Jack's Gigantic Rice Cracker

Banji and the Rice Cracker

Jack's Sea Food Opera

Merry Christmas!

We had a good Christmas. Jack opened his gifts by himself this year. He got an easel, a robot dog, puzzles, and some art supplies. Can you tell he enjoyed himself?

Ben also managed to open his gifts for the most part.

I also had to run to CVS to buy C and D batteries. Isn't that awesome? Going out on Christmas morning?

Daddy and The Banji

We went to take family portraits today. It was an interesting experience as Ben and Jack did not want to participate. Neither smiled but both cried incessantly. We got a couple "okay" photos. Ellie and Kate took much better shots than either of the boys. But, Taylor was able to snap a couple quick ones of me and the little guy before we were told to put the camera away.

Ben's Cup

This kid may drink from a cup early!!

Day Care Holiday Program 2008

Jack's daycare put on its annual Holiday Program and pot luck dinner. Jack was too small last year and this year he just enjoyed the cookies before the show and then sat like a lump the rest of the performance. Sigh, hopefully next year he will be a little more self sufficient. He is way too attached to me, but better to be a Daddy's boy than a Mama's boy.

On another note, Ellie was very brave and very grown up. She joined the kids and sang Christmas songs while Santa arrived and didn't look afraid or out of her element at all. Way to go, Ellie!

Ben the Composer

The Maidy Boys: Hanging Out

Jack is a really loving big brother. He likes to play with Ben and keep him company. The two are thick as thieves, that is until Jack gets cranky or Ben spits up. Enjoy a nice moment between the boys.

Banji on the Table

Ben is beginning to sit like a champ. He still leans forward, but he can pretty much support himself. He is also going on 3 consecutive nights sleeping from 7:30 until 6 the next morning. Lets hope he keeps it up and can be moved into the room with Jack!

The Maidy Boys

Jackson Maidy and the Sorceror's Stone

Meeting Santa 2008

Jack was scared again, but Ben was a champ! He looked at Santa so adoringly and Santa didn't want to let him go!

Cute!

Santa Jack!

Seasons Greetings!

Christmas Decorating 2008

Put up the trees and the outside lights today. We decided to do it early to actually enjoy having the decorations up. Jack was having fun putting up the ornaments and candy canes. They wouldn't last long as he now likes taking them all off.

Not a Morning Person

Well, it wasn't morning. But, he doesn't look happy, does he?

Thanksgiving 2008

Full of tryptophan and wine, here are some photos from our Thanksgiving celebration this year. Despite the turkey appearing as a Demon Turkey, everything was delicious. Ben and Jack were very cute and Jack actually enjoyed some turkey and stuffing this year. Happy Turkey Day everyone!

Jack's Bagel

Morning People

 

Bowl Cuts and Overalls

Sorry we haven't posted in a while. Its been hectic at work and at home. Here are just some lounging photos from over the weekend. Grandma got Ben a cute new outfit and Jack got a terrible haircut (it looks a little better now). Just after Taylor got over a cold both kids have the sniffles. Ben is cutting his second tooth and is drooling like a maniac. But, see the photos for yourself. These ragamuffins are getting big!

Kate's 2nd Birthday

Had fun celebrating Kate's big oh two. Lots of fun as you can see from the photos.

Ben Stats - 5 Months

Height: 27 inches 90th percentile
Weight: 19.2oz 90th percentile
Head: 75th percentile
Shots: 2 (cried but stopped when I picked him up)

Suggestions: because we (everyone who cares/holds Ben) are all right handed, the right side of Ben's head is flatter than the left. It's slight but the doctor did suggest we try to hold/cradle him on our other side as much as possible to even things out.

Overall Health: Excellent! He's a big, strong, healthy 5 month old!

Comments: He tried to roll over onto his tummy when I put him on the examining table. He was about 90% there. Any day now he's gonna do it. I just hope I'm home when that happens.

Other comments: EVERY TIME I take Ben out for anything, people are always craning or peering over the stroller to see Ben and check him out. And EVERY time someone comments, it always includes his beautiful eyes and very cute smile.

We love the Banj.

Ben with Hair?

My dad has too much time on his hands and access to Photoshop. He moved Jack's hair onto Ben. It is eerie how much they look alike. A sign of things to come?

Jack and Ben: Just Hanging Around

Jack's School Photo 2008

Jackoween 2008

Ben was too tired to dress up, but he watched his big brother go trick or treating for the first time in our neighborhood!

Ben Eats Solids!

