JH gets his 2nd eye appointment on Monday so the video above is Da Da quizing him on the shapes they gave us. He has to learn and identify what each image is and when he has 3-d glasses on they ask him which one is jumping out at him.
This morning was pretty uneventful; JH played in his room and Da Da continued in the basemet. He has all the walls built and is on the framining for the soffits (to cover all the duct work and pipes). I had an improtant meeting so I was under lock-down in my office.
In the afternoon we drove to Chicago to get all our piles of mail at the condo. Being that we're "living" in Chicago we have to receive all our adoption related mail there. JH had dinner and after he was just CRABBY (no nap) so he went to bed 1/2 hour early this evening. This will probably work better for us because we want to wake-up very early to get back to MI in the morning.
goodnight.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Monday, November 29, 2010
Jonathan Day 129
It was difficult to jump back in to work after 5 days off :-( Good thing it was a light day and I was able to balance spending time with JH and getting my work done. JH got up early and we all had breakfast and then Da Da finished decorating for Christmas while JH and I ran to the store to get groceries for the week.
We stopped at Aldi and JH was being so silly. He kept grabbing the chain that holds the carts together and saying "I bix it" (meaning I'll fix it). That kept him busy until he started bending over the side saying "i'm upaside down" (upside down) looking at the ceiling. Then as clear as anything ever said, while at the checkout he says "I farted Daddy" and the cashier snickered and kept ringing away.
On the way home he started saying that he wanted to go home and see Da Da in the basement. Either Da Da is spending too much time in the basement or I'm no fun :-p. I'm betting on the no fun part because when Daddy hits a store it's all business and I'm in and out and no stops in the toy department.
The video above is JH saying good morning to the outside when Da Da had his window open to attach the lighted garland under his windows.
Not much really happened this evening other than JH helping Da Da place all the lights on the bushes outside. Now we're watching our second episode of Wonder Pets and it's almost bedtime. More tomorrow :-)
We stopped at Aldi and JH was being so silly. He kept grabbing the chain that holds the carts together and saying "I bix it" (meaning I'll fix it). That kept him busy until he started bending over the side saying "i'm upaside down" (upside down) looking at the ceiling. Then as clear as anything ever said, while at the checkout he says "I farted Daddy" and the cashier snickered and kept ringing away.
On the way home he started saying that he wanted to go home and see Da Da in the basement. Either Da Da is spending too much time in the basement or I'm no fun :-p. I'm betting on the no fun part because when Daddy hits a store it's all business and I'm in and out and no stops in the toy department.
The video above is JH saying good morning to the outside when Da Da had his window open to attach the lighted garland under his windows.
Not much really happened this evening other than JH helping Da Da place all the lights on the bushes outside. Now we're watching our second episode of Wonder Pets and it's almost bedtime. More tomorrow :-)
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Jonathan Day 128
This morning JH woke-up pretty early and since he was dry I put him in bed with us. That lasted 10 minutes and we both had elbows and fingers to the eyes; so Lion King went in the DVD.
I woke-up at about 9:00 AM and Da Da and Grandpa were in the family room and JH was having breakfast. It was a perfect Sunday morning; slept late and the grandparents here to give JH the attention he needs in the morning. Gramma and Grandpa left at about 11:00 AM and it was so cute to see JH follow Grandpa all around while he packed the car. We stood on the driveway and waved and JH kept saying "bye bye Gramma and grandpa" over and over again.
We played a bit and then had lunch and tried to give JH a nap but he was too wound-up. He had such a great time this weekend and last night. We took a quick video at dinner asking him about the weekend.
In the late afternoon the sun started shining and we all went out and planted tulip bulbs. JH and I also collected all the pumpkins and gourds from the yard and loaded them in the wagon to take over to Linda's. She is planning on harvesting the seeds so she can plant them at their farm up the road.
The evening ended with Da Da setting up the Christmas tree and JH asking us at least 200 times "what are you doing Da Da/Daddy". Patience is something that we both work very hard to maintain :-). We have tried answering in many ways to not dismiss him but stop him from continually asking. No luck so we'll stick with patience.
I woke-up at about 9:00 AM and Da Da and Grandpa were in the family room and JH was having breakfast. It was a perfect Sunday morning; slept late and the grandparents here to give JH the attention he needs in the morning. Gramma and Grandpa left at about 11:00 AM and it was so cute to see JH follow Grandpa all around while he packed the car. We stood on the driveway and waved and JH kept saying "bye bye Gramma and grandpa" over and over again.
We played a bit and then had lunch and tried to give JH a nap but he was too wound-up. He had such a great time this weekend and last night. We took a quick video at dinner asking him about the weekend.
In the late afternoon the sun started shining and we all went out and planted tulip bulbs. JH and I also collected all the pumpkins and gourds from the yard and loaded them in the wagon to take over to Linda's. She is planning on harvesting the seeds so she can plant them at their farm up the road.
The evening ended with Da Da setting up the Christmas tree and JH asking us at least 200 times "what are you doing Da Da/Daddy". Patience is something that we both work very hard to maintain :-). We have tried answering in many ways to not dismiss him but stop him from continually asking. No luck so we'll stick with patience.
Jonathan Day 127
Today was our official Thanksgiving. Da Da and Grandpa spent the majority of their time in the basement adding outlets to the newly built walls and finishing soffits. Gramma, Daddy, and JH stuck to the house since it was in the 20s outside. Gramma cooked like a fiend and Daddy helped with peeling, chopping, and clean-up. It was a great day! I also got to watch Snow White with JH while he built forts and chattered away.
Linda and Neil joined us for dinner and we ate ourselves sick. JH ate everything that he was given and wanted more when he finished. We talked for hours after dinner and when we went to wake JH to have him do his last potty of the day he was like a little zombie. He went potty and said goodnight again and fell asleep immediately in spite of being 10 feet from 6 adults talking and laughing pretty loudly.
