Reading is Fun

Jack is finally starting to show some interest in books and being read to.  He always has several board books at his disposal, but up until recently he hasn't really cared much.  While I'm cooking dinner, Daddy and Jack often sit in the living room and read a few books.  After dinner, while Daddy is cleaning, Jack and I read books.

Dave and I both enjoy reading (although it's been about 14 months since I've read a book) and we really hope that Jack will love to read, too.  I know how difficult it is to get boys to enjoy reading, but I think we are building a great foundation...and what little boy wouldn't love to read Harry Potter (in a few years)?!?

Daddy reading about trucks

Mommy reading Chicka Chicka Boom Boom (one of her favorites)

Hey interweb, what's your favorite book?

Jack is figuring out how to play with some of his toys in the manner in which they were intended.  Having worked with kids with special needs, I know how big of a milestone this is and I'm so excited for Jack.  We got this giraffe off of craigslist along with about a million other pieces.  He, just like any other kid, likes to be successful!

Silly

From Jack:

"Mom changed my diaper and she forgot how to put my pants on.  I didn't want to hurt her feelings so I just left them where she put them for a while.  To make matters worse, she kept taking pictures of me.  What am I going to do with her?"

Blowing Kisses

Jack loves to blow kisses!  When Dave makes the commute to work (read: goes upstairs) in the morning, I say to Jack, "Say bye-bye to Daddy." He then proceeds to blow about 50 kisses while he chases his daddy to the stairs.  When I leave the house and leave Jack with Dave, I say "bye-bye" and Jack shoos me out of the house by blowing kisses.  He still likes to assault me with his European kisses (i.e., tongue and teeth involved), but he is so sweet when he blows kisses.

Ear Infections

Since about mid-November Jack has been battling ear infections.  It started off as croup and then he had an ear infection in his right ear.  A couple weeks later we went back to the doctor and he had a double ear infection.  A week and a half later we went back and he had an infection in his right ear.  Ten days later, Jack had another double ear infection.  Yesterday, we went back for a follow-up appointment to check the status of Jack's ears.  They were all clear!  The doctor and I were both surprised.  Each time we went to the doctor we got a different antibiotic for Jack to take.  The last time we went, he got two shots and ten days worth of antibiotic to take.  We are so glad this has cleared up and we don't have to do tubes.  Had we not gone to the doctor, we would have never known Jack was suffering with an ear infection.  He has been his happy, pleasant self the whole time.  In addition to the antibiotics, we decided to make some adjustments to his diet.  I guess only time with tell if we are completely in the clear.

And, because no post is complete without a picture of Jack...

14 Months

Jack and Tedison (14 months)

Here we go.  14th verse same as the first...

This month, Jack:

• wears size 4 diapers during the day and size 4 overnight diapers at night
• wears mostly 12 month clothes and 4W shoes
• has switched over to almond milk from cow's milk
• blows kisses
• walks backwards
• says "Hi", "Bye", "Momma", "Dada" and other non-decipherable words
• loves to talk on the phone
• plays independently for 25 minutes 
• is starting to show signs of dancing (a little booty poppin')
• gives great snuggles
• eats pretty much anything-favorites include: raspberries, cucumbers, apples, kiwi
• naps twice a day for at least 2 hours each
• sleeps at least 12 hours a night (usually 12.5-13)
• plays appropriately with some toys, throws most
• pushes and pulls toys while walking
• can "walk" on his knees (no hands)
• responds to instructions (when he wants to)
• imitates us
• got his first hair cut
• turns the pages of a book 
• enjoys having his teeth brushed
• loves to play peek-a-boo
• turns around and backs into you in order to sit on your lap
• laughs when he hears someone else (even on the tv) laugh
• claps when he sees others clap

Puppy Bowl

As many of you know there was some big sporting event on television last week.  No, it wasn't a football game.  No, it wasn't some college basketball game.  YES, it was the Puppy Bowl.  Apparently, it happens to coincide with some Super football game, but that didn't matter to us...we were ready for the big game!  Jack loved watching the Puppy Bowl and did a lot of cheering for his favorite players. Much to my dismay, he was even slightly interested in the Kitty Half-time Show.  In my humble opinion, the Kitty Half-Time Show is a little scandalous.  Maybe that's what attracted Jack?!?

The view from the "Water Bowl Cam" cracked Jack up

Imitating some plays

There were some intense plays.

It was a real nail-biter of a game

"Mom, I love the Puppy Bowl!"

*Yes, I also just realized how many finger prints are on the television and yes, I plan to take care of that even though our small person will undoubtedly replace the cleaned area with some fresh finger prints.*