Jack the Lionheart

Jack amazes each and every day. Sometimes it is nothing more than a new silly face or a new word. But other times it is one of those monumental milestone kinds of things that make you realize this is not just your baby but also a fully functioning human being.

On the way home today I had to make a pitstop with Jack at Jewel. Taylor had requested a loaf of french bread to make homemade garlic bread. Jack was in a very good mood from daycare and was talking up a storm. It was beautiful outside so I was happy to spend a little more time with the Fudge.

No sooner than we entered the store, Jack wanted to walk. These days he does not want to be in the cart. I figured it was a quick trip, let him explore a bit. I set him down and he took a few steps. At that moment a woman dropped a bag of chips on the ground.

Now, at this point my instinct was to pull him back and tell him to stay close. But, I didn't have time. Instead I saw Jack walk up to the bag of chips, pick it up, hand it to the lady, and say "here you go." She looked shocked and I am sure I did too. She thanked him and said he was a very helpful little boy.

I don't know if Jack realized how awesome it was to see him act selflessly like that or if he was just excited I rewarded his really amazing behavior with a little toy car (and a LOT of kisses).

Either way, my little guy is a great human being and I am prouder of him every single day!

Videos and Pictures

Fear and Loathing in Elgin

Ben and Jack now share a bedroom. I spent Saturday cleaning The Room Formerly Known as Jack's while Taylor took Jack to the park and the fish store with EJ and Jacob. The fun part, I guess, was having to disassemble the crib and then reassemble it. The first night both boys went down with almost no effort and slept the entire night. Yesterday Ben had to sleep in our bed for his nap because Jack was too riled up to sleep (both boys napped once in different rooms). But, again for the night both boys went to sleep with no problem. Things are looking good!

Also, in the course of the day yesterday, Ben has been able to stand on his own for 1 minute and more. He also has started to take baby steps. Looks like he may be walking before the end of April!

5 weeks until Florida! Still so much to do!

Ben's Smile

Nuff said. Just enjoy the cute smile and TONS of teeth!

April Showers

The weather should be changing soon. They are still calling for snow(!) this week. The six week countdown to our Florida trip is seeming longer and longer.

Both boys are getting over colds, so it has been a weekend in, just hanging out. Jack and Ben had Kate visit 2 days in a row!

Jack is currently obsessed with Madagascar 2. He loves that movie. He really likes the song "I Like to Move It" and dances whenever it comes on. At least it gives us a break from watching Kung Fu Panda and Wall-E over and over.

Ben is just on the brink of crawling AND standing by himself. He is very willfull. He also loves eating solid food and even is eating bigger chunks of things.

These kids better slow down or we won't be able to keep up!

Walking and Talking

Ben has 2 more teeth coming in on the bottom. These have broken through and brings his grand total to EIGHT teeth. Yes, we know, he is a little monster.

Jack has a cold that has been nagging him, but he has been in good spirits the past couple of days. He had lots of fun playing with friends and cousins yesterday and then finger painting with mommy today.

It snowed quite a bit so he got a bit of cabin fever, but it is melting quickly so hopefully we can go outside next weekend and back to the park he asks for so often.

Ben's First Ice Cream!

Let the images speak for themselves!

Hello Spring!

Ben got his first taste of the park and Jack got to let loose on the jungle gym with Ellie and Kate. Lots of fun with Portillos for dinner. Ben loved, loved, LOVED being in the swing!

Wii and Denim

Ben and Jack are doing well. Jack returns to daycare this week while I go back to work. I wonder if he will have any trouble readjusting. He has grown so much in the past month, I think he will surprise all the teachers.

Ben is doing well, too. He is starting to scale more and more and looks to be standing solo any day now.

Ben's 9 Month Checkup

The Tale of the Tape

Length
Ben: 30 inches
Jack: 28 inches

Weight
Ben: 23 lbs 5 oz
Jack: 21 lbs 6 oz

Head Circumference
Ben: 19.75 inches
Jack: 17.75 inches

Immunizations
Ben: 4 shots
Jack: 1 shot

Ben is definitely a big boy. While he is heavier than Jack, Ben's weight is only in the 50th percentile. His length is 98th! Ben is more than likely going to be taller than his big brother. Lets just hope they don't make it into a contest.

