Going Bumbo

Jack borrowed a Bumbo from friends, and then promptly spent the entire day in the thing, save for wardrobe breaks. Still, it provided for emotional roller coaster ride, as documented below.

Same video, different host

Apparently, the good folks at Google Video are prone to keeping the Jack video all to themselves. Jack says this is not the way it was meant to be, and has instructed his posse to place the same video on a competitor's site: YouTube.

With any luck, this video will play more consistently. We'll see.

Jack gets a role in summer blockbuster

Jack was followed around by a documentary crew this past week. The tally: A sum total of 20 minutes of video, which was then trimmed and stuffed into the vignettes below. Once Jack can sit up and maybe crawl through the house, the video crew said they'd be interested in returning for a sequel. Ecstatic at the prospect of more camera time, Jack threw aloft the chicken wing, which is his patented mid-western gang sign.

The video is sort of longish (a minute and a half), which means it may take a minute or so to upload depending on your internet connection.

Appearing soon...

GassyJack's will soon feature video footage, thanks to Jack signing off on the purchase of a new Panasonic camcorder.

Below is the operator's attempt to learn iMovie.

Jack sniffed that the first attempt was "borderline unwatchable." Future attempts, he warned, better be more seasoned and polished, showing the camcorder's subject in a more "flattering and favorable light." This has all been duly noted.

Jack's Mega-Mind-Blowing Magical Moment

Jack has been working on a magic trick, which he says is not for the faint of heart. So brace yourself. He'll take it from here.

"See this fist? Watch me eat it whole."

"Mmmpfff..."

"Mmmmppfffhh...."

"Hmmmpph..."

(crying noises)

(pouting noises)

(sulking noises)

"You won't tell anyone about this, will you?"

Jack visits grandparents and cousins

Jack paid a visit to family in Bourbonnais, Ill., last weekend.

You've got questions, we've got answers.

Becky keeps a watchful eye on her little cousin.

Jack learns where the center of the universe is located.
He's not surprised.

Jack dreams of the impassioned oratories he'll deliver before Congress.

Jack submitted this photo to the Vatican, petitioning for early canonization. His request is still being weighed.

Jack insists on good hygiene, despite his terror of being removed from the bathtub.

Parents are lame

When are they gonna learn?

Shazam!

Jack recently ordered a "Lil' Wizard's Kit" in the mail, from which he gleaned a few spells that he likes to cast on his unsuspecting parents. His success rate is still in the dumps, but that hasn't dampened his enthusiasm for the pursuit of the perfect spell.

Jack sheds the bald look

Jack says hair is in this summer, so he changed his look to keep up with the fashion. His new (if sparse) locks also have motivated Jack to get more "beauty sleep," as he dubs it. He now routinely sleeps upwards of five hours, a practice he likes to cap with a healthy bottle of Similac. Then it's back to bed for another dose of beauty rest. He hastens to add that his parents appeared delighted to hear of his insights on the importance of uninterrupted sleep.

After a hard day's work...

Jack likes to unwind by the boppy, maybe swap a few yarns with the regulars and then order up a tall bottle of his favorite beverage: Similac.

Jack says his first words...

I was watching CNN on the TV--a story about Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez and the socialist party--when Jack hoisted a fist aloft and exclaimed his first words:

"Viva la revolucion!"

It was powerful. He maintained the vigil for the duration of the piece. The CNN story continued, and Jack's arm refused to come down.


Finally, after the piece ended, I asked Jack if his arm was getting tired. He acknowledged it was.

"Why don't you give the resistance movement a small break?" I asked. "I think your comrades in arms will be there, still spoiling for a fight, after a diaper change."

He gave me a suspicious glance, weighing my motives.

Finally, the fight drained from his brow. He sighed, and his little arm--along with the lofty ideals it stood for--lowered into his lap. Then, as I leaned in to pick him up, he raised up on his Boppy, his face turning toward mine:


"Dad?"

"Yeah, little man?"

"Can I wear my camouflage pajamas to bed?"

"Yeah sure. That sounds like a fine idea."

Jack at bedtime

Jack gets ready for bed.

Mom reads Jack a silly children's book.

Dad picks up silly children's book. Realizes what he's been missing.