Monday, October 27, 2008

Jack's Six-Month Photoshoot

On October 14, Ann and I were fortunate enough to steal a spot in Alisha Robertson's schedule so that Jack could have a professional six-month photoshoot.

I really wanted a professional shoot to celebrate Jack's semi-annual. After all, what self-respecting art director doesn't take advantage of their rolodex when it comes to getting their own pictures taken. Luckily, I'd seen Alisha's work with a former colleague's daughter and knew just who to call.

The light at our house sucked, as usual (trees are great for shade – not so much for natural light and photography) so Alisha suggested we trek down to the Autrey Mill Nature Preserve. Jack was the consummate professional, never fussing during the hour-and-a-half session – not even when we stripped him down for the obligatory buff baby portion of the shoot.

Alisha was great with Jack – and us (both of whom are incredibly uncomfortable in front of the camera). The result: Great pictures of a charming little sir. There are even a few with Ann and me thrown in for good measure (and to make Jack look extra good).



View the entire slideshow of Alisha's photos of Jack...
Check out Alisha Robertson's posting about her shoot with Jack...

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

The Jack Jordan Six Month Spectacular!

Jack's sixth month has been another eventful one. The 'lil sir has successfully – though not without some false starts – conquered rolling over. He's even translated this new skill into a strange means of getting from point A to point B – something he has demonstrated for JD and JJ multiple times but never once for his mother, much to her disappointment. And he appears to have figured out the basic concept behind crawling, even if he continues to lack the upper body strength to pull it off. In fact, he looks so close to crawling that Ann and JD are in a sudden panic to baby-proof the house.

But the biggest events for Jack this September were his trips to Albany and Knoxville – his first really long distance trips.

Early in the month, we traveled south to visit Ann's long-time friend Haley and her new twins, Savannah and Mason. It was Jack's first real opportunity to socialize with other babies. He took an immediate interest in the twins and even grabbed little Savannah's hand. But, best of all, it was Jack's first chance to go swimming. Sadly, it was also Jack's first chance to join a crying-baby chorus – a sound that haunts JD to this day.

Later in the month, we traveled north to Knoxville to visit JD and Ann's college friends Amy and Travis. Turns out they love babies – as evidenced by a weekend of photographs that include only one of Ann and another with JD's foot. But Jack did get to go to the Knoxville Greek festival – something he appreciated more, no doubt, a few days later when he was able to enjoy baklava-flavored milk.

But perhaps JD's favorite trip with Jack was an early morning adventure to find gas. At the height of September's fuel shortage (thanks, Sonny!), and with but a few spare fumes left in his tank, JD packed up Jack and went hunting for one of the few stations actually selling petrol at wallet-gouging rates. Why, ask you, would a father take his baby boy out with him in a car short of gas, with no certain destination at which to fuel up? Why risk getting stranded on the side of the road with an 6-month old? Sympathy. No one is going to slow down a pick up a thirty-something man with a gas can. But a thirty-something man with a crying baby.... now that's a different story...

So, some firsts (and lasts) from Jack's sixth month:
  • Long-distance trips!
  • Gas lines!
  • Swimming!
  • Rolling from one point to another (on purpose).
  • His last sit in the boppy bouncer – he's a little too heavy, and a lot too mobile, to keep using it. On to the swing!
  • His first presidential debate.
  • His first (plastic) and second (wooden) high chairs.
  • His first (Knoxville) and second (Atlanta) Greek festivals.
  • Opa!
And for those of you keeping score at home, Jack was measured in September at 18lbs, 6oz.

Enjoy some pics from Jack's sixth month:



Jack and his GrandMary greeting Ann after work


JD and Jack chillin' by the pool


Jack in his stylish pool attire


Jack and Savannah


Jack and Mason


Jack contemplates his thumb at the Knoxville Greek Festival


Like all rock stars, Jack ended the day on the floor covered in his own drool


Jack and Travis playing on the floor


Jack watching the McCain-Obama debate
We got a good laugh out of it, too


Jack and Ann playing on the floor