Jacob's Birthday Party

Jack enjoyed playing with his cousins and his buddy Jacob at the Kohl's Children's Museum yesterday. Ben got to go too and while he couldn't play, he did enjoy the people walking by.

Dress Up

The kids like costumes. They are so funny. We are going to scar them by making them wear matching outfits, but it is worth it!

Autumn Jack

Jackson Reenacts Risky Business

Jackson Maidy for President 2008

Dear America,

This is to inform you of Jackson Andrew Maidy's campaign for President of the United States of America. Jackson is a maverick of the playground and intends to create diaper reform, eliminate dependence on butt paste, created nation-wide health care that includes lollipops after getting a booster shot, as well as help our country fight the terrorist known as Barney. Will you join Jackson on his quest for the White House?

Drool, Baby, Drool!

Jack and Ben B&W

Here is a shot of me and Jack when he was 3 months old.  Next to it is me and Ben taken today.  You can clearly see the differences between the boys, but also the striking similarities.

At Goebbert's Pumpkin Patch

It was supposed to be really cold, so Ben stayed home with Grandma. It turned out to be really nice. Jack said "orange," Kate fed the animals, Jacob wore sunglasses, Tea went into the Haunted House, and Ellie bought her own pumpkin. A very successful day.

Some More Banji-ness

St Jude's Trike-A-Thon 2008

Jack's daycare raised money for the St Jude's Children's Fund. Jack raised $100! Here is a slideshow and video from the big event!

The Ben Who Laughs

Ben Stats Month 4

Height = 26 inches 80th percentile
Weight = 18.2lbs 95th percentile (not concerned as he is a long/tall baby)
Head = 75th percentile (measurement not given)
Shots = 2 (argh...he cried and whimpered all the way out the office doors)
Suggestions = Try to stretch feedings to every 4 hours
Overall health = great! Big healthy boy

Outside while waiting for the hospital valet folks to get the van, an older gentleman walked up to the stroller declaring he just HAD to see the baby in the stroller.

Man (after having studied Ben's face for a few minutes then looking up at me): "It's a girl, isn't it?"
Me: (I smile kindly) "Nope, a boy."
Man: (smiles wide): "What's its name?"
Me: "Ben."
Man: "He's got beautiful eyes. Hello Ben."

This isn't the first time someone has either mistaken him for a girl or commented that he was a 'pretty' baby. Everyone ALWAYS comments on how big/beautiful his eyes are though.

Ben and Jack Enjoy Storytime!

Banji's Buddies

Warm October

Ben Reacts to the Financial Crisis

Jackson Maidy and the Wind Tunnel (2008 Edition)

Ben Watching the Debate

Ben Lounging Around

Brokeback Jackson

Jack on a bad morning

Just Some Photos

Happy 2nd Birthday, Jackson!

Our Jackson turned 2 today and it is still unbelievable. He is such an amazing kid and we cannot wait to see what this year has in store!

Watch! He even blows out his own candle!!!

Ben's 100th Day / Jack's 730th Day

We celebrated Ben's 100th day with a Korean lunch and naked baby photos. We then had cake for Jack's 2nd birthday and went to Kiddieland Amusement Park. The park is designed for kids under the age of 10 and had plenty of rides for all the kids to enjoy. Jack rode the Tilt-A-Whirl and was not scared. He and Jacob then rode all the little car/boat/spaceship rides and loved it. We will definitely be going back next summer!

Jack's Podaegi

The Kids These Days

Jack and Ben Chatting

Ben's Public Service Announcement

Ben Napping

Labor Day

Nice relaxing day...despite Taylor's second trip to the store forgetting her wallet(sigh). We flew a kite (sort of) and just lazed about.

Terrible Two

Jack has officially become a difficult child.

Well, more difficult than we have experienced.

Those who know us can now say "I told you so" as Jack ceases to be the wonderful easy kid he used to be.

Tantrums have begun full force. He has been reprimanded at day care for hitting (which has stopped, so far). He yells "no." He yells back. He doesn't listen. He cries and screams when he doesn't get his way.

According to the book THE HAPPIEST TODDLER ON THE BLOCK, he still falls under the "easy" category in general. If he was "spirited" he would be very difficult to break of these habits.

Hopefully we can get him back to behaving before his anger gets the best of him.

Jack's Chicago Summary

New Jack City

Actual words coming soon...too tired...

Nekkid

Lost - daily BM

Ben continues to cat nap through out the day instead of having two long naps in a day. He is supposed to start consolidating his sleep by now but he seems to be having trouble. I cannot and do not believe that some kids are just light sleepers. Those light sleeping kids tend to be over tired and cranky and whiney most of the day and just not happy.

