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:

No explanation needed

Lest you think I never wear clothes, I want it noted for the record that my outfit is neatly laid out by my mother. Mom works in the mornings, so Dad dresses me. This photo is evidence that she clearly doesn't trust him to pick out my outfit on his own. I must remember to thank her for this once I'm able to talk!