Jack Attack!

Beatin' the Cariboo heat!

2007-07-15T20:18:00.000-07:00

Church picnic

2007-06-10T15:11:00.000-07:00

We had our church picnic today, the 10th anniversary of the church's rededication in its current location. I wasn't able to enjoy the hamburgers and hot dogs and Rev. Charbonneau's "Holy Sundaes" this year, but I will next year!

One of the pictures is of Rev. Charbonneau and Karen Andrews, a very nice lady!

My Library updated

2007-06-10T15:05:00.000-07:00

The list of my books in the righthand column has been updated!

Splish splash!!

2007-05-27T20:28:00.000-07:00

For the first time in a long time, I had a bath in the big bathtub. And I loved it this time! I stayed in over half an hour, splashing and playing with my fishes and boats. But my favourite toys were the shaving cream caps.
I loved splashing - by the time Daddy took me out, he was as wet as I was, even though he was sitting next to the tub. I liked it so much I think I'm going to have a bath in the big tub every night (Mommy says it's a good idea because of my eczema).

Franklin!

2007-05-27T13:38:00.000-07:00

We went to the annual Children's Festival today. There's a lot of stuff I can't really do until next year, but I did get a balloon and I got to meet Franklin the Turtle!!

I scream, you scream, we all scream for...

2007-05-26T15:34:00.000-07:00

ICE CREAM!!

Daddy had to take a picture of the folks at Safeway serving ice cream to raise money for equipment for the hospital, so Mommy let me have a taste of her ice cream. It was cold, but I liked it! If only my vegetables tasted like that!

Another wonderful weekend!

2007-05-20T13:44:00.000-07:00

I got to meet Grandma and Grandpa D for the first time this weekend. They came for a visit, and I was so happy to see them I forgot to be cranky! I got to sit of Grandma D's lap and go to Boston Pizza again. This time I ate more of my crackers and made less of a mess. It was really great to see them.

They brought me a very nice outfit. I wore the shirt they gave me to church. I'm wearing it in the picture.

FFFFOOOOOOOODDDDDD!!!!!!

2007-05-10T18:35:00.000-07:00

I started eating vegetables this week. I think Mommy and Daddy were getting worried that I would never eat, but they didn't need to worry. I just needed a bit more time. I love sweet potatoes and carrots. I laugh the hardest I laugh all day when it's veggie time!

A wonderful weekend

2007-04-10T11:34:00.000-07:00

We had a glorious weekend this Easter! Grandma Mac and Grandpa and Grandma McAdie and Aunt Heather and Aunt Emily all came to visit.
Grandma Mac came all the way from Halifax to see me baptized. While she was here, we had warm sunny weather (so I got a chance to wear the cool shades Aunt Heather got me!) while back east, it snowed so much they had to cancel church on Sunday.
Grandma Mac took me for lots and lots of walks around Williams Lake, which was great for both of us. And Mommy got something she calls "alone time," whatever that is. She also baked Daddy lots of apple pies, so he was happy.
Grandpa McAdie read to me a lot, which I enjoyed, but he wouldn't share his beer with me. Mommy and Grandma and Aunt Heather and Aunt Emily took me to the playground, and for even more walks, and that was tons of fun.
On Sunday, I was baptized at St. Peter's with four other kids. I was the loudest by far, but I was singing before Rev. Charbonneau even poured the water on my head. It was a beautiful service, with lots of balloons and singing. I got my own baptism candle, but all five were lit from Daddy's baptism candle, which is old - a whole 28 years old.
After church I went to a restaurant for the very first time. The nice people at Boston Pizza gave me crackers to eat. I like crackers, but those darn things kept breaking into little pieces and falling into my high chair or on the floor. I also tasted bananas and yogurt over the weekend. They were OK.
And my very first top tooth came in over the weekend too!
I was spoiled again for my baptism. Grandma Mac bought me the outfit I wore to church, a sleeper set, and some of Daddy's old clothes that I can wear. She also got Mommy and Daddy an illustrated Bible they can read to me, and helped buy a brand new car seat, because I outgrew my old one.
Grandma McAdie bought me lots of summer clothes, and a toy phone, and the McAdies got me lots of new books.
Aunt Emily bought me a cool hoodie and a glowworm that lights up and plays songs. Aunt Heather got me my cool sunglasses, and matching hat and pants, and cool swim trunks.
Uncle Andrew and Aunt Carrie - my godparents! - got me a gift certificate to Chapters and a beautiful engraved frame and holder and stand for my baptism certificate. Nana got me a stuffed duck and a beautiful piggy bank in the shape of a cross. Daddy's Aunt Pat and Uncle Andy sent a really nice frame for my baptism picture.
Mommy's Grandma and Grandpa McAdie sent me a beautiful silver cup and $20. Daddy's friends Mark, Rosemarie, and Heidi sent me a nice card and $50.
I also got very thoughtful cards from Grandma and Grandpa D and Daddy's friend Debi.
Thanks to everyone! I am so lucky!