I hope we make this an annual event spending Thanksgiving with Gramma and Grandpa!
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Jonathan Day 126
The JH alarm went off at about 7:15 AM and it started. "what are you doing Da Da", "what are you doing Daddy", "what are you doing Gramma" . . . . .
We gave JH breakfast, a banana and waffles. JH entertained us by talking while we all rushed around eating breakfast and getting ready for the day. It was Gramma's Birthday so we took some time to give Gramma her cards and JH helped. Then we all piled in the car and drove to Mishawaka to get some great deals.
It was in the 20's so running in and out was fun because JH held Daddy and Da Da's hands and we ran and he belly laughed. We had lunch at T.G.I. Friday's and JH had a small pizza and fries and he was VERY HAPPY! Several times he surprised the waiter with his "thank you" or saying "please" to us.
In the evening JH played and interacted with us all as we sat in the living room. On Gramma and Grandpa's laps. Down to get a toy, on the laps again...
We let him stay up a little later and then is was hugs and kisses for everyone and not a peep when we put him down. We're very lucky parents :-) to have such a well behaved and loving child.
We gave JH breakfast, a banana and waffles. JH entertained us by talking while we all rushed around eating breakfast and getting ready for the day. It was Gramma's Birthday so we took some time to give Gramma her cards and JH helped. Then we all piled in the car and drove to Mishawaka to get some great deals.
It was in the 20's so running in and out was fun because JH held Daddy and Da Da's hands and we ran and he belly laughed. We had lunch at T.G.I. Friday's and JH had a small pizza and fries and he was VERY HAPPY! Several times he surprised the waiter with his "thank you" or saying "please" to us.
In the evening JH played and interacted with us all as we sat in the living room. On Gramma and Grandpa's laps. Down to get a toy, on the laps again...
We let him stay up a little later and then is was hugs and kisses for everyone and not a peep when we put him down. We're very lucky parents :-) to have such a well behaved and loving child.
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Jonathan Day 125
This is our first real holiday with JH. Good thing he has no idea that we're postponing Thanksgiving until Saturday. Gramma and Grandpa drove-up from the Quad Cities this evening and Gramma is cooking for us on Saturday. Tomorrow is Gramma's birthday so we're having dinner out.
JH was very happy to see Gramma and Grandpa and immediately Gramma noticed how much taller JH is since the last time she was here in August. He was being silly and entertained us all while he ate dinner. After dinner we got him ready for bed and he gave hugs and kisses and he was off to bed.
I'll write more tomorrow after we have a day of shopping and fun with JH and the grandparents.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Jonathan Day 124
Lunch was nice and easy and JH actually took a nap today. I ran to the grocery store in town but opened his door before I left so Da Da could get him on the potty when he caem out. Apparently, he was in a very bad mood after his nap because when I got home he was laying on the floor in his bedroom. I knelt down and said what's wrong and he sharply turned over and said "NO", Da Da was already giving him some space and I did too. He's a funny little guy that is happy 90% of the time but has a "mood" now and then.
We played in the evening before dinner and while I cooked, and Da Da started getting the Thanksgiving table "stuff" ready, JH watched Snow White. The photo above is him enthralled in the movie. He was actually on the end of his bed watching.
We're going to "brush your teeth" in a minute and get JH in bed. Big day tomorrow waiting for Gramma and Grandpa to get here :-)
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Jonathan Day 123
Da Da worked around the house while I helped watch JH this morning and after lunch Linda came over and sat with JH until 4:00 PM. Lucky that we have amazing friends only two doors down. Linda and JH played several games while I worked and Da Da finished his list of 25 things to get done.
We finally have a completely clean garage and the car is out of the elements. JH had a grilled cheese and ham for dinner and Da Da and I had salads and leftover Asian food. While I was eating my salad JH kept asking for a bite of my salad. I was giving him peppers and onions to try and make him not want more. No luck, he ate half my salad. I guess we need to make sure he gets fresh greens and vegetables more often. When the garden was producing we gave him way more greens.
After dinner we watched Yo Gabba Gabba and played until a few minutes ago. The video above is JH sitting under my desk today while I was working.
Monday, November 22, 2010
Jonathan Day 122
The video above is JH singing the Hot Diggity Dog song from The Mickey Mouse Club. It has nothing to do with day 122 but I had it so I thought what the heck.
It was rainy and miserable here today so we were all stuck inside. JH played in his room and occasionally ran into my office to ask the standard "what are you doing Daddy". He and Da Da watched some classic Disney movies (Snow White, Dumbo, and Pinocchio. After work we ran to Michigan City for some Thanksgiving shopping and to stock-up on some wine. JH didn't get a nap so we sang his kid songs to make sure he didn't fall asleep.
Dinner wasn't very eventful. JH had a sandwich and carrots and we had a Weight Watchers version of spicy asparagus and turkey. I'm getting pretty good at making low point meals. Rick has lost about 20 pounds and I'm at 12 since we started 18 days ago.
I read JH a book while we watched a few episodes of Elmo while Da Da finished the laundry and then it was bedtime for a very sleepy little boy.
It was rainy and miserable here today so we were all stuck inside. JH played in his room and occasionally ran into my office to ask the standard "what are you doing Daddy". He and Da Da watched some classic Disney movies (Snow White, Dumbo, and Pinocchio. After work we ran to Michigan City for some Thanksgiving shopping and to stock-up on some wine. JH didn't get a nap so we sang his kid songs to make sure he didn't fall asleep.
Dinner wasn't very eventful. JH had a sandwich and carrots and we had a Weight Watchers version of spicy asparagus and turkey. I'm getting pretty good at making low point meals. Rick has lost about 20 pounds and I'm at 12 since we started 18 days ago.
I read JH a book while we watched a few episodes of Elmo while Da Da finished the laundry and then it was bedtime for a very sleepy little boy.
