Teething Again

He may look cheerful in this photo, but teething has the opposite effect on Jack. The poor guy has been grinding his gums for weeks and drooling in mass quantities. Some more new teeth are ready to sprout... but they are taking their sweet time! Jack (and mom and dad) really, REALLY wish they'd hurry up!

He Knows His Name!

He finally has started responding to "Jack!" However, he already has demonstrated the art of selective hearing. If he is busy -- and he usually is:) -- you may have to call him again... and again... and again...

He also is starting to learn how to wave "hi" and "bye." He hasn't mastered the skill quite yet though... he waves most consistently at his own reflection. But, hey, baby steps, right?

And speaking of steps, Jack has become very adept at pulling himself up, and, once he's on his feet, he really wants to move. He can take a few steps (while supported by something, like the couch), though they're more like shuffles. He is getting ready to walk... but I don't know if Peter and I are ready!

Merry Christmas!

We're so sorry we didn't post this video sooner! Here's a look at Jack enjoying the Christmas tree (up close and personal).

He was particularly fond of the red garland and the shiny red ornaments in the shape of balls (which, thankfully, were made of plastic... because he pulled them down and batted them around the room).

All in all, it was a great first Christmas for Jack. He was spoiled rotten. He will be the best-dressed little boy at day care in 2011. And he has some awesome new toys. Big, big thanks to everyone who gave him such wonderful gifts!

After the Cookie...

...And this is what Jack looks like after sucking on his teething cookies (and smearing them on his face). Time for a bath?

Christmas (teething) Cookies

Jack is finally becoming less resistant to foods that do not have a mushy consistency. After taking down some high-priced organic mango and pear food, Jack chewed on a teething cookie.

At the Cracker Barrel...

The Cracker Barrel just outside of Elkton, MD (memories!) proved an excellent place for a pit-stop on the way home from New York. Jack had an opportunity to wiggle and people-watch, and Peter and I had a chance to fill up on some seriously awesome/cheap breakfast food and play that addictive peg-jumping game (if you've been, you know the game:-).

Here's a look at Jack sitting in his high chair, waving his straw around like a big boy.

O Christmas Tree

Jack slept through most of our visit to Rockefeller Plaza...

But we know he was moved by the Christmas spirit anyhow.

A Worm in the Big Apple

I'm not sure we've ever mentioned Jack's nickname -- Wiggle Worm -- on the blog before. We use it so frequently that we often have to consciously remind ourselves to call him Jack so he can learn his actual name (despite our best efforts, he may still think his name is "Wormy").

If you're wondering how he earned his name... well, come on over and try to strap him in a car seat or stroller, or try to put a coat and hat on him. You'll understand why the moniker fits:-).

Anyhow, this weekend, Jack/Wormy visited the great island of Manhattan for the first time. We stopped by Macy's and Rockefeller Plaza, as well as a restaurant that served Korean BBQ (Peter and Grandpa Steve were BIG fans).

The crowds in the city were INSANE -- seriously, the craziest we have ever seen. We could barely move inside Macy's, where Jack's eyes were as big as saucers. But we still had a lot of fun. Peter was sure Al Roker drove by us in a limo... and Grandpa Steve was sure he saw the guy who plays Jack McCoy from Law & Order (it wasn't).

Lights! Camera! Action!

It's the Patty Babb Variety Show!! We're coming to you live from the back of the Babb Honda Pilot! [Cue Applause]

This is a special occasion, folks! Patty is performing for a record amount of time! Jack woke up early en route to New York, and he wants to be entertained for the next 3 hours!

What can Patty do?

She sings! She dances! She plays peek-a-boo! She makes crazy faces, funny noises... and, well, basically makes a fool of herself!

She does whatever it takes...



















... when confronted with THIS face. The angry baby face. The I-hate-my-car-seat-and-I-hate-you face. The face that indicates that Peter and Patty have a finite window of opportunity to keep Jack from screaming wildly for the remainder of the ride.

$135 for Daycare Pictures!?!?!

In this video, Jack demonstrates what he really thinks about the $135 photo package offered by Teddy Bear Portraits, the scam artists that take pictures of all of the kids, show them to you, and then ask if you want to buy the package. Jack nearly shredded the flyer outlining the costs, but in the end, the scammers won.

Sitting in a Shopping Cart

Jack sat in a shopping cart sans car seat this weekend. He looked like such a big boy until he started licking the handle.

Christmas Lights

Jack doesn't fully appreciate our Christmas lights, but someday he'll be hanging off the roof with a stapler in hand!

Jack Loves Luis

It was really cute -- Jack just couldn't get enough of our friend Luis. Jack was very considerate and slept most of the time that Luis, Barb, Patty, and I feasted at Rabieng, a wonderful Thai restaurant. However, as soon as we got home Jack was on Luis like a tattoo on a sailor.