Easter pictures 3

2007-04-10T08:29:00.000-07:00

Easter pictures 2

2007-04-10T08:28:00.000-07:00

Easter pictures 1

2007-04-10T08:25:00.000-07:00

IMPORTANT NOTE!!!!

2007-04-07T15:43:00.000-07:00

For pictures of me from April 5th on, go to www.dropshots.com/JackMacsMommy. Pictures taken before then are still at www.dropshots.com/JacksDad.

I can sleep through an organ, a piano, a guitar, and a churchful of people singing

2007-03-18T12:58:00.000-07:00

Today I went to church - St. Peter's just like in Halifax! - for the second time. And for the second time, I fell asleep. But that's just because I'm comfortable. Rev. Charbonneau and everyone have been so welcoming, and Daddy is very happy there.
Today we had lunch after the service, and I met lots of new people.
I can't wait until Easter. Grandma Mac and Grandma and Grandpa and Aunt Heather and Aunt Emily will be here to see me baptized!

I'll wear the sleeper, but I'm still a Canucks man

2007-03-17T20:03:00.000-07:00

Daddy's friend Debi sent me this sleeper. It's a 24-month size, but I almost fit in it already! I wore it for Hockey Night in Canada tonight.

Boy am I lucky!

2007-03-13T21:10:00.000-07:00

I got an exersaucer and a booster seat! I love them both. My new favourite thing to do is roll over, and to stand up (with Mommy's or Daddy's help). And I really love bouncing!

I'll stick with the water, thanks

2007-03-02T21:04:00.000-08:00

Real food!!

2007-02-20T19:00:00.000-08:00

I had my first real food today. Mommy fed me some rice cereal. It was OK at first, but I didn't want to eat too much. My bib was tasty though!

I think maybe I'll eat a little real food, but I don't want to rush into it. I'm still developing my palate - cardboard books, stuffed animals, fingers, cups, toys, the cat - and don't want to settle on just one food just yet.

This is a great book

2007-02-19T19:07:00.000-08:00

Just chillin'

2007-02-11T11:47:00.000-08:00

Second round of shots

2007-02-01T18:34:00.000-08:00

I had my four month round of immunizations today. It was three needles this time, not four. And this time, I didn't scream at all. I just cried a little, but less than a minute after the last needle, I was smiling again.
Daddy likes to say I laugh in the face of danger. Maybe he's right.
I now weigh 19 pounds, eight ounces, and I am 26 1/8" tall. I'm going to need a new car seat pretty soon.

Rollin'!

2007-01-21T22:40:00.000-08:00

I rolled over for the very first time tonight, from my tummy to my back. Mommy and Daddy were so excited! Me, I was pretty nonchalant about it. I knew I'd do it. It was just a matter of time. Daddy is trying to get a video of me rolling, but he hasn't had any luck so far. I like to keep him guessing about when I'll do it.

Four generations

2007-01-20T20:33:00.001-08:00

Rockin'

2007-01-20T13:03:00.000-08:00

Mommy's silly

2007-01-20T13:02:00.001-08:00

Fun in the snow

2007-01-13T16:46:00.000-08:00

Aunt Heather and Aunt Emily came to visit this weekend, so I gots lots of love! We also went out and played in the snow.

How you doin'?

