House Parties.

house parties - barbecues - cookouts.....now have a completely different meaning with JJ in our lives.

Being the "non-spontaneous - always planning" people -  that Jesse and I both are - We were under no dis-allusion that JJ wasn't going to impact and change our lives in every way that we knew of....emotionally, financially, socially, etc. We thoroughly discussed all of the things that we would have to change in our lifestyle to accommodate adding a into baby to the mix......and then knowingly [as much as we could before actually having him :)] decided we were ready to grow our family.

Whether it be naive or not.....Jesse and I have always agreed that we wanted JJ to be an extension of the relationship that we have built together.....that we wouldn't lose who we were as individuals and as a couple - that we would grow stronger as a family. We wanted JJ to be a part of our lives in every way - be involved in the things we have always enjoyed - travel and vacation - spend time with the family and friends that we care about so much.....Before we had JJ, when all of this was discussion only - It seemed logical, easy, we couldn't understand why all of the above mentioned couldn't be done.....

After JJ - As reality often does - things are a little bit more difficult & strenuous than we planned for and anticipated :) Even though it takes a lot of work....you can't exactly plan for what babies want and need, or predict how they will react in every situation....we make a very strong effort to try and keep to our original ideals as much as possible.....Special occassions are planned far in advance - date nights have to be specified whether its the 3 or the 2 of us :) - some football games are just not for babies - most importantly......houseparties & cookouts with close friends are overwhelmingly appreciated and immensly enjoyed. Jesse and I are blessed with some very wonderful friends that have made it very easy to be who we are.....along with our new little man.

I am way behind in pic posting - a couple of JJ out and about with the fam....