Happy Father's Day!

In celebration of Peter's first Father's Day, we took a morning walk along the C&O Canal and enjoyed a surprisingly good lunch at a Thai restaurant at a Days Inn on Columbia Pike. Who knew? (Those are two of Peter's favorite hobbies -- spending time outdoors and hunting for hole-in-the-wall restaurants with authentic ethnic cuisine.)

And, as you can see, Peter and Jack kicked back and read the newspaper this afternoon. Even an especially terrible diaper couldn't spoil the day.

We hope all of the dads out there are putting their feet up as well.

Working Out with the LRM

As some of you may know, Grandpa Steve is known at our house as the "Last Real Man" (LRM). Why? Quite simply, he is the perfect blend of Maximus from "Gladiator" and Aragorn from "Lord of the Rings." Like the former, he possesses brute strength; like the latter, he possesses devilishly good looks.

It is quite fitting that the LRM wasted little time encouraging Jack to begin exercising. In these photos, he is helping Jack to stand and working out his legs. At this rate, Jack will begin walking within weeks! Like grandpa, like grandson, I suppose...

Grip of Steel

We have written before about Jack's baby strength; it definitely can surprise you! Don't get me started about his abs -- while laying on his back, Jack can suspend his legs in mid-air for several minutes at a time (without breaking a sweat).

But the real power is in those tiny hands -- when he gets a hold of something, prying his fingers apart requires serious effort.

Recently, his favorite thing to grab is my hair. Often, Jack interrupts cuddle time by grabbing a clump and tugging on it with all his might. Now, I certainly can stand to lose a bit of hair -- as many of you know, I have far too much. But, I would rather not lose it this way. When I finally free myself, he usually has several strands of hair hanging from his fingers. Ouch.

I need to get in the habit of wearing my hair in a ponytail. At all times.

Two Months Old!

Our little boy turned two months old yesterday. Just think: Two months ago, I was lying in a hospital bed, feeling... well, perhaps reminiscing isn't such a great idea...

These first months have been filled with constant reminders that he is changing rapidly -- he has outgrown clothes, diapers and bottles. We have seen the numbers on the scale and measuring tape multiply. But, by far, the most exciting change has been his developing personality. Nothing beats smiles and cooing. They are charming even at 4 a.m.

For all your support these last two months (and even before then!), this coo's for you.

Bath Time

In recent weeks, Jack actually has started to enjoy bath time (I think Grandma Chris has the magic touch). He likes splashing his feet and hands in the water, and he even tolerates being washed.

During Jack's early weeks, bath time was stressful for all of us. Jack would scream bloody murder, and, more often than not, we would throw in the towel early and take him out of the tub with soap still on his body. And, my god, babies are slippery! No one ever warns you about that...

Thankfully, we seem to have turned a corner; bath time is pretty fun these days! By the way, have you noticed the strategic placement of the washcloth in the photo above? (Grandma's idea.) We have been sprayed one too many times:-).

The Great Babbdini!

Even the finest swaddlers are no match for Jack Babb's baby strength. He started small -- sneaking a single hand out of the top of the straight jacket; he soon graduated to getting a whole arm free; and eventually, he freed both arms. Now, he completely blows out of the bottom of the things, as shown in this picture.

Wrapping him up is just about the only thing that ensures larger blocks of sleep time (for all of us) because his sleepy wiggles regularly jar him awake when he's not tightly bound.

We already are getting a limited amount of sleep, and this latest development will only make things worse. Be on the lookout for grouchy parents!

Jack Bags a Rooster

Reggie the Ranch Rooster had taunted, and gotten too close to Jack, one too many times. Jack had enough, so he made a grab for the piece of poultry, and once he got a hold of it, he wouldn't let go. This was the first time he actually made contact with any of the fun little animals that hang from the arches of his playmat (after hours of trying), so it wasn't surprising when he absolutely refused to let the slightly stuffed bird go. I had to pry the thing from his hands!

Wiggling, Wiggling on the Range

Jack loves his activity mat -- it has a ranch theme and he absolutely adores spending time in the country.

Everyone Enjoys a Good Burp

Burping your kid is exponentially more satisfying than belching yourself. For some reason sitting them up, pointing them in the right direction, and repeatedly patting their backs floods you with intense anticipation -- culminating in a Emphamil-fueled blast often heard 'round the house.