Checks don't cash themselves. I now know this.

For whatever reason, I was looking through all of our wedding memorabilia yesterday and happened across a check that we never cashed. No joke. Two thoughts went through my head: 1) How did we not take it out of the card? and 2) How has our friend been able to deal with an unbalanced checkbook for nearly three years? I ripped up the check, and consider this to be a $75 life lesson. And trust me, lesson learned!

The Many Faces of Teething

He Might be on to Something

I know I have said it before, but I'll say it again: I love Tim Bedore. I think that man is hilarious, and he sure makes my Wednesday morning commute worth the 20 minutes. And yesterday his commentary didn't let me down. In fact, I think I would consider voting this man into office. I don't know much--actually, I don't know anything--about the health care reform that is buzzing through Washington, but it sounds pretty serious, and it seems that it could really be a bad thing should it not be completely thought through. That said, I am pretty sure that Tim Bedore came up with a genius way of solving our health care woes: Rather than having the government front health care bills, why not reimburse individuals for taking care of health issues outside of the doctor's office. An example: Instead of going to the hospital to have a baby, deliver it by yourself at home without any medical intervention and the government will send you a check for $200 as a thank you for saving them thousands. Have a rotten tooth that needs pulled? No problem. Grab some pliers and yank the sucker out yourself, and wait for the government to reimburse you for your efforts. Now that sounds like a health care plan to me!

Laugh Factory

Who knew a balloon could be so funny?!

Garage Sale Finds

Caleb and I strolled through a neighborhood garage sale this weekend and found a couple of necessary accessories for our little guy. Stacking rings are a must, of course, but the unexpected gadget that we picked up is a hammer that makes sounds when you knock it against things. Jacob's hands are a little too small to grip this toy, but he thought it was quite hilarious when Caleb and I would bonk him on the noggin with the hammer. We filmed this activity, but I think we are going to keep it to ourselves as we don't want child services to come a-knockin' on our door! And, as expected, all of the toys fit quite nicely in Jacob's mouth.

Truckin'

Jacob loves his push-truck and is starting to get the hang of riding it. I imagine that in a few short years he will be cruising the neighborhood sidewalks in his battery-powered Escalade!

Cue the "Jaws" Music

Caleb's parents vacationed in the Ozarks last week, and a package from them arrived at our doorstep for Jacob today. It's a beach towel poncho. Clever idea, and I can't wait for our little guy to use it for real and not just in our living room! Jacob likes the present almost as much as he likes the box and paper wrap.

Making Their Blog Debut

Jacob's two teeth. The tooth devil--I mean fairy--has moved into Jacob's mouth and has turned our little angel's temperament upside down. Teeth are a good thing, but getting them in is a whole different story!

Mealtime Mess

I'm not sure if it is a design flaw or if I just don't know the correct way to peel back the foil, but every time I crack open a container of Gerber baby food it spits up on me. The food must be packaged under pressure, but there has got to be a way to open it without having to wear a misguided splatter. I just wish I knew the secret.

Pop It

Jacob wanted to wear his shirt with the collar popped. He said all the cool kids are doing it.

Like a Weed

I know I have posted the first two pictures before, but we just took the next installment of "Baby in a Bath Bucket," and it amazes me at how fast Jacob has grown and how different he looks. This kid is on a growing roll!

Adventures in Teething

Teething is not all fun and games. And Jacob proved that to us last night. Though his first tooth came in with no problems, the new tooth that he is springing is causing him a bit of grief and he let us know all about it last night at bedtime. After more than two hours of tears, screams, and sniffles, Caleb and I decided some Tylenol was in order. While we waited for the medicine to run its course we handed our little guy a frozen bagel to gnaw on. It must have been a good combination because he was asleep within 15 minutes. And I come to find out that babies have 20 teeth, which means we have to go through this many, many more times (I guess better to go through the pains of teething than to not have teeth!) So bring on the bagels and Tylenol for the little guy, and perhaps a drink or two for the parents!

Little Angel

I am always sure to go to the grocery store when Jacob is tired so that he will sleep during our trip. The other day was no exception. And while wandering through the produce, an older lady (probably in her 70s) stopped us in the aisle. "Oh, he is just a perfect little angel," she said. And as if on cue, Jacob opened his eyes, screamed, and started to cry. Hmmm. Perhaps he is just a little devil in disguise!

Pretty, huh?

I might have minored in English, but I don't understand why the word "pretty" is used as an adverb/adjective: pretty good, pretty boring, pretty long. How did it morph from describing looks to modifying nouns and verbs? Just another reason why I am glad English is my first language. Could you imagine having to learn these silly exceptions as a second language? That would be just, well, pretty ridiculous!

Deflated

Over the weekend it became official: I am done nursing Jacob. I had hoped to nurse him for the recommended 12 months, but my personal milk factory has shut down (perhaps a sign of the economy?!) I'm not going to lie--I wasn't expecting this to happen so suddenly, and I didn't have a chance to emotionally prepare myself for it. But after shedding a few tears, I have realized it is time to move on. So goodbye milk-induced cleavage. And hello alcohol, Tylenol, and asparagus.

All by Myself

Jacob has become quite independent. Does he even need us around any more?!

