Daily photos of the cutest baby boy ever!
After our very busy week, we enjoyed a low key day at home. Jack played with his toys, napped, and ate his avocado. He seemed a bit put off that he didn't get to have any more cantaloupe, but we will be fixing that tomorrow with a trip to the grocery store. Also on our grocery list: veggies. I plan to let him try a sweet potato next. That should make for some fun pictures!
Today we went to Aunt Jeannette's house and saw lots and lots of family. Cassady got to swim for the first time this summer, and Jack had the pleasure of swinging with Grandma Colette. He was quite fussy and only his Grandma could get him to go to sleep :)
We just got home from Cousin Alicia's house, where we visited with lots of family. Jack was loved on and spoiled with all kinds of attention. He even got to meet Aunt Nicki for the first time. He seemed to have trouble deciding which relative is his favorite. As you can see, he gave it a lot of thought. He decided it's a tie between anyone who thinks he's cute. So, basically...everyone :)
Jack is officially sitting up on his own. He has been working at this for a few days now, and today has mastered the skill. Granted, his balance is only good for about 30 seconds, but we are working on improving that. I think he prefers his bumbo to sitting up on his own, because it's a lot less work. We may have to have a chat about his work ethic (or lack thereof!).
What an exhausting day! Jack spent the morning in extreme grump mode.The crankiness ended only with a giant diaper explosion. We don't normally discuss these kinds of things here, dear reader, but I want to tell you that I literally cut his outfit off because he made such a mess. It just wasn't worth saving the onesie. Once all that was over, he was cheerful. Which was a good thing, because we had lots of company today. After flirting up a storm with Lia and visiting with Grandma Colette, Jack took a power nap. Poor baby was so worn out that he passed out in the Johnny Jump Up. He's getting so good at providing me with impromptu photo ops :)
Jack has been quite the conversationalist today, using all sorts of super cute noises. He has recently discovered the power of making little scream-like sounds. Sometimes the noises will startle him, and he will look around to discover where the sound came from. Most of the time, though, I think his noises are designed to get attention from Mommy. His plan is brilliant, in that it always works :)
Cassady has officially made it through fourth grade. To help celebrate, Jack decided to do a little light reading. He is apparently a mathlete, since he tried to kick the book over. Luckily he was able to finish a few chapters before the book was forced to topple due to his brute strength. Schoolhouse Rock was right - knowledge IS power!
Congratulations, Sweetie!! We are so proud of you :)
After yesterday's foray into the wonderful world of "solid" food, I have kept a close eye on Jack today. I wanted to make sure he didn't have any adverse reactions to the squash. I am very pleased to report that his system seems to be handling the new food just fine. He was his usual cheerful self all day today. He even took 3 naps...hooray!
Jack adores his big sister. We are excited that Cassady's last day of school is this Friday - that means she will be home with us for the summer! We will be doing lots of fun stuff over the next few months. On our summer list: taking Jack to the pool, the summer reading program at the library, our vacation, walks to the park, and lots more. So many photo ops ahead!
Jack has developed a strong affinity for a certain stuffed animal, pictured here. I suspect that part of his affection for said bear is that it makes a tasty, albeit furry, chew toy. Everything and anything goes into his mouth these days. His especial favorites include: Mommy or Daddy's index finger, Sophie, blankies, and his own little hands. What does he not like in his mouth? Solid food. This boy is not going to eat "people food" without a fight. I'm thinking that in the next few weeks, we are going to try an avocado. Daddy loves them - perhaps it will be genetic?
Jack loves playtime. So much so, that he is even willing to put up with me placing him on his stomach for that pesky "tummy time". Most of the time, he will just flip himself back over and smirk at me. Sometimes he becomes so very agitated that he refuses to continue playing. He has this yoga-esque move he does on his tummy - he lifts his torso and legs off the ground and will balance on his toes and elbows. It's dangerously close to crawling, since it scooches him forward. We are not ready for crawling and the freedom it allows quite yet...but apparently Jack has his own agenda. Imagine that!
As soon as Daddy gets home, Jack expects immediate attention. There are consequences (read: crying and general sadness/despair) if this does not occur quickly. Another indication of who's really in charge? Bill will say "I'm the boss!" to Jack - he laughs hysterically. Even at 5 months (and 2 days), Jack has it all figured out.
We are on it today! Jack had his two naps, a bath, and lots of playtime. Mommy cleaned and put away laundry. This is us being smug (well, Jack anyway) because we handled our business today. Shall we try for two days in a row?
In Jack's new game, it is very important to be holding as many toys as possible. It is equally important to be laying on your back, or sitting in your bumbo. If placed on your tummy, immediately roll over (this is the *only* reason to roll, by the way). Once in the proper position, grab for as much as you can hold. Cry if you can not get what you want. (That last one can go for any situation, anytime. Because it works.)
Here is a rare sight: Jack in his crib! I spent the morning cleaning and finally managed to find a home for the odds and ends that had previously found their way into the crib. To be honest, he still hasn't actually slept in it (baby steps!), but we are making progress here, right?
A special Mother's Day treat: an actual family photo! We went out for lunch with Cassady's dad (it's just not a holiday if we don't spend it with him!), stopped by a graduation party, and visited Great Grandma Ruthie. Jack will sleep well tonight after such a busy day!
Never one to pass up a photo op, Jack turned on some serious charm after his bath today. We've discovered that he really likes the following words: baby, naughty, yuck (said with great emphasis), and eww gross! (also requires great emphasis). Any of these will produce a smile and possibly even a giggle or two. As I'm sure you can imagine, lovely reader, we use these words a LOT :)
We had so much fun at Cassady's school carnival! Jack charmed the ladies, Daddy played lots of games, and Cassady ran off with her friends to socialize. A good time was had by all. Except when it came to dinner time. Jack was eyeing my hot dog, so we let him hold it. As you can see, he was not impressed. Daddy was very relieved to find out that Jack is not into mystery meat!
We made a lot of cupcakes today to take to Cassady's school carnival tomorrow. As you can see, Jack was quite intrigued by the peanut butter treats. He had a lot of fun shaking the box of Reese's Pieces. He also really liked smashing his hands into the frosted cupcakes. Good thing those were our extras!
This could be a problem. The current time? 8:57 pm. Little Jack has been snoozing for the last three hours. Things are NOT looking good for us to get to bed at a reasonable hour tonight. I have already enlisted Daddy to pick up a soda. If you happen to be in the neighborhood, stop by with a caffeine laden beverage.
Jack and I went to a BBQ at Cassady's school today. Since Daddy was working & had the car, we walked over. It is only two blocks, but with all Jack's accessories it felt much farther away! He enjoyed being fussed over by all the 4th graders and it was a gorgeous day outside. We took a detour on our way home and he had a nice nap in his stroller. We may take advantage of the sedating power of the stroller more often now that the weather is so fabulous!
We have been getting caught up on laundry and even Jack pitched in to help. He had a great time matching (read: chewing on) the socks. I haven't decided which chore he will learn next...I am thinking either scrubbing the bathtub or vacuuming. He has to earn his keep!
Today we had the pleasure of visiting with Aunt Sharon, who is in town for a few days. We have been pretty low key the last few days, so apparently being sociable wore Jack out. Luckily, he did all his tricks prior to snoozing. His title of "cutest baby ever" (courtesy of Great Grandma Thompson) has been defended and still stands. Phew!
Jack loves to play with all his toys. He has discovered that rolling over is too much work, so he will scoot himself to wherever he wants to be. He also really likes holding onto things. Mostly so he can get them into his mouth. Sometimes maneuvering the toys into just the right spot takes a lot of concentration!
