He's starting to talk

In the last few weeks, Jack has suddenly become little person who can repeat words back to you. Not all the time, mind you, but when he feels like it. He'll also now walk up to you and just say words out of the blue, without prompting.

He can now tell you what sounds the dog, kitty, duck, birdie, cow, horse and tiger make. He also says almost all the animal names, although some are head-scratchers, like "Dey" for birdies. But hey, he's consistent about using so it counts as a word.

Other favorite words these days include Daddy, Mama, bear, ball, bath and the crowd-favorite belly. Which is accompanied by him lifting your shirt to inspect your belly. Which goes over well with people who don't really like their bellies exposed to the world. He had a great time lifting my nine-months-pregnant friend's shirt when she was here recently. He kept looking when we said "There's a baby in there," obviously, calling bullshit on us.

He can also now climb up the gate at the top of the steps. He can't get over it, but he hangs on to the top and starts walking up the fabric section with his feet. I can only hope with great fervor that he doesn't figure out to do this in his crib.

And for those following along at home, I am still sick as hell. Ten weeks and counting...