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.

Joining the Action

There was a time when Dad would take Jonas for coffee and Jonas would sleep through the whole thing. But lately, especially at dinner time, Jonas has a hard time sitting still if other people are eating or drinking in front of him. He just needs to be up where all the action is. So it was this morning that Dad had to hold Jonas while he attempted to enjoy a cup of coffee and a bagel and the local coffee joint...

It was cute and adorable for all those people who were coming and going, but not exactly practical for Dad as he tried to enjoy a cup of hot coffee that has no business being near a baby. Of course, on the walk home, once everything had been consumed and scarfed down, Jonas was back to his sleepy self...

...and by the time we got home, he was ready to play.

An Ode to Noonan

A few posts ago, we mentioned one of Jonas' playmat friends: Noonan. But it dawns on us that perhaps we haven't properly introduced him to the blog. That's him up there. We're not sure what to make of him, but Jonas seems to enjoy his company. He especially appreciates that Noonan has various appendages, any one of which can be put into his mouth to much delight. As for his name, we decided to call him that after the bizarre emcee that hosts "Mario Party 8" on the Wii. The Nintendo character (see below) sort of looks like Jonas' new friend and, inexplicably, likes to say a word during the game that we can't figure out, but that sort of sounds like "Noonan." And being as we can't figure out what Jonas' new friend is either, we have thus given him that name. So, thanks Noonan for being who you are — whatever that may be.

Foot Finder

This week, Jonas seemed to discover that he not only has hands, but that he has feet as well. And now he can't stop reaching for them. While he's become a pro at putting his hands in his mouth, it may be a few more days until his feet get there, too. But it's probably just a matter of time.

Shorts

Jonas experienced another first the other day — his first pair of shorts! Up until now, he's pretty much been a onesie kind of guy. He's even experienced pants on those rare chilly days. But the other morning, he wore a genuine outfit and, as you might be able to tell, seemed to enjoy the experience.

Car Wash

Jonas hasn't just been downing his Magic Bottles these days. No, he's still showing interest in eating — or at least attempting to eat — nearly anything put in front of him, be it stuffed animal friend, book, or, in this case, car.

Filling Up

Jonas had one of his fussiest nights to date the other night, a night where he just wanted to be held, thank you very much, so enough of this crib business. The next night, Mom decided (and Dad wholeheartedly agreed) that perhaps a more filling meal before he went to bed would be enough for the Big Guy to pass out for longer. And so, a tablespoon of rice cereal went into a bottle — we called it the "Magic Bottle" — last night, Jonas' first official food. The result: One of his best nights of sleep to date. Safe to say there will be more Magic Bottles in Jonas' future.

Face Down

One of the little joys in life is passing out on your stomach somewhere — be it a bed, a couch, or even a floor if you simply can't make it to the others — when you are dead tired. As is recommended, Jonas sleeps every night on his back. Other than passing out on someone's chest, sleeping on his back is all he's known. But this afternoon, after 40 minutes of massive fussing, Jonas finally experienced the joy of passing out stomach-first on his own. With his faithful sidekick Pulkie keeping a watchful eye, Jonas gradually drifted off to sleep on his stomach, snoring adorably as Mom and Dad kept close tabs as well. No doubt there will be more of that in his future.