2007-01-08T20:53:00.000-08:00

My first Rx

2007-01-08T18:31:00.000-08:00

We went to see Dr. York again today because I have a nasty rash on my cheek, and smaller rashes on my chest. Dr. York says it's eczema, and that my cheek is infected (it probably didn't help that I scratch that cheek a lot; I have to wear a mitten now). So I got some Fucidin and hydrocortisone. Dr. York says that will help me out.
Also while we were at the doctor's office, we all found out something amazing: I jumped to the 90th percentile from the 50th for height! I've grown two inches in the last month. I'm still in the 97th percentile for weight; I'm up to 18 pounds, six ounces, from 17 pounds, three ounces. The nice nurse said my height is catching up to my weight.
I'm hoping to catch Daddy. I've got less than four feet to go!

Daddy's column about me

2007-01-05T18:23:00.000-08:00

Daddy wrote this in his "Inkspots" column in the paper on Jan. 4. It was nice of him to write about me and all, but I'm not really thrilled that he called be a little bugger. Or that he thinks i'm going to skip three grades and be a university professor. I can't see myself wearing those tweed jackets with the suede elbows.
No, I figure I'll be a rock star (because I'm loud), a swimmer (because I love the water), or a pro wrestler (because I'm so freakin' huge).

***

I’ve never been a patient man.

As a kid, I hated waiting for Christmas, for my birthday, for the three o’clock bell at school. I loathed the phrase “please allow four to six weeks for delivery” when I sent in my Kool-Aid bar codes for a Frisbee or a ball. That was a month or more of school days and weekends and checking the mailbox.

I never thought I’d develop the virtue of patience. I thought I’d be impatient forever (instead of cold feet at my wedding, I was impatient all that day for the show to get on the road).

Then, last September, our first child Jack was born. And everything else became background noise. His screaming and crying for hours because he didn’t want to sleep was trying, but I didn’t find myself too impatient. Every sound he makes reaffirms that he is my son, and that I have a beautiful child.

I’ve learned to be patient when he cries, to take my time at bathtime to make sure he’s clean behind the knees and behind the ears; and to make sure I read to him slowly and in a bright voice. I’m at peace with the fact that my life now runs on his schedule, not mine.

Since before he was born, I’ve had high hopes for Jack, and like most parents, I’ve got his life mapped out for him already: reading by the time he’s three; skipping Grades Two, Six, and Ten; accepting a full scholarship from Dalhousie, Simon Fraser, or McGill; Ph.D; and then a career as a university professor.

But the little bugger can’t even roll over yet, and that is making me impatient again.

How is he going to crawl, stand, walk, run, and carry books under his arm if he can’t roll over? Other than holding up his head and grabbing for things (which he does), rolling is the cornerstone of the rest of his motor skills. You have to roll before you can crawl.

I try to remind myself that Jack, who is breastfed, was more than 11 pounds when he was born, and now, at just shy of four months, he weighs more than 18. That’s a lot of baby to roll over.

And the frustrating thing is that he is so close. He holds his head up and pushes up on his hands. He tucks his knees up, and he lifts one shoulder. He’s got the positioning, now all he needs is that big push to tip his centre of gravity.

Every time we put him down for “tummy time,” he looks around, pushes up, tucks, and lifts. I cheer from my knees on the edge of the blanket, and lean over like I’m coaching a swimmer.

He starts to turn...and then he puts his head back down on the blanket and sucks on his hand. I could tear my hair out.

But then my wife reminds me this isn’t really even a trial, not like the ones we still have coming up: getting Jack to eat his baby food, getting Jack to go to bed, getting Jack to eat his vegetables, and getting Jack to remember to write down the phone messages. We will long for the days when all he did was eat, sleep, and suck his hand.

Instead, the first time Jack rolls over, it will be another one of the small miracles of baby- (and parent-) hood.

She’s right, of course. Mothers usually are, even if they’re not your own. I still have a ways to go with my patience.

Before long, I’m going to have to keep my cool when Jack starts decorating the house with pureed peas, then with crayons, and finally with posters of swimsuit models and God forbid, heavy metal bands.

By that time, nu-metal band Limp Bizkit’s 2000 hit “Rollin’ — and Jack’s first roll — will be golden oldies.

