Christmas pics!

Some highlights of my first Christmas- My Aunt Sherri even came to see me open my presents!

























I had a nice time, and could really get used to this "gift" thing.   An endless supply of new things to put in my mouth.   Thank you to everyone who sent me things, and thought of me this Christmas!

Santa Baby

I mentioned the other day that Mom took me to see Santa Claus.  There was a lot of hemming and hawwing about taking me in the first place, with both parents being appropriately appalled that it cost $35 for a picture with Santa.   As they should be!!   Turns out, you can sit on Santa's lap for free, but if you want photo documentation, you better be able to pony up some cash.   Want to take your own snapshot?  Not allowed.  You'll just have to replay the precious moment in your mind for years to come.

Before we get into the whole commercialization-of-Christmas, blah blah blah, look how perfectly bored and unimpressed I am by Mr. Mall Santa.   He was a nice man, to be sure.   But the reality was, I had just had two shots in the leg, and a photoshoot at Sears.   He would have had to jump through flaming hoops of fire to get a reaction out of me.

9 month checkup!

Please forgive my mother for not protecting my modesty better. She just thinks my chunky legs are soooo cute, and she wants everyone to see them.   I'm also shown here with a random piece of plastic corn, which has been my go-to toy these days.  There's something about those bumps that feels good on the gums!

Speaking of gums, Mom asked the doctor about me not having any teeth yet, and he took a quick look in my mouth.   Turns out, I am getting ready to cut teeth, and it's my two top ones!   He said that it was almost unheard of to cut top teeth first, and that he'd only seen it once or twice since he had been in practice!  I like to keep people on their toes..  I am currently 21 pounds, and perfectly average on the growth charts.

After my doctor appointment, I had a date with the picture lady at Sears.   I did pretty well, considering that I'd just had two shots, and was nursing a sore thigh.  Then again, these thighs have plenty of padding, and I recovered my composure quickly.   Mom rewarded me with a trip to see Santa Claus at the mall.   She got her photo-op, and I got to tell the big guy what I wanted to see under the tree.    I'm sure those pictures will surface in a later blog post!

Such a tired boy.    I had such a busy afternoon with my Mom, that I did a crash and burn on Dad's lap when we got home.   Dad's lap really is my favorite place to nap!  

Security Breach

I must commend my Dad on his unparalleled concern for my safety.   This "Blankie Seatbelt" is one of those ideas that might have been good in theory, but my wiggle ability was clearly underestimated.    Maybe that ottoman in front was to serve as a fail-safe, should I escape?   Fortunately, Mom saw my substandard restraint, and insisted on direct parental supervision.   Perhaps this is why we are issued mothers?  True, Dad is more fun, but Mom's snuggles are what are unparalleled around here...

Wish List

This Christmas, maybe I could get some tools like Daddy? 

Dad says we only buy quality tools, and this one passed the taste test!!    I don't know who this "Walt" guy is, but he makes a nice drill...

1st Christmas Tree

Someone explain to me the need to bring the great outdoors inside the house?    I don't know why they do it, but it sure does smell good!   Here are a couple shots of me and my folks picking out the perfect tree:

Yes, that's a Pink Floyd shirt I'm wearing, and no, I'm not wearing shoes.   It was a balmy 68 degrees the night we went tree shopping (I LOVE North Carolina!), and in my humble opinion, the fleece jacket was sorta overkill. 

Baby needs a new pair of shoes!

Look who's wearing shoes like a big boy?  Yep, it's me!

I promptly kick them off the minute I'm unattended, but a free spirit like me was never meant to wear shoes.  That's for people whose feet touch the ground, and mine never do. 

I've had an exciting and unconventional couple of weeks, with my mom having some surgery.   I've been doted on by TWO grandmas, and even Dad and I had a whole week together!  I spent a few days on the farm at Grandma Barnes's house, and my Grammy Huffman came from Texas to see me.  I charmed the pants off of them, and did my best to show them all my best tricks.   I can sit up like a big boy, and I can even stand if someone promises to catch me:

I can also pick up snacks with my fingers.  This is a skill I've mastered in the last week or so.  Before, I had to rely on my fingers being sticky enough to attract these little puffy snacks, but not anymore.  I like to reach and grab, and throw anything on the floor that is within my ample reach.

 

I'm also really looking forward to Christmas, and this mysterious "Santa Claus" that is supposed to come see me.   I've got a few things I'd like see under the tree, so hopefully Mom can get me in front of the bearded man himself so I can place my order.  I hear he's making an appearance at the ward party next week, so hopefully that's my chance!

