Sleeping Jack

Taken 4.01.09 - so almost 2 months old. Nothing is sweeter than a sleeping baby. I wonder what he's dreaming about.

This was taken in his pack and play that used to be by our bed. He's been sleeping in his own room now since mid-May. I noticed the other day that it now collects unfolded laundry. (I just can't seem to keep up with chores these days ... ) So, last night, the pack and play came down and the clothes put up. No more sneaking into momma's room in the morning, Jack! (But I sure do love to cuddle with my little man)

Jack Goes to Lake Oconee

Jack and I drove an hour north to see Auntie Ann, Uncle Matt and the fam at Ann's mom's [absolutely stunning] home on Lake Oconee. Jack (& mom) and a great evening relaxing with great friends. Jack got a little crabby because he hadn't had an appropriate nap - it happens to the best of us; but it made for yet another free night free of middle of the night feedings. Score 2 for mom, 0 for Jack.

Matt & Ann trying the miniature life jacket on Jack.
Jo purchased a life jacket for the boat ride and hopes it gets A LOT of use. Wink, wink.

Jack-a-roo and Bella. Bella wasn't too sure of Jack, but Jack couldn't take his eyes off of Bella.
He even shared one of his favorite toys with her!

One of Jack's famous looks.

Jack munching on some Jack-sized corn.

Jack was happy to see his BFF, Matt again.
(Please note: Friends, friends everywhere.)

Almost naked Jack and Mom hanging on the back porch.

Sunday, Ann, her mom, Jo, Jack and I went on Jo's boat. Lake Oconee is beautiful!! It was Jack's first boat trip. After about 1 minute of having the life jacket on, he started to cry. He was definitely not a fan. But, once the boat started moving, Jack abruptly stopped crying and passed out almost immediately. He was out for the entire boat ride. Guess the movement did him in and he loved it.

Hanging out Sunday morning in Jack's beloved Bumbo.

Jack in the miniature life jacket. Sleeping AND sitting up by himself. That is ta-lent.

Mom and Jack enjoying the ride.

Auntie Ann, Steph and sleeping Jack.

After the boat, we had a nice lunch in the neighborhood and spent about an hour at the pool. Jack decided to sleep through the afternoon and in doing so, missed his chance for the pool again. He woke up when we were leaving and I dipped his toes in ... yea, not a good idea. I know I don't like being woken up with water, either.


Jack and I had a great time with Ann and the fam. Thank you so much for your incredible hospitality. It was fabulous seeing you guys! Love you much and can't wait to see you in July!! :) (& thanks for taking pictures, Jo!)

Jess & Mike Sitting In A Tree

This weekend, Jack and I hopped in the car and had quite an adventure. It started Friday afternoon when we went to Jackson, GA for Jess & Mike's wedding on Saturday. It was Jack's 3rd hotel stay and as always, was a peach. We roomed with Robbie & Matthew; lucky for them, he slept through the entire night. Not one middle-of-the-night feeding.

Jack sitting up in the pillows watching the ladies get ready

Having a good time, as always.

Saturday, we went to witness Jess & Mike tie the knot. (Mike is one of Bryan's fraternity brothers) So, of course, we saw [and Jack met] many friends. It was also Jack's first wedding and he was on his best behavior. I wish I had taken more pictures. Bryan wishes he was there - but is happy that I am still able to represent the Neal's. :) I try to keep up with everyone so I can keep Bryan in the loop the best I can. My parents offered to babysit Jack so I could have some 'adult-time', but I think it was fun for Jack to get out of Statesboro for a low-key wedding.

Jack & Auntie Whitney
(Good luck on those Boards, Doc!)

Jack & Mack

And of course, the happy couple during their first dance.
(Wedding fact: Their recessional was the theme to The Office = Awesome.)

The start of Jack's Rolling ...

Recorded in the dark with my phone ... yet again - I swear I have video on my actual video camera :) This was actually recorded on May 24 (3 1/2 months old). This was when he'd roll over and not have a clue what to do (I stopped recording before the crying started). Please excuse my voice, ick - it was a video for Jack's proud papa to see his rolling maneuvers. Now ... if Jack would decide to actually push himself up into a push-up position. He's a little late on that skill...

