Very Proportionate

Sorry no pics today. I just wanted to post an update that shares Jack's developmental progress. We had our 15 month check-up today...can you believe it!?!?!?!?!?!? I sure can't. Jack was very well behaved at the doctor's office and had fun entertaining the receptionists and others waiting in the waiting room. I almost started to cry when he was weighed and measured, as Nurse Janet, said that he could go on the "big" scale. It wasn't that she was implying that he was "big" it was just that he has now reached the point where he doesn't have to be weighed on the "baby" scale anymore.

There stood my baby on a regular scale all proud that he gets to do something that big people do. After he was finished being weighed and measured he turned around and clapped his hands, as if to "See mommy, I am a big boy now!" Maybe it was one of those moments that you had to be there, but none-the-less, it melted my heart.

Today we found out that Jack is very proprtionate. He is in the 50th percentile for height, weight, and head circumference. Dr. K said that everything looks great, even Jack's bellybutton. We're still keeping our fingers crossed that he won't need surgery to correct his umbillical hernia.

A Trip to Eau Claire

While Tom was out in Colorado skiing Jack and I decided to head to Eau Claire for a quick visit.

Our first stop was to visit Miles and his mom (Lindsay). Jack and Miles had fun playing cars and discussing how much fun they will have on future ski trips...just like their daddies.


Enjoying breakfast with Grandma Jane.


"Come get me Grandpa!" Jack had a TON of fun climbing the stairs, I think he actually liked the fact that someone (usually Grandpa Tim) would quick hussle over to get behind him and make sure he didn't tumble back down.

Happy Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day to everyone!! We had a very romantic day at the Hanks House...Tom left to go on his annual ski trip with the boys. I am sure they will have a great time! Honey just remember to follow the three simple rules!!!
1. No broken bones
2. No getting arrested
3. Keep your trunks on in the hot tub

I know that at least two of the three rules have been broken on previous ski trips...I'll let you try to figure out which ones!


Jack had his first finger painting experience as he made valentines. Needless to say he wasn't interested in having the paint on his hands, he was much more interested in using the paintbrush.

New Pastimes

This past week Jack discovered a two new things that he REALLY enjoys...keys and books!


This just cracks me up! Jack took my keys off the table the other day and walked over to the bathroom door and attempted to unlock it. He spent 30 minutes going from door to door in the house and trying to "unlock" them. Why do I think it is necessary to continue purchasing new toys for him?


Attempting to unscrew the transition strip from the floor. He also tries to use the keys as a screwdriver to take apart our kitchen table and chairs.


FINALLY!!!!!!! Jack has taken an interest in books. I was beginning to get a little scared that he wouldn't like books. The teacher in me has been reading to him since the day he was born. Once he started becoming mobile he wanted nothing to do with books. Now we read the same 5 books over and over and over...which is fine by me!!!!

Snow day

Monday of last week rumblings began about all the snow we were suppse to get. On Tuesday everyone at school was debating on wether or not we would have a snowday on Wednesday.


Here I am hard at work on Tuesday, secretly hoping we will have a snow day on Wednesday.


At 5:45 on Wednesday I got the call that school was canceled. I was a bit surprised, as we had only gotten a few inches of snow overnight. By mid-morning I was very thankful that school was canceled, because if I had been there I probably would have had to stay overnight! Jack and I got to spend a wonderful day at home together, while we welcomed another 10 inches of snow! Gotta love WI weather!!!!


What a sweetie!


Oops! I forgot to close the cupboard door! Jack decided we should put some oatmeal in the chocolate chip cookies. He proceeded to dump the rest of the oatmeal, when Tom forgot to close the cupboard door, while he was making dinner.


Yummmmmm!!! These are the best chocolate chip cookies! It is pretty funny because if you ask Jack where the cookies are he will now look at the cookie jar and point to it!


Here we are on Thursday, on top of the GIANT snowbank in our backyard.

We have a climber

Jack has officially entered the "climbing" stage. He thinks he is so cool, as he can now climb up onto the ottoman, get over to the chair, and then turn the light on and off. He has taken a few tumbles so far (nothing too tramatic) and is now trying to figure out how to climb onto the chair, couch, and table without the help of the ottoman.


Lights on, lights off!


Nah, nah, nah, boo, boo, you can't get me! (No, Jack doesn't have a fat lip, he is actually sticking his tongue out at me!)

A Visit From Grandpa and Grandma Hanks

The cold and snow FINALLY gave us a break, and Grandpa Tom and Grandma Nancy came for a visit, before they start heading to warmer climates.

Building more domino towers with Dad and Grandpa.


Come here Grandma, I want to tell you a secret.


This is my pitiful face...


This is my full-blown pitful face!

A Visit from Grandpa and Grandma Dresel

Grandma Jane and Grandpa Tim made the trek from Eau Claire to Milwaukee. It was a short, but very fun visit. We went to the Milwaukee Public Museum to attend the Body Worlds exhibit. Boy, was that interesting. Jack was very well behaved in the quiet exhibit, even when he was tooting as Grandpa Tim held onto him.

I sure hope Jack doesn't bring any beetles this size home with him, when he gets older!


A fun Sunday moring, complete with building and knocking down domino towers.

Brrrr...

January brought a bunch more snow and subzero temps in Milwaukee. Needless to say we have spent a lot of time inside, and are starting to go a little stir crazy...the pictures will tell the story.


Unfortunately we witnessed the Packers play their last game of the season. It seemed that it didn't matter how hard we cheered, it just wasn't enough. Now we are waiting on pins and needles, just as the rest of all the Wisconsinites, to find out if our fearless leader will make yet another return!

(I am secretly thankful that the Packers didn't make it to the Super Bowl, as Tom informed me, if they made it we would be purchasing a new TV, and we just don't watch enough TV, outside of football season, to justify a new super duper TV.)


The things we do as parents to get the right angle, in order to capture "that special moment!"


Jack and Clark go for a ride. Clark has officially become Jack's best friend, as he really doesn't get to go out and play with any real friends, due to the weather.


"How much is that doggie in the window?!?!?!" Do I need to say anymore?