New Video Camera

We received a fancy new Flip video camera for Christmas. This should not only improve the quality of the videos we post, but more importantly, the frequency!

And let's be honest - pictures can't contain the story of Jack anymore. Sure, we'll still take them (when he isn't looking - because he just wants to play with the camera). But there is so much to hear and experience with him every day that you just have to see the action to believe it.

So, here's to 2010 - the year of more posts and plenty of videos!

Autumn Update

Whelp, another few months have passed, and our Little Man is keeping busy. He'll be 16 months old next week - wild! So here are some photos to recap his life in Muncie:

playing in the autumn leaves

helping Mommy in the kitchen

and "helping" Mommy move things out of the kitchen

Halloween (our little dragon wasn't feeling very well)

finally starting to set his cup down, rather than throwing it across the room when finished with it

and starting to feed himself with a spoon!

well, sort of...

Fall Fun

Believe it or not, I'm actually posting before another three months has passed. With the changing seasons comes lots of outside fun and great pictures.

But first, another "first" in Jack's life. His first Haircut! Now, given that he has to contend with genetics, he's still struggling to get a full head of hair - but on the back side of his head, he is pulling off a Ben Franklin look quite well. So, we decided to give him a bit of a trim.

Happy Jack. He probably thinks he's getting ready to eat.

Definitely in need of a trim.

Not so happy Jack. He was disappointed it didn't come with graham crackers.

And the first cut...

Now for a brief assortment of pictures from around the house.



This is Jack and his betrothed, Caroline Wallace.
They are a few weeks apart.


This is Jack contemplating what to do with the strainer.


And deciding.


He was feeling particularly photogenic this day - so we obliged him.
And took a walk too, because it was a gorgeous day (especially with the changing leaves).





We ended up taking a walk to the park with our neighbors, the Buehlers.





We hope to make it to a pumpkin patch later today.
And with Halloween next week, I'm sure there will be more pictures to come soon.

Photo Contest

I've entered Jack in a baby photo contest through the Muncie Star Press. He needs lots of votes now, so follow this link and vote vote vote! muncie.thestarpress.com/baby/ Jack is contestant #434, on page 4 of the entries. Votes do cost $0.25 per vote (so have your credit card ready) and voting lasts through November 6. Thanks for supporting this adorable kiddo!!

A Pattern of Silence

At the behest of one Stephanie Smith (and my conscience), we've got a blog post here.

Life has been crazy, busy, and crazy. I guess that's what happens with a one-year-old.

So, here are some photos to tide everybody over until the next month passes and I haven't posted again.





Jack LOVES to play tug-o-war with daisy. He laughs and laughs - and for now, she wins every time.





Mama Bouse and her baby boy. We love the Colts.



Jack (and Stacey's) first balloon flight.



One of Jack's first bouts with spaghetti. He's a crazy eater.


And a crazy face-maker.



But he has started to love trucks. And even makes the appropriate vrooming noises. He's all boy.

Happy Birthday!

Jack is officially a one-year old!

Here are the highlights of his first birthday.
He was loads of fun.

And while it is hard to believe a year has past already, we are quite sure he won't slow down to let us relish it. The next year will bring more words, more teeth, more diapers, and certainly, more joys.




His first presents came from the folks in Colorado. Like most of his presents, he showed inconsistent interest - but he definitely loves it all when he remembers how to play with every

This was Jack's first taste of ice cream. It shocked him at how cold it was - so he spit it into his hand, and then right back in his mouth. He's probably hooked. We did this on Friday, his actual birthday, when some friends came over to cook out and celebrate the little guy.

A birthday family picture.

The cake situation:

Stacey and I made this cake (a Martha Stewart recipe).
Jack likes Monkeys and we thought it was pretty cute.

And then it was show time - time to dive into the cake!











Thanks to everyone who came and joined the celebration. Thanks for the gifts, the love, and the support through the first year. Here's to many more!