the life of baby jude

Today, I am asking a favor of my dear readers. What color do you think my eyes are? Sometimes they look brown, sometimes they look hazel. For the longest time, Mama thought that I had the same eye color as Uncle Erik, but his seem to be a bit lighter and bit more green. I don't know where or who this color comes from! Thoughts?

Addiction broken! According a bit of research, the AAP recommends that children don't have pacifiers after one year old. Well, at nearly three, I was still digging on the "mimi" something serious. Mama & Gaga weren't sure what to do about it. I could tell they were getting heat from my pediatrician to get rid of it, but let's be honest, no one likes to hear me scream & cry. They had it so I was only using it at naptime and bedtime. But I didn't *really* need it, it was just habit really. I mean, I'm a big boy! Well, last week I went to visit Meema for a few days. And while I was there, a special visitor came- The Mimi Fairy. Meema explained to me that she takes mimis for other little babies to have and leaves new "big-boy" toys for kids like me. The Mimi Fairy left me the coolest bath toys. This seemed okay to me, but I figured if I *really* needed a mimi, she would gladly bring them back. However, Meema explained to me that it was either the mimi or the new toys and if the fairy brought it back, the bath toys went back, too. Sigh. What a dilemma. I figured it was time, though, to move on. Growing up can be scary, but I think I'm going to make it. I haven't had a mimi since last Saturday and I can tell everyone is VERY impressed! I'm turning into such a big kid and that's just so cool. Next stop: soccer! (Oh, and using the potty. But let's not get nuts!)

"Memories, like the corners of my mind....."

Life sure is busy and I don't get to see my buddies nearly as much as I would like. I was very excited last weekend when Mama told me that we were going to Lucy's house for brunch on Sunday and that Evie was going to be there. Not only do I love hanging with my friends, but Lucy has a very respectable collection of trains. Quite frankly, that's enough to get to me go anywhere. (In fact, I was so enthralled with her toys, that I didn't even eat the delicious food that Miss Sarah made, but we'll get to that later.) Anyway, seeing Lucy and Evie has become even cooler because they both have siblings now! Lucy's brother is Daniel and he was born last May and Evie has a sister named Greta who is a little over three months old. To tell you the truth, I didn't have much interest in them. In fact, to reiterate, the only thing I really DID have interest in was Lucy's toys. But Mama & Gaga sure seemed to think they were cute.

The adults seem to have a blast at brunch, talking about how great the food & grog was (Miss Sarah makes the most delicious "trashy" egg & cheese delight and the baked french toast looked to die for.) Mama even lamented about how it had been way too long since she had seen her friends! And I must say- even though I like to play solo most of the time, Lucy & Evie have become such personable, fun little ladies. And I love a good opportunity to destroy someone else's living room.

One more thing: Greta, please start sleeping better for your M&D. I think they would really appreciate that!

I used to think that it would be really unfortunate when I got to a time in my life where I was too big to sleep horizontally on a bed. I'm realizing,however, that it doesn't really matter. This is just one of the crazy positions that Mama has caught me sleeping in. A few weeks back, she busted me sitting upright on Aunt Arlene's floor, leaning against her couch, out like a light. I have no idea how these things happen.

Look what I got? Aunt Lynda bought me my very own skateboard. It's even "Jude-sized." I don't what it is about skateboards, but I'm fascinated with them. All I have to say is- watch out, Tony Hawk!

I was finally feeling okay to go back to daycare, and they booted me out! My doctor hadn't finished my health forms yet and I guess my school was getting a little visit from the health department. All us kids with delinquent parents and doctors who didn't have all the forms filled out had to go home. So Mama had to come and get me in the morning. Since school is pretty close to her office, she decided to take me there and try and get a little work done before going about the day. She knows me too well-all it took to keep me quiet for a little while was some stickers, markers and candy. After I sauntered about the office, schmoozing with everyone, I sat myself down at the desk of one of Mama's coworkers to put in an honest day's work. Tough stuff. I could only sit in the chair for about five minutes before I wanted to get up and socialize and eat more candy. Funny, I think that might be an issue that Mama struggled with at work in the past. Anyway, I'm sure glad I have about twenty years before I really have to enter the working world. As exciting as it was, I had much more fun when Mama took me home and we snuggled and watched TV!

Meema has a sun in her house that Mama really has to get a picture of, so I can show you my impression of it. It's wooden and hangs on the wall and I can see it when I sit and eat breakfast at Meema's table. It's sun with a face, a big smile and closed eyes. She's very pretty. Meema and I think it's funny to try and imitate it. What do you think?

Last weekend was Meema's birthday, so Mama & I made a trip upstate to help her celebrate. Her actual birthday was Sunday, March 30th, but we had a little party for her the night before. Her friends Peggy, Connie and Lynnie & Lou were there. Mama and I cooked and decorated and were quite the host/hostess team. I always like hanging out with Meema's friends. Uncle Lou is the best! After a got a laugh out of him when I put a cracker in Meema's beverage, it became my new trick and he became my new best friend.

After dinner, I helped (OK, I pretty much did it all) open presents. I think that Meema liked my gift of lipstick, face wash & cream best. I know how much a woman loves her beauty products. Not to mention, I'm sure Meema was grateful that she didn't have to open anything herself. The other fun part of the evening was probably the whipped cream at dessert time. I'm a simple guy.

No matter what, though, I'm sure glad I had the opportunity to help her ring in another year. Love you!

In July 2006, I made my first trip to the petting zoo and playground at Forsythe Park in Kingston. On Meema's birthday this past weekend, we took a special trip there, as per her request. Not only did we have a blast playing, we got to see Meema's friend Jill (AKA Jilly Bob), and I got to revisit the swings. Look at the difference!

It can be tough sometimes, being almost three and all. Here I am making my famed, "pensive face." I don't know what I was contemplating here, but it probably had to do with cookies, toys or Thomas videos.

I realized that I didn't blog about the exciting day that was Easter Sunday. I thought Halloween was fun because of all the candy, but Easter is even better-- there's candy AND searching for presents AND a big meal. Such fun! On Saturday night, I left out some carrots, lettuce and glass of chocolate soy milk for he Easter Bunny. On Sunday morning, I got up and followed a trail of plastic eggs to a really big basket filled with stickers, pencils, a bubble gun and yes, candy! Mama was cursing the Easter Bunny's name because there will plastic eggs filled with candy and change for my piggy bank and I had a blast opening and watching the jelly beans and coins fly everywhere. It was a really nice day outside, so I spent a good part of the day running around outside with Mama & Gaga testing out my new toys. I also got to enjoy a nice dinner with Uncle Erik and Grandma. Oh, and I ate choclate. Lots of chocolate.