MST Pep Rally

Ashley and I took the boys to the MST PLT (Peace, Love, and Technology) Party on Friday (aka Pep Rally). They both did really good considering there was so much noise from all the cheering kids in the gym. At one point Jack screamed with them, but I am not sure if it was out of excitement or fear. Actually most of the time he had his head buried in my chest looking away from the crowd. It was great seeing all the old teachers, parents, and students. Let's hope Jack didn't catch any of the kiddos germs.

Afterwards we went back to Ashley's so the boys could play together...with Jack having been sick and Thanksgiving they hadn't seen each other since before Halloween!!! They had fun..especially Jack because he loved crawling and exploring in Nathan's nursery.

Jack's Second "First Haircut"

Anyone remember Harley the guinea pig? Does Jack's hair strongly resemble him or what?!? Last night after his bath and bottle his hair was a mess...Guess it took us seeing this in addition to the MANY comments about his hair being too long over Thanksgiving that helped us realize it was time to make another hair cut appointment.

I made Jack an appointment for tonight at a local Kid Salon here in Allen that had been helpful a few weeks ago in getting the perfect hair gel to control his toupee. Here is a picture of Jack before his hair cut.

He thought that the car chair was way too cool. The baby Einstein video that was playing in front of it wasn't too bad either. The boy loves steering wheels...on his Fisher Price table (it's really a bowl...but we don't want to tell him in fear of diappointing him), in the Pathfinder (stretching while in park at gas stations on the way back from Louisiana-I'm not Britney), and here at the salon. I see Hot Wheels in our future!

Of course Wub Nub made an appearance. Can't have any "second-firsts" without Wub.

Here is Miss. Amy introducing Jack to the "airplane"...aka clippers. She let his listen and touch it before she trimmed his back hairline. Before starting she warned us that most babies cry...NOT JACK. He wasn't too fond of it don't get me wrong...but was a very brave boy.

Here he is...isn't he HANDSOME?!?

Since they treated it as his Second "First Haircut" he got a picture in a certificate card with his hair clippings and a new comb. We'll for sure be going back here...next time we won't let it get so out of control.

Houston We Have TEETH

Since the beginning of November Jack has had a few teeth trying to break through. They are finally out enough to declare them official first teeth. He has a left upper lateral incisor and 2 lower central incisors. He wasn't too fussy when they were cutting...then again it was when he was sick so he was fussy...just not sure what caused it more...the funk or the teeth. We are now officially brushing twice a day like a big boy!

OK- We've been trying to get pictures of them all month and tonight we finally had to "manhandle" him in order to get them. I'd show you the many previous attempts...but CPS might get called on us. He just isn't into showing off his pearly whites yet.

Life Back in Allen

Here are some pj's that Bebe bought him awhile back...but it is just now cold enough to wear them and they finally kinda fit. I think he is trying to tell everyone how he feels about being back in his own crib. Yes, he has his butt in your face...but how could you not smile back at it?!?

Being away for a week didn't make him forget where his toys are and how to pull them ALL out onto the living room floor.

Another one for you...just because he is so cute (scarface and all!)


Tuesday the weather was PERFECT- Jack and I walked to the Tavares's then walked to the park to swing with Lisa, Ethan, and Baby Tavares (in the belly).

I always knew that the high chair could recline and the foot rest could be propped up...but it wasn't until today that I realized Jack could have his after nap bottle while I work in the kitchen. Genius!

Antie Visit

Dad came in every morning and took over the morning Jack duties so Nick and I could sleep in. Saturday morning he wasn't as prepared as he would have wished...but hey, that is what makes mornings with Papa C fun. It started out with a diaper change that was a little dirtier than expected which resulted in Dad grabbing Jack by his toes and head while running through the house for wipes. Next it was breakfast time-There was no bib in the kitchen so he made one himself with a washcloth and two clothes clips. A tad ghetto-but served as both a bib and a towel to wet and wipe with after the meal. Him and Jack sat on the floor in the "high chair" because Jack was hungry, had his bib on, and wasn't willing to wait around to get the chair strapped in. What a morning..not like his fine oiled mornings with mom back home.

A local furniture store was going out of business with great deals so we piled in the car, drove in the rain, and walked around checking out the merchandise. Jack and Dad had fun...especially in the bathroom where Jack wanted to grab at the urinals-YUCK! Again...what adventures we have with Papa C.

The weather was still rainy and cold but we needed to eat and get out the house a bit....so we headed to the mall. Nothing like dinner in the food court on the weekend after Thanksgiving. But hey...Jack got to take his first carousel ride. He wasn't crying...but wasn't too sure of it either.

Here is a quick video I took of Jack on the carousel.

"Wait Uncle Brian....I'm trying to memorize your face so I remember you next time."

"Got it, now time for the picture. Cheese!"

"Uncle Craig...you're a pretty cool guy! "

Due to it still raining when we left we couldn't get our traditional picture by the tree in the front yard. The garage will have to do. Excuse the overall appearance of everyone in the picture...we had too much fun over the weekend to groom ourselves. This is evident by the scratch on Jack's face because we didn't get around to clipping his nails.

A Sad Day in Tiger Stadium-But a Fun Day for Jack

LSU Vs. Arkansas

Nick and I got ready and headed out learly eaving Jack with Papa C and Bebe for the day because it was too cold for him to tailgate this time around (and Bebe too). The night before we went over his schedule and they had it all written out for them.

"Papa C...is this game ever going to end? If LSU loses Daddy and everyone else will be so upset. You yell a lot...but nothing like my Daddy. It's close to my bedtime...another Over Time!"

