the life of baby jude

Now I know two people born on May 21st! Mr. Daniel Alan made his grand debut at 2:47am, weighing 7lbs and 4oz. Yay, a new friend. And no he's not really my "brother" in the traditional sense of the word. But he IS Lucy's brother. Isn't she lucky? Also, I think it's pretty cool that we share an astrological sign. Everyone knows that Geminis are the coolest and Daniel just made it. He was born on his due date. Auntie Sarah didn't have time to get an epidural, but it seems as though she survived fairly unscathed. I'm sure Mommy will ask her allll about it.

Today is Isadora's FIFTH birthday! Isn't that so cool? She's really getting up there! Here's a picture of her last year at her fourth birthday party. I couldn't find any more updated photos (ahem, Aunt Jenny), but I think this one is quite cute. I wish I could celebrate with her, but I know she's having a blast in Vegas! Hey, she's got all the family out there! Even Grandma Ginny!

The other day, Mommy was vacuuming my bedroom (something she has to do a lot...wonder why...). and I decided it looked like so much fun, I would join in. It's a good thing Mommy told Santa to get me this vacuum for Christmas. Sucking some crumbs really rejuvenates me. Spring cleaning is fun!

Last Sunday, I had to put my master hosting skills to the test. Evie's Mommy had something she had to do and since her daddy was in Germany, Evie came to hang out with us for a few hours. It just so happened to be Mother's Day (Mee-ma was here!) and we were planning a trip to the Turtleback Zoo anyway. So we figured Evie would like that! She had been there before, but I hadn't, because my parents don't take me anywhere cool. :) Regardless, we had a lot of fun. Evie was very cute and agreeable the whole day. Before the zoo, we took a walk to the bakery to get some crumb buns. It's a good thing the Evster wasn't that into them because I chowed! When we got home, though, she totally ate all my mac and cheese while we watched Wonder Pets together. It's one of her favorites, so I figured any good host would accomodate his guest.

Besides entertaining, we had a really fun day. I got Mommy a really nice Mother's Day and Gaga bought Mommy a nice bag for spring. I definitely benefited from the day greatly- I got pancakes, baked goods, a delicious dinner, a visit from my Mee-ma and a trip to the zoo. Not bad, right?

Here's a picture of me pointing out some animals at the zoo. That picture was taken during the very brief time I was actually sitting in my stroller and NOT jumping in mud puddles.

Photo Sharing - Upload Video - Video Sharing - Share Photos

Pretty unorthodox basketball playing, I'll admit. But very fun, indeed! Isn't it cool how quick I can pick up on anything that M&D teach me? Ah, toddlerhood.

He never can! But who can blame him? How cute is my new Cars bed? I'm currently on night 3 in it. The first night I slept like a champ. Plus, imagine my pleasure when I woke up in the morning and I didn't have to stand behind those prison (crib) bars and cry for someone to get me. I just bounded out of bed, ran out of my room and found Mommy making my lunch. I was so excited, I yelled, "Hi Mama!" Last night, I must tell you, was a bit touch and go and I wound up in M&D's bed with Mama on the couch (honestly, that's actually better than sharing a queen size with me, so she was the lucky one). These beds take some getting used to. But I'm pretty excited that I'm well on my way to toddler-hood. Plus, I get to sleep with Lightning McQueen by my side and that can never be wrong. Ka-chow!

They go really great together, don't you think? Oh and I should mention, I'm a great ice pop eater. I suck just the righ amount so it doesn't tdrip and even turn the stick appropriately when it gets towards the end. Man, I'm glad summer is coming! Bring on the frozen treats!

On Sunday, we went to St. James Gate, a really fun pub in Maplewood. They have great burgers and even better beer-- or so I hear. We've been there a few times now, but this time there was an Irish band playing. I stood right by them, fascinated, clapping my hands and doing my favorite dance move. I think you all remember the video... anyway, I love music! AND, I even got to put a dollar in the tip jar. I was such a cute dancer, everyone loved me! They even called me, "little lad." :-) I am one cute lad, I gotta say.

I'm a toddler, it's true. And like any self respecting 23 month old, I'm throwing tantrums, crying and giving my parents a general attitude. Daddy had to work most of last weekend, so it was just me and Mommy. That, combined with Mommy started a new job last week made her a bit stressed out, methinks. So on Saturday, she laid the waterworks on Grandma and asked her to come down and see us. Thankfully, I have a wonderful Grandma, so she came right down. It should be noted that I can't really say "Grandma" so I call her "Mee-ma." Actually, everyone seems to think it's pretty cute. Anyway, we went to the playground on Saturday and then out for ice cream. Here's a picture of Mommy spinning the two of us. Mommy laughed her butt off as Mee-ma and I held on for dear life! I swear, she's diabolical!

Saturday night was really fun! Evie's M&D wanted to go out to the city to celebrate her Daddy's birthday. So, Mee-ma, M&D and I went over to babysit. Evie and I had a blast as usual, but I honestly think she's likes Gaga more than me! Look at them here! Can you even believe it? Everyone says that Gaga really needs a daughter. I'm not so sure... Evie likes TV as much as I do. Here's a funny picture of her watching Dora/doing yoga.

Then on Sunday, we did a little shopping. Actually, everyone took turns walking me around while they shopped, so I wouldn't have a total meltdown. Then, we all came home and M&D and Mee-ma read Supernanny's and T. Berry Brazelton's book on childreaing. Are times that tough? Yeah, I guess they are. But I did do some really cute things to charm them. I learned how to say "Good job." I taught Mee-ma how to take big bites of food in very dramatic fashion. Every time she did it, I said, "Good job, Mee-ma." It was almost enough to make them forget about how many times I threw myself on the floor while screaming at the mall. Almost.

Last Thursday night, I had my first foray into the stomach virus. I won't be graphic, but it was not pleasant. After I finally settled down in the middle of the night, Mommy gave me some juice & water to take back to bed with me. But, she forgot the sippy valve, so it leaked all over my crib, my sheets and me. Needless to say, by morning, I was a bit... sticky. Thus, this hair. Thankfully, Gaga could stay home with me that day and give me a proper bath. But he thought it was worth taking a picture before hand. Typical. Way to kick a kid when he's down.

PS-- I think Mommy & Gaga are still catching up on the laundry....