the life of baby jude

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It would be worth the NFL fine, let me tell you. It's football season, readers, and Gaga and I get ourselves all pumped up every Sunday. Let's hope I get to score a touchdown someday, because I have the celebratory dances all worked out. In the meantime, someone get me some chips and dip and juicebox!

I'm nearly 2.5, so Mama is all about "doing stuff" with me. I'm sure she has some sort of Mommy guilt because I go to daycare that she's trying to work through. But anyway, we've done lots of fun things in recent days. This past weekend was "Halloween cupcakes." Mama is a baker and just loves to do it, especially because she doesn't do it for a job anymore. She found some cool spider cupcakes online, ("Ohhh, spiders. Spooky!!!!")that she thought would be fun. Realizing that I'm a toddler, she didn't expect me be that into the art of creating the perfect spider cupcake. But we sure did have fun. I'm holding on to my belief that the best part about baking is the sampling. Man, I can't WAIT for Christmas cookie season!

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Watch out, Sascha Baron Cohen, I'm taking over your routine. (For those culturally unaware folks out there, one of his characters-Ali G- says this a lot.)

On Saturday night, Mama & Gaga went to see one of their favorite humans on earth(the Joodles man excluded, of course)-- Mr. Stephen Patrick Morrissey. My parents LOVE him and his former band, The Smiths. So, they bought tickets to see him at Hammerstein Ballroom in NY. Usually I don't like to see them go, but I had an exciting night lined up. First, a nice lady name Jamie came over to hang out with me. She's watched my friend, Cooper a few times, so she came highly recommended. She was very nice to me and read me tons of stories over and over again. That's all I really demand of my sitters, after all. Oh, and they have to learn how to work the DVD player. Jamie left about 8:00 when Aunt Arlene came over! We hung out for a little while, but I passed out cold, not long after she arrived, leaving her evening free to watch as much as cable as she wanted. It's okay though, because Mama dumped me at her apartment earlier that day for a few hours while she got her hair done. I guess she didn't want Morrissey to see her dark roots.

My parents were very rule abiding and didn't bring their camera. Although, Mama was bemoaning the fact that everyone was taking pictures and that her and Gaga were close enough to get some good shots. So instead, here is a picture of Mama in her new Morrissey tee-shirt when they got home. Did I mention they really like him? They were so chipper on Sunday, I think they were still on a high from the fact that he sang about 8 Smiths songs, including some of Mama & Gaga's favorites. Not that I know what that means. I'm only familiar with songs featured in Thomas videos or that Elmo has done covers of.

Hey, they match my outfit, right? I would have sauntered around in these all night if I wasn't in danger of spraining my ankle.

Mama got these at a yard sale. She just HAD to buy them because the woman who was selling them was donating all the money to St. Barnabas' NICU. So, you know, it was a good cause. I think they're pretty nice for $5.

I have a very devoted reader. Her name is Chrystine and she's one of Mommy's new friends. She has a baby, Stephen, who is just about two years younger than me. Her reasons for being so devoted to my blog are two-fold. The first reason is because I'm so darn cute and funny and the second is that she gets excited thinking about all the crazy things that Stephen will do someday.

So here's an oldie for that you probably haven't seen, Auntie Chrystine. It's me eating cookies last Thanksgiving!

And this time, with props! I have a Ring Pop! Mama loved the sticky fingerprints on her sunglasses, let me tell you. Also, someone should tell Mama that she's wearing them the wrong way....

Back in August, I went to the county fair with Meema & Mama. I'm sure I blogged about it, although I can't remember at the moment. Anyway, this weekend Mama got some pictures from Meema that she decided to scan onto her computer because they were so darn cute (yes, that's right, dear readers, my Meema has a 35mm camera!). At the fair, I had Mama take me on one of those rides where you climb through tunnels and up ropes (Mama loved that one, let me tell you!) and down slides. By chance, Meema caught my very excited face on the way down. Can you tell I like the slide or what?

This past Saturday, Mama decided to be a good daughter and help Meema pack up some of her stuff. Mama realized that I probably wouldn't be much of a help. My constant demands for Thomas videos and juice boxes seem to take a bit of time out of the day. Not to mention, Meema's house is in total shambles and I'd more than likely hurt myself. Oh, and I like to pull the styrofoam peanuts out of boxes. And one more thing- I totally distract Meema! She could never get any work done with this cuteness around. So for all these reasons and because Peepa was available, Mama decided to drop me off at his house for a few hours while she went on to Meema's. I had a great time with Peepa, as usual! We went on so many adventures through the woods and the fields. Peepa really does come up with best games and there is so much land to run around outside at his house. After all that exercise, we went inside and read one of my new favorite stories-- Danny and the Dinosaur. All that reading got me pretty tuckered out ( I made Peepa read it 4 times, after all). I requested a Thomas video and was out like a light within minutes. When Mama arrived, she thought I looked so funny that naturally, she took a picture. Here's Peepa with my favorite book! :-)

No, no, no. It's not what you think. (Although, I do like to point out people's "boobies," but that's a post for another time.) On Sunday, the weather was quite nice, so Gaga decided he would take the top off his new truck. I didn't really notice until Mama pointed it out. I looked up and saw the sky! I couldn't believe it! I was so impressed I kept saying, "Look, Mama. THE SKY!" I wanted to make sure she saw it, too.

