Wanting Out

Maybe it's all the "Shawshank Redemption" reruns on TV or something, but Jonas seems oddly interested in the vent near his play area of late. Makes Dad wonder if he's trying to plot some sort of escape...

Little Teapot

Mom has taught Jonas a fun new song about a certain teapot with a certain handle and a certain spout that when it gets all steamed up tends to shout and be tipped over and, um, poured out. Jonas loves to hear it in front of the mirror, and especially seems to enjoy being poured out.

Pocket Money

Oh, hey Dad. See you got your wallet here. So, listen, I've got a big night coming up. And you know, jars of baby food and toy trucks don't grow on trees, so I'm gonna need some spendin' money. I'm thinking maybe $40 to start? Whaddya think Pops? $60? Yeah, that might be better. I can give you whatever change is left. And while we're on the subject, when am I going to start getting an allowance? And don't go pulling that whole you-have-to-do-chores thing on me. I know how it works. I sit here and be adorable and you pay me something, like, every week, right? Right? Dad? Where you going?

A Little Laughter

It's been another tough week with Jonas recovering from his various ailments and Mom and Dad suffering through their own versions, Mom's causing her to stay home for a few days. So, here's a little laughter from Jonas the other day when Mom was making some funny noises at him. If the sound of him laughing can't brighten a day and speed up the road back to health, then nothing will.

Aunt Tues

Jonas is fortunate enough to have a geographically diverse base of relatives from coast to coast and lots of places in between. And he's been even more fortunate to have met nearly all his immediate family so far in his young life. But yesterday, he got to meet the last aunt or uncle who hasn't had the opportunity to spend time with him in person: his Aunt Tuesday, who lives in Utah. He and Aunt Tues hit it off pretty well of course. And why not? First, there was a big tower of cardboard blocks that burst onto his scene, just begging to be knocked down...

...and Aunt Tues showed some good instinct protecting Jonas from the falling rain of blocks...

...until Jonas was lost in a sea of cardboard, wondering what thrill would await him next...

...turns out it was reading, with his Uncle Dan joining the fun...

...by the end of the day, Uncle "D" got some good Jonas time in too...

...finished with Aunt Tues joining in the fun, allowing Jonas to flick parts of her face as if they were the oldest of friends.

Feelin' Blue

It's been a week now since Jonas came down with his first case of pink eye. And what a week it's been. Since last Sunday, the poor little guy has amassed an impressive medical tally that looks like this: One case of pink eye, one bout of croup, one ear infection, one trip to the ER, one trip to the regular doctor, one trip to the urologist, a day and night of faucet-like runny noses and general unpleasantness. And he's been in the sharing mood. Mom has a cough that Dad describes as the sound Keith Richards would make if he played the tuba. And Dad doesn't sound much better. But alas, a new week is approaching, and hopefully a corner will be turned.

New Poll

It's been a while since we posted a new poll, so check out our new line of questioning at the right and weigh in! This time, we're taking predictions on when the Big Guy is going to start using those big adorable feet for their intended purpose. For help in guessing, here's a recent shot of Mom helping him along.

Old Friend

Nothing is quite as amusing as watching Jonas rediscover some of his old friends. You know the rough and tumble world of the baby toys. One day you are the greatest, the next you have to wait on the sidelines for attention. But the other day, Jonas saw his old pal Bird Lips for the first time in a while, and the result was a face full of joy, the kind that comes with seeing an old buddy.

Feeling Fine

Jonas has had quite a week of ailments: Pink eye on Sunday, croup on Monday and now an ear infection on Wednesday! And to help celebrate Dad's birthday today—and not to leave Mom out—he gave both Dad and Mom some of whatever it is that has caused his troubles this week. But as Dad and Mom fight through it all, perhaps they can take a page from Jonas, who despite all the stuff happening to him appeared to be his usual happy self today. Jonas' smiles while playing this afternoon were all the presents Dad needed.

Passover Memories

Passover is a holiday filled with memories (some thousands of years old) and this one was no exception. Jonas may remember that his first holiday after being born last year was Passover, which he spent in a nearby swing grooving away while the adults took care of business. This year, Jonas got to experience the holiday in a chair, with a bib that set the right tone...

...at least for a little while. By the time the actual seder came around, Jonas was fast asleep. His Colorado family, however, and special guests Jordan and Jen (friends of Mom's and Dad's from way back who came out to visit) carried on the tradition and had a memorable and fun first Passover back in Colorado. Jordan and Jen helped out by making soup...

...and there was lots more festive food for the seder meal, including a yummy brisket. Mom and Dad enjoyed having family and friends to share the holiday with...

Jonas, however, wasn't done making his own Passover memories for Mom and Dad. Shortly after everyone left, Jonas developed a rather unfortunate and scary case of croup, causing Mom and Dad to leave Jordan and Jen with dish-cleaning duties while they raced to the emergency room. Jonas got great care in the ER and was back to himself fairly soon. He was so comfortable, in fact, that he even messed with Mom's face, an old game that gets him going every time, even when he's got wires and things hooked up to him...

