So here is yet another video of Jack. I know I seem a bit obsessed, but for me the purpose of this blog is a means to share pictures and videos with far away friends and family. Matt and I don't change much, but Jack does, therefore his pictures are more interesting. And get ready for double the pictures, because we are expecting baby #2 to arrive at the end of October!

This is Jack attempting to feed himself. He is very insistent on doing it himself and gets mad if I try to help. I usually sneak a bite into his mouth while his spoon handle is in the food.

While Matt was working nights last month, Jack and I went to Utah for a few days. (We never see him when he's working nights anyway.) Jack had a great time playing with Grandma and Grandpa. We took him the the little aquarium in Sandy and he loved it! His "fish" sign was put to good use.
The open tank with the sting rays was a big hit, the only problem was keeping him out of the water. He wanted to swim with those rays pretty badly. Maybe I'll have someone to scuba dive with in a few years!
When we got home Jack liked "helping" me unpack.
Yesterday, Jack decided he wanted to start walking. We've known he was capable for quite awhile, he just hadn't quite built up the confidence. He's been walking around holding on to one of mom's or dad's fingers for a long time and he finally figured out he didn't really need us. I'm sure it's a trend that will continue.

Jack has started signing like a pro the last few weeks. He signs more, eat, banana, milk, cracker, all done, dog, dad, grandpa, hurt, and (my favorite) fish. I promised my mom I'd get on camera and post it here, so....


We went over to the park on one of the nice days we've had the last few weeks and discovered that Jack looooves to swing.

Birthday Pics

Jack opening a present from his Grandma and Grandpa Taylor.
Duck cake...everytime Jack saw it while I was decorating it he said "quack". (which was why I picked a duck.)
This was the first cake attempt...I think it went better the second try.
Birthday boy!
Having fun on his birthday slide! (all the pictures were blurry)
We took way too many movies of the cake...this was the most entertaining.

Happy Birthday Jack!

It doesn't seem possible that Jack's already turning one! It's so fun to watch him learn and grow and to see his little personality develop. We sure love this little guy!

Last week we went to Vegas. Lindsey and Tom (my sis and her husband) were going for a conference, so we found a conference for Matt that coincided. My parents weren't about to have both grandsons five hours away and not see them, so they came, too. Of course while we were gone Michigan freakishly warmed up into the 50s and Vegas dropped down into the 40s. We mostly hung out at my grandma's house. Matt had never been to Vegas so we went to some of the attractions--he got to see what a tacky pit the strip is--yeah! We also went to Phantom of the Opera, which was pretty good.

Jack thought having his own seat on the plane was pretty cool.

My Grandma Mare, me and Jack at the Stratosphere. We went on rides while switching off with the boys.
Jack and Liam had a great time--sometimes they even noticed each other.
Aaawww.

First tooth!

Jack finally got his first tooth...I guess he just waited until he needed some!Matt spent a good part of last Saturday taking apart his old rocking horse and putting it back together. He also glued on the mane and tail. Jack seems to like it!