the life of baby jude

My mommy is the ripe old age of 27 today! Welcome to your late twenties, Mommy! I plan on posing for some pics tonight. Grandma is coming down and we're having dinner and cake. I think that Evie may even come over! This morning Daddy and I gave Mommy her cards and a new CD. Aren't we thoughtful? Also, I heard that Mommy's work friends decorated her desk, got her flowers and an Old Navy giftcard (which they instructed her to spend on herself and not me or Daddy--boo!),made cupcakes and bought her lunch. Isn't that nice?!?! Mommy's VERY lucky. Here's a picture she showed me of her blowing out her birthday cupcake at work. Don't ask me how I have this picture already since I've been at daycare all day. I just do and I have my ways. It's not for you to know about. :-P Anyway, add more later-- love ya, Mommy!!!

UPDATE:
So we had a great night! Grandma came down with a delicious German chocolate cake and to cook dinner for Mommy. Evie and Katie came over and played with me while M&D and Grandma ate. Evie was as cute as ever, of course, and we had such fun! Mommy got lots of cool presents!! Bath products from Evie and family, shoes and a purse from Grandma and Daddy is going to get her "Jude" tattoo. YAY! I love ink in my honor. Mommy also gots lots of other great stuff! She got money (which was mostly spent on clothes already. Our trip to Old Navy could be an entire other post) from Uncle G and Aunt Lynda, Washington (who works with Daddy and Uncle G) and his wife and Grandpa Robo! She also got great gifts from her friends-- pretty clothes from Auntie Mar and a gift certificate to take a culinary class from Auntie Annette. Mommy told me she was SO touched and thanks everyone so much for all the gifts... and for being so special to her. Mommy is one lucky gal, I'll tell ya!!

Good cake!

Last night, we went to Brazilia Grill for Mommy's birthday! We went with Aunt Lynda and Uncle G and our friends Washington and his wife Tassyane! It was really fun. We ate delicious foods, there were tons of waiters and patrons to socialize with AND two guys with a guitar and violin came to sing to Mommy. They were very funny. I was fascinated.

We got rodizio. Basically, that's like a buffet. They come around with different meats on skewers and slice it for you right on the table. There is also salads, rice, beans, vegetables, etc. to enjoy. I wasn't too big on the meats, but I sure did love the french fries. What can I say, I'm into soft foods lately, my teeth are really hurting (more on that later.)

There were so many nice people there, too. I interacted with everyone,of course. I was sitting on laps, talking on people's phones, getting hugs. I'm shameless. What can I say, we were there for a long time. A baby has to entertain himself somehow. Mommy finally got me to stay in the highchair for awhile with a bit of bribery. She offered me one of my most favorite things ever-- watermelon. YUM! I should also mention that I squeezed a butter packet so hard it exploded in my hair and all over my face. Mommy found it so funny that she actually snapped a photo before wiping it off. Real nice, lady. Plus, we got home so late, I never got a bath! Gross! Good thing they gave me one this morning.

I *should* mention that I'm not feeling my best. I'm not really sure what is wrong and either is Mommy & Daddy, but I really haven't been sleeping well at all. I've been known to scream for no reason and I just can't get comfy. I'm crankles at daycare, too. I've been drooling a whole lot so I think I'm getting a new tooth. Ouch. It's been a rough few nights, that is for SURE!

Who's the big boy around here? I am! I am! Not only can I rock on my cool rocking toys, but I can climb on all by myself! I'm having a blast! Being a toddler, well... rocks!!

On Saturday, Grandma and Mommy took me back to the New York Botanical Gardens. Grandma really wanted to see the Chihuly exhibit and since Mommy and I thought it was so pretty, we were more than happy to go again. It was just as cool the second time. This time, we went to see the rose garden, too, which was sooo pretty. I LOVED smelling the flowers. They smelled so pretty that I just insisted that Grandma and Mommy smell them, too-- over and over again. They didn't seem to mind.