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Jonathan Day 121
All I was doing was whispering at JH and he was cracking-up in the video above. It was chilly here in MI today so we staying indoors until almost 2:00 PM when we all went out and worked in the yard. JH "helped" Da Da plant spring bulbs (stomped on plants, broke two yard lights, and rolled several pumpkins around the yard). I continued organizing the workshop and then Da Da brought JH over to "help" me. It wasn't so bad because he spent most of the time playing with his Thomas The Train on the floor.
At dinner he wanted more peas and carrots than the bow tie pasta that I made him. I think we may have a vegetarian on our hands (not a bad thing). When we make anything with meat in it he doesn't really want to eat it, Even chicken nuggets don't do much for him.
After dinner Da Da read JH three books and he kept asking for more. He is finally settling down a little. We tell him he can stay up later only if he is calm he sits and watches TV with us until bedtime. Tonight he did just that :-)
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Jonathan Day 120
After a quick breakfast Da Da hit the basement and JH and I played in his room. Once Da Da ran out of 2x4s we headed to MI City for some shopping. We went to 3 or 4 stores and JH was a perfect little boy. He doesn't get angry or upset when we shuffle him from car to cart and store to store. He is starting to listen to our music a little and seems to enjoy it. We were listening to an oldies station and Diana Ross was singing I'm Coming Out and when Da Da was singing along we heard JH from the back say "I'm coming in".
We had lunch and JH took a nap while we worked around the house. Once JH woke-up he helped me in the workshop (still organizing and unpacking) and then we went down and helped Da Da in the basement.
Dinner was nice; we all ate together and talked. It's amazing that we are actually having back and forth exchanges with him. Not only is he 2 inches taller and 5 pounds heavier, he is way smarter than the day we got him. We were in the workshop and he was on the floor playing with the Drill Press that I haven't found a spot for yet saying "drill Daddy". How would a two year old know that a drill press is a drill?
Bath, Elmo, and bed.
Friday, November 19, 2010
Jonathan Day 119
We have a very fussy boy that we're trying to get ready for bed. Da Da asked him to put a crushed water bottle in the trash, JH says "oh okay", then he starts crying "garbage". He is happy one second and the next he is whining and crying. This has been going on all day.
We woke-up to a happy little boy and 3 minutes later he was crying about having a banana. Then he was laughing and playing, and then he was crying about his chocolate milk. Is there a full moon tonight? We're thinking it may be because he hasn't had a nap all week.
While what we had for dinner was great, the experience was terrible. JH cried at almost every bite. Now that I mention it I'm remembering seeing some new teeth coming in towards the back of his mouth. I wonder if he is teething bad and that's why he also had a low grade fever Wednesday and Thursday.
JH just jumped up on my chair and said the usual "what are you doing Daddy" and I said I'm typing the blog and he said "oh bog". We have been teaching him to shake hands so I just put my hand out and said, Hi my name is Daddy and it's nice to meet you, what's your name? and he said "I'm Jonathan Harper Kinyon" very clearly. Then Da Da said what's my name? and he said "Da Da Kinyon" and Da Da laughed and said I'll bet your Daddy likes that response.
The video I posted above is one from a few weeks ago when it was warm here. Now we need multiple coats and gloves when we leave the house and especially when we go to the park.
We woke-up to a happy little boy and 3 minutes later he was crying about having a banana. Then he was laughing and playing, and then he was crying about his chocolate milk. Is there a full moon tonight? We're thinking it may be because he hasn't had a nap all week.
While what we had for dinner was great, the experience was terrible. JH cried at almost every bite. Now that I mention it I'm remembering seeing some new teeth coming in towards the back of his mouth. I wonder if he is teething bad and that's why he also had a low grade fever Wednesday and Thursday.
JH just jumped up on my chair and said the usual "what are you doing Daddy" and I said I'm typing the blog and he said "oh bog". We have been teaching him to shake hands so I just put my hand out and said, Hi my name is Daddy and it's nice to meet you, what's your name? and he said "I'm Jonathan Harper Kinyon" very clearly. Then Da Da said what's my name? and he said "Da Da Kinyon" and Da Da laughed and said I'll bet your Daddy likes that response.
The video I posted above is one from a few weeks ago when it was warm here. Now we need multiple coats and gloves when we leave the house and especially when we go to the park.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Jonathan Day 118
Da Da and JH watched an A B C marathon (not the 80s band) while I worked. At lunch we drove in to town and JH and Da Da stayed in the car when I ran in to Lowes to get a longer dryer plug since we stacked our washer and dryer for the basement re-do. Then I ran in to JC Pennys to pick-up the ride-on power car we got him for Christmas. Da Da and I are in conflict on the whole Santa thing. I think it's okay for him to believe in Santa but not for him to think Santa is bring him all the gifts. Maybe one bigger gift from Santa and the rest from Da Da and Daddy. Da Da wants to do it the opposite, all from Santa and one from us.
They did dinner without me while I worked and I just came out a few minutes ago to get this post done and to grab a bite. Time for a Yo Gabba Gabba and to put our son to bed :-) I can say that now.
The picture above is JH wearing a hat that my friend Pat from Oregon sent today.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Jonathan Day 116 and 117
I hope to get back to daily postings!
Yesterday we made a mad dash to Chicago between my meetings because I had a condo board meeting. In addition we had our first court date in front of the adoption judge. It all went amazing well. JH was such a good boy! We got to the court building at 7:30 AM and waited in a long line to get to the Sheriffs Office for finger printing and a background check. JH got a Sheriff badge because they had to deputize as part of the process.
Once we met my attorney we went to a waiting room where there were a few other families there for the same reason. Mostly people with infants so JH was the star of the room with his "come on Da Da" or "come on Daddy" as he ran from toy to toy. That waiting room was decked-out with toys!
He found a room with a wall of "trac a tors" and trucks and he was in heaven.
