Center of Attention

If there's one thing anyone who knows anything about our 2 year old Daniel, it's that he loves being the center of attention.  Since little brother came along, we've noticed a few fits of jealousy on both boys' parts, but without a doubt, Daniel craves attention.  He loves having quality time with us, being praised, and pretty much "awes" himself to death anytime he sees a picture of himself. 

So, I had NO IDEA this next event would occur.  Seriously.  I had my camera ready to video tape how amazing he was about to perform at his End-of-the-Year Mother's Day Out Program.  Daniel had practiced his five songs for weeks, and Mommy and Daddy were about to lose it if he begged to hear "Bees" or "Shine" one more time!  Imagine my surprise when Daniel did this...


Mother, Come Get Me! from Jenna Johnson on Vimeo.


Be the center of attention?  No, thank you, Daniel said.  I'd rather be in my Mommy's arms.

The 1st Birthday Boy...

Didn't care a single thing about his cake.  Seriously. 

In fact, Samuel cried until we got him out of his high chair, and that's when Daniel climbed right up.

Samuel Turns 1! from Jenna Johnson on Vimeo.



I have no idea why because it was delicious.  Want to know how I know?  Ask Samuel's big brother...  He ate it all.  This Mommy didn't try a single bite of it...

Samuel's 1st Birthday Picnic Party Decor

The table was filled with picnic foods...

and ants.

Here is the "Fruit on a Stick."

Here are the "Chocolate-Covered Ants on a Log."

This is Aunt Ca's FAMOUS "Tortellini Pasta Salad."

"Sweet Summertime Lemonade"

Outside on the patio we had the favors, pictures of Samuel, balloons, tables, etc.

The favors were little green water bottles individualized with each child's initial and included a watermelon Koolaid packet inside!

Samuel's 1st Birthday Shirt

I did it myself!  :)

The Birthday Cake

made by my dear friend, Becca.

Samuel's Awesome Smash Cake

Thanks to Becca!

Look at those ants!

Samuel's 1 Year Pictures

The Plasticware

The Set Up

Samuel Levi Turns One

It's passed way too quickly!  In just a year, our sweet miracle has become this amazing curly-haired, blue-eyed cutie.  His personality is growing rapidly, and though he is still as calm-mannered as one could imagine, we are beginning to see signs of one determined little boy!  What a blessing Samuel has been to us for the past twelve months!

In His 12th Month, Samuel:
Weighed 20 pounds and 10 ounces (20th percentile).
Was 28 inches long (5th percentile).
Wore a size 3 wide in shoes.
Finally fit into 12 month clothes.
Wore sizes 3 and/or 4 in diapers.
Patted Mommy's back whenever she hed him.
Loved balloons, balls, and Elmo.
Said uh-oh, da-da, ball, hi, and wow.
FINALLY began crawling full-time!
Stood on his own for the first time.
Got 3 shots at his 1 year checkup.
Always clapped.
Imitated faces of others - the silly grin was the best!
Liked chicken nuggets and ice cream.
Bread was his favorite food.
Fruit Loops, Puffs, and Crunchies come in a close tie for 2nd.
Was switched to whole milk only.
Still working on making the sippy cup only switch.
Would sit for a LONG time throwing the ball to you.
Liked stealing Daniel's trains from him.
Got pushed quite a few times by his brother.
Shopped on his actual birthday for party supplies.
Was SUPER ticklish!
Got his 3rd and 4th teeth!
Made the "surprised" face all the time!
Went to his friend, Hannah's first birthday party.
Got a new car seat for his birthday from Mommy & Daddy.
Was able to sit forward facing in the car!
Was as sweet as EVER...
Started showing signs of mischieviousness. 
Made a mess with baby wipes!
Spent a week in Michigan for revival.

Went to the Detroit Zoo on a HOT day!
His hair finally grew long enough for us to discover...
That it is SUPER curly!  :)
Did I mention he made the most HILARIOUS faces?!

Happy as can be at the dinner table!

Showing how he can crawl!

Samuel's "goofy" grin - one of our favorite faces!

Celebrating Hannah's 1st birthday!

The "surprised" face!  LOL.

Loving on Elmo

Watching t.v. with his big brother

Taking a bath, about to wash his CURLY HAIR!

Oh, Meijer, how we love your shopping carts!

Now, could you please move your stores to TN?!

Eating snacks at the Atlantic Coney Island in Detroit

What we thought of the Detroit Zoo

Riding together

Eating cookies with icing on his 1st birthday!

Daniel is 25 Months Old

In Daniel's 25th month, he:
Weighed 28 pounds.
Wore size 2T in clothes.
Wore a size 8 shoe.
Wore size 4 diapers.
Talked up a storm.
Wanted to walk and NOT ride the stroller.
Was rough and tough.
Went through a "biting" stage.
Going through a "hitting" stage.
Laughed at spankings.
Could NOT sit still.
Went to his friend Hannah's 1st birthday party.
Loved to jump and swing.
Was super michievious.
Always made us laugh.
Went to Detroit for a revival.
Visited the HOT and overcrowded Detroit Zoo.
Got a surprise at the Train Toy Store in Detroit.
Went to Canada.  It was boring.  Got a postcard.
Called Bro. Matthew, "Captain" and "Jack".
Loved Cars.
Tested our patience.
Threw tantrums in restaurants.
Was very loving and gave hugs.
Always said he was sorry and asked for help.
Knew to say "please" if he wanted something.
Could out-smart ANY child-proofing technique.
Liked climbing stairs.
Played "boo" all of the time!
Finished his first year of Mother's Day Out!
Hated performing in front of the crowd.
Was often found:

• taking off his clothes
• climbing the childproof gates
• pulling toilet paper off the roll in small pieces
• trying to unlock the doors
• playing in the trash
• pulling out Mommy's pots and pans
• reading to his brother
• giving hugs and kisses
• tickling others
• using good manners

Some of Daniel's Favorite Things:Food(s):  Cake
Toy(s):  Swingset, Tractors, Trains
Show(s):  Thomas, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse
Movie(s):  Thomas, Cars, Chicken Little, Annie
Snack:  Raisins, Graham Crackers
Song:  This Little Light of Mine and Bees
Saying(s):  What're you doing, Mommy?  No.  Pwease.  Help. 
Color: Green (he says everything is "green")
Thing to Do:  Swinging, Sliding, Running, Jumping

Liked waking up early and laying with Daddy

Had a BIG grin :)

Um, Hannah, you are supposed to eat that cake,

so if you aren't going to, I will.

What to do when you are stuck in Daddy's closet

during wild weather:

eat all of his breathmints like candy

and drape yourself in his ties!

Snacking through the MDO program

With his best friend, Isabelle, at the

end of the MDO Program

Good Morning, Mommy!

Last Day of Mother's Day Out  :(

Enjoying the car carts at Meijer in Michigan

Making not so memorable memories

in Canada with Mommy

Eating at the bar at the Atlantic Coney Island

in Detroit where he had Mickey pancakes

The Train Toy Store was seriously the

best part of the trip for this kid!

What we really thought of the Detroit Zoo!