keeping us busy

Jude forces us to stay engaged with his baby moves because we literally never know what he'll show up with next in his little hands. Now that he can walk and squat down, he's quick to pick up shiny objects, even if they happen to be trash or especially plastic water bottles.

'wow'

Jude says a few words now. He says 'Dat' for any object he wants that he can see. The cutest phrase he says at the moment is 'Oh Wow'. This is reserved for when he looks at something new. That was his reaction to this morning's first snowfall of the season and the Christmas tree in our living room.

Jude also makes noise by playing. He is constantly banging and clanging...moving toys and household objects around. Has anyone seen Greg's keys yet??

on the go!

cutie!

We are fortunate to have stayed with or visited with friends who are familiar with this busy, into everything toddler stage. Kara's college housemate Doris has a nephew, so Jude's activity was not new for her during our trip to Raleigh.

aunt doris & Jude at UNC

Greg during our visit with his high school friend Lisa

Sometimes the 'Oh Wow' turns into 'WAAAA' when Jude takes a tumble. He falls easily and often. I never realized simple things like lifting your foot onto a book or mat would take practice and several falls, to accomplish.

A recent fall at the mall where Jude's forehead broke his impact on concrete scared Kara. She rushed Jude to the doctor and received a strange 'prescription'.

the unusual medical mark

The pediatrician used a red sharpie to mark the swelling on Jude's forehead. It allowed Kara to monitor if the squishy bump grew in size. Jude's head was fine by that evening. But it was two whole days before the marker came off!