Puppet Show

There is no doubt that having children provides a wealth of new opportunities and experiences for the parents. The chance to mold someone's life and teach them your values. The shared joy of accomplishments big and small. And, oh yes, finally a good excuse to go out and buy some high-quality puppets. A few weeks back, we made an important investment in Jonas' future and secured some amazing hand puppets. There's the King, who will teach Jonas about manners. There's the Pirate, who will teach Jonas all about safety. And then there's Chef Alfredo "Al" Dente, who will eventually teach Jonas about proper food choices, but in recent days has been playing an amusing game of Patty Cake with the Big Guy that cracks up Mom and Dad almost as much as Jonas. Looks like they're all going to get along famously.

Keyed Up

Our nice-enough but alarmingly nonspecific daycare provider has given us few hints as to how Jonas really spends his days while we're at work. But one of the few details she's offered is that "he likes keys" – and we're hoping she means the toy kind. So, Mom went out and bought Jonas his own set this weekend, and as you'll see below, he does seem to enjoy them, even if they only appear to be unlocking his mouth.

Silly and Sweet

In recent months, we've shown you pictures of Jonas being silly and smooth, and even silly and serious. But today we offer you some shots of the big guy at his best, being silly and sweet.

Living Color

Mom took this great shot, which she calls Jonas and the Amazing Technicolor Dream-Onesie.

Perfect 10

There is no doubt that Jonas is the star of this blog. But we're going to pause now to celebrate Mom and Dad, who 10 years ago today on a hot and beautiful Colorado afternoon began their lives together as husband and wife. Jonas wasn't even a glimmer in our eyes at that point, but he has capped off a decade that has been filled with nothing but smiles and laughs. He is the best possible way to round out 10 perfect years.

Foot in Mouth

Jonas hasn't started saying actual words, of course, so he hasn't yet experienced the embarrassment of putting his foot in his mouth in the figurative sense. But in the literal sense, he seems to have the concept down pretty good.

Mommy Kisses

Mom often knows just the right thing to say or do to get Jonas smiling. And smothering him with kisses often seems to do the trick.

Big Stretch

One of Jonas' more amusing routines when he wakes up is to stretch as hard and as far as he possibly can, sometimes four or five times in a row. Here, the big guy demonstrates his winning technique.

World Traveler

Jonas checks out Sydney Harbor.

Slide Show

Niki and I love going to the Orange County Fair each summer, but we've taken this year off as we stay a bit closer to home these days. In recent years, we've enjoyed the old-school photo booth that allows you to take a strip of goofy photos. So, to get a little taste of the fair, Dad had some fun the other day with the cool front-facing camera feature of his new phone. Here, with a little photo editing help, is what it might have looked like if Jonas and Dad had played around at the fair this year.