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!

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!

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!