Stuff We've Been Doing Lately

A lot has been going on since Jasper became a one-year-old. We've been so busy lately, we just haven't had time to post any new photos or tend to all the new videos we've taken of Jasper's shenanigans. Soon, however, things will settle down and we'll have time to share some funny videos with you and more regular posts. Why? Because we just bought a new house!

On April 11th, we put our current house up for sale and received an offer that very day! After a few negotiations, we reached mutual acceptance and ever since then, life has been very hectic. I had some work to do to the house to make the buyer happy and of course there was the small matter of finding a new house!

Well, after lots and lots of searching and a few disappointments along the way, we have a new, much larger house waiting for us in North Edmonds! We move next Thursday, which is great because we'll have all of Memorial weekend to get settled in.

That's the news. Now to share a few new-ish photos of Jasper...

Much like his father, Jasper is a big fan of  sweater vests. Socks, not so much.

I'm pretty sure this expression is Jasper's response to me saying, "No, no, you don't look girlie in that outfit at all..."

Happy Easter!

Rollin' with his homegirl, Brecken.

Elmo has been teaching Jasper how to brush his teeth. He loves brushing his teeth!

Jasper has become very helpful around the kitchen, especially with unloading the dishwasher.

Occasionally, we catch Jasper trying to cast a spell on his feet.

Trying to strike a "natural" pose, even though he totally knows the camera is on him.

"Hey Jasper, guess what? Our new house is twice the size of this one. You're going to have twice as many rooms to explore."

"SRSLY!?!?"

"You know what would be great right now, you guys? Some splashy time. Just sayin'."

Jasper's First Birthday!

Anastasia and I will both have more to say on our first year with this amazing little guy, once we get a little more free time. For now, here are some photos from Jasper's birthday party!

All photos by our super awesome friends, Todd and Debbi (Debbi's also my cousin, but I forget that sometimes because we're really good friends. Except when she makes jokes at my expense. Then I remember she's a cousin).

Hello. My Name is Jasper and I am Eleven Months Old

Hello, everyone. Welcome back to the Bunchie Show. Today I'll be showing you how to properly handle one of these walkers...

 

Now, you'll want to make sure you have both hands on the handlebar, about equidistant from the center and then...

Oh, hold on, everyone, I see my mother over here. Be very quiet, I'm going to surprise her...

RAAAWWRRRRR!!!

Oh no! It's a trap! Everyone save yourselves!

In Which Jasper Corners the Roomba

In Which Jasper Dances to the Weather Channel

All You Need is Love

Happy Valentine's Day, everyone!

 

To the Park with Dadadada

OK Dada, now get me outta here so I can swing!

Now take me home Dad, I'm pooped!

10 Months

Whoo hoo! Jasper turned 10 months on Thursday. This boy loves to stand against our front window and look out into the yard.

He and I went to my favorite grocery store and I tried to get creative with the camera. Who turned 10 months old?

As usual, Jasper was pleased by the produce section.

We bought some fancy carrots to chop up, steam, and eat as a finger food.

And kiwi has been a big deal lately. Those little seeds don't phase Jasper one bit.

Snow Day in Seattle

Jasper had his first taste of snow...

And had a chance to see what older kids do on snow days.

We bundled up and headed to the grocery store on foot. I wanted Jasper to have a chance to take in the winter wonderland. He was given the cutest bear paw mittens and fleece boots!  It was a memorable January day.

Jasper James is Nine Months Old

Can't believe it's been nine months already!

Jasper has been loving bath time. Over the holidays, we put him in the tub for the first time and he had a blast. No more sink for this guy!

It's a New Year

I remember going to sleep early last New Year's eve, we had returned from a trip to Michigan and I was one tired pregnant woman. Someone in our neighborhood let off fireworks at midnight and as I woke up at that moment, I quietly welcomed my baby to his year.

And now we say farewell to 2011. How fast the year has gone by.

I get the impression that Jasper has resolved to party more in 2012. Here he is with one of his favorite toys, our boombox:

He had a great Christmas and received many wonderful gifts.

Like last year, we had recently returned from a trip to Michigan. Jack and I spent the day cleaning, relaxing, and trying to get used to Pacific time again. Jasper played and napped and made us laugh, nothing new for him.

Meal planning and grocery shopping were on my agenda and I had it in my head that I should roast a chicken. We were going to have a low key New Year's, but I wanted to make it a little special and roasting something sounded just right. I hopped on Pinterest to search for a recipe. (If you haven't discovered Pinterest, you should take a look. Be careful though, it's addicting.) I found a simple recipe that only uses the thigh and leg pieces and includes vegetables. This fit the bill, I'd use one pan and we wouldn't have to worry about carving a bird. I picked up some brie and decent bread, we had a bottle of wine left over from Christmas; the plan was coming together.

This meal was SO delicious! It makes me want to roast more often. It also makes me want to use leeks more often.  And another often, I should read this recipe author's blog often.

 

Jasper oversaw some of the roasting.

 
Jack plated everything up as I put Jasper down for the night. Jack and I finished watching the first season of "the Good Wife" on DVD. It was niiiice.

The baby didn't fall asleep right away, he was very chatty for about 20 minutes before konking out.We checked him on the baby monitor as he wound down. Before long, he looked like a little superhero in dreamland.

 
Happy New Year to all!