Cute & Cuddly

Mr. Jack Ellis is developing quite the personality. He is outrageously flirty with almost everyone we meet. He really likes to turn the charm up to at least a 10. It's pretty irresistable, if I do say so myself!

Pool Boy

Jack took his first trip to the pool today. Unfortunately, there were a zillion kids there and the water was still a bit chilly, so he has yet to take his first dip. He had a great time sitting poolside (in the shade, of course) in his bumbo, playing with Sophie and watching all the kids running around. We ended up being there all afternoon and he loved it. We're planning to go back tomorrow - we'll get him in that pool yet!

Rock On

Jack has a new favorite spot to hang out - my rocking chair. He loves to sit in it with his toys and play. Sometimes he makes it rock back and forth a little, too. Another thing he suddenly loves? Fresh bananas. Yes, you read that correctly. I fed him half a banana this morning and he gobbled it right up. Since the banana was so successful, I decided to re-introduce oatmeal for dinner. And he ate that too! It was miraculous.

Stars & Stripes

Jack celebrated his first 4th of July today. Due to rainy weather, we didn't swim or see any fireworks. We kept it pretty low key, other than visiting friends. (Hi Brandan & Lia! Thanks for letting us visit today. It was fun to see you!) After socializing, we stopped at the grocery store to get appropriately patriotic ingredients for dinner. Jack wasn't interested in corn on the cob or potato salad...guess we'll save those treats for next year!

Hold My Calls, Please

Jack has developed an obsession with my cell phone. He will do just about anything to get to it. In fact, we have taken to setting it just outside his reach to encourage him to move. Most of the time he will lunge for it, although occasionally he will just look at it sadly and cry. Normally he likes to just hold it, but there are times that he starts chewing on it. I hope it doesn't get water damaged from all his teething drool!

Action!

Instead of the same old "trying a new food" post, here's an action shot! Jack is really into grabbing things now. Anything he can get his hands on, really. Most things do end up in his mouth, but sometimes he just likes to hold his latest capture. He also likes to slap and kick things. As he is a strapping young lad, this can be rather painful for non-inanimate objects. He's got a lot of hand-eye coordination, though. He almost has the pincer grasp down. Bring on the Cheerios!

Green Beans

We are moving along now, folks! Jack has now tried green beans - which he didn't completely dislike. Nothing can compare to the almighty avocado, but at least he didn't outright refuse them. We have one more veggie to try (sweet potatoes), then we are off to explore the amazing world of Stage 1 fruits. Pretty soon we may even eat a veggie and a fruit everyday - wow! Stay tuned for more thrilling updates from "As Jack's Palate Expands"!