The Cool Factor

Now that Mark's semester is over, I've been taking full advantage of his free time. Besides installing the window A/C units (much cooler!), that mostly means giving him plenty of bonding time with Jackson. Saturday was one such day. After being gone the whole morning, I came back to find a very proud daddy photographer. He was especially proud of the cute outfit he found for the little guy to wear.

I think Jackson enjoyed it just as much as he did.

Even though I was impressed with Jackson's incredible biceps, I didn't think we needed to subject our child to such stereotypical macho-ness. In response to the wifebeater/warmup outfit, I found this seemingly cute little ditty, that showed its true colors after I kept mistaking Jackson for a girl.

And yes, he dumped all his little dehydrated apple bites on the floor to enjoy at his leisure.

I guess we won't pull that one out again--or at least when we're seeing any kind of public. Especially when we watch someone as cool as Bodi. He exudes cool. Clothes, hair and confidence. Bodi is 6 months older than Jackson, and they play fabulously together. His only hang up is that he loves the garbage can. Everything goes into the garbage. And since he was so cool, Jackson couldn't help but pick up some new skills. Luckily he's not as good at it as Bodi, and hopefully it's not a skill he decides to practice.

Lewis and Clark

It's exploration week around here. I'm exploring new ways to format photos on the blog because my amazing friend Kirsten decided to give a brilliant blog tutorial on her own blog. How did she know I was coveting her layouts and mad skills? Love when others fulfill subconscious desires for free.

Then there's the one year old, who is constantly finding new places and things to explore. Went to Noodles and Company today with some fellow moms in the neighborhood, and Jackson definitely tried to explore the kitchen. The other patrons were very friendly and thankfully helped keep him safe.

Of course toilet paper is always exciting to explore. Our roll is in a general state of mishap (humans are not capable of re-rolling up toilet paper). And now he's figured out how to tear it up.

Some explorations are parent supported, like tooth brushing. We were given a little plastic infant toothbrush and since experts feel it's a necessary thing, we'll take the time to enjoy brushing our pearly whites together.

It's been one of the easier recommended things to accomplish, since Jackson feels so cool to do it along side dad.

We've also been exploring new sleeping positions. Long gone are the days of back and side sleeping. I woke Jackson up from a rather long nap to find him buried (head and all) in his blankets, with only his two feet poking out. This sweaty hairdo was the result.

The palm up, face down position seems to be the most common way to discover him. In general it melts my heart--unless he happens to be wedged against the crib bars. That inevitably causes cringing--as I think of the future head bump that will likely occur.

Finally, Jackson has been exploring books like crazy. The other night (I'm certain 2 am is still night), he was up for an hour. Each time we would come in to calm him down, he would try and wiggle out of our arms. The one time he managed to, he sat down and read 3 books. Finally I put him back in his crib--tough luck. 2:30 am is not the time.

He has this one book that he loves. It's all about the commonalities between animal and human families. Favorite page: "All families laugh at jokes."

The first time we read it, he started sniggering when we turned to the page. Not sure if he can relate to the concept (he is a Brown), or he just thinks the little girls are cute. Whatever the reason, it certainly made me laugh. He continues to have an obsession with the page, and generally gives a laugh when he sees it. Here's a glimpse of the little snigger.

(As you can tell from the video, conventional exploration is never required)

Passing those Rites

Jackson passed through to the portal of sugar, honey, and nuts this week. He didn't take too well to the sugar party we had for him. He just ended up crawling through the cake with out taking more than a one finger lick to celebrate his big day.

He did manage to get some frosting on his nose and fingers--to help out with the kodak moment.

But only ended up crawling through it in the end.


I don't think this was his favorite part of the day.



He also chose his future career among the following options--

(Athletics, construction, finance, medical, culinary, education, philosophy, public sector)

Apparently he's not satisfied with his government saleried parents and is headed for for finance.

Despite the solemn look, we all had a lovely time at his party. The sun was out, and Jackson got to play with some of his favorite friends. Gracie was very intent on helping Jackson see the benefits of the medical field. Apparently that wasn't for him. The calculator is by far his favorite toy of late, and he will even let me change his diaper if he gets to hold it. I love unexpected benefits of things like that.


Later that day, we had our first call to poison control after Jackson swallowed one of these beauties that had been covering a mishap from the party.

I felt a little silly calling, but the guy was very nice, and assured me that the only thing to worry about was it obstructing any vital pathways (like air)--which the bandaid initially did, but slid down soon enough to forgo any major damage.

Our last rite has been growing steadily for the last month. Conversation is quite an art, especially as a new one year old. Jackson's favorite time to talk is while he's drinking from his bottle. He'll take a couple sips, look at me, mention something, and then go back to drinking. Often--as an afterthought--he'll pull the bottle away, say something with intense meaning in his eyes, and laugh as if he told a little joke.

This captured moment does not show his capabilities with deep thought, but it's a fun glimpse into his jibber jabber. Eat it up!