I know from experience that when Jack gets a good nap, everyone has a good day.

I don't think Ben is a cat napper by nature though because last week he was sleeping much better than he is this week. Last week he took a 2 hour morning nap, and a 3 hour afternoon nap and he pooped once in the morning and once at night.

Alex and I believe Ben's naps are being messed up by his constipation. Being on soy formula does that to you more so than just regular formula (formula itself is binding to begin with!).

Ben is already on Karo AND 2 oz of water every day to help him 'go' and yet we still have use the thermometer trick to help him go. Poor little man.

I cannot wait till we can start him on solids and get some prunes and squash in him. He has his 3 month doctor visit in about a week. I will inquire about either using prune juice in his bottles instead of Karo, or when I can start him on solids to help him go. Sigh.

Ben 101

Just a few things about the Banji-man:

1) Hates entertaining himself
2) Holds his pee while he naps/sleeps and let's it all go the minute he's awake.
Hopefully this means he will be easy to potty train later. :-)
3) Loves watching Jack
4) Likes watching TV
5) Will wake up the INSTANT you stop pushing the stroller or the car hits below 45 mph.
6) Likes baths - especially when he's being dried off in a soft fluffy towel (lots of smiles)
7) Can lift his head, and chest off the ground
8) Can sit in Bumbo fairly well
9) Likes to complain
10) Goes from whimper to full on yelling in 3.2 seconds
11) Likes being swaddled
12) Likes being read to
13) Likes nuzzling up against mom's chest while having afternoon bottle

Jack's Choo Choo Tracks

Jack Holding Ben

By Request: Benjamin (and Jack!)

We are suffering 2nd Child Syndrome by not posting nearly as many photos of Ben as Jack. We know, we are bad people. So, here you go....

Day Out With Thomas 2008

My fear was Jack would pull a Santa and be deathly afraid of the "real" Thomas.

Instead he shocked us by being super excited and having a great time. Along with Tea, Jacob, Ellie, and Kate, Jack explored the train museum and loved every moment of it.

Pale Blue Cotton Pants

PT = Potty Try at daycare.

Today Jack left the house wearing shorts.
He returned wearing pale blue cotton pants.
He apparently peed and pooped in the potty today at daycare!
He apparently got pee on his shorts in the process.

We are VERY proud of the Fudgy.
Hopefully this means we can get him out of diapers soon - save some money...maybe we'll put the money we save on Jack's diapers towards the braces he'll need one day. That being the case, the money would not really be 'savings' would it since it's just rerouted for something other than savings. Sigh.

We are VERY proud of the Fudgy!!

Stubborn

I don't think he wanted to have his picture taken....sigh.

Commander Crank & SuperPuncher

Jack and Ben are each having their own difficulties these days.

Ben refuses to sleep. Literally. He won't nap for more than 45 minutes at a time and never in his crib. It is taking its toll on Taylor and we can't figure out what to do. It doesn't help that he is on soy formula, which is very binding. Even with Karo and water throughout the day, he still has trouble going alone. Plus, being in the swing all day has given him a flat head. I hope he doesn't need a helmet.

Jack is in a phase many websites say is normal around 2 years: hitting. It started with just pushing kids. Not hard, but enough to make the other kids whine. It then escalated to throwing things in anger and swiping/hitting teachers and the two of us. Time outs are used at school and we have tried it, but they seem to go right over his head. The Internet says to intercept the hits and tell him why we don't hit. We are trying, but it is hard when you have a little one he is jealous of and no sleep (=no patience). He should grow out of it, the sites say.

All in all, we are trying to get through day by day. I hope it gets easier. If anyone asks me if we are having a third, they should prepare to get punched in the face.

Jack at the Pool Part II

At the Pool Part I

Ellie's 5th Birthday Party

Some Jack and Ben Pictures

Ben Stats - Two Months

Ben will be 2 months 8/6/08, however, he had his 2 month well baby check up this morning. Here are his stats:

Height: 24 inches 75%
Weight: 14.6lbs 95% (he gained 3lbs. in one month! Too much according to his doctor)
Head Circ.: 30cm 50%

Constipation is a continuing problem for Ben who is on Soy formula due to excessive gassiness. We have been advised to give Ben 2oz of water twice daily to relieve his woe. I guess Soy makes you constipated but it's the only formula he'll tolerate for now that doesn't seem to wretch him up all day from gas. Sigh.

Fortunately, the doctor informed us all babies out grow this kind of immature digestive system issues.

Ben was very alert and talkative during his exam today - that is till the nurse came in and gave him two shots. He complained a bit longer than last time afterwards. Poor little man.

