Mom and Dad took me to the magical place where they became united in marriage. It was just over ten years ago, but I remember it like it was yesterday. Oh wait, I wasn’t there; I didn’t make the invite list. But anyway, it was fun to celebrate their 10 year anniversary in the same gazebo that provided structure for all of the beautiful memories. Mom says a lot can change in a decade, particularly the loss of loved ones that were here in 2004, but even time cannot steal life’s best, most cherished moments. And so we continue to make memories that will survive us too, because that is how we all live on…. in the hearts and thoughts of each other.

Top 10 reasons why I might have to start paying rent:

10.   I don’t put my toys away.
9.    Mom says the fireplace isn’t as enjoyable/relaxing since I’ve been around.
8.    I consistently exceed my quota for dirty laundry.
7.    Mom sometimes misses the glass that is hidden beneath all my fingerprints.
6.    I bring home lots of germs from daycare…
6b.   and I don’t cover my mouth when I cough or sneeze…
6c.   so my parents get to fully participate in all of my illnesses.
5.    I don’t talk about my feelings and I’m also not so good at letting go of things (literally and figuratively).
4.    What part of “no” don’t I understand? All of it.
3.    I prefer to crumple mom’s office papers instead of playing with my cool train.
2.    I practice defiance by converting my changing table into a gymnastics mat.
1.    Mom’s shoe shopping has been interrupted by Jaeger-always-needs-a-cute-outfit shopping.

But don’t worry…since we’re making lists, I’ve got many contributions, talents and skills that can be used for negotiations:

1.    I sit patiently when mom cuts my fingernails.
2.    Sometimes I help unload the dishwasher!
3.    No matter how bad the day goes, I never forget how to clap it out and do a happy dance.
4.    I can eat my socks.
5.    I’m really cute.
6.    Shoot….
7.    That’s all I got.
8.    Did I mention that I’m cute?
9.    Yikes….
10.   I better start working on this list!

New Year’s Resolution: Grow more teeth.

Done.
(My two top, front teeth have made an appearance… ouch, but yay! This is the year of solid solid foods.)

Dear Santa,

Sorry I missed you. I was sleeping. I’d like to reschedule if possible because I really wanted to meet you. I’ve heard great things. Until then, here is my list of discussion points:

1. Are you responsible for the Christmas season? If so, thanks. It was all sorts of wonderful. We kicked it off in early December with Christmas tree decorating and a trip to see the holiday train. Since then, we’ve filled as many days as possible with friends, family, food and fun!
2. Tell your elves I said “keep up the good work!”
3. Mom says the holiday season can be hard for some people, especially if they don’t have friends or family or food. Can you please fix that?
4. Next year, could you bring my mom a nose for Christmas? She keeps playing with mine and I don’t like it.
5. When other kids ask you to define good, just point to a picture of me. (You’re welcome.)
6. Speaking of pictures, we captured a lot of precious memories over the last few weeks. Please see them below! (And feel free to save this evidence of my good behavior for future reference.)

7. Lastly, I have some concerns about my mom. Look what she got me for Christmas…

… a bubble wrap suit. Can you please have a talk with her?

Love,
Jaeger Amari Goodenough (on Deerwood Drive)

P.S. If you’re looking for your reindeer, I’m afraid some of them are in our basement. If this is a problem, we may also need to schedule a time for you to meet with my dad.

I’m learning about some new ways to travel from point A to point B!

First, I learned how to crawl. (Thanks to my friend Ellie for showing me how it’s done!)

After I mastered crawling (easy-schmeesy), Dad thought it was time for me to learn how to ride a bike. Nailed it! (…with some assistance from my training wheels, my dad, and my way-too-dramatic mother who would have dressed me in a bubble-wrap suit if we owned one.)

And instead of being satisfied with those two tricks, now my parents want me to learn how to fly…

…so they got me a Passport! Mom and Dad are thinking about taking me to Mexico, to the place where they got married. Count me in! I’ll pack my sippy cup in preparation for the self-serve Piña Coladas that I’ve heard so much about. I can’t wait!!

Today isn’t just Christmas Eve, it’s also my parent’s anniversary. Look at how young happy they look in these pictures!

Ten years later, they’re still smiling. I hate to take all the credit, as I only showed up 8 months ago, but life is pretty good with me around! I think I bring out the best in my parents and I surely add joy to their world. Happy Anniversary to my fabulous parents and Merry Christmas Eve to all who celebrate. Cheers to several more decades of happiness!

This past weekend I didn’t feel so hot, but we had big plans to visit with friends and I wasn’t going to let a little sniffle rain on my parade. Besides, mom says friends can be the best medicine (so long as I keep my germs to myself).

Below are some snapshots from my Babies’ First Holiday Party, where I got to hang with William, Hope, Sonia and Abram! We opened gifts, played with puzzles, slid down a mattress, enjoyed a fireside chat, snuck in a nap, and had a mini photo shoot! (Thanks for the memories!)

Next, me and the parents went to visit Marcia and Junior! (Thanks for the laughs. And for letting us hang out in your fancy shower for a bit!)

We ended the night by visiting Stef, Mike and Graham! (Thanks for the pizza. And the grand tour of your beautiful new house!)

The following day, we invited my friend Ellie and her parents over for a Packer party! (Thanks for the crawling lessons, Ellie!)

Mom was right… friends are like chicken soup for the soul. And quite frankly, who wouldn’t feel better after seeing all of those lovely faces in just one weekend?!

It was a busy-bee kind of weekend! I had all sorts of places to go and loved ones to see. First stop was in Mauston to visit the Wisconsin Badgers Headquarters. And guess who we saw there?! …Peter & Mary!

Here I am, showing off my new standing pose!

Is that the Santa guy I’ve been hearing about?

Then, we traveled to Madison for lunch with Carrie and Matt. They may have moved away, but thanks to Mom’s good detective work (a phone call to Carrie), we found them!

Reunited and it feels so good!

Me & Aunt Carrie

Uncle Matt… I’ve missed you!

Kisses from Carrie!

Finally, we made our way to Mukwonago to see if Papa Florence remembered me. (He did!) But he says I grew lots of hair and chubby cheeks since we last saw each other. We had a good time together! I taught Papa how to clap, showed off my fascinating fingers, helped him celebrate his birthday and watched some football. It was a pretty sad Packer game… mostly because they didn’t play too well, but also because Papa (their head coach) kept making me cry when he would yell at the television. I don’t know if the players could hear Papa’s “motivational” pep talks, but I sure could. Yikes!

Papa: take both of your hands and go like this.

move them together real fast…

until they touch and make a loud noise!

And that’s how you clap.

Papa… here’s my neat-o fingers I’ve been telling you about.

Papa and his furry baby!

Here we are watching the Packer game.

Go Pack, go!

I love you, Papa

Happy Birthday, Papa Florence! I’ll help you open that.

Before we headed back home, Donna and her funny sweater stopped by to visit me. Love her!

Oh, Aunt Donna…

you make me smile.

It’s a wonderful life… traveling from one zip code to another for free smiles and hugs!