We interrupt this blog...

2006-12-29T08:43:00.000-08:00

Jack's Dad here. Sorry to interrupt, but I wanted to say a few things.
First of all, Jessica and I are so grateful that Mom and Dad flew our family to Halifax. It was great to see everyone again, and for everyone to see Jack. It meant a lot to us.
It was great to be able to show Jessica around the city, and the Bedford house and the Springfield house. I was glad I got to see it too. Dad and Mom have done an amazing job there.
It was nice to see the Bedford house one last time, too.
All three of us were spoiled at Christmas, and we're again very grateful.
It meant a lot to be able to play Wizard and euchre with everyone, and hang out watching Trailer Park Boys.
It was a truly awesome trip. Thanks, everyone. We're humbled by your generosity and hospitality.

I'm going to need my own bookcase!

2006-12-28T20:29:00.000-08:00

Grandma Mac had the great idea that I should list all my books on the blog, so when people buy them for me (thanks!) there will be no duplicates. So all of my 26 books so far are listed on the right.

Last day in Nova Scotia

2006-12-27T20:19:00.000-08:00

We got back home today, and again, I slept on all the planes. Daddy gets airsick, but I laugh at nausea like I laugh at needles. We went to bed at 7:15, and we all slept for 11 hours because we were so tired. I'm sure I'll get back to B.C. time very soon.
Our last day was good. I spent more time with Nana and Carrie, and Daddy arranged to have lobsters for dinner, because Mommy has never had one. Grandpa Mac taught Mommy and Carrie to eat the lobsters. They said they were yummy. I also met Daddy's friends Jennifer and Peter, and they said they might come to B.C. this year!
Uncle Andrew and Carrie said they'd be excited to be my godparents when I'm baptized this spring. I'm excited too!!

My first Christmas

2006-12-25T20:49:00.000-08:00

Today was my very first Christmas, and boy was I spoiled! I got tons and tons of nice clothes, and books, and ornaments. Grandma Mac coss-stiched me a picture just like Daddy's, and Nana made me ceramic baby shoes and a beautiful, colourful quit. I even got a train, where each car is a letter of my name!
Mommy and Daddy opened my presents for me, because I was sleeping. But I've already worn quite a few of my new outfits.
Mommy and Daddy say they were spoiled too, with a beautiful picture of Peggy's Cove, and games and a clock and all kinds of neat things.
Later, I got to meet Carrie. I liked it when she held me. And I liked sitting with Grandma Mac during dinner. Every time she tried to eat, I watched really closely. I can't wait until I can eat real food too.
Later, Uncle Andrew taught Daddy how to play euchre, and I helped hold the cards. And Grandma Mac read me some books. After that, I brought Daddy money so he could play poker with his brothers and Dad and Carrie and Uncle Bruce's and Uncle Tim's friends. Daddy was third-last out out of nine players.
We go back to Williams Lake early Thursday morning. I'll be glad to be home and get my schedule back to normal, but I sure did like my time in Nova Scotia!

Daddy says I'm an honourary Haligonian

2006-12-24T16:25:00.000-08:00

Today, Grandma Mac took me and Daddy and Mommy to Halifax. We saw where Daddy went to university, and Spring Garden Road, and downtown, and the Citadel. We also went down to the waterfront, where I got to see Theodore Tugboat! While we were there, Daddy bought me a sou'wester. It's a bit big right now, but I am a growing boy!
My favourite part was going to Point Pleasant Park, where Grandma Mac touched my finger in the Atlantic Ocean. Daddy says this summer maybe Grandma McAdie will touch my finger in the Pacific Ocean at Stanley Park! Yes, I am quite the traveler!

At the lake

2006-12-24T10:41:00.000-08:00

On Saturday, we went to Grandpa and Grandma Mac's house on Springfield Lake. Daddy says he barely recognized the property from when he was a kid. Me, I was pretty impressed with the house Grandpa Mac built. It was beautiful and big! I liked the living room with the big windows, and the rocking chair. Daddy was pretty impressed too. He says it is an awesome house.
While we were there, I met Grandma and Grandpa Mac's friends from the lake, and we celebrated Nan's birthday! It was great time.