Some of my new likes:

1. Being upside down

2. Phantom of the Opera

3. NOT sleeping through the night anymore

4. My puppy

5.Turning around in my crib, so I'm out of camera view

6. Playing in my room for looonnnng stretches.   Attended, of course.

And Mom's personal favorite: 

Only doing a #2 if she's just changed me.  Just keeping her on her toes!

8 Months!

Instead of "8 Months" this post should be called "Hiatus!" I wish to acknowledge the unacceptable amount of time that my musings have been offline. Mom lost her camera cord, so in addition to not being able to offload my snaps, she couldn't charge the camera that died a slow and painful cord-free death. Amazon to the rescue! The camera is back online, and so am I!

So a quick 8 month update:
1. I'm sitting up pretty well now. I'm still a little topheavy, but I'm sorta getting it.
2. Rolling over like a champ!
3. I like to sleep face-first in my crib, with my knees tucked under me, and my booty in the air.
4. I've learned that I can yell when something doesn't happen quick enough for me.
5. I like to laugh. A lot. And Dad is still the funniest one to me..
6. I like to ride in the shopping cart like a big boy. I'm offended that Mom makes me wear the seatbelt, but I'm trying to humor her.
7. No teeth. Not even a hint of one.
8. I've discovered the joy of my exercise jumper. So many fun things to do really help override my fear that I've just been abandoned.
9. I can't quite pick up things with my fingers, but a fist works just as well.  See below.

A lot of you have been asking about Halloween.   Mom wanted to dress me up as a Lobster, and put me in her big pot, but dad was against the $45 costume price tag.  Mom said Ebay? and Dad said No Way.  In the end, Dad was out of town, and didn't make it back in time for Trunk 'R Treat, and we ended up staying home.   It was a bitter cold and rainy night, so Mom opted to keep me in.   So there you have it.  My first Halloween, and I wasn't anything but home and playin' with a pumpkin.

I'm all about big boy food now, and I'm getting the hang of feeding myself snacks.  Most of them end up on the floor, which the dog enjoys immensely.  He says I'm the best thing to ever happen to him...  

Heritage Days

So last Saturday I got my pictures taken. As a reward, Mom and Dad took me to Heritage Days at Oak View Park. There were lots of animals to see and pet. (e-coli anyone?) I think Mom lost a bet or something, because she had to kiss this pig:

I like to call this one "Mama and the Llama"...

Lest you think Mom had all the fun, here's one of me with Boyd, the excessively large goat:


Fun times for everyone!!!! Parents, let's keep this spirit of adventure up.. I hear that Lego-fest is coming to the convention center next weekend- I believe that I'd like to try that next...

Oui? Oui?

Iz zis a bib?   Or iz zis a jaunty beret?   You be ze judge!

Holding out on me?

I feel duped. For six months, I've seen these blue cups come into the house. An obscene number, really. I wasn't aware that beverages came in any other color than white, but I gave you the benefit of the doubt. Now you mean to tell me I've been drinking milk like a baby, while you partake in carbonated deliciousness? I anxiously await my initiation into this prestigious club.

Jack

Dear Jack,
I hate to break it to you, but you ARE a baby, and you will not be partaking in these "adult" beverages any time soon. In fact, there needs to be far fewer of these cups in ALL of our futures. *sigh*
Love, Mom

Management...

Dear Tenants,

The current facilities have been found lacking, and I've decided to personally supervise a commode replacement in your downstairs powder room.  The sound of the one lady (Mom)  flushing over and over without success is becoming somewhat of a nuisance.  The sanitized cursing and thinly veiled threats against the previous commode are also unacceptable.   We will all miss the confused and embarrassed looks of visiting house guests, but their comfort must override our need for entertainment.  Please stay tuned for information regarding future improvements, which I am all too happy to oversee.

Signed, The Management (Jack)

Families Can Be Together Forever!

On Friday, September 16th, I was sealed to my parents in the Raleigh, NC temple. My mom says I was a really good boy, and made her very proud.



What she doesn't know is that I was a real stinker in the waiting room with my Aunt Sherri and Grandma Huffman. The apple juice bribe aside, I don't appreciate being wrestled into a stuffy collared shirt, and the atrocious sweater vest that followed. Gimme a onesie any old day.



Lots of my favorite people were there, and I had the rare opportunity to have my own Grandpa seal me to my parents. The pretty chandeliers held my attention nicely, while my parents held my hand. Being a forever family with them sounds right up my alley. Count me in!

