Jack

I was just looking at some pictures of Jack on my desk. In one, he is smiling toothlessly as he waits for Santa by the tree. In another, he is gazing at the camera, in one of his first balancing acts at the edge of the sofa. Then there's my personal favorite, a shot of him by the pool, wearing a bucket cap, probably 4 or 5 months old, looking exactly like a Teletubby. He's so stinking cute. Who would have thought he would grow up to call me "umpire" as often as he calls me mommy? The boy, who at the end of the day says he has too many tanquito bites and would like some moat (milk) ... just a 'lil bit, he bargains. Some of my favorite things about my little babe today:

1. He wants to sit on the counter (and get into everything) while I get ready for work.
2. He discovered a major love of capers the other night after picking them all out of my pasta and said they were like "sunflower seeds"
3. He enjoys brushing his teeth, but mostly just sucks on the toothbrush.
4. He tries to whistle, but it comes out as a high-pitched squeal.
5. He is an absolute daredevil but is terrified of spiders, which has forced me to face my fear because I have to dispose of them all in his presence.
6. He says "poop" a lot. I get after him, but it's really funny to hear him say it. Lots. Poop, poo poo, poopy.
7. Last night when trying to go to the bathroom on the "big boy potty", he said "Come out, pee!".
8. He loves to "dip" when we dance. Another trick we picked up last night.
9. He told the babysitter I like "bad boys". ????
10. He loves cooking with me, which I think is darling. I'm going to let him try his own recipes when he gets a little older.

Ah, Jack. I can't believe in four months he is going to be a big brother. Doesn't seem possible because he is still my baby and knows it. I think he will make an excellent brother - as long as he doesn't use the baby's head as a batting tee or a football.