Mamarazzi

Jonas typically takes one stroll in the morning and another in the afternoon around the neighborhood, meaning he's become a pretty popular figure on the local streets. And like the Southern California native he is, he's had to become used to the paparazzi — or on most days, the mamarazzi — constantly wanting to take his photo. In an effort not to be noticed, he thought he had a plan the other day to avoid this intrusion in his personal life — sunglasses...

...but his plan started to backfire when he decided maybe he didn't like wearing sunglasses after all...

...then, like every baby celebrity, he decided he needed to inspect the sunglasses before deciding his next move...

...but in the end, he relented to the burden of being locally world famous, coming through with his trademark charm for the cameras. For his fans. And just this once...

The Elusive Tooth

In addition to pizza and bagels, Jonas had another first during our recent visit to New York that we haven't talked about yet — his first tooth! His top left tooth started to pop out over Thanksgiving and in recent days it's gotten gradually bigger, followed by the one next to it. Efforts to photograph this milestone, however, have proved tricky. Here are some unsuccessful attempts, despite Jonas' seeming assistance at opening his mouth as wide as he possibly can. Stay tuned...

Breakin' Too

Jonas isn't quite crawling yet, but he is definitely moving his body in all sorts of directions. In recent weeks, he has finally picked up this whole rolling around thing, choosing sometimes to face-plant himself and swivel about with his legs in the air. In fact, it often looks like Jonas is auditioning for a part in a future break dancing movie, should there ever be one in development. Dad thinks the big guy has a pretty good shot at a role. Just look below and see if you can tell who the professional dancer is. It's virtually impossible...

Ledge Fun

A few weeks ago, we showed you how Mom was challenging Jonas a bit by sitting him on the little step that leads to his play area. Now we can report that Jonas is making great progress. He seems to enjoy the feel of the carpet on his feet and banging on the wood under his hands. Next step: Figuring out how to crawl down to the play area on his own.

In the Drink

It's amazing how fast Jonas' attitude can change about things. Just yesterday morning, as we tried again to introduce this concept called a cup to him, Jonas would have none of it. And I mean none of it. But last night, out of nowhere, there he was not only grabbing for the cup, but shoving it into his face as if it was the greatest sensation he had ever experienced...

...he got so excited, in fact, that he started trying to get the water/apple juice concoction Mom had made from all ends of the cup, including the side...

...but he caught on pretty quick, and within moments was back drinking the right way, even showing off how refined his technique could be in the process.

Sound Asleep

There's nothing quite as peaceful as a sleeping baby.

Bagel Snob

When we started giving Jonas some real food, all the books recommended starting with vegetables because if he tasted those sweet fruits first, he'd never want anything else. Unfortunately, we failed to heed that lesson while we were in New York, where Jonas got his first taste of a bagel. What we should have done was start him out with the awful things they call bagels in California so he would think that's the standard. Instead, his first taste of bagel was the most delicious bagel he could possibly have. Now we have a problem. Mom laid out some bagel strips from the store the other day, and Jonas put it in his mouth thinking it was the deliciousness he's already become accustomed to...

...soon, though, he realized he had been duped and that these were not New York bagels...

...which led Jonas to channel his inner New Yorker, offering his best, "You call that a bagel? Puh-lease..." while refusing on principle to continue the exercise.

Happy Hanukkah!

After experiencing his first Thanksgiving, Jonas is now moving on to a whole new slate of holidays to experience for the first time, starting the other night with Hanukkah. He got a taste of the Festival of Lights while in New York, where he cashed in with all sorts of wonderful gifts from his East Coast friends and family. But for the last two nights, he's had a chance to check out the candles themselves and watch them glow. At first, he appeared to treat the spectacle with solemn respect...

...then he seemed appropriately fascinated by the lights in front of him...

...at least that's what we'd like to believe. Maybe he was just wondering when he could get back to all the fun new toys he has.

So Refined

One of the many new traits Jonas picked up while he was in New York is an affinity for crossing his legs. After watching his grandfather do it, he seems to have drawn a liking to it as well. Now he sits, so refined, with his legs crossed all the time, holding on to make it even cuter.

Back Home

Jonas spent the first part of this week getting reacquainted with his old toys and play area after a fun-filled week in New York. A little quiet play time in his room proved just the trick to get him back into his old routine.