Conclusion: Ben got a clean bill of health. I cannot believe he'll be 3 months at his next appointment! Time flies!

Brothers

Our boys....aren't they sweet?

The Real Choo Choo

My sister went downtown to check out Columbia and scout if she truly wants to attend school there. The rest of us went to the train station to pick her up. This was Jack's first real visit to see a real train. He was not scared at all and after the train pulled away he said "Bye Gordon!" after his favorite Thomas train.

Next month he meets the "real" Thomas. We can't wait!

The Latest

Banji and the Fudge

Ben and Jack are doing well. Ben is a bit fussy in the evenings, but it doesn't seem to be colic since switching to soy formula appeased the gas. Jack is just as Jack as usual. Enjoy these photos!

July 4th Weekend

Enjoyed a nice (not relaxing) weekend. My sister has been an AMAZING help this past week and we look forward to her in the coming month.

Here are some photos!

Ben Stats

Ben had his four week check up today.

He is 22 and a half inches tall = 75%
He is 11.2 oz = 75%
Head size - unknown as I can't remember what the measurement was but he's in the 50% for the head size.

He got one shot today, the Hep B shot. Next month he gets two. Ben sailed through the shot today by only crying for a few seconds and then he was fine.

The only instruction I received today regarding Ben was his eating schedule. Right now he's eating every 1.5 - 2.5 hours (approx. 4 oz, sometimes 2 oz. more). We've been instructed to give him 3-4 hours between feedings.

During the night he already does this, but during the day he seems never satisfied with the feedings he has. I think I may have mistaken Ben's boredom, or gassiness with wanting to feed. I think I may have overfed him. Ooops. Have already decided to stick to 3-4 hour schedule and give him a diaper change, a binky, or just face time/play time with Ben instead of the bottle. I do not want Ben to think bottle is his mother and comforter. :-)

There was a mother and her teenage son in the waiting room at the doctor's office who was not at all bashful about telling us how cute Ben was and asked how old he was. I was happy to hear that I am not the only one who thinks Ben is a cutie pie. He has very large, curious, soulful chocolate brown eyes. They make me think about what is most important to me.

Ben Today

Ben is doing great. Sleeping a lot and eating like crazy. It is very tough juggling 2 little ones but they do give suprisingly amazing moments. Take a look.

Kohls Children's Museum

Jack, Grannie Annie, Grandpa, and I went to the Kohls Children's Museum in Glenview with Jack. He obviously had a great time. The place is a fantastic kid friendly atmosphere. I think we may have his birthday party there!

Bear Dancing, Face Touching, and Pong Eating

Our first day alone as a family went well. Here you will see Jack dancing with a giant stuffed toy, Ben sleeping peacefully, Jack touching Ben's face and hands, and Jack eating a giant rice cake.

Also, we weighed Ben and he is up to approx 9 pounds. Jack weighs 32.5 pounds. These kids are BEEFY!

Father's Day Party

Jack's daycare has parties for Father's Day and Mother's Day. Taylor wasn't feeling well for her party, but I went to mine.

Basically it was a good time to spend with Jack and the other kids. They had games set up like golf, teeball, beanbag, basketball, and more. Jack played a little of each but wanted to run around in the fresh air. He is a goofy boy.

Ben: Day 8

Ben is doing much better. He is staying awake for long periods of time and eating up to 3 ounces at a time! Jack loves looking at him and touching his hands. I think those two will get along very well.

Ben: Day 6

Ben has jaundice, but today's visit confirmed he does not need any special treatment. He is eating 2-3 oz a day and pooping like a champ. He is back up to 8lbs 5oz after losing some.

Taylor's milk has started coming in faster and faster. Good times ahead!

Also, Ben is sleeping through the night except for 1 feeding.

We are lucky to have such good kids!

Jack's Summer Haircut

Ben and Jack

Home Sweet Home

We got home safely with Ben yesterday. Jack was excited and interested to see the baby and has not reacted negatively yet. He wants Mommy to pick him up and gets upset when she doesn't.

Beyond that, all is fairly well.

Ben had a doctor visit today. He has jaundice and is down to 8lbs even. The doctor wants him to get 2oz every feeding. Since Taylor's milk is not in quite yet, we are supplementing with Good Start formula. Ben is up to 1-1.5oz per feeding. We go back Thursday so hopefully the yellow in his skin has mellowed by then.

Ben: Day 2/3

Ben: Day 1

Meet Ben Maidy

Benjamin Clark Addison Maidy

Born June 6, 2008 at 3:49pm
8 lbs 15 oz
22 inches

This time last year.....

