When I came in from a run at Shelby Park late this afternoon, John Patrick took my hat off and put it on his head. I love this picture of him, clowning around with it.

Today, Jude and John Patrick ventured outside to play. It was cold. I love John Patrick in his new winter coat, although I think it makes him look older.

John Patrick and Mommy, coloring at his new table.

More Joe Cool

The Music Man

Like me, my son has a passion for music. Unlike me, however, his taste in music is limited. So limited, in fact, that if I play anything other than one of three albums, he lets me hear about it.

John Patrick's playlist consists of Rilo Kiley - Under the Blacklight, The Baby Einstein Music Box Orchestra - Lullaby Classics and his favorite (and mine), Barenaked Ladies - Snacktime!. If he's fussing, sitting in his high chair, all I have to do is plug in the Ipod and upon hearing the first few notes of the first song on "Under the Blacklight" or "Snacktime," he smiles and starts to bob his head from side to side. A boy after my own heart.

We have portable Ipod players throughout the house and several Ipods. If John Patrick is playing or preparing to eat in the kitchen, he'll point at the Ipod player and say, "ma, ma, ma . . ." until I play one of his three favorite albums.

The Rilo Kiley album is actually quite good, though it's not a children's album. It's a pop record with very catchy songs. The lyrics on some of the songs aren't necessarily age appropriate, but it's the music he likes at this stage of the game. I stumbled across the band in an interview I heard on a podcast of the Bob Edwards show, where Bob spoke to Jenny Lewis, the lead singer. Our nanny, Carley, discovered the "Under the Blacklight" album after I'd added it to my Ipod. She played it a lot and John Patrick fell in love with it.

The Barenaked Ladies album is fantastic. It's a children's album - the Canadian's band's first -released after a decade or so of putting out great pop music. BNL is knows for intelligent, witty lyrics on all their songs, and "Snacktime" is no different. Even though it's a children's album, the music is so good and the songwriting so clever that Jude and I rarely get tired of listening to it. That's good, because John Patrick insists we play it almost all of the time.

As much as I love the fact that John Patrick is into music, I'm anxious to expand his playlist. With that in mind, today I downloaded from Itunes a couple new albums I think he'll like - The Verve Pipe - A Family Album and Caspar Babypants - More Please!. We'll see how he does with those.

It's hard to believe I'm trying to find music to fit my 21 month old son's tastes. Clearly, though, he's heard music he likes and other music he doesn't like. Has he already developed an affinity for a certain type of music? Or, does he like those three albums because he's heard them a lot. Interesting question.

I hear the train a comin' . . .

John Patrick and Daddy on Christmas morning, checking out a Hot Wheels from Santa Claus.

Oral Hygiene

Interestingly, the toothbrush that Santa Claus brought John Patrick and left in his stocking went over famously, too. Go figure.

Slam Dunk

The early returns are in and, as you can see, the Fisher Price basketball goal from Uncle James and Aunt Megan was a big hit with John Patrick.

Santa Claus is Coming to Town

On our fifth (!) try, we visited Santa Claus at the Green Hills Mall today and had John Patrick's photo taken with him. In one photo, he's crying, but in another one, he's actually smiling.

After striking out yesterday, Jude and I agreed it made sense to try to take John Patrick to see Santa Claus one last time, this morning, just after the mall opened. Good idea, in theory. When we arrived about 9:30 a.m., we were the second family in line. The problem, though, was that Santa wasn't due to arrive until 11:00 a.m. After weighing our options, we agreed I would hold our place in line while Jude entertained John Patrick.

I sat down in the floor, surfed the net on my cell phone and read an article from the New York Times Magazine a couple of Sundays ago I'd been trying to find time to read. Within minutes, the line started to grow and grow, as a result of which I felt smarter and smarter. At 10:50 a.m., I heard an excited murmur from the crowd, looked up, and saw Santa Claus making his way down the line, greeting people and smiling. I think the adults in line were more excited to see him than the children, actually. I know I was.

Jude and John Patrick arrived a minute or two later and we were in business.

I like this photo of John Patrick.