Good Day, Sunshine!

It was in the mid-sixties today, so Sam and I took the boys for a couple of walks around the neighborhood. Jack saw birds, a dog, and rocks. Lots of rocks. Ben enjoyed being out for a nice stroll too.

Ben and Jack LOVE Mickey Mouse Clubhouse!

Ben Laughs (A Lot)

Cousin Fun!

Jack and Ben hung out with Emoh and cousins Ellie and Kate. It was a fun playdate of Happy Meals and PlayDoh. I wonder if Jae ate the fake sushi.

Jack Bakes Cookies!

Jack and Komo made Valentine's cookies. We need to get this kid some PlayDoh!

Jack & Jacob

Jack had fun playing with Jacob during the unseasonable 60 degree weather. Both kids needed to get outside....bad!

Big Boys!

 

Jack is officially not a baby any more. First the haircut and now he doesn't have a crib anymore! I converted his crib to a toddler bed. Lets see how he takes to it. We also got rid of the Bumbo and some infant toys from Ben. Both kids are growing up! Now, as soon as one is potty trained and the other is off formula, we will be in heaven!

Ben Walks!

Jack's New Do

Jack's bowl cut style has gotten out of control. We get it cut every 7-8 weeks, but it still seems to end up being wild and in his eyes. In the slideshow below, you can see in the first images that he looks like a little ragamuffin. I went and got it cut on Thursday. It was a little shorter than usual which resulted in a brutal cowlick like my hair. It didn't look bad until after his hair got washed and those stubborn hairs would not stay down. So, today we got a revised haircut. We went really short and he looks like a totally different kid! Check out the three stages of Jack's hair in the last 72 hours and see how grown up he looks now!

Big Ben

The Boys These Days

Both kids have been sick and better and sick and better. It is like a neverending wheel of illness with these guys. Currently, Ben is on antibiotics for tonsilitis. Yeah, thats right, he has tonsilitis. Jack is dealing with a boil on his butt that is a lovely thing to pop and clean. But, both kids are playing like champions and are in amazing spirits. Today was a good day to just hang with the boys and make some smiles. Check out trouble in action!

Ben and Jack: Sick Puppies

There has been a wave of illness sweeping through the house lately. Ben was losing his voice and barely sleeping while Jack has a nagging cough. Taylor may have walking pneumonia but the medication isn't doing the trick. Sam and I both had sore throats, but I already am feeling fine again while her nose is congested. Hopefully everyone is better by the end of the week.

Ben is able to get from a sitting to a crawling position on his own now and is having a great time yelling and saying random "words."

Jack Talk

Jack is picking up new words and stringing new phrases and sentences everyday. There are quite a few moments throughout the day when Alex and I just look at each other and ask, "did you just hear that?" There are waaaay too many for me to remember and list but here are some samples....

No way!
no talk about! (when we are talking about him)
yeah!
thanks
you're welcome
I did it!
Delicious... it tastes!
Baby no cry...here you go (as he gives Ben a toy)
no dancing!
no talking!
no walking!
Oh maaaan!
I want more juice (milk, strawberry, or choc).
Oh, I farted...(then laughs)
Excuse me....too tight (when he's trying to get by you)
using 'Ummmmm....' before answering any question
Why?

The Banji Speaks

Ben has discovered he has a voice, and he is using it very well these days. It sounds like he's saying, "Daa daa daa daa daa!" All you see are his two bottom teeth jutting out from his gums as his chubby cheeks expand even further out to the sides making his usual round face into a square face. His mouth looks like he's chewing something tough when he talks. Sooooo cute.

Ben is also sitting by himself now...he gets better and better by the day. It's amazing...one day he woke up and decided he wanted to sit, roll all the way over and talk! It's almost as if he was holding back on us till he felt the time was right. Sigh.

He is also trying to hold his own bottle...when it is meal time and the bottle is brought close to him, his arms reach out in a frantic hurry to try and grab the bottle and bring it closer to his mouth. However, as soon as the nipple reaches his lips, his arms go limp as a result of having received what he was after.

Speaking of foods, he is moving onto fruits tomorrow (mixed with baby cereal). I have no doubt that in the next few weeks, he'll be eating the veggies and fruits (stage 1) on their own without cereal.

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?