So just for memory sake I decided to check out what Jack was doing this time of year last year....and well it appears he was helping himself to some kind of baby snack food (probably cheesey wagon wheels as this kid has Alex penchant for cheese)at Bowl House, one of my favorite places for sushi.

The green cap he's wearing no longer fits him, and the striped shirt is a onesie! Was this kid ever in a onesie? Wow!

I was also going through some infant/newborn onesies for Ben to wear and just could not believe how tiny they are! I just remember Jack being a super pudgy kid.

Tonight will be last night Jack will ever be the only kid in the house. Are we sad about it? Not me as I know Jack will be good brother and he would actually welcome the company of another kid so he can make fun of us (that's standard sibling duty, to make fun of mom and dad as much as possible) and make trouble.

Alex however seems to be a bit emotional - "but Jack will never remember he had these moments all to himself with us..." as all three of us sat on the couch last night watching TV (Jack loves to cuddle with us on the couch in the evenings before bedtime).

I figure what he doesn't remember won't hurt him....but WE'LL remember and so it is locked in our memory forever.

I'm not worried. Jack will love having Ben around....he'll probably try feeding Ben french toast or string cheese.

It's a date!

Ben will be arriving this Friday, 6/6.
The C-section has been scheduled for 2:30pm.
We are very excited to finally meet our little boy and get to know him.

The doctor felt it was safe to deliver at this point...he's only going to get bigger and I'm only going to get more uncomfortable as the days go on, so the decision was made to bring him into the world 4 days before he is officially considered 39 weeks old.

I cannot wait to see him. I cannot wait to see Jack's reaction to his little brother Ben.

Ready Now

I have my last OB/GYN appointment tomorrow morning.
We have moved up the C-section to 6/10 due to my GD and the size of Ben.

Perfect timing too now that he major stuff in the house has been put into place/renovated.

Jack had a blast with his cousins, Grandma and Emoh while Emoh-Boo and his dad installed the new fridge today. He absolutely enjoys having them around. He plays hard, eats more, and laughs louder when he spends time with Ellie and Kate.

Tonight, Kate was sitting on his new red lawn chair and Jack decided to join her...with Kate still sitting in it. Sigh. Obviously, two toddlers weren't meant to fit in one lawn chair but that did not stop Jack from trying. I think Jack needs a lesson in spacial values.

Alex and I believe Jack will try to sit in the bouncy chair with Ben in it. Sigh....sigh, shaking of head.

I cannot wait to see Jack's reaction to Ben's arrival.

Ben @ 35 weeks: 7 lbs 13 oz!!!!

For those who couldn't see the baby clearly in the last ultrasound images, these should blow you away.

Still 4 weeks from the due date, the doctor determined Ben is already almost 8 pounds!

Don't be surprised if he is born within the next few weeks!

Jack and the Three Dogs

We were out and three dogs in three different places started barking. Watch Jack's head fly!

Jack's Spring Journey

Jack in Spring

We have been having a fun Spring so far. Jack loves being outside, so we try to get him out as much as possible. We are renovating our place, so new flooring and furniture is coming in the next few weeks.

Jack got a table and he loves sitting at it. He even pushes his chair in when he is done!

Ready To Burst

Taylor was diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes. While not happy about it, at least we have an idea why she has been so much bigger this time around.

As you can see, Ben is a hefty boy and is sitting pretty low.

Only a few more weeks away!

Jack's New Table

Benjamin Maidy: in 4D!

Here are 3 ultrasound images of Ben taken today. We got to see them in glorious 4D! You can see his nose and mouth and he looks just like Jack!

Only a few more weeks before we get to meet the little man in person!

Ben vs Jack

Jack has gotten into the habit of running and letting whatever he runs into stop him. I don't mean walls or doors. Usually it is Taylor's stomach. He doesn't do it to cause pain, but it definitely isn't the most comfortable thing in the world. He has been showing a lot of interest in Taylor's stomach, but I don't think he grasps what is coming.

We have less than 2 months before Ben arrives, assuming he isn't early. That means Jack only has that time to be the center of our attention. Part of me knows he will be OK but the other half is deathly afraid of him becoming what Koreans call "cold rice."

Time will tell. Hopefully it won't happen.

Jack is Iron Man

Seriously. Does this look like a kid who had surgery less than 72 hours before these were taken? He is amazing! We enjoyed a day out in the mid-70s. Weather was beautiful. We then spent some time with the cousins. Check out Kate at the end. She is super strong too!

Jackcabulary 2.0

Jack shares some of his new words!