I did have a bit of excitement this time, too. You see this picture to the left? Well, this was taken about 2 mintues before I flipped over that bar! Yes, it's true! I was playing around and all the sudden I was going over. Luckily, Mr. Paul at the Little Gym taught me the art of the forward roll. So I just put my hands down, tucked my head and went for it. All the garden visitors were temporarily silenced by my acrobatics. A few mintues later, the whole conservatory was abuzz about the baby that went flying into the exhibit while his mother looked on. I know Mommy tried to get to me in time, but I'm just too quick. It was really quite amazing, though-- I didn't get a scratch on me and even though I was a bit startled, I didn't even cry. It's too bad Mommy didn't get it on video. I think it could've won big bucks for my college fund on America's Funniest Home Videos.

We had a really nice day! Here's some more pretty pictures!

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You say you want a revolution??

Here I am rocking out! It's only right that I'm a Beatles fan-- my name *is* Jude aferall. I think this video would make Grandma Lisa and Auntie Patty quite proud.

Lucy's Elmo-themed birthday party!!!!!!!! Yippie!
On Sunday, we went to Lucy's first birthday party! It was quite fun and now all my friends are officialy ONE (disclaimer: Lucy's birthday is actually 9/19, but I won't nitpick.)I must say, it was a great party. Evie and her parents came and we also got to meet Lucy's grandparents. They were so nice. Lucy's grandpa was resident picture taker. He seems pretty professional-- I bet Mommy could learn a thing or two. And her grandmother could often be found watching us babies while the other grownups (i.e. my own parents) were guzzling wine and sampling the delicious lunch that was prepared! Lucy's mommy, Sarah made a really cute Elmo cake, too! A homemade cake! How exciting! We were all very impressed, because it looks just like the little guy. I would know, obviously, because I just saw him live action the day before. In addition to looking cute, it also tasted delicious. Plus, you can always count on the Franks family to serve some ice cream. YUM!

Also, there were party favors. Evie and I both got an Elmo book and a magnetic puzzle. Isn't that neat? It was right around then that M&d realized that they are total heels who gave the guests at my party bupkus. They wanted everyone to know they're sorry. Anyway, I loved the favors! Between that, the eats and the great company, it sure was a fun day!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, LUCY!!!!!!!! Phew, what a party!
But just one more thing-- on a sad note, going to Lucy's house was sort of downer. 'Twas a sad remind that Lucy is moving to North Carolina as soon as their house sells. Have I mentioned that Mommy's really bummed? It's just that people like that Franks family don't come around everyday and we really like them. At least they'll have a big house in NC for us to visit!

On Saturday, I went to my first live show! Mommy & I went with Matt, Melissa and Natalie to see Sesame Street Live: Elmo Makes Music! Mommy and I trekked all the way out to Long Island to see it (hitting traffic, of course), but it sure was worth it. Besides, it didn't take us that long, anyway. I'm used to driving around metropolitan area and all that comes with it, so I'm a good boy in traffic-- providing there are toys and snacks at my disposal.

Anyway, we had a fun time! I was SO transfixed when we first got there. It was dark and there was this big stage, with cool lights and all the characters from Sesame Street were singing and dancing. They put on a great show! Bert even dressed up in a white leisure suit for a disco number. I'm not really sure why that's so funny, but the parents sure loved it! It was over an hour long and I did pretty good if I do say so myself. I only got up towards the end-- and Mommy and I explored the concession stands and restrooms. But up until then, I was a pretty good boy and paid very close attention. One of the highlights of the afternoon was definitely the slushie thing that I got during intermission. It came in a cool Sesame Street cup and it was icy and cherry flavored. So enticing, that I dug in with my fingers and threw it everywhere-- down Mommy's shirt, on my shirt, her pants, the diaper bag and Miss Melissa's shirt. Oops.

We had a great time, though. And even though I heard Mommy griping about the cost of the tickets and the overtime she plans on working to pay for them, we both had a really fun time. And when the Dreyer family is involved, you honestly can't go wrong! Love you guys! See ya soon!

Here's a pic of the gang in action! We had good seats, didn't we?

As you may know, it's fashion week in NY. In honor of his event, I would like to model my new fall look for you. It's a rainy, cold day here in NJ, so I thought today was a perfect day for the unveiling. I'm wearing two articles of clothing from two fashion houses you may recognize-- Old Navy and Target, with the brown shirt, made of the finest soft cotton from the former and the dark jeans from the latter. Also notice that I'm posing with the must-have fall accessory-- the omnipresent cell phone. Put that in your pipe and smoke it, Joan Rivers.

