Month 23

(Dada insert: Holy crap, it's actually on time! The Mayans may be right)

This may be the second-to-last monthly photo, Little Dude. That's probably why you are smiling in this picture. "Haha Lady! Only two more . . ." (or not, your father thinks we should continue this tradition and I have great thoughts of pulling you out of hockey practice in high school to come sit in your chair and take your 204th monthly photo).

Here is a rundown of your 23rd month, in no particular order:

You attended your second Edgewood Rodeo Days parade, and you split your time between running around like a banshee trying to get candy, and chilling on Mama's lap. You are still not a fan of loud noises, and the firetrucks sent you straight back to Mama. Just so you know, this is perfectly acceptable at any age - no matter what your future partner tells you :)

Equally enthused for this tradition. 

You made an appearance at the wedding of two friends, and in typical fashion, spent the first half clinging to us, and the second half running around like a banshee (notice a pattern?). You quickly found where the cream cheese mints were kept and circled back at least 6 times.

Saaaaaaaay 'Hockey'

Can you believe they just let these mints set out? 

Our family spends Father's Day with your great grandparents, and this year you got to run around. There was sidewalk chalk, bubbles, open space, and your family - you were a happy little dude, as evidenced below:

"This one is for the ladies"

When the Jedi force just won't work . . . sometimes you have to get your own frisbee. 

"OMG - Jenny look at her butt, it is soooo big . . . "

I shall take my light sabers and see you on the dark side. What?!? Bubbles? Oh, sweet. 

That sidewalk chalk is vicious . . . 

Mom and Dad have been doing some work on the house on weekends, and you have spent time with both Grammy and Papa and Grandma and Baba. You love every second of it and I sometimes wonder if you are excited at all to come home. 

Speaking of grandparents: You are a big fan of your grandpas. When at each house, you ask for them often. In fact, this month you learned that Papa (Grandpa W) drives tractors. Also, you started calling Grandpa H 'Baba' and know that he drives a Harley.

With the angle of descent of this new toy, the friction between the car and the ramp, and the mass of this police car, it should take approximately 4.2 (repitend of course) seconds to reach the bottom. Time to test . . . 

You have been called 'Tank' for awhile now, and we have been on the lookout for a shirt with a Tank on it (You can't say your parents aren't clever). Dada even drove to a store in Iowa City on his way to Davenport because we thought one would be there. No dice. But - we were wandering through Kohl's before a movie started and found this on the clearance rack, the only one left, in your size - It was fate. 

A shirt. Boom.

Your attitude is pretty unchanged since last month - mostly chill plus a note of defiance with a strong dose of strong will (German say what???????). You love to bring this out in restaurants on your naive parents. At Olive Garden you drew on the wall with a crayon and let everyone in the vicinity know your feelings about eating pasta - you were carried out early. At another restaurant you decided to scream. Literally . . . scream. See the below picture for a reenactment. When we are old and senile, we plan to return the favor :)

Let's see if I can hit that High C. Beyonce aint got nothin on me.

One of our weekend projects was to paint the entryway and stain the railings. When it was completed, we decided to not put the gate back up, and you have done great with it. We no longer live in a gated community and it is fabulous :)

 Guys, I need new toys. I can only drive these cars so many places.

Damn it feels good to be a gangsta . . . a white, Cubs loving gangsta. 

Sleep: You still sleep very well. You wake up between 6:30 and 7:00 each morning and nap once starting at 12:30. You are ready for bed around 8:00 - 8:15 each night.

Hair: Still crazy. You have your fourth haircut scheduled for next week and those curls are not going anywhere my little Toehead.

Food: You still love fruits, most vegetables, and flavored meats. Izzers is still fat. We don't see this changing in the future

Vocab: You say more and more each day and we have stopped trying to keep up. Just today you heard the washing machine beep and said 'Mama . . . lautry' repeatedly. You now use the full 'Ready, Set, Go' when we are not fast enough for you. You have even said 'Go Cubbies' (much to the chagrin of Grammy I am sure).