They called us in and all three of us stood before the judge and took our oath. The judge asked us several questions and before we knew it my attorney shook our hands and said "you're officially his father now". There is a 6 month waiting period so this will all be completely final on May 17th when they issue a new birth certificate with our names as his parents.
We had a quick lunch at Subway and hit the road back to MI. It's good to be home with our little boy napping and we're catching-up on episodes of Glee and Raising Hope.
Yesterday we made a mad dash to Chicago between my meetings because I had a condo board meeting. In addition we had our first court date in front of the adoption judge. It all went amazing well. JH was such a good boy! We got to the court building at 7:30 AM and waited in a long line to get to the Sheriffs Office for finger printing and a background check. JH got a Sheriff badge because they had to deputize as part of the process.
Once we met my attorney we went to a waiting room where there were a few other families there for the same reason. Mostly people with infants so JH was the star of the room with his "come on Da Da" or "come on Daddy" as he ran from toy to toy. That waiting room was decked-out with toys!
He found a room with a wall of "trac a tors" and trucks and he was in heaven.
They called us in and all three of us stood before the judge and took our oath. The judge asked us several questions and before we knew it my attorney shook our hands and said "you're officially his father now". There is a 6 month waiting period so this will all be completely final on May 17th when they issue a new birth certificate with our names as his parents.
We had a quick lunch at Subway and hit the road back to MI. It's good to be home with our little boy napping and we're catching-up on episodes of Glee and Raising Hope.
Monday, November 15, 2010
Jonathan Day 114 and 115
Sunday - Day 114
Jo left in the morning and JH asked about Auntie Jo Jo all day long. We had breakfast and during he asked for Jo, at lunch he asked about Jo, then finally after dinner he was still looking for Jo. I wonder if that's because all we did this weekend when she was here was to eat or talk about food.
I took JH to the park again between meetings and let Da Da focus on the basement walls. It's so odd to walk down there and see closets and rooms. It will be nice to have it all done so JH can burn some of his never ending energy. Not much happened on Sunday so I'll jump to Monday.
Monday - Day 115
We heard JH at about 7:00 AM and lucky Da Da went in to take him to the potty. I turned over and didn't hear another sound until Tasha started belting out a song on The BackYardigans. I dragged myself out of bed and got a booming "Ga morning Daddy".
I worked while JH and Da Da watched his new A B C video that both Rick and I are now singing to constantly. It's funny that even in the car when his "songs" are playing JH doesn't sing, we do.
After lunch we played in the yard a bit since it was so nice today. A bit chilly but we won't get many more 50s days so we're taking advantage. JH napped a little and then watched Elmo for a little while until my work day ended and we all had dinner together. The picture above is one I took a few minutes ago of JH in his new PJs. When Da Da started to put them on him he repeated "putting on my coat" at least 10 times. Rick is getting our clothes ready for our court date on Wednesday and all I hear is "what are you doing Da Da", he asks us what we are doing at least 100 times a day.
After dinner he said he had to potty so I took him in the bathroom and asked if he wanted to go on the big potty or Elmo. He said the big potty and went pee pee right away. After he was done I set a stool next to the potty so he could get down and he did pretty well. Then it was "try again" (another thing he says 100 times a day). I set him back on the potty and he went more pee pee, down and another "try again" and he went more pee pee. This went on several more times until he was only giving drips and then it was a poop! Fingers crossed that he will start using the big potty all the time now and he'll soon be off day diapers!!
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Jonathan Day 113
I'm a day behind :-(
This is one of my work weekends that happen 4 times a year. Luckily this is the last one in 2010 and I won't have to do it again until February 2011.
Jo came on Friday afternoon so she was there when JH woke-up and that made both of them very happy. While I worked and Da Da built walls in the basement Auntie Jo Jo and JH kept busy. She'll have to add comments if he said or did anything that was noteworthy.
Oakley hurt his paw in a terrible photo accident so I was taking care of her baby while Jo took care of ours. It was easier to have Oakley because he laid in my office and slept :-) In the other room all I can hear is JH saying "AUNTIE JO JO" in a booming voice. There was no doubt that they had a blast. In between meetings and getting some work done I went down and helped Da Da. I'm not sure I'm much of a help but I held the level a few times and cut some 2x4 when asked.
The evening was great because after JH went to sleep Jo, Rick, Oakley, and I all lounged in the living room and talked about our favorite subject...JH. Oakley didn't interject much :-P He was on my chair with me most of the evening and we were enjoying spending time together.
This is one of my work weekends that happen 4 times a year. Luckily this is the last one in 2010 and I won't have to do it again until February 2011.
Jo came on Friday afternoon so she was there when JH woke-up and that made both of them very happy. While I worked and Da Da built walls in the basement Auntie Jo Jo and JH kept busy. She'll have to add comments if he said or did anything that was noteworthy.
Oakley hurt his paw in a terrible photo accident so I was taking care of her baby while Jo took care of ours. It was easier to have Oakley because he laid in my office and slept :-) In the other room all I can hear is JH saying "AUNTIE JO JO" in a booming voice. There was no doubt that they had a blast. In between meetings and getting some work done I went down and helped Da Da. I'm not sure I'm much of a help but I held the level a few times and cut some 2x4 when asked.
The evening was great because after JH went to sleep Jo, Rick, Oakley, and I all lounged in the living room and talked about our favorite subject...JH. Oakley didn't interject much :-P He was on my chair with me most of the evening and we were enjoying spending time together.
Friday, November 12, 2010
Jonathan Day 112
TGIF! Today was a great day, Jo came in the afternoon and was able to watch JH while I worked and Da Da worked in the yard. After lunch I laid JH down and said when you wake-up Auntie Jo Jo and Oakley will be here and he smiled and said "jo jo". That must have had him too excited because he didn't sleep a wink.
After work I took JH to the park while Jo made us a a great Weight Watchers dinner and Da Da started the basement walls. Sad that there were no kids at the park so JH had to rely on Daddy as a playmate. JH is such a happy little boy!