Mommy's family

2006-12-22T22:55:00.000-08:00

Today I met Mommy's Uncle Ted and Aunt Rita, and her cousins Jean and Ron. They came to visit from Aylesford and Dartmouth. I was a little cranky when they were here, but not because of them. I was just a little out of sorts. Mommy was really happy to get a chance to visit!

Jack is in the house!

2006-12-21T13:22:00.000-08:00

We arrived in Halifax today, and Grandpa and Grandma Mac picked us up for the airport. Mommy and Daddy were pretty tired, but I was fine. I slept on all three planes from Williams Lake. In Vancouver, we had Christmas in the food court. Grandma and Grandpa, and the McAdies and Aunt Emily and Aunt Heather were all there. As usual, I was spoiled, and so were Mommy and Daddy. I got lots of new clothes, and a new toy!
Here in Bedford, I got to meet Grandma and Grandpa Mac, and Uncle Andrew, Uncle Bruce, and Uncle Tim, and Nana! They're great! I'm so happy to be here!

Music hath charms...

2006-12-17T14:29:00.000-08:00

Lately Daddy's been playing his guitar to calm me down when I'm cranky. It works for him, so he thought he would see if playing would do anything for my crankiness too.
It does! Daddy's not very good - he says he will get Uncle Andrew to help him with that, and take lessons in the New Year - but I like it. I like it even more than the classical music CDs Mommy and Daddy bought, although those are good too.
Half an hour of Daddy butchering Go Tell It on the Mountain or a Dallas Green song, and I'm calm and ready for bed.
I hope Daddy learns more songs and plays them better, but I don't want him to decide it's a good idea to sing along. There's a line there we don't want to cross.

The big guy

2006-12-11T14:34:00.000-08:00

I met Santa Saturday at the mall. He was OK. Mommy and Daddy seemed to think it was fun, but I didn't see what all the fuss was about. It was a guy in a red suit.
Daddy says to wait, I'll come to love Santa.

A clean bill of health

2006-12-05T19:51:00.000-08:00

I saw Dr. York again today. He checked me all over, and said I was fit as a fiddle. He also said I would be a big boy.
He confirmed that I weigh17 pounds, 2.5 ounces, and am 24 inches tall (that's two feet!) So I am for sure in the 97th percentile for weight and the 50th for height. Daddy says I'm solid. At first, he said I was dense, until he thought maybe that wasn't a good idea.
I agree. And I'm almost big enough to kick his butt.

The man of steel

2006-11-30T19:16:00.000-08:00

I had my first shots today - two needles in each leg. It was nothing. I mean, I did scream, but anyone would after having four 1 1/2-inch needles shoved in their thighs. But after that, I was fine. Daddy had to hold me while the nurse did the shots, because Mommy had to look away. I think I took the whole thing better than she did. The nurse was surprised; she said usually babies cry for five minutes after their shots. Guess they're not as tough. I have another round of shots in February. Bring 'em on, I say.
Mommy and Daddy also weighed me and measured me while we were at the health office. I'm 17 pounds, five ounces, and 23 3/4 inches. That means I gained just short of two pounds in 22 days. The nurse says that puts me in the 90th to 97th percentile for weight. She also said I'm in the 50th percentile for height. Daddy says that means I'll grow up to be built like a fire hydrant. I don't think so. I'm just getting started.

Me and Mommy

2006-11-28T18:26:00.000-08:00

Me and Daddy

2006-11-25T22:50:00.000-08:00

Further proof that I am The Hulk

2006-11-25T22:45:00.000-08:00

This is me holding myself (with a tiny bit of help from Daddy). Notice the upright head. Notice me pulling myself up. Recognize I am strong. Realize I am The Hulk.

Thank yous

2006-11-25T22:37:00.000-08:00

I've been very bad at not saying thank you for all the wonderful things I get. Recently, I've got clothes and things from Daddy's friend Debi, Mommy's friend Laura, Aunt Pat, Aunt Helen and Uncle Stan, and Grandma McAdie. I really love my new clothes, and my warm hats and mittens. I need them here. It's -20 and snowing all the time now. I don't go out very much, but I do have to go a cross the parking lot to Mom and Baby Group on Mondays.
Daddy says it's only one month to Christmas!

