Don't ride in the back of a truck...

A few years back, Jack, Walker, and I made up a song about riding in the back of a truck. It goes a little something like this:

"Don't ride in the back of a truck.

Don't ride in the back of a truck.

The cops will pull you over

And throw you in jail

With all the bad men

Who smell smell smell.

Pee-Eww.

Stanky Stank."

It has come to be the song we sing anytime we come across something 'stanky stank.'

I guess John Kalman learned it by hearing us sing it when we change his diapers.

Walker, this one's for you!

The Auburn Express

All Aboard! Mike Mike is taking passengers for a ride on the Auburn Express. John Kalman and Owen sure had fun.

Peek-a-boo

John Kalman and his grammy playing peek-a-boo!

What we did today

Johnny K is definitely becoming more interested in his brother.

Take a look:

nature walk

Johnny K... the explorer on a nature walk.

Merry Christmas Nini!

This is a special request for Nini. She wanted a video of John Kalman showing her his Christmas tree. Well, here you go!

Merry Christmas, Nini.

We love you!

Our little pumper

This cracked me up!

And then there were four....

It's hard to believe that just two years ago, Walker and Owen were NiNi & PapPap's only grandchildren!

PS::: About halfway through, Eleck leaves a little surprise on Walker's shirt. You should have seen how disgusted Walker was when he figured it out!

tractor tractor tractor

You'd never know that John Kalman didn't like NiNi & PapPap's tractor with as much as he talks about it. He took it for a spin two times and then decided that the tractor should go 'night night.'

Here's a video of all the cousins cruising through the yard.

Cousin Love!

Here is the first of the videos from our trip to Nashville. John Kalman had so much fun with his cousins "Walker Man" and "O-bo." Can you tell?!

Snappy dresser...

Here's what happens when John Kalman gets to dress himself!

The conversation goes something like this:

"Flag shorts.

Flag shorts.

Flag shorts.

Football jersey.

Football jersey.

Football jersey.

Rain boots.

Rain boots.

Rain boots."

Circle Time!

John Kalman loves his gymnastics class. He has come a really long way since we started in September.... he practices jumping ALL the time. Watch his face light up as the teacher calls him over for "circle time."

JK on the big screen...

Someone is obsessed with himself. John Kalman can often be heard saying "Watch video. Watch video. Watch video." And he's not talking about Sesame Street or Diego.

Baby Eleck - a good look

I told Jack earlier this week that I don't feel like I've spent enough time really looking at Eleck. So, my goal for the past week has been to observe my little boy. And, dang, turns out he is REALLY REALLY REALLY good looking. See for yourself.

Boo Boos

I am proud to say that I wasn't outside when John Kalman had his first skateboarding accident. That one happened under his daddy's watch! Check out JK's battle scars and watch him sneak some caffeine from his mommy's cup of coffee.

Uh oh...

You know Jack and I are in trouble when our twenty month old is already trying to figure out how to sneak out of the house.

Good morning brother!

Gameday

John Kalman learned something from his NiNi while she was here visiting!

Mike Mike must be proud. :)

Thank you!

We have been so spoiled by all of our friends and family sending gifts! John Kalman opened a package today from Auntie Jen and Grammy. He LOVED his trucks and wanted to say thanks.

Baby Eleck's debut

Wake up, Baby Eleck. Here's a look at Baby Eleck first thing this morning.

He's a keeper.

More monkey videos

John Kalman's Halloween costume is pretty much the cutest thing ever... made EVEN cuter by the adorable boy wearing it.

Our new ride

We got a double stroller for Eleck's arrival, and we we were really nervous that John Kalman wouldn't like riding "underneath." Great news! He thinks it's super cool to be so close to the ground and he hasn't complained yet that his brother gets to ride on top.

It is going to be so much fun to watch John Kalman and Eleck grow up together. I'm sure there will be times when the two of them duke it out, but until then... I'm going to enjoy these moments of harmony. Here's a sneak peek at the two boys in their new ride today. (And a glance at the progress of John Kalman's mullet!)

Brothers - monkeying around

Here's Eleck's first video appearance. More to come when he opens those eyes more frequently!

Sneak Peek at Halloween

John Kalman tried on his Halloween costume yesterday. He LOVED being dressed like a monkey and cracked up when he saw his reflection in the mirror. I tried to get him to perform for the camera, but unfortunately he had just discovered Nini's chapstick. :)

Dance monkey dance

John Kalman was having a serious laughing fit at supper tonight. I didn't have my digital camera handy, so I got my computer and started filming him. The laughing fit lasted until he realized he could see his reflection in the computer screen. Then the baby tricks began!

Watch what our little genius can do.

Uh oh! Meatball.

naked + dizzy

Again, probably something that we (or at lest John Kalman) should be embarrassed of... but seriously, is there anything cuter than naked babies?

Rockin' in the band

We gave Jeffrey a keyboard for his second birthday, and after the party, he, JK, and Piper made a little music for us. Here's a little preview of the boys in the band!