Tonight Jo and JH were playing in his room and he was belly laughing at something about a hat. It's always a hat with that boy :-) I'm skipping the dialog and posting a quick video of him playing at the park.
After work I took JH to the park while Jo made us a a great Weight Watchers dinner and Da Da started the basement walls. Sad that there were no kids at the park so JH had to rely on Daddy as a playmate. JH is such a happy little boy!
Tonight Jo and JH were playing in his room and he was belly laughing at something about a hat. It's always a hat with that boy :-) I'm skipping the dialog and posting a quick video of him playing at the park.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Jonathan Day 111
It was so nice to have a day off during the week. Thank you Veterans :-)
We got up pretty late because we all went to bed so late. JH got up at 7:00 AM and Da Da put him on the potty and turned on Toy Story. At about 7:25 AM he was yelling "movie, robot on movie". How Da Da slept through that I'll never know. I went in and laid down with him and after about 10 minutes notice the same short scene was playing over and over again and it happened to have a robot in it :-)
Da Da got up at about 8:00 AM and we got JH breakfast and started our day. After we cleaned-up we headed to Mishawaka for some shopping. We had a 20% coupon for The Christmas Tree Shop and we scored big on holiday "stuff". After we went to Home Depot to look at dining-room flooring since the carpet is looking VERY nasty. Only so much Banana, Oatmeal, and Carrot can a carpet take. We decided to hold off until after the holidays and left. As soon as we got in the car JH said "I have to potty", the only time he ever says that is when he has to poop. We dashed across the street to Walmart knowing they have a family bathroom. False alarm; we got a so so pee pee.
The video above is him climbing on the big kid equipment at the park. Three months ago he was almost unable to climb the 5 steps to the slide. Now he's like a monkey swinging from vines.
After the park we headed home and had a great dinner and JH had a bath and got a haircut. We played and watched Yo Gabba Gabba before bed.
We got up pretty late because we all went to bed so late. JH got up at 7:00 AM and Da Da put him on the potty and turned on Toy Story. At about 7:25 AM he was yelling "movie, robot on movie". How Da Da slept through that I'll never know. I went in and laid down with him and after about 10 minutes notice the same short scene was playing over and over again and it happened to have a robot in it :-)
Da Da got up at about 8:00 AM and we got JH breakfast and started our day. After we cleaned-up we headed to Mishawaka for some shopping. We had a 20% coupon for The Christmas Tree Shop and we scored big on holiday "stuff". After we went to Home Depot to look at dining-room flooring since the carpet is looking VERY nasty. Only so much Banana, Oatmeal, and Carrot can a carpet take. We decided to hold off until after the holidays and left. As soon as we got in the car JH said "I have to potty", the only time he ever says that is when he has to poop. We dashed across the street to Walmart knowing they have a family bathroom. False alarm; we got a so so pee pee.
The video above is him climbing on the big kid equipment at the park. Three months ago he was almost unable to climb the 5 steps to the slide. Now he's like a monkey swinging from vines.
After the park we headed home and had a great dinner and JH had a bath and got a haircut. We played and watched Yo Gabba Gabba before bed.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Jonathan Day 110
It was a busy day. It's 11:38 PM ET and we're exhausted.
Quick re-cap:
Early to rise with this darn time and time zone change
Daddy worked
Da Da and JH played and took a walk (it was 70 in Chicago today)
After work we went to the park - quick story:
There was a man swinging with a 8 year old boy at the park and JH picked the swing next to them. When JH gets off the swing he doesn't look and walked in front of the man swinging. We caught him before the man hit him so it all seemed okay but the man looked agitated. The next thing I noticed was the man following JH up the ladder to the slide and then he turned around and walked back down. At this point I was freaking-out! THEN I noticed that the man was with a group of mentally challenged adults. JH ran by him again towards a different slide and he got up and started walking towards JH again and Rick and I bolted between them; at the same time one of his caretakers yelled his name and he returned to the swing. We moved JH to another part of the park and noticed the man was watching his every move and we immediately left. The scary thing was he started approaching other kids too and the swing-set was empty. I don't think we'll be using that park again.
Anyway, after my condo budget meeting we loaded up the car and headed back to MI so we can enjoy my day off tomorrow. Please ignore the multiple run-on sentences above and the fragmented thoughts.
Quick re-cap:
Early to rise with this darn time and time zone change
Daddy worked
Da Da and JH played and took a walk (it was 70 in Chicago today)
After work we went to the park - quick story:
There was a man swinging with a 8 year old boy at the park and JH picked the swing next to them. When JH gets off the swing he doesn't look and walked in front of the man swinging. We caught him before the man hit him so it all seemed okay but the man looked agitated. The next thing I noticed was the man following JH up the ladder to the slide and then he turned around and walked back down. At this point I was freaking-out! THEN I noticed that the man was with a group of mentally challenged adults. JH ran by him again towards a different slide and he got up and started walking towards JH again and Rick and I bolted between them; at the same time one of his caretakers yelled his name and he returned to the swing. We moved JH to another part of the park and noticed the man was watching his every move and we immediately left. The scary thing was he started approaching other kids too and the swing-set was empty. I don't think we'll be using that park again.
Anyway, after my condo budget meeting we loaded up the car and headed back to MI so we can enjoy my day off tomorrow. Please ignore the multiple run-on sentences above and the fragmented thoughts.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Jonathan Day 109
Today was a great day!
We woke VERY early due to the time change. When in Chicago we are two hours behind our MI time.
We had a little breakfast and JH and I hit the streets to run some errands. Groceries, dry cleaning and to just take a walk while Daddy was working.
After lunch we had scheduled a play date with Derek and Abby. We met at this great park close to their house. JH and I will definitely be going back!
Before Derek and Abby arrived JH was playing with a few other boys his age. JH and one little boy were balancing on a 2 foot wall. The little boy fell and JH ran over. I saw him hovering over the boy and when I asked what he was doing he said "helping him up"! It just made me smile and be so proud at the same time.
