Aunt Bwittany created a monster!!! Jake really likes giving people the “Stink-Eye”! He won’t stop! Now when eldery women walk up to him in stores and say “how cute!”, they get this…

He might as well just say “f**k you!”

Today was a sad, but proud day. We said goodbye to our Uncle Big John. There were tears, but there was also much laughter. Sometimes sense of humor is a defense mechanism, and sometimes it’s a security blanket. Either way, it can help you through the worst of times.

Today Jake’s Aunt Bwittany taught him something new, and he hasn’t stopped doing it since! I never really understood the term “stink-eye” until today. Jake’s always been expressive. But this takes the cake!

He used to smile at everyone. Now when they give him the “hoochy coochy coo”, he gives them this…

STINK EYE!

Just to prove it wasn’t a one-time thing. Thanks Aunt Bwittany!:)

I never imagined Jake would be attending his first funeral this soon, but what can you do? Later on, I’ll  explain to him about paying our respects to his Great Uncle Big John (that he was lucky enough to meet twice before he passed, but won’t remember). I’ll also explain why his Great Uncle was given the 21 gun salute.
I’m actually thankful that Jake’s not going to remember tomorrow. Because I can assure you, Daddy’s gonna cry way more than the baby.
Good night Uncle Big John. You will be missed.
Love, Little Jon (NO, not the rapper, your nephew!)

Christmas 2010

I had a great lesson in being a dad tonight. I talked to my own father for a few hours on the possibility of a new future. I think he likes what he hears! My Dad hasn’t lived nearby in almost 20 years! It’s time we get reacquainted! And Jake can always use another babysitter!:)

How do we ever learn how to deal with sadness and loss? Some bottle it up. Some go nuts. Me, I look to family. They set the example. I come from some tough cookies. I hope to set the same example for my little boy.

My Uncle passed away unexpectedly today. I’m at a loss for words. He will be missed and I find comfort knowing that he’s not in pain anymore.
I’m always most worried about other family members handling the grief. And then when I see them together, I’m instantly relieved. I see what real strength is. And I know exactly where I get my sense of humor from.
It really makes me think. I talk a great game, but I really need to commit to taking better care of myself. I want to be around for Jake until he’s got gray hair.
Good night all. Cherish everyday. Life can change in an instant.

I can’t help but laugh when I think of all the planning and effort that went into choosing gifts for our baby registry, only to find out that all the kid needs are a few outfits, a place to sleep, something to push him around in, and a boob! Babies R Us didn’t mention that on their checklist. What a scam!

I tried to think of something witty today. But we’ve been too GD busy!!! Jake awoke. He ate. He pooped. He whipped our ass for a couple hours in the evening. He passed out. I scrambled to grill dinner and pay some bills. Today was just that exciting!!!

Jake with the TKO!!!

No matter how good my wife and I think we’ve gotten at handling Jake, there are days when both of us are stumped. Nothing seems to soothe him. Not singing, dancing or shooshing. Even the Magic Booby doesn’t work!

Then he gets one look at Gwamma, or even hears her voice, and his face lights up like a Christmas tree! Is it the experience and the relaxed “been there, done that” approach that makes her so damn good!? The boy can go from flinging his own dung in a rage across the room to laughing in seconds!

All I know is that when Gwammas holding her “Tootie (Cutie)”, I have time for a sandwich and a beer. He’s not paying attention to me for a looong time. Thank you Gwamma! We love you!!!

Ha! Made you look guys! Just keep reading. It’s our third Wedding Anniversary today! It has been a crazy three years too, let me tell ya! We went right from planning the wedding, to rebuilding a house, to getting preggers, to raising little Jakey. Time has flown! And I don’t see the future slowing down much!

Honeymooning on The Turks Islands