"Mama, when people don't leave comments on my blog, it makes me want to chew on my burp cloth."

You heard it here first.  We love your comments.  Don't be shy!

Hope this finds you well,
Heather

The 411 on Jack at 5 1/2 Months

It seems like time to give a bit of an update on Jack.  I can't quite believe it, but he's 5 1/2 months old.  He's our favorite "Little Dude" -- and we are having so much fun watching him grow and change every day!

Here's the 411 on Jack right now:

Favorite things:  Sophie the giraffe, his toes, bathtime.

Favorite food:  Seems to be sweet potatoes.  (Just like his mom!)  He's still a big fan of the thumb, as well.

Favorite songs:  He likes most music, but he especially likes it when his dad makes up songs!

Hair?  Nope.

Sleeping:  Like a champ.  Like both of his parents.

Favorite people:  Other than his parents, Jack is a big, huge fan of his teachers, Miss Maria and Miss Kisha, as well as his BFF, Gabe, and his girlfriend, Linley.

New things he does:  Jack is a big fan of playing with his toes.

Teeth?  Seem to be on the way.  He chew on Sophie like crazy, and drools like a little, drooly monster.

Dogs?  Loves them.  He particularly likes petting Lucy and grabbing her tongue when she licks him.

Parents?  Couldn't be happier.

Babies: Furry and Otherwise

Pablo, circa 2005

Way back when, in 2005, Durel and I welcomed Pablo into our home.  He has amused us and all of our loved ones since then with his floppy ear, love of carrots, and general panache.  Then, in 2007, we did what all young married couples do:  we got a dog for our dog.  Enter, Lucy.  She has amused us and all of our loved ones since then with her ability to annoy Pablo, penchant for ice cubes, and unending need for petting.  She has also shown her utter dedication to Durel and I.  Her love knows no limits.  Case in point:  She is willing to dress like an elf and do a 5K with my pregnant self.

Then, in 2010, Jack arrived.  We had given some thought to how the dogs would react to a baby's arrival, but, let's face it.  Once you learn that a baby is on the way, the dogs get bumped down the totem pole of the household.

Pablo and Lucy, running the show.

I am pleased to report that Pablo and Lucy are both awesome with Jack.  Pablo likes to give Jack's head a good sniff about once a day.  It's like he's checking to make sure he's still the same baby, that he hasn't been anywhere Pablo didn't know about, and that everything smells okay up there.  Lucy, on the other hand, likes to lick Jack.  Feet, hands, whatever.  Lucy will lick it.  I realize everyone has different comfort levels with these kinds of things, but I let her do it.  My thought process is this:  (1) dogs' mouths are cleaner than ours; and (2) Jack will not be allergic to dogs this way.  Hey, whatever works, right?

Last weekend, Jack was in his swing/throne in the living room, and Lucy approached to give him a sniff and lick.  He is making real connections with grabbing things -- and he looked at her and reached out to touch her.  He got her nose.  Fine; this is Petting 101.  She thought it was terribly exciting and began to lick Jack's hand.  At which point, he thoughtfully and decisively grabbed her tongue, mid-lick, in his fist and SQUEEZED.

My heart stopped for a minute.  Lucy was completely unfazed.  The tail kept wagging; the love continued to flow.  Jack let go; Lucy licked a bit more before she was contented, and then cruised off for a nap in the corner.

My heart started beating again, and swelled with immense pride in my good dogs and my cute baby.

I will say this:  We make a point to do a few things with the dogs.  First, when we enter the house, we always say hi to the dogs first.  We want to make sure they feel loved and not forgotten.  They are members of the family and they deserve attention and priority, too.  Second, any time they interact with Jack, sniff him, or even just walk by him, we praise them for being so good with the baby.  I figure, if they get praised for co-existing with him, they will not only keep doing it, but they will see him as a good thing!  So far, so great.

Hope this finds you well.  I am looking forward to a fun weekend with my family and the babies, both furry and otherwise.

Heather

Family Time is Fun Time

Jack has a big fan club.  Of this, I am sure.  For this, I am very glad.

Parents and grandparents notwithstanding, Aunt Geri and Uncle Dustin are the Co-Presidents of the Official Jack Bernard is Awesome and You Know It Fan Club.

See?

Someday, I will get to explain to Jack that he went to Aunt Geri and Uncle Dustin's wedding in mommy's tummy.  And that we did the Second Line.  But that's a story for another time...

Hope this finds you well.
Heather

The Boy Will Grill

Let me be the first to say that Durel is a Master Griller.  Despite his distaste for the culinary work of Mr. Bobby Flay, I think Durel could thrown down with Bobby and show him a few things.  (Of course, Bobby would use chipotle, black beans, and probably a duck, but I'm not saying he's a one trick pony or anything.)

I digress.  Last weekend, we went, as a trio, to Home Depot.  Durel needed new grill grate thingees.

It occurred to me that this was Jack's first trip to the Shrine of Male Domesticity, so I had to document it accordingly:

Doesn't he look excited?  Jigsaws and drill bits and grills, oh my!

Hope this finds you well.

Heather

Little Dude, Little Gown

At a recent doctor's visit, Jack had the privilege of wearing what I believe to be the world's smallest hospital gown.  It was too cute not to share.

There is nothing to worry or inquire about.  He's great and healthy as a horse.  Really, I just wanted to share this picture.

Hope this finds you well,
Heather

Like a Little Fish, Part Deux

My last entry was remiss because I failed to post this cute picture of  Jack and I in the pool.  As the mama, I find myself holding the camera a lot, rather than on the other side of the lens.  Might have to change that a bit, as I love this picture, and pics of me and Jack in general!

Hope this finds you well.
Heather

Like a Little Fish

Jack had his first experience in the pool about a month ago!  I'm just remiss in posting until now.  But I think these are too cute not to share.

He liked it.  He kicked and seemed happy.  And Jack thought it was cool, too.

Ha ha.  And for those of you who haven't seen Durel's tattoo, well, here you go!

Hope this finds you well, and having a good weekend!
Heather

I Love Superman

He can bring adults to their knees with a single giggle.  He can melt hearts with his smile.  He can clear rooms with his poopy diapers.

He's my favorite superhero!

Photos courtesy of Aunt Jess, who visited Jack at school with me today!

Hope this finds you well.
Heather