With that, we move onto Month 24, planning an early Oktoberfest birthday party (yep, we're weird), and realizing that we almost have a two-year old. 

Life's Lessons. . . We need your input!

Life has a funny way of teaching lessons to us sometimes. I could go on ad nauseum about silly stories or what not, but I'm not that creative.

So here's what I'm asking of you, dear reader: I want to collect a list of life lessons for The Dude. I have a couple, but again, I am not any good at being creative. If you have one, feel free to post it in the comments, or hit up Baby Momma or I on Facebook or via the email, text, whatever. They can be as serious or as hilarious as you want them to be.

After a couple of weeks, I'll compile the list.

Good luck, and Thanks in advance.

Are you Ready?

Above is a video of Justin when he and Baby Momma went to visit Auntie Wiebs a little over a month ago. This will give you a chance to have him use "ready." (I know, I know, way too excited about the use of a word that isn't antidisestablishmentarianism). It would have made the Monthly Update if I had wanted to edit it at 11:00 p.m. (it needed to be rotated 90 degrees for the blog). So instead you get pseudo-post!

Supporting Die deutsche Fußballnationalmannschaft

This should have really been posted over two weeks ago, but as you know by now, Baby Momma and I are awful at being up to date on this stuff.

We have had a German National Flag hanging from the front of our house as a sign of the Die deutsche Fußballnationalmannschaft, or the German National Football (soccer) Team during their trek through the UEFA Euro 2012 tournament. The German National Team has a special (if not kind of weird) spot in Baby Momma and Baby Daddy's hearts, as we watched multiple matches of the Euro 2008 Tournament from our various hotel rooms during our honeymoon.* 

*Yes, yes, real romantic. . . but it was something that we could somewhat follow in our downtime, and it wasn't CNN International on loop.

Unfortunately, the Germans will not get a chance to lift the Henri Delaunay Cup in victory in 2012, as they lost today (well, technically yesterday by the time this posts) to the Azzuri (Italy). We will keep the flag up through the tournament, then store it to be flown again as needed.

And just so we can say this is still Dude related, here is Justin practicing his skills, hoping to become the US's Franz Beckenbauer. . .

Month 21. . . and 22. . . and. . .

Before we get started, Baby Momma and I have completely fallen off the blog posting train... and would like to apologize. If you would like a "We're sorry"gift from the Hunt Household, please come to our home and Iz will gladly serenade you with Greeting Hymns of the Maltese at no charge :). Also, a word of warning: as this post covers two months of The Life Of Justin,* there will be a fair amount of pictures (swag says 40) so prepare yourself for the blonde hair and blue eyes before proceeding. With that, on with the show. . .

*No one was crucified in the making of this blog post

Okay, one last thing: After the 20 month post (and addendum) I came across some pictures of Justin from a time at Grandma and Grandpa W's farm. Instead of adding one to the old posts, I figured I'd throw it in this one. So, here you go:

Get me a couple of blocks for the pedals, and we're ready to go muddin'

 Now back to our regularly scheduled programming. . .

Dude, Tank, Justin, Handsome (that one from Momma), you are less than two months until the big 0-2.  This is the first Month post that will cover more time than in your life than time we have until we no longer say your age in months. This fact blows my mind.

Also a little mind blowing - This artwork cleaned off relatively easily. (Snarky comment about Macs' here)

Temperment - Justin's attitude is becoming one part momma, one part dada, and two parts terrible twos. He does not understand the concept of waiting (I know lots of adults who still haven't mastered it). He can be very stubborn, and our favorite word when stubborn is No. When in the mood, you could ask him anything (with the possible exception of do you want to eat), and the response will be "No." Tank also gets a little aggressive when in the stubborn angry phase, where he'll bring out the clenched teeth, kicking, head butting, and knocking of doors off hinges.