Jack vs Jack

We went to visit my mother-in-law's sister-in-law to see her new condo. While there, Jack got to play with her little dog who is also named Jack. As you can see from the video, the two of them got along very well. Jack even got to watch Jack pee. Just watch the video to see who was watching who.

Surgery #3

Jack underwent his third (and hopefully final) surgery today.  He had his circumcision corrected as the first one left too much foreskin.  He was amazing.

I woke him at 5:15 this morning to get some juice before the 4 hours prior to surgery rule.  He didn't complain once about not having food or drink.  When we got to the hospital, he began hamming it up like he always does.

In the pre-surgery area, he played well, laughed, and was a hit.  He made all of the other patients going into surgery smile which I hoped help them through their procedures.  The nurses and doctors all loved him that he got 2 stuffed animals for being such a trooper (a monkey and a rabbit!).

The surgery was less than an hour and soon enough we were approaching him as tears streamed down his face.  He saw me and cried for Daddy and when I took him, he immediately fell asleep and stayed that way for an hour.

The doctors gave him a "block" injection to locally numb his surgery for 4-6 hours and told us to provide him Motrin or Tylenol as needed.  They said he should be back to solids by the next day and normal activity within 2-4 days.

When he woke up, he drank 4(!) cups of juice and we were on our way home.  He didn't hesitate to start playing like normal.  We gave him a bland lunch of mashed potato fries and chicken nuggets which he wolfed down.  He didn't seem wobbly or nauseous at all, which is an awesome sign.  He also didn't seem to be in much pain.

The scary part came when we opened a poopy diaper to find a lot of blood.  His gauze was soaked through and it was bright red.  The discharge form stated this was a sign to call the doctor.  She told us to hold a washcloth on the area for 7 minutes like any other cut.  She said more than likely he broke a scab and it was bleeding.  She said the surgery went so well she thought that was all it was and in 20 years she has not needed a patient with this surgery to go to an ER.  Lo and behold, it worked.  And he didn't cry once.

Now, he is asleep soundly and will hopefully wake up painless tomorrow.  Jack is such an amazing trooper and we are blessed to have him.

On a final note, Jack has reached a new obsession with Thomas the Tank Engine.  He is so in love with the show that we need to play it on his travel DVD player so we can relax with a normal show.  He plays with the toys all the time and said the name of his first character today.  No, it wasn't Thomas.  He said Gordon, the mean train that is only on 1 out of every 10 episodes.  Now, every train is Gordon.

Maidy Look-alike Meter

MyHeritage: Look-alike Meter - Free family tree - Geneology

Pears in the Dark

Bad storms hit tonight which knocked out our power at 6:30. It was still barely light out but candles and flashlights were needed. My gut was worried Jack would lose it. My gut was wrong.

Jack showed absolutely no fear. He proceeded to play as if nothing was wrong. He used the flashlight like a lantern and explored the living room. We played and laughed and had a great time. The power came on minutes past his normal 7:30 bedtime.

It never ceases to amaze me when Jack does things like this. I think I have more fears about how he will react than he actually has. It makes me glad to see him thrive no matter the odds.

But. we won't be giving him any pears. He snacked on some Korean pears, chewing them to mush to get the flavor, then spitting the rest out onto the dark floor. We have been stepping on the remnants for the past few hours.

Jack's Trains

Jack loves his trains. He also loves cars. If we see a car on the street, in a parking lot, on TV, in a magazine, or anywhere else, he just starts yelling CAR!

We bought him some Little People toys because he seems to want to play act with little characters and he loves them. We also let him choose between some extra Little People or a Speed Racer car that makes sounds and talks. He chose the Speed Racer. Looks like I will have to get the DVDs for him too!

Jack's First Outdoor Weekend

Jack spent a very large chunk of the weekend walking and talking and having a great time. He loves being outside and we cannot wait until the weather stays like this every day. On Saturday, we met the cousins and Grandma to check out the new Korean mega-market in Niles. It was very cool to see an Asian market the size of a Jewel, but it is quite the haul just to go grocery shopping. The place was packed, but Jack loved being with his cousins, who also came over to hang out too! Today, we enjoyed a nice day shopping at Old Navy and The Container Store. Jack also had hummus (which he LOVED!) and BBQ Chicken Pizza at California Pizza Kitchen, and then we had a nice walk around the neighborhood. Jack is growing up so fast, we can't keep up!

Jack Goes Outside

Potty Time!

Jack pooped in the potty!