Mommy wanted to get a picture of me with my sneakers and coat on (Stride Rite and Carter's, respectively, thank you very much) but I threw a bit of a tantrum. It's what any self respecting model would do after a long morning posing for pics. How much can one person take? By the way, Mommy, I better get a an extra special treat at dinner tonight for this. Linda Evangelista didn't get out of bed for less than $10K a day, and frankly, I deserve at least a cookie for my troubles.

Grandma made her second attempt at candy selling last Saturday. This time it was for Olive Day-- a fun outdoor event in the town of Olive, near where Grandma lives. I had a blast, I must say. But sadly, Grandma didn't sell as much candy as she'd like. Sad, because her candy really is so delicious and her table looked SO nice. Sadly, mommy seems to have lost all the pictures she took from that day! She's really bummed about it. Something happened to our computer while she was uploading them, and then she erased them off the camera. Anyway, I provided a picture of me and Grandma back on Memorial Day, when she sold her candies the last time. I was wearing my promotional onesie, too. Aren't we the cutest?

There was quite the rainstorm, too!! Luckily, Grandma had friends there to help her because it was so windy and rainy! Water was coming down in every direction and through the holes of her tent! It was crazy! Chaos ensued. Before that, though, I was having a great day. Grandma's table was right next to the lady selling toys, so that occupied me. Grandma bought me a really cool train set from there! We also visited a lady that we first met on Memorial Day. She sells jewelry and is really nice. She gave me some delicious mango to eat and her son had a really cool skateboard that I sat on while Mommy pushed me. I'm sure sorry she lost that picture, because it was darn cute!!

Anyway, please don't get discouraged Grandma!!! You're doing a great job and honestly, those Olive townsfolk are just not sophisticated enough for your goodies. Mommy's coworkers, not to mention yours truly, just love your candy!

Although I wasn't alive then, M&D told me that something very sad happened five years ago today. There was an attack on our country and many people lost their lives. The majority of the people died in the World Trade Center towers in downtown Manhattan. Mommy was living in NYC at the time and said it was very sad and scary. This morning, when we were walking to the car, Mommy said that the weather was exactly the same as it was that morning when she was walking to work. She hugged me extra tight and told me how lucky she was to be alive, to have me and Daddy and all her family and friends. On this very sad day, please make sure you hug everyone you love extra tight. We hope that all the mommies, daddies, brothers, sisters,children, etc. of the victims find some peace in their hearts. We will never forget their loved ones.

Mommy's friend, Amanda's nana died last week. She's was 96! I guess she hasn't quite been herself the last few years, so they want to remember her how she once was-- fun, vivacious and full of life! We were all very sad to hear it, but one good thing came out of it. Amanda, Tom and Matthew came to NJ to visit (that's where Amanda's mommy and stepfather, Jane and Hugh, live.) Although the circumstances weren't the best, we were so very happy to see them!

On Friday night, we made a shiva call. In Judaism, after a loved one dies, you're suppose to sit shiva for seven days to mourn. People come to vist you during that time and that's a shiva call. And they usually go with food. So on Friday night, M&D and I went to Jane and Hugh's house with a plate of cookies in hand. It was very nice to see everyone, as you can imagine! I really like playing with Matthew-- he's very fun and has lots of cool toys. And we ordered out Italian food, which was SO good. I had the tortellini! YUM!

I even got to meet Amanda's nephew. His name is Jonathan and he's 3.5 years old. He's very smart and fun and I hope to be just like him when I'm a big boy. He had the coolest Superman cape, too!

Here's a picture of me and Matthew in the tub. I'm not sure what got us so upset, but it sure looks like it was a real bummer, whatever it was. At least we had each other to cry with.


Matthew and Amanda will be back at the end of this month and I just can't wait! Love you guys!!!!!

I would like to say "Happy Grandparent's Day" to my four wonderful grandparents-- Grandma Lisa, Grandma Ginny, Grandpa Rick and Grandpa Robo!! You guy are the GREATEST and the best grandparents a little guy could ever wish for. Thanks for being so loving and fun in your own special way. I'm so lucky. LOVE YOU!!!
And for fun, here's some pics of me with my grandparents-- all from last summer! Can you believe how big I've gotten!