Yep. This happened. While Baby Daddy was in Davenport for work. No Dudes were harmed, but let's say baby Momma was a little frazzled. . .

I can't speak for Baby Momma, but Justin's attitude when angry shows to Baby Daddy how the potential of picking up swear words is not the only thing that he has to worry about his son mimicking. . . (not that I've knocked doors off hinges, but. . . wait, is that DHS in driveway. . . (kidding)).

He continues to want to play with technology, including laptops, phones, and Baby Momma's Kindle Fire (see above and below).

Someone needs to write these blog posts about my awesomeness,  you two sure aren't getting it done.

The Dude also moved on from Fireman Sam, first to Thomas and Friends (The Island of Sodor from Shining Time Station for those of us ages 20 and up), Curious George and Sesame Street, and then. . . Bob. The. Builder.**

**Couple of things about Bob. He is voiced by Greg Proops, who I will always associated with Whose Line Is It Anyway. Also, Bob was a pot smoking, dye tie shirt wearing hippie before he became The Builder. I imagine a fan fiction prequel to Bob where he's in Sunflower Valley (really in the BTB Universe), tripping on peyote. It explains how he works with talking cement mixers and a crane afraid of heights. . . . Moving on. . .

Kindle Fire = Bob on Demand Machine. And yes, demand is appropriate.

As he has watched Sesame Street (and is an American under the age of 3), Justin has become exposed to a red furry monster who has his own world. Baby Momma and Grammy W. happened to find a small Elmo for the Dude.

Genuinely Impressed.

And then we decided Elmo makes an awesome neck pillow.  On multiple occasions he has done this.

Justin has also continued his enjoyment of watching hockey.  Justin would ask for hockey at least once a day, and through TV or the internet, we were able to oblige him. He got the chance to watch highlights of the Stanley Cup Playoffs (where the Hunt Family became bandwagon jumping Johnathan Quick fans, and promptly jumped off when the Finals were over).We went to our first Waterloo Blackhawks playoff game as a family. Which was followed the next weekend by our second. Unfortunately, we did not get a chance to go to a game in the finals (Baby Momma was out west), and Waterloo lost to Green Baby 3 games to 2.

Rocking a Blackhawks Sweatshirt that may fit him next winter. Also - GO HAWKS!

Justin also continues to enjoy being outside. On a couple of occasions Baby Momma and Dude have cracked out the sidewalk chalk, the pool has come out, he loves playing with bubbles, and he has gotten some Four Wheeler rides.  Which reminds me, if you don't have a four wheeler to ride at that very moment, do not, under any circumstances, say the phrase "four wheeler" in Justin's vicinity (this is evidence of the No Patience Theory we covered ~ 5 pictures ago).

I will diagram how to win a land war in Asia, followed by how  to correctly defend the triple option.

Those Captain America Trunks: 3T. Yep.

Bubbles - Exhibit 1: Preppy Bubbles

Bubbles - Exhibit 2: Ballin Bubbles (Yes, that is a sweat band on his forearm.  You should check out his dunking skills on the basketball hoop in the basement ;) )

We don't have a picture of Justin on a four wheeler (yet), I just like this picture of him rocking the Cubs Visor (not be be confused with rock bottom, which is where the Cubs are right now. Oof.)

More evidence of Outdoor Love . . .

"Justin - That's how an engineer would try to get on that." - Baby Momma (thanks. . .)

And the final 'Look at my son, he loves to play outdoors' picture.

Justin has also become very interested in digging out/dumping out things, whether it be toys, puzzles, or baseball bats. . .

Almost as tall as the bat, and already dragging it around and trying to swing it.

Justin has also realized that some of his toys can be put together, and that it is fun to do so. Nothing extravagant (yet), but he's well on his way to becoming a Lego junkie.

Justin's first Block Work. Send all handling model requests to. . .

All of that being said, for as much as I've proclaimed my son to be the "Toddler who has no patience and must be in dirt and sun or watching Bob,"*** the Dude is still a very happy acting kid, and does have a pretty chill side with the aid of a fleece blanket.

