Worry not! I had to disappear for a while. Let's say it was for, uh, tax reasons. Yeah, that's the ticket. Meanwhile, I've taken a trip to Texas to meet my Southern relatives, and I've ballooned to 26 inches and almost 19 pounds! This might be a record, even for Hearnspawn.

The better news is that Mommy and Daddy have finally figured out most my needs, which leads to me being happier, which leads to big smiles! (I should be honest, though, Daddy still does try to put the diaper on my head occasionally. I'm not sure that he's any more mature than I am. Luckily, Mommy is not averse to hitting him when he misbehaves.) This picture's from about a month ago right before daddy went to prison er, we went on vacation for a while.

Here, The Cheat and I discover one another. I thought she looked very edible; she probably thought the same thing about me.

On the plane to Texas! I was such a good boy. I almost peed on a surly passenger!

This is a shot of Mommy and me in front of the statue dedicated to the cowboys of Mason County. One of my ancestors is mentioned on a plaque on the other side!

Man, do I like nappin' with Grandma.

And eating watermelon! I just had a little bit of the juice, but it was seriously lip-smackin'.

Despite my apprehensive expression, I was actually very glad to meet Aunt Joan.

And cousin Jill...

And Ginger...

And cousin Kelli...

And cousin Kelli's four kids: Braden, Dalen, Bailey, and Kylie...

And Uncle Mike...

And Papaw...

And a host of other relatives that would take hours to name (Mamaw, Aunt Vicky, Aunt Donna, Uncle Bill, Uncle Fred...)! They were all so awesome.

Grandpa bought a new camcorder so he could document my every move, and also to drive Mommy nuts with it. Awesome.

If he wasn't playing with the new camera, he was usually playing with me!

We had a great time in Texas, and I'm ready to go back!!! Assuming Mommy is ready to board a plane with me again.