Bastrop Fire 2011

As of last Sunday, Texas was currently in the middle of the worst drought in 100 years. 80+ days of 100 degree or above temperatures. -And my parents live in the middle of a pine forest, rendered a veritable tinderbox by the drought. Concern for fire was high, and Sunday the inevitable happened. Several miles south of my parents home, a fire ignited- sparking a firestorm that would ultimately become 24 miles long, and 20 miles wide. A fire so large, you could see it from space. (picture below) Mom and Dad heard a knock on the door- a fireman asking them to leave immediately. Not soon. Not eventually. Right now. Mom grabbed her dog Woody, and her laptop. They left without clothes, medicine, or any essentials. Certainly no photo albums, nor keepsakes.. They gathered in the parking lot of a store, in a safe area of town, along with other members of their ward. As the night dragged on, families split off to go stay with relatives, or find lodging somewhere safe. Not until next day dawned, did anyone comprehend the size and scope of how large this fire had become. My parents drove about 20 miles north to stay with my sister Catherine, and have been there ever since. News reporting was spotty, to say the least, and the information that was reaching people was vague and upsetting. "Fire is 0% contained" is something that makes your stomach sink. As the days dragged on, my parents and the rest of us came to grips with the fact that the house was no longer there. Eyewitness reports from anywhere close to their area said that "there's nothing left." Below is a photo taken from a hard-hit area near my parents subdivision: People are so anxious to return, and I'm not sure there's anything that could prepare you for a sight like the one above. The beautiful pine trees that the residents cherish in this area are utterly destroyed.

As people waited desperately for information, a Facebook phenomenon happened. Several pages dedicated to sharing information were formed out of necessity. A person here and a person there knew someone in a position of authority that would be willing to check on a certain house. This trickle of information started on Facebook, and a few good firefighters and authorities took their own time to canvas neighborhoods to report on the few structures still standing. Thousands of people joined these pages, and my brother and sister and I became (almost obsessively) involved in getting this information cross-posted and shared with residents. We became acquainted with so many neighbors and friends, and formed a tight-knit community dedicated to taking care of and supporting each other. I personally pored over list after list trying to help residents determine if their home was still standing. I'm sad and sick that I was the one to share devastating news with so many people- not just on my parents street, but in the several neighborhoods surrounding them. To date, over 1600 homes have burned. The worst loss in Texas history. More incredible to me is that this fire was only national news for the first two days. The suffering and needs of these families are great, and it's now a struggle to find anything but local Austin news coverage of it.

Finally, Tuesday night a miracle happened. The bishop was able to gain access with law enforcement and check on my parents house. You've never heard such sweet words as "it's still there!" The real miracle is trying to comprehend how a fire 20 miles wide parted like the Red Sea, and spared a single house. The neighboring houses are all gone. Before I show you a picture of the house, let me show you their street- you may see trees in the photos, but the homes and structures underneath are all burned out:

How is it possible that this house survived?

It wasn't without damage, but it's still standing. And that's an answer to many many anguished prayers. The workshop is gone, as are the sailboat and camper. Basically, anything that was on the property that wasn't the house itself is gone. There will be a lot of work to do on the house itself, but structurally it's still sound.


Residents still are not allowed access, and the power to this poor little house isn't scheduled to be back on for another 3 weeks. I see a new refrigerator in Mom's future! I'm glad I won't be the one cleaning that out....

Ultimately, this has been a week of many emotions. I've been devastated, worried, and sick to my stomach. Since helping others with the information effort, I've felt compassion and pity. In trying to wrap my brain around the sheer miracle and blessing of it all, I've been overcome with gratitude and humility. Not to mention, sheer relief and elation! Also, a renewed resolve to put my own affairs in order, so that my own little family will be better prepared in an emergency situation.

As a side note, it's tempting to think that maybe my parents were spared because of great faith, or the power of prayer. And while this could possibly be true in their case, most of the families in their ward were not so lucky. Sadly, a very large percentage lost their homes. Adversity and trials come to us all, and I'll be grateful if I never have to see such a trial as losing everything.

Thank you to everyone who hung in there with our family, and prayed so fervently for a good outcome. What tremendous and wondrous blessings our family has experienced this week! (I'm exhausted!)

Elisa

Six Months Old!

Want to know who is 6 months old today? ---> THIS GUY <---

Some fun facts:
1. I suck on my washcloth in the tub, and scream when mom takes it away
2. I'm Daddy's little buddy, and the apple of Mom's eye. They love me!
3. I like to snuggle in the morning before everyone starts getting ready.
4. If it's smaller than my fist, I'm going to put it in my mouth.
5. Drool. Constantly. See photo above. Bibs are my new accessory.
6. Awkwardly in between 6 month and 9 month sizes.
7. Peek a Boo is this hysterical game that only works for Dad. Mom, not so funny.
8. I'm a happy boy, and not much gets me crabby. I'm a delightful child!

My family is coming out for my blessing and sealing next week. I just cant wait to see everyone!

Six months old!

