Bumbo no more

It recently dawned on Jack that his trusty Bumbo companion might be viewed by his infant peers as something of a crutch. So this week, Jack gave the Bumbo its walking papers and has begun making it a habit to set out on his front lawn excursions on his own.

Liquid diet no more

Jack's been dropping subtle hints that that weak Simulac Advance gruel just ain't cuttin it no more when it comes to fueling his heroic exploits. A few 3 a.m. wailings got the message out loud and clear. Now, thanks to his handiwork, when he comes home from a hard day at the day care center, he's greeted by something more befitting his expanding stature: Simulac Advance mixed with rice cereal (with no preservatives, thank you). The first meal went something like this:

Introductions made.

Partnership cemented.

Contents plastered.

Bottle nightcapped.

Pacifier sought.

Beth's birthday gift

Jack's allowance doesn't amount to much, so he had to resort to a fashion shoot for mom this year.

Jack gets visitors from far-flung lands

Beehners from far away descended upon Jack's crib this past week, seeking iPhone guidance and quality time out on the front stoop. Jack, once again, provided in full. It was nothing, he added.

Ham time

Make-shift studio time incorporates Jack's two favorite things: going topless and making faces in quick succession. He likes to cap off the session with a few pensive looks--his trademark--which he says gives the impression of depth.

Toddler antics

As if lifted from the pages of a Hemingway novel, Jack has been increasingly asserting his rugged individualism: hunting for bear on the local school playground, loitering in areas deemed unsafe for normal folk and returning home later and later into the night, usually dragging along his latest prize, whether a set of kickin' rims, an 8-point buck or some weathered, yellowed map that supposedly leads to Cortez's lost loot. They grow up so fast.

Toddler angst

Jack came home yesterday in police bracelets, attended to by two officers who said this marked his third run-in with law enforcement this month. Jack's illiteracy aside, the officers said, they had their doubts that he wasn't going out of his way to snub his nose at all forms of authority.

Jack's sidewalk gift

Jack says it's too hot to be productive. Hence, he's started a one-man club that's devoted to one thing: cheering on pedestrians. It was a banner day today, as Jack lifted the spirits of two dogs, a man carrying an empty gas canister and a pair of skateboarders. Jack was pleased with his day's work.

Caution: Baby at work

As per Jack's requests, GassyJacks will be undergoing some modifications over the next few weeks to expand its capacity to capture Jack's good works. Despite some minor kinks in the layout (particularly to the old posts), Jack says the end result will be worth the trouble.

Bigger blog

Jack asked for larger images on his blog. We complied.

Say cheese

Jack is learning to love the camera. That is when he isn't razzing it.

Lazy days

With summer's arrival, Jack finds himself out of work and somewhat idle. After a few minutes of hitting the phones, Jack tends to fold it up and head for his playthings. Sometimes he shares a paper-bag fitted bottle of Similac with Jazzeppi (the dog). Other times he just loiters outside the family's garage, eyes peeled for rival toughs spoiling for some action. But mostly he just kicks it old school out front, exchanging intricate hand shakes with the mailman. One thing's for sure: His kids will hear of the wild times back in the Summer of '08.