready for her to move up.  I think she is bored with the babies?  She has been pulling hair and acting out, but I think that is due to the lack of stimulation. 

At school today they had a big birthday party for Jocelyn, I had a long day at work, so Dad sent a picture text so I could see.  My good friend, Kristin took some wonderful pictures of Miss Jocelyn for her 12 month photos.  It is so amazing to see how much she has changed in just a matter of months. 

I know I have already posted this picture, but I just love it!  AND, I got a steal on this precious smocked dress.  It reminds me of my childhood!

It was literally 1million degrees on the day of the shoot.  Derek went to get all 4 of us snow cones when we were done.  Jocelyn loved hers! 

You can't see very well in this pictures, but she had it ALL over her!

I promise this train was out of commission.  It was just a neat shot!

Jocelyn's 1st Birthday Party

Today we had Jocelyn's 1st birthday party!  I have been planning for weeks, and at first I really struggled with the idea of having a big party, or a smaller one.  When I was little, my Mom made a big deal about birthdays, so I knew having a big party was what she would have wanted me to do....so I did! 

The theme was "Under the Big Top" or a "Circus".  I kind of got carried away?!?  Oh, well....I am proud of everything that we did.

WARNING:  This is a long post with LOTS of pictures!

I am very proud of our balloon arch.  Derek and I stayed up really late and made it.

Got a little crazy with the sidewalk chalk.  It was fun to see the messages that everyone left for Jocelyn.

Very cute door sign

Apparently, I like chalk?!?

Party favors.  They each had stickers, candy, bubbles and a circus animal of some type.

I thought this was cute

Above the table is a pennant flag with a picture of Jocelyn sitting in the chair in her room for each month out of the year.  Everyone really liked looking at them and seeing how big she has gotten. 

Our menu was corny dogs, hot dogs and sliders.  We also had animal crackers, chips, popcorn....and fruit (had to throw something healthy in there, right?)

 Some more 12 month pictures of Jocelyn next to her birthday party invitation.

Lynna made Jocelyn's smash cake as well as the cupcakes for everyone.  They were very good, thanks Lynna!

Notice Jocelyn's precious outfit!  Her onesie is monogrammed with the #1 under the tent, and her name "Jocelyn Ann" below.  I personally made the tutu for her to wear.  It lasted long only enough to get some cute pictures.

The Jones Family enjoying some cotton candy and a snow cone

Our cotton candy expert, Brad, attempting to get the cotton candy machine up and running.  We also had a snow cone machine, which was very nice to have considering it was 145 degrees outside.

Jocelyn wouldn't have anything to do with it?  Every time we would try to put some in her mouth, she would turn her head.  Oh well.

 Another close up of Miss Jocelyn in her very cute birthday outfit!

Grandma Lynna made Jocelyn's smash cake

Overall, she was really delicate with the cake eating.  She didn't demolish the cake, but definitely was covered in icing. 

We also transformed our garage into a big circus tent.  We had games for the kids, and of course the ever popular blow up pool with balls in it. 

Jocelyn was very excited about her new Gyro Bowl that Aunt Blaire and Uncle Steven got her.  She wasn't really into the gifts, just wanted to eat the paper and the Gyro Bowl 

I had to put this picture on here, because about halfway through the gift opening, I realized that I wasn't taking notes on who got Jocelyn what.....and I look over and Miss Emma has a pen and a piece of paper as if she was "taking notes" for me, so cute!

I see now why you really don't open gifts at a one year old birthday party.  I had a lot of assistance from all of the other guests (Emma and Blake)....and my child was sitting in a chair...............

with a present ribbon on her head eating her Gyro Bowl, sigh............

Jocelyn's last gift was a handmade table.  Grandaddy worked very hard to make Jocelyn this precious table to enjoy for many years.  As I mentioned up top, my Mom would always make a BIG deal out of birthdays.  Every time my sister or I would have a birthday, we would wake up to a birthday breakfast at our little table (very similar to this one) and have donut holes and chocolate milk using our little tea set.  Don't hate, people, but this tradition definitely happened until I was in approximately 6th grade.  BUT, it was very special and I plan to do the same thing for Jocelyn.  Ironically, Aunt Blaire (my sister) got Jocelyn a tea set (in picture) to continue the Bass girl birthday tea party tradition. 

Overall the party was a success!  Everything turned out exactly how I imagined it.  I know Jocelyn won't remember her first birthday, but I will.  I am so thankful that we were able to share this special day with our friends and family.  Jocelyn is a very loved little girl and she brings so much joy to our lives! 

Someone is almost 1

Here is a sneak peek of one of the many beautiful pictures Kristin took of Miss J for her 12 month photos!  More to come....but for now, off planning for J's big PARTY!!! 

The Real Housewives of Dallas

Last weekend 3 of my good girlfriends from High School and our husbands had a night out on the town.  We met up for appetizers, went to Nick & Sam's Grill (thanks, Blaire for the suggestion) and ended up at Hotel Belmont for drinks.

A picture of The Real Housewives before we left

Yes, we got a limo.  That is how The Real Housewives of Dallas do it!

Yes, we sat boys on one side of the limo, girls on the other.  Lame,I know, but more fun that way, sorry guys!

The Joneses!  I have known Brooke since 3rd grade, and I actually met her husband, Brad along with Kristen (3rd couple down) at the Marshall's in Plano at Park & Preston back in like....1998-ish, I think.  He and his friend were "checking out sunglasses", and we thought they were cute...so we exchanged #'s.  And look....13 years later, they are married with two beautiful boys!  Marshall's offers way more than just good deals on clothing!

The Dunn's!  I met Kristin in junior high.  She and Mark have a precious little girl, Emma.  Now, Kristin has found her calling in photography and takes the most wonderful pictures of Miss J. 

The Laughlin's!  I met Kristen in 3rd grade.  I was new to Brentfield Elementary, and I remember thinking she was really pretty and had a cute matching outfit...so, I obviously needed to be her friend?!?  We were roommates in college, and have been good friends ever since.  She and her husband, David have the sweetest twins, Jones & London (spitting images of their parents-so cute!). 

I don't know who this couple is, but they are really good looking. 

At Hotel Belmont (really good people watching) and an awesome view of Downtown Dallas from the patio.

I'll be honest....I was super excited to wear my off the shoulder, slightly age inappropriate top out on the town.  We haven't gotten all dolled up in a long time.  It was nice.  Thanks Gramma Joyce for the overnight babysitting gig!  We slept in until 9AM.  CRAZY! 

Girls, we had a great time!  We need to make it a point to get together more often.