year of the Jack-L

2009 was a lucky and adventurous year! Lucky parents were fortunate to have a healthy and spirited boy all year long, only a few bad luck ear-infections and a minor bout of pneumonia slowed us down.

The parents found themselves challenged as the Jack-L's skills multiplied in strength many, many times over. The year was marked with many risky new ventures including walking, climbing, and even running. New doors were opened including doors to the Tupperware, and cupboards to the cookies (and locks promptly installed). Obstacles were mere trifles--couches were mountains to be scaled and chairs were pawns to be rearranged, leaving parents in the dust, wondering if it was in fact the year of the monkey.

Good fortune smiled upon the Jack-L. Even as the economy tanked, real estate for toys boomed and rooms were filled to capacity with playthings that beep, sing and heckle if ignored for too long. And the books! Books were king and letters came together to form magical things called words. Words which were sponged up and then gushed out in exclamations of "puppy!, coffee!, dude!, Daddy, Mommy, Jack," and "You're so funny", to name a few.

The year 2010 promises to be as fortuitous as the past one. There are more words to learn, a toilet to master, and challenges ahead that the parents cannot even begin to imagine. Contrary to popular belief, the year of the terrible twos is predicted to be full of giggles and brimming with love. Let the wild rumpus begin!

Larson Family Band Plays Living Room

     The Larson Family Band played their living room on last Monday despite low security and poor attendance. It was the first gig they had played in months. Originally scheduled to play The Cedar Cultural Center, The Larsons realized they'd have to move their concert to their living room when they realized they didn't have a sitter for their 22 month old, Jack.
     "It was kind of a bummer." said Karen who sings and plays Mandolin. "What were we thinking?" sighed Josh the group's guitarist and vocalist. The show started at approximately 7:00 and ended forty five minutes later. The duo knew they were in trouble when Jack stole their picks and attacked their instruments. "I can't believe security didn't stop him." complained Josh, who played the entire set sans pick. "I mean just because nobody was there doesn't mean they shouldn't have done their job."
     Security declined to be interviewed for this article.
     As for The Larsons, they will continue to soldier on in spite of toddler interference. "There's definitely opportunity out there.  We just have to keep everything away from him. One idea is to play all our gigs standing up rather than sitting down...comfortably. So he can't reach our instruments." Karen added "We've tried sooo hard to teach him play several different instruments so he can be in the band, but he just refuses to take it seriously. When he first threw his harmonica across the room, I thought it was very cool. Very punk rock. But now...I'm not so sure.
     What The Larson Family does know for sure is that Jack is a good dancer. "He really gets into it sometimes. He's learned a lot about dancing from watching the first fifteen minutes of the movie "Happy Feet." Says Mom.
   "We just have to be patient."Says Dad. "I'm sure he'll be playing lead guitar by next year."                  
     Boy, ain't that the truth.
 
 

Jack's top ten reads of 2009

As the end of the year is quickly approaching, I have noticed that everyone from the New York Times to Amazon.com is posting their top 10 books of 2009. It is now time for Jack, an avid reader who consumes at least 10 books a day, to give his 2 cents on his favorite books of 2009. Here is the list, as dictated by Jack:

1. Are You My Mother? (see past posts for more about this one)
2. Jazz Baby (fallen from #1 during 2008)
3. Where's the Dragon? (best when read by dad with his authentic grandfather voice)
3. The Little Engine That Could (I think I can...read this book for the 40th time time)
4. Ping-Ping Panda (beautiful pop-ups...to destroy that is)
5. What's in Paco's Pocket? (well, do you know what he keeps in there?)
6. Harry the Dirty Dog (pronunciation: "doity dog")
7. Skippy Jon Jones: Color Crazy (everyone's favorite trouble making Chihuahua)
8. Knuffle Bunny (all bunnies are now called Knuffie!)
9. Dumpy LaRue (the pig who knew what he wanted to do)
10. Richard Scarry's Cars and Trucks from A to Z (shaped like an apple what's not to love?)

Jack asks that you take a moment now to post your recommendations for his 2010 reading  list--his dad needs all the help he can get for the next trip to the biblioteca (as Skippy Jon Jones would say).

