My mom came back! She was gone for a week, attending the LeaderShape program in Ferryville, WI. Upon her return, she made a surprise appearance at daycare to play with me and my buddies for the last couple hours of the day.

While mom was away, not only did Dad keep me safe and alive, but we also stayed out of trouble. We had fun times together! Here are some of the highlights from our boys-only week:

• I turned 11 months old!
• I helped Dad buy groceries so we could make yummy chicken tacos for mom’s homecoming.
• I cheered on the Melrose-Mindoro boys basketball team!
• We did the laundry.
• We sent mom cute videos of me so she wouldn’t get a case of the frownies.
• I went on a hike with my new hat that dad ordered for me.
• Dad locked me out of the kitchen cabinets. (Rude!)
• We watered mom’s plants because we’re thoughtful like that.
• I moved out of my infant bathtub and into the grown-up tub.
• We facilitated a sneaky operation to remove the fleece sheets from my parents’ bed before mom could protest.
• I parted ways with my pacifier. (So far.)
• Dad bought me a new carseat to travel in because I’m a big boy now.
• We visited the Mighty Mississippi!

Even though there’s something magical about boys-only time, we decided to let mom back in the house so that we can be a family of 3 again. After all, having a woman around makes us better men (says my mom as she crashes our boys-only party).

How do you like my new ride? (See above photo) I found it at Menards and I loved it! Let me know if you want one too… I can hook you up.

Also, check out the below photos to see some other happenings since my last post. I’ve been pretty busy! In fact, several things that haven’t been iPhone-documented are my appearance at UW-L’s Reflections of Ebony (hosted by Black Student Unity), partaking in the Amazing Race party at the Wintertons, perusing campers at the Milwaukee RV expo, being part of the fan club for Ashlee & Cortney’s 4-H talent show, and cheering on the Melrose-Mindoro High School Boys Basketball team. I can’t wait to see what the rest of March has in store for me… maybe a few more joyrides in my new wheels?!

I’ve been recovering from my big trip.

I learned how to eat a cookie!

I visited Papa Florence and showed him how I can sort-of walk.

We visited Jessie and Teagan, and met Ainsley (their newest addition)! We posed for a photo and when no one was looking, I stole Ainsley’s pacifier!

Take 2: When no one was looking, I pulled Teagan’s hair.

Take 3: They were on to me… I couldn’t get away with anything.

Apparently I have a secret admirer… I woke up with kisses all over my face! Whoa… Happy Valentine’s Day to me, I guess. Since romance is in the air today, allow me to pay tribute to the love of my life through poetry:

I love how you melt in my hands
when I squeeze you tight.
If craving you is wrong,
I don’t want to be right.
My mom really likes you
And that’s important to me,
Because life without you
Would not be happy.
You show me a sweetness
I cannot resist
Because of you, chocolate,
I know true love does exist.

Affectionately yours,
Jaeger (Your not-so-secret admirer)
xoxoxo

Well, Mexico, it’s been fun, but our time together has come to an end. I truly enjoyed getting to know you and all that you had to offer. I appreciated hearing the Spanish language all around me, and watching coconuts fall from trees instead of snow. I will miss being barefoot and having my face kissed by the sun in February. I’ll dream about your fluffier clouds and I’ll try to devise a plan to convert my crib into one of your relaxing hammocks. Gosh, I wish you lived closer to us! Let’s try to keep in touch, okay? In the meantime, I promise to grow more teeth so I can indulge in all of your food platters when we meet again. Until next time, adios!

Best Friends Forever,
Jaeger

Our back porch with a garden view

I still live with my parents

Nachos!

Where to next?

Xcaret

Butterfly sanctuary

And then we became butterflies

Vacation is exhausting

Swimsuit model

I love long walks on the beach

These ladies love me!

Selfie.

Nice ride, huh?

Yum!

Paradise

What the heck is that?!

Pink birds?! I’ve never seen these at our bird feeder.

Is that how I was born?

This is the life…

Here, fishy fishy.

Look! I’m a turtle.

Hola!

Me and padre

Touring the resort

Say cheesy!

Palm trees make me smile

Senior picture pose

Washing off the chlorine

The fam

How handsome am I?!

I’m a social butterfly

Waiting for our wood fired pizza

Funny looking squirrels here!

Swing time with Dad

Hammocking it up with madre

My newest chompers

Weeeeeee!

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.