The big tub

2006-11-14T20:04:00.000-08:00

I had a bath in the big boy tub today. It was fun! I liked being able to stretch out. I've outgrown my blue sink tub already. I had so much fun in the big boy bath that I screamed and screamed when it was time to get out. Daddy says the upgrades at pool at the Cariboo Memorial Complex will be done soon, so maybe I can take parent-baby swimming lessons in a little while!

The apple doesn't fall far from the tree

2006-11-10T21:35:00.000-08:00

This is my impression of Daddy: A pen in one hand, and the other making a fist. This is how he looks at work, Mommy tells me.
Actually, I like holding the pen. It feels comfortable. It feels good. Maybe I'll be a writer just like Daddy. But pout less than he does.

There's a lot of me to love, and I don't care who sees every last bit of it

2006-11-08T19:24:00.000-08:00

So Mommy and Daddy took me to the public nurse's office on Tuesday to weigh me. I came in at 15 pounds, 6 ounces. For those keeping score at home, that's more than four pounds more than when I was born, and almost three pounds more than I weighed one month ago.
And it was yesterday that I realized I really don't like clothes. What's the point? They're just irritating. And in the case of that pumpkin suit, downright embarassing. And seriously, the way Mommy dresses me sometimes (see the bottom picture), it's better just to go au naturel. So I'm hanging out these days in my diaper. It's all you need, really.

I went to my second Mother Goose group Monday. It was slightly more exciting than the last one. I only fell asleep at the end. But the good news for Mommy is some of the other mommies invited her out for coffee. If I'm in a good mood, maybe I'll let her.

My new best friend: Hank

2006-11-01T19:26:00.000-08:00

Jack O'Lantern

2006-10-31T19:50:00.000-08:00

I'm sure this will come back and haunt me the first time I bring a girl home.
Mommy carved the pumpkin to match my suit. My only saving grace is I'll have outgrown it by next Halloween.

My first day at Mother Goose group

2006-10-31T19:06:00.000-08:00

I went to my first Mother Goose group yesterday. Luckily, it's at the Child Development Centre next door, so Mommy doesn't have far to carry me. I was the youngest of the six babies there, but I was the cutest by far.
Apparently, everyone sang a lot of songs like "Itsy Bitsy Spider" and "May There Be Sunshine." I say apparently because I slept through most of it. I woke up early in the morning, and I was tired. But I was awake long enough to notice Mommy has a really nice singing voice, and that I can't wait to play with all the toys like the older kids.
Daddy says I should stay awake and participate so that I develop my social skills. We'll see. Right now, I got all the social skills I need in my cute face. Just today, I had all the ladies at Daddy's work all over me. All I had to do was open my eyes!

Happy day!

2006-10-28T22:30:00.000-07:00

Today was Mommy's 30th birthday. Wow, that's old. Thirty years! Of course, what do I know about time? Five minutes without eating feels like forever.
But today was a great day! I don't know what it was, but for some reason, I was just so happy! I laughed, and I smiled, and I gurgled. Maybe I was happy for Mommy. And now that I can see a little further, I'm really enjoying the coloured lights on my swing chair.
For her birthday, Daddy got Mommy a new phone, and a DVD. With Daddy's help, I got her flowers and a plaster frame kit so Mommy and Daddy can make impressions of my hands. They'll have to wait a while, though. I don't feel like unclenching my hands just yet.
Mommy really liked her presents. Although I think Daddy was more excited about the fancy phone than Mommy. He kept saying all day that he couldn't wait for the batteries to charge so he could play with it. I think he should relax.
Oh, and one last thing: I am thinking about a career in pro wrestling. Just yesterday, I was holding my head and chest up while I was on my tummy. I didn't last long (my thumb was right there in front of my face, and I couldn't resist) but I did get myself up pretty high.
Won't be long before I learn the Stone Cold Stunner.