Too Cold. Stayed in House

Well, the winter months could be hard when it's too cold to go outside. Today was one of those days. Hopefully it will warm up soon so we can go play in the snow.
Jack has been spending a lot of time with his cousin Oden and Aunt Sarah while I perform in "Hershel and the Hannukah Goblins" during the day for The Minnesota Jewish Theatre. Unfortunately Jack will not be seeing the show because it is recomended for ages three and up. I think this is for the best. It's only an hour show, but I don't think his attention span would last. I also think he would probably just shout "Daddy" the entire time I was on stage.
Christmas shopping has been quit an adventure! Last night we went to "Half Price Books." I basically just chased him through the aisles as he said hi to every single customer. Yeah, one of us shops and the other one chases Jack. That's the arrangement.

Intro-extro-vert

It seems that the labels "introvert" and "extrovert" are two that people are eager place upon your kid. When Jack is acting shy, I tend to feel the need to apologize for his antisocial behavior, saying, "He just needs some time to warm up." On the other hand, when he is acting extroverted, I also feel the need to apologize for his unrestrained howl of "Cookie!" during a church service (after finishing off the one we swiped from coffee hour in hopes of getting through an extra 5 minutes of the service in peace).

So far, Jack has exhibited a wide range of introversion and extroversion, and as an introvert myself, I find myself particularly fascinated by his range. You be the judge...

The introvert: Party at Cousin Oden's house for Uncle Michael's graduation celebration last Saturday. Now this is a home Jack frequents almost every day--he is familiar with the landscape and the people. To our surprise, he clams up and buries his face in his mother's legs for at least two hours. A single glance in his direction by friend or stranger sends him spiraling into the safety of Mom's thighs. At about 9:30 or so, he manages to drop the act--maybe he was getting punchy because it was so late, or maybe it was the two sippy cups of sparkling apple juice I gave him--anyway, he manages to put on a last minute show for the crowd by emptying out the beer cooler with cousin Oden and freely mingles while sucking down copious quantities of ice cubes.

The extrovert: Friday night (tonight) our family heads to Benny's Grill in Hastings for a Blue Drifters gig. I expect Mr. Shy Guy to appear at any moment. Instead, Jack owns the place. He flashes his smile, bribing the barista to give him a free cookie, runs the length of the place at least 40 times--a few of which find him in the kitchen--all while shouting "Hi!" to everyone he sees. Granted, the place only had a total of 11 people at its peak, but who would have guessed he would be whooping it up with strangers in this strange place after last weekend? (and by now you may be wondering what kind of parents would allow such behavior in a public establishment).

Anyway, the jury is out, and we love him no matter what -vert he is.

He said no no no

"Jack, let's put your pajamas on."

"NO."

"I picked out some books, do you want to read books?"

"NO."

"Are you ready for the crib?" "Aren't you tired?"

"NO."

Disconcerting answers from a boy who never used to answer our questions. Hmm...maybe silence really is golden.

giving thanks for cake & cousins

Jack is notorious for being an amazing eater. He's known to eat both Josh and I under the table on numerous occasions, and has amazed many with his super-toddler gastronomic capabilities. At restaurants he slams "kids" meals and eats circles around seven- and eight-year olds at neighboring tables.

Enter Thanksgiving 2009. Turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes with gravy, glazed carrots, cranberry sauce, green bean casserole, Cool Whip salads, seven-layered jellos--none of these classic Midwestern standards can capture the attention of the toddler-on-the-run. The toddler-on-the-run only requires simple prison fare: bread and water. Food that can be gripped in one's tightly clenched fist while climbing, running, cavorting and competing with cousins.

However, the toddler-on-the-run is never too busy for a bite of dessert. And as his sugar-loving-mama, I made sure to hijack us some carrot cake in case we started to have the sugar shakes when we got home. And, we did.
Enjoy.

Fall time (Rake up the Leaves)

I finally finished my kid's song about fall. I've only been trying to write it for about eight years. Here are the lyrics at least. Maybe I can try to get a recording of it on here somehow.


