Happy B-Day Rancho Mom!

Last night we went out for dinner for Vicki's birthday.

Jack obviously enjoyed the deserts!

HOLY CRAP! Is that him over there?!?!

A New Favorite

I took this photo of Jack donning his new purple hospital gown (yes, his little tush peeked out the back) while he was sitting on my lap awaiting his surgery at Edward Hospital. All the people walking around in their blue suits and stocking hats were completely new to him and he just looked on in amazement. Jack went in to have his adenoids removed and tubes put in his ears. Honestly, I think I was more scared than he was. Even after the surgery, he didn't cry once! And when we got home, he just watched cartoons and played with his toys as if nothing ever happened. He was a little trooper. I think he just wanted to be good because he knew Santa would be coming soon!

Jack With One Of His Buds- Owen McGill

Blueberry Mustache

Jack Hard At Work Creating Poster For My January Show

Doctor Visit

I took this photo mere seconds before Jack decided to pee through his diaper, onto the table and have me scrambling for clean-up supplies. I know the nurses must see this all the time but I still felt like the idiot dad who had no idea what he was doing. UGH!

It's Ben A Long Weekend

December's Here!

'Tis The Season

Happy Turkey Day!

It's A Boy...And He's Proud Of It!

Jack's gonna be a big brother! Rancho mom is due April 9th.

Learning To Walk

We Have A Crack!

Maybe the Lowe's man how to fix Jack's plumber's crack

Rancho Parents Hit Palm Springs

I had a solo show out in Palm Springs at M Modern Gallery so Vicki and I were able to have a little mini getaway. Of course we missed Jack the entire time.

Some Dinnertime Conversation

When I get a chance, I like to just sit down with Jack and pick his brain on his thoughts about our World's current events. As you'll hear, he got a little upset when I talked about the economy. Here is what he had to say.

Always Test The Temperature First!

Is there anything cuter than a baby's bum??

Neighborhood Halloween Parade

With our friends, The Dunnback's.

Happy Halloween From Charlie Brown And Sid Vicious!

Jack's First (Official) Haircut

Today I decided to give in and take Jack for a professional haircut rather than just doing my usual trim job. When I called to make an appointment at Kid Snips at the Oakbrook Mall, I warned the lady on the phone of Jack's intolerance for people touching his head. She just laughed and assured me that they "have seen it all". That was I all I needed to hear and went ahead and mad may appointment.

As expected, when we walked in to the chop shop, we were greeted with the wailing of little tikes unhappy with their current position. Fully expecting Jack to join in the screamfest, I tried my best to keep his attention to the wonderful world of toys all around him and away from the howls of others. Once it was Jack's turn, we were directed to the green and red choo choo train. I quickly snapped him in and put an episode of Blue's Clues on the t.v. for him to watch. To my amazement, he did nothing but keep the train on a steady course and enjoy the ride. Breaking every now and then to warm up to the neighboring mothers with a wink of the eye or a wave of the hand. Though he was a little suspicious of his barber Keisha, he didn't even cry once! Even when we were done, he just sat on his locomotive and continued to enjoy Blue's Clue adventure. Since he was so content, I asked if I could just leave him there while I go get lunch. Keisha laughed and said "Sure. No problem" but I could tell that might be asking too much. So, reluctantly, I pulled Jack from his trance and placed him back in his stroller. I gladly paid the $18 fee ($23 with tip) and went on with our day.

A BIG thank you to the wonderful staff at Kid Snips and we will definitely be back!

PS- Jack says thanks for the balloon.

Snow Before Halloween??

My Lil' Gold Digger

What's The Secret Password?

Our New House Cleaner

He's very efficient. How many house cleaners do you know who vacuum under the desk??

Ready For His Shirts vs. Skins Football Game!

Somehow he managed to pull the shirt over himself. Quite fitting since he was wearing a football jersey.

Jack's Gonna Be A Big Brother!

Tiki Jack

On The Way Home From A One-Year Old's B-Day Party. Enough Said.

Go Gators!

Pancake Cafe

On the way to the ear, nose, throat doctor, we stopped by the Pancake Cafe to grab some brunch. Lately, Jack thinks he's a cow by going "MOOOOOOO!!!".



While at the doctors Vicki and Jack played some Peek-A-Boo!

Nap Time

Jack's New Glasses

Well, we finally found a pair of glasses for Jack. Unfortunately, he is NOT happy about it. Average length of time wearing them= 10.4 seconds. Thank you very much to Lori at Spex in Hinsdale for helping us find them.

Palmer's

Today we went to dinner at Palmer's. Jack especially liked the Texas BBQ Burger!

Jack charms the folks at Naz

Vic attended the reunion festivities at her high school, Nazareth Academy, and Jack of course was the hit of the alumni mass and pancake breakfast. Here he is getting a personal tour by Mr. Moran (Naz President). Vicki also got to introduce Jack to many of the teachers and staff at Nazareth, including Sr. Ellen Springer (who is a bit of a legend at Naz and tought Vicki Chemistry and Physics).

Entertaining Himself

Another Mini Milestone

With a lot of persistance, Jacklyn and I FINALLY got Jack to hold his own bottle. He doesn't look very happy about it though.

Couldn't Wait

Rancho mom had to take a business call and Jack decided he just could not wait to take his morning nap so he just lyed down and fell asleep in his Playpen.

Bathtime Fun!