This cat in the hat is too cool for the pool

Spent the morning at Carrie's new mansion's neighborhood pool. This was Jack's (aka Fat Boy's) first "swimming" experience, and after a few initial cries (of joy, I'm sure) he calmed down and seemed to enjoy the water. My initial plan was to just throw him in and let his instincts take over (which is what we did with Bones and it worked just fine), but Carrie told me if I did that I'd be out of the running for the Mom of the Year award. Something about canines having different instincts than humans. And I've been coveting that gold-plated mini mini-van MOY trophy since the day Jack was born. It now sits atop Carrie's mantle.

Mentioning Bones/Jack made me think of another recent story that I'll share with you. I took Bones in for her yearly checkup a month or so ago. When the vet asked me how everything was going, I told her that we had a new baby in the house that Bones was having to adjust to. The vet said, "Oh, really? What kind?" I paused for quite some time, wondering what the appropriate response would be. Was it "Caucasian"? "Male"? "Homo Sapien"? She really stumped me. I finally came up with "A seven-weeker", figuring that to be safe and generic. Only then did I realize that the vet thought that when I said "baby" I meant a new pet.

No offense, Bones, but you're my "dog".

Anyway, I digress from the swimming story. A good time was had by all and a good nap was had by Jack when we got home.

One at a time, ladies. One at a time.

Honey, I really think he likes it!

Anyone wanna shoot some hoops?

Enjoying his new toy from Grams

Milestones...

Hair-pulling; Standing (practically unaided); Gazing (at something)

Visit with G&G Becker

Had a great visit with G&G B this past weekend, filled with good food, leisurely strolls, and competitive card games. Jack also had some major breakthroughs--sleeping through the night (you read that correctly: SLEEPING THROUGH THE NIGHT) and laughing (to the point of gasping). I can't think of anything better than listening to your baby laughing.

We once again had the realization that Jack lives too far away from his grandparents.

you must be at least THIS TALL to ride this crazy contraption

Look at those little feet...(they are actually touching the ground, in case you're wondering). This is one of those "Jumperoos", where the bear lights up and plays music when the enclosed party jumps. Jack was unsure of this piece of machinery at first, but loved it the second time around. It's a little big (can you tell?), so I put a couple blankets behind him. Problem solved. It is quite fun, I can tell you first-hand. I got into my skinny jeans and took it for a spin while Jack was napping.

Touchdown While Napping

Jack and Auntie Kimmy

Staring Contest

At 10-weeks old, he's got the neck muscles of at least a 12-weeker

Jack Does Nashville

Jack and I just got back from visiting Uncle Brian, Aunt Kimmy and Cousin John in Nashville. Had a great time. Johnny (2 yrs old in September) was really good with Jack, saying "baby" a lot as he pointed at him. (Jack--2 months old--would say "There's my cousin John, it's so very nice to finally meet you" as he pointed at John. But why make comparisons?) The only downside of the trip, as you may notice from the lack of pictures, was not enough time spent with Kimmy (who was off interviewing for some high-powered university job for a couple of the days). Luckily she had enough time to give me a pedicure, however.

I hadn't seen Johnny since Christmas and he has changed immensely. He's such a sweet, sensitive, smart little boy. And he laughs A LOT. Nice work, B&K.

Had some delicious home-cooked meals, took some great walks around the park, drank a lot of wine, ate a lot of brownies. All in all, a fabulous trip.

What Up, Cuz?

These two cousins get to meet for the first time today. I wonder if Johnny will think he's looking at an image of himself a year and a half ago...

Oh, For Pete's Sake!

Two Months Old

Happy 2-Month Birthday, Little Man.
xxooooxxxxxxxxoooooooooooo

Visit with G&G P

Having a great time with Gramma and Grampa P. As you can tell by the pictures, Jack is not very comfortable around them, but I'm sure that with time everything will be okay. As usual, the "hands-on" Povondras are keeping busy. Ranny's even "stolen" the middle-of-the-night feedings from me. I can't wait till they leave so I can start cooking, cleaning, and getting up at 3am again.

Wish you all lived closer.

Bath Time Comes Early at the Povondra's

Well, yesterday was the first day in Jack's entire life that he did not poop. Each diaper change I felt like I was going into battle--about to step on a land mine, if you will. This morning as he was swaying happily in his swing, I noticed a curious aroma. As I lifted him up, I noticed something seeping through his onesie.

We are talking EXPLOSION. And STINKY.

Needless to say, 6-10 wipes didn't even touch the surface, so Jack got an early bath. Afterwards, as he was on the changing table and I was getting ready to dress him, I asked him if he felt better. He smiled (I'm not kidding). Then I returned him, 5 ounces lighter, to his swing.

I decided not to post a picture of this incident.

Peaceful

This has been Jack's sleeping position the past few nights, due to post-nasal drip. He's had some congestion with a few sneezes and coughs thrown in. This is most likely courtesy of his mama, who has self-diagnosed acute bronchitis (I don't need to shell out a $25 co-pay to know what a hacking cough with a yellow mucusy discharge and labored breathing means). Fortunately Jack has been fever-free, breathing fine, and eating like a champ. He goes in for his 2-month check-up on Thursday, so hopefully all will be normal by then.

Things I've missed the most since the onset of my bronchial disease:
1) Kissing THAT FACE AND THOSE LIPS (see photo above)
2) Breathing
3) Sleeping in a position with my head at an angle of less than 60 degrees
4) Walking Bones
(I would add "eating" to that list, but in true Becker form, that has not been a problem)

Tonight we welcome G&G Povondra into our loving home, aka a "cess-pool of germs."

Smiles for Todd, who's been like a father to Jack

Saying Grace During Dinner