Gingerbread house

I don't understand the appeal of putting perfectly good candy somewhere other than my mouth, but to each his own.   My Grandma Barnes and Aunt Lynnette helped me construct my gingerbread house.  Mom was documenting the progress.....

Time Out

Ok, so once in while I have a lapse in judgement.   This may or may not have been one of those times.    When that happens, I go to this place called "time out," and do my time like a man.    Mom had just finished explaining to me why pens were a bad idea for me, and I didn't want to hear it.   I took matters into my own hands.   (See below)

Ok, so I didn't take my punishment like a man here, but I was really upset.    ARTISTS ARE SO MISUNDERSTOOD.   I have to suffer for my craft.

Little People, Big Fun

Ok, so I might be a little obsessed with Little People right now.   Mom's coworker gave her this groovy bus that I can push all my LP's around in.   I'm pretty much in heaven.   I'm perplexed by their lack of legs, but I'm willing to overlook that manufacturing flaw in light of their cheerful cherubic faces.

Sick and Tired

I'm a healthy boy, so when I find myself under the weather it's an event around here.   I ran a fever for 5 days, and on day 3, Mom took me to the doctor.   Double ear infections was the verdict.   I don't love being sick, but I did love the snuggling and the yummy pink medicine.   With just a hint of bubble gum, it leaves a nice taste on the palate.  I'm a fan.

Big boy table

Everyone reaches a point in time where they require a proper place to conduct their business.   I'm not quite two yet, but a table and chairs is much appreciated.   How are my minions to take me seriously sitting in my lawn chair?   Dad did the work, and I took on a supervisory role.  I had to step in a few times, but good help is sooooo hard to find.

Bunch a Munchy Crunchy Carrots

You are all aware of my food issues.   Mom tends to overstate it, and I prefer to think of my tastes as "quirky."  This week, I'm all about some carrots.   The usefulness of teeth has finally sunk in perhaps?  Notice the irony of rolling down the candy aisle with a carrot in my hand.   Mom has a funny sense of humor.

State Fair!

Some highlights from my SECOND year going to the State Fair.   It's a family tradition, and this year I got to go with my friend Sam!  I'm three weeks older, and I don't mind showing him the ropes.  Mom tried to get me to try some cotton candy, and I wasn't really impressed.  I did eat one of those old-timey apples that the little man peeled on a spinner thing.   That was acceptable.  I really did enjoy the animals the best though. The policeman that let us sit on his motorcycle was pretty awesome too!

Deer Season!

It's deer season, so there's only one thing to do-  put on your best camo overalls, and get to work! 

Just in case you don't think I'm serious, I happen to be the proud owner of a lifetime hunting and fishing license, thanks to Grandpa Barnes!   All I lack is a firearm, but I'm sure that's easily overcome.  Santa?

19 months!

Mom says I'm the best looking man in a Rush tshirt she's ever seen.

Granted, she also says that most of the men she sees in Rush t-shirts are wacked out hippies, or 40-something balding programmer types.   Nonetheless, I'm flattered.   Compliments from Mom come pretty consistently, so you'd think I'd be immune to them by now, but no.  MY Mom adores me!

Today marks 19 months, and here's what I'm up to now:

1. Still with the food issues, just with more tantrums.  I'm a man that knows what I want, and it's usually not what you're giving me.

2.  I've had to undergo some sleep re-training this month.  I like to wake everyone up in the middle of the night to make sure they are still around, and of course, snuggle a little bit since you happened to come into my room.  Sleep re-training involves long periods of me crying myself back to sleep, which one (me) might consider cruel and unusual punishment.   What's the point?  Mom just lays there and watches me on the monitor anyway.  Just come get me!

3.  Socially, I'm the best of both worlds.   I love my friends, and will play and wrestle, and laugh and laugh.  I also will spend long stretches entertaining myself with my cars and trucks.   Oh how I love a good pile of cars and trucks!  I love anything that drives.

4.  No new foods.  No new teeth.  No new words. 

5.  Lots of new spunk.  No new obedience.  Just kidding!!   I respond to stern looks.   Sometimes?

6.  Two words: STATE FAIR.   I was a little young last year, but I'm ready this time.  I want to see sheep and goats and cotton candy!  We have tickets for next Tuesday.

7. Nursery is awesome, but about 20 minutes too long.   I'm realllllly ready when Mom/Dad comes to get me.  Of course we don't make it out of the church parking lot before I'm sound asleep.  Nap time!

8.  I love the game when Mom and I are rocking in the rocker at night before bed, and she kisses my feet.  First one.   Now the other one.   Now back to the first one.   Now the other one again.  Sometimes she'll try to nibble one, and that make me laugh hysterically.  

9.  Swimming lessons have been going awesome!  I get a little bored, because I'm ready to move on.  I'm also distracted by the splash pad and other big boy toys.  I showed my teacher how I like to jump in the pool and be caught, and he just shook his head.   He says I'll be an early swimmer, and get me into the next class up.  "Natural athletic ability" is what I heard him say.  Last Saturday, Mom and Dad walked to the Aquatic Center, and Dad pulled me  in the wagon.  I like that mode of transportation the best.  A wagon is like a chariot, allowing one a triumpant entrance.  Strollers are for babies. 

10.  I'm excited for Christmas!  Mom and Dad bought tickets for us to go to Texas for Christmas with Grammy and Grandpa Huffman.  A week in sunny Texas with all my cousins is MY idea of a great time.  Not to mention all the spoiling that will happen.  I won't be fit to live with after that!  Also, if Grandpa lets me drive that John Deere lawn mower again, I'll be his best buddy ever!

Cheers!

Jack

Redneck Teepee...

Or is it just a really large tunnel for my truck? Maybe both?