Picking up Jack from daycare on Friday, his teacher informed me of the great news!  They allow each child to sit on the training toilets and Jack laid a deuce on the first try!  We were so proud we bought one for him to use.  As you can see he enjoys sitting on his throne but has not left any brown eggs and ham yet.

(Note: sorry for the poop jokes, but how often will I get to blog about crap, turds, fecal matter, feces, BM, or stool?)

Jackcabulary

18 Month Checkup

Jack had his 18 month well visit/pre-op checkup today (in case you didn't know, Jack is having the excess foreskin on his penis removed on August 18th). According to the checkup, Jack is:

Weight: 26 lbs 3 oz (50th Percentile)
Length: 32.1 inches (50th Percentile)
Head Circumference: 18.75 inches (50th Percentile)

It isn't looking likely that he will be as tall as Dad, but more than likely an average kid in physical respects (which is definitely a good thing!).

Based on his vocabulary, physical abilities, and brain function, the doctor said he is just ahead of the developmental curve (which is also a very good thing!).

Next up for Jack, the doctor recommended trying a training toilet. Not to force anything, but to get him used to the idea of it as a preparation for toilet training.

His next visit will be at the 2 year mark and that will more than likely be the first doctor checkup with both little ones!

Blabber Mouth

Sorry for the lack of updates. We were all sick as a family for a while and are just getting back into the swing of things. Hopefully these posts will become regular again real soon.

Jack has been talking NON-STOP since moving from the infant room to the toddler room. His vocabulary has exponentially expanded since the last post we had about it. Here are some of his new words:

"Moo" - Cow
"Toes" - Feet
"Blast Off!" - From Little Einsteins
"Baseball" - He loves watching the sports montages on ESPN
"Juice" - Juice/Milk


He also has been feeding himself very well. For the past week, he has been eating better than ever! He has (on separate days) eaten an entire chicken breast, 1 and a half crabcaks, 5 huge chicken nuggets, and a bowl of noodles. It is really nice to all sit at the table and eat together.

The Plague!

Jack brought home the plague from daycare last week.

He started having a fever last Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Friday I took him to see our general practitioner (bad idea, should have taken him to his ENT) who diagnosed it as a common cold that he should start feeling better over the weekend. And if he didin't, then to bring him back the following Monday.

Saturday - the plague arrived full force for me and Alex. The only good part of Saturday was that Jack was feeling much better and his fever broke. Alex and I felt like crap - fever, body aches, nasty nasty congestion and even nastier sore throat and phlegmy chest congested coughs for me. We felt like we'd been beatin wth a hammer. It hurt to walk, to talk, to open our eyes.

Sunday - Alex calls my OB/GYN (as I can no longer talk due to sever throat pain and phlegm) and I am prescribed meds. Thank goodness for responsiev OB/GYNs! Alex still feels like crap and is living off Dayquil and Tylenol. Jack's fever comes back and he is oozing stuff out of his ear and his nose.

Monday - Alex and I take off from work. All 3 of use head to the doctor's office. Jack gets the meds he needs. Alex is on MucinexD along with an assortment of other meds. We are told that chances are we just have the flu.

I've had the flu before.....this is NOT the flu. My throat doesn't feel like it's on fire when I've had the flu before. I do not lose my voice when I have the flu. I do not wheeze and cough in my sleep when I have the flu!

We will be switching to a new doctor shortly.

I am starting to feel conscious again, and Alex went to work. Jack is in the middle of what is now turning into a 4 hour nap - a much needed make-up nap for all the interrupted 'sleep' he's not had the past 3 days. Poor little Fudge.

Thank goodness for my mom who came by everyday since Saturday to help out. Without her, I'm sure recovery would have been delayed and rest would not have been possible for any of us.

I'm afraid to even THINK about what it would be like once Ben is born and all FOUR of us get the plague. Gads.

Back Home

It is sad to see snow again. But, in just the 5 1/2 days in Florida, we have noticed major changes in Jack!

NEW WORDS
Jack can now say "Me," "Mom-Moms," "Po-Po" (Korean for kiss), "Ji-Ji" (Korean for icky), and "Baby."

ACTIONS
Jack can now take big steps (goofy walking), can take complicated/combined instructions (i.e. take the doll and hand it to Dad), he shrugs his shoulders as if saying "I don't know," he can put stacking boxes in a tower and then back inside in order, he has started feeding himself with a spoon, he no longer wants little torn off food but a big piece, he went down a slide by himself, he learned how to scream/yelp in excitement, and he even learned how to gently pet and touch a cat.

SIBLING RELATION
He was very careful with a baby doll, giving it hugs and kisses. This will come in very handy!