Here I am enjoying the joy ride. We were waiting for Gaga to get his daily Starbucks. I hate waiting, hence the mimi.

PS-- Someone needs to tell Jeep that their "top taking off" instructions are kind of shoddy. All I know is in the time it took for me to peel off and crinkle both of Gaga's Ireland bumper stickers off, he *still* hadn't figured out where to even begin. Hee!

Last weekend was quite Fall-tastic for the Fords. As Lucy pointed out in her blog, NJ is quite lovely this time of year. Last weekend was no exception. The weather was just gorgeous and it was a perfect weekend! And since Gaga has his new truck for us to joyride around in, we figured we would do just that.

First on Saturday, Gaga took me with Uncle G and Aunt Lynda to a pumpkin farm. I picked out a really cool pumpkin and got my new favorite beverage-- cider. Gaga forgot to bring the camera, even though Mama made sure the battery was charged and reminded us twice. Ah, well. It's a shame, though, because there were definitely some cute shots of me posing on pumpkins with a lollipop that Gaga captured on his camera phone. Take my word for it, they're cute!

On Sunday, Mama wanted to go to a farm in PA, but it turns out that Lucy and Evie were going to Wightman's Farms in Morristown, so we decided to go there. Of course, my parents are lazy, so we didn't get there quite as early as they did and pretty much missed hanging out with them. But I sure did have fun. We got to see tractors, hay mazes and we went apple picking! I didn't so much pick as saunter about eating them while Mama & Gaga picked, but it was fun.

After we left with our 20 pounds of apples, we stopped for lunch (we caught the Thirsty Turtle on, sadly, it's last day open) and drove around taking in the sights. All day Mama reminisced to herself about the first time they took me pumpkin picking, when I was just a four month old in a pumpkin hat and booties. Ah, memories.

Gaga got a new truck! I just love looking at it and saying, "Gaga's new truck" over and over again. Isn't it cool? It's a Jeep Wrangler Unlimited in Rescue Green. It's cool like a regular Jeep, but it's toddler friendly because it has four doors! I think I heard Gaga talk about us cruising down the shore in it... Aren't we the coolest? Gaga LOVES it and has been driving it everywhere. Mama and I wholeheartedly agree. Gaga let Mama take it grocery shopping yesterday and she said she felt like the baddest Mama at ShopRite. Soccers moms in Ford Explorers? Pa-sha!

Anyway, the masses were calling for pictures, so here they are! Two cute boys posing on one really cute car.

As Meema will attest, my mother loved pancakes as a child. She didn't have the love of scrambled eggs that I do, so on weekends, Meema made her pancakes and let her eat breakfast while watching cartoons. I have to say that I'm not nearly as excited by pancakes as Mama would like, but I do like to help make them. I really love baking in general-- the mixing, the tasting, the many opportunities to make a total mess. Meema used to make Mama all different kinds of pancakes, so in that spirit, Mama and I tried something new on Sunday morning. Mama put a little oatmeal and some diced apples and some cinnamon in the batter. Then, we mixed syrup, butter, more apples and more cinnamon and warmed in on the stove. By the time the pancakes were done, I had moved on to a new activity (something involving Thomas, I suspect), but I did enjoy licking the wooden spoon. Who doesn't, afterall?

My parents should no longer be allowed in that store. They get positively enraptured by the little boys's clothing department, and I usually leave there with things that I really don't need. But how were they supposed to say no to Nick & Nora cowboy jammies; especially when they have a kid that looks cute in everything?!?!


PS-- Here is my new hair do. Joselyn at Supercuts did it and I think she did a very nice job. She was also super sweet to me and I didn't even cry once! She gave me balloons and I kept letting them go by accident. Do you know that she took out a step ladder and retrieved them for me not once, but twice? Anyway, she's my new favorite hair lady! Thanks, Joselyn!

I am in NJ, afterall, so I think as a young man, I'll be very content eating in diners (hey wait, I already am; love the grilled cheese from the Ritz Diner on Rt.10!) Lately, I'm really into coffee, both the preparation and the drinking of. I also love rolls with butter, so here I am on Saturday attempting to butter my own roll. I'm nearly 2.5 years old, so the idea of my mother doing anything for me is absolutely horrifying. Surely, she realized that I know how to operate a butter knife! Sure, I love oatmeal and omelets, but sometimes the busy life of a toddler demands a breakfast on the go.

This is actually the last picture of me taken with my "long hair." Stay tuned to the "life of baby jude" to see what that means...

Mama has been sleeping at Aunt Arlene's house for a few months now (actually, that's "Aunt Ahhhweeeen!"), but I have never had the pleasure of sleeping there. Mama thought it was high time I went over there to sleep with her. Luckily, Auntie already had a nice comfy Aerobed for me to sleep on. I have to say that for a child who's not really going to bed on time, or sleeping in my own bed very much anymore, I did pretty well. I think I like air mattresses. And having sleepover are always fun. Mama thought she could get me to sleep before Auntie came home, but apparently she doesn't know how clever I am. Even though I was drifting off into a peaceful sleep, once I heard her keys in the door I was up and at it, ready to show off all my tricks. That's okay, when I finally did pass out, on my little bed right next to Mama, I slept great. I hope I get to sleep there again soon.