Fall time rake up the leaves
before it starts to snow

Red brown leaves on the ground
put them in a pile

Black bag put them right in
and set them on the curb

Big truck pick them right up
and take them far away

Uh oh the leaves are all gone
there's no more on the lawn

What are we gonna do?
I guess we'll shovel snow

Fall time rake up the leaves
before it starts to snow

Copyright 2009 Josh Larson

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precious metal

Who knew how frightful our plumbing was until my eyes were opened to the glistening copper tubing which now bejewels the laundry.

Drifters take 3rd

Well, my band,"The Blue Drifters" took third in a bluegrass contest this weekend. It was "The Harvest Jamboree" over at the Mariott in St. Louis Park. We received a nice little plaque for our efforts. I've also been working on "Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins" for The Minnesota Jewish Theatre. And no, there is no bluegrass music in the show. There is a little music though. There's also puppetry and live sound effects. I did the show last year as well but am doing different parts this year. We open Dec. 5.

Jack is sleeping right now. I could never type something like this when he's awake. I gave him one time out today when he repeatedly abused myself and my guitar with his bare hands and his "magical" wand from the Renaissance festival. I put him down for a nap after that. We also walked to the park on the trail. He was on the swing forever. Then we watched some crows for awhile. I carried him home because he didn't want to walk.

Put me in the zoo!

At the Como Zoo a couple weekends ago. We were not impressed by the lush foliage as much as we were impressed by the many water features in which to dip our grubby hands in. Our apologies to the Koi.

Are you my mother?

Does it count as potty training if Jack stands in his frog potty while using it as a step stool, pees down the dresser and leaves a puddle on the floor that is everywhere but in the frog potty? "Messy!", Jack says. "Yes, Messy!" I say as I mop it up with baby wipes. At least we may be starting to connect the act of peeing with the potty, but it is more likely we just got excited that we discovered a new climbing tool.

I also tried to fulfill the fantasy that Jack might sit still for a haircut. The fantasy that we might bring a handsome, cleanly clipped boy to our Thanksgiving festivities. Jack does not share my dream as he repeatedly told me he might "fall" out of the chair and therefore desperately tried to escape as I more desperately tried to shear his baby mullet. Probably was a little too optimistic on my part for a Thursday night with no sidekick to distract him. He may have to wear a paper bag now.

We ended the night right by sharing some strawberry ice cream and books. My favorite part was reading "Are You My Mother?" At the end Jack always points at me and says "Mommy!" He is letting me know that he knows I am his mother. He is much smarter than that half-wit baby bird.

To Lost Love from Lonely Heart

I have decided to utilize the blog format today to keep in touch my husband as we pass by each other in the 10 minutes between bus stop and drop off. Here goes...

1. Fixed the CD player! Contrary to your belief that Jack had finally destroyed it, he only maimed it by shutting the CD tray with 2 CDs stacked into a tray meant for one. Maybe he was trying to create a mash-up. He is an experimental D.J., no doubt.

2. I realize now that every object Jack drags out: e.g. pots, pans, toy drum, pillows, are all for the sole purpose of getting around our "no climbing on chairs" rule. He makes himself anywhere from 2-5 inches taller with these objects, allowing him to reach knives, the coffeemaker and of course, the CD player (in above para).

3. Jack was a super bed time boy and thanks to no late afternoon nap and went to bed with no complaint! This allowed more time for me to catch up on my reading. HA! I mean wash dishes for 1.5 hours to make up for my laziness yesterday on my birthday.

P.S. My parents are coming on Saturday to finish fixing the plumbing. I know I haven't told you yet even though I have known since Monday. Hence the blogging.

:X -K

Tantrums!

Well, I have officially abandoned any sense of cool I ever thought I had. It feels good. I found myself pretending I was a monkey at the park the other day. No, there wasn't anybody around. At least not right there. Somebody definitely could have been watching from a distance. Hmmmmmm. Jack has recently discovered the fine art of tantrums and must be distracted. Hence, me acting like a monkey.

I realize I haven't written for awhile. It's not as if I have lots of free time. I've basically all but abandoned doing things around Jack that take time and concentration. To even check my e-mail in his presence entails him slamming the keyboard and grabbing the mouse. It's good that he's interested in computers at least. I tried to change the strings on my guitar the other day. That ended in me having a tantrum.

