The Girls Next Door

As spring begins to warm things up around here, Jonas has taken an increasing interest in checking things out outside. And tops on his list of things to do is catch a glimpse of the two girls who live next door when they begin playing outside. Jonas has been inching his way toward the window each morning, hoping they might appear so he can go out and put on the charm. No luck so far, but one day. One day...

Podcast Fun

For a while now, we've been showing Jonas some video podcasts that Sesame Street puts together, focusing on specific words. (Dad's favorite so far: one that offered children the definition of "reporter," including a clip of a frustrated Kermit trying to do a man on the street interview, one of Dad's least favorite activities back when he had to do such things...) Jonas seems to get a kick out of the videos while Mom holds him and looks on. He especially enjoyed Adam Sandler teaching him about the word "crunchy."

Loud at the Library

With Jonas now fully recovered from his various ailments the last few weeks, he and Dad made a triumphant return this week to library time. And Jonas wasted no time at the library time. He immediately grabbed some rattles and noise makers and proceeded to play for the assembled crowd while the books were being read. There were new balls to throw around as well, and Jonas found himself double-fisted at times with things that either rattled or rolled—or both. Safe to say he enjoyed himself.

Royal Treatment

Jonas is not one to be left out of world events. So Mom helped him re-enact the royal wedding from last weekend by letting him try one of her rings on for size. Our little prince was mesmerized by the experience.

Striking Resemblance

Jonas came home with some goodies from school the other day, and included among them was this stunning portrait of our family that someone had made. The resemblance is uncanny.

Delicate Touch

A few weeks ago on a trip to Boulder, we got Jonas a Koosh ball that we thought he'd have fun playing with. And now it's about the cutest thing to see his delicate touch as he likes to grab the ball by its tiny handle and oh-so-gingerly bounce it up and down.

Young at Heart

Nothing's worse as a kid than when your parents take you to Toys R Us to shop for other kids. But with some gifts to buy for others, we had to do it yesterday. Only it wasn't so much Jonas that seemed disappointed he wouldn't be getting anything on this visit. Dad, for one, marveled at some of the games and toys he had growing up that were still for sale, including a game called Bumpershot...

...and the apparent return of Smurf figurines...

but as much as Dad seemed to have a wandering eye, nothing quite compared with the reaction Mom seemed to have at every turn. Look Jonas, hula-hoops!!!...

Look Jonas, check out this dinosaur castle thing that lights up when you touch it!!!...

Oh, Jonas, I am having such a great time!!!...

When it finally came time to check out, Jonas wasn't sure what to make of the whole experience and what in the world had taken over his parents...

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?