Jack is Nineteen Months!

In his reading chair.

Dear Jack,

You love to read. Several times a day, you'll hand me a book and climb into my lap for story time. I'm okay with that because it's a rare opportunity that you allow me to cuddle you.

Daddy has been gone this month, and he comes home tonight. I know you will be so excited to see him. We talk about Daddy a lot and look at his pictures. We even have some video of Daddy reading you a story. One time when we were watching the video you kept waving your little hand, saying, "Hi. Da. Hi." It was pretty adorable.

You are working so hard to communicate and have all sorts of new words under your belt. Even if you're not always able to communicate what you want, I often find myself surprised by how much of life you're tracking. My favorite new word is "Ma!", which always tends to be in the form of a yell. My least favorite is "mine."  

Cute like Daddy.

Other New Words:
Moon
Star, car and guitar (which all sound very similar).
Water

Things You Love:
Coloring
Hammering
Blueberries
Swinging
Riding in your wagon
Climbing (like your Aunt Kirby did)

I love you, Little Man! Looking forward to the next month with you!

James Archie King, 1925-2012

Grandpa came to visit my family in Seattle

James Archie King was quick-tempered, ornery, stubborn, and always one to question authority, especially when it came to those damn doctors.

Considered legally blind by 41yo, my grandfather needed a lot of those strong Irish traits just to make it in the world.

Recently, he confessed that a policeman pulled him over for driving his lawnmower into town. He wanted to know if he needed a license to drive a scooter instead. Apparently, he continued to ride his lawnmower anyway.

Grandpa was pretty rough around the edges, but put a baby in his arms and he'd coo and giggle. In fact, Baby Jack loved Grandpa's overalls with it's shiny buttons.

After an all you can eat buffet, I'm sure.

Ever the farmer.

Because blind guys like to drive, too.

My Aunt Rosemary & Grandpa

Grandpa loved Jack. Maybe even more than he loved me.

I love you, Gramps.

Happy Father's Day, Brian!

I'm sorry that you can't be with your kiddos today, but we're sending our love in the meanwhile.

The Grad Girl

Kylie graduate from Curtis High School yesterday. She was accepted by all of her colleges but plans to attend the University Nevada in Las Vegas.

At Baccalaureate

Kayla is almost family

Catherine is in Kylie's small group

McKenzie (cousin), Kylie & Therin

Therin was teasing Kylie for being short.

Graduation Day!

Kylie with her Rutledge Grandparents.

Grandma Mary & the Grad Girl.

Jack is Eighteen Months!

After months of trying, Jack is finally willing to sit and read books. Tonight we read the same book for about 20 minutes, until it randomly disappeared.

Kim & Jack

Jack is perpetually teething. Suddenly, Jack has a mouthful of ten teeth, which he very dutifully brushes each night. He also loves to put lotion on.

Jack is quite the big helper. He helps mom empty the dishwasher and put away dishes. He helps to dig dirt out in the garden. And, he especially loves helping to unfold clothes.

Daddy & Jack on their way to Sesame Street Show

Mom daringly removed the gate above the stairs this month. So far, Jack doesn't care about the stairs unless someone goes down them. Then, he wants to follow, but luckily he also wants your hand getting down the stairs. Daddy worried that Mom was moving too quickly for our fearless climber and suggested we wait to remove the gate until Jack was 10 years old. However, I envision Jack climbing over the gate and tumbling headfirst so we're trying it my way.

But either way, I see bumps and bruises ahead. This rough and tumble guy sure loves to be on the move!

Who would believe a sweet looking boy could be so damn strong-willed?!

Midwest Meanderings

Jack and I headed to the Midwest to visit family. First stop was Dad's house where Jack worked his magic and scored lots of love & toys.

Jack cuddles Uncle Cameron

Jack loved kissing his Aunt Katie

Afterwards, Jack & I trekked to Kansas where we played with cute cousins.

Levi shows off squirt gun skills.

The sweetest 6yo. Anna is a great reader, too.

Part of the reason we were in Kansas was for my cousin, Bailey's, Wedding.

Levi was the "Ring Bear".

Cousins, Bailey & Van, during the "Dollar Dance."

It's been a great trip, but tomorrow... Home, James!

Jack is Seventeen Months!

Jack you are quite the character these days. Very independent and headstrong. You think it's so funny to say, "no, no, no" and shake your finger whenever you are doing something that you're not supposed to. A couple days ago, you & Mama had a meeting of the minds when you continuously threw her sea glass all over the floor. It started with sobbing and tears, but we ended with hugs.

You're going to preschool at the church one day a week and we both love it. You're ready to jump out of my arms and play when we arrive. It's so nice to have even three hours away from you to get work done, and yet I love going to pick you up. You're so excited to see me again that you even snuggle a little bit.

Jack, you continue to love music. As soon as you hear music, you say "dance" (or "da", which is very similar in sound to "dad" and "dog") and start do a head-bob. You've incorporated some other moves, too. There is the squat & bob, which is just basically moving your booty up & down a little. And, every white boy needs to practice their foot stomping hoe down.

Jack in the box.

You've picked up some of your sister's habits, too. You're a total hand-talker. Who knows what you're saying half the time, but we do know that with all the wild gesturing that you're very serious.

Cousins, Jack & Lucy

You love Elmo. Every time you watch Sesame Street, you laugh when Elmo comes on. And, I found you some practically new Elmo slippers (Goodwill for $1!) that you bring me so you can wear them around the house. And, sometimes you just hug them.

Yesterday Kylie said that you're just getting cuter and cuter. We might be slightly biased, but I think that's a pretty accurate statement, Jack. You're adorable!