Shhh... I'm reading

Hi KK

Apparently John Kalman has seen me talk on the phone with my sister once or twice. Every morning, after he has his bottle in our bed, he goes straight to my nightstand and pillages for gadgets. Once he's found my phone, he holds it to his ear and says "Hello KK." EVERY DAY! In fact, almost every time he stumbles across my phone.

Here's a little sample, though not one of his more clear conversations:

Fantastic Necklace!

John Kalman is obsessed with wearing our shoes. He tries Jack's, but they are a little big and heavy for his little feet to carry around. But my shoes are the perfect fit! I'm used to hearing him trod around in my slippers or loafers or flats, but I have no idea what possessed him to wear one of my necklaces too! (I swear I didn't put him up to this, though I did have flashbacks of dressing Michael Pat in my jean skirt and heart sweater when he was two!)

The Reader

John Kalman LOVES books. It makes Jack and I so proud that his favorite thing to do is sit in our laps and look at books. Jack brought home a new "ABCs in San Francisco" book the other day, and John Kalman learned all about his city. The highlight of this video comes at the end, as our boy tries his hand at identifying 'espresso!' He's a city boy, for sure. :)

He's addicted...

... and his mama can relate! My boy does NOT want to part with his pickle. :)

Rooster Ride

Pillow Talk

There is nothing sweeter than Johnny K right when he wakes up from his nap. He is playful and happy and well rested, and it makes his mommy very happy! Here is a little sampling of John Kalman first thing.

YUMMY

Who doesn't like Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough?
John Kalman is in heaven when I let him participate!

Our little daredevil

I knew I was in trouble when a two minute quiet spell was followed by a loud thump and hysterical laughter. Here's what I busted John Kalman doing!

What's so funny?

John Kalman and I have a new game. Basically I dance around and act a fool, and he dies laughing. It is the best thing in the world. See for yourself.

Corn-head the cookie monster

It's clear. John Kalman loves to eat. He won't let Jack or I get near a bite of food without running up and screaming 'mo' mo'' or 'bite bite.' Here are two of his eating adventures from yesterday: corn & cookies!

Big shoes to fill

I think every kid probably tries on his parent's shoes. Is it this cute when other kids do it?!

Brusha Brusha Brusha

For those of you who know about the toothbrush saga in our house, this one will be a big surprise. :)

Delicious

I thought we had made some progress in teaching John Kalman how to use a spoon.... then I left the room and went to get myself a bowl of cereal. Here's what ensued in my absence!

Here Puppy. Roll Over. Good Dog.

You want a puppy to do a trick. You give him a treat. It works every time.

Well, Jack and I are learning that the same rules apply to your children. Here is a little glimpse into Jack getting kisses from his boy.

Our camping trip

We had a great Fa family adventure this past weekend. John Kalman and I took up to Jack camping for Father's Day. We drove up the coast to Bodega Bay and found a great campsite in a Redwood Grove. It went surprisingly well, given the circumstances (camping with a sick one year old, sleeping in a tent!)... and I think Jack really enjoyed himself. I know John Kalman did.

Here's a little glimpse into our setup.

Ball? Ball? Ball?

I guess ball is a really useful word for a little one to know.
Here's what happens when one gets away from Johnny K.

Daddy's little helper

John Kalman loves to help his daddy with yard work.
And, like everything, he prefers to do it naked. :)

The Big Screen

John Kalman is definitely my son.
We both love to look at ourselves on the computer screen / TV screen / you name it screen.

Here's a little movie we made yesterday.
Enjoy!

It's official!

John Kalman is going to be a big brother!

Here are the pictures of our healthy baby girl or boy. (We're going to ride this one out like last time... nothing like a good surprise.) Everything seems to be in good, working order, so we are on track to have another healthy baby sometime in early October.

Thanks for keeping all of us in your prayers.
Love Love Love!

John Kalman is a genius

In case we haven't already told you (and you hadn't come to the conclusion on your own), our boy is a first rate whiz kid. Yesterday morning as Jack was getting ready to leave, JK looked at him and very seriously said "Bye Bye Dada." Now I'm not sure when kids are supposed to start stringing words together, but at fourteen months, I'd say JK is on the early side of that.

I tried to capture it on video, but couldn't get a repeat performance. This video is pretty cute either way, as it stars a diaper clad bouncing boy.

Enjoy!

Getting dirty

Well, I have to admit that going back to work has put a serious damper on this blog.  Sorry the posts are so few and far between.  I will work on getting you more of what you need - John Kalman Fa!!! 

Thursdays are my half day at work, and when I got home this afternoon John Kalman was outside in his diaper, playing in the hose.  He and Dana (our WONDERFUL nanny) were filling bowls with dirt and turning it into mud.  I was so happy to see him getting dirty as the opportunities for playing naked in your backyard are pretty few in this climate.   He had a blast, covering himself head to toe in mud.  And of course I had a blast, because there is nothing more fun that watching a naked baby play in the hose on a sunny day. 

Love to all! 

A tribute to Papa

Kal was always so proud of his grandson and his big appetite. 

I thought this would be a perfect tribute to Kal... I'm sure he is up in Heaven, smiling down on John Kalman and his oatmeal covered head.