Two Gentlemen of Minnesota

Wow, it has been too long since I last wrote an entry. Jack finally clapped for basically the first time yesterday. We've been trying for a long time and he finally did it.

As of late, The new Trampled by Turtles album "Duluth" has been a good companion for Jack and I. Some of the mandolin solos feel like they're going off the rails but in a good way. My wife and I also took in "Two Gentlemen of Verona" at The Guthrie Theater. Quite an ambitious show, it was set in the 1950's before a live studio audience.

As far as rants go, I wish there were more zippers than snaps on baby's clothing because it would make it a lot easier to get them dressed.

Lastly, I wish it would finally stop snowing for good so Jack and I can go for more walks.


"I hate songs that make you feel sad. Songs that make you feel like you were born to lose, bound to lose, no good for nobody."

-Woody Guthrie


"They're not even our friends, we're just lookin' at 'em"

- My wife on Facebook

Stay at home dads save the world...again

Baby Clothes Sizes

How can baby sizes be so far off sometimes? We'll get clothes for Jack that are supposed to be whatever month he's in and they're not even close to fitting him. Do some of these baby clothing companies just sort of take a guess as to what sizes babies are? I think they may be using Cabbage Patch Kids for models because when they're off, they're really off. Usually jumbo gigantic or too small for a a baby hamster. Not usually too much in between. Granted, most of Jack's clothes are hand me downs so they've been through the wash a few times but that shouldn't matter too much. It's a mystery. Thank God he has two thousand outfits to pick from.

Jammin' in the Kitchen

I pick up my six string and strap it on because I know I won't sit still when he's on the move. I start strummin' and follow him into the kitchen. Eventually I sit down so he can play too. He mutes the strings with his hands. My strums become drums. I keep singing to the beat. He checks out the tuning pegs. I fear that he might cut his hands on the string endings sticking out, but he never does. Sometimes he'll groove up and down to the songs but not today. He's too busy digging in drawers that we've unloaded and replaced with toys. Eventually he's overcome with a tantrum and the music must die.


"What, those bands touring around? You think that's the Stones, man? You think that's the Who?
Robots, man."

-Eric Bogosian

Banana Man

Now he's abandoned on the floor
but he wasn't there before
he amused Jack earlier in the night,
with his soft banana peels,
and hilarious mirror feet
that's our banana man

Copyright 2009 Jack Fog Productions

"Well, I have a thing to tell you, and it won't take long-
the way that I feel about you is a kind of a song."

-Sandra Boynton

Baby Socks Suck

It's true right? They are not made to actually stay on the baby's foot. They are made to look pretty. It's because the baby sock engineers know they can get away with it. Just imagine if Nike didn't put any elastic in Tiger Wood's socks. How long would that last? 10 seconds! Babies just don't care about those things. In fact I think they like it when their socks fall off. They know intuitively that they are more free without them. For parents though, it's awfully irritating. I'd just like to say to all of you baby sock manufacturers, leave the elastic in. It's still the most important part of the sock. "Cute" can only go so far. The sock must stay on the foot.

Dad and Son

Welcome!

Are you frustrated with the baby aisle in your local shopping center? I am. I'll tell you why. How come there's no pictures of Dads on any baby products? As a stay at home Dad, I find this not only sexist but offensive as well. Yes, I know Moms. You went through hell to get that baby out and we dads did not. However after all of the hospital stuff is done and everyone's recooperated are we not both parents?
I'm totally willing to let this go if things became a little more equal in that baby aisle. C'mon, put a man on that diaper box. Maybe the ol' holding the baby above the head and looking happily at him. Or the one where the babys head is rested on the shoulder of the parent. Only make it a dad. I'm not saying to take all the moms out of the advertising. That's absurd! After all I realize it is still mostly moms doing the stay at home parent thing. Just put some dads on there.
These are just a few thoughts that I thought I'd express right off the bat. This blog is to give a voice to dads, who dig listening to, playing and writing music. Sometimes I may say things like "I listened to The Fleet Foxes album so much, I have to take two weeks off from it." Or "Having a kid helped me discover the excellent folk stylings of Dan Zanes." This will also be a way for me to tell stories about my son, rants like the one above, or even tales about my career in the theater. That's about it for now.