Like Father, Like Son

Jack and Daddy modeling their Red Sox hats.
Jack is still waiting for the day when his will fit. Maybe next season.

 

Henry

So, this is my friend Henry. He's a hippopotamus. I don't really know what that is yet but mom and dad tell me it's a pretty cool animal...and I believe them because Henry is indeed a pretty cool friend. He keeps me company at night in my crib. In fact, we've become so close that I have a hard time going to sleep without him. Thanks, Jon and Janna, for sending Henry my way. I think our house would be filled with many sleepless nights if he wasn't here with me.

 

Grandma's Visit

This week I was so happy because Grandma came all the way from Missouri to see me. We did all kinds of fun things. We went swimming and played with my toys. She even let me chew on her hands because my teeth have been bothering me. And even though I was grumpy this weekend because I'm getting another new tooth, Grandma didn't seem to mind. I hope she comes back again real soon. She's a lot more fun than mom and dad because she lets me stay up late and makes my cereal extra sweet. 

Rocky Top

Jack and I have been watching the World Cup together for the last couple of weeks and he seems to be enjoying it. So I thought I should go ahead and give him a heads-up about football. It was our pre-season chat. I told him that he was a Tennessee Volunteer fan. In the top picture I was telling him about the glorious 1998 season. In the bottom picture I was telling him about every season since then.
(This was posted by Jack's Daddy. Jack's Mama does NOT support the Volunteers in any way.)
 

Mom's Leaving Me With Who?

So, I officially start back on the floor tomorrow and I have to tell you that I'm dreading it. I realize that it will probably feel good to have some mental stimulation and adult conversation but I'm so sad at the thought of being away from my sweet baby for an entire day (my shifts are 12 hours)! And even though I'm leaving the Jackster with his dad, it's still hard not to think he just won't miss me a ton. I'm sure he probably won't even realize that I'm not around, as he'll still have a parent there to care for him, but I'd like to think that I make his day a little brighter and more fun. At least he's in capable hands and not with some crazy stranger or daycare (although, I'm afraid those days will probably come soon...guess I'll have to save that emotional breakdown for another day). Anyway, just think of Jack's mama tomorrow during my long day of transition back into the workforce.

(Oh yeah, and if you look hard enough in this picture, you'll notice Jack's new tooth.)

6 Months Old!

Jack turned a big 6 months old today and to celebrate we headed to the pediatrician's office to get measured and weighed and also for some vaccinations. He continues to surprise us with his growing. He was 30 inches long (off the charts...again!), weighed 21lbs 3oz (97th percentile) and his noggin was off the charts, too (but proportional with the rest of his body). During the visit, the doctor thought Jack was so special that she gave him 4 shots instead of just 1 or 2. He was so worn out following the trip to Missouri and the shots that he spent the rest of his 1/2 birthday sleeping. Happy Birthday, baby Jack! Mom and Dad love you so much we don't want you to get Diptheria, Pertussis or any other nasty bugs that might be preventable!

 

Experiencing Rosendale

Aunt Lainee pushing the swing.

Sorry, we've been away from the blog scene for a while. We took an unexpected trip to Northwest Missouri due to a death in my family. While there, Jack was able to meet lots of second cousins, third aunts, uncles twice removed, etc.

I Have a New...

TOOTH!

After months of drooling and chewing on hands, we are proud to announce that Jack has his first tooth. Nathan actually discovered it when Jack was gnawing on his finger at the church picnic. It's still pretty hard to see...but it's definately there and razor sharp.

For those really curious dentist types, it is his lower central incisor (his left).

Bath Time In My New Chair

Because Jack is sitting up better, we moved him to a "real" bath chair and he loves it. It's hard for mommy to wash his tummy now, as he always wants to be leaning forward fetching his toys, but he seems to really appreciate his new found freedom. Thanks Aunt Larissa for the great chair idea!

 

Fun In the Sun

Jack modeling his new shades.
(Don't make fun...they really are good for his little eyes.)

Already Going to School

Jack trying to figure out his new schoolhouse entertainer.


Okay, if this entertainer is too tall for our gigantic baby, then I'm not exactly sure who it's supposed to fit.
(I had to take this picture because Jack is never too small for any baby product we buy. I mean he's 5 months old and 28+ inches. It was just really surprising.)

 

The Heat Is On

Jack's really excited about hitting the pool.


Catching some rays


Jack finally realizes the water feels good.

It's become quite warm here so we thought it was time to try out our new pool. Prior to out journey in the sun, I decided to put some sunscreen on Jack - like every good mother should. Well, I purchased the new Coppertone spray-on sunscreen because it seemed like it would be the easiest to apply on a squirmy kid. So, I was all excited and impressed with my wonderful mom thinking as I began to spray it on Jack's little legs. I was not at all expecting the reaction it received. Immediately after putting some on his legs, Jack's lower lip began to pucker outward and his cheeks became red...and I knew I had made a big mistake. Then the screams came. The sunscreen had scared him. So, it took about 30 minutes to recover and find mom and dad's sunscreen lotion before we were actually able to leave for the pool.

The pool was actually smooth sailing after the sunscreen application. He wasn't sure what to think at first and there were a few tears... but he quickly learned that it was a lot similar to his bathtub and before long he was happily being swished by me in the cold water. Next time Nathan gets sunscreen duty.

 

Mom's Little Sweet Potato

So, the new food in our house this week is sweet potatoes and, of course, our son is a fan. We cannot seem to place the yummy orange mush into his mouth fast enough (although Dad seems to do a better job of keeping up than I do). We've also had to move to Stage 2 jars since the tiny 2 1/2 oz. bottles weren't near enough for our little future defensive tackle. He downs the 4 oz. no problem. Still loves the rice cereal, too. Nate tried the cereal the other night while he was feeding him and thought it was disgusting (and this is a guy who likes fried crickets).

By the way, I know you're probably wondering how many pictures a person can take of their child eating...but just remember that we're first time parents. It's all cute to us...even the matted rice/potato globs we find later in our hair.

Mr. Independent

Look, everyone, no parents!

Jack loves to stand on his own the days. I know you grandparents are thinking that he's super-advanced right now (and he probably is..I mean, look at his parents) but in reality I usually have to stand there and hold him for support. I actually caught him at a very strong moment and this little stand-by-the-ottoman spree lasted for about 30 seconds (before he came crashing down before I could catch him and bumped his head. Yeah, he's already chewed me out for missing him. I've got to work on my reflexes).

Jack's New Noises

A young Andrea Bocelli? Perhaps...but not if Nathan can help it. Here is a sampling of some of our gifted musician's new noises. And of course he needed a cover photo for his album (as seen below).



Watch the Video

Happy Jack

Mommy found Jack's tickle spot...but he's trying his hardest not to laugh.

 

Couch Potato In the Making

Jack somehow managed to get the remote from dad and was caught lounging on our new comfortable couch.


"Hmmm...What should I watch?"


"Maybe I'll just eat the remote instead."


Being a baby is rough.

 

Who is that cute baby?

Mirror, mirror on the wall, who's the fairest skinned baby of all?

Jack is fascinated by the baby who "shares" his room. He will spend hours just looking at him. But he does NOT like it when his mom appears to be holding the other baby.

 

The First Dinner

Okay, mommy. I'm ready to eat!

Hmmm... I kind of like this rice cereal stuff.