Happy Half Birthday, Buddy

Dear Jack: Wow. Six months old. I can't believe you're one half of one year old. Everyone always says "they grow up so fast" and they're right. When I look at your newborn pictures, I hardly recognize you. And when I lift you up after your bath when you're all wrapped up in your towel, I'm amazed at how long you are. And how heavy you are. You've changed quite a bit this month. Of course in the obvious ways--you're much more alert, you smile ALL the time, you can roll over (both ways now), and you can basically sit up on your own. But there's just something else about you that I can't quite put into words. You're just OLDER. And the more I get to know you, the more I like you. One thing you can work on, though, is getting back on track with the sleeping thing. I understand you were sick for a week and then experienced your first Daylight Savings, but enough is enough. Let's get back to sleeping through the night. That was more fun.

You're six months old today and my heart is six times bigger because of you. Keep doing what you're doing; you're heading in the right direction. Towards perfection.
I love you, Little Man.
Moms

Feeling a Little Left Out

Bones--who we generally have to bribe into the back of the car--was feeling a bit jealous of all the attention Jack was getting this weekend. As Todd, Ranny, Herb, Jack and I were getting ready for an outing, Bones ran out of the house and jumped into the driver's seat. And then she gave us this look.

G&G P Visit

Jack. O'Lantern.

Random Acts of Cuteness

Sitting up (practically) unaided...imagine the pillow is not even there...

Boys Gone Wild*

*Todd wanted me to make it clear to everyone that he is not, in fact, naked in this picture. Just topless.
*Also, that is not a "bald" spot, it is his "scalp".

Stripes

Dressed for Fall, Mouth Sores and All

Cereal: Before and After

What?

My Heart Has Officially Melted

Today when I picked Jack up at daycare he was sitting on Ronda's lap (one of his teachers), facing away from the door. When I walked around and he saw me, he reached out for me. First time.

Better than warm chocolate chip cookies. With ice cream. And hot fudge.

My Most Favoritest Picture Ever

Proof that Jack Rolls Over

Smiling for the Camera

Chillin in Parker's Sweet Ride

Jack and Georgia being pushed around by a 2-year-old

5/12 (=.42) of a Year Old

Happy 5 Months, Jack! I chose this picture because this is your most favorite activity these days. It's gotten to the point where your dad and I can put you in it, go out to dinner, come back, and you're still having fun. You've discovered all the toys on it and like to stare at the animals. We've seen a lot of changes in you this past month...you just seem bigger every day. You drool a lot (over my beauty, I imagine) and like to suck on whatever is at arm's reach. You blow raspberries, smile, and laugh. I still am shocked every time I check on you in your crib after you've been asleep (which is several times, by the way, due to my paranoia). I can't believe you're my Little Man.
xoxo
Moms

Pondering the Husker Defense

Mom of the Year 2006 Presents: The "Go-To" Toy for Busy Moms

Here I am, ladies.

Where did these things come from?

Post-Rollover

Jack has mastered the art of rolling from his back to his stomach. Can't quite go the other way yet. These things take time.

Swimming in a sea of toys

Big Day at the Povondra's

Jack rolled over yesterday for the first time. Todd and I were both witness to this monumental event: There he was on his back...then next thing we knew he was on his stomach. And he wasn't happy about it--he started crying as soon as his little face was smashed into the carpet. Todd and I, however, were high-fiving and calling the folks.

Nashville with the Beckers

Jack & John

Little Old Man Johnny, Pondering Life

I'm in an airplane?? What?!?

Jack and His Bodyguard

Huckleberry Jack

The Joy of the Inanimate Object

Jack's concerned that his dad is lactating

Hunk-a Hunk-a Burnin' Jack: Four Months Old Today

Happy 4 Months, Little Man. You're changing so much every day. It's so fun getting you out of your crib every morning. You're so happy, your mouth is so wide, you're about ready to jump out. The other morning you were at a 90-degree angle from where I put you the night before. You're smiling constantly, and talking a bunch. You have the sweetest voice I've ever heard (comparable to Norah Jones, but in a masculine-infant sort of way). You are about to roll over any day now. You LOVE jumping in the Jumperoo and when you see yourself standing in the mirror, you about buckle over with ecstatic joy.
I look forward to each new day with you, and I love you THIIIIIIISSSSSS MUCH. (and a little more even).
-Moms

Good Times with the Grandfolks

The picture above was taken in the one 30-second time-slot this past weekend that Ranny wasn't holding Jack. (Notice, however, she's still got her hand on him.) He's irresistable, I understand completely.

Onesies-Schmonsies: First Day at New Daycare = Big Boy Outfit

Well, today Jack started at his new daycare. Strange to start on a Friday, but it is September 1st. So basically, it's a fiscal thing...

His last daycare was "okay", but I felt there were too many babies and that he was not getting enough lovin. Every day when I picked him up he was in some contraption (swing, bouncy seat, lawn-mower, etc.) He did fine, though, and one of the "gals" told me the other day (and I quote), "We'll be sorry to see Jack go. He's one of our best. (pause) Actually, he is our best." I know, Linda, I know.

To get back to my story, a few weeks back a spot opened up at another daycare. This one is just for teachers and they follow the teachers' schedule. Oh, one other thing. It's THREE HUNDRED DOLLARS A MONTH CHEAPER. Again, a fiscal matter, yet one we could not overlook. Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't throw my son into any old daycare just because it's cheaper. As a matter of fact, I thought I'd check it out, then most likely keep him where he was. HOWEVER, when I visited it, I LOVED IT. (I have a student's mom that uses all-caps a lot in her emails to me and IT DRIVES ME NUTS, but I feel they are warranted here.) Anywho, I really felt great about the women that work there and the environment itself. It's "family-style", so the babies are in the same room with the toddlers. To all you nay-sayers that think that's unwise, I like the idea. I think the little ones like to be around the older ones and watch all the cool things they do (like walk and stuff).

When I picked Jack up today, both his new "gals" raved about him. Told me about how smily he is. And what a good baby.

Tell me something I don't know, ladies. Tell me something I don't know.

Jack & Moms