More Tub Time

I know we often post photos of Jack in the tub. There's a very simple explanation for that fact: During bathtime, Jack is confined to a small space doing an activity that keeps him entertained for more than 30 seconds. It's the very best time to snap pictures.

And this photo is a small miracle. No whining/crying. No lunging out of the tub. No crazy-intense focus on a toy in his hands. No trying to eat my phone. Just a big Jack smile.

Pot Belly

Jack is spending a lot of time in only a diaper these days. It just seems to feel better to him. Summer must be just around the corner.

Anyways... Check. Out. That. Pot. Belly. We have never captured it so well on film. For a toddler who doesn't eat all that much -- we (seriously) had to force-feed him fruit this evening -- that is one crazy tummy.

A Mucky White House Easter Egg Roll

I'm sure you have heard about -- or experienced -- the storms sweeping the South and Mid-Atlantic in recent weeks. We have been getting some crazy rain (followed by hot days and lots of pollen). The weeds in our yard -- which have choked all of the grass Peter has tried so hard to cultivate -- are flourishing!

On Easter night, lots of rain dumped on D.C. The following morning, the day of the White House Easter Egg Roll, was a mucky mess. When we arrived at the event -- and we had the earliest tickets available! -- the lawn was quickly turning into a mud pit. A few hours earlier, I had been fretting about what to wear -- dress or no dress? Once we arrived at the White House, I was wishing I'd wore rain boots.

However, the Easter Egg Roll was lots of fun -- had Jack been a few years older, he really could have let loose. There were TONS of people there. And there were so many things to do. The activities definitely had a distinct Obama flavor:-) -- a yoga class for kids, a vegetable/fruit stand, various sporting events. It was a very cool experience.

P.S. After imagining that he saw Al Roker while we were in New York this past Christmas, Peter came face-to-face (or, more accurately, within several feet of) the real thing. Al Roker -- in the flesh! -- must have been reporting from the lawn that morning. A brush with fame! Peter can now die satisfied...

Happy (Belated) Easter

I had a plan to send out really cute Easter cards. They were going to display recent photos of Jack who, I swear, grows an inch every night while he sleeps. They were going to feature cute Easter animals -- bunnies, chicks, etc. And they were going to include a heartfelt Easter message. I had a plan, I tell you!

Alas, the holiday has come and gone... and I am only now posting a blog photo:-).

I will be better next time. Promise.

I hope everyone enjoyed their Easter weekends. It was gorgeous here. We spent the day outside blowing bubbles, drawing with sidewalk chalk, and pushing Jack around in a little car. All in all, Jack thought it was a pretty awesome day.

Mesmerized

After a terrific meal at Cody and Courtney's house, Jack and Auden were totally consumed by a TV show called "How it's Made."

Tubes Successfully Installed

Jack had tubes installed in his ears. The ten minute surgery went well, and the doctor removed a fair amount of fluid with the consistency of honey from Jack's head. Yuck.

Is this the Indies?

Jack, with great vigor, explores the spice cabinet.

Actual Birthday

One year ago, at 12:59 a.m. on April 13, our lives changed for the better in every imaginable way. Happy birthday, Jack!

People keep asking me if the past year has flown by quickly or dragged along slowly. I think both descriptions are true.

Peter and I experienced some very long days and nights when Jack was teething or struggling with yet another ear infection. But, on the other hand, I often found myself greeting Jack in the morning and wondering if he'd had an overnight growth spurt. He grew and changed so quickly!

Either way, it has been a really wonderful journey. We wouldn't change one second. The most difficult times -- which, truly, have been few and far between -- have been entirely outweighed by all the fun and excitement. Even now, for us, there is no better sound in the world than Jack's laugh.

Jack, we're so glad you're here!!

(The photo above was taken just a few short days after Jack was born; the photo below is one of our most recent shots of him... in the tub, of course:-)

Walking!

Jack has been walking for a few weeks, but, for the most part, he only took some baby steps before losing his courage (or toppling over). But that all changed last Saturday morning.

As you can see, Jack is now walking like a pro. He even manages to wave a cat toy while strolling around the living room (the cats quickly learned they are likely to get smacked in the face if they try to chase the feather at the end of the stick).

We're not sure what prompted this sudden change. His upcoming birthday party? The New Balance sneakers (featuring Grover -- they are awesome) he wears to daycare? A long-standing rivalry with his daycare buddy, Eddie Torrongo? Whatever the reason, life at our house just got very exciting!

Bye, Bye Formula

Anyone who has had to wake up in the middle of the night to mix a baby bottle can appreciate the pure joy Peter and I felt as we used the final scoops of powder in Jack's last container of formula. He is now happily consuming cow's milk.

So long, BJ's Wholesale Club Formula. And good riddance.

Birthday Gifts

Once again, Jack was spoiled rotten by our generous family and friends. He is a very lucky one-year-old. His wardrobe is now stocked with the latest toddler fashion trends. He has all sorts of new toys to help him enjoy the warm weather that has (FINALLY!) arrived. His library has expanded substantially. And he even has a new big-boy dining set! Thanks, everyone!

Equally important, many of the gifts mentioned above came with wrapping paper, bubble wrap, tissue paper, and boxes -- all of which provided hours of entertainment. The gifts just kept on giving.

Cake! Icing! Happiness!

Jack loved his birthday cake. Like, really, really LOVED it. If he could have, I know he would have licked clean the entire Duncan Hines icing container. Thanks, Aunt Margie, for baking the best first birthday cake ever.

I wonder where Jack gets his sweet tooth...? You know, when Jack tries an Oreo for the first time, he won't know what hit him. They are one of the great loves of my life:-).

Happy Birthday To You

Birthday Celebration

Jack doesn't officially turn one until Wednesday, but we decided to celebrate the big day this weekend. G&G Hoffmann came to town (bringing some cute circus decorations), and Aunt Marge supplied the cake!

We decided to keep the festivities small this year; next year, when Jack is a little more aware of what's going on, we will host a bigger celebration.

Icing, wrapping paper, new toys, and lots of attention -- what's not to love? He had a pretty awesome day.

Touring the White House Gardens

We had a chance to tour the White House gardens this weekend, and Grandma Chris, Grandpa Steve, and Aunt Margie joined us. We've haven't had a very warm spring, so there weren't too many flowers in bloom. But the gardens were still very pretty and a military band was playing... Jack especially loved the cymbals.

No sign of Bo (or Barack) Obama, unfortunately.

Chilling and Spilling