I've loved Mama's makeup for as long as I can remember. Oh, the colors... the textures... the ability to make a total mess! What's not to love? Here I am modeling one of Mama's lipglosses. Lips...chin, whatever. Maybe I'll be a famous make-up artist to the stars!

If you're wondering why I look so stern, it's because making oneself up is very serious business.

Since it was Mama's birthday, I figured I would throw her a bone and smile for the camera. Okay, okay, so Mama actually caught me off guard and the picture was totally chance. But Mama doesn't have to know that. I'll let her think that I did because it was her birthday. :-) Either way, pretty cute.

After my exciting train ride on Sunday, we went to Evie's house for a very nice dinner. I hadn't seen Evie in over 2 months! Can you believe it? What a shame! Lucy and her family came, too, which was lovely. I got to meet her baby brother for the first time and play with my two favorite girls. We're all big fans of the slide! Lucy was her usual fun self! Man, she is full of personality and every time I see her she's funnier than the last. Don't mind her pants-less look. We won't discuss what happened, but is it really a party until someone has to change their pants? I think not. Evie is adorable, too! She has so many words. Mama especially liked when she said, "It might be hot!" when presented with a hot dog. Oh, that Evie. And the bows...
I should mention that even though I didn't eat much, the food looked tremendous. Katie's daddy is quite the grill-master, cooking up hot dogs and blue cheese burgers. I think everyone is really sad that grilling season is almost over. Although I think Uncle Flo is the kind of guy that brings the grill right up to the door when it's really cold out. But anyway, it was nice to enjoy some time outside while it's still nice. The company was great and the cake and cookies that Lucy & Evie's mommies made were, of course, delicious. Can't ask for much more.

On Sunday, we did something very special. We went on a train ride! Currently, I love trains and everything about them. Gaga came up with the great idea to go into NY on the train. He thought I would love it! And I did! Of course, my parents insisted on stopping for coffee at Starbucks before getting on the 9:56am from South Orange. And guess what? We up on the wrong side and missed the train. So while we waited an hour for the next one, we sat outside near some water and I drank Mama's latte. Hmmmm, caffeine. We got on the next train and boy, was it cool! I just stared out the window, looking at everything zoom by. Then we arrived at Penn Station and guess what?? There were even more trains! Oh,I was in my glory. We then went on the subway and went to the Shake Shack in Madison Square Park. Evie's M&D spoke very highly of it-- and for good reason. Mama & Gaga enjoyed delicious burgers and shakes while I played in the gravel with my trains. Different scenery, different state, same Jude!

The day really tuckered me out and the lull of the train put me right to sleep on the way home. All in all, a pretty exciting morning. Why didn't they take me on this sooner? I'm hoping I go on many more trips to NY, so I can become a big, bad, train-rding city toddler!

This past weekend was Mama's birthday. I don't know that much about birthdays yet, except that presents and cake seem to be involved and you can't go wrong there! Mama was lucky this year- her birthday fell on a Saturday. Meema came down and we opened presents first. Meema picked out a perfect sweater for me to give to Mama, just as I had instructed her to. She also brought the card that I worked very hard on picking out. Thanks, Meema!

After that, we went to New Hope, PA to meet up with Uncle Doodles and Aunt Patty. Meema's friends Patti and Al also came. (You may remember them from the pool over the summer and the best pool toy ever-- Flippy, the dolphin.) We had lunch and walked around and shopped. I'm thinking that everyone wanted me to keep quiet because I got a giant lollipop to entertain me. And can you believe I cried when Mama tried to give me ice cream? Little did they know I was still stuffed from lunch. But everyone was horrified!

After New Hope, we came back home to Jersey and went to Senorita's restaurant with Gaga. It was a really fun time. I behaved very well because I slept the whole way home from PA. And I think I ate too much candy that day because I wanted nothing to do with my chili. But Mama had a great time eating talapia fajitas and birthday flan. The waitstaff sang her a silly song and made her wear a sombrero;
which they promptly put on me.

Mama says she had a wonderful birthday. Something tells me that 28 is going to be a REALLY great year for her. YAY!

Meema always serves up the best oatmeal! She usually puts cinnamon and "ray-rays" in it (that's raisins). It's very delicious and I eat it all up, making a liar out of my parents who swear I would live on ice pops and chocolate soy milk if I could. I like Meema's oatmeal so much, I don't want to be disturbed while eating it; as indicated in this picture here.

Pay no attention to the boxes in the background. Did you know that Meema is moving to Stone Ridge next month??

...that she doesn't have to take home. How cute is my new friend Daniel, Lucy's brother? Mama seemed quite smitten. I wasn't really that interested, honestly. When this picture was taken, I think I'm looking at the same airplane that everyone in background seems to be enjoying. Way cooler than babies.