It was exciting to see him with my family and not have any adjustment time to being in a strange place. He was still hesistant around strangers, but also very adventurous with new places and things.

He now recognizes the photos of Grannie, Grandpa, Aunt Sam, and Mom-moms. I am sure he already misses them as Taylor and I do.

I can't wait to see what he does next!

Sunday in Florida: Jack Hates the Beach but Loves Cuban food!

Jack loved the beach when he was 8 months old. Not so much at 17 months.

It was in the 80s, but very windy with big choppy waves. Jack spent the majority of the time clinging to me and refusing to touch the sand. He would scream every time he did. The ocean was too loud for him.

Lets hope he does better next time.

We went to a Cuban restaurant for lunch and Jack chowed down on fried plantains, pork chunks, and black beans with rice.

Saturday in Florida: Jungle Island and Some Gelato

The weather just got better on Saturday!

We went to Jungle Island in Miami which is a cross between and amusement park and a zoo. Jack loved the animals. He got to pet a parrot, had a goat try and eat his shirt, saw 2 monkeys pee, and saw an albino alligator!

But, his favorite part was running around at the end of the day. He just loves being outside!

Back in Boca, we stopped by a gelato shop and Jack tried everyone's flavors. He is turning into a little man!

NOTE: These photos were all taken with our new Sony H3 camera. It has a burst photo feature where you can snap dozens of shots just by holding down the button. Look at the great shots we got of Jack with this. Taylor loves this feature!!

Friday in Florida: Butterfly World and The Playground

Friday had weather that was much better than the previous 2 days. Jack was in shorts and a t-shirt! We first went to Butterfly World where Jack started out by admiring a beautiful and colorful butterfly on the walkway. He then turned around and smashed it to a smear on the concrete. We couldn't help but laugh as Jack kept on running.

Jack absolutely loved being outside and the freedom to run and play and point at all the amazing sights!

That evening, we took Jack to a playground at the clubhouse for my parent's association. Jack was apprehensive of the woodchips on the ground and the jungle gym itself. But, after showing him how to play, he was using the slide by himself! This kid is a quick learner!

Watch out Boca! Here comes Jack!

Jack had another excellent flight to Florida. He slept for 90 minutes of the 150 minute flight.

We spent a lazy Wednesday in the house. Jack became oriented to everything and everyone very quickly.

It was cold and today was slightly better (mid 60 degrees). We went to a hydroponic fruit farm and Jack enjoyed being outside very much.

More photos to come.

Oxi Clean!

We have posted photos of my family in the living room to get Jack used to their faces and also to practice their names. He cannot manage Grandpa, but alternates between PaPa and DaDa for him.

But, he now recognizes The Beard.

Coming back home yesterday, Jack ran to me when the booming voice of the Oxi Clean guy came on TV. Jack turned and saw him and then yelled "DaDa!" before running to the photo of my dad and pointing at him.

Next we will try with a photo of George Lucas!

JUST TO HELP YOU GET IT:

My Dad

The Oxi Clean Guy

Jumpcut

Jumpcut is a free website where you can use video, photo, and audio to make mixed clips to share. Check out this one I made of Jack!

My Latest Favorite Jack

The Jack Dance

Jack Says Daddy

This is the same enthusiasm Jack shows every time he sees me after missing me. I love this little guy!

Jack in the Morning

Jack the Goof

Jack has so many toys in such a small area, he sometimes pulls out something to play with that he hasn't used in weeks and sometimes months. Today, he pulled out his foam blocks and his ball popper. Take a look at how he enjoyed it!

The Name Game

I don't know if I still like the name Cameron as much as I used to. We had it picked out before Jack was born as our girl name. When we learned Taylor was pregnant again, we brought the name back and decided it would work for a boy or a girl. I keep wavering from liking it to not, but I cannot find a name I like better.

The hunt continues...

It's a Boy! (Round 2)

Taylor and I got 99% confirmation that Baby #2 is a boy! So, from this point on we can refer to the baby as Cameron or Brownie! The picture at left is the profile of the baby, who looks almost exactly like Jack!

The doctor who administered the 2nd Level Ultrasound said everything looks good, which lowers the risk of Down's Syndrome by 50%. The Single Umbilical Artery we encountered with Jack is not present this time around. The baby was being difficult when it came to determine the gender, but the doctor said he was 99% certain it was a boy. Very exciting!

The three photos below are cool shots. The first one is a face shot, with the eye the black spot on the left with the nose and lips below it at an angle. The image after that shows two little feet crossed and the final image is the penis (there is an arrow pointing to it). Can't wait to meet the little guy!