Jack of Sweden

Aunt Kathy and Megan sent Jack this sweet little hat from Minnesota. They got it at a Swedish store along with a pair of mittens with a string that keeps them together that were exactly what I've been looking for. I don't think there is a Swedish bone in Jack's body, but we're all about pretend play around here! Thanks, Aunt Kathy and Megan!

Look Who's Nine Months Old

Jack is nine months old today. Again I ask, where has the time gone? Jack has changed so much in so little time. This month he learned how to pull up although he tends to get stuck on his knees. His daddy taught him how to wave hello and goodbye. Jack believes it's a pretty universal gesture and uses it anytime he wants some attention.

Jack is eating lots of finger foods although he would be happiest if he could live off Cheerios and cheese. I continue to make his pureed baby foods. Lately he's had blueberries, corn, chicken, peas, applesauce, nectarines, bananas, pears, and green beans. In the freezer ready to be prepared are beef, cauliflower, broccoli, and tofu. There's a website that provides lots of information about what to feed a baby and when called wholesomebabyfoods.com, but even with it's guidance I find myself wondering if I am doing a good enough job of introducing new tastes to Jack's palate. I am hopeful that if I am persistent now, I will have a child who will eat well later.

At Jack's 9 month check-up today, he weighed 21 lbs, 14 oz which keeps him in the 75th percentile for weight. He was 27.5 inches long which puts him in the 50th percentile for height. He's growing and healthy, which is all I ask for.

I'll take a cue from my man Jack and tell you good-bye for now.

The Day My Stuffed Animal Went CRAZY by Jack Seaton

I was just playing in my room, minding my own business...

when one of my stuffed animals came over to play.

Little did I know, that guy was crazy. He started attacking me!

I looked at Mom to see if she could help,

but she was fighting with this black monster that flashed in my eyes. I realized I was going to have to take care of this beast myself. So I did what every kid would do. I bit him!

Then I clawed out his eyes.

He was no match for Super Jack! I taught him a lesson he'll never forget.

Aren't you proud?

Green Acres

I'm back, and boy does it feel good to have Internet access again! You know you have moved to the boonies when it takes 12 days to get the Internet connected. Speaking of living in the boonies, I have some pictures of some of our new animal friends who have visited us since we moved.

Deer

Turkey

Turtle

Chipmunks

Many of you have asked for pictures of the house, but I haven't taken any yet. It's too messy for me to post anyway, but I promise I will do that soon. John, Jack, and I are really enjoying our new lives. It is so pretty out here in the country and seeing the wildlife is so much fun with the exception of the mouse that was living in our garage to whom John had to give an eviction notice. My favorite animal so far is one I haven't even seen. An owl visits a tree outside our bedroom window most nights around 3:00 am.

I feel like this place we have chosen to live is as close to my roots as it's possible to find in Tennessee. John grew up in the city, but he's enjoying the farm experience. In fact, if you want to hurt John's feelings right now, you would just have to call his new "tractor" a lawn mower. Or you could call his "field" or "pasture" a yard.  He's been bugging me to get some goats, but I had sheep growing up. They were hard animals to keep in the pasture. I imagine goats are similar. I've suggested a cow that we can actually eat, but we have been told to wait until spring for that endeavor.

John's "Tractor"

Jack is adjusting well to our new home. He loves to look out the windows and see all of the trees, and playing outdoors has become a lot of fun. I am hunting for a bargain on a wagon and a swing because I think every farm kid needs them.

Thanks to all of you who helped us with our move and to those of you who rooted us on as we fulfilled this dream. We'd especially like to thank Erin and Nick for helping with Jack and lifting all of our heavy furniture. We've been blessed to have you as friends and to have so many others enrich our lives.

Daddies Are So Much Fun