Walking Tall

I took the yesterday and today off work, which gave me a chance to spend some time with John Patrick. This morning, we strolled to Bongo Java after I fed him breakfast. It was chilly, but not too bad. I bundled him up and off we went.

As we walked up Acklen Avenue, across 12th Avenue and through Belmont University's campus, it struck me that with winter here, I probably won't be able to take John Patrick on walks for a couple of months. He was quiet as we strolled. I leaned the stroller back on two wheels to check on him and he gazed up at me, with a contemplative look on his face. It was like he was checking on me. At times, he does seem to have an old soul.

I smiled as I thought about all the walks we've taken together since he was born, 21 months ago later this week. I tried to estimate how many miles we've walked (or run) together. I love the time we've spent together, strolling through the neighborhood. I was sad, too, realizing that it won't be long at all before John Patrick is too big for the stroller.

At Bongo Java, I ordered a cup of coffee, then sat down outside. John Patrick entertained himself by running up and down the ramp leading to the outdoor deck. Chad, a barista I've gotten to know, was kind enough to take our picture before we headed home.

The Nuclear Option

Friday evening, Jude and I took John Patrick to the Mall at Green Hills to make another run at photographing him in Santa's lap. Our plan was to eat dinner afterward, at Panera, so we packed a small cooler to carry his food and milk.

Upon our arrival, we noticed that the line to visit Santa Claus wasn't too long. I stood in line to save our place, while Jude left to walk around the mall with John Patrick. Five or ten minutes later, I heard a child screaming and crying from somewhere behind me. Recognizing it was John Patrick, I turned around just in time to see Jude walking around the corner, toward me, carrying him. He was in full fit throwing mode, screaming like a wild man and squirming in Jude's arms. Jude informed me that when she wouldn't let him go down the "up escalator," he went ballistic.

Jude took my place in line, while I rode the escalator down, then up, with John Patrick. When we got back go the Santa Claus line, it hadn't moved an inch so we decided to go ahead and eat dinner. I went out to the parking lot and brought in the cooler and the booster seat, then found a table at Panera. When Jude brought John Patrick into the restaurant, he was throwing another fit, this time apparently because he hadn't wanted to leave the children's book section at David Kidd Booksellers.

As we tried to sit him down at the table in the restaurant, in his booster seat, John Patrick, still screaming and crying, stiffened his body so we couldn't bend him at the waist or knees to get him seated and strapped in. It was crazy. The worst part, of course, was when we saw a friend of ours sitting nearby. His three young daughters were sitting with him, quietly eating dinner. He smiled at us, sheepishly, as our son continued with the mother of all meltdowns.

Finally, we gave up. Jude took John Patrick outside the restaurant, back into the mall, while I packed everything up for the trip home. When I walked outside, John Patrick was still screaming bloody murder. His face was red, he was crying and really, really making a scene. I expected someone to call the police or the department of children's services at any minute.

We walked to the car. John Patrick continued to cry and refused to let me strap him in his car seat for the ride home. At last, I got him strapped in and Jude drove away. I looked over my shoulder to make sure mall security wasn't hot on our tail. As John Patrick continued to cry in the back seat, I looked at Jude and said, "well, we can always try to take him out in public next Christmas."

200 in 2009

It's a quarter 'til 5 p.m. and I'm sitting at a table at 3 Crow Bar in East Nashville, having a beer, watching traffic drive by outside. It's unseasonably warm for mid-December (63 degrees!) and the garage doors that serve as windows are up. My table is less than ten feet from the intersection of Woodland and 11th Streets.

I'm unwinding after finishing an 8 mile trail run at Shelby Bottoms in Shelby Park. There was standing water on the trails and lots of mud, which made for a great trail run, particularly since the temperature was so pleasant for this time of year. I even managed to discover and explore a new trail, off the Cornelia Fort Trail. Strange, since I've probably run right by the trail head 250 times over the past several years.

Today's run was special, because it was my 200th run of 2009. I achieved a goal I set for myself last December - to run 200 times in 2009. It's not a big deal, really, as it just required me to run four days a week, on average. Still, setting a goal for the year helped me go out and run on those days or nights when I really didn't feel like doing anything more than sitting on the couch, watching television.