...Jonas is doing much better today, but he has passed on his own Passover memories to Mom and Dad, who find themselves sick tonight as well. Oh well, it wouldn't be a Passover without some new and exciting memories to be shared in years to come.

Wanting In

Jonas lately has been exploring lots of new areas, with special interest in the kitchen. And there must something in a baby's DNA that makes him want to go first for the most dangerous cabinet there is, the one with all the cleaning supplies. This has prompted us to enter Defcon 2 of childproofing: the lock on the cabinet door.

Milkbeard

If Jonas ever decides to throw in the whole cute-kid-playing-with-trucks thing and abandons it all for a life of adventure on the high seas, his pirate name will have to be Milkbeard.

A Boy and His Truck

Is there anything cuter than watching a little boy play with his truck?

Spaghetti Explosion

Jonas has been eating more food with his own hands, but recently, even though he was being fed with a spoon, he somehow managed to produce a spaghetti explosion all over his face. Ever the hungry one, Jonas was completely oblivious to the fact, including the enormous meatball shrapnel over his right eye. Just keep that food coming, Mom...

Bumper Cars

We got some beautiful crib bumpers before Jonas was born but never did get around to putting them up. But lately, Jonas has been sleeping with his head crammed against the wood so we decided to put a few of the bumpers up on the sides of the crib that face the wall. That, however, has sparked a new sleep concern: There are times when Jonas seems less interested in sleep and more interested in the cars and trucks on the bumpers, choosing to inspect each and every one.

Whipped Cream

Jonas was having some waffles for breakfast the other day and Mom and Dad decided to join him. Only Dad decided to have his waffle "deluxe" style, and cut up some strawberries and sprayed on some whipped cream. Jonas was of course interested in this latter development, so Mom tempted him with a dollop on his plate. This only prompted more interest...

...Mom, of course, obliged by dipping some waffle into the giant dollop...

...the waffle and whipped quickly found a place in Jonas' mouth...

...an experience that at first seemed to stun, if not interest, him...

...until the inevitable mouth full of whipped cream that followed with each luscious taste...

Looking Down

Jonas has been fascinated by cars and trucks for a while, but lately, it's the wheels that are drawing most of his attention. Whether he's in his Cozy Coupe or in the hot-rod grocery cart at the store, it seems Jonas feels the need to peek out and see what's happening on the wheel front. Remember Jonas, keep your arms, hands and head inside at all times please...

Winner and Still Champion

Ding, ding ding! Ladies and gentlemen! Thank you all for attending this historic match in the 25-pound and under division between the contender, "The Bottle," and the reigning heavyweight guzzler of the world, Jonas "Big Guy" Keaton. The decision is in and we have the results. And once again, improving his all-time record to 1,000 wins with no losses, the winner by technical drink-down, and still champion guzzler of the world, is Jonas!

Waking Up

Jonas woke up from one of his naps yesterday and was just being his usual cute self. But for some reason, he was being especially cute and silly. Here's some shots of the Big Guy slowly waking up and having some fun with Dad.

Uh Oh!

Jonas pretty much has one word that he says, which is "da." Da is pretty versatile for him. It apparently means Dad, Mom, truck, bird, tree, car, ball, light and quite literally everything else that he may be seeing at that moment. Which is why we've been having fun the last few days with a new sound he seems capable of repeating even if he hasn't quite mastered the context. Nonetheless, it's pretty adorable. Take a look.

Cool Kicks

Jonas may be a Colorado boy now, but his roots are in Southern California, and his shoes are a testament to that heritage. After Jonas was born, one of Dad's co-workers made sure Jonas wouldn't forget that background by getting him some super-cool Vans skater shoes. Now that he's grown into them, he's looking pretty hip and reminding us of his native land—even if he wears them with his fleece vest.

Day at the Office

Jonas got quite the treat this morning when Dad took him to see Mom at her work. It was an amazing time for the Big Guy, who got to see Mom in professional mode, as well as a host of new things he had never before experienced. In a fascinating and somewhat ironic twist, Jonas seemed most interested in the walkers that some of Mom's residents use to help them get around—Jonas no doubt wondering if a walker could help him out as well. We had to keep him away from those, and for a while, he seemed content to get around the best way he knows how...

...but soon enough, Jonas found things to inspect. There were flowers...

...and Easter ornaments...

...and some new things he's never seen called Easter Eggs...

...and then there was this crazy contraption that spit water out of its side, which felt awfully strange and funny...

...next, Jonas wandered over to the activity room and waited around for something to happen. Luckily the room had lots of lights to stare at, which was about the best activity he could think of anyway...

...in any case, he decided that his next activity would be to sit there and be incredibly cute. Too bad no one came down to participate...

...all in all, a fun day at Mom's work, the first of what we're sure will be many more to come.