Shhharky Snarky

Derek found the emerging, somewhat sharp bumps of Theo's first tooth! Watch out food, here comes Sharky! This explains much of his recent behavior- trouble sleeping through the night, slight fever, half hearted nursing at times. I thought that the symptoms were remnants of his bout of croup last week. The puzzle was why he wanted to spend two hours jumping furiously in his jumper everyday whilst feeling under the weather??? It did not make sense. Alas, the answer was right there on his lower jaw.

It's a pale rainy morn. We both slept in after an early nursing.(so nice!) Right now we're listening to a classic, Portishead Dummy, and are quite content hanging out on the living room floor. Of course T is chewing on his wooden mushroom rattle. I am eating french toast and enjoying the best damn organic, Tanzanian, dark roast coffee in the world! I get it from the farmer's market and grind it fresh, it's flavor enhanced by brewing with a French Press. Ahhh, the simple pleasures.

I hope you all have the time to BHN and enjoy solitude or loved ones.
Have a pleasantly unusual day!

Love
J and T

captain's log stardate 7.2.2009

Traveling with a baby takes practice, and I'm getting plenty of it. First mom and I went to Kentucky to see Jason give his last lecture performance for his doctorate at UK. Then I surprised mom by flying out to see her get hitched in Fort Collins, Co. In a short time the Brosts will pack up again to drive down to Gulf Shores, AL for a stay with Gerry and Phyllis. Luckily I've got a laid back babe. So long as he gets fed, exercised, and bedded by 10 (EST), he's a happy boy it seems.

I was a little worried about flying with a 5 month old by myself, but everything went smoothly. It really takes being super-organized, prepared for all possible baby-situations, and having a really good carrier. I got lots of tips from the internet that totally de-stressed the experience. It was actually quite enjoyable...an adventure of sorts. The trip was a secret brought about by Julie B, and much appreciated by myself and the Gerlachs. I showed up at girl's night and got mom in a state. I hope to get some of the snaps that were taken of that moment. Mom looked completely astonished and was screaming with laughter. I had a wonderful time meeting her new family and traveling around town. The mountains were beautiful, something I miss in our Hoosier landscape. I hope to be able to go back and climb a few, maybe when Theo's a bit older and walking. The flight back was memorable. Theo often stared out the window while verbalizing his wonder. He really knows how to charm a crowd. At the baggage claim, in the eateries...wherever we went he was smiling and talking to people prompting many a compliment, big smiles, and playful responses. It's great to see intelligent adults stop in their tracks to talk complete gibberish to a baby. It must be in our genes...