Bop and Boodle

We're starting to realize that Jackson is changing faster than those around him. It is true, David learned a few new French words, and Sarah got bangs. But Jackson's new tricks are a lot cooler. And he just seems to be developing more than the rest of us. We're trying to remember that everyone learns at his own pace and not to get too discouraged...but Jackson is worlds ahead of us.

He now spots the letter O on signs and in books. He also finds the number 5 on license plates. He has imaginary conversations with the hot dog stand man and orders all sorts of things--like chocolate ice cream in a bowl (not a cone or a cup), olives (green not black), peanuts (new not old) and apple juice (which he calls, jus de pomme). He's been running around with Mr Potato Head's smiling teeth in his mouth--something he finds so funny that he doubles over in laughter. Jackson also has taken to bringing a bucket of water out onto the porch (after taking off his clothes and diaper) and pouring the water all over himself. He also takes a sponge and wipes off the chairs. It's true, there is a bit of a neat freak in him (and looking at his parents, that gene skipped a generation), so he likes to close doors and put caps back on pens or bottles. He also likes to put all his toys back in their buckets and bins. He continues to mimic all that he hears--sometimes so well that people talking nearby think he's making fun of them. He also echoes bird songs and bells. He makes greater and greater associations, understands more and more concepts. His favorite books at the moment are some Dr Seuss tongue twisters (much to his mother's chagrin) and a Curious George counting book, which he calls George.

Of course, none of these activities are pictured here. What's here are a large assortment of highlights from the past couple months--starting with Bop and Boodle's visit to Corsica (we'll soon have to post even better pictures from our trip with them to London) and ending with uncle Ben's visit with a lot of trips to beaches, one journey to an abandoned village, a tower with a tiny door that Jackson sacked, and many shots of Jackson's famous poster face in between. Enjoy.