Jake was being awful chatty all morning. Mumbling along as we ate breakfast, our usual conversation. I said “uh oh” when his spoon bounced off the ground. He looked at me, mouthing silent words for a moment and then spat out something like uck-oh. Not exact, but close. I actually thought for a second, “he’s going to say his first words today.”

Fast forward a few hours. All three of us were driving over to snap some pictures at the park before we packed away his monkey-boy costume. I was quizzing Jake on his words again, coaxing him to say mama. And as if on cue, he belted out “Ma-muh!” Plain as day. No questions this time. Both of our heads snapped around to look at him as he giggled away. Our proud little monkey.

So, I lost the bet. Mama won. I think she tried to make me feel better by telling me he said “Dada” later on. But I’ll believe that when I hear it. Today’s one for the baby book!!!

This is Jake’s first Halloween. Even though he has no long term memory yet, I used it as an excuse to go big. We blacked out the garage door with landscape cloth and loaded up the place with strobe lights, a fog machine and scary music. The stage was set to scare the shit outta some kids!

We put him in his monkey suit, anticipating droves of trick or treaters. The family came over. The cameras we’re set, and…nothing! No idea why? We didn’t have 20 twick or tweaters this year!!!

This morning, Jake gave me a little reminder of the feeling I’ll have to deal with for the rest of my life. He’s getting into everything now. We’ve got a “safe” drawer for him in each room full of plastic goodies to play with. Rather than lock everything, we give him specific safe spots in rooms, and he generally leaves everything else alone. But just when you think you’re safe…

As soon as he got his legs out in front him a little more… OH SHIZNIT!

Sorry I scared you Dad…

Daddy. Spring Break 1991

Jake is becoming quite the little clown. He’s developed this evil little giggle. And he’s learning to schmooze the ladies. Today, after getting into the stereo cabinet after being told NO repeatedly, he crawled over and planted a slobbery smooch right on Mama’s cheek. You’re learning the ways of the Jedi boy…

Here’s a little trick the wifey and I have used to get some of our most expensive baby gear at nearly half price! This “trick” has worked for our first car seat/stroller travel system, our high chair, and today’s purchase, to name a few.

After some research and a little advice from you smart and sexy people, I decided to go with the Graco Nautilus 3 in 1 car seat. So, I started stalking it at Babies R Us, waiting for the seat to go on sale.

This Daddy is also a tight-ass!!!

Sure enough, the sale ad arrived, and it was going on sale today. So, we paid a visit to BRU on Wednesday. Here’s how it works… The store had two display models. I picked the seat that honestly looked brand new. Then I asked a salesperson if they’d sell the display. (This also works around the time when next year’s models are going on display and they are replacing the current display item) They always say, “let me ask the manager.” And, the manager has always said yes. The only catch is they can’t sell it until sale day. So I had to make another trip back today. But, it was well worth it to save nearly $100!

To make a long story short. You get the item at sale price, plus another 15-20% off because there’s no box. The Graco seat was listed at $179.99. I walked out with a like new seat for $108 with tax. The warranty and return policy still count.

If there’s any big ticket items you’ve been eye-balling, give it a shot. We’ve literally saved hundreds of dollars!!!

I loved this little shit before I even knew what his name was.

Today, I left the house for work at 4:00am and returned at 10:00pm. I’m beat. Although, just as I was ready to hit the sack (the bed, not my own), I heard Jake crying through the monitor. I looked at Mama J, like “Can I get ’em, can I get ’em!?” I guess it’s like a little puppy, excited to greet his owner when he gets home. Only I’m the puppy, and Jake’s the…. Aw, f**k it, I’m tired. You get the point.

From day one, I’ve written about men’s habits that I now realize start developing from the time we’re born. Our love and dependence of boobies, and grabbing our nuts are just the first two that come to mind. Today, I can add another to the list. Men’s hatred for shopping.

Ha! Yeah, it’s cute. I’m glad you’re amused.

Alright, I’m serious now. Get this f@#king hat off of me…

Jake accompanied Mama and Gwamma on a 9 HOUR shopping spree today. I could tell how enthused he was about it when he arrived home. The little mad-dog was carrying on as if someone had just shot Elmo! Snot-nosed, red-eyed, and wailing, he snatched a diaper soaked with hot piss out from under himself and flung it from the changing table! OK. I understand that he was probably bored and exhausted. But really, why would he HATE shopping? When I saw the pictures, it clicked…

Mama J spent hours steaming and pureeing organic fruits and veggies for Jake’s food. And I mean hours. Sweet potatoes, white potatoes, beets, split peas, squash, apples, pears, zucchini, pumpkin, spinach, carrots and broccoli. She mashes the mess into ice cube trays and freezes them. When Jake needs a meal, BAM! Pop a carrot cube in the microwave for a few seconds and it’s dinner time!

Yesterday, he was having none of it! Every spoonful DENIED! From spitting it out, to batting it out of Mama’s hands! He looked like Linda Blair in The Exorcist! Rather than get frustrated, Mama handled it like a champ. She reverted to a couple of foods that Jake tried and loved in the past. Papaya and garbanzo beans. But, she did have to use a little mommy magic to get him to eat a few bites…. (That was before this video, obviously)

I will spit pea soup on that thing lady!!!