The big 4-0

2006-10-22T21:32:00.000-07:00

Sunday marked my 40th day since being born. That's a long time - it's length of the flood that Noah and the animals had to ride out the flood; it's the length of time Moses convened with God on Mount Sinai; and it's the amount of time Jesus spent in the wilderness.
Those were periods of great transition, but my ride has been pretty smooth. I picked up breastfeeding pretty quickly and I'm getting used to sleeping. I still like my baths and my car and stroller trips. I've been working on finding my hands. Those pesky things just won't stay put. One minute, they're by my side, the next I've got one up over my head like I'm a flying Superman. Sometimes I have both out at once, like I'm Nixon flashing the peace sign. It's a good day when I can get one of them in my mouth. I'm an all-natural boy; it's flesh only for me. No pacifiers or bottle nipples.
One new thing after forty days is that I smile now, but just a little. I gotta save up the charm for when I grow up and decorate the walls with crayons or pull the cat's tail.
I'm looking forward to the next forty days. Daddy's waiting for me to smile more, and coo, and roll over.
All in good time.

Great news!

2006-10-17T16:46:00.000-07:00

Looking through the community listings in his paper, Daddy found a parent and baby group starting up Oct. 30. And the awesome thing is, it's at the Child Development Centre right next door to our place! If I could throw, I could hit it from our windows. I can't wait to meet other babies and I'm happy Mommy can meet other mommies.

My first bottle

2006-10-15T19:39:00.000-07:00

I had my first-ever bottle Friday. Daddy wanted to see if I would take it, in case Mommy needed a break. After two days of trying, I finally gave it a whirl. And I'm glad I did! I drank two ounces non-stop. That formula stuff is supposed to make you groggy, but I'm made of stronger stuff than your average five-week-old boy. After my two ounces, I was raring to go all night (and I fed from Mommy a couple more times too)!

Yeah, I have a question. When's dinner?

2006-10-12T17:37:00.000-07:00

My second checkup

2006-10-10T14:04:00.000-07:00

I went to see Dr. York today. He was very nice. A nice nurse weighed me, and I'm now 12 pounds, 12 ounces. That's a pound and a half up from my birth weight. Dr. York said I was completely healthy. And he sure knows I have some good lungs. I cried through the whole visit. And I did get a free diaper out of the whole deal.

Daddy thinks he's Anne Geddes

2006-10-09T19:54:00.000-07:00

The rumour must be true: I am cute. Why else would Daddy (and Mommy, when she can pry the camera out of his hands) take dozens and dozens of pictures of me?
I'm a bit bored with them, but if you want, you can see them all at www.dropshots.com/JacksDad.

Thanksgiving

2006-10-09T19:37:00.000-07:00

Grandma and Grandpa McAdie and Aunt Heather and Aunt Emily came to visit Saturday. They brought me lots of new clothes, and a playpen. My favourite was a plaid shirt with a matching T-shirt with a badger on it. Aunt Emily saw lots of badger crossing signs on the drive up, and thought it would be perfect for me. I can't wait until I can fit into my shirts; it's plaid, so I'll look just like Daddy.
They also brought a pumpkin suit. Hopefully Mommy and Daddy will just put me in it for Halloween! Grandma also brought me a snowsuit, but it's way too big for me right now. When I'm older, it will keep me really warm.
They also brought a playpen (maybe Mommy and Daddy are right; maybe I am spoiled). And Daddy used some of Grandma Mac's gift card to buy me a baby gym. Pretty soon I'll feel like grabbing at the toys hanging from it.
I think everyone had a good visit. Everyone held me lots; and took care of me while Mommy had a nap. Mommy and Daddy actually left me for an hour to eat lunch. I didn't mind, because Grandma and Grandpa and Aunt Heather and Aunt Emily took good care of me.
Daddy taught Aunt Heather and Grandpa to play Wizard. Grandpa won. Daddy calls that beginner's luck. They also watched The Wizard of Oz and some of a Canucks game.
I was a little jealous that I couldn't eat any of the delicious food the McAdies made - turkey and two kinds of stuffing and squash puffs and apple pie. Maybe next year I can have some too.
At the next big holiday, I'll get to see Graandpa and Grandma Mac - and I'll get to go on my first plane ride and see my first Christmas tree! I'm a lucky boy.

