Happy First Birthday, Jack!

Getting ready to head to the Shedd

Checking out the big aquarium in the middle of the Shedd

Underwater viewing is Jack's favorite!

Birthday boy back home after a big day!

The celebratory cupcake.

Jack turned the big 0-1 today and to celebrate, Mommy took the day off work to spend with her boy. The fact that I had Scholastic Bowl last night and didn't get home until just before he went to bed and that I have an all day Saturday tournament made the decision that much easier. Anyway, we headed to the Shedd Aquarium this morning and really, we couldn't have had more perfection with our planning skills.

We left after his breakfast and got downtown without any troubles. We got our tickets and took Jack all around, checking out different tanks of fish. We spent most of our time in the Oceanarium because that's the coolest part and because Jack loves underwater viewing! He enjoyed the dolphins, saying "Ohhhh" after I did each time when they swam by.

Afterwards, we went to watch the live show and though Jack was getting super tired, having forgone his morning nap in the car in favor of babbling the whole ride down, he was really attentive and liked the show. We then went to the cafe for Jack's favorite part of the day--eating in a restaurant! He loved his grilled cheese and I didn't even push him too hard to eat his veggies and fruits. Aren't all eating rules suspended on your birthday anyway?

Jack was getting really tired so we went to the Wild Reef exhibit just before heading home. Even though he was exhausted, he didn't fuss or cry the entire time! He fell asleep about a minute and a half after his seatbelt was buckled and slept the whole way home. Mommy made mac and cheese for dinner for Jack for hte first time and after that he got a cupcake, which he had no interest in. I took a bite and determined that the kid had good taste--it was the worst cupcake ever! Hopefully he will be more excited about his cake at his birthday party next year. Hopefully he will also start smiling for pictures then too! Lately, he squints everytime a picture is taken because he sees the little orange light that goes off before each picture!

Anyway, I can't believe my little man is already 1! It doesn't seem so long but I feel like I have known him forever. He is simply the most wonderful boy and we are so unbelievably lucky!

Happy birthday, Jackie Bear! We love you!