Jack and Jake

Last night Jack finally got to meet Jake. The meeting was supposed to take place a few weeks ago, but Jake got sick and Jack ended up spending that weekend in Children's Hospital with Scarlet Fever (sounds a lot worse than it actually was). So, last night they were both healthy and ready to meet each other. 
Jake is 8 months old. Jack watched Jake as he played with a spoon, ate his squash in his highchair, and played with a bright red ball sitting up. Jack didn't know quite what to think. Tom and I enjoyed watching Jake and knowing that it wouldn't be long before Jack was doing many of the same things.
It was also fun for us parents to share stories of parenthood. I was struck several times by how Ryan and Tom have grown up. It doesn't seem all that long ago that they were running around in flip flops playing wiffleball on the lawn of Tekes.  Both are such loving fathers and it was fun for me to watch them interact with their sons.

       

Snowed In

According to the calendar, spring is here, but it seems Mother Nature has her own plans. It has been snowing most of the day today. We have about an inch or so that has accumulated on our lawn and it is still coming down hard. As a result of the weather, Jack and I have been hanging out at home today.  We've had lots of tummy time (I've got pictures this time) and even a nap in the crib (finally!). We ventured out briefly to get food for Monty. Jack liked watching the snowflakes. It didn't last for long, though, and soon he was fast asleep.

      

 

Head's Up!

As part of his daily exercises, Jack has tummy time. He is getting so much stronger and is now able to hold his head up for about 30 seconds when he is on his stomach. This is no silent feat; there is a lot of grunting and cooing as he does it!  Dad is very excited with Jack's progress, as it means that he is a little closer to being able to be in the backpack. Dad is anxious to hit the trails with Jack!

We're working on rolling over. If he is put on his side, Jack can either roll onto his stomach or his back, depending on what he feels like!  Whenever he does it, he looks a little confused. He hasn't quite figured out what is going on. :)

Just this past week, he began swatting at toys on his play mat. If given a toy, Jack will immediately put it to his mouth. It is so much fun to watch his fascination with what his hands can do!

Life is much simpler these days and these are the kinds of joys that fill our hours. We wouldn't trade them for anything.

Easter

We introduced Jack to Jack on Easter weekend.  Grandfather Jack (as he refers to himself) was certainly excited to meet his great grandson.  We enjoyed visiting at grandma and grandpa's house.  Baby Jack loved the shag carpet and hanging out in the "pit".  His big brother, Monty, loved the shag carpet too, which he enjoyed for the first time.  Monty also loves the golf course, of course.  We had dinner together on Saturday night at the house, and Grandpa said that he liked that very much.  On Sunday, we went to Easter service at the Church.  We didn't need to use the cry room.  Easter brunch at the Country ("Company") Club was great.  Most of us went back for seconds of the eggnog french toast and creme brule.  We watched the kids compete in the egg hunt, and we looked forward to next year when Jack will likely be out there too.

   

One Busy Boy

Today my  Grandma Boisen came to visit me. She and I hung out while my mom got her hair cut. Boy, does she look different!  Then I helped my mom pick out some flowers to plant in our front yard so that it smells really nice when people come to visit me.   When we got home, I got to open my very first Easter basket. It was actually an Easter bucket filled with lots of treats. I thought that the sound of the cellophane paper was pretty cool. When Dad got home, we went to visit my friends, Emma and Mia Lund. I look giant compared to them!  I was really good and didn't cry, so that my mom could hold Emma. It won't be long before we can all play together!  Guess I had better sign off before I drool all over the keyboard!Jack

Jack O'Rodda

Today is my very first St. Patrick's Day. My grandparents gave me a cute onesie and some shamrock socks to wear. I like wearing them and haven't even spit up on my shirt!  Mom took me to visit her school today. There were so many people who wanted to see me. I got a little overwhelmed and really let them know I was unhappy with my uncontrollable screaming.