It means I made running a priority and stayed relatively healthy. I carved out some time in a relatively busy schedule to run. I ran in early in the morning and at night, after John Patrick was asleep. I ran in the cold, in the rain and in oppressive heat. I ran in the mud, on trails, on the beach and in my neighborhood. I saw deer, turtles, snakes and an owl on my runs. I finished many nighttime runs at Bongo Java, got coffee, then walked home. I ran when I didn't feel like running. I ran when I couldn't wait to get outside and run. Best of all, I ran with my son, who loved it each and every time I strapped him in the Baby Jogger to go for a run. I ran 200 times in 2009.

Running is an important part of my life and it has been for a long time. Running keeps my sane. It relieves stress. It helps me collect my thoughts. Running makes me feel better about myself. There's a spiritual aspect to running, for me. I feel closer to God when I run. I'm blessed to be healthy enough to run on a regular basis.

Now, for 2010 . . .

The Help Rocket

Lately, John Patrick has learned (from our nanny, Carley) how to "sign" the word "help." When he wants an object he can't quite reach or is having difficulty opening something, he looks at us, raises his arms over his head and places his palms together. Carley's husband, Jon Meade, calls it "the help rocket."

I like it.

Watering the Animals

John Patrick has learned that it's important his stuffed animals have fresh water at all times. His Christmas teddy bear was extremely thirsty tonight, as you can see.

Evening Reading

One of the best parts of our day, during the work week, is spending a few minutes with John Patrick after work, before dinner. Tonight, Jude read to him, upstairs, as we all hung out together. I like this photo.

Winter Morning

This morning, as I got ready to leave for work, our nanny, Carley, put her hat on John Patrick. He liked wearing it, for a change, and looked quite cute in it.

Apple Sauce!

Spoonfed

Slowly but surely, John Patrick is becoming a little more adept at using a spoon. Last night, he fed himself most of a container of apple sauce. A lot of the apple sauce ended up on his face, but still, it was pretty impressive. Also, he was using his left hand, which was interesting. Maybe we've got a southpaw on our hands.

Uh-oh

Last night, while he was eating, John Patrick dropped some food off the tray on his high chair, looked at Jude and me, and said, "uh-oh." I had tried, without success, to get him to say it in the past. Now, all of a sudden, on his own, he can't stop saying "uh-oh." Late this afternoon, he seemed to be dropping Cheerios on the floor, just so he could say, "uh-oh." Pretty clever.

J.P. Cool

So you wanna be a rock-n-roll star . . .

Sweet Baby James

Last weekend, as part of my contunuing efforts to mentor Jude's brother, James, I encouraged him to loosen up a bit and drink a beer with me, as we played cards at our house. To make things a little easier on him, I poured a beer in a sippy cup and gave it to him. As you can see, he seemed to enjoy it.

John Patrick, this afternoon, as we walked across Belmont University's campus on our way home.

J.P.!

I took this photo a couple of weeks ago on a Saturday morning, when Jude, John Patrick and I walked down to Bongo Java for breakfast. Afterwards, we played at the soccer field on Belmont University's campus.

John Patrick and me.

A Boy and a Bike

John Patrick is fascinated by bicycles. Here, outside Bongo Java on Belmont Boulevard, he's playing with a bicycle.

A Time to Give Thanks

It's late on Thanksgiving. Jude and John Patrick are upstairs, fast asleep.

We had a nice, albeit rushed, meal at my mother's house this afternoon, before driving over to the Walkers' condominium in Franklin to have dinner with Jude's family. Although he missed his afternoon nap, John Patrick was in high spirits all day. He was a bundle of energy. At my mother's house, he was particularly interested in a miniature vacuum cleaner she has, spending the better part of an hour pushing it on the carpet and making what passed for a vacuum cleaner noise. At the Walkers' condominium, he walked up and down the stairs, repeatedly.

On a night like tonight, after such a full day spent with family, I can't help but think how lucky I am and how God has blessed me.