Jack did great being away from us (which doesn't happen often). Bebe and Papa C followed the list to the T....checked it off and signed the bottom...we'll definetly be using their "services" again.

Nick and I enjoyed out day tailgating with the Anything Geaux's crew. This is the first Arkansas game we have gone to and the weather couldn't have been better (well maybe a little warmer when the sun went down-good thing we had the fire pit to keep us warm and to make smores). The tailgate started with breakfast, we had lunch, and ended the evening eating anything we could find out of depression.

I've talked about the mystery machine so much that I figured I'd put a few pics on the blog of it. These were taken Thursday night when we were helping Brian get loaded up. Above is the VIP lounge where one must have a VIP sticker to enter and during the hot months since it is air conditioned...and fully stocked...everyone wants to be "on the list". This is where Jack napped his first game to get out of the heat.

Here is the fine packing abilities of Brian shining bright. I'm not sure how he gets everything to fit in PERFECT, but I do know where he gets it from-years of watching Papa C and working at a shipping company probably helps too. As you know the Tigers lost...the saddest part is that we had already gotten Nick tickets to the National Championship game and a flight home. Guess we'll sell the tickets online and use that flight for a trip home sometime this Spring-back to the drawing board for a 30th birthday gift for him.

Jack's 1st Thanksgiving

Jack really enjoyed his First Thanksgiving. He had tons to be thankful for....family, food, and FUN!

Hanging out with cousins, aunts, and uncles.

The Relle Family

Back in Baton Rouge for his "Thanksgiving Dinner"

More family and FUN...plus a little showing off of his new crawling talent.

Uncle Joey and Jack

Aunt Kathy and Jack

In New Orleans we forgot to get a family picture of the three of us. This one was taken way past his bedtime after a day of playing and a few spit ups on his sweater. Better late than never though...What a GREAT First Thanksgiving!

Relle Visit

Last Tuesday Jack and I picked Nick up and headed to Louisiana. We had to stop in Baton Rouge for the night but woke up early Wednesday and headed to New Orleans.

"Hey Uncle Blake...see my new teeth? Put me down and watch me crawl. I'm growing fast huh?!?"

"Uncle Eric, you're the coolest, but I'm the KING!"

"Yes Paw Paw, we should build our empire in Texas...everything is bigger there."

Somehow we didn't get any pictures with Maw Maw playing with Jack...but believe me there was tons of playing, feeding, bottles, and rocking.

A Day Full of Games

Jack and I met up with Tina, Luke, and their dog to go for a walk at Chisholm Trail in Plano. It was great to get some fresh air, exercise, and for Tina and I to chat. After the holidays we are going to make it a weekly date on Thursdays...read aloud at the library right there and then walk the trail. Here's to burning off some of the holiday treats I plan to eat!

Jack was having a cranky afternoon so I decided to build us a barrier and let him have fun with his toys. Well first he crawled into his toy basket, played some, then crawled out on the other side trying to insert his teether into the VCR. Once back in the "toy zone" with pillows on the backside of the basket to keep him from the "entertainment center"....he crawled under the exersaucer and headed straight to the fire place...Where is my non mobile Jack?!?! He was a lot easier.

Another quick story then off to pack- Earlier today I was putting Jack's clean laundry in the dresser. He was playing in/on a diaper box so I quickly turned around to put his pj's in the cabinet. When I turned back around...no Jack in sight. I went running down the hall looking in the bathroom along the way....no Jack. Panic was starting to take over when I hear giggles/raspberries coming from the bathroom. Apparently he had crawled in and the door had closed a little. He was sitting behind the door smiling when I ran in. Seriously...I turned my head for 2 seconds.

Can't wait for the grandparents to love on him this week and GIVE ME A BREAK!!!

Family Fun

Saturday Nick took over Jack duties all day...I went to run a few errands while they ate, swang, crawled in the grass, and watched football. That night I hit the town with Miley, Jeremy, and the gang for a Happy Hour at the Ginger Man to welcome back Jeremy into the country from Poland where he has been the past month. It was really nice to get out with my friends. Thanks Nick!!!

Here is the cute sweater jacket that Jeremy brought Jack back from Poland. It might be a little big...but hey, he'll be able to wear it longer that way. Thanks Uncle Jeremy!!

Sunday was another beautiful day so after Jack's morning nap, he watched Nick and I get ready for us to head out for some fresh air.

Leave it to Coach Relle to use Jack's interest in him tending to his dental needs as a teachable moment...with teeth coming in it won't be long til we are brushing him regularly.

Since we needed to go to a store in the Square in McKinney we decided to step out of the box and try an old restaurant that was in a new location called Spoons. Our table was outside so Jack enjoyed his bottle in from his stroller while Nick and I shared tomato basil soup, a Caribbean Chicken Salad, and a Chicken Salad Sandwich. It was really good and we plan to go back...but we'll have to alternate with The Pantry. Walking around the square is always nice...can't wait to go back when they finish with all the Christmas Decorations.

Still full from lunch Jack and I decided that we should take Nick to the Lake in McKinney that we walked a few weeks ago. By the time we finished walking the lake...the little man was OUT. Back home we went to continue our family nap, dinner, bath, and down for the night... What a great weekend! Now it is time to start packing for our Turkey Trip to LA!

8 Months Old

Here is Jack at 8 months. He weighs right at 16 pounds, has a bottom and top tooth coming in, crawls everywhere and gets into everything, and has started to say "MaMa"....or at least that is our interpretation. Taking pictures has really become a challenge because he is always after everything or wanting to escape.

Crinkle, Crinkle, Crinkle goes the paper.

"I'm bored with this paper and Mr. Plump...I'm outta here!"