Johnny K lately

Here are some pictures of John Kalman from the last week.  He had a great time with NiNi in San Francisco, and we all loved being with NiNi AND PapPap in San Diego.  

I love Mike Mike & LaLa

We were so sad to say goodbye to Mike Mike and La La last night. Our house is a lot quieter this morning as John Kalman isn't jumping up and down clapping at the sight of them! He had so much fun with his Aunt & Uncle. They played lots of games and taught JK a thing or two about rhythym. Watch him keep the beat here!

Spoiled boy

John Kalman had the best birthday. He got so many presents and even more wrapping paper. He was a happy happy boy.

More birthday videos

John Kalman's birthday party

Here's the video of John Kalman eating his cake. (Or looking at it!)
You have to turn your head sideways at one point, but it's worth the watch.
Love to all of you!

Pushing babies

John Kalman is practicing being a big brother in this video. :)

There are starving children in San Francisco...

... and apparently John Kalman is one of them.

That kid can not get enough to eat. Here he is devouring my sandwich minutes after finishing a huge lunch. It's amazing what he can fit into his mouth. :)

Boys will be boys.

Making faces

John Kalman loves making faces. This video shows him clownin' around with his Grammy in Seattle.

Flying Baby

I'm pretty sure this is one of those things that you're not supposed to do with your child anymore. It's kinda like letting your kids sleep on the floor of the car during a road trip... they just don't think it's a good idea! But John Kalman LOVES it.

Crawling is for babies...

Here they are.. John Kalman's first steps. Well, not technically his first steps.

Bounce

JK got his first few bounces on the trampoline while we were in Seattle. I think he loved it!

Do Re Mi...

John Kalman learned a few things from Emma while we were in Seattle.

The big boy and his cousin

Almost cruisin'

Who needs teeth?!

We went to the park this weekend and had a picnic laid out. He went straight for the pear, picked it up, and ate it - like he had a mouthful of teeth and a purpose!

He gets bigger and more independent every day.

Johnny K

We call our boy a few things... John Kalman and JK are just the start. We've decided at one point that "Johnny K" is his rockstar name. This video gives you a little taste of our young rockin' friend, Johnny K.

This kid will eat anything

Seriously. Anything. 

Here's a little sampling of what he's eaten this week:

Three Mushroom Soup with Sherry & Cream (he ate our leftovers from dinner for his lunch)

Curry &  Yogurt Braised Chicken Thighs (leftovers, again)

All manners of stinky & sharp cheeses (we realized his love for these when he went to town on the samples at Whole Foods)

Bread with laughing cow cheese

Roasted Brussel Sprouts & Potatoes (leftovers, again)

and Olives!

It completely blows my mind. 

Trying to walk

JK is trying hard to walk this week. He'll hold on to whatever he can and use it as a walker. Here he is using a tin can as his crutch!

John Kalman has a new trick

... and he is very proud of himself! (I'm pretty proud of him too!)

JK's dome

You can get a look at JK's "dome" in this one!

Thrasher

JK is all about jumping up and down. He is constantly practicing his head-banging. Here we are at the park yesterday, while he puts on a show!

Who's your mama?

If there was any question before... this should settle the matter!

Progress Report: Hair

On a bald baby scale with 10 being the baldest, I'd say John Kalman is now about a 7. He is starting to grow a little rat tail in the back... it's pretty blonde, but you can definitely see it coming in. Here are some pictures to show you the new growth on JK's head!

Mama's Boy

It's official. John Kalman is a mama's boy. I knew it was so when I watched him go to town on a piece of chocolate cake yesterday. (Not just chocolate cake, but chocolate kahlua cake!)

Our friend Katie asked if she could give him a piece, and it was all downhill from there. He LOVED it! So much that he tried to eat the plate it came on. Watch, and enjoy!

Hunger Strike

Our little boy is really growing up. He is developing a very clear idea of what he likes and dislikes. His new thing is to go on hunger strikes if he isn't into what we're feeding him. I made a big batch of butternut squash the other day, and he wanted NOTHING to do with it. When I finally did trick him into opening his mouth, I shoved a bite in there... only to watch it come back out faster than it went in.

He's got two signature moves... the spit out and the clamp down. This video gives you a little glimpse into the clamp down... though it's mild in comparison to normal, as here I'm feeding him yogurt (his favorite food) instead of peas (his least fave).

JK's first trip to the snow

Jack and I took John Kalman up to Tahoe for New Year's. We had beautiful weather the whole time, including one day of falling snow. Jack's been talking for a year about putting JK in the baby bjorn and taking him down the slopes.... but (surprisingly!) he didn't even bring it up on this trip. We did put him in the backpack and go snowshoeing though. Great day.

Hiking on Mt. Tam

We were pretty excited about our plans for a five mile hike up on Mt. Tam. We had JK packed snugly in the backpack, along with the entire contents of our diaper bag and fixins for a picnic. Much to our chagrin, we only made it about 800 feet before our little friend made it clear that he was not interested. So, we settled in for a picnic instead