An imporant reminder from Jack Barry

Jack would like to remind everyone, that in these tough economic times, you don't need to spend a lot of money - or any to be happy. One truly only needs a free box from Costco.

And Jack, your Grandpa John would like to remind you and all babies out there that box cars are not "freaking toys". You need to make sure to check the oil, get your lug nuts torqued after 25 miles on new tires, and all windows need to be washed 3 times before they're considered clean.

It was bound to happen at some point...

...I, Sarah, was proven wrong. I'm sure you're all as shocked as I am by this. But, it is a joyous mistake on my part!

My sis is almost 19 weeks pregnant, and I've been CONVINCED the kiddo is a girl. She had her ultrasound yesterday, and turns out - Boy! Everything looks good, and Jack is so excited to have a little boy cousin to play in the mud, pee in the snow, and throw plastic hatchets at trees.

Myself, I'm happy to have a place to unload all of Jack's boy clothes and toys! Amy & Brian, you're about to get an avalanche of crap...

Isn't he adorable...err handsome?

The proof they say, is in the pudding

Meeting Santa

"Hey Momma & Poppa, thanks for bringing me to the mall with you! I love when we get to spend quality time together": "What the deuce? Who are you? That beard looks scratchy": "Start the car. I am officially DONE with family time at the mall. And Momma, you better not put this on your stupid blog.":

He stands

This am as J was playing in a box, he decided to grab the side of it, lift himself up, and kind of teetered in there for a bit. Life is about to get really interesting in our house...

The box is courtesy of one of Jack's godmothers, Auntie Anne. She sent him a really fun toy for Christmas that is currently under the tree. But, J gets to play with the box until then.

All aboard the S.S. Jackie Bear! And yes, he looks so tired because the little butthole woke up 4-5 times last night, and then woke up early this morning.

And just for Anne: "I'm on a boat motherf@#ker!"

Tales from community college...

We have what we call "helicopter parents". They are parents who refuse to let their children do anything on their own and "hover". They come to my information sessions with their kids, and they come to their advising appointments, and they're really screwing their kids over in the long run by not giving them any independence. Thanks mom & dad for not being one of these parents and letting Amy and I make our own choices (and mistakes).

From today:
:ring ring:
S: hello, this is Sarah
Helicopter parent: yes, this is Mrs. xxxx. I'm trying to register my daughter for a Biology class and need an entry code.
S: I'd be happy to help you with that. Can you please tell me which Biology?
HP: Hold on let me text my daughter and ask her.
S: perhaps you could give me her phone number and I can talk to her directly since she is the student trying to take the class
HP: ok, here is her number. But please wait 30 seconds so that I can text her to tell her that you're calling.

Oy

Any accountants read this blog?

I'm trying to finagle a tax deduction...

I donated 50 oz of frozen breastmilk to the friend of a friend with a tongue-tied baby. I can't use the milk for Jack since it contains dairy, so I was happy to find a home for it.

Currently, breastmilk goes for $4 per oz from a milk bank. So....I'm wondering if I would be playing with fate if I claimed $200 in "charitable donations" on my taxes for 2009? What could possibly be more charitable than liquid from ones breasts?

In a perfect world, it would count.