No such thing as too many spoons...

Three in his hands, one in the bowl, and another on the floor.  I mean, I knew he was hungry but sheesh!

Book Review: Doggies

Doggies by Sandra Boynton

A serious look at the multiple dialects practiced by canines. Overlooked by many authors  who have attempted the subject of canine language, many readers may have been tempted to believe that communication in the world of dogs was a simplistic thing, with little opportunity for confusion.  The author walks us through a staggering number of variations on a single missive (most regional), including an outside species translation for comparison near the end.  A must-have edition for any canine language aficionado.

Book Review: Blue Hat, Green Hat

Blue Hat, Green Hat by Sandra Boynton

This poignant tale chronicles the well-intentioned and off beat attempts of a mentally and fashion challenged turkey to fit in with his friends.  Sometimes amusing, sometimes heart rending, the protagonist fails again and again in his attempts, until he finally gets it right in his own special way. Truly a touching tale, although an abrupt surprise ending leaves you wondering whether he gave up too much of himself in his search for acceptance. 

Book Review: Opposites

Opposites by Sandra Boynton

A study in extremes, the author takes on the task of pointing out the differences in today's society, risking criticism from nearly every quarter.  Individuals sensitive to issues such as extreme weight gain or loss, height differentials, and the proper use of the phone, will no doubt line up in outrage over this cutting edge work.

Book Review: The Going to Bed Book

The Going to Bed Book by Sandra Boyton

An interesting look into life on a cruise ship as evening approaches.  Providing underlying health and wellness messages, the animal passengers prepare for sleep as a group. Generally an entertaining read, though parents should be cautioned about the communal nature of some of personal hygiene activities.

These footie pajamas were made for walkin'....

He did it!  We've had a hesitant step here and there, but tonight he took 3 steps to come to me!  Way to go J squared!  I had best start working out more - before long he'll be out running me....

Must've been the spaghetti....

Valentine's Day dinner

We have a tradition that every Valentine's Day, rather than eating out, we stay home and cook a really amazing meal together.  This works out particularly well since both John and I love to cook.  This year, John grilled a delicious grass-fed T-bone and roasted some yummy rosemary garlic fingerling potatoes.  I made a truffled mushroom ragout and some roasted orange glazed asparagus.  A little boiled shrimp as an appetizer and some purchased creme brulee for dessert - voila!

We've been making a point of giving JJ what we eat so he can participate in dinner and be exposed to the variety of foods that make up the family palate.  The more different and exciting tastes, the less likely that he'll be super pickly later.  At least that's the hope.  So, tonight was no different.  And he absolutely LOVED all of it.  He could not get enough of the mushrooms and ate the asparagus and steak like it was going out of style.  When he got a little bite of the creme brulee, his eyes lit up and he pointed at the spoon and with a most serious tone exclaimed "Dat!"  which, in JJ talk is "I would definitely like some more of that please." And all this after he turned up his nose at the goldfish crackers at daycare on Friday.  That's my boy!

One Whole Year

Well, today's the day.  The little man is one year old - no longer a baby, now a toddler.  He's had his first taste of cake (thought it was pretty tasty, but wasn't overwhelmingly enthusiastic), and soon he'll be walking.  

On my "mommy boards" someone asked what our goal would be with regards to our little ones during this next year.  So many things came to mind - how I want to make sure he is exposed to a variety of foods in a welcoming and non judgemental atmosphere so he can learn good eating habits, how I want to take pictures of him every week because he changes so quickly, how I want to make sure he sees his grandparents and aunt and uncles often...  But here's what I settled on:

To remember when I interact with him that he is a person, albeit a short one that doesn't speak very clearly, and to show him respect and not try to force him to do things just because I'm bigger and in a hurry.

I think that will be a tough one, but worth it.