Kissie, Kissie!

There's nothing better than giving your baby some love.
(Jack looks a little overwhelmed)

Growing a Green Thumb

I've never been a person to be able to grow a flower garden (just ask Bryan). But, I am getting better - just takes killing a couple (or handful) of things. Last year I had beautiful Bougainvilleas and Impatients ... only to find out I am about 50 miles too north for them to withstand our winters (yea, super harsh winters here in Statesboro). I have a White Lady Banksia Rose vine that re-bloomed this spring (now we're talking ...)! My Hostas, Dwarf Gardenias and some type of ornamental grass are still with me from last spring - I won't even begin to tell you what isn't.

But ... my brown thumb is definitely getting greener for herb and vegetable gardens. I am taking advantage of this yard and warm weather to grow as many things as I can think of. (well, things that I would actually eat; which slims my pickin's down) Last year I learned that cucumber are like a week and will grow a foot a day. I grew more cucumbers than I could get rid of. So - no thanks to those this year.

Currently growing in the garden: corn, pumpkin, onion, carrots, basil, lemons, oregano and rosemary.

pumpkins for carving in the fall ... hopefully

more blooms on the lemon tree
(which smell absolutely delightful)

corn

carrots!

basil

rosemary

Next to plant: potatoes, bananas, broccoli and lettuce!

Any of you locals that want some herbs ... let me know - I have plenty to share!

Shhhh!

So, Jack makes sure the entire building knows he's here. I'm so happy he likes to talk, but is it too young to teach a 3.5 month old what an inside voice is??

Jack gets a lot of loving from the department, especially from OO. Boy does he love him some Jack. Everyday, Jack gets a very special welcome from him. Which proves again that no one cares about the baby-mama anymore. :) It's all about baby now. Like I said before, no complaints here. But it'll break my heart once the babysitters start rolling in this summer - and when he's off to daycare this fall. :( tear.

(Yes, it's another crappy video from my phone.)

Jack's on a Roll ...

... of Rolling!





Quality is crap - but you get the idea. I took it with my phone, then it was compressed from sending it via MMS and blah, blah, blah.

But he won't stop. I set him down, turn around and he rolls over. Thank goodness he doesn't get as mad as he used to when he's on his stomach. At least now I can let him lie on his belly for more than a couple seconds before turning around, rolling him onto his back, turning back around, having him roll over, scream, and repeat.

Jack is going places. (or should I say 'rolling' places) He's getting bigger and stronger everyday. (He was already a little Hercules right from the start) We witnessed him trying to sit up today, too, from a half-reclined position. However, my favorite is when he rolls and farts. I'll be trying to get that one captured soon.

Goal: take more video + upload it to computer.

When life gives you lemons...

Grow more!!

Day brightener ... my lemon tree is blooming, again!!

Another Bryan Update

Bryan has left Manas Airbase and has finally made it into country. He's in-processing for the next 5 days and then will depart for his final destination. He has a cell phone but the rate is insane for out of country; so we'll most likely be dealing with phone cards and phone centers - which will be just fine - it's better than nothing. I can also use the same phone card to call his cell phone ... which won't cost him anything. While he was in Kyrgyzstan, my $10 phone card gave me 39 minutes. Now, in theatre, my $10 phone card gives me 7 minutes to call him. The rate difference is crazy.

So we're learning. It's far different from Iraq.

(A good care package item: Phone Card)

If you're bored ... places to look up - Camp Clark, Camp Lightening and Camp Thunderbolt.

The in-processing stop is full of other soldiers. Bryan said there are 17,000 other troops coming in - with no rotation. So the lines for everything will just get longer with time.

Bryan says he is doing well. He heard baby Jack in the background and I think he got a little upset. He's happy to be on the road home, if that makes sense - even if the road home is over a year long. Bryan hates being away from his family - but he's a phenomenal soldier with far too much experience and leadership not to demonstrate it to future leaders. One of Bryan's old Army comrades, McRae, that fought with him in Iraq told me,

"He's going to be the leader they depend on. You should be very proud."

And he's right. I remind myself of that every morning and every night. So thanks, McRae - sometimes you have to remind your heart of what your brain already knows.