My first month

2006-10-09T13:55:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone. Welcome to my blog. I turned one month old today, and I figured that was old enough to take a spin on the information superhighway. So here it is: Jack Attack, my very own blog.
My first month has just flown by. I was born Sept. 11 at 9:57 a.m. Daddy says Mommy did real well during my delivery. Daddy got to take me to the nursery, where I was weighed (11 pounds, four ounces; the doctor joked that I crawled out of Mommy’s tummy) and got my very first diaper. Grandma and Grandpa McAdie and Aunt Heather and Aunt Emily got to see me almost right away, but poor Mommy had to wait a little while.
But I sure was glad to see her! I started to learn to breastfeed, and it wasn’t long before I learned Mommy is like an all-night buffet. And I don’t just come back for seconds; I come back for thirds and fourths and fifths. I like to have a little snack before drifting off to sleep; I don’t like to fill up all at once. It’s super convenient for me, but I think it tires Mommy out a bit.
I share a birthday with writers D.H. Lawerence and O. Henry, the greatest short-story writer ever. Daddy takes that as a sign I’ll be a great wordsmith. I don’t know. I’ll worry about that after I can hold my head up for a little while.
Speaking of which, I can hold it up for a little while at a time. Mommy and Daddy are really proud. Now I’m working on rolling over.
My first few days after the hospital were really busy. I had lots of visitors, and Mommy and Daddy were busy packing up our place in Agassiz. I also got lots and lots of presents. Mommy and Daddy say I’m spoiled, but I don’t think so.
Look at me. Hello, I’m cute! Who wouldn’t want to buy me presents? But I really am grateful for all my wonderful things.
I think Daddy wishes he could have spent more time at home during my 10 days in Agassiz, but he had to drive all the way to White Rock every day for his job. I’m happy he’s only five minutes away now.
We had a great trip north in the car, while Uncle Peter and Jake drove my crib and the other stuff in the U-Haul, and Daddy’s friend Mark took up some other stuff. They all helped load up the house, and then the McAdies arrived, and they set up my room and some other rooms. I’m all set; I have a crib with a mobile, a dresser stuffed with clothes (plus more in the closet), and Mommy has a rocking chair. Just the other day, I got a playpen and a baby gym. Grandma McAdie just made me some Winnie the Pooh curtains. They match my Winnie the Pooh blankets and mobile.
The house is really great. It’s a three-storey, three-bedroom townhouse with two balconies. I have my own room (although I stay in Mommy and Daddy’s room for now) and Mommy and Daddy have a separate room for the computer, something Daddy has wanted for a long time. Outside, there’s lots of trees and lawn, and even a tennis/basketball court.
Daddy is all settled in at work. He likes being an editor again, and the Williams Lake Tribune has a big press, so he can watch 18 different papers come off the rollers. He’s fascinated by it the press the same way I’m fascinated by, well, everything. He works with four reporters, and he thrills them with stories about me all the time. He’s really close to home, and he doesn’t usually work evenings or weekends, so I get to see him lots. I’ve heard that before I was born, Daddy worked all the time. I’m glad I set him straight.
Mommy spends all day with me, and I’m pretty happy during the daytime. I sit in my swing, or on Mommy’s lap. When Mommy can drive again, I’m going to meet other babies at the Moms and Babies group downtown.
When Daddy gets home, I get a nice warm bath and lay on his lap. I’m an equal-opportunity cuddler.
What else? Hmmm. Well, I like walks in the stroller, car rides, and baths.
I don’t like sleeping. I’m too hungry for that. I’m a big boy, and I’m growing. And since I’m in my bassinet in Mommy and Daddy’s room, I can just ring for room service whenever I want. So I take advantage; I don’t want to sleep more than a few hours at a time. But I hear that’s pretty good for a boy my age.
And with all that eating, I sure do get gassy. Daddy calls me Grunty MacGrunterson, because I’m always trying to squeeze something out either end.
But I’m happy. I like to look around and squeeze fingers; and this month I’ll probably start smiling more, and I’ll finally find my hands.
Mommy and Daddy hope I’ll sleep more as I get older. I wouldn’t bet on it.