March Wrap-Up

Jack's afternoon snooze... its been a long road, but he's finally adjusted to one long afternoon nap.


Clara & Jack hanging out "nekkid" (To Clara: no clothes = "nekkid" and no undies regardless of clothes = "in the butt")


Jackbo is 11 months old... how did that happen?


A slightly bigger baby-burrito.


Today we were out back enjoying the gorgeous weather. Clara and I decided it was time for Jack's first wagon ride.


Later on Jack was exploring the picnic table.


He thinks its super-fun to climb up on it.




This picture is dedicated to Caleb Barnes. Jack investigates the hole for the umbrella with such focus that I'm reminded of Caleb.

Is It Springtime Yet?

Finally on Saturday I could answer an emphatic, "Yes! Its springtime" to Clara's daily question of the past few weeks. We had a gorgeous first weekend of spring here in Raleigh. We spent a large part of it outside.

Today we had a cookout with our friends Alison, Craig, & Kierstin and tried out their outdoor hot tub. Its so big, that it seems like a swimming pool to the little girls. I think Jack had the most fun of all. A giant bath tub with no one trying to regulate his splashing.









Disclaimer: The following is not for the faint of heart, particularly (great-)grandmothers and/or those generally skeevish about dogs. Proceed with caution...

On St. Paddy's Day I was cooking some festive Indian food when I heard the dog bowls clattering. I knew that I'd emptied the water bowl, and with Sydney the food bowl is never full for long, so I was safe. Jeekers was occupied and playing with one of the few relatively innocuous things in the kitchen. Or so I thought; I turned around to this:




Of course I had to get the camera. But after the photo op he went right on back to face-planting the dog bowls and didn't understand why I was trying to distract him. Finally I had to take them away. :)

Rain & Shine

Last week we were indoors quite a bit due to the rain. Here the kids gaze longingly at the backyard.


We somehow managed to find things to occupy our time. Jeekbo stops playing with the Little People farm and zoo to strike a pose.


Video of the action.

Notice as soon as I'm spotted he abandons all and comes towards me, which brings us to our next video...

Nay-nay came to visit us this past weekend. She was playing one of Jeekbo's favorite games - pee-pie - with him. Sure enough as soon as he spotted me with the camera he came running, well not literally, but as close as he's ever been before... that's right he took a step! The video is not the best, but you get the picture. Pretty cool that his first step attempt ever was caught on film.


Here is a video of the actual game of peek-a-boo.


Lastly Sunday afternoon after Nay-nay's departure and Clara saying that she wished her grandmother didn't have to leave, we went outside to enjoy the sunshine. Jack as you can see, reveled in it, the evidence of the recent rainfall all over his face and clothes. We're working hard around here building antibodies. :)

Gramby & Su-su Come to Town

Last weekend Gramby and Su-su came to town and enjoyed a nice visit with the kids.

Look at Gramby's skills with the blocks.

Busted!


Saturday morning we went to breakfast at Big Ed's. Here is Clara in a post-pancake stupor.


Jack was excited to have his first taste of pancakes, and he loved them.


After our delicious breakfast we headed over to Marbles. Another first for Jackie boy. He had a great time exploring the crawl space, set aside for Marbles' littlest members.






I love this attraction, its so rare that fish tanks are on the level of little children and even more so that they can cosy up to one without fear of breaking anything. Jack sat mesmerized.


While Jack enjoyed his time in the baby area, Clara was all over...
driving a bus,


backing up a car,


organizing the stable,


creating masterpieces,


and collecting her wares.


Displaying her collection


After naptime we walked to the park. Clara and Gramby posed by the giant mushroom carved from an old tree stump.


Swingtime!




Family portrait!


Last but not least, the gift that keeps on giving with Clara using her entire body to make sure Jack can't touch the toy.

Jeekbo plays ball with Sydney

(ETA: The video that was sideways before is now fixed, watch it again as though it were the first time!)

The other day I had the rare pleasure of playing outside with Jack while Clara was inside sleeping, usually it is the other way around. It was fun to watch Jack explore our backyard. Jack was particularly entertained by Sydney's tennis ball. It was fun to watch him thwart her.

February Wrap-up

A few scenes from the end of February.

There have been hints and teases of nicer weather. If its sunny, we're out there, no matter how cold...




Lunch on the deck - easy clean-up!


Heading out for a walk.


His new favorite spot: longing for the backyard; it buys me a few minutes in the kitchen.




A nice, clean resting spot.


Just getting comfy.




Jack really loves to be in Clara's room playing with her toys (particularly the tea set) & lounging on her bed.


Cuddle time


Thrashing time

10 Months for Jeekbo!

What a big guy!

And since he's now 10 months old, I'll finally post his stats from his 9 month appt (poor 2nd child). One month ago he was 20 lbs, 2 oz & 29 inches long. He is as tall as Clara was but 6 oz lighter. It will be very interesting in a couple of months to see if his weight gain slows down as dramatically as Clara's did between 9 & 12 months.




The weather this weekend was sunny and slightly warmer which brought us outside to enjoy it. The kids had fun playing at one of the neighborhood parks.






Then Clara got a v. special treat... ice cream! When we asked her what flavor she wanted, she listed vanilla, pink, and blue, finally settle on "green with chips". :)