The Festival of Blah

We headed to the annual Plainfield Fest this evening. Growing up, I looked forward to the fest all summer long. I mean really looked forward to it as in mentally counting down the days to the fest every day from the day I got out of school. It was the best weekend of the summer, and right up there on my list of favorite "holidays." So, tonight, after walking through the rows of vendors and navigating the crowds for what seemed like hours but turned out to be just over 45 minutes, I realized that the magic of the fest is gone. Have I just outgrown the excitement of overpriced carnival rides, food served on sticks, and kids racing around on cotton-candy-induced sugar highs, or was this year's fest just, well, blah?

I'm no green thumb, but...

... my flower garden rocks!

Am I Missing Something?

In the baby section of Meijer today, I stumbled across some milestone onesies. Among them was baby's first birthday. And this onesie came in various sizes: 6 months, 12 months, and 18 months. If my math is correct, babies celebrate their first birthday at 12 months, so does it make sense from a production and marketing standpoint to sell these onesies in any size but 12 months? Perhaps small, medium, and large would be a more appropriate sizing technique. Or maybe I am missing something, which is why I don't work in the milestone-onesie-making industry.

Fun With Food

Oh, my. This is how Jacob decided to eat his breakfast this morning. I hope this is a phase that he outgrows by tonight!

Pass Me the Whiskey

Jacob cut his first tooth today. I hope that it will help dam up the drool that is constantly streaming out of his mouth. More importantly, I hope that we can all get through this with minimal fussing. I think a constant supply of Orajel for the kiddo and whiskey for me ought to do the trick!

What's Going on in This Picture?

Is Jacob
A. Giving his big cousin, Evy, a big bear hug?
B. Trying to steal back the tin that Evy bonked him on the head with?
C. Trying to keep Evy under control by squeezing her with his strong little thighs?
D. All of the above.

Tough question. I'm going to have to go with D.

Is This a Joke?

Many food products provide recipes you can make using the contents in the box (i.e., the oatmeal box gives a recipe for oatmeal cookies). That said, I was grabbing a slice of American cheese the other day when I found a recipe on the back of the bag with instructions on how to make, what else, a bologna sandwich. Seriously? Kraft actually went through the trouble to provide a recipe for this? Thanks for the recipe, Kraft, but I think I can probably wing this one! But for the sake of a laugh, and probably an eye roll, I am including the actual recipe should you want to jot it down in your cookbook:

Prep Time: 5 minutes
1 French bread roll
2 tbsp of mayo
2 Kraft American cheese slices
2 slices of bologna
Spread roll with mayo
Fill with remaining ingredient
Cut roll in half

That's a tricky one!

Another "Punny" Shirt

Caleb came home from the store with this shirt the other day. All I could do was shake my head and roll my eyes when I saw it: Daddy's "Mane" Man is what it reads around a picture of a lion. Oh boy. There are other people with the same sense of humor as my hubby?!

Look at What I Can Do!

This is why I should not be home by myself with Jacob for more than a couple of days each week. We learn weird things when not supervised by Caleb!

A Night Out

Caleb and I headed into the city yesterday afternoon for the Cubs game. Even though they didn't win, we had a great time. And our friends Tasha and Clint came over to entertain Jacob for the evening. It was the first time that non-relatives have been in charge of our little guy, and I think things went alright. As expected, Jacob refused his final nap of the day. But SpongeBob, a walk around the block, and a little extra playing was all Jacob needed before going to bed for the night. And it must have tuckered him out because he slept for more than 10 hours!

*This is a picture of the a-maz-ing full moon taken from our seats at the ball park. It was so much better in person, but, hey, most things are!

Nice Try

We introduced Jacob to the wonderful world of solid food over the weekend by giving him some Gerber Puffs. After scrunching his nose, shaking his head, and trying to back away from this baby-friendly treat we decided that maybe we will just stick to the oatmeal and pureed fruits for now. Although I'm sure Sadie would disagree as she was able to step in and suck down the pieces left on Jacob's tray. Perhaps Jacob's leftovers will win over Sadie's acceptance...

Runs in the Family

I'm no expert, but I can't help but think that the crib I was sleeping in did not meet current safety regulations. The soft bed, toys, sheets, blankets, and (obviously) slats large enough to crawl through make me feel lucky that I survived. Jacob looks a bit more safe behind his bars!

The Morning After

It figures. The day after July 4th is sunny and warm and the pool is calling our names. Too bad we had to opt for the 4.5 hour car ride home instead of the boat ride. Bleh.

My Little Darlin' is a Firecracker

Even though it was raining and cold, we made it out to the firework show in Iowa on the Fourth. We weren't sure how Jacob would react to the loud booms, but the display had him mesmerized. He stared at the sky for nearly the whole show. Could he be a pyro in training?

Itsy Bitsy Teeny Weeny

I have needed a new swimsuit for a while since my current rotation contains several bottoms with elastic that is, well, not so elastic-y anymore. I found a winner today at Target. It's a little skimpier than what I had planned on, but I like the colors and the size was right. Next on the agenda: buying a cover up so that no one has to look at me in my string bikini!

Baggage

We are heading to Iowa this weekend to celebrate the holiday with Caleb's family, and I have a lot to do to get ready for our trip. The biggest item on my to do list: getting Jacob's stuff together and packed. Stroller, diapers, burp rags, clothes, toys, blankets, hats, sunscreen, food, bottles. This kid sure comes with a lot of accessories. What am I forgetting?!

Another Milestone

I am so happy to report that Jacob slept 12 hours last night! This blows the usual 9-10 hours out of the water, and I am hopeful that this trend continues. I think the secret was pumping him full of baby food and formula and topping him off with some real milk for dessert. Nothing like a three-course meal before bedtime!