JH and Abby hit it off. Jonathan was following her around and mimiking some of the same things that she did. It was funny to see Abby talking to him and telling him to come on, or are okay. She would give JH the occasional question and he would respond back. It was a refreshing site to see him play so well and communicate with another kid his age.
We ended our day to a little dinner and some cartoons. We have about an hour before bedtime.
We woke VERY early due to the time change. When in Chicago we are two hours behind our MI time.
We had a little breakfast and JH and I hit the streets to run some errands. Groceries, dry cleaning and to just take a walk while Daddy was working.
After lunch we had scheduled a play date with Derek and Abby. We met at this great park close to their house. JH and I will definitely be going back!
Before Derek and Abby arrived JH was playing with a few other boys his age. JH and one little boy were balancing on a 2 foot wall. The little boy fell and JH ran over. I saw him hovering over the boy and when I asked what he was doing he said "helping him up"! It just made me smile and be so proud at the same time.
JH and Abby hit it off. Jonathan was following her around and mimiking some of the same things that she did. It was funny to see Abby talking to him and telling him to come on, or are okay. She would give JH the occasional question and he would respond back. It was a refreshing site to see him play so well and communicate with another kid his age.
We ended our day to a little dinner and some cartoons. We have about an hour before bedtime.
Monday, November 8, 2010
Jonathan Day 108
We ate breakfast and headed to the Dr's appointment at Children's Memorial Hospital. They dilated his eyes and he only teared up and had a trembling chin at the 3rd set of drops. He played with blocks in the waiting room for 30 minutes while the drops took effect. He sat on my lap during both exams and only sat perfectly still with the choice of a spanking or sitting; he chose sitting. The Dr will see him again on Dec 6th but is pretty sure he'll need outpatient surgery in the next 60 days. His muscles on the lower part of his eyes are too tight and when he looks up his eyes sort of cross. We had to put these funky glasses on him so the sunlight wouldn't hurt his fully dilated eyes. He looked like he was seeing a 3D movie.
Da Da and JH played while I got caught-up at work after being gone a few hours this morning at the Dr. After lunch JH napped and Da Da and JH played at the park up the street. Once I was finished at work we did our 5 mile walk down to Belmont where I got a haircut while the stylist questioned me about the "adorable little guy" in the stroller. When he first started living with us I was hesitant to talk much about our situation; now just try and stop me. Maybe it's because I was unsure of how our family worked but now it's an efficient machine :-)
Dinner was effortless and JH and Da Da moved on to a new show until bedtime in 30 minutes. We're all pretty exhausted and are looking forward to a potential play date with Abby and her Dad's who we met at The Rainbow Families Meet-up on Halloween.
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Jonathan Day 107
We woke-up early and got ready for our short drive to Chicago. By time we hit Lake Shore Drive Aunt Jo Jo texted and said she was 10 minutes away. She beat us by about 3 minutes and came down to the lobby to help unload the car for our 4 night stay. This will be the longest we'll be away from MI since JH joined our family. Jo missed seeing him yesterday when she wasn't feeling well so made it a point to come visit for a few hours this morning. I want JH to read these years from now and know how much love he has in his life. I have no doubt that he'll already know it but then :-)
Jo took JH to Target and Da Da and I went to the market to stock-up on Weight Watchers friendly foods. We started on Tuesday and Da Da has lost 10 and I have lost 6 pounds. We really want to get close to the weight when we met more than two years ago. WW is a great program so it should be pretty easy. Jo said that JH was the most charming friendly little guy at Target. He was in the elevator next to a stroller with a 12 month old baby and he reached over from his stroller and said "tickle tickle tickle" while he tickled the kids neck. Luckily the mother thought it was pretty funny too.
Jo left around noon and we headed out for a 5 mile walk to buy Da Da some vitamins. JH was very quiet and a few times we had to check if he was sleeping. This time change has us all off. He was just looking around having a good time. He said "hi outside" a few times.
After the walk Aunt Staci came by to see us...RIGHT, she was here to see JH. Again, the love this boy has in his life. She played with him while Da Da and I recovered from our walk. I tried to nap but the laughing and screeching got in the way. We returned to Target to get a few more groceries and so Aunt Staci could get some shopping done too. We went our way and Staci went her way. Every time we saw or passed her, he yelled "it's Auntie Staci, oh HI Auntie Staci". We were walking in front of her and someone passing her said "that's a happy boy".
It's 6:00 PM here and we just finished dinner and will be putting JH to bed soon. It's as dark as it can be so we might try to slip him into bed a few minutes early :-)
The video above is on Halloween when I asked JH to say Happy Birthday Uncle Mike so I could send him the clip. It's cute so I thought I would share it.
Jo took JH to Target and Da Da and I went to the market to stock-up on Weight Watchers friendly foods. We started on Tuesday and Da Da has lost 10 and I have lost 6 pounds. We really want to get close to the weight when we met more than two years ago. WW is a great program so it should be pretty easy. Jo said that JH was the most charming friendly little guy at Target. He was in the elevator next to a stroller with a 12 month old baby and he reached over from his stroller and said "tickle tickle tickle" while he tickled the kids neck. Luckily the mother thought it was pretty funny too.
Jo left around noon and we headed out for a 5 mile walk to buy Da Da some vitamins. JH was very quiet and a few times we had to check if he was sleeping. This time change has us all off. He was just looking around having a good time. He said "hi outside" a few times.
After the walk Aunt Staci came by to see us...RIGHT, she was here to see JH. Again, the love this boy has in his life. She played with him while Da Da and I recovered from our walk. I tried to nap but the laughing and screeching got in the way. We returned to Target to get a few more groceries and so Aunt Staci could get some shopping done too. We went our way and Staci went her way. Every time we saw or passed her, he yelled "it's Auntie Staci, oh HI Auntie Staci". We were walking in front of her and someone passing her said "that's a happy boy".
It's 6:00 PM here and we just finished dinner and will be putting JH to bed soon. It's as dark as it can be so we might try to slip him into bed a few minutes early :-)
The video above is on Halloween when I asked JH to say Happy Birthday Uncle Mike so I could send him the clip. It's cute so I thought I would share it.
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Jonathan Day 106
So sad that Aunt Jo Jo didn't make it today. She wasn't feeling well and didn't want to pass any bugs on to us. We got up at about 8:00 AM and had breakfast and got JH ready for the Curious Kids Museum in St Joseph MI. We got there at 10:00 AM when it opened and immediately he was having a blast. There were rooms and rooms of interactive exhibits. A few gave us ideas for the basement :-) We think he needs a playhouse in the basement and there were a few that we saw that wouldn't be too hard to build.
After stopping at Target to get a few groceries we came home and had lunch. JH took a nap, Daddy also took a nap, and Da Da watched a few episodes of Law and Order. I would have kept napping but I heard some gleeful screams from the living room. JH was running like crazy and playing with his dump truck. I reluctantly got up and joined the fun. Luckily the sun was trying to come out and the snow looked like it was melting so we jacketed-up.
Da Da and I added a shelf to the storage shed and JH sat on the tractor saying "come on Daddy". I had to keep walking out so I could watch him climb up on the tractor and then say "it's scary Daddy" when Da Da started the power saw. I'm not sure why it was so scary but every time he did it I got a hug; so no complaints.
Da Da took him to the back of the property while I was turning the compost pile. When I caught-up they had just seen a rabbit so JH kept saying "bunny rabbit", I am not exaggerating when I say that he said it at least 100 times. The video above is of him sitting on the front porch while we were cutting some plants down for the winter.
He ate like crazy at dinner and now we're watching Yo Gabba Gabba. Looking forward to a quiet night. Tomorrow we head to Chicago for a few days.
After stopping at Target to get a few groceries we came home and had lunch. JH took a nap, Daddy also took a nap, and Da Da watched a few episodes of Law and Order. I would have kept napping but I heard some gleeful screams from the living room. JH was running like crazy and playing with his dump truck. I reluctantly got up and joined the fun. Luckily the sun was trying to come out and the snow looked like it was melting so we jacketed-up.
Da Da and I added a shelf to the storage shed and JH sat on the tractor saying "come on Daddy". I had to keep walking out so I could watch him climb up on the tractor and then say "it's scary Daddy" when Da Da started the power saw. I'm not sure why it was so scary but every time he did it I got a hug; so no complaints.
Da Da took him to the back of the property while I was turning the compost pile. When I caught-up they had just seen a rabbit so JH kept saying "bunny rabbit", I am not exaggerating when I say that he said it at least 100 times. The video above is of him sitting on the front porch while we were cutting some plants down for the winter.
He ate like crazy at dinner and now we're watching Yo Gabba Gabba. Looking forward to a quiet night. Tomorrow we head to Chicago for a few days.
Friday, November 5, 2010
Jonathan Day 105
We started waking JH just before we go to bed to sit on the potty. He doesn't always like it but 9 out of 10 times he does his business. Last night he was so upset and was crying so I sat with him and asked if he wanted to hold my hand and he nodded so I held his hand and he stopped crying and just sighed...and went pee pee.
While eating breakfast we noticed the odd white stuff falling from the sky. SNOW! JH was so funny because he kept saying "white rain" and "it's raining Daddy". When Rick loaded him up in the car to run to MI City to get some groceries he was saying "I'm soaking wet Da Da", Rick asked him if he wet his diaper but he said "my head" so he was talking about the melting snow on his head. Last years winter he would have only been about 18 months so we doubt he knows what snow is.
When Da Da and JH returned we had lunch and they hit the basement to play while Da Da measured for the future walls. I went down a few times and while JH rode his tricycle he would say "come on Daddy". I noticed that he says that while he's driving his truck in the yard. I love it!! I'll follow him anywhere :-)
Da Da gave him a bath tonight and after a few warnings to not drink the water he had to be removed from the bath. We tell him that it's icky and that bath water is for playing and cleaning, but when we're not in there or watching he takes a few gulps :-/ Minutes later he was in PJs and we were tucking him in bed with smiles and kisses.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Jonathan Day 104
It was a nasty day here in MI. Rained all day long and we even had sleet at one point. I guess winter is here :-( We had workers in the basement sealing some cracks in the floor that happened last year when we had the basement sealed/waterproofed. They ended-up causing new cracks and a little water was seeping in. No sense in finishing the basement if it's not watertight. Now Da Da can start on the walls this weekend when Aunt Jo Jo comes to watch JH. I have been assigned organizing the new storage shed. Fun!!
I really don't have much to say about our day other than it was challenging. This child needs space to run and play and it's not our current living space. We MUST get a play area built ASAP in the basement :-) We are also thinking about renting out the condo in Chicago and then renting a place in the suburbs. We still have the house in AZ and with that, the condo, and the MI house so we're a little house (mortgage) heavy.
The only funny thing I can think of is how JH goes and gets his blue blanket so he can lay on us and cover our heads. Then he says "in the fort with Daddy" over and over again with a huge smile. I know I have said it many times but this is one happy boy, until he's not. Luckily that only happens a few times a day and lasts for seconds.
I really don't have much to say about our day other than it was challenging. This child needs space to run and play and it's not our current living space. We MUST get a play area built ASAP in the basement :-) We are also thinking about renting out the condo in Chicago and then renting a place in the suburbs. We still have the house in AZ and with that, the condo, and the MI house so we're a little house (mortgage) heavy.
The only funny thing I can think of is how JH goes and gets his blue blanket so he can lay on us and cover our heads. Then he says "in the fort with Daddy" over and over again with a huge smile. I know I have said it many times but this is one happy boy, until he's not. Luckily that only happens a few times a day and lasts for seconds.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Jonathan Day 103
I forgot to post this video of JH laughing at his cousin Damian playing the guitar. He was cracking-up! I have several of these but this one was the best since you can see both kids. Damian gave JH his entire Thomas the Train collection but we forgot to take them with us on Halloween. Hint hint Aunt Jo Jo :-)
Today was another busy day so I wasn't really part of the playing until after work when we burned some brush. Da Da and JH walked around the yard collecting sticks and branches and I broke them and tended the fire. JH was dragging 6 ft branches through the yard and bringing them to me. I hope his work ethic continues because he is such a little helper. After dinner I was vacuuming and he wanted to help, he usually does his room and the living room floors. He has trouble on the rugs so that's when daddy steps in to help.
Tonight I made a vegetarian chili and JH liked it very much. I think the buttery crackers might have helped. Da Da and I are trying to shed a few pounds before the holidays so we're doing Weight Watchers. So far it's going well. We know when Gramma V comes for Thanksgiving that we'll gain 10 pounds each. Many of you have had her Carmel Pretzel Bites and Mint Bon Bons!
Enough for tonight. Hope you like the video Aunt Laurie :-P xoxo
Today was another busy day so I wasn't really part of the playing until after work when we burned some brush. Da Da and JH walked around the yard collecting sticks and branches and I broke them and tended the fire. JH was dragging 6 ft branches through the yard and bringing them to me. I hope his work ethic continues because he is such a little helper. After dinner I was vacuuming and he wanted to help, he usually does his room and the living room floors. He has trouble on the rugs so that's when daddy steps in to help.
Tonight I made a vegetarian chili and JH liked it very much. I think the buttery crackers might have helped. Da Da and I are trying to shed a few pounds before the holidays so we're doing Weight Watchers. So far it's going well. We know when Gramma V comes for Thanksgiving that we'll gain 10 pounds each. Many of you have had her Carmel Pretzel Bites and Mint Bon Bons!
Enough for tonight. Hope you like the video Aunt Laurie :-P xoxo
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Jonathan Day 102
We just finished a yummy vegetarian risotto and JH loved it. He kept calling the chunks of yellow peppers peaches. The video above is him having a snack in his room with a juice chaser. He had his Elmo telephone at his feet and kept pushing the buttons with his toes.
Da Da is giving JH a chocolate pudding since he ate all his carrots, corn, and risotto. I wish I could figure out how to write exactly how he says chocolate pudding. I think I captured it in a video a week or so back. I think he'll get a kick out of the videos.
The day went really well for us all. Linda came over and watched JH and played with him while Da Da tackled the shed again today. I had an important meeting so I wasn't able to keep an ear open and watch him. The good news is the shed is 80% done and we actually started moving tools in right before dinner. I cannot wait until we can all go out and build bird houses and "stuff" next spring. I remember going to the firehouse with my dad as a kid where he always had an awesome workshop. Now I have all my dad's tools and they have a fitting home. While we were loading the shed we got to a lathe that we took from my great-grandparents house in MI. The amazing thing is my great-grandparents are JH's great great great grand-parents. My grandmother was JH's great great grandmother. Okay, I'll stop this thought :-)
We're about 20 minutes until bedtime so I'm going to dash so we can get in some playtime.
Da Da is giving JH a chocolate pudding since he ate all his carrots, corn, and risotto. I wish I could figure out how to write exactly how he says chocolate pudding. I think I captured it in a video a week or so back. I think he'll get a kick out of the videos.
The day went really well for us all. Linda came over and watched JH and played with him while Da Da tackled the shed again today. I had an important meeting so I wasn't able to keep an ear open and watch him. The good news is the shed is 80% done and we actually started moving tools in right before dinner. I cannot wait until we can all go out and build bird houses and "stuff" next spring. I remember going to the firehouse with my dad as a kid where he always had an awesome workshop. Now I have all my dad's tools and they have a fitting home. While we were loading the shed we got to a lathe that we took from my great-grandparents house in MI. The amazing thing is my great-grandparents are JH's great great great grand-parents. My grandmother was JH's great great grandmother. Okay, I'll stop this thought :-)
We're about 20 minutes until bedtime so I'm going to dash so we can get in some playtime.
Monday, November 1, 2010
Jonathan Day 101
Since we put JH to bed so late after driving back to MI from the burbs he slept LATE. We actually all got up after 8:00 AM this morning. He was in a good mood and we all had a quick breakfast and Da Da and JH headed to Michigan City to get groceries for the week. When they returned we all had lunch and Da Da put JH down for a nap and headed out to the new shed to finish the insulation and interior wall covering.
When JH woke-up I put in a Yo Gabba Gabba DVD and he was happy. I heard him singing along and even caught him dancing once on my way past his room to get a bottle of water. Da Da finished his work and they hit the yard until I finished work and we all played until dinner. The video above is of him pushing me around the yard in his new pimp hat. We got it at the dollar store over the weekend and I love it, and more importantly, so does he. This kid LOVES hats so when I saw it I knew he would like it. I noticed the 90+ year old neighbor lady standing on her back porch watching us running around the yard and just know she must have been wondering what the heck was up with the hat :-)
JH had dinner, played in the bath, and went to bed at 6:30 PM without a peep.
When JH woke-up I put in a Yo Gabba Gabba DVD and he was happy. I heard him singing along and even caught him dancing once on my way past his room to get a bottle of water. Da Da finished his work and they hit the yard until I finished work and we all played until dinner. The video above is of him pushing me around the yard in his new pimp hat. We got it at the dollar store over the weekend and I love it, and more importantly, so does he. This kid LOVES hats so when I saw it I knew he would like it. I noticed the 90+ year old neighbor lady standing on her back porch watching us running around the yard and just know she must have been wondering what the heck was up with the hat :-)
JH had dinner, played in the bath, and went to bed at 6:30 PM without a peep.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)