I have a wonderful wife, who has dedicated her professional life to serving others. She walks the walk, every day. As accomplished as Jude is professionally, she's an even better mother. She's given me the gift of learning to be open minded and to do and experience things that take me out of my comfort zone.

I have a healthy, beautiful, loving son, around whom my world revolves. I can't remember life without him. I learn more about life from him every day than he possibly learns from me.

I have a mother whom I talk to daily, or nearly so. Her zest for life is unmatched and rarely a day goes by that she doesn't make me laugh or I don't make her laugh. My sister, Tracy, and my cousin, Alice, are married to good, decent family men who treat them with respect and love. Tracy's children, Kaitlyn and Matthew, are bright, happy, well adjusted kids.

I have been accepted into and become a part Jude's family, which means the world to me. I couldn't have selected better in-laws or a better brother-in-law. Jude's extended family has become my extended family. It's been such a blessing to watch Jude's younger cousins grow into adults and begin to make their way in the world.

I have a thriving law practice, started from scratch more than 12 years ago. My law partners, Mark and Chas, are accomplished, well respected lawyers with whom I am privileged to go to work every day. More importantly, they're my friends and there's nothing I wouldn't do for them and them for me.

I have a house in a neighborhood I love. I have books to read and music to listen to. I run. I am healthy, happy and I laugh every day. Even better, I make other people laugh every day, too.

I am thankful for all these things. God is good.

Peek-a-boo!

John Patrick, playing peek-a-boo with Jude and me after dinner Friday night.

Ghost Story

Earlier this week, before I got him ready for bed, John Patrick and I were playing upstairs. When I put one of my t-shirts on him, I couldn't decide if he looked more like a ghost or a priest or friar of some sort.

Yard Man

Okay, this is the last photo from Leaf Party VII. John Patrick, as you can see, is raking leaves Sunday afternoon, after the Baines family departed for their drive back to Florida.

Dirt Dog

John Patrick, playing in the dirt in the garden.

The Boy Who Cried Wolf

A week or so ago, John Patrick noticed the black, ornate wolf heads on each end of the mantle, above our fireplace. At first, we weren't sure what he was doing, as he walked from one end of the mantle to the other, looking up, waving and making his sound for a dog barking. Then, laughing, we realized he was waving at the wolves. Funny kid.

Kiwi Fruit

It's breakfast time and John Patrick and I are in the kitchen, shortly before I head to work. We're listening to his favorite cd, the Barenaked Ladies children's album, "Snacktime." He's moving his head from side to side, in time with the music. It's a good morning.

There's something amazing about watching him hold the plastic fork in one hand and, concentrating, carefully spear a piece of kiwi fruit, then place it in his mouth. It's a new trick. Every time he does, I clap and laugh, then he looks at me like, "hey, Dad, what's the big deal." Pretty cool.

Today, the menu was a slice of toast, bacon (he loves bacon), cheerios (which he insisted on fishing out of his bowl of milk) and kiwi fruit. Now, he's leaning back in his high chair, contentedly drinking a bottle of milk. One of our cats, N.C., is scavenging around the floor underneath his high chair, looking for scraps of food.

That's it, that's our morning. Now, I'm off to work.

Teamwork

John Patrick and Finn, playing together (sort of), on Sunday after breakfast.

Twins Chase and Lily, my law partner Chas' children, riding in the John Deere wagon after the Leaf Party.

I'm not sure why I like this photo so much, but I do.

John Patrick, sitting in a chair full of leaves. And liking it.

Jude and John Patrick, playing in a pile of leaves at the Leaf Party.

Nannies

John Patrick's original nannnies, Carley and Denise. We were especially glad Denise was able to come to the Leaf Party, as she's due to give birth to a son in two weeks.

Wolf

Wolf Baines, playing in the leaves at the Leaf Party.

Wide Awake

After waking from his nap, John Patrick was ready in a great mood and ready for the Leaf Party.

The Golden Girls

John Patrick, visiting with Margaret, Grandma and Great-Grandma.