Mommy went to the kitchen the other morning and when she came out, I was doing this:


Then, she went to the bathroom and came out and I was doing this:

So yeah, I can climb now. I gotta tell you, you really get a much better view of the TV from up here.

After the fun I had on Sunday, I didn't think it could get any better. Imagine my surprise when Mommy didn't drop me off at school on Monday morning! Instead, we went to brunch at Auntie Chung and her fiance, Mike's new apartment in the Bronx and then to the New York Botanical Garden. Fun was had by all!

Auntie Chung and Mike are getting married in October! We're all very excited, even me, though I don't get to go. :-)They just got their first apartment together in Marble Hill. It's in the Bronx, but technically part of Manhattan, I think. It's all very confusing for this baby brain. I asked Mommy and even she's not sure. But I will tell you this-- it's quite the lovely little neighborhood. Mommy and I got there rather quickly and even found parking right away! And their apartment is really nice! Lots of space for me to walk around and play. Mike even has two bicycles and you know I feel about anything with wheels. So he's officially my new best friend. Auntie Chung got me a really cute onesie for Halloween. I swear, Mommy's friends are so nice to me!Also at the brunch were Auntie Annette and her boyfriend, Mark. They're the ones that buy me all the cool clothes! Anyway, there was some very delicious food and after we ate and played for a few hours, we headed out to the garden.

They had a beautiful exhibit there-- all this beautiful and colorful blown glass by Dale Chihuly.The picture above is of us posing in front of one of his pieces. Aren't they so pretty? The gardens were really fun, too. They even had a kid's section that went to. There were mazes in the garden, animals made from plants, crafts. It was getting late at this point, so we just sort of walked through, but it was quite cool! I hope that M&D take me back sometime soon. Hey, I hear it's right by the Bronx Zoo, too. You know how this baby loves animals!



Thanks for the lovely day, everyone!!! And thank you Annette and Mark for buying the tickets to the garden. We love you guys! See you soon!

This backwards crawl will really come in handy for my next mission, don't you think? Man, I'm smooth.
I'm sorry that this video is a bit dark, but if you stand up and look down at it, you can see it. :) M&D need to work on their video skills. Oh and turn the sound up for maximum effect. That's right-- there's a soundtrack to this video!

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On Sunday, I went to Evie's house for a lovely afternoon of playing and food. Lucy and her parents came, too! You know how I love playing with my ladies. Anyway, Lucy's parents, Sarah & Richard brought a delicious lasagna and salad and Evie's parents, Katie & Florian provided some other good pickings, not to mention cookies and ice cream and lemon bars. I love dessert. I even stole a cookie right out of Evie's hand. Shameless. You'd think M&D didn't feed me the way I snack at other people's house. You know how it goes-- everyone elses food always taste better.

Besides the good eats, I had a very fun day playing with Lucy and Evie. We went on the swings and played with all of Evie's cool toys. And although Lucy is still not crawling in the traditional sense, she sure can move around pretty well! And although she still has a penchant for leg kicking, her sweet nature makes you forget all about that! We stayed pretty late. So late in fact, that I got put to bed at their house. I suspect there was some boozing and gaming going on after I went to bed. Just a guess.

It was fun to see Evie again! She was in Spain for three weeks! She brought me back a very cute Madrid tee-shirt. I really can't wait to wear it. It's devilishly handsome, not to mention, it makes me look well traveled and culturally diverse.

Here's a group shot. The goofiness is overwhelming. I'm trying to get out of there as quick as possible and Evie's just looking at Mommy with total disdain. I guess she's not a fan of the group shot.
I did receive some devastating news while I was there, though. Lucy's parents are putting their house on the market and moving Lucy to Raleigh. Can you believe the nerve? What about baby Jude's feelings? How come no one consulted me? And while Evie's mommy, Katie, put up a brave front, Mommy acted shocked, horrified, disgusted and generally sad. I know she's really going to miss them. As am I! My only hope is that their house takes awhile to sell. I suppose that's mean to wish on someone, but you know, I like that Lucy.