I'm Walkin', Yes Indeed!

Funny Face!

We had my father's 60th birthday dinner at a local steakhouse on Wednesday night. The evening was great. There are 27 people in my immediate family and one on the way. (A new baby niece if you're wondering) All but two made it to dinner. Jack's three year old cousin kept him entertained. She was making faces, and he was cracking up. It was hilarious. I'm so glad he has all these cousins to keep him happy.

Little Golden Books

I've started a new list on the sidebar for Jack's Little Golden Books collection. I thought it would be fun to keep up with. I know he won't be able to look at them without destroying their delicate (cheap) framework for quite some time. I just remember how much I loved the few little golden books I had and would love for him to have a nice little collection by the time he starts reading on his own. I'm really interested in the Classic Series. I love the quality of the illustrations. The super cool thing is Half Price Books sells them for a dollar! Let me know if you had any favorites I just have to find for him!

Too Cute

Jack had his cousin over to play on Wednesday this week. They are ten months apart. Jack loves him so much. He wants to do everything his big boy cousin is doing. We recently brought home a little tikes climber that had been at my mother's. Jack is really wanting to play outside more. Jack's cousin is so sweet and patient with him, which is remarkable for a two-year old. He likes to mimic his big brothers and pat Jack on the head. I was pushing Jack in the swing, and he decided he would help.

Balloon Festival

We went to a local balloon festival last night. Jack had a great time watching the balloon glow and the fireworks. He sat on the blanket, played with his toys, and ate some snacks. Although we got there a bit late and didn't get to see the actual balloon take off, I couldn't have asked for a better behaved boy and a nicer night. Jack and the balloons. We took a picture of the dragon balloon just for Jack's buddy Will.
The balloon glow. Jack was mesmerized.
Jack and his shiny little head watching the fireworks. Again, mesmerized.

It's a start...

First, I have to share that I had my first "Don't eat that bug!" experience. Jack was making a disgusted face and right when I came over to him he spit out a beetle. Thank goodness it wasn't a spider or a biting insect. Don't worry; it wasn't alive (if that makes it better for anyone). I'm glad he didn't enjoy it. Maybe that will keep him from eating more in the future. I somehow doubt it.

Now for more exciting (and less disgusting) news. Jack really hasn't shown much interest in walking. He wants us to do the "hold my hands and walk with me" bit, but he hasn't mustered the courage to do anything on his own. Until today! He walked a few steps to me from the couch. He only was up to doing it a few times. Then he was on to bigger and better things like playing ball with Daddy. I feel like tonight was the breaking point, and he'll be practicing a little more each day from now on.

To me walking represents this dividing line that separates babies from toddlers. I think I'm ready for the change. I'm sure going to miss my little crawler, but I know walking will bring us more adventures. After all, this is Jack we're talking about.