Elena Rollins and our nanny, Carley Meade, at the Leaf Party.

Jude's aunt, Margaret McCutcheon, and her grandmother, Rita White, arriving at the Leaf Party.

My niece, Kaitlyn, and Scout Baines on our back deck at the Leaf Party on Saturday.

J.P. Loves his Mommy

This is a photo I've been meaning to post, of Jude and J.P., after she returned home last weekend from "A Women's Thanksgiving," Renewal House's annual fundraising event.

Vandy Fan

My nephew, Matthew, after I told him that Vanderbilt has to play Tennessee in football EVERY year.

Leaf Party 2009

Keeping me company as I post, just before midnight, are the last three remaining guests at the Leaf Party 2009. They rode home with Jude, John Patrick and me from the Farmer's Market a couple of weeks ago. They went to work with me and greeted clients as they came in the front door of our office until yesterday, when they returned to our house for the Leaf Party. I'm pretty sure they're set to leave tomorrow.

I'm sitting on our front porch, enjoying unseasonably warm temperatures for early November in Nashville (72 degrees today!). It's quiet - Jude, John Patrick, Troy, Cyndi and Finn having gone to bed earlier tonight. Wolf and Scout are staying with friends, before the Baines clan heads home to Florida tomorrow morning. I've got Paul Burch playing on my laptop, setting the tone for my mood, which is a little melancholy.

As I look up at the majestic maple tree looming protectively over our front yard, I realize that Halloween is officially over, fall is nearing its end and winter is just around the corner. Only a few gold leaves remain in the lower branches of our tree. Most of its branches are bare, a sure sign that colder weather is coming soon. It's a little sad, really.

Another Leaf Party, our 7th, is in the books. As always, the kids had a great time playing in the leaves our tree blessed us with this year. I'm smiling as I look out into the front yard and remember that just a few hours ago, it was full of kids of all ages, yelling and laughing, jumping into piles of leaves and, then, throwing them into the air. They took turns pulling each other in our green John Deere wagon through the front yard, into the back yard, then back to the front yard as their parents -our good friends - talked contentedly with each other.

As always, it was great to visit with the Baines family, although the weekend went by too quickly. After the Leaf Party, Wolf, Scout and I reenacted our walk together from last year. This time, we walked through Belmont University's campus to Bongo Java for coffee and popsicles. On the way home, as darkness fell, we threw a frisbee together on the soccer field on campus. They're getting so big - Wolf is 9 and Scout is 7. It's hard to believe I once pushed Wolf in his stroller around the block in his old neighborhood, while Cyndi lay inside their house, sick during her pregnancy with Scout. Wolf was probably 18 months old then, about a month younger than John Patrick is now. Boy, time sure does get by you, doesn't it?

Jude and J.P., with the pumpkin he "helped" her carve for Halloween.

"Trick-or-treat!"

Jude, J.P. and Grandpa, as we prepared to go trick-or-treating.

Trick or Treat!

Last night, Jude and I celebrated our second Halloween with John Patrick. Jude's folks were in town and kind enough to stay at our house to hand out candy, while we trick-or-treated with our neighborhood friends, the Elliotts. The trick-or-treating was hit or miss, really, as we went early and not a lot of houses in our neighborhood were participating. Also, John Patrick was a little on the shy side and since he doesn't eat candy yet, it wasn't a huge deal for him. Next year, I think, he'll really start to get into the Halloween spirit.

John Patrick was dressed as a dog (very cute) in a costume Jude made for him. He was wearing brown overalls with white spots and a tail sewn on. He wore a collar, as well, although Jude refused to let me attach a leash to it.

The temperature dropped pretty quickly after it got dark, so we returned home about an hour after we left. I had made a pot of white chili and a pot of red chili earlier in the afternoon, so we ate dinner with Jude's folks and watched the Vols spank Steve Spurrier's South Carolina Gamecocks. After dinner, we all got into Jude's Honda Pilot and drove to Belmont Boulevard. There, we trick-or-treated at a house or two, then finished up with coffee at Bongo Java. A nice end to a nice Halloween.