Want to know who is Six months old today??? -----> THIS GUY <-----
Some fun facts:
1. I suck on my washcloth in the tub, and scream when mom takes it away
2. I'm Daddy's little buddy, and the apple of Mom's eye. They love me!
3. I like to snuggle in the morning before everyone starts getting ready.
4. If it's smaller than my fist, I'm going to put it in my mouth.
5. Drool. Constantly. See photo above. Bibs are my new accessory.
6. Awkwardly in between 6 month and 9 month sizes.
7. Peek a Boo is this hysterical game that only works for Dad. Mom, not so funny.
8. I'm a happy boy, and not much gets me crabby. I'm a delightful child!

My family is coming out for my blessing and sealing next week. I just cant wait to see everyone!

Boys will be boys

Thanks Dad, for taking me on a pretty informative and entertaining outing to Dick's Sporting goods. I've made a few selections, but I'm a little short on cash right now. Do you mind fronting me a couple bucks? Thanks. Just think of it as an investment in your future outdoors buddy!

Disasters!

So... I've had my first earthquake and my first hurricane all in one week! If you count the tornado in April, that's like a disaster trifecta! You have to be hardy to live 'round these parts!

(completely unrelated, but this is me and my Aunt Lynnette at my cousin Ryan's soccer game last week)

Dear Mom

Dear Mom,

Today is your Birthday, and I wanted to make you something sweet and special. How about an Oreo cookie pie? I love you very much, and am glad you are my Mom. I think you're pretty cool, and you make things around here very nice for me and Dad. Happy Birthday!

Love, Jack

PS, I would like a little piece of the Oreo pie, if it isn't too much trouble. Thanks.

*********************************************

Dear Jack,

I want you to know that this is the best Birthday of my whole life, and it's because you are finally here! Who could ask for a better present than a sweet baby boy to love? You are my pride and joy, and I look forward to all the wonderful years ahead with you and Daddy. We are going to have some fabulous adventures together! Thank you for the sweet Birthday wishes...

Love, Mom

PS, Sadly, the taste of Oreo pie might have to wait until next year.

Saturday Canning

Pickles and Dilly Beans! My mom is on some bizarre quest to recreate the Dilly Beans of her childhood, so I'm helping her in her less-than-skilled effort. Who could discourage that kind of enthusiasm? Not me. And yes, that IS a green bean tucked behind my ear... You never know when a green bean might come in handy.

Milestones

August 17th was a pretty big day for my family, and I'm not even exaggerating!

First: It was my parent's 9th anniversary. Whoopee! This meant a night of fun shenanigans at my cousin Olivia's house, and staying up past my bedtime!

Second: I graduated to big boy jammies last night! No more swaddling- that's for babies.. Finally I can stretch and lounge unrestricted! No more embarrassing sleep-sack for me, thanks...

Third, and most important: My adoption is final!!! The fine state of NC has deemed me a worthy resident ( and future taxpayer?), and welcomed me with open arms. Mom got all teary-eyed, just like a girl. But then again, I like that about her.



Love, Jack

Five Months

Monday, I officially turned 5 months old! That's 150 days of pure parental bliss, as far as my parents are concerned. Some things I like to do:
- sit in my big boy chair on the kitchen counter and help make dinner
- lay on a blanket in my room and watch mom play with my toys
- scream bloody murder during tummy time
- kick around in the bathtub, and then fall asleep in the water
- laugh when dad tries to "eat" my belly
- go without my clothes
- eat cereal like it's my last meal on earth
- eat squash and peas, but turn my nose up at applesauce
- lay in my crib early in the morning and talk to myself
- smile constantly

In case you don't know what an impact I've had on this household, let me run the numbers by you:
- I've gone through approximately 1050 diapers
- I drink my way through one large canister of Enfamil a week
- Bottles: At ten a day, I've had about 1500 bottles. Now, Dr. Browns bottles are no joke- There are six different pieces to wash (including the cap), so that's approximately 9000 separate pieces to be painstakingly washed. ( Or in Dad's case, quickly rinsed). Never fear, I'm slowing down on the bottles, so my parents will get a well deserved break. They say that you love the ones you serve, so my parents must love me more than anything!

Mmmm

Mmmmm might be overstating it a bit. Mom bought me these rice banana cookies, which sounds all fun and adventurous- until you have the misfortune of biting into one. Ethically, I'm not sure how they get away with calling them cookies. I've had packing peanuts that were tastier. Props to mom for taking a bite of one to see what exactly it was that she was feeding me. The look on her face suggested that she was about as impressed as I was. I'm holding out for Cheetos next time!

Whoa

That look on my face? I just found out how old my Dad is! (Don't worry Dad, your secret is safe with me!) 

Target Practice

In all fairness to my Dad, my mouth IS a moving target. Mom has mastered my bobbing and weaving ways, but Dad is still very much a rookie. The proof: