Sitzman's and Kobza's

My best friend from college visted this morning with her family, brother and sister-in-law. She has two boys whom Jack just loved. Ben and Dan sang songs while Jack bounced to the beat. I got to catch up with Maureen and Terry got an excuse to drink beers at 10:00 in the morning! It is so nice to be in the new house so we can have friends over and relax. Maureen and the boys will visit for a week in February. Jack and I can't wait although Terry keeps asking me if I am joking. He will soon find out.

Christmas Day

Our morning started out with just the three of us. Terry and I had our favorite freshly ground coffee and Jack ran around excited that he had mom and dad's undivided attention. It was a beautiful, perfect morning. Jack is at a good age. He still does not open presents but loved every toy.
At about 11:00, Grandpa Bill stopped by with enough toys to fill a small shop. Jack ran from toy to toy not knowing what to play with. Grandpa Bill enjoyed sitting back and watching Jack marvel at everything.
After Jack's nap, Grandpa Rick, Grandma Pat, Lauren, Ricky, Kathleen and Griffin came over. Jack could not believe that the day was continuing with more presents and toys. He did not complain. We had a nice couple of hours together before we went to Uncle Greg's house to see the rest of the Johnson's.
Our good luck with Jack's disposition continued at the Johnson's. Terry and I were able to relax, catch up and eat some good food. Jack played with either the dog Winnie or his new favorite toy - the Tickle Me Elmo chair! Jack's great grandparents, Audrey and Wally, gave this to him and loved watching him sit in the chair. Aunt Lauren tried to sneak her way in but Jack would not have it. He loved the chair.
The night quickly came to a close. None of us wanted it to end but we had no choice. The three of us drove home and fell sound asleep until about 7:00 the next morning. I swear Jack walked down the stairs and looked around the corner to see if any more presents arrived!

Christmas Eve

Jack had a whirlwind weekend that began at my Uncle Dave's house for his 60th birthday. Unfortunately I forgot my camera so you will have to take my word as to how cute Jack was that night. I just put him on the ground with about 7 other grand kids and then I picked him up 4 hours later. We all had a great night.
The next night we went to Grandma Janet's for a quiet Christmas Eve dinner. We danced, sang and ate. It was hard to go home but we knew we had to get ready for Santa the next morning.

Chicago Children's Museum

Jack and I went to our North side playgroup on Wednesday. It was held at the CCM at Navy Pier. Jack had an absolute blast. He ran around for two hours as his cheeks got more and more red. I don't know why this happens but he looks like Raggedy Andy by lunch time. After lunch we drove back home. It was only a half hour car ride but Jack was exhausted and fell asleep within minutes.
Later that afternoon, he had fun eating his snack in "dad's" chair.

Shoes

Jack received an early Christmas gift from his Auntie Linda today. He loved the slippers and book. I could barely get the slippers off at bedtime. Terry and I did not think he could walk in them but he proved us wrong as he ran around the house and played his favorite game of "close the door on daddy". I will try to get a video of the game because it is so cute. Over and over again, Terry will go into Jack's room and Jack will lead Terry to the door and distract him by pointing up at the ceiling. Terry looks up at the ceiling and slowly walks out of the room. Jack then giggles uncontrollably as he slams the door shut. It is great fun.

Daddy and Jack

Jack rarely likes to cuddle. He is always too busy to take time out to lay his head down. Tonight, however, he loved lying on Terry's chest as Terry rubbed his back. It was only for a few minutes but Terry loved it. As soon as Jack heard the click of the camera, he shot up, turned around and gave me his million dollar smile. The hugs may be few and far between, but they are the best moments of parenting.

Ho, ho, ho

Terry, Jack and I had breakfast with Santa this weekend. We had been preparing Jack to meet Santa. We showed him pictures and Santa ornaments but when he saw Santa in person he seemed totally uninterested. Jack was more excited to run up and down the stage with the other kids. The only time he stopped running was to point out a picture of Santa on the wall. That got him excited.
Later that day, we went to my mom's for dinner. My parents and sister had a great time watching Jack talk, eat and play peek a boo with the dining room door. It was a great night with good food. I found it very funny though that when I was telling a story my sister asked me to wait a minute so she could watch Jack babble in his high chair. Jack is one spoiled little boy!

Let it snow...

Jack saw his first snow this weekend. He loved looking out the window and watching the plows and people shovel. When outside, I got a kick out of him walking on the snow and then suddenly falling through to the grass. He would look at me as if to say "what happened?".

Footloose

After weeks of grueling dance classes and late nights, Jack was finally able to perform his routine in front of an audience. Reviews have been favorable and Jack is now hard at work on his next performance scheduled for Christmas.

Hey Mr. DJ

Putting the stereo out of reach will not stop Jack from playing his favorite tunes 24 hours a day. This morning, our little MacGyver very quietly pushed a toy over to the stereo and very quietly climbed up the toy and turned on the music. When I went over to scold him, he looked at me and started to dance. How could I take away his music?

Tonight, Terry and I will have to hang the stereo from the ceiling.

What Bears Game?

Jack and I vacated the house on Sunday so Terry and his friends could watch the Bears game. I do not even want to know what went on in the house while we were gone. All I know is that the smell of bacon is still very strong.

Jack and I had a great day with Courtney and Hayden back in the old neighborhood. We visted all of our old haunts and caught up with one another. I finally got a picture with both kids looking at me and smiling. This was a major victory.

Handyman Jack

Nothing puts Jack in a better mood than touching something he shouldn't. He spent the better half of the morning "fixing" the bath tub and "hanging" a hat rack. As I did my morning tasks, Jack would have to double check my work. All of his hard work made him very tired. He is now sleeping the afternoon away as I put all of tools away.

Walk, walk, walk

Reunion

Jack and I went to Indy this past week for a visit with two college friends, Megan and Maureen and their kids. Jack was in heaven with all new toys, a park in the yard and kids galore. I was in heaven being around adults for about 48 hours.
Jack is walking like crazy and is becoming very daring. He loved going head first down the slide and racing around the backyard with any movable object.

Breakfast with Daddy

You would not know it but Jack had 3 pancakes, mangos, half a banana and cheese for breakfast. Terry and I thought it would be safe to sit down to eat our own breakfast when who do we feel at our heels? Jack. Cherrios have never tasted as good as they do from daddy's bowl.

Our boy is walking!

Little Feet

Today is Jack's last day with his little girlfriend, Hayden. For at least 2 weeks, Jack will have to rough it with mom. Luckily we have some fun days ahead with a visit to Indianapolis to see some friends.
Our day started off nicely with a little playtime in matching pajamas. After a quick nap, we went and had their footprints painted for a first birthday commemorative plate. We will finish the day with a walk to the park.
I am not sure what we will do without our Hayden (and Courtney) but we are looking forward to their return.

The First Birthday

Jack turned one August 10. We celebrated the day with lots of cake, ice cream and whole milk. Jack is not walking yet but is close. If he doesn't walk soon, my back may give out.
Looking back over the past year, I cannot believe how quickly time flew. It seems like yesterday that I was bundling him up in hundreds of layers so we could take a walk. Now he is quite the little man.
Time for another you think?