*** I'm almost afraid to type Bob instead of B. o. b. at this point, for fear of him recognizing the keystrokes, waking up in his sleep, and yelling "BOB!" 

Still can be one chill dude.

 Sleep - Status: nothing new, which is fantastic. Still going to bed between 8 and 8:30 P.M. on the home front (things get a little crazy at the grandparents ;) ), up between 6:30 and 7 A.M.  most mornings. Baby Momma has told me rumors of Justin sleeping until 8 A.M. a couple of days, but I don't believe it.

Hair - still crazy. Had hair cut #3. And yes, I do think Hair status needs its own heading. 

See what I mean?

Without the Hair Status, you may have missed this.

 Food - This Tank would run all day on cookies, fruit, and ice cream if you'd let him get away with it. One day Baby Momma says we need to get video of how excited Justin gets when it's time to eat fruit. We'll see if that happens. . .

Four Queens: Dairy in Crack Form in the Cedar Valley

Justin has also learned what 'Eat' means, and will to go his high chair you talk about it (more evidence that we haven't gotten patience down yet). He'll also help get his utensils out when it's time for a meal.

The thing in your hand is for Momma to use with her dessert,  after you go to bed.

Let me get that plate for you. . . 

Another thing Justin has become a huge fan of is dipping foods, and the sauces used.

Cheese AND dipping. . . this is perfect!

This sauce goes here, and this one here. . .

This Tank has plenty of fuel in the thighs yet.

Vocab - As referenced to before another onslaught of pictures, Justin has learned what the word eat means. In the last couple of months his vocabulary has continued to noticeably increase. A couple of highlights:

- He can count to three with some encouragement. 

- He's got Thank you pretty much down, but he still has to be prompted to say please. 

- He knows how to ask to go Up and Down (quick tangent, Justin is climbing on things more now).

- When asked what color something is, his response is 'Blue!' no matter which color he's looking at (we're working on it). 

- And one of his favorite phrases is 'Ready. . . Set. . . Go!' Especially when getting pushed around in a laundry basket.

Other highlights - 

The last two months have been pretty eventful for the dude. He got to celebrate cousin Annabelle's 2nd birthday in all of it's Toy Story Glory.

We weren't kidding about the Toy Story Theme. There was a balloon that quoted the movie when you hit it.

Annabelle with a Jess T-shirt and a Bullseye doll. Justin with paper.  What they say about having more fun with the packaging is true.

Trying out Belle's new ride.

Justin also partook in Free Comic Book Day. It was the second time he has hung out with Vader, Darth - Lord, Galactic Empire.

Baby Momma and Daddy were hesitant to add this picture. Then we realized that the blog is about Justin. And Lord Vader.

Justin also helped Baby Daddy with celebrating the Anniversary/Birthday/Mother's Day trifecta of DOOM.

Those Flowers. That smile. Those (albeit squinty in this photo) eyes. Momma never stood a chance.

Justin also had his longest time away from Momma (6 days). How did he cope? He hung out at Grandma and Grandpa Hunt's. . . 

Where pants are optional

And he visited Great Grandma Hunt and Great Grandma and Great Grandpa Venteicher.

See, you want to drive it like this.

Wait a sec, where's Bob? Or Choo Choo? Or Elmo? And what is on that guys face?

If you need any help with those gifts, I'm here for you Great Grandpa

Finally, Memorial Day Weekend, Justin came down with Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease. He had a fever that Friday, and over the weekend, the sores associated with the disease started to show up on his face, butt, legs, and arms.

Justin (and therefore Baby Momma and Baby Daddy) were fortunate that he didn't get any sores in his mouth. His attitude through the little ordeal was great!

And with that, we move on to month 23. . . and Birthday party #2 prep talk begins. . .

This is Mom's Man of the House (no offense, Dad) signing off!